Verma, S., Ramani, R., Sachan, A., & Chandra, R. 2023 The role of Wolbachia and the environment on sex determination of the Indian lac insect, Kerria lacca (Coccoidea: Tachardiidae). Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology doi.org/10.1016/j.aspen.2022.102019
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Notes: The Indian lac insect, Kerria lacca (Kerr) exhibits a highly variable sex ratio, apparently influenced by various environmental factors, in the absence of a chromosomal sex determination mechanism. The endosymbiont Wolbachia, well known as sex ratio distorter. was reported in this species but its role in the sex determination of the host has hitherto remained unexplored. Environmental factors appear to influence Wolbachia, which in turn brings about sex ratio changes, probably mediated through changes in juvenile hormone levels, as the male and female lac insects show distinct modes of metamorphosis.
