The microbiome of an invasive Antarctic insect, Eretmoptera murphyi (Diptera: Chironomidae), and its potential role in nutrient cycling

Eretmoptera murphyi is a flightless chironomid midge endemic to South Georgia in the sub-Antarctic. In the 1960s it was accidentally introduced to Signy Island (in the maritime Antarctic), where it is now considered an invasive species. This study set out to assess the archaeal and bacterial microbiome of E. murphyi to enhance understanding of the ecological impacts of this non-native species.