DNA from museum samples of a parasitoid wasp genus (Braconidae: Syntretus) offers novel insights into host†parasitoid interactions.
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Insect_Conserv_Diversity_-_2025_-_Folly_-_DNA_from_museum_samples_of_a_parasitoid_wasp_genus__Braconidae__Syntretus__offers__1_.pdf
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Resource type
Journal article
Date published
May 2025
Abstract
1. Parasitoid wasps are a large group of species-rich superfamilies within the order
Hymenoptera which form an essential part of terrestrial ecosystems. Many species
hold additional value as natural enemies of agricultural pests. Considering their ecological
and economic importance, it is perhaps surprising that a significant proportion
of these insects are understudied.
2. Here we focus on one genus of parasitoid wasp, Syntretus, due to its parasitism of
short-haired bumblebee (Bombus subterraneus) queens from Sweden, investigated
as part of a reintroduction programme in the United Kingdom (UK).
3. We used a genome-skimming approach to recover mitochondrial and nuclear DNA
from single legs of Syntretus museum specimens, to elucidate the metagenomic
content of archival samples and assess their suitability for use in phylogenetic analysis.
Utilising 6.7 kb of genomic DNA, we recovered two clades within Syntretus, a
possible consequence of host choice.
4. Our analyses also recovered commensal polydnavirus sequences, which is the first
time this endogenous virus has been identified in this parasitoid genus. These commensal
virions are likely used by egg-laying female Syntretus to circumnavigate host
immune responses so that larvae can develop. Our polydnavirus Bayesian phylogeny suggests that the viral genomes may have different evolutionary histories
to their Syntretus hosts, which we infer from the lack of support for cospeciation
in this symbiosis.
5. Finally, we elucidate a novel host-parasitoid relationship by identifying that
S. politus parasitises B. subterraneus in Sweden. Combined, our results demonstrate
the value of museum collections in undertaking detailed host-parasitoid studies,
which can, in turn, inform conservation strategies.
Funder
| Funder name | Awards |
Natural England | |
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council | |
Natural Environment Research Council | |
Journal title
Insect Conservation and Diversity
Volume
18
Publisher
Wiley
Place of publication
UK
ISSN
1752-458X
eISSN
1752-4598
Date accepted
December 13, 2024
Official URL
Rights statement
In Copyright