A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Irvine, has uncovered fascinating details about the cellophane bee’s unique breeding practices. These bees, known for their cellophane-like nesting materials, possess microbiomes that are among the most fermentative in the insect world. The study, published in Frontiers in Microbiology, indicates that cellophane bees "brew" a liquid food for their larvae within brood cells, which is primarily dominated by lactobacilli bacteria—similar to those used in fermenting foods like yogurt and sauerkraut. This fermentation process not only provides essential nutrients for developing bees, but highlights a significant evolutionary shift from herbivores to omnivores.
The study revealed that the cellophane bees engage in a form of "spontaneous fermentation," utilizing wild strains of lactobacilli found in flowers instead of cultivated cultures passed down through generations. This ability to create a conducive environment for beneficial bacteria poses important implications for the health of these bees and their ecological systems. The research emphasizes the necessity of studying insect microbiomes, which can offer valuable insights into the biological and ecological significance of these often-overlooked organisms. This work received support from multiple organizations, including the National Science Foundation.
