The sperm-associated microbiota of crickets and their local variation and rapid turnover

While studying aspects of the sperm biology and immunity of two species of crickets, we encountered bacteria that were released from the male sperm container, the spermatophore, alongside sperm. We describe a presumably rich microbe flora in the sperm population ( sperm-associated microbiota). These sperm-associated microbiota differed between the two species of cricket and between different populations and showed functional diversity. Further, sperm-associated microbiota killed sperm, highlighting their potential role in fitness, especially since they are most likely transferred to females during mating.