Bacteriome

A Bacteriome is a specialized organ, found mainly in some insects, that hosts symbiotic bacteria.

The host provides nutrients and shelter to the bacteria.

The bacteria provide essentials like vitamins and amino acids to the host.

Some insects, like the glassy-winged sharpshooter, host more than one species of bacteria. (See this article.)

In "Armored Scale Insects", Bacteriomes have unique genetic and sexual properties. For example, they have 5 copies of each chromosome -- including two copies of the mother's complete genome. (See this article.)