Insects and their gut microbes share a close relationship due to the many beneficial functions performed by the microbes. These functions include the production of enzymes, the detoxification of plant defence compounds and insecticides, the maintenance of the life cycle, host fertility, bioremediation, pest biocontrol, the production of antimicrobial compounds, and the provision of vitamins, amino acids, and lactic acids. Such symbiotic relationships between insects and microorganisms have evolved so that the insects can benefit from the production of key hydrolytic enzymes like amylase, cellulase, lignocellulase, protease, lipid hydrolase, xylanase, pectinase, chitinase, laccase, etc., which aid in the digestion of dietary compounds.

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