Insects

19 pages, 4108 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integration of Morphology, Histology, and Ultrastructure of the Gall-Inducing Andricus quercustozae (Cynipidae) Larval Alimentary Canal

by Sanja Puljas, Ivana Bočina, Nives Kević, Ivica Šamanić, Juraj Kamenjarin and Petar Ćurlin

Insects 2026, 17(7), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070752 - 22 Jul 2026

Viewed by 487

Abstract

The transition from simple herbivory to specialised gall induction in Cynipidae marks an evolutionary peak in insect–plant interactions. This structural and ultrastructural study suggests that the gall wasp larva has evolved from a passive consumer into a biological architect, utilising a highly specialised [...] Read more.

The transition from simple herbivory to specialised gall induction in Cynipidae marks an evolutionary peak in insect–plant interactions. This structural and ultrastructural study suggests that the gall wasp larva has evolved from a passive consumer into a biological architect, utilising a highly specialised body plan. The structure of the large midgut, the midgut epithelium reinforced by septate junctions, and the cuboidal cells of the hindgut allow for the possibility that the larva of Andricus quercustozae may control itself independently from its host, working as an active producer rather than just recycling materials. The foregut constitutes approximately 10% of the alimentary canal length, while the large blind midgut occupies 80%. The remaining 10% consists of a specialised hindgut tube, which is anteriorly closed and contains a reinforced, cuticularised external anal pore. This posterior structure, together with a dense aggregation of urocytes and oenocytes in the anal region, presumed systemic homeostasis and the symmetrical distribution of hormonal signals. These anatomical hallmarks provide a structural baseline to hypothesize that biosynthesis may represent a key mechanism for phytohormone acquisition, while suggesting that this closed-circuit anatomy could potentially be a contributing factor influencing the spherical morphogenesis of the gall. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Studies on Functional Morphological Diversity of Insects)

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14 pages, 4146 KB

Open AccessArticle

Laboratory Toxicity and Field Efficacy of Four Microbial-Derived Pesticides Combined with Two Adjuvants Against Lygus pratensis (Hemiptera: Miridae)

by Wei Lu, Ruihao Li, Xiang Yan, Hailong Gao, Yanru Wang, Yubo Jiao, Zongfang Fan and Yujiao Wang

Insects 2026, 17(7), 751; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070751 - 22 Jul 2026

Viewed by 962

Abstract

Systematic field data on adjuvant-amended microbial-derived pesticides against L. pratensis in arid, high-ultraviolet cotton regions remain scarce. This study systematically evaluated the laboratory toxicity and field efficacy of four kinds of microbial-derived pesticides (abamectin, emamectin benzoate, B. bassiana, and M. anisopliae) [...] Read more.

Systematic field data on adjuvant-amended microbial-derived pesticides against L. pratensis in arid, high-ultraviolet cotton regions remain scarce. This study systematically evaluated the laboratory toxicity and field efficacy of four kinds of microbial-derived pesticides (abamectin, emamectin benzoate, B. bassiana, and M. anisopliae) and their combinations with adjuvants against L. pratensis in Xinjiang cotton fields. As a comprehensive regional study, this work elucidates the differential enhancement patterns of d-limonene and mineral oil on antibiotic insecticides and entomopathogenic fungi, providing targeted field data for pesticide reduction strategies. The laboratory toxicity of seven microbial-derived pesticides was determined using the leaf-tube residual film method. Four effective agents were selected and combined with d-limonene or mineral oil for field efficacy trials. Abamectin and emamectin benzoate exhibited rapid and high insecticidal activity, with 48 h LC₅₀ values of 1.198 mg/L and 3.424 mg/L, respectively. The two entomopathogenic fungi exhibited slower insecticidal activity than the chemical insecticides but maintained relatively stable control effects throughout the observation period. In field trials, when abamectin or emamectin benzoate was applied at a 30% reduced rate in combination with mineral oil or d-limonene, the control efficacy was equivalent to or higher than that of the full-rate application of the pesticide alone. The treatment of abamectin (4.20 g a.i./hm²) plus mineral oil achieved the highest control efficacy (89.24%) at 3 days post-treatment. For B. bassiana and M. anisopliae, reduced-rate adjuvant-amended treatments showed numerically higher initial and residual efficacy than the full-rate single-agent fungal treatments. The treatment of M. anisopliae (7.35 × 10¹² spores/hm²) plus d-limonene reached 70.50% efficacy at 7 days post-treatment, which was significantly higher than that of the full-rate fungal treatment alone. No phytotoxicity symptoms were observed on cotton plants. Under the tested conditions, the rational combination of microbial-derived pesticides with appropriate adjuvants demonstrates the potential for a 30% reduction in pesticide dosage while maintaining or improving field efficacy, providing region-specific reference for the sustainable management of L. pratensis in Xinjiang cotton fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)

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13 pages, 3164 KB

Open AccessArticle

Aphid Diversity in Canadian Amber: Description of New Taxa

by Bartosz Ogłaza, Małgorzata Kalandyk-Kołodziejczyk and Piotr Wegierek

Insects 2026, 17(7), 750; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070750 - 22 Jul 2026

Viewed by 1214

Abstract

Canadian amber, dated to the late Campanian (79–78 Ma), is the youngest known Late Cretaceous amber deposit containing insect inclusions. Aphids represent one of the most abundant insect groups preserved in this amber. In this study, we describe an apterous morph of Alloambria [...] Read more.

Canadian amber, dated to the late Campanian (79–78 Ma), is the youngest known Late Cretaceous amber deposit containing insect inclusions. Aphids represent one of the most abundant insect groups preserved in this amber. In this study, we describe an apterous morph of Alloambria infelicis Kania & Wegierek, 2005 and three new species from Canadian amber: Matronaphis breviantennata, Curraphis velox, and Latialiaphis oblita. Only the latter species is described based on an alate morph. We also analysed the holotypes of the following species: Ambaraphis kotejai Kania & Wegierek, 2005, Ambaraphis costalis Richards, 1966, Alloambria infelicis, Alloambria caudata Richards, 1966 and Pseudambria longirostris Richards, 1966. Apterous morphs reported from Late Cretaceous deposits share several morphological features with extant aphids, including appendage structures (antennae with distinct processus terminalis and cauda) and other characteristics such as single secondary rhinaria and abdominal wax glands. Our results expand the known morphological diversity of aphids in Canadian amber. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fossil Insects: Diversity and Evolutionary History)

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22 pages, 422 KB

Open AccessReview

House Cricket (Acheta domesticus) as a Promising Functional Ingredient: A Synoptical Review on Nutritional Value, Technological Properties and Sustainability Perspectives

by Filipa Oliveira, Rute F. Vítor, Maria Manuela Silva and Igor Dias

Insects 2026, 17(7), 749; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070749 - 22 Jul 2026

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Abstract

The house cricket (Acheta domesticus) is among the edible insect species authorized under the European Union novel food framework and is increasingly explored as a food ingredient. This review synthesizes current evidence on its nutritional composition, techno-functional properties, safety, sustainability, and [...] Read more.

