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Rickettsia association with two Macrolophus (Heteroptera: Miridae) species: A comparative study of phylogenies and

Maria Dally1,2, Yehuda Izraeli2,3, Eduard Belausov4

  • 1Department of Entomology, RH Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|March 13, 2023
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated Rickettsia bacteria in Macrolophus bugs, important biocontrol agents. Results suggest these Rickettsia symbionts may influence the nutritional ecology of these predatory and plant-feeding insects.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Entomology
  • Ecology

Background:

  • Arthropods frequently host bacterial symbionts that can impact host nutrition and diet.
  • The omnivorous bugs Macrolophus pygmaeus and Macrolophus melanotoma are key biological control agents that harbor Rickettsia bellii and Rickettsia limoniae.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the abundance, phylogeny, and distribution of Rickettsia bellii and Rickettsia limoniae in Macrolophus pygmaeus and Macrolophus melanotoma.
  • To explore the potential role of these bacterial symbionts in the nutritional ecology of these biocontrol agents.

Main Methods:

  • Bacterial abundance and distribution were assessed in Macrolophus bug populations.
  • Phylogenetic analysis was performed to understand the evolutionary relationship between Rickettsia and Macrolophus.
  • Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to localize Rickettsia species within host tissues, including gonads and the digestive system.

Main Results:

  • Both Rickettsia species were highly prevalent in M. pygmaeus (100%) and M. melanotoma (84%).
  • Phylogenetic analysis indicated infrequent co-evolution between Macrolophus and Rickettsia.
  • Rickettsia species exhibited distinct distribution patterns within the digestive system, Malpighian tubules, and salivary glands, varying between the two Macrolophus species.

Conclusions:

  • Rickettsia bellii and Rickettsia limoniae are widespread symbionts in Macrolophus bugs.
  • The unique distribution patterns of Rickettsia within their hosts suggest a potential role in host nutritional ecology.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms by which Rickettsia influences the diet and nutrition of these biocontrol agents.
Keywords:
FISHMacrolophus melanotomaMacrolophus pygmaeusRickettsia belliiRickettsia limoniaeomnivory

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