Sex ratio distortion in the Nesolynx thymus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), an ecto-pupal parasitoid of uzifly, Exorista sorbillans (Diptera: Tachinidae)
The reproductive alterations induced by maternally inherited α-proteo-bacteria Wolbachia to their hosts is a well-documented phenomenon. In Nesolynx thymus, a gregarious hymenopterous ecto-pupal parasitoid of the uzifly, Exorista sorbillans, diagnostic PCR assay using specific primers revealed the p...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Science
2014-10-01
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| Series: | European Journal of Entomology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.eje.cz/artkey/eje-201404-0001_Sex_ratio_distortion_in_the_Nesolynx_thymus_Hymenoptera_Eulophidae_an_ecto-pupal_parasitoid_of_uzifly_Exor.php |
| Summary: | The reproductive alterations induced by maternally inherited α-proteo-bacteria Wolbachia to their hosts is a well-documented phenomenon. In Nesolynx thymus, a gregarious hymenopterous ecto-pupal parasitoid of the uzifly, Exorista sorbillans, diagnostic PCR assay using specific primers revealed the presence of Wolbachia. Following genetic crossing experiments, we observed a female biased sex ratio of 1 : 9.5 at 25°C and 1 : 3 male to female ratio when the populations were exposed to heat shock 33°C for six hours. Furthermore, we found infection polymorphism, where female parasitoids are infected by Wolbachia but males are not infected. Infected eggs develop into females, whereas uninfected eggs develop parthenogenetically into males. The results are discussed in the context of the possible mechanism of sex-ratio bias caused by Wolbachia. |
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| ISSN: | 1210-5759 1802-8829 |