The house cricket (Acheta domesticus) is among the edible insect species authorized under the European Union novel food framework and is increasingly explored as a food ingredient. This review synthesizes current evidence on its nutritional composition, techno-functional properties, safety, sustainability, and application potential for human consumption. A. domesticus powder is a nutrient-dense ingredient, with reported protein contents ranging from 57.4 to 76.19 g/100 g dry material, together with a relevant amino acid profile, unsaturated lipid fraction, chitin-associated fiber, and selected minerals and vitamins. Its techno-functional profile, including water absorption capacity around 175%, oil absorption capacity around 140%, and emulsifying capacity around 77.7%, supports applications in bakery products, snacks, pasta, meat analogs, and protein-enriched foods. From a sustainability perspective, reported feed conversion ratios around 1.5–1.9 and controlled indoor rearing strengthen its relevance for scalable production, although outcomes depend on substrate choice, energy inputs, production scale, and processing conditions. Safety issues, especially allergenicity, cross-reactivity, microbial control, and contaminant monitoring, remain central to industrial use. Overall, A. domesticus powder has emerged and should be regarded as a nutritionally valuable, technologically versatile and promising functional ingredient for sustainable food innovation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insects as Food: Advances in Edible Insect Research and Applications)

24 pages, 750 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Culinary Acceptance of Edible Insects: The Mediating Roles of Food Neophobia and Food Interest in the Context of Perceived Future Food Insecurity

by Gökhan Onat, Yusuf Karakuş and Büşra Elem Yıldrım

Insects 2026, 17(7), 748; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070748 - 22 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Edible insects are a promising source for sustainable protein transformation due to their low environmental impact, high nutrient density, and suitability for circular food systems; however, despite their high technical potential, culinary and societal acceptance remains low. While the literature has largely focused [...] Read more.

Edible insects are a promising source for sustainable protein transformation due to their low environmental impact, high nutrient density, and suitability for circular food systems; however, despite their high technical potential, culinary and societal acceptance remains low. While the literature has largely focused on consumer acceptance, culinary professionals’ intention to incorporate edible insects into recipes has been understudied. This study examines the direct and indirect associations of perceived future food insecurity with the intention to incorporate edible insects into recipes, mediated by food neophobia and food interest. Protection Motivation Theory was used as a guiding theoretical lens to conceptualize perceived future food insecurity as a threat-related contextual perception, rather than as a full test of the theory. Data were collected from 400 culinary students across seven regions of Turkey; confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were applied. The direct effect of perceived future food insecurity on recipe incorporation intention was not significant (β = −0.015). However, perceived future food insecurity was negatively associated with food neophobia (β = −0.212) and positively associated with food interest (β = 0.138); food neophobia was negatively associated with recipe incorporation intention (β = −0.225), whereas food interest was positively associated with it (β = 0.715). Both indirect effects were statistically significant, indicating indirect-only mediation. The findings provide context-specific evidence extending the edible-insect literature from personal consumption intention toward professional recipe incorporation intention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insects as Food: Advances in Edible Insect Research and Applications)

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19 pages, 5068 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Evaluation of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis: From Molecular Profiling to Ecotope-Specific Larvicidal Efficacy Against Laboratory Aedes aegypti and Wild Mosquito Populations

by Mykola Patyka, Renjun Wang, Tetiana Patyka, Anastasiia Honchar and Antonina Kalinichenko

Insects 2026, 17(7), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070747 - 22 Jul 2026

Viewed by 931

Abstract

The escalating challenge of managing vector-borne pathologies necessitates the advancement of vector control strategies that are both highly potent and environmentally benign. This research evaluates the insecticidal efficacy and environmental plasticity of three Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) H14 strains 33, [...] Read more.

The escalating challenge of managing vector-borne pathologies necessitates the advancement of vector control strategies that are both highly potent and environmentally benign. This research evaluates the insecticidal efficacy and environmental plasticity of three Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) H14 strains 33, 87/1, and 7-1/3 against laboratory and wild mosquito populations. In controlled laboratory assays, cultures with a spore density of 4.0–4.4 × 10⁹ spores/mL demonstrated significant larvicidal activity against larvae of all instars (L₁–L₄) of Aedes aegypti. The median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) was established between 1.15 and 1.48 µL/L, resulting in cumulative mortality rates of 95–96% within a 48 h exposure window. Proteomic profiling via SDS-PAGE and Western blotting validated the robust synthesis of the signature δ-endotoxin complex, specifically verifying the presence of Cry4Aa, Cry4Ba, Cry11Aa, and Cyt1Aa. Field applications in specific forest (Polissya) and steppe (Forest–Steppe) aquatic biotopes of Ukraine—characterized by distinct physicochemical profiles (differing significantly in light exposure, water hardness, salinity, and suspended solids)—substantiated the stability of the liquid formulations, achieving larval suppression rates of 95–100% within 48 h against wild Aedes-dominated assemblages at application rates of 0.25–1.0 mL/m² (equivalent to 2.5–10.0 L/ha). The demonstrated environmental adaptability suggests these novel strains are viable candidates for broad-spectrum ecological engineering applications. Their integration into sustainable vector control strategies offers a mechanism to enhance biosecurity without compromising the ecological balance of local biocenoses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diptera Vectors: Ecology, Epidemiology and Integrated Control)

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28 pages, 22732 KB

Open AccessArticle

Regional Soil and Soybean-Associated Bacterial Communities Are Linked to Larval Nutritional Composition in the Edible Insect Clanis bilineata tsingtauica

by Zong-Nan Li, Qing-Yi Li, Qiu-Lin Wu, Su-Fen Cui, Pan Deng, Ji-Hu Li, Jian-Jun Guo, Lei Qian and Huai-Jian Liao

Insects 2026, 17(7), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070746 - 21 Jul 2026

Viewed by 451

Abstract

Regional soil conditions may affect edible insect nutrients through associated changes in host plants and bacterial communities, but these relationships remain poorly understood. Here, we compared soils, soybean leaves, larval gut bacteria, and nutritional composition of Clanis bilineata tsingtauica across three sites. Soil [...] Read more.

Regional soil conditions may affect edible insect nutrients through associated changes in host plants and bacterial communities, but these relationships remain poorly understood. Here, we compared soils, soybean leaves, larval gut bacteria, and nutritional composition of Clanis bilineata tsingtauica across three sites. Soil nutrient parameters were measured before and after larval inoculation, bacterial communities were analyzed in soil, leaves, and larvae, and larval amino acid, protein, and fatty acid profiles were determined. Available potassium increased 1.17-fold in Lianyungang; several nutrients decreased in Huaian, whereas soil pH decreased by 4.0% in Nanjing. Larvae from Lianyungang contained higher levels of several amino acids (Serine, Glycine, etc.), whereas those from Huaian had higher saturated and unsaturated fatty acid contents (Stearic acid, Elaidic acid, etc.). Genus-level overlap analysis showed partial taxonomic overlap among soil, leaves, and larvae, and the number of shared genera generally declined from soil to leaves to larvae, consistent with compartment-specific filtering. Correlation analyses further indicated that soil nutrients, especially available phosphorus and available potassium, were significantly correlated with dominant bacterial genera and with specific larval amino acid and fatty acid traits. Overall, these findings suggest that regional soil background is associated with coordinated variation in soybean-associated bacteria, larval gut bacteria, and the nutritional composition of C. bilineata tsingtauica larvae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Physiology, Reproduction and Development)

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31 pages, 24960 KB

Open AccessArticle

On the Generic Status of Asitrichiosoma Malaise, 1939 (Hymenoptera, Cimbicidae, Cimbicinae) and Its Revision, with Description of Seven New Species

by Guozhu Deng, Nannan He, Yuchen Yan and Meicai Wei

Insects 2026, 17(7), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070745 - 21 Jul 2026

Viewed by 579

Abstract

Due to the conspicuous variation in the present morphology, particularly in the male sex (typically the legs and penis valve), the Asitrichiosoma subgenus was established by Malaise, 1939 of the Trichiosoma genus. Based on COI data, the genetic distance between Asitrichiosoma and Trichiosoma [...] Read more.

