Sample information

Captured inside of home after specimen had entered through opening in window during winter. Likely seeking warmth and food source. Killed the specimen before collection.

Methods

We used a DNA extraction protocol based on the insect adaptation of New England Biolabs’ Monarch Spin gDNA Extraction kit (Product # T3010). The specimen was incubated for 53 minutes in a hot water bath at 56 degrees C. The written protocol was followed closely.

Our first PCR reaction was set up on 10 March 2026, and was a duplex reaction because we used both the Arthropod CO1 and Wolbachia 16S primers together. We used an annealing temperature of 49 degrees celcius and Taq polymerase – New England Biolabs OneTaq Hot Start Quick-Load 2X Master Mix with Standard Buffer (#M0488S).

Our first gel image was taken on 3-24-2026 and was run at 120V for 25 minutes using the New England Biolabs 1 kb Plus DNA Ladder for Safe Stains (product # N0559S).

Results

Confidence is high because the results of the positive (+A) and negative (-A) arthropod controls were as expected, as well as the DNA control results. This shows that PCR was successful and that contamination of the samples did not take place.