BopCo.be
@bopco-be.bsky.social
BopCo provides on-demand species identification of organisms of policy concern, using morphology and DNA-based methods.
BopCo is jointly run by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and the Royal Museum for Central Africa.
BopCo is jointly run by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and the Royal Museum for Central Africa.
📢 Spotlight on a silent agricultural threat: the Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis)
While hornets and beetles often steal the spotlight, the Oriental fruit fly is quietly spreading worldwide. Bactrocera dorsalis may be small, but it’s a powerful pest attacking many fruit and vegetable crops.
While hornets and beetles often steal the spotlight, the Oriental fruit fly is quietly spreading worldwide. Bactrocera dorsalis may be small, but it’s a powerful pest attacking many fruit and vegetable crops.
February 5, 2026 at 10:23 AM
📢 Spotlight on a silent agricultural threat: the Oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis)
While hornets and beetles often steal the spotlight, the Oriental fruit fly is quietly spreading worldwide. Bactrocera dorsalis may be small, but it’s a powerful pest attacking many fruit and vegetable crops.
While hornets and beetles often steal the spotlight, the Oriental fruit fly is quietly spreading worldwide. Bactrocera dorsalis may be small, but it’s a powerful pest attacking many fruit and vegetable crops.
🚨 Hidden viruses in the wild meat trade?
BopCo contributed to a metagenomic study led by the University of Antwerp and the University of Kisangani (DRC), uncovering surprising viral diversity in the wild meat supply chain.
📄 Read the full paper by Geraerts et al.: doi.org/10.1371/jour...
BopCo contributed to a metagenomic study led by the University of Antwerp and the University of Kisangani (DRC), uncovering surprising viral diversity in the wild meat supply chain.
📄 Read the full paper by Geraerts et al.: doi.org/10.1371/jour...
January 12, 2026 at 3:29 PM
🚨 Hidden viruses in the wild meat trade?
BopCo contributed to a metagenomic study led by the University of Antwerp and the University of Kisangani (DRC), uncovering surprising viral diversity in the wild meat supply chain.
📄 Read the full paper by Geraerts et al.: doi.org/10.1371/jour...
BopCo contributed to a metagenomic study led by the University of Antwerp and the University of Kisangani (DRC), uncovering surprising viral diversity in the wild meat supply chain.
📄 Read the full paper by Geraerts et al.: doi.org/10.1371/jour...
🎄 The BopCo team wishes you happy holidays and an inspiring 2026!
As the year comes to a close, it’s time to look back on an exciting and productive 2025 for BopCo.
BopCo's 2025 in numbers 🧵👇
As the year comes to a close, it’s time to look back on an exciting and productive 2025 for BopCo.
BopCo's 2025 in numbers 🧵👇
![Happy holidays and best wishes for 2026 from the BopCo team [created with ChatGPT]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:p5i4bgztry7v2gxq3a5v5llv/bafkreictemngz2jwejrvq6te2remrimtptpiq7zu6eimexjf22l4mcbemm@jpeg)
December 23, 2025 at 6:51 PM
🎄 The BopCo team wishes you happy holidays and an inspiring 2026!
As the year comes to a close, it’s time to look back on an exciting and productive 2025 for BopCo.
BopCo's 2025 in numbers 🧵👇
As the year comes to a close, it’s time to look back on an exciting and productive 2025 for BopCo.
BopCo's 2025 in numbers 🧵👇
This month, the AfricaMuseum had the pleasure of welcoming students from Howest University of Applied Sciences, as well as from Ghent University and KU Leuven!
Bioinformatics and Laboratory Science Lab:
www.linkedin.com/company/bioi...
Bioinformatics and Laboratory Science Lab:
www.linkedin.com/company/bioi...
December 18, 2025 at 10:04 AM
This month, the AfricaMuseum had the pleasure of welcoming students from Howest University of Applied Sciences, as well as from Ghent University and KU Leuven!