Due to the conspicuous variation in the present morphology, particularly in the male sex (typically the legs and penis valve), the Asitrichiosoma subgenus was established by Malaise, 1939 of the Trichiosoma genus. Based on COI data, the genetic distance between Asitrichiosoma and Trichiosoma is 0.0878, and this genetic distance is significantly different (p < 0.001) from the average genetic distance (0.0256) among the species within the genus Trichiosoma. Based on morphological and molecular data, we recognize Asitrichiosoma as a valid genus. The differences between Asitrichiosoma and Trichiosoma are discussed in detail. The newly elevated genus is revised, and seven new species are described: A. bomei Yan & Wei, sp. nov.; A. brevicorne Yan & Wei, sp. nov.; A. shennong Yan & Wei, sp. nov.; A. sinense Yan & Wei, sp. nov.; A. omei Yan & Wei, sp. nov.; A. poecilomallosum Yan & Wei, sp. nov.; A. nigropilosum Yan & Wei, sp. nov. Descriptions, remarks, illustrations, and a key to the known species of Asitrichiosoma are provided. Four new combinations are proposed: A. himalayanum (Malaise, 1939), A. anthracinum (Forsius, 1930), A. bombiforme (Takeuchi, 1939), A. sikkimense (Konow, 1897), among which A. bombiforme (Takeuchi, 1939), A. sikkimense (Konow, 1897) and A. gansuense Yan & Wei, 2025 are re-described and illustrated. The distribution of the genus is also briefly discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hymenoptera: Biology, Taxonomy and Integrated Management—2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 1199 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Bacterial Secondary Symbionts on Host Feeding by Aphelinus abdominalis: Implications for the Biological Control of Sitobion avenae

by Sajjad Ali, Qaiser Shakeel, Muhammad Shahid Rizwan, Zaibun-Nisa Memon, Muhammad Yasin, Muhammad Irfan Ullah, Aristidis Matsoukis, Domenico Prisa, Aftab Jamal and Muhammad Farhan Saeed

Insects 2026, 17(7), 744; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070744 - 21 Jul 2026

Viewed by 561

Abstract

Aphelinus abdominalis (Dalman) is a generalist aphid parasitoid that attacks a wide range of aphid species and, in addition to parasitism, also exhibits host-feeding behavior. A wheat aphid, Sitobion avenae (F.), frequently harbors bacterial secondary symbionts (BSS), i.e., Hamiltonella defensa and Regiella insecticola [...] Read more.

Aphelinus abdominalis (Dalman) is a generalist aphid parasitoid that attacks a wide range of aphid species and, in addition to parasitism, also exhibits host-feeding behavior. A wheat aphid, Sitobion avenae (F.), frequently harbors bacterial secondary symbionts (BSS), i.e., Hamiltonella defensa and Regiella insecticola, known to provide protection against natural enemies. Parasitoids can discriminate among potential hosts based on symbiont infection status. Genetically identical clones of wheat aphid, either harboring or free of BSS, were established. The influence of BSS on host feeding activity and host selection of A. abdominalis was examined using both no-choice and choice assays with different host densities. BSS impact on adult body size of A. abdominalis within aphid hosts was also evaluated. Aphids harboring BSS showed lesser mortality caused by A. abdominalis host feeding under both no-choice and choice assays across all tested densities, but the host feeding activity of A. abdominalis increased with rising host density. Accordingly, mortality of S. avenae showed a significant upward trend as aphid density increased in both experimental setups. A notable finding was the preference of A. abdominalis for killing BSS-free aphids in choice assays. In the case of egg-laying, in BSS-infected aphids, the parasitoid’s body size within the aphids was negatively affected. No evidence was detected to support the horizontal transfer of BSS from S. avenae through A. abdominalis. These results suggest that within each aphid clone, the BSS presence enhanced resistance against parasitoids’ host feeding, whereas comparisons between aphid clones should be understood carefully because host genotype and symbiont species differed simultaneously. Overall, BSS and host genetic variation influence the parasitoid host-selection behavior, which poses serious implications for the effectiveness of biological control of the wheat aphid. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insect–Bacteria Interactions: Symbiosis, Pathogenesis and Applications in Pest Control)

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8 pages, 2707 KB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of α6-Containing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors as the Primary Target of Nereistoxin Insecticides and Structural Basis of Channel Blockade

by Licheng Gu, Yunxin Liang, Boyan Zhang, Jia Huang and Xiaomu Qiao

Insects 2026, 17(7), 743; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070743 - 21 Jul 2026

Viewed by 590

Abstract

Nereistoxin (NTX) and its derivative insecticides cartap and monosultap have been used for decades to control lepidopteran pests by targeting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Unlike neonicotinoid agonists that induce excitatory neurotoxicity, nereistoxin insecticides act as antagonists, blocking cholinergic neurotransmission. However, the molecular target [...] Read more.

Nereistoxin (NTX) and its derivative insecticides cartap and monosultap have been used for decades to control lepidopteran pests by targeting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Unlike neonicotinoid agonists that induce excitatory neurotoxicity, nereistoxin insecticides act as antagonists, blocking cholinergic neurotransmission. However, the molecular target and mechanism of action of these compounds remain incompletely understood. Here, we elucidated the mode of action of cartap and monosultap in Drosophila melanogaster through integrated genetic and computational approaches. Bioassays with Drosophila nAChR subunit mutants demonstrated that the α6 subunit is critically required for insecticidal activity of both compounds, with α6 knockout conferring approximately 10-fold resistance to monosultap and 7-fold resistance to cartap. Molecular docking of protonated NTX into an α6 homopentameric channel model revealed a “dual-anchor” blocking mechanism: the protonated amine forms electrostatic interactions with residue Glu267, while the dithiolane ring creates steric hindrance at residue Thr270. Pore diameter measurements showed an optimal binding cavity of 5.96–6.22 Å in the 267–270 region, narrowing dramatically to 1.64 Å at the deep gate (Ser278), explaining how NTX binding physically occludes the channel. Collectively, these results identify α6-containing nAChRs as the primary target of nereistoxin insecticides and provide a structural framework for understanding channel blockade, with important implications for resistance monitoring and the development of next-generation channel-blocking insecticides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)

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20 pages, 9929 KB

Open AccessArticle

PSI/Masc-Dsx Regulatory Network in Silkworm Sex Determination Pathway

by Chengya Tan, Dongbin Chen, Shuai Zhang, Huiling Dai, Yang Ye, Bingpeng Liu, Hui Lu and Jun Xu

Insects 2026, 17(7), 742; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070742 - 20 Jul 2026

Viewed by 617

Abstract

In the silkworm, Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae), the sex determination cascade is regulated by the cooperative actions of P-element somatic inhibitor (BmPSI) and Masculinizer (BmMasc), which control the sex-specific splicing of doublesex (Bmdsx). However, the functional interplay [...] Read more.

In the silkworm, Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae), the sex determination cascade is regulated by the cooperative actions of P-element somatic inhibitor (BmPSI) and Masculinizer (BmMasc), which control the sex-specific splicing of doublesex (Bmdsx). However, the functional interplay between these two critical factors remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the cooperative roles of BmPSI and BmMasc through transgenic overexpression and pull-down assays coupled with mass spectrometry. Co-overexpression of BmPSI and BmMasc resulted in female-specific lethality, whereas overexpression of either gene alone caused no lethality. Pull-down coupled with mass spectrometry identified 52 common interacting proteins of BmPSI and BmMasc, including Lethal(3)neo18, a mitochondrial respiratory chain Complex I core subunit, suggesting a potential link between sex determination and mitochondrial function. Transcriptome analysis of previously generated Bmdsx knockout mutants (Bmdsx^M, Bmdsx^F, and Bmdsx^C) revealed 703 commonly dysregulated genes, which were predominantly expressed in gonads and enriched in cytoskeletal and metabolic pathways. Notably, the oxidative phosphorylation pathway was enriched in both the Bmdsx mutant transcriptome and the BmPSI/BmMasc common interactome. Collectively, these findings indicate that BmPSI and BmMasc cooperate to regulate sex determination, and raise the possibility that synergistic disruption of mitochondrial function may underlie the female-specific lethality observed upon their co-overexpression. This study provides new insights into the molecular crosstalk between sex determination and mitochondrial metabolism in insects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Molecular Biology and Genomics)

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24 pages, 4012 KB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Effects of Marine Fish and Insect-Derived Proteins on Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.) Health, Longevity, and Gut Microbiota

by Khanchai Danmek, Chuleui Jung, Tippapha Pisithkul, Pornprapa Saenluang, Sukjun Sun, Hyeonjeong Jang, Sampat Ghosh, Phonkrit Maniwara, Pichet Praphawilai and Bajaree Chuttong

Insects 2026, 17(7), 741; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070741 - 20 Jul 2026

Viewed by 597

Abstract

Pollen limitation compromises honey bee health and pollination services, and existing pollen substitutes are typically formulated around crude protein content while lacking the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids naturally present in pollen and bee-collected re-sources. To address both protein and fatty acid gaps in [...] Read more.

