Keywords: ecology , ecosystem , eDNA , biomonitoring , arthropods , plant–arthropod interaction

In combination with the ability to reconstruct diverse arthropod communities from common household items like tea bags, this gives the approach of a ‘bug in a teacup’ high potential for outreach. Dried plant material could serve as an easily acquired terrestrial eDNA matrix to raise awareness of arthropod biodiversity. The collection and storage of dried plant material is straightforward, does not entail killing large numbers of insects, and requires no hazardous chemicals or freezing. This makes the approach ideal for working with schoolchildren.

https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2022.0091