Genetic Analysis of Alaskan Bees

Nevaeh White

Grace Ames

Bryce Gevedon

Katie Brand

Rylie Esparza 

Evan Wagman

Lily Bauman

Native bees are exceptional pollinators, but are facing a steep decline in populations. Surveys are a common way to get a better understanding of a population and how to approach a conservation plan. However, this process can be extremely time-consuming, especially when having to identify specimens in the traditional taxonomic way. There are options to speed the process up, like using DNA to identify species from a bulk sample. This is typically much more efficient and accurate, but it is not without its challenges.  Traditional methods of DNA analysis often require destroying a specimen in part or in whole to extract the DNA. However, not all circumstances allow for specimens to be destroyed, especially in museum settings or collections where extremely valuable and rare specimens are located. Non-destructive DNA analysis techniques are limited and often still rely on exposing a specimen to damaging buffer solutions or rough and extended handling, which increases the risk of damage. This study investigates a new option for non-destructive DNA extraction and analysis using environmental DNA techniques, with a varied set of primers (COI, COII, ND4). The new technique will rely on sampling the ambient alcohol in which insects were stored and extracting DNA from the solution rather than the specimen itself. 

1) Malaise samples were gathered from Fairbanks Alaska from 2020-2023.

2) Bees were isolated from the samples and the bees were identified to a family level.

3) Alcohol was extracted from bee samples containing ambient DNA.

4) DNA was amplified through PCR.

5) Sequenced through Illumina Next Generation Sequencing MiSeq Platform.

Successful DNA extraction was achieved from ethanol-preserved bee samples using a non-destructive method. Although qPCR amplification initially presented challenges, the conditions were optimized and ultimately produced usable results. Gel electrophoresis confirmed the presence of amplified DNA, as visible bands indicated successful extraction and amplification. These findings demonstrate that DNA can be reliably obtained without destroying specimens. Sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq platform is currently in progress, and results are pending. 

In the future, we plan to explore the limits of nondestructive DNA extraction by analyzing the quality of genetic material extracted from samples of varying genes and/or preservation techniques and comparing them to new samples taken from Boundary Hill in Brookeville, IN. By expirementing with this new technique of DNA extraction, we can find more efficient and cost-effective methods to conduct ecological surverys by avoiding tissue extraction and perserving collected specimens. 

Through our research experience, we have developed several key career readiness skills. First, our critical thinking has improved as we have learned to analyze information, evaluate sources, and draw evidence based conclusions.  We have also strengthened our communication skills by clearly presenting ideas in writing and explaining complex more effectively. In addition, our technology skills have grown through using digital tools and databases to find and organize information. Lastly, we have built professionalism by managing our time effectively, meeting deadlines, and taking responsibility for the quality of our work. 

• Miami University

• Boreal Peony Farm

• Mick Wilz

• Dr. Andor Kiss

• Dr. David Russell

• Dr. Rich Moore

• CBFG lab 

Messinger Carril, O. J., & Wilson, J. S. (2021). Common bees of eastern North America. Princeton University Press.

Messinger Carril, O. J., & Wilson, J. S. (2023a). Common bees of western North America. Princeton University Press.

Wilson, J. S., & Messinger Carril, O. J. (2016). The bees in your backyard: A guide to North America’s bees. Princeton University Press.

Hallmann, C. A., Sorg, M., Jongejans, E., Siepel, H., Hofland, N., Schwan, H.,    Stenmans, W., Müller, A., Sumser, H., Hörren, T., Goulson, D., & de Kroon, H. (2017). More than 75 percent decline over 27 years in total flying insect biomass in protected areas. PLOS ONE, 12(10), e0185809. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0185809

“Summer 2020 and 2023 Weather History in Fairbanks United States.” Fairbanks Summer 2020 Historical Weather Data (United States) - Weather Spark, weatherspark.com/h/s/273/2020/1/Historical-Weather-Summer-2020-in-Fairbanks-United-States#Figures-Temperature. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.

“U.S. Forest Service.” Forest Service Shield, www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/pollinators/pollinator-of-the-month/halictid_bees.shtml. Accessed 15 Apr. 2024.