Katy Klymus, PhD
Dr. Katy Klymus is a Research Biologist at the Columbia Environmental Research Center.
Since joining the USGS in 2016, Katy’s research focus has been on using genetic and genomic methods to inform wildlife species management. Currently she is studying environmental DNA methods, how they can be used to assess current levels of and changes in biodiversity, and development of standards for eDNA analyses. Additionally, she has a background in ecology, animal behavior and phylogenetics/ systematics.
Professional Experience
2016 - Present: Research Biologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center
2014 - 2016: Post-Doctoral Fellow, Lake Erie Center, University of Toledo
2012 - 2014: Post-Doctoral Researcher, Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, University of Missouri
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Missouri, 2011
B.S. Zoology, University of Texas, 2000
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 31
eDNA shedding rates for juvenile and subadult black carp fed a commercial diet or a Corbicula mussel diet in a laboratory setting eDNA shedding rates for juvenile and subadult black carp fed a commercial diet or a Corbicula mussel diet in a laboratory setting
Data describe designed environmental DNA (eDNA) experiments for the estimation of eDNA shedding rates for subadult and juvenile black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) at different biomass densities and fed different quantities of food from water samples collected in the laboratory. Parameters described include descriptions of laboratory collected water samples that were tested to estimate
Detection of Cumberlandia monodonta male mitotype eDNA from an outdoor raceway tank during a spawning event Detection of Cumberlandia monodonta male mitotype eDNA from an outdoor raceway tank during a spawning event
Data describe the detection of Spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta) female and male mitotype environmental DNA (eDNA) during a spawning event. Water samples (approximately 1L) were collected from an outdoor raceway tank containing C. monodonta from March to April 2021 and analyzed for the presence of sex-specific eDNA. Parameters described in this data release include water quality...
Detection of exogenous lake trout and endogenous spectaclecase DNA in the Big Piney River from an experimental release of lake trout slurry to study eDNA transport, September 2023 (ver.1.1, May 2025) Detection of exogenous lake trout and endogenous spectaclecase DNA in the Big Piney River from an experimental release of lake trout slurry to study eDNA transport, September 2023 (ver.1.1, May 2025)
This dataset includes eDNA concentrations of water samples from an experimental release of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) slurry used to analyze eDNA transport in the Big Piney River, Missouri. The spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta) was also included as a target species due to the proximity of a known spectaclecase population at the slurry release site. The slurry, a frozen block...
Environmental DNA qPCR detection results and covariates from Idaho, Missouri, Montana, and New York rivers sampled in 2023 Environmental DNA qPCR detection results and covariates from Idaho, Missouri, Montana, and New York rivers sampled in 2023
This dataset contains quantitative results from, and covariate attributes of, environmental DNA water samples collected across multiple rivers in 2023. Samples were analyzed for eDNA of round goby in the Hudson River (NY), westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi) in Cherry Creek (MT), lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) and Spectaclecase mussels (Cumberlandia monodonta) in...
Complete female and male mitogenomes of the mucket mussel (Ortmanniana ligamentina) Complete female and male mitogenomes of the mucket mussel (Ortmanniana ligamentina)
Data include fasta files of full mitochondrial sequence data for the male and female mitotypes of the mucket (Ortamannia ligamentina). These have been deposited in the NCBI database under BioSample Accession number SAMN39271813, SRA Accession number SRR27608898, and GenBank Accession numbers : PP103562 and PP103563.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) Metabarcoding assessment of dead-end hollow fiber ultrafiltration (D-HFUF) and polyethylstyrene (PES) filters filtration methods on detection of freshwater mussel eDNA from Flint River and Spring Creek, Georgia and Big Piney River Environmental DNA (eDNA) Metabarcoding assessment of dead-end hollow fiber ultrafiltration (D-HFUF) and polyethylstyrene (PES) filters filtration methods on detection of freshwater mussel eDNA from Flint River and Spring Creek, Georgia and Big Piney River
This dataset contains raw sequence data collected from an eDNA metabarcoding project to detect freshwater mussel species across two sites in Georgia (Spring Creek and Flint River) and one drainage in Missouri (Big Piney River). The eDNA samples were collected from each stream using dead-end ultra filtration (D-HFUF) with eDNA extracted from filters. We used two previously published...
Laboratory estimates of eDNA degradation rates for Actinionais ligamentina eDNA Laboratory estimates of eDNA degradation rates for Actinionais ligamentina eDNA
Data describe a designed environmental DNA (eDNA) experiment for the estimation of eDNA degradation rates for the mucket (Actinonaias ligamentina) from water samples collected in the laboratory. Samples were collected from experiments performed from November 01, 2019 to November 15, 2019 at the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center, Missouri
Development and testing of a qPCR assay for Lampsilis siliquoidea eDNA Development and testing of a qPCR assay for Lampsilis siliquoidea eDNA
Data describe specificity and sensitivity testing for the L.sil2 assay. This assay is used to amplify eDNA from the freshwater mussel Lampsilis siliquoidea.
Development, testing and use of four species-specific qPCR assays for freshwater mussel eDNA detection in the Niobrara River Development, testing and use of four species-specific qPCR assays for freshwater mussel eDNA detection in the Niobrara River
This data consists of information on the specificity and sensitivity of 4 species specific qPCR assays for the detection of eDNA from 4 species of freshwater mussels, specifically Lampsilis cardium, Lampsilis siliquoidea, Pyganodon grandis, and Anodontoides ferussacianus. The data also contain the results of eDNA sampling in Niobrara River at Niobrara National Scenic River and Agate...
Environmental DNA shedding rates in laboratory conditions for Cumberlandia monodonta, Actinonaias ligamentina, and Lampsilis siliquoidea. Environmental DNA shedding rates in laboratory conditions for Cumberlandia monodonta, Actinonaias ligamentina, and Lampsilis siliquoidea.
Data describe designed environmental DNA (eDNA) experiments for the estimation of eDNA shedding rates for the spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta), mucket (Actinonaias ligamentina), and fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea) from water samples collected in the laboratory under differing laboratory conditions. Shedding rates were tested under variable mussel biomass, diet, and temperature...
Water chemistry and molecular eDNA data observed in experimental laboratory mesocosms exposed to different nitrogen amendments in the presence or absence of a nitrifier enriched microbial community Water chemistry and molecular eDNA data observed in experimental laboratory mesocosms exposed to different nitrogen amendments in the presence or absence of a nitrifier enriched microbial community
Data describe the results of a controlled laboratory mesocosm experiment evaluating the influence of a nitrifier enriched microbial community on silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) milt eDNA degradation. Parameters described include the concentration results, limit of detection, and limit of quantification of two silver carp specific quantitative PCR assays and water chemistry...
Data on the detection of Epioblasma capsaeformis using a designed environmental DNA (eDNA) survey upstream and downstream of known populations in the Clinch River, Tennessee (2019 to 2021) Data on the detection of Epioblasma capsaeformis using a designed environmental DNA (eDNA) survey upstream and downstream of known populations in the Clinch River, Tennessee (2019 to 2021)
Data describe a designed environmental DNA (eDNA) survey for the detection of oyster mussel (Epioblasma capsaeformis) from field collected water samples. Parameters described include the limit of detection and limit of quantification of the assay; a list of freshwater mussel species tissue samples that were used to test specificity of the assay; and field collected water samples that...
Filter Total Items: 30
A nitrifier-enriched microbial community contributes to the degradation of environmental DNA A nitrifier-enriched microbial community contributes to the degradation of environmental DNA
Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys are a promising alternative to traditional monitoring of invasive species, rare species, and biodiversity. Detecting organism-specific eDNA reduces the need to collect physical specimens for population estimates, and the high sensitivity of eDNA assays may improve detection of rare or cryptic species. However, correlating estimated concentrations of eDNA...
Authors
Rachelle Elaine Beattie, Caren C. Helbing, Jacob J. Imbery, Katy E. Klymus, Jonathan Lopez Duran, Cathy A. Richter, Anita A. Thambirajah, Nathan Thompson, Thea M. Edwards
The Government eDNA Working Group 6th Annual eDNA Technical Exchange Workshop The Government eDNA Working Group 6th Annual eDNA Technical Exchange Workshop
The 6th annual Environmental DNA (eDNA) Technical Exchange Workshop was a virtual workshop hosted and coordinated by the Government eDNA Working Group (GEDWG) on January 24–26, 2023. GEDWG is a no-cost consortium that focuses on bringing together stakeholders associated with federal, state, provincial, municipal, and other government and non-government agencies interested in eDNA and...
Authors
Carol A. Stepien, Richard F. Lance, Katy E. Klymus, Margaret Hunter
Gaining decision-maker confidence through community consensus: Developing environmental DNA standards for data display on the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database Gaining decision-maker confidence through community consensus: Developing environmental DNA standards for data display on the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database
To advance national efforts for the detection and biosurveillance of aquatic invasive species (AIS), we employed a community consensus process to enable the incorporation of environmental DNA (eDNA) detection data into the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) database (https://nas.er.usgs.gov/eDNA/). Our goal was to identify minimum standards and best...
Authors
Jason Ferrante, Wesley M. Daniel, Jonathan Adam Freedman, Katy E. Klymus, Matthew Neilson, Yale Passamaneck, Christopher B. Rees, Adam J. Sepulveda, Margaret Hunter
Genome resequencing clarifies phylogeny and reveals patterns of selection in the toxicogenomics model Pimephales promelas Genome resequencing clarifies phylogeny and reveals patterns of selection in the toxicogenomics model Pimephales promelas
Background The fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) is a model species for toxicological research. A high-quality genome reference sequence is available, and genomic methods are increasingly used in toxicological studies of the species. However, phylogenetic relationships within the genus remain incompletely known and little population-genomic data are available for fathead minnow...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Robert A. Hrabik, Nathan Thompson, Robert S. Cornman
A comparison of eDNA and visual survey methods for detection of longnose darter Percina nasuta in Missouri A comparison of eDNA and visual survey methods for detection of longnose darter Percina nasuta in Missouri
The longnose darter Percina nasuta is a rare and cryptic fish that recently disappeared from much of its historic range. We developed and used an environmental DNA (eDNA) assay for longnose darter paired with visual surveys to better determine the species’ range and compare detection probability between sampling approaches in an occupancy modeling framework. We detected longnose darter...
Authors
Jacob Thomas Westhoff, Leah K. Berkman, Katy E. Klymus, Nathan Thompson, Cathy A. Richter
Editorial: Environmental DNA innovations for conservation Editorial: Environmental DNA innovations for conservation
Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis refers to the collection of bulk environmental samples such as water, sediment, or air, and studying the genetic remnants that organisms have shed into their environment to gain information about species presence.
