Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.6
2.9
Journals
Insects
Editor’s Choice
share announcement

Editor’s Choice Articles

Editor’s Choice articles are based on recommendations by the scientific editors of MDPI journals from around the world. Editors select a small number of articles recently published in the journal that they believe will be particularly interesting to readers, or important in the respective research area. The aim is to provide a snapshot of some of the most exciting work published in the various research areas of the journal.

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
27 pages, 1679 KB  
Review
Insect Pest Control from Chemical to Biotechnological Approach: Constrains and Challenges
by Stefano Civolani, Massimo Bariselli, Riccardo Osti and Giovanni Bernacchia
Insects 2025, 16(5), 528; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16050528 - 15 May 2025
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5434
Abstract
The large growth in the global population requires new solutions for the control of harmful insects that compete for our food. Changing regulatory requirements and public perception, together with the continuous evolution of resistance to conventional insecticides, also require, in addition to innovative [...] Read more.
The large growth in the global population requires new solutions for the control of harmful insects that compete for our food. Changing regulatory requirements and public perception, together with the continuous evolution of resistance to conventional insecticides, also require, in addition to innovative molecules with different modes of action, new non-chemical control strategies that can help maintain efficient integrated pest management programs. The last 30 years have inaugurated a new era characterised by the discovery of new mechanisms of action and new chemical families. Although European programs also promote a green deal in the crop protection sector, the existing thorough regulations slow down its spread and the adoption of new products. In light of these changes, this review will describe in more detail the dynamics of discovery and registration of new conventional insecticides and the difficulties that the agrochemical industries encounter. Subsequently, the different innovative control strategies alternative to conventional insecticides based on natural substances of different origin, entomopathogenic microorganisms, semiochemical and semiophysical compounds, and classical and augmentative biological control will be described. The advantages of these green strategies will be illustrated and also the constrains to their diffusion and commercialisation. Finally, the main biotechnological discoveries will be described, from transgenic plants to symbiotic control, classical genetic control, and, more recently, control based on insect genomic transformation or on RNAi. These new biotechnologies can revolutionise the sector despite some constrains related to the regulatory restrictions present in different countries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Toxicology and Insecticide Resistance on Insect Pests)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1588 KB  
Review
The Role of Red Wood Ants (Formica rufa Species Group) in Central European Forest Ecosystems—A Literature Review
by Ágnes Fürjes-Mikó, Sándor Csősz, Márton József Paulin and György Csóka
Insects 2025, 16(5), 518; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16050518 - 13 May 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5576
Abstract
Red wood ants (RWA), belonging to the Formica rufa species group, play a crucial and fascinating role in Central Europe’s forest ecosystems. They have a high variety of effects, which they exert around their nests. Their generalist feeding on prey in the canopies [...] Read more.
Red wood ants (RWA), belonging to the Formica rufa species group, play a crucial and fascinating role in Central Europe’s forest ecosystems. They have a high variety of effects, which they exert around their nests. Their generalist feeding on prey in the canopies of trees lowers the frequency of defoliator outbreaks, as well as increases local biodiversity. Nearly half of their diverse diet is insects, including species considered harmful by foresters. They also have a mutualistic relation with honeydew-producing aphids and planthoppers, which connection has unclear effects on the forests. The habit of RWAs building nests could also positively influence soil composition, due to its structure and high amount of organic matter, which could potentially benefit tree growth. RWAs are also known to enhance the species richness of forests by supporting various myrmecophilous species associated with them. In this study, we review the role of RWAs in forest protection, drawing on the literature focusing on Hungary and Central Europe. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Richness of the Forest Microcosmos)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 9756 KB  
Article
Extensive DNA Barcoding of Lepidoptera of Crete (Greece) Reveals Significant Taxonomic and Faunistic Gaps and Supports the First Comprehensive Checklist of the Island’s Fauna
by Peter Huemer, Kai Berggren, Leif Aarvik, Erwin Rennwald, Axel Hausmann, Andreas Segerer, Giorgia Staffoni, Aina Mærk Aspaas, Apostolos Trichas and Paul D. N. Hebert
Insects 2025, 16(5), 438; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16050438 - 22 Apr 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5575
Abstract
Comprehensive genetic surveys of Lepidoptera are still largely lacking across most of the eastern Mediterranean. Consequently, there is a lack of modern, taxonomically validated checklists that meet current scientific standards. In this study, we analyze the butterfly and moth fauna of Crete (Greece) [...] Read more.
