Diversity of Beetles and Associated Microorganisms, Volume II

Beetles, members of the insect order Coleoptera, comprise the most diverse macroscopic organismal group in the terrestrial ecosystem, which embrace over 400,000 described species, and nobody knows how many beetle species actually exist. On the other hand, microbiologists know that the “real” biodiversity resides in the microbial diversity. Different beetles host different microorganisms, encompassing bacteria, fungi, protists, viruses, and others in their gut, body cavity and/or cells, or on their body surface and ambient environments. Reflecting the diversity of both the host and the microbe, their associations are ubiquitous and diverse.

Following the success of the previous research topic “Diversity of Beetles and Associated Microorganisms”, here we propose the new research topic “Diversity of Beetles and Associated Microorganisms, Volume II” to provide an opportunity to collect and overview the exciting achievements recently emerging in this scientifically growing research field, with an extended coverage.

Any scientifically sound, solid and competent submissions of high quality on beetle-microbe associations are very welcome, including:
- Mutualistic, commensalistic and/or parasitic microbial associations with beetles
- Beetle-associated microbiomes, and their relevance to physiology, ecology, behavior and evolution of beetles
- Endosymbiotic/bacteriocyte-associated bacteria/fungi of beetles
- Gut symbiotic bacteria/fungi/protists of beetles
- Ectosymbiotic/mycetangium-borne fungi/bacteria of beetles.
- Fungal/bacterial/protist pathogens of beetles
- Viral infections in beetles
- Beetle-associated environmental microorganisms
- Microbial-based beetle pest control
- Others