Bacterial diversity and community structure shapes pederin polymorphism but lacks association with host genotype specificity in the rove beetle, Paederus fuscipes.

Abstract excerpt

Paederus beetles are notorious for their irritant haemolymph toxin pederin, which is synthesised by an unculturable bacterial symbiont, causing dermatitis when in contact with human skin. Pederin polymorphism is observed when (+) females carrying the toxin pederin and (-) females lacking this co-occur in natural populations. Despite reports detecting pederin polymorphism in several Paederina beetles, symbiont...

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