The hidden host diversity of Torix Rickettsia
Overall, novel Torix hosts detected from all three screening methods
included taxa from the orders Gastropoda, Trichoptera and
Trombidiformes. Additionally, new Torix-associated families, genera and
species were identified. These included haematophagous flies
(Simulim aureum; Anopheles plumbeus; Protocalliphora
azurea ; Tabanidae), several parasitoid wasp families (e.g.
Ceraphronidae; Diapriidae; Mymaridae), forest detritivores (e.g.
Sciaridae; Mycetophilidae; Staphylinidae) and phloem-feeding bugs
(Psyllidae; Ricaniidae). Feeding habits such as phloem-feeding,
predation, detritivory or haematophagy were not correlated with any
particular Torix Rickettsia subclade (Figure 6). Furthermore,
parasitoid and aquatic lifestyles were seen across the phylogeny. All
newly discovered Torix Rickettsia host taxa are described in
Table 2, alongside previously discovered hosts in order to give an up to
date overview of Torix-associated taxa.