Hive Transplantation Has Minimal Impact on the Core Gut Microbiome of the Australian Stingless Bee, Tetragonula carbonaria

Bacteria residing in the guts of pollinating insects play a key role in nutrient acquisition, digestion, and resistance to pests and diseases. Imbalances in microbial flora in response to environmental change and stress can therefore impact insect health and resilience. This study is aimed at defining the core gut microbiome of the Australian native stingless bee, Tetragonula carbonaria, and exploring the impact of colony transplantation on gut health. The gut microbiomes of nine forager bees from natural (log) and manufactured (box) hives were examined via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Some differences were observed at the ASV level between the microbiomes of log and box hive bees. However, a core microbiome, dominated by Lactobacillus spp., unclassified Acetobacteraceae spp., and Bombella spp., was maintained. Further, the inferred functional potential of the microbiomes was consistent across all individuals. This study highlights that although hive transplantation has an impact on the overall diversity of stingless bee gut microbiomes, it is unlikely to have a significant negative impact on the overall health and resilience of the colony.

Automated summary

Bacteria in the guts of pollinating insects are crucial for nutrient acquisition, digestion, and resistance to pests and diseases. This study investigates the gut microbiome of the Australian native stingless bee, Tetragonula carbonaria, and the impact of colony transplantation on gut health. Although some differences were observed between bees from natural and manufactured hives, a core microbiome dominated by Lactobacillus spp., unclassified Acetobacteraceae spp., and Bombella spp. was maintained. The study suggests that hive transplantation has a limited negative impact on the overall health and resilience of the colony.