Project:

Polymorphism in Coquillettidia Perturbans Using Cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) Barcoding

Students:

Julia Znidarcic, Kaitlyn Yuen

School:

Archbishop Molloy High School,

Mentors:

Mary Mallia

Abstract:

In this project, we will be extracting DNA from mosquito samples collected by the Suffolk County Health Department, and comparing the DNA sequence of the mosquitoes, focusing on the Coquillittidia Perturbans and their polymorphism ability. The Coquillittidia perturbans are native to the eastern United States and to southern Canada. They are found in marshland habitats. Coquillittidia Perturbans carry a multitude of diseases. Most commonly: the West Nile Virus Disease and the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), but they also carry Malaria, and the Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika Viruses. We will be using iNaturalist to identify the Coquillettidia Pertubans. In addition to iNaturalist, we will use cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) barcoding.

Poster:

Team samples: