A rapid non-destructive DNA extraction method for insects and other arthropods

Preparation of arthropods for morphological identification often damages or destroys DNA within the specimen. Conversely, DNA extraction methods often destroy the external physical characteristics essential for morphological identification. We have developed a rapid, simple and non-destructive DNA extraction technique for arthropod specimens. This technique was tested on four arthropod orders, using specimens that were fresh, preserved by air drying, stored in ethanol, or collected with sticky or propylene glycol traps. The technique could be completed in twenty minutes for Coleoptera, Diptera and Hemiptera, and two minutes for the subclass Acarina, without significant distortion, discolouration, or other damage to the specimens

What's that beetle? Diagnostic tools for exotic khapra beetle

Khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium) is one of the major quarantine pest of Australia. The economic consequences of an incursion of this species would be very serious as the pest is difficult to control by existing methods, threatening an estimated $1.83 billion in Australian annual export revenue. Australia would also lose our premium (Khapra-free) market reputation, which is valued at$4.9 billion. The risk of incursion and establishment of this species is increasing significantly as Australia continues to grow imports of grain, grain products and animal products

Opetiopalpus scutellaris Panzer (Coleoptera: Cleridae: Korynetinae) established in the Western Australian wheatbelt

The status of the exotic clerid beetle Opetiopalpus scutellaris Panzer has been unclear due to the ambiguous nature of the single previous Australian record. Recent pheromone trapping at grain stores in Western Australia indicate that O. scutellaris is locally naturalised within the Western Australian wheatbelt. It is considered likely that the trapped O. scutellaris specimens originated from surrounding areas rather than being directly associated with grain