SRP008053 A. mellifera pyrotag survey Variation in the bacterial microbiota among the gut organs of young and old honey bee workers (Apis mellifera) Adult honey bee workers harbor a characteristic microbiota composed of ~8 distinct phylotypes. We surveyed the community profile within the midgut, ileum, and rectum of different aged workers (9-day-old & 30-day-old) to determine the effect of gut organ on bacterial colonization.