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International Journal of Insects Review Article

The Insect Microbiome: Reviewing the Mutualistic Ties Between Insects and Microbes

  1. Mukesh Chander Department of Biotechnology, Khalsa University, Amritsar
  2. Rajiv Kumar School of Pharmacy, Khlasa University, Amritsar

Abstract

Insects are the most diverse and abundant class of animals on Earth, occupying virtually every terrestrial and freshwater ecological niche. A primary engine driving their evolutionary radiation, nutritional versatility, and physiological resilience is their intimate association with microbial symbionts. The insect microbiome, comprising bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protists, spans a continuum from transient environmental commensals to obligate intracellular mutualists. This review comprehensively synthesizes current knowledge on the functional architecture, transmission fidelity, and evolutionary ecology of mutualistic ties between insects and microbes. The present paper examines the primary functional axes of insect-microbe mutualisms: metabolic complementation in nutrient-poor diets, lignocellulose deconstruction in wood and litter feeders, xenobiotic detoxification (phytotoxins and synthetic insecticides), immune modulation, protection against natural enemies, and behavioral manipulation. Furthermore, in this context, the study will analyze how environmental variables, dietary shifts, and seasonal dynamics shape the stability and composition of the insect microbiome across generations. Integrating evidence from multi-omics analyses, culturable isolation experiments, and reverse genetics, this article provides a detailed synthesis of insect-microbe mutualisms and explores emerging biotechnological applications, such as probiotic interventions for mass-reared insects and paratransgenesis for agricultural and vector management.

Keywords

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