Abstract
Wolbachia are cytoplasmically inherited endosymbionts known to cause several reproductive alterations in insects which allow their spread in host populations. In the Uzifly Exorista sorbillans, endoparasites of silkworms, the prevalence of Wolbachia is high in the field. In the present study, we investigated Wolbachia’s effects on the Uzifly fitness traits by measuring fecundity and hatching rate in crosses involving infected and cured individuals. We found evidence for positive fitness effects associated with Wolbachia infection in females which could help promote the spread of Wolbachia in E. sorbillans populations. We tested two types of treatments for removing Wolbachia, antibiotic therapy and high temperature treatment and found an influence on the reproduction: females treated by antibiotics have a lower fecundity than females cured by high temperature which could indicate a negative effect of the antibiotherapy on females’ fitness. Furthermore, the monitoring of the Uzifly populations during 2 years revealed seasonal variations of the offspring production which may be linked to temperature.
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