Induced hybrid sterility by injection of streptococcal L-forms into Drosophila paulistorum: dynamics of infection

Abstract

Intracellular symbionts are common among insects, and all semispecies of the neotropical Drosophila paulistorum complex contain them. Symbionts of D. paulistorum, identified as group D streptococcal L-forms (cell wall deficient), are involved in male sterility that results from crosses between semispecies. This is one of three reproductive isolating mechanisms that maintain the six semispecies. When extracts of Mesitas strain of the Andean-Brazilian semispecies are injected into females of the Santa Marta strain of the Transitional semispecies, the females, mated with Santa Marta males, produce male progeny that are sterile.