Efficient Colonization of the Bean Bug Riptortus pedestris by an Environmentally Transmitted Burkholderia Symbiont

The bean bug Riptortus pedestris is specifically associated with the Burkholderia gut symbiont and acquires the symbiont from the environment every generation. Here, we investigated the infective dose of the symbiont by experimental administration. The 50% infective dose was remarkably low, only 80 cells, indicating efficient colonization of the symbiont.