Unveiling the Microbiome Diversity in Telenomus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) Parasitoid Wasps

Abstract

Bacterial symbionts in insects constitute a key factor for the survival of the host due to the benefits they provide. Parasitoid wasps are closely associated with viruses, bacteria, and fungi. However, the primary symbionts and their functions are not yet known. This study was undertaken to determine the gut microbiota of six species of the Telenomus genus: T. alecto (Crawford), T. sulculus Johnson, T. fariai Costa Lima, T. remus Nixon, T. podisi Ashmead, and T. lobatus Johnson & Bin. Wasp parasitoids were collected from their hosts in different locations in Mexico. DNA was extracted from gut collection, and sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA was carried out in Illumina® MiSeq™. Among the six species of wasps, results showed that the most abundant phylum were Proteobacteria (82.3%), Actinobacteria (8.1%), and Firmicutes (7.8%). The most important genera were Delftia and Enterobacter. Seventeen bacteria species were found to be shared among the six species of wasps. The associate microbiota will help to understand the physiology of Telenomus to promote the use of these wasp parasitoids in the management of insect pests and as potential biomarkers to target new strategies to control pests.