Authors
Matthew A Barnes, Katy E. Klymus, Hiroki Yamanaka
Metabarcoding assays for the detection of freshwater mussels (Unionida) with environmental DNA Metabarcoding assays for the detection of freshwater mussels (Unionida) with environmental DNA
Freshwater mussels of the order Unionida are a widely distributed taxon that are important in maintaining freshwater ecosystems and are also highly imperiled throughout the world. Monitoring of mussel populations with environmental DNA (eDNA) is an attractive alternative to traditional methods because it is noninvasive and requires less labor and taxonomic knowledge from field personnel...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Catherine A. Richter, Nathan Thompson, Jo Ellen Hinck, Jess W. Jones
Development and testing of species-specific quantitative PCR assays for environmental DNA applications Development and testing of species-specific quantitative PCR assays for environmental DNA applications
New, non-invasive methods for detecting and monitoring species presence are being developed to aid in fisheries and wildlife conservation management. The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) samples for detecting macrobiota is one such group of methods that is rapidly becoming popular and being implemented in national management programs. Here we focus on the development of species-specific...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Dannise Vannesa Ruiz-Ramos, Nathan Thompson, Catherine A. Richter
Reporting the limits of detection and quantification for environmental DNA assays Reporting the limits of detection and quantification for environmental DNA assays
Background Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is increasingly being used to detect the presence and relative abundance of rare species, especially invasive or imperiled aquatic species. The rapid progress in the eDNA field has resulted in numerous studies impacting conservation and management actions. However, standardization of eDNA methods and reporting across the field is yet to be...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Christopher M. Merkes, Michael J. Allison, Caren S. Goldberg, Caren C. Helbing, Margaret Hunter, Craig Jackson, Richard F. Lance, Anna M. Mangan, Emy M. Monroe, Antoinette J. Piaggio, Joel P. Stokdyk, Chris C. Wilson, Catherine A. Richter
Metabarcoding of environmental DNA samples to explore the use of uranium mine containment ponds as a water source for wildlife Metabarcoding of environmental DNA samples to explore the use of uranium mine containment ponds as a water source for wildlife
Understanding how anthropogenic impacts on the landscape affect wildlife requires a knowledge of community assemblages. Species surveys are the first step in assessing community structure, and recent molecular applications such as metabarcoding and environmental DNA analyses have been proposed as an additional and complementary wildlife survey method. Here, we test eDNA metabarcoding as...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Catherine A. Richter, Nathan Thompson, Jo Ellen Hinck
Experimental observations on the decay of environmental DNA from bighead and silver carps Experimental observations on the decay of environmental DNA from bighead and silver carps
Interest in the field of environmental DNA (eDNA) is growing rapidly and eDNA surveys are becoming an important consideration for aquatic resource managers dealing with invasive species. However, in order for eDNA monitoring to mature as a research and management tool, there are several critical knowledge gaps that must be filled. One such gap is the fate of eDNA materials in the aquatic
Authors
Richard F. Lance, Katy E. Klymus, Catherine A. Richter, Xin Guan, Heather L. Farrington, Matthew R. Carr, Nathan Thompson, Duane Chapman, Kelly L. Baerwaldt
Critical considerations for the application of environmental DNA methods to detect aquatic species Critical considerations for the application of environmental DNA methods to detect aquatic species
Species detection using environmental DNA (eDNA) has tremendous potential for contributing to the understanding of the ecology and conservation of aquatic species. Detecting species using eDNA methods, rather than directly sampling the organisms, can reduce impacts on sensitive species and increase the power of field surveys for rare and elusive species. The sensitivity of eDNA methods...
Authors
Caren S. Goldberg, Cameron R. Turner, Kristy Deiner, Katy E. Klymus, Philip Francis Thomsen, Melanie A. Murphy, Stephen F. Spear, Anna McKee, Sara J. Oyler-McCance, Robert S. Cornman, Matthew B. Laramie, Andrew R. Mahon, Richard F. Lance, David S. Pilliod, Katherine M. Strickler, Lisette P. Waits, Alexander K. Fremier, Teruhiko Takahara, Jelger E. Herder, Pierre Taberlet
Non-USGS Publications**
Soamiarimampionona, J., Sam, S.S., Dolch, R., Klymus, K., Rabemananjara, F., Robsomanitrandrasana, E., Rakotoarisoa, J.C., and Edmonds, D., 2015, Effects of three diets on development of Mantidactylus betsileanus larvae in captivity: Alytes, v. 32, p. 7-15
