Wolbachia infection in the Loxoblemmus complex (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) in Korea

Abstract

The Wolbachia bacterium is one of the most prevalent intracellular symbionts of invertebrates, particularly insects. This bacterium induces four distinct reproductive anomalies such as cytoplasmic incompatibility, feminization, male killing, and parthenogenesis of its hosts. Here we report that three closely related cricket species, Loxoblemmus doenitzi, L. campestris, and L. equestris can become infected with Wolbachia. Based on the 16s rRNA sequences, all three species were single infections. However, Wolbachia infecting L. campestris showed diverse Wolbachia surface protein gene sequences resembling multiple infections. In addition, all Wolbachia strains in the three host species harbored the Wolbachia specific bacteriophage. © 2012 Korean Society of Applied Entomology, Taiwan Entomological Society and Malaysian Plant Protection Society.