EVOLUTION OF ASEXUALITY VIA DIFFERENT MECHANISMS IN GRASS THRIPS (THYSANOPTERA:Aptinothrips)

摘要: Asexual lineages can derive from sexual ancestors via different mechanisms and at variable rates, which affects the diversity of asexual population thereby its ecological success. We investigated variation evolution reproductive systems in Aptinothrips, a genus grass thrips comprising four species. Extensive surveys breeding experiments indicated reproduction A. elegans, asexuality stylifer karnyi, both rufus. Asexuality rufus coincides with worldwide distribution, confined to limited area. Inference molecular phylogenies antibiotic treatment revealed causes karnyi has most likely genetic causes, while it is induced by endosymbionts Endosymbiont-community characterization presence Wolbachia, lack other bacteria known manipulate host reproduction. However, only 69% females are Wolbachia-infected, indicating that either an undescribed endosymbiont this species or Wolbachia was lost several remained asexual. These results open new perspectives for studies on maintenance mixed natural populations.