# Simple DNA extraction for museum beetle specimens to unlock genetic data from historical collections

## TL;DR

A new low-cost DNA extraction method allows genetic analysis of old museum beetle specimens without damaging them.

## Contribution

A non-destructive, cost-effective DNA extraction protocol optimized for aged museum beetle specimens.

## Key findings

- The protocol enables DNA recovery suitable for PCR and next-generation sequencing from aged specimens.
- Pooling multiple extractions increases DNA yield when concentrations are low.
- The method supports molecular studies in taxonomy and conservation biology using historical collections.

## Abstract

Museum beetle specimens are valuable resources for genetic analyses; however, obtaining DNA from aged specimens remains challenging due to degradation, desiccation, and contamination. In this study, we present a simple, low-cost protocol for extracting DNA from museum beetles, optimized using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). This method effectively addresses common issues such as DNA fragmentation and contamination, enabling the recovery of DNA suitable for downstream applications such as PCR and next-generation sequencing. It provides a reproducible, non-destructive approach to extracting genetic material from fragile beetle specimens, thereby facilitating molecular investigations in fields such as taxonomy and conservation biology. The protocol is summarized as follows:•A method for DNA extraction is optimized for museum beetle specimens preserved for over 45 years.•The protocol is non-destructive and compatible with PCR and next-generation sequencing.•Multiple extractions can be pooled to increase yields, particularly when DNA concentrations are low.

A method for DNA extraction is optimized for museum beetle specimens preserved for over 45 years.

The protocol is non-destructive and compatible with PCR and next-generation sequencing.

Multiple extractions can be pooled to increase yields, particularly when DNA concentrations are low.

This method broadens the possibilities for genetic analysis of historical specimens, offering new insights into long-term ecological and evolutionary processes.

Image, graphical abstract