Study on the differences in gut microbiota of Hermetia illucens during high-altitude domestication

Research has shown that the gut microbiota of the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), plays a crucial role in its nutritional metabolism and physiological behavior. However, the specific alterations and contributions of the gut microbiota during the black soldier fly's adaptation to high-altitude environments remain unclear.

To investigate the role of gut microbiota in the high-altitude adaptation of the black soldier fly.

This study employed 16S rRNA sequencing technology to assess the diversity and functional variations of the gut microbial communities in populations from low-altitude regions compared to those that were subsequently transferred and domesticated at high altitudes.

This finding revealed significant differences in the community structure of the gut microbiota between low-altitude larvae and their high-altitude domesticated counterparts. Notably, genera such as Enterococcus and Clostridium were more abundant in the high-altitude treatment group, while pathogenic bacteria were primarily observed in the low-altitude group. In high-altitude environments, the gut microbiota exhibited enhanced functionality in carbohydrate metabolism, polysaccharide biosynthesis, and general metabolism; however, the activity of other metabolic pathways was reduced.

The results suggested that the physiological changes experienced by black soldier flies during their transition from low-altitude to high-altitude regions for domestication may result in significant alterations to their gut microbiota. Furthermore, the black soldier fly appears to mitigate high-altitude environmental stress by lowering metabolism and enhancing its immune function.