Gut bacteria mediate aggregation in the German cockroach

摘要: Aggregation of the German cockroach, Blattella germanica, is regulated by fecal aggregation agents (pheromones), including volatile carboxylic acids (VCAs). We demonstrate that gut microbial community contributes to production these semiochemicals. Chemical analysis extract B. germanica revealed 40 VCAs. Feces from axenic cockroaches (no microorganisms in alimentary tract) lacked 12 major VCAs, and 24 remaining compounds were represented at extremely low amounts. Olfactory bioassays demonstrated nymphs strongly preferred control feces over cockroaches. Additionally, a synthetic blend 6 VCAs solvent or previously identified VCA blend. To test whether bacteria contribute agents, aerobic cultured, isolated, identified. Inoculation with individual bacterial taxa significantly rescued response extract, inoculation mix six isolates was more effective than single isolates. The results indicate commensal microbiota act as discriminate among complex odors emanate diverse community. Our highlight pivotal role mediating insect–insect communication. Moreover, because reflects local environment, plasticity pheromones enables colony-specific fidelity persistent sites.