Joshua Tree National Park Insect Biodiversity: Efficacy of Field Preservation via Propylene Glycol at High Temperatures

The goal of this project was to test the efficacy of propylene glycol (PG) for preserving insects passively trapped at Joshua Tree National Park. Insects caught in malaise traps may remain in the collecting head for 2-3 weeks between PG changes. Does this prolonged exposure to extreme ambient temperatures affect DNA preservation? Data collected indicate PG is an effective preservative for long-term collecting in desert environments. This NCBI BioProject contains DNA barcode records that were generated with support from the federally-funded Smithsonian Institution DNA Barcode Network. Base funds originated from USDA-ARS-Systematic Entomology Laboratory.