Sample information

I found this arthropod at an ant colony just beside a parking lot at the Wickenheiser. I collected the ant at around 11:20 am, and it was cloudy and windy. The temperature was about 19 degrees C outside, and there were signs of rain. There were many ants from this colony, but I only collected three from this specific black ant hill. This is one of the three.

Methods

DNA extraction: I crushed the arthropod very well and included its whole body as it was smaller than a grain of rice.

Gel Electrophoresis for Wolbachia PCR:

1 – 1Kb ladder

2 – Red Ant 1

3 – Red Ant 2

4 – Red Ant 3

5 – Black Ant 1

6 – Black Ant 2

7 – Black Ant 3

8, 9, 10 – empty

11 – Positive PCR Control

12 – Negative for Wolbachia DNA

13 – Negative PCR Control

14 – Positive for Wolbachia DNA

Analysis: my controls worked, and my positive for Wolbachia control had a really strong band, making me confident.

Results

All of my controls worked and showed results as expected. There were no issues during the protocol, and none of the bands on the gel were unexpected. I am confident my arthropod is not infected with Wolbachia.