# Microbiota as Potential Functional Traits Facilitating Springtail Activity in Winter

## TL;DR

This study explores how the microbiota of springtails helps them stay active during winter, revealing that certain bacteria may support their survival in cold environments.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific bacterial genera associated with winter-active springtails and suggests their role in host adaptation to cold.

## Key findings

- Winter-active springtails have higher bacterial diversity and distinct microbial communities compared to inactive species.
- Bacteria like Wolbachia, Morganellaceae, and Micrococcaceae are enriched in winter-active springtails.
- Some bacterial genera show phylogenetic signal, indicating evolutionary constraints in their association with hosts.

## Abstract

Understanding the role of microbiota in supporting animal survival and activity under extreme environmental conditions provides valuable insights into adaptation and resilience mechanisms in ecosystems. While vertebrate microbiota have received considerable attention, those associated with arthropods, particularly species capable of surviving sub‐zero temperatures, remain poorly understood. Springtails (Collembola), key contributors to litter decomposition and soil ecosystem functioning, require specialized adaptations to endure harsh winter conditions. Using the α‐ and β‐niche trait concept and phylogenetic comparative approaches, we investigated the microbiota of 10 coexisting springtail species with different overwintering strategies. Our results revealed that certain bacterial genera, including Marmoricola, Mycobacterium, Rhodococcus, and Vibrionimonas, exhibited phylogenetic signal, suggesting evolutionary constraints on their potential roles in hosts. Winter‐active springtail species harbored higher bacterial diversity and distinct microbial community compositions compared to inactive species, with enrichment in bacteria such as Wolbachia, Morganellaceae, and Micrococcaceae. Additionally, winter‐active species exhibited higher energy metabolism and lower lipid metabolism, alongside more frequent positive interactions within bacterial networks. These findings suggest that microbiota may play a functional role in supporting the metabolic demands of winter‐active springtails, potentially contributing to their adaptation to cold environments. Overall, our study highlights the role of microbiota in shaping ecological success and adaptation of arthropods to extreme conditions, providing new perspectives for soil animal research by integrating microbial functional traits with the evolutionary context of microbe‐host interactions.

Microbiota in 10 springtail species were analyzed using phylogenetic comparative methods. Winter‐active species showed higher bacterial diversity, enriched with Wolbachia, Morganellaceae, and Micrococcaceae, while some bacteria exhibited a phylogenetic signal, suggesting evolutionary constraints. These microbiota may support host metabolism and adaptation to cold environments.