Publication Date:
2018-01-25
Description:
Insects interact with microorganisms in several situations, ranging from the accidental interaction to locate attractive food or acquisition of essential nutrients missing in the main food source. Despite a wealth of studies recently focused on bacteria, the interactions between insects and yeasts have relevant implications for both the involved parts. The insect intestine shows several structural and physiological differences among species, but it is generally a hostile environment for many microorganisms, selecting against the most sensitive and at the same time guaranteeing a less competitive environment to resistant ones. An intensive characterization of the interactions between yeasts and insects has highlighted their relevance not only for attraction to food but also for the insect's development and behavior. Conversely, some yeasts have been shown to benefit from interactions with insects in some cases by being carried among different environments. In addition, the insect intestine may provide a place to reside for prolonged periods and possibly mate or generate sexual forms able to mate once back in the external environments.
Print ISSN:
0749-503X
Electronic ISSN:
1097-0061
Topics:
Biology
