Impact of intraspecific variation in insect microbiomes on host phenotype and evolution

• Published in: The ISME Journal Vol. 17; no. 11; pp. 1798 - 1807
• Main Authors: Lange, Claudia, Boyer, Stéphane, Bezemer, T Martijn, Lefort, Marie-Caroline, Dhami, Manpreet K, Biggs, Eva, Groenteman, Ronny, Fowler, Simon V, Paynter, Quentin, Verdecia Mogena, Arletys M, Kaltenpoth, Martin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group 01.11.2023; Nature Publishing Group UK
• Subjects: Ecological effects; Ecological niches; Environmental changes; Evolution; Insect ecology; Insects; Microbial activity; Microbiomes; Microorganisms; Phenotypes; Phenotypic plasticity; Plastic properties; Plasticity; Reproductive organs; Variation
• ISSN: 1751-7362; 1751-7370
• DOI: 10.1038/s41396-023-01500-2

Abstract Microbes can be an important source of phenotypic plasticity in insects. Insect physiology, behaviour, and ecology are influenced by individual variation in the microbial communities held within the insect gut, reproductive organs, bacteriome, and other tissues. It is becoming increasingly clear how important the insect microbiome is for insect fitness, expansion into novel ecological niches, and novel environments. These investigations have garnered heightened interest recently, yet a comprehensive understanding of how intraspecific variation in the assembly and function of these insect-associated microbial communities can shape the plasticity of insects is still lacking. Most research focuses on the core microbiome associated with a species of interest and ignores intraspecific variation. We argue that microbiome variation among insects can be an important driver of evolution, and we provide examples showing how such variation can influence fitness and health of insects, insect invasions, their persistence in new environments, and their responses to global environmental changes.