Abstract
The infamous “master manipulators” – intracellular bacteria from the
genus Wolbachia – infect a broad range of phylogenetically diverse
hosts in terrestrial ecosystems. Wolbachia have important impacts on the
ecology and evolution of their hosts with documented effects including
induced parthenogenesis, male killing, feminization, and cytoplasmic
incompatibility. On the other hand, data on Wolbachia infection in
non-terrestrial invertebrates is scarce. Sampling bias and
methodological limitations are among the reasons we are unable to detect
these bacteria in aquatic organisms. Here we presented a metabarcoding
method to detect the co-occurrence of different Wolbachia strains in
new, to science, host species: water bears (Tardigrada), freshwater
arthropods, and mollusks. In addition, we describe a new Wolbachia
strain (supergroup V) and identify a very widespread supergroup A. This
supergroup could indicate transinfection and Wolbachia abilities to
switch hosts within new environmental conditions, and between hosts that
are ecologically connected. Future research should focus on ecological
and evolutionary relationships between a new host species and the
“master manipulator”.