A free‐living <i>Serratia symbiotica</i> strain enhances aphid development, potentially through alteration of host nutritional composition

Our findings indicate that S. symbiotica plays an essential role in aphid nutrient metabolism, and is likely to be facilitating the conversion of dietary sugars into amino acids to support host development. The fitness benefits conferred by this free-living S. symbiotica strain suggest a close, mutualistic-like association with its aphid host, highlighting its ecological and physiological significance in insect-microbe interactions. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.