A metabarcoding tool to detect predation of the honeybee Apis mellifera and other wild insects by the invasive Vespa velutina

The invasive Vespa velutina has been widely referred as an effective predator of honeybees. Despite the potential risk to pollination services provision and honey production, there is no accurate quantification assessment its real consequences for To date, identification honeybee other insects in diet V. investigated by direct observation adult foraging or examination food pellets. overcome these limitations, this study we used a DNA metabarcoding approach evaluate usefulness different types sample (jaws stomachs collected from workers larval faecal pellets taken hornet comb) investigate predation upon honeybees, potentially on insects. Honeybee was identified all samples, but retrieved higher number reads largest diversity at taxonomic levels. Over samples could identify 4 orders, 9 families, 6 genera 1 species prey. We estimate that collecting sufficient colony using worker’s jaws. Stomachs were least useful type detect DNA. presence analysed colonies irrespective collection site, variety insect orders detected support current concerns over acknowledged negative impact managed honeybees threat provision.