One of the most successful species on the planet is the insect, which is essential to biodiversity. However, it has not yet been established how they could make use of such a wide variety of food sources. Bacteria have played a significant role, according to a recent study that was published in the journal Nature Ecology and Evolution.
“Termites and mosquitoes both consume human blood, while termites consume the wood used to construct our homes. Bacteria are the common denominator. Our discoveries show that microscopic organisms play an urgent role in giving bugs the supplements they need to get by and flourish,” says Charlie Cornwallis, a science scientist at Lund College.
The review, which included weevils, shows that microscopic organisms reliably furnish bugs with vitamin B, a fundamental supplement they can’t make themselves. As a result of their growing reliance on bacteria, insects have developed new organelles known as bacteria factories to house them.
“Bacterial nutrients have allowed insects to survive on highly unbalanced diets and exploit new types of food resources. Some insects, such as aphids, only consume phloem, which is essentially sugary water. Imagine living a healthy life solely on sweets!”
Charlie Cornwallis, biology researcher at Lund University.
“Insects have been able to exploit novel food resources and survive on extremely unbalanced diets thanks to the nutrients provided by bacteria. Phloem, essentially sugary water, is the sole food source for some insects, like aphids. Imagine living a healthy life entirely on sweets!” Charlie Cornwallis asserts
However, it is difficult to understand how bacteria affect insect diversity and variation. Specialization on blood-based diets has stopped species diversity in some insect families. However, generally speaking, for example, in plant-taking care of bugs, dietary specialization is connected to a huge expansion in animal types.
“Bugs are surrounding us and impacting our varying social statuses. As crop pests, they spread diseases and even pose a threat to food production. According to Charlie Cornwallis, understanding the evolution of the natural world and its impact on our own well-being requires an understanding of how and why insects survive and diversify.
More information: Charlie K. Cornwallis et al, Symbioses shape feeding niches and diversification across insects, Nature Ecology & Evolution (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41559-023-02058-0
