Insight into the Microbiota of Orthopteran in Relation to Gut Compartmentalisation

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Insect Science
• Ecology

Background:

• Orthoptera (grasshoppers and locusts) harbor diverse associated microbiota that provide essential services.
• Existing data on these microbiota are fragmented across studies and Orthopteran families.
• Understanding the gut microbial community is crucial for comprehending insect physiology and ecology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the functional diversity of Orthoptera-associated microbiota.
• To investigate the services provided by these microbes to their hosts.
• To identify knowledge gaps regarding the presence of a core microbiota and microbial functions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on Orthoptera-associated microbiota.
• Analysis of bacterial genera and their association with host functions.
• Comparison of microbial diversity across different gut compartments (foregut, midgut, hindgut).

Main Results:

• Bacterial genera like *Pantoea*, *Enterococcus*, *Enterobacter*, and *Acinetobacter* are linked to cellulose degradation, though their precise roles require further investigation.
• *Pantoea agglomerans* may influence aggregation pheromone production in locusts.
• Gut bacterial diversity varies significantly in the foregut but is more consistent in other regions; distinct metabolic pathways exist in the midgut (amino acid synthesis, anaerobic metabolism) and hindgut (amino acid catabolism).

Conclusions:

• The functional diversity of Orthoptera microbiota is substantial, but a core microbiota has not been clearly established.
• Gut compartmentalization influences bacterial community structure and metabolic functions, with significant differences between midgut and hindgut.
• Further research is essential to elucidate the roles of specific bacteria in insect digestion, lifestyle, and potential bioconversion applications.