Insects are by far the most diverse and abundant animal group with respect to the number of species globally, in ecological habitats and in biomass. The ecological and evolutionary success of insects depends in part on their countless relationships with beneficial microorganisms, which are known to influence all aspects of their physiology, ecology and evolution. These symbiotic associations are known to: (a) enhance nutrient-poor diets, (b) aid digestion of recalcitrant food components, (c) protect from predators, parasites, and pathogens, (d) contribute to inter- and intraspecific communication, (e) affect efficiency as disease vectors and (f) govern mating and reproductive systems.
The contribution of microorganisms, particularly gut microorganisms, to insect function is highly relevant from several perspectives, linking to applications in medicine, agriculture, and ecology. Gut associated microorganisms can include protists, fungi, archaea and bacteria, but it is generally accepted that bacterial species dominate the microbial community in the guts of most insects. Gut-associated bacteria can influence: (a) vectoring efficiency, (b) developmental time, (c) decomposition of plant biomass and carbon cycle, (d) nitrogen fixation and nitrogen cycle, (e) mating, and (f) detoxification of pesticides leading to acquisition of insecticide resistance. In recent years, next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have helped to improve our understanding of the bacterial communities associated with insects, shedding light on their wide taxonomic and functional diversity. An enhanced understanding of the microbial communities of insects is that the resident microbiota may offer new possibilities to improve integrated pest management methods targeting insects of agricultural and medical/health importance.
Based on the above, we invite researchers to contribute original articles, as well as mini/reviews, that will stimulate our continuing efforts to understand the role of the microbial factor in the life of insects.
Before submission, authors should carefully read over the journal’s Author Guidelines, which are located at https://www.frontiersin.org/about/author-guidelines
Insects are by far the most diverse and abundant animal group with respect to the number of species globally, in ecological habitats and in biomass. The ecological and evolutionary success of insects depends in part on their countless relationships with beneficial microorganisms, which are known to influence all aspects of their physiology, ecology and evolution. These symbiotic associations are known to: (a) enhance nutrient-poor diets, (b) aid digestion of recalcitrant food components, (c) protect from predators, parasites, and pathogens, (d) contribute to inter- and intraspecific communication, (e) affect efficiency as disease vectors and (f) govern mating and reproductive systems.
The contribution of microorganisms, particularly gut microorganisms, to insect function is highly relevant from several perspectives, linking to applications in medicine, agriculture, and ecology. Gut associated microorganisms can include protists, fungi, archaea and bacteria, but it is generally accepted that bacterial species dominate the microbial community in the guts of most insects. Gut-associated bacteria can influence: (a) vectoring efficiency, (b) developmental time, (c) decomposition of plant biomass and carbon cycle, (d) nitrogen fixation and nitrogen cycle, (e) mating, and (f) detoxification of pesticides leading to acquisition of insecticide resistance. In recent years, next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have helped to improve our understanding of the bacterial communities associated with insects, shedding light on their wide taxonomic and functional diversity. An enhanced understanding of the microbial communities of insects is that the resident microbiota may offer new possibilities to improve integrated pest management methods targeting insects of agricultural and medical/health importance.
Based on the above, we invite researchers to contribute original articles, as well as mini/reviews, that will stimulate our continuing efforts to understand the role of the microbial factor in the life of insects.
Before submission, authors should carefully read over the journal’s Author Guidelines, which are located at https://www.frontiersin.org/about/author-guidelines