Klymus, K.E., and Carl Gerhardt, H., 2012, AFLP markers resolve intra-specific relationships and infer genetic structure among lineages of the canyon treefrog, Hyla arenicolor: Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, v. 65, no. 2, p. 654-667
Klymus, K.E., Humfeld, S.C., and Gerhardt, H.C., 2012, Geographical variation in male advertisement calls and female preference of the wide-ranging canyon treefrog, Hyla arenicolor: Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, v. 107, no. 1, p. 219-232
Klymus, K.E., Humfeld, S.C., Marshall, V.T., Cannatella, D., and Gerhardt, H.C., 2010, Molecular patterns of differentiation in canyon treefrogs (Hyla arenicolor): evidence for introgressive hybridization with the Arizona treefrog (H. wrightorum) and correlations with advertisement call differences: Journal of Evolutionary Biology, v. 23, no. 7, p. 1425-1435
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 31
eDNA shedding rates for juvenile and subadult black carp fed a commercial diet or a Corbicula mussel diet in a laboratory setting eDNA shedding rates for juvenile and subadult black carp fed a commercial diet or a Corbicula mussel diet in a laboratory setting
Data describe designed environmental DNA (eDNA) experiments for the estimation of eDNA shedding rates for subadult and juvenile black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) at different biomass densities and fed different quantities of food from water samples collected in the laboratory. Parameters described include descriptions of laboratory collected water samples that were tested to estimate
Detection of Cumberlandia monodonta male mitotype eDNA from an outdoor raceway tank during a spawning event Detection of Cumberlandia monodonta male mitotype eDNA from an outdoor raceway tank during a spawning event
Data describe the detection of Spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta) female and male mitotype environmental DNA (eDNA) during a spawning event. Water samples (approximately 1L) were collected from an outdoor raceway tank containing C. monodonta from March to April 2021 and analyzed for the presence of sex-specific eDNA. Parameters described in this data release include water quality...
Detection of exogenous lake trout and endogenous spectaclecase DNA in the Big Piney River from an experimental release of lake trout slurry to study eDNA transport, September 2023 (ver.1.1, May 2025) Detection of exogenous lake trout and endogenous spectaclecase DNA in the Big Piney River from an experimental release of lake trout slurry to study eDNA transport, September 2023 (ver.1.1, May 2025)
This dataset includes eDNA concentrations of water samples from an experimental release of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) slurry used to analyze eDNA transport in the Big Piney River, Missouri. The spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta) was also included as a target species due to the proximity of a known spectaclecase population at the slurry release site. The slurry, a frozen block...
Environmental DNA qPCR detection results and covariates from Idaho, Missouri, Montana, and New York rivers sampled in 2023 Environmental DNA qPCR detection results and covariates from Idaho, Missouri, Montana, and New York rivers sampled in 2023
This dataset contains quantitative results from, and covariate attributes of, environmental DNA water samples collected across multiple rivers in 2023. Samples were analyzed for eDNA of round goby in the Hudson River (NY), westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi) in Cherry Creek (MT), lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) and Spectaclecase mussels (Cumberlandia monodonta) in...
Complete female and male mitogenomes of the mucket mussel (Ortmanniana ligamentina) Complete female and male mitogenomes of the mucket mussel (Ortmanniana ligamentina)
Data include fasta files of full mitochondrial sequence data for the male and female mitotypes of the mucket (Ortamannia ligamentina). These have been deposited in the NCBI database under BioSample Accession number SAMN39271813, SRA Accession number SRR27608898, and GenBank Accession numbers : PP103562 and PP103563.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) Metabarcoding assessment of dead-end hollow fiber ultrafiltration (D-HFUF) and polyethylstyrene (PES) filters filtration methods on detection of freshwater mussel eDNA from Flint River and Spring Creek, Georgia and Big Piney River Environmental DNA (eDNA) Metabarcoding assessment of dead-end hollow fiber ultrafiltration (D-HFUF) and polyethylstyrene (PES) filters filtration methods on detection of freshwater mussel eDNA from Flint River and Spring Creek, Georgia and Big Piney River
This dataset contains raw sequence data collected from an eDNA metabarcoding project to detect freshwater mussel species across two sites in Georgia (Spring Creek and Flint River) and one drainage in Missouri (Big Piney River). The eDNA samples were collected from each stream using dead-end ultra filtration (D-HFUF) with eDNA extracted from filters. We used two previously published...
