D3093: Overview of ladybird beetle microbiomes (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Ladybird beetles occupy a key role in ecosystems worldwide, serving as biological control for aphids. In efforts to protect plants from aphids and other pests, people have introduced a variety of pesticides to crops and gardens. This is one of many challenges coccinellids face. Other challenges include changes to their environment and resource competition with invasive species. This study tackled the largely unexplored microbiomes of the ladybird beetle and potential impacts of environmental factors. Larval and adult insects were collected in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana. Our research featured species both native and exotic to the region. Several genera were represented, such as Coccinella, Harmonia, and Hippodamia. We performed microdissections to remove the guts of the insects. DNA extraction of the guts allowed us to identify the species of the beetle and their microbiome. Using PCR techniques, we amplified for the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene and 16S ribosomal DNA on the Illumina platform. Sanger sequencing validated our results for the COI gene. Lastly, sequences were compared to already existing literature and published databases. Our findings demonstrated the microbiome diversity of ladybird beetles in the region. We described coccinellid microbiomes across locations, genera, species, native/invasive species, and larvae/adults.