Bioinformatics and Laboratory Science Lab:
www.linkedin.com/company/bioi...
Bioinformatics and Laboratory Science Lab:
www.linkedin.com/company/bioi...
🔬 First Record of Short-Tailed Whipscorpions in Belgium!🦂
Stenochrus portoricensis, a species of short-tailed whipscorpion native to Central America, was discovered in a glasshous of the Meise Botanic Garden. Despite its name, it is not a true scorpion but belongs to the arachnid order Schizomida.
Stenochrus portoricensis, a species of short-tailed whipscorpion native to Central America, was discovered in a glasshous of the Meise Botanic Garden. Despite its name, it is not a true scorpion but belongs to the arachnid order Schizomida.
December 9, 2025 at 11:40 AM
🔬 First Record of Short-Tailed Whipscorpions in Belgium!🦂
Stenochrus portoricensis, a species of short-tailed whipscorpion native to Central America, was discovered in a glasshous of the Meise Botanic Garden. Despite its name, it is not a true scorpion but belongs to the arachnid order Schizomida.
Stenochrus portoricensis, a species of short-tailed whipscorpion native to Central America, was discovered in a glasshous of the Meise Botanic Garden. Despite its name, it is not a true scorpion but belongs to the arachnid order Schizomida.
🦟 Reshaping our understanding of the urban, human-biting mosquito!
A team from Princeton University has revealed that Culex pipiens form molestus — thought to have evolved recently in cities — actually originated over 1,000 years ago in agricultural societies of the Mediterranean or Middle East.
A team from Princeton University has revealed that Culex pipiens form molestus — thought to have evolved recently in cities — actually originated over 1,000 years ago in agricultural societies of the Mediterranean or Middle East.
November 19, 2025 at 9:42 AM
🦟 Reshaping our understanding of the urban, human-biting mosquito!
A team from Princeton University has revealed that Culex pipiens form molestus — thought to have evolved recently in cities — actually originated over 1,000 years ago in agricultural societies of the Mediterranean or Middle East.
A team from Princeton University has revealed that Culex pipiens form molestus — thought to have evolved recently in cities — actually originated over 1,000 years ago in agricultural societies of the Mediterranean or Middle East.
Sand flies may be tiny, but their impact on global public health is significant. In Nepal, species within the Phlebotomus argentipes complex are recognized as the primary vectors of Leishmania, the parasite responsible for leishmaniasis.
November 14, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Sand flies may be tiny, but their impact on global public health is significant. In Nepal, species within the Phlebotomus argentipes complex are recognized as the primary vectors of Leishmania, the parasite responsible for leishmaniasis.
🎉 Happy 10th Birthday to BopCo! 🎉
November 2025 marks 10 years of BopCo, the Belspo funded DNA Identification Service at RBINS & RMCA — and what a journey it’s been!
November 2025 marks 10 years of BopCo, the Belspo funded DNA Identification Service at RBINS & RMCA — and what a journey it’s been!
November 5, 2025 at 8:41 AM
🎉 Happy 10th Birthday to BopCo! 🎉
November 2025 marks 10 years of BopCo, the Belspo funded DNA Identification Service at RBINS & RMCA — and what a journey it’s been!
November 2025 marks 10 years of BopCo, the Belspo funded DNA Identification Service at RBINS & RMCA — and what a journey it’s been!
🐟 Fast DNA testing to protect the future of European eels
The lucrative trade of glass eels continues to raise serious concerns across Europe. While the European eel is critically endangered and protected under CITES regulations, illegal trafficking persists due to high demand, especially in Asia.
The lucrative trade of glass eels continues to raise serious concerns across Europe. While the European eel is critically endangered and protected under CITES regulations, illegal trafficking persists due to high demand, especially in Asia.
October 22, 2025 at 10:12 AM
🐟 Fast DNA testing to protect the future of European eels
The lucrative trade of glass eels continues to raise serious concerns across Europe. While the European eel is critically endangered and protected under CITES regulations, illegal trafficking persists due to high demand, especially in Asia.
