Confirming the invasion by tubeworm Ficopomatus cf. uschakovi (Pillai, 1960) (Annelida, Serpulidae) in Mexico

Ficopomatus uschakovi originally described from Sri Lanka was recently reported as an alien species introduced to the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of Mexico. In the present study, mitochondrial DNA (Cytochrome oxidase b) sequence data were used to confirm that specimens from both coasts of Mexico and Miami, Florida belong to the same genetic species, thus supporting invasive status of the species in America. However, sequences of the American F. uschakovi were also identical to the single cytb sequence of a specimen from Thailand deposited to GenBank under the name Ficopomatus macrodon. Re-examination of the voucher showed that its operculum bears of a row of chitinous opercular spines typical for F. uschakovi instead of a smooth, concave endplate of F. macrodon. DNA sequences of F. macrodon from the type locality in India (Cochin Backwater) were also significantly different from that of “F. macrodon” in GenBank. Molecular data showing the same genetic species found in distant and disjoint biogeographic areas supports the hypothesis that F. uschakovi in America is a recent incursion from South-East Asia, but material from the type locality (Panadura, Sri Lanka) is needed to confirm the species identity and invasive pathways. The study stresses the importance of morphological vouchers deposited in properly curated museum collections for molecular studies, in particular for bioinvasion research.