The vertically transmitted endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia modifies host
reproduction in several ways in order to enhance its own spread. One such m
odification results in the induction of parthenogenesis, where males, which
are unable to transmit Wolbachia, are not produced. Interestingly, parthen
ogenesis-inducing Wolbachia have only been found within haplodiploid insect
s and it is not known whether this exclusivity is the result of functional
constraints of Wolbachia. Here we find a unique pattern of Wolbachia infect
ion that is associated with parthenogenesis in six species within the phyto
phagous mite genus Brvobia. Through antibiotic treatment we show that, in t
wo species, BrYobia praetiosa and an unidentified species, the Wolbachia in
fection is strictly associated with parthenogenesis. Microsatellite loci sh
ow the mechanism of parthenogenesis to be functionally apomictic and not ga
mete duplication, with progeny identical to their infected mother. Crossing
experiments within B. praetiosa showed no evidence of sexual reproduction.
These results are discussed with reference to the distribution of partheno
genesis-inducing Wolbachia and the diversification of the Bryobia genus.