The lucrative trade of glass eels continues to raise serious concerns across Europe. While the European eel is critically endangered and protected under CITES regulations, illegal trafficking persists due to high demand, especially in Asia.
🦟 Mosquitoes on the move: what’s at stake for Belgium?
As Europe grapples with the rising threat of mosquito-borne diseases, this latest review paper takes a closer look at the growing risks right here in Belgium.
www.kaowarsom.be/documents/PD...
🧵👇
As Europe grapples with the rising threat of mosquito-borne diseases, this latest review paper takes a closer look at the growing risks right here in Belgium.
www.kaowarsom.be/documents/PD...
🧵👇
August 18, 2025 at 12:44 PM
🦟 Mosquitoes on the move: what’s at stake for Belgium?
As Europe grapples with the rising threat of mosquito-borne diseases, this latest review paper takes a closer look at the growing risks right here in Belgium.
www.kaowarsom.be/documents/PD...
🧵👇
As Europe grapples with the rising threat of mosquito-borne diseases, this latest review paper takes a closer look at the growing risks right here in Belgium.
www.kaowarsom.be/documents/PD...
🧵👇
🔍 Commissioned by the #CITES unit at @fodvolksgezondheid.bsky.social, BopCo compares the DNA profile of the young birds to that of the putative parents, to verify their relationships. If the genetic profiles match, parentage is confirmed and the breeders receive their CITES documents.
July 28, 2025 at 10:37 AM
🔍 Commissioned by the #CITES unit at @fodvolksgezondheid.bsky.social, BopCo compares the DNA profile of the young birds to that of the putative parents, to verify their relationships. If the genetic profiles match, parentage is confirmed and the breeders receive their CITES documents.
Belgium is home to several breeders of CITES-listed birds such as parrots and birds of prey. Some of these species are notoriously difficult to breed in captivity, which has led to illegal practices in the past, such as the collection and raising of eggs or chicks taken from the wild.
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![Snowy Owl_by Patrick Danforth Photography [CC BY 4.0]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:p5i4bgztry7v2gxq3a5v5llv/bafkreieslo3lutayekt53qimjidm2krb7fpyxbgv3sfg4xdeiduhq3c5bu@jpeg)
![Barn Owl_by Karen Arnold [Public Domain]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:p5i4bgztry7v2gxq3a5v5llv/bafkreib4awc7ot4b4re4vnkh3ldtpy6jzaqc7ak6rzsyvsnyxjbk4d5ytu@jpeg)
![Falco peregrinus - by Avia Venefica_Flickr [CC BY 2.0]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:p5i4bgztry7v2gxq3a5v5llv/bafkreifghmkfhx7rnwcifjvtbab2j7knlw2tmreizd3rehsou77yq4bsjm@jpeg)
July 28, 2025 at 10:37 AM
Belgium is home to several breeders of CITES-listed birds such as parrots and birds of prey. Some of these species are notoriously difficult to breed in captivity, which has led to illegal practices in the past, such as the collection and raising of eggs or chicks taken from the wild.
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As the summer sun scorches outside, we’ve been diving deep (and cold!) into the freezers; cleaning, curating, and updating to keep these samples ready for the next scientific discovery.
🎥 Curious to see what a frosty day in the lab looks like?
Check out our BTS video!
🤝 @belspo.be
🎥 Curious to see what a frosty day in the lab looks like?
Check out our BTS video!
🤝 @belspo.be
July 18, 2025 at 12:37 PM
As the summer sun scorches outside, we’ve been diving deep (and cold!) into the freezers; cleaning, curating, and updating to keep these samples ready for the next scientific discovery.
🎥 Curious to see what a frosty day in the lab looks like?
Check out our BTS video!
🤝 @belspo.be
🎥 Curious to see what a frosty day in the lab looks like?
