D3131: Spatial and temporal composition of an insect densovirus in communities of Lycaeides melissa (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)

Investigating the extent of entomopathogens in the environment helps us understand characteristics of natural host-pathogen systems including transmission, environmental persistence, and distribution of disease. The Junonia coenia densovirus (JcDV) is a multi-host virus that infects multiple families of Lepidoptera. Previous studies have shown variation in the frequency and load of JcDV in wild populations of the Melissa blue butterfly (Lycaedies melissa). L. melissa is a multivoltine, ant-tended Lycaenid that exists in distinct populations across the western United States and utilizes members of the legume family (Fabaceae) for oviposition and larval diet. We therefore asked whether this variation could be explained by identifying the patterns and extent of JcDV in the surrounding communities of L. melissa. For this project, samples of plant tissue, tending ants, community arthropods, and L. melissa adults in 25 populations were collected and screened to obtain JcDV frequency and load using qPCR and a standard curve. For a subset of the focal populations, collections were made multiple times throughout the flying season to measure temporal dynamics of the host-pathogen system. Spatial patterns of JcDV were discovered based on the type of host plant used as well as ant presence. In addition, temporal fluctuations of JcDV frequency and load were determined. These results help explain variation in snapshot measures of viral presence and has future implications in identifying the transmission routes and persistence of a widespread infectious entomopathogen.