Variable prevalence of protectiveSpiroplasmainfection over time in two natural populations ofDrosophila hydei

Abstract

AbstractThe temporal dynamics of protective symbionts have rarely been characterized outside of aphid hosts. Here, we determine the prevalence ofSpiroplasmain two populations ofD. hydeiwhereSpiroplasmainfection had been previously recorded (UK and Japan). We observe that infection in both populations is variable over time and confirm the persistence ofSpiroplasmain the UK population for 9 years. Thus, variable prevalence over time appears to be a common feature of these symbioses.