Non-destructive DNA extraction methods for entomophagous insects with emphasis on biological control.

One of the major challenges in molecular analysis of arthropods, especially for natural enemies of insect pests, is the intact preservation of the specimens to be integrated into entomological collections. However, most of the DNA extraction protocols involve maceration of the tissue, avoiding the preservation of the original specimen. Two general methods were adapted into non-destructive DNA extraction protocols, DNeasy® Blood & Tissue Kit (A) and the CaCl lysis buffer method (B), while the potential of the method with the alkaline lysis buffer (HotSHOT; C) was evaluated for the first time on insect specimens.

DNA recovery from microhymenoptera using six non-destructive methodologies with considerations for subsequent preparation of museum slides.

Because of the tiny size of microhymenoptera, successful morphological identification typically requires specific mounting protocols that require time, skills, and experience. Molecular taxonomic identification is an alternative, but many DNA extraction protocols call for maceration of the whole specimen, which is not compatible with preserving museum vouchers. Thus, non-destructive DNA isolation methods are attractive alternatives for obtaining DNA without damaging sample individuals.