Simultaneous identification of insect interactions using a metabarcoding approach
In this study we examine potential target regions and protocols to develop a general metabarcoding approach which can be applied to a variety of insect targets. Our objectives are to evaluate different target regions for the identification of ecological interactions in these taxonomic groups and compare the results of pooling PCR products from different gene regions into a single sequencing library vs individual analysis for each marker for analytical efficiency. The organisms targeted include Lymantria dispar dispar, Agrilus planipennis, and native bees.