Variable prevalence of protective Spiroplasma infection over time in two natural populations of Drosophila hydei

Abstract

The temporal dynamics of protective symbionts have rarely been characterized outside of aphid hosts. Here, we determine the prevalence of Spiroplasma in two populations of D. hydei where Spiroplasma infection had been previously recorded (UK and Japan). We observe that infection in both populations is variable over time and confirm the persistence of Spiroplasma in the UK population for 9 years. Thus, variable prevalence over time appears to be a common feature of these symbioses.