Our field of research is microbial ecology, and we want to explore inside microbial interactions by rearing axenic Delia antiqua. Questions will be answered on the diversity of intestinal fungi of Delia antiqua and their influence on the growth and development of Delia antiqua. A simple method for rearing of axenic Delia antiqua with half-fermented sterile diets has been established and only one identified Wolbachia strain was detected in each instar of Delia antiqua with PCR.
In contrast to antibiotic treatments, this protocol completely eliminates gut bacteria and doesn't cause many side effects to the host insects. The function of the insect gut microbiota is also not marked. It is more effective and affordable than antibiotic treatment.
