Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Detecting Wolbachia Strain wAlbB in Aedes albopictus Cell Lines
Published on: June 1, 2022
Wolbachia-induced parthenogenesis in a genus of phytophagous mites
1Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Kruislaan 320, 1098 SM Amsterdam, The Netherlands. andrew.weeks@sci.monash.edu.au
Abstract:
The vertically transmitted endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia modifies host reproduction in several ways in order to enhance its own spread. One such modification results in the induction of parthenogenesis, where males, which are unable to transmit Wolbachia, are not produced. Interestingly, parthenogenesis-inducing Wolbachia have only been found within haplodiploid insects and it is not known whether this exclusivity is the result of functional constraints of Wolbachia. Here we find a unique pattern of Wolbachia infection that is associated with parthenogenesis in six species within the phytophagous mite genus Bryobia. Through antibiotic treatment we show that, in two species, Bryobia praetiosa and an unidentified species, the Wolbachia infection is strictly associated with parthenogenesis. Microsatellite loci show the mechanism of parthenogenesis to be functionally apomictic and not gamete duplication, with progeny identical to their infected mother. Crossing experiments within B. praetiosa showed no evidence of sexual reproduction. These results are discussed with reference to the distribution of parthenogenesis-inducing Wolbachia and the diversification of the Bryobia genus.
Insights
The endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia induces parthenogenesis in Bryobia mites, a novel finding outside of insects. This bacterial manipulation of host reproduction ensures its own transmission through generations.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Entomology
Background:
- Wolbachia, an endosymbiotic bacterium, manipulates host reproduction to enhance its transmission.
- Parthenogenesis induction by Wolbachia has been exclusively observed in haplodiploid insects.
- The functional constraints limiting Wolbachia to insects for parthenogenesis induction remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Wolbachia infection and parthenogenesis in the phytophagous mite genus Bryobia.
- To determine if Wolbachia is the causative agent of parthenogenesis in Bryobia mites.
- To elucidate the mechanism of parthenogenesis in infected Bryobia species.
Main Methods:
- Antibiotic treatment to eliminate Wolbachia infection in Bryobia mites.
- Microsatellite loci analysis to determine the mode of parthenogenesis.
- Crossing experiments to assess sexual reproduction capabilities.
Main Results:
- A unique pattern of Wolbachia infection associated with parthenogenesis was identified in six Bryobia species.
- Antibiotic treatment confirmed Wolbachia's strict association with parthenogenesis in two species.
- Microsatellite data revealed functionally apomictic parthenogenesis, producing genetically identical offspring.
Conclusions:
- Wolbachia can induce parthenogenesis in mites, expanding its known host range beyond insects.
- This finding challenges previous assumptions about the functional constraints of parthenogenesis-inducing Wolbachia.
- The study provides insights into Wolbachia-driven reproductive manipulation and its role in host diversification.
