Detecting ingested plant DNA in soil-living insect larvae

► We identified ingested plant material by molecular means from Agriotes larvae, which are amongst the most important soil pests in arable land. ► Whole-body DNA extracts of larvae were tested for the presence of both rbcL and trnL plastid DNA using universal primers and specific primers. ► Plant DNA was detectable in the guts of Agriotes larvae for up to 72 h post-feeding. ► Time since feeding, meal size and initial mass of the individual larvae did not affect the rate of larvae testing positive for plant DNA. ► This work will facilitate future studies on soil food web ecology.