PERIPLANETA QUADRINOTATA,A COCKROACH WAS FIRSTLY INTERCEPTED AT TIANJIN PORT IN CHINA
Objective Periplaneta quadrinotata was captured by Tianjin Customs at Tianjin Port for the first time from a freight container on January 5,2024.This study aimed to provide a reference including DNA sequence for cockroach species identification at frontier ports.Methods Primary morphological characteristics were described,and genomic DNA was extracted from a cockroach hind leg.DNA barcoding based on the mitochondrial COⅠ gene was provided for reference material.Results The diagnostic feature of the specimens is discernable four spots on the pronotum,accordingly,the intercepted cockroach was identified as P.quadrinotata.In addition,the COⅠ genes of the intercepted cockroach is identical to genus Periplaneta with 97%sequence homology,but different from those sequences of any known Periplaneta species deposited in GenBank.Conclusions P.quadrinotata is known to be reported in Thailand and other regions;however,related research have not been available in Chinese literature.Our re-description of the cockroach had been conducted with the intercepted specimens in a freight container based on its morphological characteristics and DNA barcoding features,which would aid custom technicians in making decisions for the quarantined species.