Project:

Utilizing the C01 marker to Analyze Biodiversity of Coleoptera at Farmingdale State University

Students:

Jose Aguiluz, Christian Capria

School:

Long Beach High School,

Mentors:

Kristen Conklin

Abstract:

Biodiversity of insects are crucial to food security and human survival. A high biodiversity of beetles can improve the quantity and quality of crops produced. A malaise trap is a mesh structure that is very effective at capturing various species of insects. Malaise traps were set during the collection period 06/03/2022- 06/17/2022 by Dr. Carly Tribull, an entomologist and professor at Farmingdale State University. 20 samples of various insect species on Long Island were captured from a field, largely composed of pollinators. In order to identify species, a chelex protocol was carried out. The chelex DNA sequencing targets the COI gene which can identify an insect by species. In order to carry out this protocol, specimens had heads and legs removed for DNA extracted. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) processes amplified DNA fragments. Gel

Poster:

Team samples: