New Strains of Wolbachia Unveiling the Complexity of This Symbiotic Interaction in Solenopsis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Bacteria of the genus Wolbachia are widely distributed in arthropods, particularly ants; nevertheless, it is still little explored with Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST) methodology, especially Solenopsis, which includes species native to South America. Ants from this have a cosmopolitan way some them being In Brazil, they spread and preferentially associated areas human activity. This study aimed investigate diversity ants Solenopsis through MLST approach their phylogenetic relationship, including relationship between mtDNA host related strain. We also tested geographic correlation strains infer transmission distributional patterns. Fifteen new eleven previously unknown alleles were obtained by sequencing analyzing five genes that make up MLST. The showed polyphyletic pattern, indicative complexity evolutionary history these bacteria analyzed species. detected host’s mitochondrial DNA imply exist hosts, strongly suggesting occurrence vertical transfer. found no specificity strain for given region could indicate either there horizontal transfer environment or action be shuffling distribution endosymbiont Wolbachia, as well. Our highlights novelty specific group need further studies focus on understanding intricate relationship.