Flying Ant (Lasius niger)

October 12, 2023

Sample information
Picture
Photos by: First photo- Clay Wollney, Second Photo- Dylan Insolia
Location
Collection date 09/12/2023
Captive / Cultivated? Wild-caught
Group Palm Beach Atlantic University
Observations

I caught this Flying ant on the side of a building in a shaded area. It was around 1pm and the temperature was 86 degrees F. This arthropod was alone in the shade on the wall.
Putative identification Arthropoda Hexapoda Insecta Hymenoptera Formicidae Lasius Lasius niger

Methods
Extraction kit DNeasy (Qiagen) blood and tissue kit
DNA extraction location Abdomen
Single or Duplex PCR Single Reaction
Gel electrophoresis system Standard electrophoresis system
Buffer TAE
DNA stain Other
Gel images
Protocol notes

DNA Extraction: The insects abdomen was pestled really well making sure the solution was a homogenous mixture with very fine particles.

Gel Electrophoresis: Used 6X loading dye and gel was ran at 100V.

Well Order

1- Kb Ladder

2- Unknown Arthropod 1 (Fly)

3- Unknown Arthropod 2 (Ant)

4- Positive arthropod control

5- Negative arthropod control

6- Positive DNA control

7- Water

Analysis: The 1Kb ladder worked, the first unknown had one band. The second unknown arthropod (Lasius niger) did not have a band. The grinding may not have been sufficient enough to obtain a high yield of DNA extracted. In the 4th well, there was 2 bands present in the positive arthropod which was expected. In the 5th well, there was one band arthropod for the negative arthropod control. In the 6th well, there was 2 bands as expected for the positive DNA control. In the 7th well, no bands were present as expected.

Results
Wolbachia presence No
Confidence level High
Explanation of confidence level

All methods were thoroughly carried out as done outlined in the DNA extraction protocol.
Wolbachia 16S sequence
Arthropod COI sequence
Summary The Lasius niger was found to be negative for Wolbachia.
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