Removal of gut symbiotic bacteria negatively affects life history traits of the shield bug, Graphosoma lineatum

<p><span>Bacterial Symbionts play an important biological role in their host. <i>G. lineatum</i> harbor bacterial symbiont in the enclosed crypts of the midgut. It seems that the bacterial symbiont play important role in the insect. Therefore, in this study, the role of bacterial symbiont in the shield bug, <i>Graphosoma lineatum</i> (Heteroptera, Pentatomidae) was investigated. To do this symbiont elimination was performed using surface sterilization of the eggs. Then, we utilized <span>age-stage, two-sex life table analysis</span> to confirm the biological importance of bacterial symbiont in <i>G. lineatum</i>. According to our results symbiont removal had a significantly negative effect on the biology of the insect. These results clearly indicate this symbiont is essential for normal growth and reproduction.</span></p>