Unlocking the terrestrial realm: Exploring the role gut microbial symbionts play in the terrestrialization of decapod crabs

In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between gut microbial composition in land crabs and their ability to digest lignocellulose and lignin. We analyzed the fecal microbiota from the guts of various species of land crabs, each exhibiting different levels of terrestrial adaptation, to identify microbes that might play a crucial role in lignocellulose degradation. Our findings will enhance our understanding of the ecological contexts that facilitated the multiple transitions of decapod crabs to terrestrial habitats and how their gut microbiome may have supported these species in adapting to new terrestrial environments.