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Project properties |
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| Title | Determining the distribution of cryptic ant species in the Tapinoma nigerrimum (“Mediterraan draaigatje”) complex in The Netherlands |
| Group | Genetics, Laboratory of |
| Project type | thesis |
| Credits | 18-36 |
| Supervisor(s) | Bart Pannebakker (GEN) en Jitte Groothuis (KAD) |
| Examiner(s) | Bas Zwaan |
| Contact info | Dr. Bart Pannebakker – Laboratory of Genetics – bart.pannebakker@wur.nl – 0317- 485330
Dr. Jitte Groothuis – Kennis- en Adviescentrum Dierplagen - jgroothuis@kad.nl |
| Begin date | 2021/03/15 |
| End date | 2021/10/30 |
| Description | Introduction
The Tapinoma nigerrimum complex is a group of four cryptic ant species, of which currently three are found to be invasive in the Netherlands. Originating in southern Europe, their invasion is thought to be fueled by human action: spreading via plant material (imported exotic plants or secondary infestations at sites of import). Due to its captivating Dutch common name (“Mediterraan draaigatje”) the attention of the media for these invasive ants has been relatively high, resulting in the discovery of at least 29 infestations after the first notice in 2016. These infestations, occurring mostly in urban areas, can have serious consequences for the local flora and fauna (including humans). Colonies experience exponential growth thanks to their hyperpolygynic nature (having many thousands of reproducing queens) and can occupy areas of up to 35,000 m2, suppressing native ants, undermining sidewalks, and invading homes to look for food and shelter. In some cases, people have moved away or threaten to do so. Controlling these invasive ants has thus far been attempted with mixed results, in part by a lack of legally permitted methods. This poses further risks, as unsanctioned biocide use and “do it yourself” solutions are liable to present larger dangers for the environment than the ants themselves. Activity of these ants is highest between March and September, though areas with problems indoors may experience nuisances all year long. During the active period, ample ants of all life stages are available for sampling outdoors. For several well-visited colonies, we have collection material available at The Dutch Pest & Wildlife Expertise Centre (Kennis- en Adviescentrum Dierplagen – KAD). Aim In this project, you will be determining the exact species of the ants in the Tapinoma nigerrimum complex collected throughout The Netherlands. This may provide valuable insight in its spread, possible elucidating the timing and source. Such insights into the biology of a pest can help to design sustainable pest management strategies. Approach Ants from the T. nigerrimum complex will be collected throughout The Netherlands, and in collaboration with Dr. Jitte Groothuis from the KAD in Wageningen. Collected samples will be stored at the Laboratory of Genetics after which DNA will be extracted. Using PCR and sequencing of mtDNA COI markers, we will identify the species status of the sampled colonies, and try to determine the relationship between them. |
| Used skills | Molecular laboratory techniques: DNA extraction, PCR analysis, sequence analysis, data analysis.
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| Requirements | Basic knowledge of genetics, evolutionary and molecular biology. For example, obtained through (but not limited to): Molecular and Evolutionary Ecology (GEN20306). In addition, an interest in entomological and ecological fieldwork is required |