Molecular Identification of Chironomidae to Aid in Ecological Research

Abstract

We collaborated with Dr. Christopher Solomon from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies and Dr. Stuart Jones from the University of Notre Dame to molecularly identify Chironomidae (a family of aquatic insects) from a long-term carbon input study. We choose to molecularly identify the Chironomidae because many people do not have the skills required to accurately identify the organisms by looking at them, many of the organisms are hard to identify, and molecular identification is a simpler way to identify the organisms accurately and quickly. The samples were taken to the lab where we performed DNA extractions, PCRs, gel electrophoresis, DNA purifications, and then sent the samples to be sequenced. We then received the sequences and compared them to sequences stored on GenBank. Currently, we have processed 116 individuals, which we were able to confidently identify into 8 unique species and 19 unique operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The species IDs are already helping to make sense of changes in carbon input in the pond Drs. Solomon and Jones are studying.