The confounding effects of hybridization on phylogenetic estimation in the New Zealand cicada genus Kikihia

Vailionis

Stukel

et al. 2021

Preprint

Self Cite

Host-microbe interactions influence eukaryotic evolution, particularly in the sap-sucking insects that often rely on obligate microbial symbionts to provision deficient nutrients in their diets. Cicadas (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadidae) specialize on xylem fluid and derive many essential amino acids and vitamins from intracellular bacteria or fungi (Hodgkinia, Sulcia, and Ophiocordyceps) that are propagated via transmission from mothers to offspring. Despite the beneficial role of these symbionts in nutrient provisioning, they are generally not considered to function within the gut where microbiota may play an important dietary role during insect diversification. Here, we investigate the relative impact of host phylogeny and ecology on gut microbial diversity in cicadas by sequencing 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicons from 197 wild-collected cicadas and new mitochondrial genomes across 38 New Zealand cicada species, including natural hybrids between one species pair. We find a lack of phylogenetic structure and hybrid effects but a significant role of elevation in explaining variation in gut microbiota. Additionally, we provide evidence of Hodgkinia loss with gains of Ophiocordyceps fungal pathogens in all New Zealand cicadas examined that suggests convergent domestications of fungal pathogens. This highlights the macroevolutionary instability of obligate symbiosis and the relative importance of ecology rather than phylogeny for structuring gut microbial diversity in cicadas.

“…S11 at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.16416720.v1). This is not surprising given evidence for extensive hybridization (including mtDNA capture) in this group (50,79).…”

Section: New Zealand Cicada Mitochondrial Phylogeny Compared To Previous Studies With Much Less Datamentioning

confidence: 82%

Host-associated microbial diversity in New Zealand cicadas uncovers elevational structure and replacement of obligate bacterial endosymbionts byOphiocordycepsfungal pathogens

Vailionis

Stukel

et al. 2021

Preprint

Self Cite

“…Relationships among Kikihia match those of previous mitochondrial phylogenies, including a lack of resolution among some clades despite seven times more data. This is not surprising given evidence for rapid radiation and extensive hybridization (including mtDNA capture) in this group 44,74 . Bacterial communities in other cicada genera-Magicicada, Caledopsalta, Neotibicen, and Platypedia-cluster haphazardly among the NZ cicadas (Fig.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 88%

Lack of host phylogenetic structure in the gut bacterial communities of New Zealand cicadas and their interspecific hybrids

Vailionis

Stukel

et al. 2022

Sci Rep

Self Cite

Host-microbe interactions are intimately linked to eukaryotic evolution, particularly in sap-sucking insects that often rely on obligate microbial symbionts for nutrient provisioning. Cicadas (Cicadidae: Auchenorrhyncha) specialize on xylem fluid and derive many essential amino acids and vitamins from intracellular bacteria or fungi (Hodgkinia, Sulcia, and Ophiocordyceps) that are propagated via transmission from mothers to offspring. Despite the beneficial role of these non-gut symbionts in nutrient provisioning, the role of beneficial microbiota within the gut remains unclear. Here, we investigate the relative abundance and impact of host phylogeny and ecology on gut microbial diversity in cicadas using 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing data from 197 wild-collected cicadas and new mitochondrial genomes across 38 New Zealand cicada species, including natural hybrids between one pair of two species. We find low abundance and a lack of phylogenetic structure and hybrid effects but a significant role of elevation in explaining variation in gut microbiota.

Section: Lack Of Stable Microbial Communities In New Zealand Cicadasmentioning

confidence: 88%

Correlates of host-associated bacterial diversity in New Zealand cicadas and hybrids

Vailionis²,

Stukel³

et al. 2022

Preprint

Self Cite

Host-microbe interactions are intimately linked to eukaryotic evolution, particularly in sap-sucking insects that often rely on obligate microbial symbionts for nutrient provisioning. Cicadas (Cicadidae: Auchenorrhyncha) specialize on xylem fluid and derive many essential amino acids and vitamins from intracellular bacteria or fungi (Hodgkinia, Sulcia, and Ophiocordyceps) that are propagated via transmission from mothers to offspring. Despite the beneficial role of these symbionts in nutrient provisioning, they are generally not considered to function within the gut where microbiota may play dietary roles. Here, we investigate the relative abundance and impact of host phylogeny and ecology on gut microbial diversity in cicadas using 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequencing data from 197 wild-collected cicadas and new mitochondrial genomes across 38 New Zealand cicada species, including natural hybrids between one species pair. We find low abundance and a lack of phylogenetic structure and hybrid effects but a significant role of elevation in explaining variation in gut microbiota.