"Symbiotic microbes" refers to a mutually beneficial relationship between tiny organisms (microbes) and another living organism. They work together in a way that both the microbes and the organism benefit from this relationship. Full definition
Only insects carry Wolbachia, but all animals have a range of symbiotic microbes. (quantamagazine.org)
In order to fully grasp the complexities of how symbiotic microbes might affect evolution, Bordenstein said, the fields of microbiology and evolutionary biology will have to form a symbiotic relationship of their own. (quantamagazine.org)
Without symbiotic microbes, the corals will die. (newscientist.com)