Unintentional Discovery: Male-Killing Virus Unveiled in Insects

Japanese scientists accidentally discovered a virus, named Spodoptera litura male-killing virus (SLMKV), that specifically targets and kills male insects. The virus was found in a green caterpillar, and subsequent breeding experiments revealed that only three males were born in 13 generations. Genetic analysis confirmed the presence of a virus, and attempts to eliminate its effects with antibiotics were unsuccessful. This discovery could potentially help control populations of disease vectors like mosquitoes and agricultural pests, and may also contribute to the search for a "female killer" to control mosquito populations.