Rectal bacteria produce sex pheromones in the male oriental fruit fly

Abstract

In recent decades, a growing body of literature has indicated that microbial symbionts of insects can modulate their hosts chemical profiles and mate choice decisions. However, there is currently little direct evidence indicate that insect pheromones can be produced by symbionts. Using Bactrocera dorsalis as a model system, we demonstrate that Bacillus sp. in the rectum of male B. dorsalis plays a pivotal role in sex pheromones production. We demonstrate that 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine (TMP) and 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine (TTMP) are sex pheromones produced in the male rectums. Mature virgin females can be strongly attracted by TMP and TTMP. TMP and TTMP contents in male rectums can be decreased when rectal bacteria are inhibited with antibiotics. Moreover, Bacillus sp. isolated from male rectum can produce TMP and TTMP when providing with substrates-glucose and threonine, for which the contents are significantly higher in rectums of mature males. These findings highlight the influence of microbial symbionts on insect pheromones and provide an example of direct bacterial production of pheromones in insects.