Spider Web DNA: A New Spin on Noninvasive Genetics of Predator and Prey

PLoS One. 2015 Nov 25;10(11):e0142503. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142503. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

Noninvasive genetic sampling enables biomonitoring without the need to directly observe or disturb target organisms. This paper describes a novel and promising source of noninvasive spider and insect DNA from spider webs. Using black widow spiders (Latrodectus spp.) fed with house crickets (Acheta domesticus), we successfully extracted, amplified, and sequenced mitochondrial DNA from spider web samples that identified both spider and prey to species. Detectability of spider DNA did not differ between assays with amplicon sizes from 135 to 497 base pairs. Spider and prey DNA remained detectable at least 88 days after living organisms were no longer present on the web. Spider web DNA as a proof-of-concept may open doors to other practical applications in conservation research, pest management, biogeography studies, and biodiversity assessments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Black Widow Spider / genetics*
  • Conservation of Natural Resources
  • DNA / genetics*
  • DNA / isolation & purification
  • DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic / methods
  • DNA Primers / chemical synthesis
  • Female
  • Fibroins / genetics*
  • Fibroins / isolation & purification
  • Gryllidae / genetics*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Predatory Behavior / physiology

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA
  • Fibroins

Grants and funding

Funding for this work came from the University of Notre Dame through the laboratory of Dr. David Lodge to support CCYX’s independent undergraduate research. CRT was supported by NSF IGERT grant award #0504495 to the GLOBES graduate training program at the University of Notre Dame. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.