Bacteria influence eukaryotic biology as parasitic, commensal or beneficial symbionts. Aside
from these organismal interactions, bacteria have also been important sources of new …

Horizontal gene transfer is accepted as an important evolutionary force modulating the
evolution of prokaryote genomes. However, it is thought that horizontal gene transfer plays …

The order Coleoptera (beetles) is arguably the most speciose group of animals, but the
evolutionary history of beetles, including the impacts of plant feeding (herbivory) on beetle …

Background Relatively little is known about the genomic basis and evolution of wood-
feeding in beetles. We undertook genome sequencing and annotation, gene expression …

Within animals, evolutionary transition toward herbivory is severely limited by the hostile
characteristics of plants. Arthropods have nonetheless counteracted many nutritional and …

The bed bug, Cimex lectularius, has re-established itself as a ubiquitous human
ectoparasite throughout much of the world during the past two decades. This global …

Holometabolous insects undergo a radical anatomical re-organisation during
metamorphosis. This poses a developmental challenge: the host must replace the larval gut …

Gall-forming arthropods are highly specialized herbivores that, in combination with their
hosts, produce extended phenotypes with unique morphologies [1]. Many are economically …

Background The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), is a globally
invasive pest and plant virus vector on a wide array of food, fiber, and ornamental crops. The …

Background Wolbachia is one of the most widespread bacteria on Earth. Previous research
on Wolbachia-host interactions indicates that the bacterium is typically transferred vertically …