Bacterial Microbiomes within Tarantula Silk
Faculty Mentor
Karin Melkonian
Area of Research
Biology
Major
Biology
Description
INTRODUCTION: It is known that different tarantulas have different bacteria consistently growing on their hairs in a symbiotic relationship, and while scientists do not know the purpose of the bacteria yet, it is speculated that they cause disease in animals that come into contact with them. Knowing that tarantulas are able to harbor these bacterial species on their hairs without issues begs the question: where else can they hold bacteria?
METHOD: This leads us to our current research. The goal of this research is to determine if there is bacteria that grows consistently within the silk of tarantulas, and if there is, could the bacteria cause infection in mammals? The tarantulas we will be observing are Avicularia avicularia (the pink toe tarantula), Aphonopelma chalcodes (the Arizona blonde tarantula), and Grammostola porteri (the Chilean rose tarantula). We will collect silk during feeding time with loops and culture them in media in order to collect and examine the samples.
RESULTS: If enough of the same bacteria are collected, we will inoculate mice with it and examine them later for infection.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The three tarantulas mentioned earlier are often kept as household pets, and their silk is interacted with during cleanings and feedings. Because these tarantulas produce this silk in the wild as well, they may be affecting their local ecosystems in ways we have not yet recorded. This research may shed light on possible health hazards of silk, as well as possible ecological relationships previously unexplored between the bacteria on the silk and animals other than the tarantula.
Bacterial Microbiomes within Tarantula Silk
INTRODUCTION: It is known that different tarantulas have different bacteria consistently growing on their hairs in a symbiotic relationship, and while scientists do not know the purpose of the bacteria yet, it is speculated that they cause disease in animals that come into contact with them. Knowing that tarantulas are able to harbor these bacterial species on their hairs without issues begs the question: where else can they hold bacteria?
METHOD: This leads us to our current research. The goal of this research is to determine if there is bacteria that grows consistently within the silk of tarantulas, and if there is, could the bacteria cause infection in mammals? The tarantulas we will be observing are Avicularia avicularia (the pink toe tarantula), Aphonopelma chalcodes (the Arizona blonde tarantula), and Grammostola porteri (the Chilean rose tarantula). We will collect silk during feeding time with loops and culture them in media in order to collect and examine the samples.
RESULTS: If enough of the same bacteria are collected, we will inoculate mice with it and examine them later for infection.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The three tarantulas mentioned earlier are often kept as household pets, and their silk is interacted with during cleanings and feedings. Because these tarantulas produce this silk in the wild as well, they may be affecting their local ecosystems in ways we have not yet recorded. This research may shed light on possible health hazards of silk, as well as possible ecological relationships previously unexplored between the bacteria on the silk and animals other than the tarantula.