Abstract
Bark beetles are known to have complex associations with a variety of microorganisms (Paine and others 1987; Ayres and others 2000; Six and Klepzig 2004). However, most of our knowledge involves fungi, particularly external species. In contrast, we know very little about their associations with bacterial gut symbionts (Bridges 1981). Similarly, work with wood colonizing insects such as termites reveals a diverse and functionally important community of gut bacteria (Hongoh and others 2005). Yet our knowledge of the gut microbiota of wood boring beetles is rudimentary. Our work is aimed at addressing these gaps, as bark and wood boring beetles include important forest pests, natural disturbance agents, and invasive species.
Parent Publication
Keywords
bark beetles,
microorganisms,
bacterial gut symbionts,
gut bacteria
Citation
Vasanthakumar, Archana; Cardoza, Yasmin; Delalibera, Italo; Schloss, Patrick; Handelsman, Jo; Klepzig, Kier; Raffa, Kenneth. 2007. Gut bacteria of bark and wood boring beetles. In: Bentz, Barbara; Cognato, Anthony; Raffa, Kenneth, eds. Proceedings from the Third Workshop on Genetics of Bark Beetles and Associated Microorganisms. Proc. RMRS-P-45. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 49-51