Abstract

Vertically transmitted bacterial symbionts are common in arthropods. However, estimates of their incidence and diversity are based on studies that test for a single bacterial genus and often only include small samples of each host species. Focussing on ladybird beetles, we collected large samples from 21 species and tested them for four different bacterial symbionts. Over half the species were infected, and there were often multiple symbionts in the same population. In most cases, more females than males were infected, suggesting that the symbionts may be sex ratio distorters. Many of these infections would have been missed in previous studies as they only infect a small proportion of the population. Furthermore, 11 out of the 17 symbionts discovered by us were either in the genus Rickettsia or Spiroplasma, which are rarely sampled. Our results suggest that the true incidence and diversity of bacterial symbionts in insects may be far greater than previously thought.

Highlights

  • Symbiotic bacteria that are transmitted vertically from mother to offspring are common among arthropods

  • We investigated the diversity of bacterial symbionts in ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae)

  • Rickettsia, Wolbachia and Spiroplasma bacteria are all common among ladybirds. This is the first time that the incidence of Spiroplasma, Rickettsia or Flavobacteria in insects has been studied extensively, and our results suggest that some of these neglected groups of symbionts may be as common as Wolbachia

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Summary

Evolutionary biology

Are we underestimating the diversity and incidence of insect bacterial symbionts? A case study in ladybird beetles. Are we underestimating the diversity and incidence of insect bacterial symbionts? Transmitted bacterial symbionts are common in arthropods. Estimates of their incidence and diversity are based on studies that test for a single bacterial genus and often only include small samples of each host species. We collected large samples from 21 species and tested them for four different bacterial symbionts. More females than males were infected, suggesting that the symbionts may be sex ratio distorters. Many of these infections would have been missed in previous studies as they only infect a small proportion of the population.

INTRODUCTION
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Spiroplasma uninfected Rickettsia Rickettsia Wolbachia
Findings
DISCUSSION
Full Text
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