Host‐specific associations affect the microbiome of Philornis downsi, an introduced parasite to the Galápagos Islands

A significant difference in the microbiome of the invasive parasitic fly Philornis downsi was found between larvae and adults, with Proteobacteria and Firmicutes dominating both stages but showing distinct distributions. The study also revealed that larval microbiomes vary based on host species, particularly between insectivorous warbler finches (Certhidea olivacea) and those with broader diets (ground and tree finches). No spatial effects were observed, as larvae from the same host group exhibited similar microbiomes across islands. These findings suggest that the parasite's microbiome adapts to dietary needs during development and is influenced by host-related factors, offering potential insights for novel disease control strategies.

Ben‐Yosef, M., Zaada, D. S. Y., Dudaniec, R. Y., Pasternak, Z., Jurkevitch, E., Smith, R. J., Causton, C. E., Lincango, M. P., Tobe, S. S., Mitchell, J. G., Kleindorfer, S., & Yuval, B. (2017). Host‐specific associations affect the microbiome of Philornis downsi, an introduced parasite to the Galápagos Islands. Molecular Ecology, 26(18), 4644–4656. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.14219