The acorn weevil Curculio sikkimensis is host to a complex system of symbiotic microbes, most of whose functions are not yet determined. C. sikkimensis are known to infest the seeds of multiple species of Fagaceae trees, which contain varying levels of nutrition and toxins. They also inhabit a wide range of environments across Japan, with varying climate factors.
It is therefore interesting whether the microbiome of C. sikkimensis has contributed to their adaptation over diverse ecological niches, both geographically and in terms of host plant. Previous studies have shown several symbiont infections of C. sikkimensis to have spatial variation.
In this study, we aim to unveil the microbial community structures in different populations of C. sikkimensis across Japan. 21 weevil populations were selected for microbial comparison based on geographical factors as well as between different host plants. NMDS and PERMANOVA analysis on showed compositional differences based on host tree and developmental stage of larva, among other factors. Potential roles of symbionts based on these correlations will be discussed.