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10-Minute Paper

Systematics, Evolution, and Biodiversity

SysEB: Diagnostics, Ecology, and Monitoring

Improving Vespa mandarinia (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) surveillance and detection using 45S rDNA sequencing and ddPCR

Tuesday, November 7, 2023
10:48 AM – 11:00 AM ET
Location: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Potomac 5-6
In-Person
Recent discoveries of Northern Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia) nests in North America have raised concerns about our ability to track and locate this species during introduction and establishment. While there has been success tracking individuals using radio telemetry, this method relies on trapping, tagging, and releasing live hornets. Another method that has been proposed for tracking NGH is the use trace genetic material such as feces or abandoned nests. However, the commonly used CO1 sequence data shows high levels of variability and evidence of NUMT transfers in the nuclear genome complicating assay design and execution. Instead, we considered the internal transcribed spacer regions of the rDNA. To do so, we amplified and sequenced the entire 45S rDNA region for eight individuals of V. mandarinia as well as five closely related Vespa species to determine intra- and inter-species variation within the 45S region. We then developed a highly sensitive DNA extraction technique and ddPCR assay for detection of V. mandarinia trace DNA from suspected nest material, body parts, feces, attacked hives, or prey remains. This highly sensitive assay will increase our capacity to monitor V. mandarinia in North America, and to limit its spread.