Ontogeny, geography, and species identity dominate microbiome dynamics of sylvatic kissing bugs (Triatominae)

Kissings bugs (Triatominae) are obligate hematophagous (blood-feeding) insects and the only known vector of Chagas' disease (Trypanasoma cruzi). Hematophagous organisms host important symbiotic bacteria within their guts, a phenomenon yet to be investigated thoroughly in triatomines. In this study, we investigated the natural host-microbiome relationship in multiple species of triatomines native to the USA. We sampled individuals of all life stages from pack rat (Neotoma albigula) nests and created 16S amplicon libraries to determine their microbiome profiles. Our results show that ontogeny, species identity, and location are the primary factors influencing gut microbiome community composition.