Host contribution and stage-specific mycobiome in Ips pine beetles

Climate change have increased the severity of pine bark beetle (Ips sexdentatus, Ips accuminatus) infestations over wide range of forest ecosystems. The fungal symbionts of Ips bark beetles offer its host the competency to survive in diverse ecological niches. In our study, we outlined the fungal population associated with stage-specific (lab reared F2 generation) (L3 larvae, pupae, adult) and wild beetles (directly collected from forest). Concomitantly, we evaluated the host contribution by studying the fungal population present in host pine tress (control wood, fed wood). Our study broadens the available knowledge and offers future basis for further downstream analysis.