Laboratory estimates of eDNA degradation rates for Actinionais ligamentina eDNA Laboratory estimates of eDNA degradation rates for Actinionais ligamentina eDNA
Data describe a designed environmental DNA (eDNA) experiment for the estimation of eDNA degradation rates for the mucket (Actinonaias ligamentina) from water samples collected in the laboratory. Samples were collected from experiments performed from November 01, 2019 to November 15, 2019 at the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center, Missouri
Development and testing of a qPCR assay for Lampsilis siliquoidea eDNA Development and testing of a qPCR assay for Lampsilis siliquoidea eDNA
Data describe specificity and sensitivity testing for the L.sil2 assay. This assay is used to amplify eDNA from the freshwater mussel Lampsilis siliquoidea.
Development, testing and use of four species-specific qPCR assays for freshwater mussel eDNA detection in the Niobrara River Development, testing and use of four species-specific qPCR assays for freshwater mussel eDNA detection in the Niobrara River
This data consists of information on the specificity and sensitivity of 4 species specific qPCR assays for the detection of eDNA from 4 species of freshwater mussels, specifically Lampsilis cardium, Lampsilis siliquoidea, Pyganodon grandis, and Anodontoides ferussacianus. The data also contain the results of eDNA sampling in Niobrara River at Niobrara National Scenic River and Agate...
Environmental DNA shedding rates in laboratory conditions for Cumberlandia monodonta, Actinonaias ligamentina, and Lampsilis siliquoidea. Environmental DNA shedding rates in laboratory conditions for Cumberlandia monodonta, Actinonaias ligamentina, and Lampsilis siliquoidea.
Data describe designed environmental DNA (eDNA) experiments for the estimation of eDNA shedding rates for the spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta), mucket (Actinonaias ligamentina), and fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea) from water samples collected in the laboratory under differing laboratory conditions. Shedding rates were tested under variable mussel biomass, diet, and temperature...
Water chemistry and molecular eDNA data observed in experimental laboratory mesocosms exposed to different nitrogen amendments in the presence or absence of a nitrifier enriched microbial community Water chemistry and molecular eDNA data observed in experimental laboratory mesocosms exposed to different nitrogen amendments in the presence or absence of a nitrifier enriched microbial community
Data describe the results of a controlled laboratory mesocosm experiment evaluating the influence of a nitrifier enriched microbial community on silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) milt eDNA degradation. Parameters described include the concentration results, limit of detection, and limit of quantification of two silver carp specific quantitative PCR assays and water chemistry...
Data on the detection of Epioblasma capsaeformis using a designed environmental DNA (eDNA) survey upstream and downstream of known populations in the Clinch River, Tennessee (2019 to 2021) Data on the detection of Epioblasma capsaeformis using a designed environmental DNA (eDNA) survey upstream and downstream of known populations in the Clinch River, Tennessee (2019 to 2021)
Data describe a designed environmental DNA (eDNA) survey for the detection of oyster mussel (Epioblasma capsaeformis) from field collected water samples. Parameters described include the limit of detection and limit of quantification of the assay; a list of freshwater mussel species tissue samples that were used to test specificity of the assay; and field collected water samples that...
Filter Total Items: 30
A nitrifier-enriched microbial community contributes to the degradation of environmental DNA A nitrifier-enriched microbial community contributes to the degradation of environmental DNA
Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys are a promising alternative to traditional monitoring of invasive species, rare species, and biodiversity. Detecting organism-specific eDNA reduces the need to collect physical specimens for population estimates, and the high sensitivity of eDNA assays may improve detection of rare or cryptic species. However, correlating estimated concentrations of eDNA...
