Wolbachia of phylogenetic supergroup E identified in oribatid mite Gustavia microcephala (Acari: Oribatida)

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Arthropod Biology
• Evolutionary Biology

Background:

• Heritable endosymbionts, like Wolbachia, are known in arthropods and nematodes.
• Wolbachia presence in oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) was previously noted but not phylogenetically classified.
• Oribatid mites exhibit unique reproductive strategies, making them interesting hosts for symbiont research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the occurrence and phylogenetic placement of endosymbiotic microorganisms in oribatid mites.
• To report the first identification of Wolbachia in the oribatid mite Gustavia microcephala.
• To explore the evolutionary relationship between Wolbachia from oribatid mites and other invertebrate hosts.

Main Methods:

• Genetic sequencing of 16S rDNA, gltA, and ftsZ genes from the endosymbiont.
• Phylogenetic analysis using single gene and concatenated gene alignments.
• Comparison of bacterial sequences with known Wolbachia strains from other arthropods.

Main Results:

• Wolbachia was identified in Gustavia microcephala.
• The endosymbiont sequences showed highest similarity to Wolbachia strains found in Collembola.
• Phylogenetic analysis placed the G. microcephala Wolbachia within supergroup E, closely related to Collembola strains.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first phylogenetic placement of Wolbachia in oribatid mites.
• The findings suggest a potential evolutionary link and horizontal gene transfer between Wolbachia in oribatid mites and Collembola.
• Further research is warranted to understand the implications of this symbiosis on mite biology and evolution.