Invasive ants carry novel viruses in their new range and form reservoirs for a honeybee pathogen

Biol Lett. 2015 Sep;11(9):20150610. doi: 10.1098/rsbl.2015.0610.

Abstract

When exotic animal species invade new environments they also bring an often unknown microbial diversity, including pathogens. We describe a novel and widely distributed virus in one of the most globally widespread, abundant and damaging invasive ants (Argentine ants, Linepithema humile). The Linepithema humile virus 1 is a dicistrovirus, a viral family including species known to cause widespread arthropod disease. It was detected in samples from Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. Argentine ants in New Zealand were also infected with a strain of Deformed wing virus common to local hymenopteran species, which is a major pathogen widely associated with honeybee mortality. Evidence for active replication of viral RNA was apparent for both viruses. Our results suggest co-introduction and exchange of pathogens within local hymenopteran communities. These viral species may contribute to the collapse of Argentine ant populations and offer new options for the control of a globally widespread invader.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ants / virology*
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Bees / virology
  • Insect Viruses / classification
  • Insect Viruses / genetics
  • Insect Viruses / isolation & purification*
  • Introduced Species*
  • Metagenomics
  • New Zealand
  • Picornaviridae / classification
  • Picornaviridae / genetics
  • Picornaviridae / isolation & purification*
  • RNA, Viral / classification
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • RNA, Viral / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • RNA, Viral