Check out our BTS video!
🤝 @belspo.be
This week, @bopco-be.bsky.social helped with the maintenance and reorganization of the Ichthyology tissue collection at the AfricaMuseum, a collection that has been growing for nearly 20 years, alongside the museum’s molecular lab.
July 18, 2025 at 12:37 PM
This week, @bopco-be.bsky.social helped with the maintenance and reorganization of the Ichthyology tissue collection at the AfricaMuseum, a collection that has been growing for nearly 20 years, alongside the museum’s molecular lab.
Each deep freezer can hold over 750 2D barcoded boxes, each packed with 48 individually labelled samples. That’s more than 36,000 biological samples preserved for long-term genetic research! 🧬
But even frozen collections need some tender loving care.
But even frozen collections need some tender loving care.
July 18, 2025 at 12:37 PM
Each deep freezer can hold over 750 2D barcoded boxes, each packed with 48 individually labelled samples. That’s more than 36,000 biological samples preserved for long-term genetic research! 🧬
But even frozen collections need some tender loving care.
But even frozen collections need some tender loving care.
🌞 Feeling the summer heat? Step into the frozen world of science with us, at -80°C! ❄️
Did you know that both the AfricaMuseum and @naturalsciences-be.bsky.social house massive tissue collections stored at -80°C for molecular research?
Did you know that both the AfricaMuseum and @naturalsciences-be.bsky.social house massive tissue collections stored at -80°C for molecular research?
July 18, 2025 at 12:37 PM
🌞 Feeling the summer heat? Step into the frozen world of science with us, at -80°C! ❄️
Did you know that both the AfricaMuseum and @naturalsciences-be.bsky.social house massive tissue collections stored at -80°C for molecular research?
Did you know that both the AfricaMuseum and @naturalsciences-be.bsky.social house massive tissue collections stored at -80°C for molecular research?
🌊 Coral Reefs & Coastal Treasures — Admire, Don't Acquire 🐚
Coral reefs and coastal habitats are some of nature’s most breathtaking wonders. Each year, millions of people go diving or visit these fragile environments, drawn by their vibrant beauty and unique biodiversity.
Coral reefs and coastal habitats are some of nature’s most breathtaking wonders. Each year, millions of people go diving or visit these fragile environments, drawn by their vibrant beauty and unique biodiversity.
![Scleractinia 2 by Gunnar Creutz [CC BY-SA 4.0]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:p5i4bgztry7v2gxq3a5v5llv/bafkreifgu56bh6q73pqzf45wxar6veovsnpbyl3k2tl2xugt4og6xsau54@jpeg)
![Scleractinia by Gunnar Creutz [CC BY-SA 4.0]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:p5i4bgztry7v2gxq3a5v5llv/bafkreidor7nzy3vycryqv4ubmmoufcaaqhsh4rhcpaqxlifihr3tf2bihu@jpeg)
![Scleractinia by Гурьева Светлана [CC BY-SA 4.0]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:p5i4bgztry7v2gxq3a5v5llv/bafkreiar2sjzvxau7mvdp5b37jjh36bbeihnedkdpotrguf63vmyqog7lq@jpeg)
June 25, 2025 at 2:57 PM
🌊 Coral Reefs & Coastal Treasures — Admire, Don't Acquire 🐚
Coral reefs and coastal habitats are some of nature’s most breathtaking wonders. Each year, millions of people go diving or visit these fragile environments, drawn by their vibrant beauty and unique biodiversity.
Coral reefs and coastal habitats are some of nature’s most breathtaking wonders. Each year, millions of people go diving or visit these fragile environments, drawn by their vibrant beauty and unique biodiversity.
Why does this matter? DNA recovered from museum specimens can offer critical genetic insights and it allows us to create reliable reference DNA databases which can be used to accurately identify species, which is needed for pest control, management of invasive alien species and wildlife protection.
