The Invisible ABCs

Exploring the World of Microbes...

Letter L

Arthromitus

Habitat:

 

Arthromitus lives inside the intestines of about 25 different types of arthropods including roaches and termites. 

 

Importance:

 

Arthromitus is a bacterium that lives inside the digestive tract of some insects.  The relationship is beneficial to both organisms.

 

Classification:

 

Arthromitus is a variable form of a bacterium called Bacillus cereus.  It is a thick-walled bacterium that forms endospores, structures that are resistant to harsh environmental conditions such as high heat and drying.