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ViewAttendees 8

10-Minute Paper

Systematics, Evolution, and Biodiversity

SysEB: Evolution and Phylogenetics 1

Testing an eDNA system for early detection of introduced arthropods (EDIAs) on Pacific islands

Sunday, November 5, 2023
3:18 PM – 3:30 PM ET
Location: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Chesapeake J-K
In-Person
The major pathways for the spread of introduced terrestrial species that cause environmental and economic damage are the shipment of goods and movement of people. There is currently no system available to rapidly identify and monitor introduced terrestrial arthropod species. Traditional arthropod monitoring is extremely time-consuming because of the challenges of sorting and identification. We are developing an Early Detection of Introduced Arthropods (EDIAs) monitoring system that uses field sampling and next generation sequencing (NGS) technology to speed the identification and tracking of introduced arthropod species in real-time. To test our approach we are conducting field studies on three different island chains in the Pacific (Hawaiian Islands, Mariana Islands, Okinawa) that differ in habitat types and patterns of biodiversity. Using DNA metabarcoding of arthropod communities from traditional sampling methods and environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys, we demonstrate major differences in community composition, and alpha and beta diversity among areas differing in anthropogenic impact. We also show that nativeness status can be predicted from DNA sequences even when species are not yet identified or in on-line genetic repositories. Our intent is to make our approach suitable for use by stakeholders for applications in biosecurity, conservation, agriculture, and human health.