The intracellular symbiont <i>Wolbachia</i> alters <i>Drosophila</i> development and metabolism to buffer against nutritional stress

Abstract

<i>Wolbachia</i> is a bacterial symbiont of arthropods and nematodes, well described for its manipulations of arthropod reproduction. However, many have theorized there must be more to this symbiosis, even in well-studied <i>Wolbachia-</i> host relationships such as with <i>Drosophila</i> . Reproductive impacts alone cannot explain the success and ubiquity of this bacterium. Here, we use <i>Drosophila melanogaster</i> and their native <i>Wolbachia</i> infections to show that <i>Wolbachia</i> supports fly development and significantly buffers flies against nutritional stress. These developmental advantages might help explain the ubiquity of <i>Wolbachia</i> infections.