title: Group-specific primers for DNA-based detection of springtails (Hexapoda: Collembola) within predator gut contents.
abstract: Group-specific, degenerate polymerase chain reaction primers for DNA-based detection of springtails (Hexapoda: Collembola) within predator gut contents have been developed for the first time. Primers were designed from 18S rDNA and amplified fragments of 272 bp and 177 bp from 17 springtail species collected in agricultural habitats. Specificity tests against 41 nontarget species revealed no cross-reactivity. Group-specific polymerase chain reaction is advantageous when working in species-rich habitats and these primers could facilitate studies of trophic links between springtails and generalist arthropod predators worldwide.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ecology, Box 7044, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden, Plant Protection (Entomology), IRTA, Ctra. de Cabrils, Km. 2, E-08348 Cabrils (Barcelona), Spain.
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Kuusk
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Agustí