The DNADRV (DNA Drive) project seeks to explore the insect biodiversity in Aotearoa-NZ by swabbing any DNA traces that remain after insects collide with car license plates. The aim is to try and collect 6,000 samples across Aotearoa-NZ’s mainland over the next year (starting mid 2025).

Each of the 6,000 samples are paired, as a background swab is taken (after cleaning the plate) to identify any insects that may have been on the number plate prior to cleaning, and then another swab is taken after a car drive to identify newly collided insects. The car route is recorded to map the rough location of the insects. Although the resulting dataset will consist of insect species, it is also possible that other organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and plants will be detected.

We want to sample across Aotearoa-NZ, and we need your help! Come pop by our table to hear about the project, what we have discovered so far, and collect a kit to sample on your next journey!