PubMed · 2026-06-12
Researchers mapped the gut microbiome of carpenter bees (Xylocopa frontalis) and discovered a bacterium, Bacillus velezensis, living in their guts that can break down cellulose — the tough fiber in wood. This hints that bee gut microbes may help process the woody plant material bees chew through when building nests.
The gut microbiome of Xylocopa frontalis is dominated by bee-associated bacteria including Bombiscardovia, Bifidobacterium, and Frischella, with variable fungal communities including Aspergillus and Cladosporium.
A cultured bacterial isolate, Bacillus velezensis strain Xf, demonstrated cellulolytic (cellulose-digesting) activity in lab plate assays.
Genomic analysis confirmed Bacillus velezensis strain Xf carries genes linked to both cellulose and hemicellulose degradation, suggesting functional lignocellulose metabolism in the bee gut.