Homeostatic regulation of the Duox-ROS defense system: revelations based on the diversity of gut colonies bacteria in the silkworm (Bombyx mori)

16S rRNA sequencing technology was utilized to compare the characteristics of bacterial popula-tions in the midgut of silkworm after different time-periods of treatment with three feeding methods: 1-4 instars artificial diet (AD), 1-4 instars mulberry leaf (ML) and 1-3 instars artificial diet + 4 instar mulberry leaf (TM).