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.
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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.
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A cultured bacterial isolate, Bacillus velezensis strain Xf, demonstrated cellulolytic (cellulose-digesting) activity in lab plate assays.
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Genomic analysis confirmed Bacillus velezensis strain Xf carries genes linked to both cellulose and hemicellulose degradation, suggesting functional lignocellulose metabolism in the bee gut.
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