Sample information

I found this spotted lanternfly in a tailgate lot off of Penn State’s Main Campus. I collected it in the late morning, around 11, and it was overcast and about 72 degrees F outside. I couldn’t get a picture of it because it was trying to fly away. There were many spotted lanternflies, but I only collected one.

Methods

No unexpected issues occurred during the DNA extraction, PCR setup, or gel electrophoresis. All steps were performed according to the lab protocol, and no errors occurred during the experiment. Pipette tips were changed between samples to avoid contamination, and work surfaces were cleaned before and after use. PCR reactions were prepared in separate areas to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. All controls behaved as expected, indicating that the procedures were carried out correctly and that the results are reliable.

Lane 1: DNA Ladder

Lane 2: Host COI PCR product from the termite specimen

Lane 3: Wolbachia wsp PCR product from the termite specimen

Lane 4: Wolbachia-positive control

Lane 5: Wolbachia-negative control

Lane 6: Water

Host COI PCR was used to verify DNA quality and confirm successful extraction, while Wolbachia-specific wsp PCR was used to screen for Wolbachia infection. The presence of a clear COI band and correct control outcomes indicate that the PCR conditions were effective. The absence of a wsp band in the specimen suggests that Wolbachia was not detected under these assay conditions.

Results

I am highly confident in these results because all experimental controls worked as expected. The positive Wolbachia control produced a clear band at the expected size, while the negative control and no-template control showed no amplification. The host COI PCR for the specimen amplified successfully, confirming that the DNA extraction and the PCR conditions were effective. Because the controls behaved correctly and the specimen showed no wsp band, I am confident that Wolbachia was not detected in this individual.