Comprehensive genetic surveys of Lepidoptera are still largely lacking across most of the eastern Mediterranean. Consequently, there is a lack of modern, taxonomically validated checklists that meet current scientific standards. In this study, we analyze the butterfly and moth fauna of Crete (Greece) for the first time, based on 3110 DNA barcode sequences, primarily obtained from specimens based on our own sampling program. Building on these data, and incorporating previously published records from print sources and online forums, we establish the first comprehensive checklist of the island’s fauna. In total, the occurrence of 1230 species from 62 families is confirmed, with 724 of them genetically verified. Among them, 75 species appear to be island endemics. The checklist includes 125 newly recorded species for Crete, validated by DNA barcoding (with 36 also being new for Greece), along with 23 species confirmed solely through morphological study, and another 16 only documented by photographs. Conversely, 212 previously reported species had to be removed as likely invalid. Furthermore, 112 unidentified sequence clusters (BINs—Barcode Index Numbers) were documented, taxonomic uncertainties that will require future integrative resolution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Systematics, Phylogeny and Evolution)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 6986 KB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Profiling of Glycosidases, Lipases, and Proteases from Invasive Asian Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus
by Nazmi Harith-Fadzilah, Mohammad Nihad, Mohammed Ali AlSaleh, Abdulqader Yaslam Bazeyad, Subash-Babu Pandurangan, Kashif Munawar, Arya Vidyawan, Hattan A. Alharbi, Jernej Jakše, Arnab Pain and Binu Antony
Insects 2025, 16(4), 421; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16040421 - 17 Apr 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2373
Abstract
The red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, is a destructive, invasive pest to a diverse range of palm plantations globally. Commonly used broad-range chemical insecticides for insect control pose high risks to non-target organisms, humans, and the environment. A bio-rational approach of screening [...] Read more.
The red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, is a destructive, invasive pest to a diverse range of palm plantations globally. Commonly used broad-range chemical insecticides for insect control pose high risks to non-target organisms, humans, and the environment. A bio-rational approach of screening natural small-molecule inhibitors that specifically target R. ferrugineus proteins critical to its life processes can pave the way for developing novel bioinsecticides. Digestive enzymes (DEs), which impair feeding on plants (herbivory), are promising targets. We generated de novo transcriptomes, annotated DE-related genes from the R. ferrugineus gut and abdomen, manually annotated the DE gene family from the recently available genome and our transcriptome data, and reported 34 glycosidases, 85 lipases, and 201 proteases. We identified several tandem duplicates and allelic variants from the lipase and protease families, notably, 10 RferLip and 21 RferPro alleles, which emerged primarily through indels and single-site substitution. These alleles may confer enhanced digestive lipolysis and proteolysis. Phylogenetic analyses identified and classified different subfamilies of DEs and revealed close evolutionary relationships with other coleopterans. We assessed select candidate DEs’ activity and the potential for inhibition in silico to better understand the herbivory arsenal. In silico analysis revealed that the selected enzymes exhibited similar ligand-binding affinity to their corresponding substrate, except for protease aminopeptidase N, RferPro40, which exhibited poorer affinity to the inhibitor bestatin. Overall, our study serves as a foundation for further functional analysis and offers a novel target for the development of a novel bio-rational insecticide for R. ferrugineus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Metabolites as Biocontrol Agents of Insect Pests)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 2547 KB  
Article
Mechanisms Maintaining Mitochondrial DNA Polymorphisms: The Role of Mito-Nuclear Interactions, Sex-Specific Selection, and Genotype-by-Environment Interactions in Drosophila subobscura
by Pavle Erić, Marija Savić Veselinović, Aleksandra Patenković, Marija Tanasković, Bojan Kenig, Katarina Erić, Boris Inđić, Stefan Stanovčić and Mihailo Jelić
Insects 2025, 16(4), 415; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16040415 - 15 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1516
Abstract
Experimental mito-nuclear introgression lines (MNILs) were established by backcrossing isofemale lines of D. subobscura originating from the same populations. MNILs were subjected to a series of life-history experiments designed to test the fitness of the bearers of different combinations of two main mtDNA [...] Read more.
