Hi all
Here is some more info on HGT, occurring naturally among Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera (bees, wasps, butterflies, etc.) It appears to be common, imprecise, and often incurs benefits to the recipient. Other times, the DNA is incorporated without effect (much or most of the DNA in genomes is apparently non-functional). Of course, simply because we don't know what a certain sequence is for, doesn't mean it has no function. This is from a new paper:



Recent studies have highlighted that the accidental acquisition of DNA from other species by invertebrate genomes is much more common than originally thought. The transferred DNAs are of bacterial or eukaryote origin and in both cases the receiver species may end up utilising the transferred genes for its own benefit. Frequent contact with prokaryotic DNA from symbiotic endocellular bacteria may predispose invertebrates to incorporate this genetic material into their genomes. 

Increasing evidence also points to viruses as major players in transferring genes and mobile elements between the species they infect. Unexpectedly a gene flux between Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera mediated by endogenous viruses of parasitic wasps has been recently unravelled, suggesting we are probably just seeing the tip of the iceberg concerning horizontal gene transfers in invertebrates. 

It is possible that with the development of an ‘‘insects for food and feed” industry it will be of interest to use cultivated strains having particular properties and that it will be envisioned to use genetically modified organisms. In the debate concerning the use of the new technology CRISPR/Cas9 allowing easier edition of invertebrate genomes it is important to stress that the frequency of gene exchanges in eukaryotes is most probably largely underestimated 

Invertebrates not only use microorganisms to live on restricted food sources but have also incorporated genes of prokaryotic origin enabling them to digest plant components or detoxify harmful compounds contained in their food. Large DNA Viruses such as baculoviruses pick up genes from the invertebrate cells they infect and can transfer them, as well as TEs [transposable elements] to other insects.

Drezen, J-M., et al. "Foreign DNA acquisition by invertebrate genomes." Journal of invertebrate pathology 147 (2017): 157-168.

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