Toward an Integrated Understanding of the Lepidoptera Microbiome
Yongqi Shao1, Charles J Mason2, Gary W Felton3
1Max Planck Partner Group, Institute of Sericulture and Apiculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China;
Annual Review of Entomology
|August 16, 2023
Summary
Insects form diverse microbial associations, with lepidopteran microbiome research revealing significant host-microbe interactions. These interactions impact insect fitness, highlighting context-dependent relationships and future research directions.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Entomology
- Ecology
Background:
- Insects host diverse microbial communities, a fact recognized over the past 30 years.
- Lepidopteran microbiome research is rapidly advancing, improving understanding of endosymbiont and gut microbes.
- These microorganisms can be stable or transient, with varying impacts on host fitness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize current knowledge on lepidopteran-microbe associations.
- To highlight the context-dependent nature of these interactions.
- To identify future research avenues in lepidopteran microbiome studies.
Main Methods:
- Review of contemporary scientific literature on insect-microbe associations.
- Focus on studies investigating lepidopteran endosymbionts and gut microbiota.
- Synthesis of findings regarding microbial contributions to host biology.
Main Results:
- Lepidoptera harbor a robust and diverse microbiome.
- Microbial associations can be stable or transient, influencing host performance and fitness.
- The impact of specific microbes is highly context-dependent.
Conclusions:
- Lepidopteran microbiomes play integral roles in host biology.
- Further research is needed to fully understand host-microbe interactions and harness potential applications.
- Future studies should explore fundamental aspects and practical uses of the lepidopteran microbiome.
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