Sample information

The specimen was found flopping on a rock near the river.

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 45 minutes in a hot water bath at 56 degrees C.
• Our first PCR reaction was set up on 10/20/26 and was a duplex reaction because we used both the Arthropod CO1 and Wolbachia 16S primers together
• Used an annealing temperature of 49 degrees Celsius.
• Used this Taq polymerase: New England Biolabs OneTaq Hot Start Quick-Load 2X Master Mix with Standard Buffer (#M0488S)
• Our first Gel image was taken on 10/27/2026 and was run at 125 volts for 34 minutes
  • Used this DNA Ladder: New England Biolabs 1 kb Plus DNA Ladder for Safe Stains (product #N0559S)

Results

I am moderately confident that the results of my experiment are correct. All the control lanes appeared as expected; however, it is very hard to tell from the gel electrophoresis whether my specimen contained Wolbachia or not. The 438 bp band for my specimen seems very faint, appearing as a halo, and it is possible that I am just unable to see the band, making my result seem like a false negative. It could also be possible that the 708 bp is just very luminescent, making it seem like there may be a block below it, but it can’t be certain.