Molecular techniques allow amplification of a mitochondrial barcoding gene, cytochrome c oxidase (COI), of prey DNA in bat fecal material that can be used to identify insect species. Most studies designed to use a molecular approach for dietary studies of bats suggest that fecal material should be collected within one week of deposit to prevent environmental degradation or contamination. However, Ozark big-eared bats (Corynorhinus townsendii ingens) are highly susceptible to human disturbance. The purpose of this study was to performing a molecular dietary analysis of Ozark big-eared bats. Our study detected 40 species representing two orders (Diptera and Lepidoptera) and 11 families of insects and thus, providing new information regarding dietary habits of Ozark big-eared bats.
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1 June 2016
Molecular Dietary Analysis of the Endangered Ozark Big-Eared Bat (Corynorhinus townsendii ingens)
Ronald A. Van Den Bussche,
Dana N. Lee,
Megan E. Judkins,
Jenny E. Dyer,
Denise M. Thompson,
Richard C. Stark,
William L. Puckette,
Brian Fuller
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Acta Chiropterologica
Vol. 18 • No. 1
June 2016
Vol. 18 • No. 1
June 2016
cytochrome c oxidase
diet
molecular analysis
Ozark big-eared bat