INFECTION RATE OF TWO PARASITES BETWEEN BROOD XIII AND BROOD XIX PERIODICAL CICADAS

During the summer of 2024, 74 specimens of Brood XIII cicadas were captured from Illinois and 59 specimens of Brood XIX were captured in Missouri. All specimens were analyzed for infection rate of three parasites, Wolbachia pipientis, Massospora cicadina, and Pyemotes herfsi. Wolbachia pipientis is a rickettsial, alpha proteo-bacterium that infects arthropods and filarial nematodes. Wolbachia causes male-killing, parthenogenesis, cytoplasmic incompatibility and feminization. However, it also boosts the immune systems of insects, and can make them resistant to RNA viruses plus insecticides. Massospora cicadina, a fungal pathogen, causes infertility, disease transmission and eventual death to the cicadas. No specimens were found to be infected with Massospora cicadina. Pyemotes herfsi mites are ectoparasites that drain nutrients from the cicadas, and can also transmit diseases. Pyemotes herfsi were also analyzed for Wolbachia infection. Cicada and mite DNA was extracted through a 24-step process, and ran through an electrophoresis gel to identify Wolbachia DNA. Wolbachia DNA is identified at 438 bp, and insect plus mite DNA is identified at 709 bp. Cicadas were examined under a dissecting microscope to check for Massospora cicadina and Pyemotes herfsi mites.