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Pervasive Effects of Wolbachia on Host Temperature Preference
Michael T J Hague1, Chelsey N Caldwell2, Brandon S Cooper2
1Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA michael.hague@mso.umt.edu.
Mbio
|October 7, 2020
Summary
The bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia significantly alters host behavior, with most infected Drosophila preferring cooler temperatures. These behavioral changes may promote Wolbachia replication, impacting insect thermoregulation and physiology.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Evolutionary Biology
- Insect-Microbe Interactions
- Behavioral Ecology
Background:
- Heritable symbionts, such as Wolbachia, are widespread in insects and can modify host traits.
- Wolbachia is known to influence host reproduction, nutrient acquisition, and virus susceptibility.
- The impact of Wolbachia on host behavior, particularly temperature preference, is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that Wolbachia modifies host behavior.
- To assess the effects of eight different Wolbachia strains on the temperature preference of six Drosophila melanogaster subgroup species.
- To understand the implications of Wolbachia-induced behavioral changes for bacterial replication and host physiology.
Main Methods:
- Tested the temperature preference of six Drosophila species infected with eight different Wolbachia strains.
- Compared temperature preference between infected and uninfected host genotypes.
- Measured Wolbachia titer in host tissues under different temperature conditions.
Main Results:
- Four of seven host genotypes infected with A-group Wolbachia strains showed a preference for cooler temperatures.
- One host species infected with a B-group Wolbachia strain (wMau) preferred warmer temperatures.
- Changes in temperature preference generally did not alter Wolbachia titer, but some A-group strains showed increased titer in males at cooler temperatures.
Conclusions:
- Wolbachia significantly modifies host temperature preference across multiple Drosophila species.
- Wolbachia-induced behavioral changes, particularly seeking cooler environments, may facilitate bacterial replication.
- These findings highlight the pervasive influence of endosymbionts on host physiology and behavior, with implications for insect thermoregulation and the spread of Wolbachia.
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