Biological invasion of insects: the roles of microbes.

Insect biological invasion causes great ecological and economic damage to invaded areas. The insect invasion process can be influenced by many biotic and abiotic factors. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have indicated that microbes play important roles during the insect invasion process. The presence of microbes may directly influence the successful invasion of insects. However, the complex relationship between invasive insects and microbes has not received adequate attention. In this review, the influence of specific microbes on the biological invasion of insects will be discussed. The review will highlight the important roles of insect-microbe interactions in biological invasions. The potential applications of symbiotic microbes in predicting the history and invasive routes of insects and the symbiotic microbes originated strategies for invasive insect management will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]