Pollen limitation compromises honey bee health and pollination services, and existing pollen substitutes are typically formulated around crude protein content while lacking the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids naturally present in pollen and bee-collected re-sources. To address both protein and fatty acid gaps in current substitutes, this study evaluated marine-protein and insect-larvae-based diets. We assessed how formulations using Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) and insect larvae affect the nutrition, physiology, longevity, and gut microbiota of Apis mellifera L. Newly emerged bees were fed for 35 days on: sugar syrup (negative control), sugar syrup and natural pollen (positive control), or four experimental diets: seabass-based (SB), or SB supplemented with meal-worm (SBM), or wax moth (SBW), or black soldier fly (SBB). Experimental diets (12.48–15.59% crude protein, vs. 17.24% in natural pollen) while SB supplied eicosapentaenoic acid (39.3–53.3 mg/100 g) and docosahexaenoic acid (37.2–52.3 mg/100 g), and SBB was additionally rich in lauric acid (604.3 mg/100 g). SBB- and SBM-fed bees exhibited the greatest hypopharyngeal gland development (0.123 mm and 0.115 mm, respectively, vs. 0.060 mm in sugar-only controls), with no significant difference from SB alone. All SB-based diets supported significantly greater survival than the sugar-only control (log-rank p < 0.0001) and did not differ significantly from the natural pollen treatment with SBB showing the highest and most consistent day-35 survival (81.1%). All sea-bass-based diets significantly altered the gut microbial community structure, promoting short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-associated bacteria such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Blautia wexlerae. This enrichment may reflect not only the omega-3 and lauric acid content of the diets but also the presence of substrates that can be utilized by gut microbes, which may exert prebiotic-like effects by favoring SCFA-producing bacteria. These results demonstrate that marine and insect-derived nutrients can supply protein while also providing beneficial lipids and microbially utilizable substrates that promote the enrichment of beneficial SCFA-associated bacteria not typically dominant in the honey bee gut. These enriched diets, particularly SBB, are promising candidates war-ranting further evaluation at the colony and field levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bees: Physiology, Immunity and Developmental Biology)

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15 pages, 12542 KB

Open AccessArticle

Suitable Habitats of Two Tea Pests for Management Guidance in China Under Climate Change

by Zhengxue Zhao, Xueli Feng, Jing Zhou, Maoyuan Yao, Jianxin Chen and Xiudong Huang

Insects 2026, 17(7), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070740 - 20 Jul 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 419

Abstract

Driven by the human demand for tea beverages, tea production has expanded worldwide. Tea production in China, the world’s largest tea producer, is constrained by Dendrothrips minowai and Matsumurasca (Matsumurasca) onukii. Various management measures for controlling these pests have been developed, but [...] Read more.

Driven by the human demand for tea beverages, tea production has expanded worldwide. Tea production in China, the world’s largest tea producer, is constrained by Dendrothrips minowai and Matsumurasca (Matsumurasca) onukii. Various management measures for controlling these pests have been developed, but their implementation requires knowledge of the pest distribution, which is currently insufficient. Therefore, precise management of these pests is a major challenge. Using optimized MaxEnt models for the distributions of the two pests across the current and future timeframes, we predicted the overlap of their suitable habitats. The central and southern provinces of China were identified as the primary suitable habitats of both pests at the current time. The suitable habitats will diverge in the future, with D. minowai habitats declining by 29.70–61.90% and M. onukii habitats increasing by 8.05–43.62%. These results demonstrate species-specific responses to climate change. Despite a decrease in overlap areas, the current and future overlap areas consistently coincide with some major tea-growing areas such as Guizhou, Yunnan, Hunan, and Fujian. The predicted overlap areas can aid the identification of priority areas, optimization of resource allocation, and dynamic adjustment of management measures, improving the precision and efficiency of managing the two pests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)

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11 pages, 1119 KB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of Larval Instars of Ips hauseri (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), Using Kernel Density Estimation and Mixture Modeling of Head Capsule Widths

by Jipeng Jiao, Wei Zhang, Yunlong Liu, Yang Zhou, Mengli Zhang, Lili Ren and Adil Sattar

Insects 2026, 17(7), 739; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070739 - 20 Jul 2026

Viewed by 454

Abstract

Ips hauseri (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is a destructive stem pest of Picea schrenkiana var. tianshanica, and determining its larval instars is essential for monitoring population development and timing control. Healthy spruce logs were deployed to attract ovipositing adults, and 553 larvae were [...] Read more.

Ips hauseri (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is a destructive stem pest of Picea schrenkiana var. tianshanica, and determining its larval instars is essential for monitoring population development and timing control. Healthy spruce logs were deployed to attract ovipositing adults, and 553 larvae were collected through sequential destructive sampling of previously unsampled logs from June to July 2025. Head capsule widths were measured and analysed using kernel density estimation (KDE) and a Gaussian mixture model (GMM), and the classification was biologically validated against the theoretical growth expectation of the Brooks–Dyar rule, together with the Crosby growth-ratio test and linear regression. Head capsule widths showed a clear trimodal distribution corresponding to three instars, with mean widths of 515.82 ± 21.50, 676.01 ± 27.22, and 885.96 ± 38.27 μm for instars I–III. The mean Brooks–Dyar ratio was 1.311, and the natural logarithm of head capsule width was almost perfectly linear with instar number (R² > 0.999; p < 0.001). This study provides the first quantitative evidence that I. hauseri has three larval instars, offering a basis for studying its developmental biology and improving population forecasting and precise management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Physiology, Reproduction and Development)

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32 pages, 7162 KB

Open AccessReview

Polymorphism in Ontogenetic Duration in Dendrolimus (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae): Diapause, Developmental Variability, and the Role of Facultative Summer Diapause in the Siberian Moth

by Natalya A. Zhevnova and Vladimir V. Dubatolov

Insects 2026, 17(7), 738; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070738 - 19 Jul 2026

Viewed by 595

Abstract

Representatives of the genus Dendrolimus are major conifer defoliators whose variable developmental duration complicates phenological forecasting, outbreak prediction, and pest-management timing. This review synthesizes evidence on polymorphism in ontogenetic duration in Dendrolimus and frames it at three levels: intrapopulation, interspecific, and spatial–geographical. We [...] Read more.

Representatives of the genus Dendrolimus are major conifer defoliators whose variable developmental duration complicates phenological forecasting, outbreak prediction, and pest-management timing. This review synthesizes evidence on polymorphism in ontogenetic duration in Dendrolimus and frames it at three levels: intrapopulation, interspecific, and spatial–geographical. We distinguish biological generation time, the interval from oviposition to adult emergence, from calendar span, the number of calendar years occupied by one generation; this distinction is essential for interpreting two- and three-calendar-year cycles. The evidence indicates that diapause is the main physiological mechanism generating alternative developmental trajectories, but its expression is shaped by interacting photoperiodic, thermal, trophic, density-dependent, and physiological factors. The strongest evidence for natural intrapopulation splitting is available for the Siberian moth in which fast and delayed trajectories appear associated with facultative summer diapause, or a diapause-like state. Key gaps remain concerning the induction cues, physiological status, molecular regulation, and field frequency of this state. We argue that models should incorporate delayed fractions, fast/delayed cohort ratios, and adult-emergence overlap to improve monitoring, forecasting, and control of Dendrolimus pests, especially under climate warming and during the early stages of outbreaks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Physiology, Reproduction and Development)

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12 pages, 3854 KB

Open AccessArticle

Nanoparticle-Mediated RNAi Delivery System Targeting the btCHS and btG6PI Genes in Bemisia tabaci

by Jingjing Li, Yinghan Zhao, Chenchen Zhao, Zuyi Jia and Fengming Yan

Insects 2026, 17(7), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070737 - 18 Jul 2026

Viewed by 691

Abstract

RNA interference (RNAi) technology has emerged as a promising approach to developing biopesticides. However, its effectiveness in the field depends largely on developing efficient and stable systems that can deliver double-stranded (ds)RNA to the intended target. In this study, we describe a novel [...] Read more.

