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

Abstract 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 ide...

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Main Authors: Rupam Debnath, K. Rajmohana, V. Sushama, K. P. Dinesh
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-04-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-97799-2
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author Rupam Debnath
K. Rajmohana
V. Sushama
K. P. Dinesh
author_facet Rupam Debnath
K. Rajmohana
V. Sushama
K. P. Dinesh
author_sort Rupam Debnath
collection DOAJ
description Abstract 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.
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spelling doaj-art-57fe5e53752a4aae9604f54e19190a932025-08-20T02:24:29ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-04-0115111210.1038/s41598-025-97799-2DNA metabarcoding of spider egg sacs uncovers novel insights into host parasitoid complexes and trophic networksRupam Debnath0K. Rajmohana1V. Sushama2K. P. Dinesh3Zoological Survey of IndiaZoological Survey of IndiaZoological Survey of IndiaZoological Survey of India, Western Regional CenterAbstract 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.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-97799-2ArachnidaBaeiniHigh-throughput sequencingIndiaScelionidaeTrophic interactions
spellingShingle Rupam Debnath
K. Rajmohana
V. Sushama
K. P. Dinesh
DNA metabarcoding of spider egg sacs uncovers novel insights into host parasitoid complexes and trophic networks
Scientific Reports
Arachnida
Baeini
High-throughput sequencing
India
Scelionidae
Trophic interactions
title DNA metabarcoding of spider egg sacs uncovers novel insights into host parasitoid complexes and trophic networks
title_full DNA metabarcoding of spider egg sacs uncovers novel insights into host parasitoid complexes and trophic networks
title_fullStr DNA metabarcoding of spider egg sacs uncovers novel insights into host parasitoid complexes and trophic networks
title_full_unstemmed DNA metabarcoding of spider egg sacs uncovers novel insights into host parasitoid complexes and trophic networks
title_short DNA metabarcoding of spider egg sacs uncovers novel insights into host parasitoid complexes and trophic networks
title_sort dna metabarcoding of spider egg sacs uncovers novel insights into host parasitoid complexes and trophic networks
topic Arachnida
Baeini
High-throughput sequencing
India
Scelionidae
Trophic interactions
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-97799-2
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