Precision species identification for rapid environmental assessment

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Public taxon detections (British Isles)

TaxaScreen® Chinese mitten crab

Eriocheir sinensis
Category: Invasive
Habitat: Freshwater

Turnaround time: 5 business days

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The Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is an invasive crustacean in the UK, first recorded in the River Thames in the 1930s. Native to East Asia, it has spread widely through ballast water and is now established in several UK river systems. This species poses ecological and economic threats, burrowing into riverbanks and destabilising them, preying on native species, and outcompeting them for resources. The crab’s catadromous lifecycle, where adults migrate to the sea to spawn, adds to its invasive potential.
May, June, July, August, September, October, November
Autumn downstream spawning migration (Sept to Nov) gives the strongest detection probability in tidal rivers. Juvenile upstream migration is between April and July.
Which sampling kit will I need to buy?

We sell our sampling kits separately from our testing so that our clients have maximum flexibility.

This test needs one of:

 
We are also able to accept sampling kits from other companies for this test. 

As soon as your order is received our system emails you a sample submission form for this test. Please check your junk mail if you haven’t received it within a few minutes of your order. 

The email comes with full instructions for submitting your sample to us to ensure the best quality testing. 

You will receive your results in your online account. 

The testing for detection of this species is carried out via real-time PCR (qPCR), which has the greatest sensitivity and specificity of all eDNA detection methods. 

For customers without a business account we accept pre-payment with a debit or credit card. 

For customers who have a business account we are able to offer terms, purchase orders, credit/debit card payments and invoicing payment options. You can apply for a business account at the same time as you register for an account at checkout.

If you have any questions about sampling strategy, panel suitability, or anything else, book a free consultation with one of our molecular ecologists.