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Microbial community of predatory bugs of the genus Macrolophus (Hemiptera: Miridae)

Thijs Machtelinckx, Thomas Van Leeuwen, Tom Van De Wiele

    BMC Microbiology
    |March 2, 2012
    PubMed
    Abstract

    Insights

    Predatory mirid bugs, Macrolophus caliginosus and Macrolophus pygmaeus, commonly used in biological control, harbor multiple endosymbiotic bacteria, including Wolbachia and Rickettsia. These infections do not appear to negatively impact the bugs' development or reproduction.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Entomology
    • Biological Control

    Background:

    • Predatory mirid bugs (Macrolophus spp.) are vital natural enemies for agricultural pest control in greenhouses.
    • Macrolophus pygmaeus is known to host Wolbachia, but the presence of other endosymbionts remains largely uncharacterized.
    • This study investigates the microbial diversity within M. caliginosus and M. pygmaeus populations.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To identify and characterize the endosymbiotic bacteria present in Macrolophus caliginosus and Macrolophus pygmaeus.
    • To determine the transmission patterns and potential fitness effects of these endosymbionts on their insect hosts.

    Main Methods:

    • 16S rRNA gene sequencing and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) were employed to assess microbial diversity.
    • Phylogenetic analysis using concatenated 16S rRNA, gltA, and coxA genes identified bacterial species.
    • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) confirmed endosymbiont presence and localization.

    Main Results:

    • All examined Macrolophus populations were infected with multiple endosymbionts, primarily Wolbachia and Rickettsia species.
    • M. pygmaeus harbored two Rickettsia species (one bellii-like, one limoniae-like), while M. caliginosus hosted Wolbachia and the limoniae-like Rickettsia.
    • Endosymbionts were vertically transmitted and showed no significant negative impact on nymphal development or fecundity in M. pygmaeus.

    Conclusions:

    • Macrolophus caliginosus and M. pygmaeus are consistently infected with multiple bacterial endosymbionts, including Wolbachia and Rickettsia.
    • The identified endosymbionts are vertically transmitted from parent to offspring.
    • Endosymbiotic infections do not impose a discernible fitness cost on these important biological control agents.

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