Electron microscopical evidence of a vertically transmitted Wolbachia-likeparasite in the parthenogenetic, stored-product pest Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel (Psocoptera)

Electron microscopical investigations of the reproductive system of the com mon domestic pest, Liposcelis bostrychophila show the presence of dense con centrations of small bacterial inclusions. These rickettsial bacteria are t entatively identified as Wolbachia, a genus found infecting a number of oth er insect groups where it is implicated in changes in reproductive function . In L. bostrychophila reproduction is parthenogenetic, a state known in ot her insect groups to result from Wolbachia infection. Closely related bisex ual liposcelids do not harbour the bacterium. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd . All rights reserved.