Spider webs, often associated with catching flies, have been found to be a useful trap for environmental DNA, offering a potential breakthrough for environmental scientists. The discovery that spider webs can capture fragments of skin, hair cells, or body fluids shed by organisms, known as environmental DNA (eDNA), has opened up new possibilities for non-invasive investigation of animal presence in ecosystems.
Traditionally, eDNA is obtained by sampling aquatic or marine environments, where organic material becomes suspended in the water column. However, the study led by Joshua Newton, a PhD candidate at Curtin University’s School of Molecular and Life Sciences, revealed that spider webs could serve as a valuable tool for identifying genetic markers on land.
Newton’s team collected samples from 49 spider webs in a West Australian conservation area and the Perth Zoo. The analysis of the eDNA extracted from the webs unveiled the presence of 85 vertebrate species, including two amphibian species – the motorbike frog (Litoria moorei) and Gunter’s toadlet (Pseudophryne guentheri) – previously unknown at either location.
The study also highlighted the disparity in the types of eDNA found in spider webs at the zoo, which predominantly contained non-native species, in contrast to the wildlife sanctuary.
Newton expressed optimism about the potential of spider webs in revolutionizing the understanding and protection of terrestrial biodiversity. He emphasized the minimal amount of DNA required for animal identification, suggesting that this discovery could significantly impact the exploration and conservation of ecosystems.
The findings of Newton’s study have been published in the journal Science, shedding light on the remarkable potential of spider webs in ecological research.