Authors
Rachelle Elaine Beattie, Caren C. Helbing, Jacob J. Imbery, Katy E. Klymus, Jonathan Lopez Duran, Cathy A. Richter, Anita A. Thambirajah, Nathan Thompson, Thea M. Edwards
The Government eDNA Working Group 6th Annual eDNA Technical Exchange Workshop The Government eDNA Working Group 6th Annual eDNA Technical Exchange Workshop
The 6th annual Environmental DNA (eDNA) Technical Exchange Workshop was a virtual workshop hosted and coordinated by the Government eDNA Working Group (GEDWG) on January 24–26, 2023. GEDWG is a no-cost consortium that focuses on bringing together stakeholders associated with federal, state, provincial, municipal, and other government and non-government agencies interested in eDNA and...
Authors
Carol A. Stepien, Richard F. Lance, Katy E. Klymus, Margaret Hunter
Gaining decision-maker confidence through community consensus: Developing environmental DNA standards for data display on the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database Gaining decision-maker confidence through community consensus: Developing environmental DNA standards for data display on the USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species database
To advance national efforts for the detection and biosurveillance of aquatic invasive species (AIS), we employed a community consensus process to enable the incorporation of environmental DNA (eDNA) detection data into the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) database (https://nas.er.usgs.gov/eDNA/). Our goal was to identify minimum standards and best...
Authors
Jason Ferrante, Wesley M. Daniel, Jonathan Adam Freedman, Katy E. Klymus, Matthew Neilson, Yale Passamaneck, Christopher B. Rees, Adam J. Sepulveda, Margaret Hunter
Genome resequencing clarifies phylogeny and reveals patterns of selection in the toxicogenomics model Pimephales promelas Genome resequencing clarifies phylogeny and reveals patterns of selection in the toxicogenomics model Pimephales promelas
Background The fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) is a model species for toxicological research. A high-quality genome reference sequence is available, and genomic methods are increasingly used in toxicological studies of the species. However, phylogenetic relationships within the genus remain incompletely known and little population-genomic data are available for fathead minnow...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Robert A. Hrabik, Nathan Thompson, Robert S. Cornman
A comparison of eDNA and visual survey methods for detection of longnose darter Percina nasuta in Missouri A comparison of eDNA and visual survey methods for detection of longnose darter Percina nasuta in Missouri
The longnose darter Percina nasuta is a rare and cryptic fish that recently disappeared from much of its historic range. We developed and used an environmental DNA (eDNA) assay for longnose darter paired with visual surveys to better determine the species’ range and compare detection probability between sampling approaches in an occupancy modeling framework. We detected longnose darter...
Authors
Jacob Thomas Westhoff, Leah K. Berkman, Katy E. Klymus, Nathan Thompson, Cathy A. Richter
Editorial: Environmental DNA innovations for conservation Editorial: Environmental DNA innovations for conservation
Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis refers to the collection of bulk environmental samples such as water, sediment, or air, and studying the genetic remnants that organisms have shed into their environment to gain information about species presence.
