Abstract

Wolbachia is one of the most abundant intracellular symbionts among arthropods, infecting approximately 40% to 60% of species. It can affect hosts reproductive strategies, provide nutritional support, enhance pathogen resistance, and influence both fecundity and developmental duration. Oribatid mites, a diverse group of small arthropods, exhibit complex reproductive strategies, with approximately 10% of species undergoing parthenogenesis. Research on endosymbionts in oribatid mites remains limited. Although Wolbachia has been detected in a few oribatid mite species, its impacts on the biological processes of oribatid mites are still poorly understood. In this study, O. nova individuals were collected from a single population, and subsequent detection revealed the coexistence of Wolbachia -infected (W+) and symbiont-free (W-) specimens. Phylogenetic analysis based on multiple genetic markers suggested that the Wolbachia infecting O. nova belongs to supergroup W. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) confirmed that Wolbachia is mainly distributed in the ovipositor of O. nova . Laboratory rearing experiments indicated that Wolbachia infection was associated with an increase in the reproductive output of O. nova , a reduction in the egg development period, and a faster overall developmental time, including the deutonymph stage.