But what do they really eat? Adding DNA metabarcoding to stable isotope analysis to assess microarthropod diet

Stable isotope analysis provides an architecture for understanding the trophic dynamics of soil fauna communities but knowing the true dietary choices of these fauna requires a more precise tool. DNA metabarcoding of gut contents enables the identification of microarthropod diet components. From our stable isotope natural abundance and ¹³C labeling research, we identified several microarthropods feeding in the root resource channel. By applying DNA metabarcoding of gut contents to these root channel-feeding taxa, we hope to understand their diets and hence impacts on boreal forest plants and soils.