Authors
Matthew A Barnes, Katy E. Klymus, Hiroki Yamanaka
Metabarcoding assays for the detection of freshwater mussels (Unionida) with environmental DNA Metabarcoding assays for the detection of freshwater mussels (Unionida) with environmental DNA
Freshwater mussels of the order Unionida are a widely distributed taxon that are important in maintaining freshwater ecosystems and are also highly imperiled throughout the world. Monitoring of mussel populations with environmental DNA (eDNA) is an attractive alternative to traditional methods because it is noninvasive and requires less labor and taxonomic knowledge from field personnel...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Catherine A. Richter, Nathan Thompson, Jo Ellen Hinck, Jess W. Jones
Development and testing of species-specific quantitative PCR assays for environmental DNA applications Development and testing of species-specific quantitative PCR assays for environmental DNA applications
New, non-invasive methods for detecting and monitoring species presence are being developed to aid in fisheries and wildlife conservation management. The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) samples for detecting macrobiota is one such group of methods that is rapidly becoming popular and being implemented in national management programs. Here we focus on the development of species-specific...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Dannise Vannesa Ruiz-Ramos, Nathan Thompson, Catherine A. Richter
Reporting the limits of detection and quantification for environmental DNA assays Reporting the limits of detection and quantification for environmental DNA assays
Background Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is increasingly being used to detect the presence and relative abundance of rare species, especially invasive or imperiled aquatic species. The rapid progress in the eDNA field has resulted in numerous studies impacting conservation and management actions. However, standardization of eDNA methods and reporting across the field is yet to be...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Christopher M. Merkes, Michael J. Allison, Caren S. Goldberg, Caren C. Helbing, Margaret Hunter, Craig Jackson, Richard F. Lance, Anna M. Mangan, Emy M. Monroe, Antoinette J. Piaggio, Joel P. Stokdyk, Chris C. Wilson, Catherine A. Richter
Metabarcoding of environmental DNA samples to explore the use of uranium mine containment ponds as a water source for wildlife Metabarcoding of environmental DNA samples to explore the use of uranium mine containment ponds as a water source for wildlife
Understanding how anthropogenic impacts on the landscape affect wildlife requires a knowledge of community assemblages. Species surveys are the first step in assessing community structure, and recent molecular applications such as metabarcoding and environmental DNA analyses have been proposed as an additional and complementary wildlife survey method. Here, we test eDNA metabarcoding as...
Authors
Katy E. Klymus, Catherine A. Richter, Nathan Thompson, Jo Ellen Hinck
Experimental observations on the decay of environmental DNA from bighead and silver carps Experimental observations on the decay of environmental DNA from bighead and silver carps
Interest in the field of environmental DNA (eDNA) is growing rapidly and eDNA surveys are becoming an important consideration for aquatic resource managers dealing with invasive species. However, in order for eDNA monitoring to mature as a research and management tool, there are several critical knowledge gaps that must be filled. One such gap is the fate of eDNA materials in the aquatic
Authors
Richard F. Lance, Katy E. Klymus, Catherine A. Richter, Xin Guan, Heather L. Farrington, Matthew R. Carr, Nathan Thompson, Duane Chapman, Kelly L. Baerwaldt
Critical considerations for the application of environmental DNA methods to detect aquatic species Critical considerations for the application of environmental DNA methods to detect aquatic species
Species detection using environmental DNA (eDNA) has tremendous potential for contributing to the understanding of the ecology and conservation of aquatic species. Detecting species using eDNA methods, rather than directly sampling the organisms, can reduce impacts on sensitive species and increase the power of field surveys for rare and elusive species. The sensitivity of eDNA methods...
Authors
Caren S. Goldberg, Cameron R. Turner, Kristy Deiner, Katy E. Klymus, Philip Francis Thomsen, Melanie A. Murphy, Stephen F. Spear, Anna McKee, Sara J. Oyler-McCance, Robert S. Cornman, Matthew B. Laramie, Andrew R. Mahon, Richard F. Lance, David S. Pilliod, Katherine M. Strickler, Lisette P. Waits, Alexander K. Fremier, Teruhiko Takahara, Jelger E. Herder, Pierre Taberlet
Non-USGS Publications**
Soamiarimampionona, J., Sam, S.S., Dolch, R., Klymus, K., Rabemananjara, F., Robsomanitrandrasana, E., Rakotoarisoa, J.C., and Edmonds, D., 2015, Effects of three diets on development of Mantidactylus betsileanus larvae in captivity: Alytes, v. 32, p. 7-15
Klymus, K.E., and Carl Gerhardt, H., 2012, AFLP markers resolve intra-specific relationships and infer genetic structure among lineages of the canyon treefrog, Hyla arenicolor: Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, v. 65, no. 2, p. 654-667
Klymus, K.E., Humfeld, S.C., and Gerhardt, H.C., 2012, Geographical variation in male advertisement calls and female preference of the wide-ranging canyon treefrog, Hyla arenicolor: Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, v. 107, no. 1, p. 219-232
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