RNA interference (RNAi) technology has emerged as a promising approach to developing biopesticides. However, its effectiveness in the field depends largely on developing efficient and stable systems that can deliver double-stranded (ds)RNA to the intended target. In this study, we describe a novel dsRNA delivery system based on a nanomaterial (C₆₀/ APG), and evaluated its RNAi efficiency systematically by targeting the chitin synthase (btCHS) and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (btG6PI) genes of the agricultural pest Bemisia tabaci. The results showed that compared with dsRNA alone (30% and 40%), the dsCHS + Nano and dsG6PI + Nano groups showed significantly lower survival rates (≈10% and 25%) at 10 days post-treatment, as nanocarrier-delivered dsRNA was absorbed by tobacco plants and triggered RNAi against the target genes, inhibiting B. tabaci development. These findings confirm the role of nanocarriers in improving RNAi efficacy and support the development of sustainable nano-RNAi strategies for crop pest control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)

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17 pages, 2842 KB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolomic and Bacterial Community Signatures of Weathering Time in Empty Puparia of Aldrichina grahami (Aldrich, 1930) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

by Xiangyan Zhang, Jiayi Wang, Sile Chen, Hai Wu, Xiaojiang Huang, Hongxiang Mao, Haiwen Xie, Chengxin Ye, Ming Liu, Yihong Qu and Yanjie Shang

Insects 2026, 17(7), 736; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070736 - 17 Jul 2026

Viewed by 480

Abstract

Accurate postmortem interval estimation is an important issue in forensic investigations. Entomological evidence is widely used to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (PMI_min), primarily based on insect development and succession on decomposing remains. However, once adult emergence has occurred and only [...] Read more.

Accurate postmortem interval estimation is an important issue in forensic investigations. Entomological evidence is widely used to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (PMI_min), primarily based on insect development and succession on decomposing remains. However, once adult emergence has occurred and only empty puparia remain, the applicability of conventional development-based methods becomes limited. Empty puparia, which can persist at crime scenes for extended periods, may provide time-related information based on their weathering after adult emergence. Nevertheless, for Aldrichina grahami (Aldrich, 1930) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), a forensically important necrophagous species, systematic models for empty puparia weathering remain limited. In this study, a 13-month indoor exposure experiment was conducted to characterize weathering-associated changes in empty puparia of A. grahami using metabolomic and bacterial community analyses. The results showed that lipid metabolites, particularly long-chain fatty acids such as stearic and palmitic acids, decreased consistently with weathering time. In contrast, bacterial communities showed variation over time but exhibited weaker associations with weathering time. In internal cross-validation, the metabolomics model showed lower prediction error than the bacterial community model, while decision-level integration yielded the lowest error within this dataset. These results suggest that empty puparia undergo measurable molecular changes during indoor weathering, which may assist in estimating the post-eclosion interval (PEI) and thereby provide supplementary information for PMI_min assessment in long-interval cases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Role of Insects in Human Society)

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18 pages, 2804 KB

Open AccessArticle

Wavelength-Specific Transcriptomic Responses of Diaphorina citri to Nocturnal Monochromatic LED Light

by Shuai Xu, Zhihang Chen, Mohao Xiong, Jiangwen Huang, Huixin Wang, Bin Wan, Guangxu Wang and Bin Xia

Insects 2026, 17(7), 735; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070735 - 17 Jul 2026

Viewed by 490

Abstract

The proliferation of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in urban and agricultural settings has intensified artificial light at night (ALAN), yet the molecular mechanisms underlying its spectrally specific perturbation of insect physiology remain elusive. We used high-throughput RNA sequencing to dissect the transcriptomic responses of [...] Read more.

The proliferation of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in urban and agricultural settings has intensified artificial light at night (ALAN), yet the molecular mechanisms underlying its spectrally specific perturbation of insect physiology remain elusive. We used high-throughput RNA sequencing to dissect the transcriptomic responses of Diaphorina citri—a principal vector of citrus Huanglongbing—to nocturnal exposure to monochromatic LED emissions at 460 nm (blue), 520 nm (green), 570 nm (yellow), and 620 nm (red). Blue light triggered metabolic reprogramming coupled with stress responses. Red light predominantly engaged lysosomal–autophagic pathways and lipid metabolism. Yellow and green light produced only modest transcriptional alterations with no significant pathway enrichment. These results demonstrate that D. citri exhibits a markedly wavelength-dependent transcriptomic response to nocturnal monochromatic illumination, with short-wavelength blue and long-wavelength red light eliciting pronounced physiological effects through distinct molecular routes, thereby providing mechanistic insight into wavelength-specific ALAN impacts and a rationale for targeted optical pest management strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)

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18 pages, 1702 KB

Open AccessReview

Selective Breeding and Trait Improvement of Insect Natural Enemies for Ecologically Robust Biological Control

by Xu Chen, Jie Wang, Yong-Ming Chen, Lian-Sheng Zang and Su Wang

Insects 2026, 17(7), 734; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070734 - 17 Jul 2026

Viewed by 625

Abstract

Insect natural enemies are central agents in biological-control programs. Their pest-suppression performance depends not only on release strategy, but also on traits shaped by long-term laboratory rearing and selection. Conventional mass-rearing systems usually evaluate insect natural enemies using production-oriented indicators, such as survival, [...] Read more.

Insect natural enemies are central agents in biological-control programs. Their pest-suppression performance depends not only on release strategy, but also on traits shaped by long-term laboratory rearing and selection. Conventional mass-rearing systems usually evaluate insect natural enemies using production-oriented indicators, such as survival, fecundity, emergence rate, sex ratio and production cost. However, continuous mass rearing can drive laboratory adaptation, genetic drift, inbreeding, shifts in host or prey use, and reduced field performance. In this review, we summarize key target traits for insect natural enemy improvement, including production efficiency, host or prey use, parasitism, predation, nonreproductive host killing, stress tolerance, pesticide compatibility, dispersal, retention and field efficacy. We further discuss how recurrent artificial selection, hybridization, population genetics, and genomics approaches can be integrated to improve insect natural enemies while maintaining genetic quality. Finally, we discuss the links among trait screening, selection design, quality control, storage and transport, and field-performance validation in the development and application of selected lines or improved strains. Overall, this review highlights practical directions for developing stable and field-proven natural enemy lines. Beyond agriculture, this perspective may also support ecological design in urban landscapes through natural enemy conservation and reduced pesticide use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Important Natural Enemy Insects of Agricultural Pests)

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25 pages, 12255 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biogeographic and Habitat-Associated Variation in the Gut Microbiota of the Stingless Bee Tetragonula laeviceps Between Bali and Lombok, Two Islands Situated on Opposite Sides of the Wallace Line

by Joko Pilianto, Amr Abou El-Ela, Jinxing Li, Tianxiang Du, Mochammad Syamsul Hadi, Asim Munawar, Kamila Muyasarah, Naved A. Ansari, Wenwu Zhou, Zengrong Zhu and Dun Wang

Insects 2026, 17(7), 733; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070733 - 16 Jul 2026

Viewed by 447

Abstract

Biogeographic barriers are well known to structure animal and plant diversity, but whether they are associated with variation in host-associated microbiomes, especially in tropical pollinators, remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated gut bacterial community variation in the stingless bee Tetragonula laeviceps (Apidae: Meliponini) [...] Read more.

