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

Abstract

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.