Molecular characterization of the microbiota associated with two genera of ants (Polyrhachis spp. and Camponotus spp.) (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) through Next Generation Sequencing

Symbiotic interactions are responsible for the evolution of animal diversity on the planet. To better understand the evolutionary significance of this association in nature, further studies addressing a diversity of hosts across locations and developmental stages are necessary. Ants of the genera Polyrhachis (spiny ants) and Camponotus (carpenter ants), members of the Camponotini tribe, have wide distributions, and are closely related. In adittion, they exhibit generalist diets and habits, and are often associated with endosymbionts. However there are limited studies in this area, so there are many remaining questions about these associations. Using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), this study explored the microbial community of several species of Polyrhachis (distributed in Asia, Africa and Oceania) and Camponotus (in South and North America); and compared the microbiota of samples and related hosts across different continents and in the context of their phylogenetic history. Our work has revealed important aspects of the biology of the ants in structuring the diversity and abundance of these host-associated bacterial communities.