Red-banded Fungus Beetle (1)

October 14, 2020

Sample information
Picture
Photos by: Mavis W
Location
Collection date 09/24/2020
Captive / Cultivated? Wild-caught
Group Hillsboro High School
Observations

The Red-banded Fungus Beetle was living in a tree stump with many of its same variety. I collected 5 of these. It was completely submerged in the wood, which was damp. It’s overall environment was dark. It was collected at 5:30 pm and the temperature outside was about 70 degrees.
Putative identification Arthropoda Hexapoda Insecta Coleoptera Erotylidae Megalodacne

Methods
Extraction kit Puregene (Qiagen)
DNA extraction location Partial abdomen
Single or Duplex PCR
Gel electrophoresis system Standard electrophoresis system
Buffer TAE
DNA stain
Gel images
Protocol notes

The beetle had a lot of protein, which was noted during the processing.

I assume that this fact may have something to due with the way that the bands appeared. They were very faded and some bands did not appear at all. Along with that, Ms. Lemon mentioned how the hard exoskeleton of the beetle made the gel electrophoreses process a tad bit difficult, so therefore that is more than likely another reason that the bands had trouble appearing.

Results
Wolbachia presence No
Confidence level Low
Explanation of confidence level

I don’t have a broad understanding of this insect and it’s rate of Wolbachia positivity, so I do not feel like I have the means for a high level of confidence.
Wolbachia 16S sequence
Arthropod COI sequence
Summary The Megalodacne was found to be negative for Wolbachia.
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