A ddPCR assay for indirect detection of Vespa mandarina (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) from biological trace evidence

Sunday, November 13, 2022

1:30 PM – 1:42 PM PT

Location: Vancouver Convention Centre, Meeting Room 215/216

Presenting Author(s)

Luke R. Tembrock

Research Scientist
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado

Co-Author(s)

FZ

Frida A. Zink

Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado
Todd M. Gilligan

Biological Scientist
USDA-APHIS
Fort Collins, Colorado
AT

Alicia Timm

Research Scientist
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado
Chris Looney

Entomologist
Washington State Department of Agriculture
Olympia, Washington
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Telissa Wilson

Pest Biologist
Washington State Department of Agriculture
Tumwater, Washington
SD

Sapphitah Dickerson

Washington State Department of Agriculture
Olympia, Washington
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Sven-Erik Spichiger

Washington State Department of Agriculture
Tumwater, Washington

The recent introduction of Vespa mandarinia into North America has raised serious concerns among entomologists and others that significant losses in Washington State and British Columbian apiaries could occur if this species becomes established. An important part of limiting the spread of any species is being able to track the presence and movements of individuals. For a large species such as V. mandarinia this would likely be from trace biological evidence such as feces, nest material, or body parts. To conduct such analyses, we developed a highly sensitive ddPCR assay that can detect V. mandarina from biological trace material. This assay provides an important tool in tracking the movements of V. mandarina, including potential beehive attacks from indirect evidence such as body parts lost in fights with honeybees. The assay is also useful for conventional identification to distinguish V. mandarina from other vespids especially during the larval stage when identification is more challenging.