DNA metabarcoding is a sensitive method which also enables us to detect a possible parasitic infection. In this way, we can monitor the health of animal populations, as well as the spread of their pathogens.

… could it be that the deer (Capreolus capreolus) swallowed a caterpillar of the privet hawk moth, Sphinx ligustri? DNA metabarcoding can also detect an odd case of an herbivore eating an insect feeding on its favorite plant.