Using environmental DNA to efficiently detect invertebrates: A novel approach to detect the endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly

Detection of environmental DNA (eDNA) has become a commonly used surveillance method for threatened or invasive vertebrates in both aquatic and terrestrial environments.  However, its application for the detection of rare invertebrates has not been as successful. Environmental DNA protocols can be especially useful for endangered invertebrates such as the Hine’s emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana) where conservation efforts have been greatly hindered by training, time, overall costs, and environmental impacts associated with conducting surveys in the calcareous fens occupied by this species. An essential step in developing such a protocol is to evaluate the dynamics of eDNA concentration throughout a season to determine the most efficient sampling time. Our results indicate that S. hineana eDNA concentration in a habitat peaks in June and is lowest in October. We suspect this is primarily due to the life history of this species. These data will be used to direct the field sampling methods that guide habitat restoration and other conservation efforts.