A Perfect Soldier: the black soldier fly as a microbial-mediated physiological resilience model .

Walt, H. K.; Smith, M. B.; Harris, E. M.; McPeek, S. N.; Meyer, F.; Behmer, S. T.; Hoffmann, F.; Tomberlin, J. K.; Picard, C. J.; Jordan, H. R.

doi:10.64898/2026.01.18.700162

bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.01.18.700162

A Perfect Soldier: the black soldier fly as a microbial-mediated physiological resilience model .

Walt, H. K.·Smith, M. B.·Harris, E. M.·McPeek, S. N.·Meyer, F.·Behmer, S. T.·Hoffmann, F.·Tomberlin, J. K.·Picard, C. J.·Jordan, H. R.

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Abstract

Understanding the complex interplay between a host, its diet, and its microbiome is crucial for comprehending an organisms health and adaptability. Diet impacts both the host and microbiome, which then influence each other. We used black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) as a model to investigate this tripartite interaction due to its resilience and bioconversion capabilities. We analyzed life-history traits and metatranscriptomics in larvae fed three diets: carbohydrate-rich, protein-rich, and balanced. Our results showed that dietary macronutrients correlated with shifts in the microbial community and gene expression. The carbohydrate-rich diet, in particular, led to increased microbial diversity and carbohydrate metabolism transcripts. However, this diet also negatively affected larval weight and development, suggesting potential host control over the microbiome. Overall, black soldier fly performance was highest on the balanced diet. This study highlights the black soldier flys resilience and its value as a model for exploring host-diet-microbe interactions. Significance StatementUnderstanding the intricate interplay between an organism, its diet, and its microbiome is fundamental to health and adaptability. This complex tripartite relationship, where dietary macronutrients influence microbial communities and their gene expression, while the host maintains control, is crucial for addressing global challenges from sustainable food systems to personalized medicine. Using the black soldier fly as a resilience model, our metatranscriptomic study reveals how specific dietary shifts impact both host and microbial gene expression, providing mechanistic insights into nutrient utilization and adaptability with broad implications for diverse biological systems, including animals and humans.

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Walt, H. K., Smith, M. B., Harris, E. M., McPeek, S. N., Meyer, F., Behmer, S. T., Hoffmann, F., Tomberlin, J. K., Picard, C. J., Jordan, H. R.. 2026-01-21. A Perfect Soldier: the black soldier fly as a microbial-mediated physiological resilience model .. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.01.18.700162

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