Bacteria live inside bacteria in mealybug
The ability of life forms to co-opt each other has taken a novel twist: Scientists have provided the first proof that a bacterium takes up long-term residence inside another bacterium. Both the host and the tenant, in turn, dwell inside a mealybug, which passes the bacteria on through its own eggs.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2001/07/494.jpg?resize=126%2C127&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2001/07/495.jpg?resize=150%2C107&ssl=1)
Many types of insects, including mealybugs and aphids, play host to bacteria. In return, the bacteria often provide nutrients to the insect.