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Updated: Dec 9, 2025

A Concoction Pipeline for Generating Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs) Among Riparian and Aquatic Beetles

A Concoction Pipeline for Generating Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs) Among Riparian and Aquatic Beetles

Published on: July 11, 2025

Aquatic Insects Are Dramatically Underrepresented in Genomic Research.

Scott Hotaling¹, Joanna L Kelley¹, Paul B Frandsen^2,3

¹School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA.

|September 9, 2020

Summary

Genomic sequencing of aquatic insects lags far behind terrestrial species, hindering research. Expanding aquatic insect genome availability is crucial for understanding insect evolution and freshwater ecosystems.

Keywords:

Ephemeroptera Megaloptera Odonata Plecoptera Trichoptera arthropod freshwater science genome biology insect genomics nuclear genome

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Last Updated: Dec 9, 2025

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Laboratory Protocol for Genetic Gut Content Analyses of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates Using Group-specific rDNA Primers

Laboratory Protocol for Genetic Gut Content Analyses of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates Using Group-specific rDNA Primers

Published on: October 5, 2017

Area of Science:

Ecology
Genomics
Evolutionary Biology

Background:

Aquatic insects represent 10% of insect diversity and are vital to freshwater ecosystems globally.
Genomic research on aquatic insects significantly lags behind terrestrial insects, with a severe deficit in high-quality genome assemblies.
This disparity limits fundamental and applied research on this globally important taxonomic group.

Purpose of the Study:

To highlight the critical need for increased genomic sequencing of aquatic insects.
To emphasize how the lack of aquatic insect genomes impedes scientific understanding and conservation efforts.
To advocate for greater investment in aquatic insect genome projects.

Main Methods:

Comparative analysis of published insect genome sequencing efforts.
Assessment of the current state of aquatic versus terrestrial insect genomic resources.
Identification of potential barriers and misconceptions regarding aquatic insect genome sequencing.

Main Results:

Approximately 24 terrestrial insect genomes are sequenced for every one aquatic insect genome.
No aquatic insect genomes have been assembled to the chromosome level, unlike 29 terrestrial insect genomes.
The lack of genomic data is not due to inherent biological challenges but rather a lack of focused effort.

Conclusions:

Expanding the availability of aquatic insect genomes is essential for advancing our understanding of insect diversification.
Increased genomic data will empower research on aquatic insects, benefiting both fundamental science and applied ecological management.
Addressing the genomic gap will unlock new insights into the evolution and ecological roles of these critical freshwater organisms.