Suction sampling as a significant source of error in molecular analysis of predator diets

King, R.A.; Davey, J.S.; Bell, J.R.; Read, D.S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8546-5154; Bohan, D.A.; Symondson, W.O.C.. 2012 Suction sampling as a significant source of error in molecular analysis of predator diets. Bulletin of Entomological Research, 102 (3). 261-266. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007485311000575

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0007485311000575

Abstract/Summary

The molecular detection of predation is a fast growing field, allowing highly specific and sensitive detection of prey DNA within the gut contents or faeces of a predator. Like all molecular methods, this technique is prone to potential sources of error that can result in both false positive and false negative results. Here, we test the hypothesis that the use of suction samplers to collect predators from the field for later molecular analysis of predation will lead to high numbers of false positive results. We show that, contrary to previous published work, the use of suction samplers resulted in previously starved predators testing positive for aphid and collembolan DNA, either as a results of ectopic contamination or active predation in the collecting cup/bag. The contradictory evidence for false positive results, across different sampling protocols, sampling devices and different predator-prey systems, highlights the need for experimentation prior to mass field collections of predators to find techniques that minimise the risk of false positives.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007485311000575
Programmes:	CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biodiversity > BD Topic 1 - Observations, Patterns, and Predictions for Biodiversity
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Hails
ISSN:	0007-4853
Additional Keywords:	aphid, carabid, Collembola, false positive, spider
NORA Subject Terms:	Biology and Microbiology
Date made live:	09 Mar 2012 16:18 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/17137

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007485311000575

Programmes:

CEH Topics & Objectives 2009 - 2012 > Biodiversity > BD Topic 1 - Observations, Patterns, and Predictions for Biodiversity

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

Hails

ISSN:

0007-4853

Additional Keywords:

aphid, carabid, Collembola, false positive, spider