title: In vitro cultivation of the hymenoptera genetic model, Nasonia.
abstract: The wasp genus Nasonia is a genetic model with unique advantages for the study of interspecific differences, including haplodiploidy and interfertile species. However, as a parasitoid, Nasonia is confined within a fly host, thus restricting direct observations and manipulation of development over time. Here, we present the first in vitro cultivation method for this system that decouples Nasonia from its host, allowing continuous observations from embryo to adulthood. Using transwell plates and a simple Nasonia rearing medium, we demonstrate a technique that will significantly expand the utility of the Nasonia model.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America. bruckerm@gmail.com
authors.forename: Robert M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Brucker
authors.forename: Seth R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Bordenstein
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004068:Digestive System Physiological Phenomena; D007814:Larva / Q000502:physiology; D023421:Models, Animal; D008957:Models, Genetic; D010528:Peristalsis; D046509:Tissue Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D014862:Wasp Venoms; D014863:Wasps / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development*
chemical_list: D014862:Wasp Venoms