Molecular analysis of predation by carabid beetles (Carabidae) on the invasive Iberian slug Arion lusitanicus.

摘要: The invasive Iberian slug, Arion lusitanicus, is spreading through Europe and poses a major threat to horticulture agriculture. Natural enemies, capable of killing A. may be important our understanding its population dynamics in recently invaded regions. We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) study predation on lusitanicus by carabid beetles the field. A first multiplex PCR was developed, incorporating species-specific primers, optimised order amplify parts mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene large slugs, including from gut contents predators. second PCR, targeting 12S rRNA mtDNA, detected smaller species field slug Deroceras reticulatum. Feeding trials were conducted measure effects digestion time amplicon detectability. median detection times (the at which 50% samples tested positive) for D. reticulatum DNA foreguts Carabus nemoralis 22 h 20 h, respectively. Beetle activity-densities monitored using pitfall traps, densities estimated quadrats. Predation rates slugs C. spring ranged 16–39% (beetles positive DNA) density dependent, with numbers testing being positively correlated respective species. shown potentially predator alien contribute conservation biological control.