Together with Buchnera aphidicola, Wigglesworthia has been the subject of genetic research into the minimal genome necessary for any living organism. Wigglesworthia also synthesizes key B-complex vitamins which the tsetse fly does not get from its diet of blood.
Wigglesworthia and Buchnera aphidicola are both organisms studied in relation to minimal genomes and vitamin synthesis. The tsetse fly's reliance on Wigglesworthia for essential vitamins is a key aspect of this research.