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

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Year : 2026 | Volume : 03 | 02 | Page :
By

Mukesh Chander,

Rajiv Kumar,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Khalsa University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
  2. Associate Professor, School of Pharmacy, Khlasa University, Amritsar, punjab, India

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: Ancistrotermes pakistanicus; Fungus-growing termites; Macrotermes sp.; Odontotermes longignathus; Termite gut symbionts.

How to cite this article: Mukesh Chander, Rajiv Kumar. The Insect Microbiome: Reviewing the Mutualistic Ties Between Insects and Microbes. International Journal of Insects. 2026; 03(02):-.
How to cite this URL: Mukesh Chander, Rajiv Kumar. The Insect Microbiome: Reviewing the Mutualistic Ties Between Insects and Microbes. International Journal of Insects. 2026; 03(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/iji/article=2026/view=258060

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Ahead of Print Subscription Review Article
Volume 03
02
Received 10/08/2026
Accepted 17/09/2026
Published 25/09/2026
Publication Time 46 Days

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