Detection of a cryptic terrestrial insect using novel eDNA collection techniques

Sensitive detection techniques are key to inform management practices for invasive and pest species by identifying the species’ distribution or presence of biological control agents that may negate need chemical control. Environmental DNA (eDNA) can be detected infer rare, cryptic, species. This study provides a method expands application eDNA within terrestrial systems. Our is focused on cryptic agent pointed snail Cochlicella acuta, fly parasitoid Sarcophaga villeneuveana, which remains shell most its lifecycle, making it difficult detect. Three sites were sampled using traditional surveys three types sampling 1/ crushing live snails, 2/ water washing old shells vegetation, 3/ vacuuming snails vegetation. An assay was developed amplify 129 bp fragment S. with positive detections recorded in crushed samples, washed snail, laboratory vacuumed Presence endoparasitoid validated survey conducted at same time, indicating all tested comparable parasitoid. The new technique only requires small vegetation sample from field post-harvest portable vacuum has great potential applied other insects environments, particularly species, pests, crops.