Biogeographic barriers are well known to structure animal and plant diversity, but whether they are associated with variation in host-associated microbiomes, especially in tropical pollinators, remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated gut bacterial community variation in the stingless bee Tetragonula laeviceps (Apidae: Meliponini) collected from Bali and Lombok, two Indonesian islands situated on opposite sides of the Wallace Line. Using 16S rRNA gene V3–V4 amplicon sequencing, we analyzed 12 colony-level samples collected from forest and agroforestry habitats on both islands. Alpha-diversity analysis revealed variation in bacterial richness and diversity among colonies and sampling groups, with the highest richness observed in the Lombok agroforestry group. The gut microbiota was dominated by Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota and Bacteroidota, with several bee-associated genera, including Lactobacillus, Bombilactobacillus, Apilactobacillus, Bombella, Commensalibacter, Snodgrassella, Bifidobacterium and Bartonella, varying in relative abundance among island and habitat groups. Beta-diversity analyses showed significant group-associated differentiation in bacterial community composition (ANOSIM R = 0.444, p = 0.001), indicating that gut microbiome structure differed across the sampled island–habitat groups. Differential-abundance analyses identified candidate bacterial taxa associated with specific groups, suggesting that microbiome divergence was driven mainly by shifts in the relative abundance of shared bacterial lineages rather than complete replacement of dominant taxa. Predicted functional profiling further indicated that the taxonomic variation was accompanied by differences in putative functional potential. These findings suggest that the gut microbiota of T. laeviceps carries a detectable island and habitat-associated signal and highlight host-associated microbial communities as an underexplored dimension of tropical island biogeography. Because island identity and position relative to the Wallace Line are not independent in this design, these results should be interpreted as island associated microbiome variation within a Wallace Line context, not as direct evidence of a causal Wallace Line effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Molecular Biology and Genomics)

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20 pages, 2373 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Inhibitory Effect of Toosendanin on the Growth and Development of Spodoptera litura

by Wei Lu, Jianhao Dong, Yuhui Xu and GenLin Mao

Insects 2026, 17(7), 732; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070732 - 16 Jul 2026

Viewed by 437

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of toosendanin (TSN) on the growth and development of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius, 1775), especially in terms of feeding preference, larval growth and development, nutritional indices, and enzyme activities. The feeding preference of S. litura, [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of toosendanin (TSN) on the growth and development of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius, 1775), especially in terms of feeding preference, larval growth and development, nutritional indices, and enzyme activities. The feeding preference of S. litura, larval growth and development, and nutritional indices were evaluated using the diet incorporation method. The activities of three detoxification, three digestive, and three antioxidant enzymes were determined using spectrophotometric, micro-assay, and microplate methods. The feeding preference of S. litura exposed to TSN indicated that the larvae had a significant preference for the untreated (control) feed compared with the TSN-supplemented feed. The growth and development results showed a prolongation of the larval developmental period by approximately one instar in S. litura larvae fed TSN-supplemented feed. At the highest concentration (100 μg/g), larval weight was 0.76 times that of the control group, with a 27.34% reduction in the pupation rate and a 23.58% reduction in the emergence rate. All differences were statistically significant compared with the control group. In addition, the pupal and adult deformity rates were significantly higher than those in the control group, being 14.68 and 5.67 times higher, respectively, at this concentration. Growth inhibition increased with increasing TSN concentration. In terms of nutritional efficiency, TSN treatment reduced food intake and decreased food conversion rate, thereby inhibiting the relative growth rate of the 4th instar larvae. Further, TSN treatment significantly increased the activities of trypsin, α-amylase, glutathione S-transferase, carboxylesterase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase, and had no significant effect on lipase activity, and significantly reduced cytochrome P450 enzyme activity. TSN can significantly inhibit the digestion and absorption of nutrients in S. litura larvae, slow down their growth and development, and increase the pupal and adult deformity rates, thereby protecting plants against infestation by S. litura. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Physiology, Reproduction and Development)

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17 pages, 11310 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a LAMP-on-Chip Assay for Simultaneous Detection of Mealybugs and Plant Viruses

by Jiaying Wang, Junxia Cui, Li Liu, Xianfeng Chen and Guozhou Cao

Insects 2026, 17(7), 731; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070731 - 16 Jul 2026

Viewed by 423

Abstract

Global trade faces increasing biosecurity threats from pests like mealybugs and plant viruses, yet conventional detection methods are usually time-consuming and lab-dependent, creating an urgent need for an efficient portable platform. This study developed a microfluidic chip-based assay to simultaneously identify two mealybug [...] Read more.

Global trade faces increasing biosecurity threats from pests like mealybugs and plant viruses, yet conventional detection methods are usually time-consuming and lab-dependent, creating an urgent need for an efficient portable platform. This study developed a microfluidic chip-based assay to simultaneously identify two mealybug species (Planococcus minor and Dysmicoccus neobrevipes) and Orthotospovirus tomatomaculae (tomato spot wilt virus, TSWV). Species-specific primers targeting conserved genetic regions (28S rRNA, internal transcribed spacer ITS, and nucleocapsid protein gene) were designed. The assay achieved a limit of detection (LOD) of 10³ copies/µL (based on plasmids) and 2.30 × 10⁻³ ng/µL (based on real samples) for P. minor, 10⁴ copies/µL and 1.16 × 10⁻² ng/µL for D. neobrevipes, and 10³ copies/µL and 2.07 × 10⁻² ng/µL for TSWV, with no cross-reactivity against non-target species and good producibility both intrassay and interassay. Parallel detection was also successful with complex nucleic acid mixtures. The clinical specificity and sensitivity was 100% and 92.31%. Integrated with isothermal amplification and microfluidic pattern, the quadruple-sector chip enables on-site screening of a maximum of eight samples within 30–60 min. This rapid, sensitive, and portable tool overcomes limitations of conventional phytosanitary methods, supporting real-time customs monitoring and risk-based biosecurity measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Pest Management in Stored Products)

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15 pages, 1681 KB

Open AccessArticle

Carrying Regiella insecticola Does Not Impose Detectable Life-History Costs on Dominant Chilean Sitobion avenae Superclones Under Simulated Heat-Wave Conditions

by Juan Fuentes-Vielma, Daniela A. Sepúlveda, Sebastián I. Martel, Lucía M. Briones, Luis E. Castañeda and Christian C. Figueroa

Insects 2026, 17(7), 730; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070730 - 16 Jul 2026

Viewed by 496

Abstract

The intensification of extreme thermal events increases the risk of pest outbreaks and disruptions in agroecosystems, making it crucial to understand how heat waves affect pest performance. This study examined the impact of thermal stress on two dominant aphid genotypes of Sitobion avenae [...] Read more.

The intensification of extreme thermal events increases the risk of pest outbreaks and disruptions in agroecosystems, making it crucial to understand how heat waves affect pest performance. This study examined the impact of thermal stress on two dominant aphid genotypes of Sitobion avenae, focusing on their symbionts Regiella insecticola and Hamiltonella defensa. R. insecticola is associated with neutrality in performance, while H. defensa shows no thermal tolerance. We evaluated symbiont-infected and cured lineages during a heat wave, measuring life-history traits. Key findings include: the H. defensa strain incurred increased costs under heat, reducing survival, fecundity, and growth; the effects of R. insecticola strain were predominantly neutral and specific to clones; and Buchnera aphidicola titers correlated with host performance, with H. defensa lineages having higher titers regardless of heat exposure. This suggests that the R. insecticola strain present in Chilean genotypes does not contribute to the resilience of certain clones to thermal stress in Chile, whereas the H. defensa strain imposes performance costs during heat waves. The results of this research pertain to specific strains of endosymbionts, rather than to all endosymbionts within these taxa. These findings emphasize the need to consider symbiotic relationships and thermal physiology in aphid pest management strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Pests: Insights into Insects–Bacterial Symbiotic Associations)

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17 pages, 10169 KB

Open AccessArticle

Global Invasion Potential and Niche Dynamics of Phoracantha recurva Newman, 1840 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Under Climate Change

by Jiaqiang Zhao, Dongrui Sun, Huiru Wang, Te Liang, Keke Lan and Juan Shi

Insects 2026, 17(7), 729; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070729 - 15 Jul 2026

Viewed by 556

Abstract

Phoracantha recurva Newman (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), a wood-boring beetle native to Australia, threatens Eucalyptus L’Hér plantations worldwide. Despite established populations across North America, South America, Europe, and Africa, its global colonization potential and niche dynamics under climate change have received limited attention. Here, we [...] Read more.

