Spiroplasma velocicrescens sp. nov., from the vespid wasp Monobia quadridens

Spiroplasma strain MQ-4T (T = type strain), which was isolated from the hemolymph of the vespid wasp Monobia quadridens, was serologically distinct from other spiroplasma species, groups, putative groups, and subgroups. Each strain MQ-4T cell was helical and motile and was surrounded by a single cytoplasmic membrane; there was no evidence of a cell wall. The strain grew well in 1% serum fraction medium, as well as in SM-1, M1D, and SP-4 liquid media, under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Strain MQ-4T grew at temperatures ranging from 10 to 41 degrees C but did not grow at 43 degrees C. The strain grew optimally at 37 degrees C with a doubling time of 0.6 h, the shortest doubling time recorded for any spiroplasma. Strain MQ-4T catabolized glucose and arginine but did not hydrolyze urea. The guanine-plus-cytosine content of the DNA was about 27.5 +/- 1 mol%. The genome size was 1,480 kbp (940 MDa). Strain MQ-4 (= ATCC 35262) is designated the type strain of a new species, Spiroplasma velocicrescens.