Wolbachia is a genus of bacteria that infects a wide range of arthropods, including insects such as mosquitoes. These bacteria are known for their ability to manipulate the reproduction of their hosts, often causing them to produce only female offspring. This trait has led to research into using Wolbachia as a potential tool for controlling insect populations, particularly those that are vectors of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Additionally, Wolbachia has been studied for its potential role in evolution and coevolution with its arthropod hosts.