From Spider Skin to Genetic Insights: Conservation Genetics of the Fen Raft Spider

This talk will be about new, non-invasive molecular methods to obtain genetic information for a vulnerable spider species. DNA is extracted from the shed skin of the spider instead of tissue, minimising harm to the species. The genetic information can inform Fen Raft Spider conservation plans, and the method can be applied to other endangered species. Spiders are underrepresented in current research and raising awareness of the importance of them and other unloved invertebrates is a start to include them and teach people the importance of all the animals, big, small, fluffy or eight legged.

Published 04 Jun 2024