Abstract
The gut microbiome plays an essential role in the health of many organisms, including insects. Here we report initial findings of bacteria present in the caterpillar midgut of the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni, grown in lab conditions on artificial diet and identified using biochemical tests. We identified one species previously reported as part of the gut microbiota of Trichoplusia ni and three species not previously reported. Our results support the need for multiple types of bacterial identification when looking at gut microbiomes, with the most confidence in identification being when multiple tests are in agreement.
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Metadata
- Alternative title
Microbiome of T.ni
- Journal title
Papers & Publications
- Volume
8
- Issue
1
- Date submitted
19 July 2022
- Keywords
- Additional information
Acknowledgements:
We would like to thank the University of North Georgia (UNG) Department of Biology. In addition, we are grateful for assistance from Marissa Fidler, Dr. Dobroslawa Bialonska, Andrew Shirley, and Ava Shearer.
Author Biography:
Naomi Childs received her undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of North Georgia in 2018. With a primary interest in animal physiology, she hopes to further her education at the University of Georgia to eventually practice as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Bethany Gray graduated in Spring 2019 with a BS in Secondary Education and a focus in Biology. She is eager to teach young students about the joys of science. Robbie Scoggins is also a recent graduate of the Biology program at the University of North Georgia. He is currently a chemistry teacher at Pepperell High School in Lindale Georgia and applying to masters programs in the southeast. Drs. Barding and Smith are both Associate Professors of Biology at the University of North Georgia–Dahlonega campus.
Graduation Date:
May 2018