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Host Phylogeny Structures the Gut Bacterial Community Within Galerucella Leaf Beetles
Yueqing An1, Mariana P Braga2,3, Sarahi L Garcia4,5
1Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden. yueqing.an@su.se.
Microbial Ecology
|June 14, 2023
Summary
Host phylogeny shapes gut bacteria communities in leaf beetles. Closely related Galerucella species harbor distinct microbial communities, suggesting co-evolutionary relationships between insects and their gut microbes.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Host-microbial systems can form long-term evolutionary associations.
- Intestinal microbial dynamics may drive insect dietary diversification and speciation.
- Understanding host phylogeny and ecology's role in gut microbial communities is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate the influence of host phylogeny versus ecology on gut microbial communities.
- To investigate the relationship between host insects and their gut bacteria.
- To analyze microbial community structure in closely related leaf beetle species.
Main Methods:
- Collected adult leaf beetles (Galerucella spp.) from host plants.
- Quantified gut microbial communities using 16S rRNA sequencing.
- Analyzed bacterial community composition and diversity indicators (α- and β-diversity).
Main Results:
- Gut bacteria community composition is structured by host beetle phylogeny.
- Host-specific gut bacteria were observed interacting with different Galerucella species.
- The endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia was found predominantly in G. nymphaea and G. sagittariae.
- Gut bacteria diversity varied significantly among host beetle species.
Conclusions:
- A phylogenetically controlled co-occurrence pattern exists between Galerucella beetles and their gut bacteria.
- Results indicate potential co-evolutionary processes between leaf beetles and their gut microbial communities.
- Host phylogeny is a significant factor in shaping insect gut microbial composition.
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