Prospecting cellulolytic bacteria from white grubs (Holotrichia serrata (F.) and Leucopholis coneophora Burmeister) native to Karnataka region.

The gut microbiota of insects plays a pivotal role in digesting food, supplying nutrients, and synthesizing enzymes, particularly those capable of degrading lignocellulosic biomass-a key factor in waste management. In Karnataka, India, the larvae of Holotrichia serrata and Leucopholis coneophora are major crop pests. However, the potential of their gut bacterial communities to degrade lignocellulose has yet to be fully explored.