DNA metabarcoding of spider egg sacs uncovers novel insights into host parasitoid complexes and trophic networks.

Publisher: Nature Publishing Group Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 101563288 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 2045-2322 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 20452322 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Sci Rep Subsets: MEDLINE

Original Publication: London : Nature Publishing Group, copyright 2011-

DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic*/methods ; Spiders*/parasitology ; Spiders*/genetics ; Host-Parasite Interactions*/genetics ; Hymenoptera*/genetics ; Hymenoptera*/classification; Animals ; DNA/genetics

Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
DNA metabarcoding is a rapid tool for sequencing a multitude of samples at once, to identify associated organisms. This pioneering study, using DNA metabarcoding of spider egg sacs, establishes a framework for investigating host-parasitoid associations. While traditional rearing methods identified ten arthropod taxa, DNA metabarcoding aided in resolving the identity of 28 arthropod molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs), 14 of which represented host-parasitoid associations. The study provides the first documented occurrence of the genus Aphanogmus Thomson (Hymenoptera: Ceraphronoidea: Ceraphronidae) within spider egg sacs. This research also emphasizes the importance of studying lesser-known associations to gain insights into the complexity of ecological networks and trophic interactions within arthropod communities. However, a well-curated DNA reference library and a comprehensive understanding of the functional roles of the studied taxa are essential prerequisites for accurately characterizing these complex trophic networks.
(© 2025. The Author(s).)

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DST-SERB CRG/2021/005047 Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India; DST-SERB CRG/2021/005047 Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India

Keywords: Arachnida; Baeini; High-throughput sequencing; India; Scelionidae; Trophic interactions

9007-49-2 (DNA)

Date Created: 20250419 Date Completed: 20250419 Latest Revision: 20250422

20250422

PMC12009438

10.1038/s41598-025-97799-2

40253425