Metagenomic analysis for Lachnus tropicalis

Almost all aphids rely on obligate mutualistic bacterial symbionts essential for their growth and survival. Lachnus tropicalis is known to harbor at least two symbionts, Buchnera aphidicola and Serratia symbiotica. However, their precise functional contributions and genomic adaptations within this specific dual association remain unexplored. In this study, we aim to comprehensively characterize the microbiome of L. tropicalis using metagenomic sequencing to genomically elucidate their specialized functions. We also investigate the evolutionary trajectories of its symbionts within the aphid host.