Phoracantha recurva Newman (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), a wood-boring beetle native to Australia, threatens Eucalyptus L’Hér plantations worldwide. Despite established populations across North America, South America, Europe, and Africa, its global colonization potential and niche dynamics under climate change have received limited attention. Here, we used the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model, integrating 844 occurrence records and eight bioclimatic variables, to predict the potential geographical distribution of P. recurva under current conditions and three future climate scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5) for 2041–2070 and 2071–2100. We quantified niche dynamics using the COUE framework through calculations of niche stability, expansion, unfilling, and Schoener’s D, complemented by niche equivalency and similarity tests. The model exhibited excellent predictive performance (AUC = 0.954 ± 0.004; Boyce index = 0.999). Suitable habitats for P. recurva occurred primarily between 60° N and 55° S. Under all three future scenarios, total suitable area displayed a gradual decline while the potential distribution shifted toward higher latitudes, particularly across Europe and China. Niche analysis confirmed substantial niche conservatism during global invasion, yet revealed considerable niche unfilling during colonization of the Eurasian continent—indicating persistent potential for further range expansion. Niche comparisons between native and invaded ranges under model-projected distributions yielded expanded overlap across all regions except Africa, where invasive populations may undergo niche differentiation under changing climatic conditions. Our findings emphasize the ongoing invasion risk that P. recurva poses to major Eucalyptus-planting countries and call for strengthened inspection and quarantine measures to protect global forestry plantations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring, Management and Molecular Mechanisms of Invasive Insect Pests)

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17 pages, 1214 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Pesticides Commonly Used in Avocado on Trichogramma exiguum (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae): A Potential Biological Control Agent for Stenoma catenifer

by Michelle Noboa, Ana Barreiro, Jorge Merino, Jorge Espinoza, William Viera, Emely Mora and Wilson Vásquez

Insects 2026, 17(7), 728; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070728 - 15 Jul 2026

Viewed by 566

Abstract

Stenoma catenifer (Lepidoptera: Depressariidae), the avocado seed borer, represents a major phytosanitary threat in Andean avocado production systems. Egg parasitoids of the genus Trichogramma constitute promising biological control agents for this pest; however, their field-level compatibility with agrochemicals commonly used in avocado orchards [...] Read more.

Stenoma catenifer (Lepidoptera: Depressariidae), the avocado seed borer, represents a major phytosanitary threat in Andean avocado production systems. Egg parasitoids of the genus Trichogramma constitute promising biological control agents for this pest; however, their field-level compatibility with agrochemicals commonly used in avocado orchards remains largely uncharacterized. This study evaluated the side effects of 13 commercial pesticide formulations on Trichogramma exiguum (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) under two complementary exposure scenarios: (1) residual contact toxicity on adults and (2) susceptibility of parasitized Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs, following International Organisation for Biological Control IOBC/WPRS standardized methodology. Corrected adult mortality was assessed at 1 h and 24 h post-exposure, while parasitism expression at the pupal stage, adult emergence rate, and developmental time were recorded for preimaginal stages. At 24 h, abamectin, acephate, lambda-cyhalothrin, and metalaxyl caused 100% adult mortality (harmful), whereas potassium soap and hexythiazox were classified as moderately harmful. In Bioassay 2, potassium soap completely suppressed parasitism expression and adult emergence (0%), while neem extract showed no significant reduction relative to the water control. Developmental time to adult emergence ranged from 9.7 to 12.0 days across treatments, with no statistically significant differences among them. These results indicate that neem extract and the adjuvant dispersant are broadly compatible with T. exiguum, whereas neurotoxic insecticides and potassium soap are incompatible under both exposure scenarios. These findings provide an evidence-based compatibility hierarchy to guide the strategic integration of chemical inputs and augmentative biological control in avocado integrated pest management programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Environment Ecotoxicology and Bioremediation: From Biological Solutions to High-Value Products)

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19 pages, 5420 KB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Arthropod Diversity and Biological Soil Quality: A Web-Based Framework for Standardized EMI Attribution in QBS-ar and QBS-c

by Sara Remelli and Cristina Menta

Insects 2026, 17(7), 727; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070727 - 14 Jul 2026

Viewed by 876

Abstract

Soil arthropods play a crucial role in soil functioning, contributing to organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling, soil structure formation, and microbial regulation. The Soil Biological Quality index based on arthropods (QBS-ar) is widely used to assess soil quality through the eco-morphological adaptation of [...] Read more.

Soil arthropods play a crucial role in soil functioning, contributing to organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling, soil structure formation, and microbial regulation. The Soil Biological Quality index based on arthropods (QBS-ar) is widely used to assess soil quality through the eco-morphological adaptation of soil microarthropods. However, Eco-Morphological Index (EMI) attribution often relies on qualitative criteria and operator experience, highlighting the need for more standardized and transparent scoring procedures. Similar limitations affect Collembola-based approaches, where trait interpretation and score assignment may vary among users. Here, we present two web-based tools designed to support a more standardized and transparent attribution of EMI scores in QBS-ar and QBS-c. The first is an interactive identification key for major soil arthropod groups linked to explicit EMI scoring rules and automatic QBS-ar calculation. The second is a trait-based framework for Collembola (QBS-c) that translates the original rationale of Parisi’s approach into a quantitative procedure based on seven morphological traits. The QBS-c framework can also support EMI assignment for Collembola within QBS-ar when direct attribution is uncertain. The tools transform expert-based qualitative criteria into structured decision pathways, standardized trait classes, and reproducible outputs, with built-in consistency checks to improve traceability. Together, they provide a standardized and openly accessible framework for EMI assignment in soil arthropod bioindication, supporting methodological transparency, training, and future inter-operator validation of QBS-based methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Land Use and Soil Health: Response, Assessment, and Conservation of Arthropod Communities)

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15 pages, 987 KB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Diversity Analysis of Dociostaurus maroccanus (Thunberg, 1815) (Orthoptera: Acrididae), a Newly Recorded Species, Based on Combined COI and Cytb Mitochondrial Gene Markers

by Shiying He, Huixia Liu, Xudong Zha, Rong Ji, Zhong Liang, Roman Jashenko, Yongjun Zhang and Lan He

Insects 2026, 17(7), 726; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070726 - 14 Jul 2026

Viewed by 614

Abstract

Dociostaurus maroccanus is a major migratory pest first recorded in Xinjiang, China, in 2025 in the Ili River Valley and Tacheng City. This event represents a new situation of concern in the field of biological security along China’s northwestern border that warrants attention. [...] Read more.

