'Candidatus Streptomyces philanthi', an endosymbiotic streptomycete in the antennae of Philanthus digger wasps.
Symbiotic interactions with bacteria are essential for the survival and reproduction of many insects. The European beewolf (Philanthus triangulum, Hymenoptera, Crabronidae) engages in a highly specific association with bacteria of the genus Streptomyces that appears to protect beewolf offspring against infection by pathogens. Using transmission and scanning electron microscopy, the bacteria were located in the antennal glands of female wasps, where they form dense cell clusters. Using genetic methods, closely related streptomycetes were found in the antennae of 27 Philanthus species (including two subspecies of P. triangulum from distant localities). In contrast, no endosymbionts could be detected in the antennae of other genera within the subfamily Philanthinae (Aphilanthops, Clypeadon and Cerceris). On the basis of morphological, genetic and ecological data, 'Candidatus Streptomyces philanthi' is proposed. 16S rRNA gene sequence data are provided for 28 ecotypes of 'Candidatus Streptomyces philanthi' that reside in different host species and subspecies of the genus Philanthus. Primers for the selective amplification of 'Candidatus Streptomyces philanthi' and an oligonucleotide probe for specific detection by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) are described.
Kaltenpoth
Martin
M
University of Würzburg, Department for Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany.
Goettler
Wolfgang
W
University of Regensburg, Department of Zoology, D-93040 Regensburg, Germany.|University of Würzburg, Department for Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany.
Dale
Colin
C
University of Utah, Department of Biology, 257 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
Stubblefield
J William
JW
Fresh Pond Research Institute, 173 Harvey Street, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA.
Herzner
Gudrun
G
University of Regensburg, Department of Zoology, D-93040 Regensburg, Germany.
Roeser-Mueller
Kerstin
K
University of Würzburg, Department for Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany.
Strohm
Erhard
E
University of Regensburg, Department of Zoology, D-93040 Regensburg, Germany.
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D005843:Geography; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010802:Phylogeny; D013302:Streptomyces / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013306:Streptomycetaceae / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013559:Symbiosis; D014863:Wasps / Q000382:microbiology*