Non-destructive DNA extraction for small pelagic copepods to perform integrative taxonomy

cornils, astrid;

Molecular analyses of small-sized copepods (<=1 mm) generally involve the complete destruction of the specimens. Consequently, incongruences between the molecular and morphological results cannot be investigated since no specimen vouchers remain. The present study provides a modified column-based DNA extraction method to retain the
exoskeleton of the specimen and thus, to enable molecular and morphological analysis of the same specimens. The method has been tested on ethanol preserved specimens of nine pelagic copepod genera.