Seasonal shifts in gut microbiota and cold tolerance metrics in a northern population of Reticulitermes flavipes (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae)

• DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvae027
• Publication Date: 2024-04-04T18:20:27Z
• Authors: Rachel A Arango; Amy B Bishell; Katie M Ohno; Thomas G Shelton; Sean D Schoville; Camila Carlos-Sha...
• Keywords: Reticulitermes; Overwintering; Acetogenesis

Abstract Eastern subterranean termites, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), are widely distributed across North America where they exposed to a broad range of environmental conditions. However, mechanisms for overwintering not well understood. Wisconsin is unique location study cold tolerance as it represents the northern boundary persistent R. populations. In this study, we evaluated seasonal shifts in using critical thermal minimum (CTmin) and supercooling point (SCP) examined how these measurements correlate changes microbial community termite gut. Results showed acclimatization cold, which consistent with use behavioral freeze-avoidant mechanisms. insects also demonstrated an increased susceptibility freezing later season, may be tied gut microbiota. Our results found composition microbiome between mid- late summer early fall. These differences suggestive change metabolism adjust period reduced feeding metabolic stress during overwintering. Specifically, abundance Methanobrevibacter sp. (Euryarchaeota) associated indicative shift from acetogenesis methanogenesis Further work needed focusing on specific contributions certain microbes, particularly their role adaptability providing protection oxidative