A more consistent method for extracting and amplifying DNA from bee wings

Non-lethal sampling of DNA from honeybees is commonly required for genotyping certain behavioural traits required for breeding. One method is to use wing clippings. However, the sample is very small, and the extraction process can be difficult, resulting in low polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Here, we describe an improved method for extracting DNA from bee wings using a commercially available kit that uses bashing beads to physically break up the wings. It enabled 93% to 100% PCR amplification when amplified using microsatellite or mitochondrial primers. The results were compared with the Chelex® 100 extraction method, which, in this laboratory, resulted in only between 56% and 72% amplification in subsequent PCR.