Impact of change in habitat and environmental conditions on the gut microbiota of the invasive Formosan subterranean termite
The overall goal is to investigate the influence of environmental and habitat changes on symbiotic gut microbiota of the FST via next-generation sequencing. To achieve this goal we will first test primers for next-generation sequencing, assess temporal changes and colony differences of termite gut microbiota in Objective 1. Results will inform primer choice for 16S rRNA gene studies in FST and will optimize experimental design in Objective 2 and 3 by measuring impact of colony origin and lab rearing on FST bacteria. The outcomes will also benefit the design of future studies by scientists working with subterranean gut microbiota.