Dociostaurus maroccanus is a major migratory pest first recorded in Xinjiang, China, in 2025 in the Ili River Valley and Tacheng City. This event represents a new situation of concern in the field of biological security along China’s northwestern border that warrants attention. This study investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of four populations from the China–Kazakhstan border region using combined mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) and cytochrome B (Cytb) gene markers. A total of 41 haplotypes were identified from 74 individuals, with the shared haplotypes H3 and H6 being the most frequent. Haplotype network analysis revealed no clear geographic population structuring. Haplotype diversity was high (Hd = 0.957), whereas nucleotide diversity was low (π = 0.00212), indicating low overall genetic diversity. Frequent gene flow (Nm = 12.31–43.08) and minimal genetic differentiation (Fst = −0.0255 to 0.0199) were detected among populations. AMOVA indicated that genetic variation mainly occurred within populations (100.12%), with no significant differentiation among populations (−0.59%). Neutrality tests (Tajima’s D = −2.45136, p < 0.05; Fu’s Fs = −44.037, p < 0.001), the unimodal mismatch distribution, and goodness-of-fit test results for KZ1 population (SSD = 0.0028, p = 0.91; raggedness = 0.0225, p = 0.86), KZ2 population (SSD = 0.00846, p = 0.25; raggedness = 0.0650, p = 0.13) and YN population further support the expansion phenomenon. Mantel test (r = −0.5948, p = 0.9583) preliminarily indicated that population distribution was not correlated with geographic distance. Therefore, in the region covered by this study, the overall characteristics show recent population expansion features. The preliminary results of this study provide basic materials for understanding the genetic background of this species in China’s border regions and can serve as a reference for subsequent population dynamic monitoring and control work. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring, Management and Molecular Mechanisms of Invasive Insect Pests)

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16 pages, 2595 KB

Open AccessArticle

An Optimized Corn-Based Artificial Diet Reshapes the Larval Metabolome, Leading to Mixed Improvements in Longevity and Reproductive Traits in Spodoptera litura

by Aning Fan, Nipapan Kanjana, Xiaotong Xu, Yuanfei Li, Hanqi Li, Yuyan Li, Jianjun Mao, Junjie Zhang and Lisheng Zhang

Insects 2026, 17(7), 725; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070725 - 13 Jul 2026

Viewed by 445

Abstract

Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) is a major agricultural pest, and the establishment of efficient mass-rearing systems is critical for advancing biological control and integrated pest management strategies. In our previous work, evaluation of 17 artificial diets identified an optimised corn-based formulation (F15) that significantly [...] Read more.

Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) is a major agricultural pest, and the establishment of efficient mass-rearing systems is critical for advancing biological control and integrated pest management strategies. In our previous work, evaluation of 17 artificial diets identified an optimised corn-based formulation (F15) that significantly improved larval performance relative to a standard control (CK) diet. However, the metabolic mechanisms underlying these performance differences remain largely unresolved. Here, we employed untargeted metabolomics based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) to elucidate the biochemical pathways associated with enhanced development in S. litura larvae reared on F15 compared with CK. Larvae fed the F15 diet exhibited a prolonged developmental period (21.49 ± 0.86 vs. 20.13 ± 0.53 days), higher emergence rates (1.20 ± 0.27% vs. 0.85 ± 0.10%), and increased body mass during both early (3.28 ± 0.12 vs. 2.93 ± 0.08 mg) and later instars (77.55 ± 2.30 vs. 73.51 ± 1.17 mg) relative to those reared on the control diet. Metabolomic profiling revealed that the CK diet, characterised by lower levels of the essential fatty acid linoleic acid (LA), was associated with reduced metabolite abundance and weaker enrichment of energy-related metabolic pathways. In contrast, the F15 diet contained substantially higher levels of linoleic acid, which is known to contribute to membrane stability and mitochondrial function. Notably, linoleic acid was consistently enriched in the gut of F15-fed larvae, suggesting a correlative central role in promoting metabolic efficiency, growth, and developmental performance. Collectively, these findings provide mechanistic insight into how dietary composition modulates insect metabolism and highlight the nutritional and physiological advantages of corn-based formulations for large-scale rearing. This study offers a foundational theoretical foundation for optimising artificial diets and supports their application in sustainable pest-management programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Physiology, Reproduction and Development)

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25 pages, 4776 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assemblages of Ground Beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in Secondary Deciduous Forests of Selected Regions of the Nemoral Biome in European Russia (Spring—Early Summer Aspect)

by Victor V. Aleksanov, Sergey K. Alekseev, Alexander B. Ruchin, Mikhail N. Esin, Sergei V. Lukiyanov and Evgeniy A. Lobachev

Insects 2026, 17(7), 724; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070724 - 13 Jul 2026

Viewed by 532

Abstract

The nemoral biome encompasses some of the most diverse and productive ecosystems in Europe, yet it has been extensively transformed by human activity. The capacity of secondary forests that have developed on sites of clear-cut broadleaved forests to sustain ground beetle diversity remains [...] Read more.

The nemoral biome encompasses some of the most diverse and productive ecosystems in Europe, yet it has been extensively transformed by human activity. The capacity of secondary forests that have developed on sites of clear-cut broadleaved forests to sustain ground beetle diversity remains insufficiently studied. Ground beetles were sampled using pitfall traps during May–July in 21 post-logging forest stands across six administrative regions of Central Russia. A total of 90 ground beetle species were recorded. The superdominant species in most habitats were Carabus cancellatus Ill. and Pterostichus melanarius Ill. The median species richness per sampling plot was 17, and the median activity density was 33.6 individuals per 100 trap-days. The similarity of ground beetle assemblages, in terms of both species composition and community structure, is determined primarily by habitat characteristics rather than by the spatial proximity of sampling sites. The most robust predictor of both species composition and community structure was the percentage cover of Corylus avellana. A large proportion of exposed soil within forest stands is associated with a higher activity density of mixophytophagous stratohortobionts, predominantly Harpalus rufipes L. As the distance from large forest tracts increased, the activity density of large walking epigeobiont zoophages declined. Overall, the species structure of ground beetle assemblages was only weakly predictable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insect Diversity: Coleoptera)

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22 pages, 1685 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Temperature-Moisture Interactions on Storage Survival and Virulence in Two Entomopathogenic Nematode Species

by Hongyan Li, Kexin Zhang, Tingwei Zhang and Xiujuan Qian

Insects 2026, 17(7), 723; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070723 - 13 Jul 2026

Viewed by 549

Abstract

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are among the most promising biocontrol agents; however, their short shelf life constrains commercial application. This study evaluated the effects of storage temperature (6 °C and 25 °C) and sponge substrate moisture content (42%, 48%, and 55%) on the 18-week [...] Read more.

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are among the most promising biocontrol agents; however, their short shelf life constrains commercial application. This study evaluated the effects of storage temperature (6 °C and 25 °C) and sponge substrate moisture content (42%, 48%, and 55%) on the 18-week survival and post-storage virulence of two indigenous EPN species from Gansu Province, China: Heterorhabditis megidis 0627M and Steinernema feltiae 0619HT. A Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) revealed that storage duration, temperature, moisture content, and species all significantly affected survival of H. megidis 0627M and S. feltiae 0619HT (all p < 0.001). Low-temperature storage (6 °C) reduced mortality odds by 82.4% compared with room temperature (OR = 0.176, 95% CI: 0.117–0.263, p < 0.001). High moisture content (55%) increased mortality odds by 10.1-fold relative to moderate moisture (48%; OR = 10.114, 95% CI: 6.155–16.618, p < 0.001), whereas low moisture (42%) showed no significant difference from 48% (OR = 0.942, p = 0.810). The two species exhibited distinct adaptation strategies: S. feltiae 0619HT achieved the highest survival under low-temperature storage at 48% moisture content (56.48% at week 18), whereas H. megidis 0627M demonstrated a delayed competitive advantage under room-temperature, low-moisture conditions. Virulence assays revealed that low-temperature storage better preserved infectivity under most conditions. Notably, survival and virulence were not always concordant, necessitating their evaluation as complementary metrics. Species-specific storage protocols are proposed, providing a scientific basis for the future development of regionally targeted and cost-effective native EPN formulations, as well as for regionally targeted biocontrol applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)

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Insects, Volume 17, Issue 7 (July 2026) – 94 articles

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