Investigating the diversity and composition of microbiomes associated with native bees is essential for understanding their health and resilience, particularly considering their widespread population declines. Bee gut microbiomes vary across species and are shaped by factors such as nest provisions, diet, and modes of transmission. However, eusocial and solitary bees have differing microbiomes. In general, solitary bees acquired their gut microbiomes primarily from environmental sources, including food and nest provisions, whereas eusocial bee maintain more stable microbiomes through social interactions within the caste. This study focuses on characterizing the gut microbiomes of native bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) collected in the Central Texas region. Bees were caught through sweep netting excursions conducted during spring and summer 2025 and stored in 100% ethanol prior to DNA extraction. Dissections were performed to isolate whole guts for DNA extraction, followed by microbiome analysis using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to assess microbiome composition and relative abundance, and quantitative PCR to estimate absolute abundance. Gut microbiomes were characterized within the families of Apidae, Andrenidae, Colletidae, Halictidae, and Megachilidae, providing insights into the microbiome diversity across native bee species. Identification of bee specimens were confirmed using sequenced DNA from the samples or through taxonomic keys.
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