Insect Species Identification Through Molecular Analysis via PIDC Services

In the realm of insect identification, the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic (PIDC) offers two services: a standard microscope insect identification for $10.00 and a more advanced molecular insect identification for $35.00.

The microscope identification is the standard service, providing a basic identification of your insect sample. However, for complex or problematic samples, molecular identification may be the more suitable option. This process, which costs $35.00, includes a $10.00 basic identification, making it a comprehensive solution for a more detailed analysis.

The molecular identification process begins with extracting the insect's DNA. A target DNA strand is then replicated and used for identification. This process involves comparing the obtained sequence to sequences of other organisms housed in a large database during the molecular identification process.

Molecular identification can be particularly beneficial for broken samples, immature insects, and specimens for which diagnostic keys using physical features are not available or cannot be used with the available equipment. It's important to note that this method can confirm samples to at least the genus level, most of the time.

If the molecular identification process fails, the remaining $25.00 fee will be waived. It's also worth mentioning that the molecular diagnostics process can fail at any step, but each step will be repeated up to two times without additional charges.

To request a molecular identification, first submit the $10.00 basic insect ID service on the sample submission form. Don't forget to check the additional box to perform molecular insect ID if available. For the most up-to-date information on PIDC services, terms, and policies, visit the PIDC website.

The institution that offers molecular insect identification is the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (Fraunhofer IME), located at the Schmallenberg site. If you're interested in learning more about their work, you can visit their location.

It's essential to note that a reference sample of the species is required for molecular identification to the species level. Molecular identification will only continue if necessary to better inform on the insect's biology, assist with a client's specific situation, or if microscopic identification is unsuccessful.

Molecular identification can be problematic for some samples seemingly at random, so it's crucial to keep this in mind when deciding on the identification method for your sample. Despite this, the benefits of molecular identification, particularly for complex or problematic samples, make it a valuable tool in the field of insect identification.