June 17, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Why does this matter? DNA recovered from museum specimens can offer critical genetic insights and it allows us to create reliable reference DNA databases which can be used to accurately identify species, which is needed for pest control, management of invasive alien species and wildlife protection.
This week, BopCo has been working with the institute’s vast entomological collections, extracting DNA from insect specimens that are nearly 150 years old! This is done in the “ancient DNA lab”, a special environment designed to handle fragile, historic materials while minimizing contamination.
June 17, 2025 at 1:06 PM
This week, BopCo has been working with the institute’s vast entomological collections, extracting DNA from insect specimens that are nearly 150 years old! This is done in the “ancient DNA lab”, a special environment designed to handle fragile, historic materials while minimizing contamination.
🧬 BopCo is contributing to the development of a reference DNA database of valuable collection specimens!
Did you know that the @naturalsciences-be.bsky.social in Brussels holds one of the 10 largest natural science collections in the world, with approximately 38 million specimens?
Did you know that the @naturalsciences-be.bsky.social in Brussels holds one of the 10 largest natural science collections in the world, with approximately 38 million specimens?
June 17, 2025 at 1:06 PM
🧬 BopCo is contributing to the development of a reference DNA database of valuable collection specimens!
Did you know that the @naturalsciences-be.bsky.social in Brussels holds one of the 10 largest natural science collections in the world, with approximately 38 million specimens?
Did you know that the @naturalsciences-be.bsky.social in Brussels holds one of the 10 largest natural science collections in the world, with approximately 38 million specimens?
A huge thank you to all the involved students for their creativity, dedication, and collaboration. Your work will make science more accessible and engaging for all our visitors! 💡🧪
May 23, 2025 at 12:48 PM
A huge thank you to all the involved students for their creativity, dedication, and collaboration. Your work will make science more accessible and engaging for all our visitors! 💡🧪
🧬 One group created an infographic to help explain environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis to visitors of our molecular laboratories at the @naturalsciences-be.bsky.social and the Royal Museum for Central Africa
📜 Another group gave our old BopCo flyer a well-deserved update.
📜 Another group gave our old BopCo flyer a well-deserved update.
May 23, 2025 at 12:48 PM
🧬 One group created an infographic to help explain environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis to visitors of our molecular laboratories at the @naturalsciences-be.bsky.social and the Royal Museum for Central Africa
📜 Another group gave our old BopCo flyer a well-deserved update.
📜 Another group gave our old BopCo flyer a well-deserved update.
🙌 Two groups of talented students at @kuleuvenuniversity.bsky.social have recently supported BopCo in bringing our science closer to the public!
These group projects were part of a course on Science Communication & Outreach.
These group projects were part of a course on Science Communication & Outreach.
May 23, 2025 at 12:48 PM
🙌 Two groups of talented students at @kuleuvenuniversity.bsky.social have recently supported BopCo in bringing our science closer to the public!
These group projects were part of a course on Science Communication & Outreach.
These group projects were part of a course on Science Communication & Outreach.
🧬 Close examination of the tubes in the wood yielded numerous valves and pallets whose morphology strongly suggested that we were dealing with the notorious Teredo navalis. In collaboration with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, BopCo is now attempting to confirm this identification via DNA analysis.
April 30, 2025 at 10:11 AM
🧬 Close examination of the tubes in the wood yielded numerous valves and pallets whose morphology strongly suggested that we were dealing with the notorious Teredo navalis. In collaboration with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, BopCo is now attempting to confirm this identification via DNA analysis.
🔍 While shipworms (Teredinidae) might resemble worms, they’re actually molluscs — long-bodied, “naked” bivalves that bore into submerged wood using tiny, sharp calcitic valves at the front edge of their body.
April 30, 2025 at 10:11 AM
🔍 While shipworms (Teredinidae) might resemble worms, they’re actually molluscs — long-bodied, “naked” bivalves that bore into submerged wood using tiny, sharp calcitic valves at the front edge of their body.