Red Velvet Mite

May 29, 2026

Sample information
Picture
Entry by: Sohana B
Location
Collection date 04/22/2026
Captive / Cultivated? Wild-caught
Group Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Observations

The arthropod was captured from the land directly next to a small stream. The weather was fairly warm in the springtime. The arthropod was captured from underneath a rock.
Putative identification Arthropoda Arachnida Trombidiformes Trombidiidae

Methods
Extraction kit DNeasy (Qiagen) blood and tissue kit
DNA extraction location Whole arthropod
Single or Duplex PCR Single Reaction
Gel electrophoresis system MiniPCR
Buffer TBE
DNA stain SYBR Safe
Gel images
Protocol notes

DNA extraction: I crushed my arthropod in its entirety and ground it up in order to minimize tissue loss.

Analysis: The positive control failed and my sample was negative for Wolbachia.

Results
Wolbachia presence No
Confidence level Medium
Explanation of confidence level

I did not have any problems with the protocol, and the bands on the gel were not surprising. According to the bands, my sample was negative for Wolbachia. However, because our positive control failed, I cannot be fully confident.
Wolbachia 16S sequence
Arthropod COI sequence Download AB1
Summary The Trombidiidae was found to be negative for Wolbachia.
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