Experimental mito-nuclear introgression lines (MNILs) were established by backcrossing isofemale lines of D. subobscura originating from the same populations. MNILs were subjected to a series of life-history experiments designed to test the fitness of the bearers of different combinations of two main mtDNA haplotypes on their own nuclear background, as well as on the background of the opposite haplotype. By having 11 replicas of the four mito-nuclear combinations, we could test not only the adaptive significance of the differences between the two main haplotypes but also the influence of additional variation present within each of the 11 combinations on fitness. Testing the fitness of individuals of both sexes enabled us to examine if sex-specific selection has a role in maintaining the frequencies of the two mtDNA haplotypes in nature. Conducting the fitness assays on two different temperatures enabled us to test whether different temperatures favor specific mtDNA haplotypes or mito-nuclear genotypes and consequently promote stable sympatric mtDNA variation. The results show weak signature of genotype-by-environment interactions, and no sex-specific selection regarding differences between the two main haplotypes. However, individual models across different life-history components showed these two mechanisms at play in promoting mtDNA variability present in specific mito-nuclear crosses. Our models show that mito-nuclear interactions are, in fact, more important as units of selection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Molecular Biology and Genomics)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 4819 KB  
Article
Habitat Suitability Analysis for Luehdorfia chinensis Leech, 1893 (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) in the Middle and Lower Yangtze River: A Study Based on the MaxEnt Model
by Anqi Chen, Biyu Liu, Rui Zhou, Hui Zhang, Lan Zhou, Xizhu Xie, Zhihang Zhuo and Danping Xu
Insects 2025, 16(4), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16040396 - 9 Apr 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1979
Abstract
L. chinensis is a National Grade II Protected Animal in China, and predicting its suitable habitats in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. This study uses methods such as the MaxEnt model to [...] Read more.
L. chinensis is a National Grade II Protected Animal in China, and predicting its suitable habitats in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. This study uses methods such as the MaxEnt model to predict suitable habitats for L. chinensis in the region, providing a scientific basis for species conservation. The model results show that the AUC value of MaxEnt is 0.989, indicating excellent predictive performance. Under current climatic conditions, the area of highly suitable habitats for L. chinensis in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River is 75.1 × 103 km2, accounting for 8.8% of the total area of the region. However, under the SSP2-4.5 climate scenario, the predicted results indicate a general decline in suitable habitats for the species. This change signals that the survival of L. chinensis will face significant risks in the future, highlighting the urgent need to develop and implement scientifically effective conservation measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Butterfly Diversity and Conservation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2250 KB  
Article
Chronic Exposure to Field-Level Thiamethoxam Impairs Gut Tissue and Reduces Honeybee (Apis cerana) Survival
by Yulong Guo, Changsheng Ma, Wenzheng Zhao, Haiou Kuang, Yakai Tian, Haoyuan Zhang, Yunfei Xue, Hongmei Li-Byarlay, Kun Dong and Xueyang Gong
Insects 2025, 16(4), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16040372 - 1 Apr 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1787
Abstract
Pesticides such as neonicotinoids frequently harm beneficial insect pollinators and affect their survival, social behavior, digestive system, and metabolism. Investigating the mechanisms behind these impairments is crucial for enhancing pesticide risk assessments. Apis cerana, a native honeybee species in Asia, has received [...] Read more.
Pesticides such as neonicotinoids frequently harm beneficial insect pollinators and affect their survival, social behavior, digestive system, and metabolism. Investigating the mechanisms behind these impairments is crucial for enhancing pesticide risk assessments. Apis cerana, a native honeybee species in Asia, has received limited research attention regarding the toxicological mechanisms of thiamethoxam (TMX) exposure. We exposed newly emerged worker bees of A. cerana to a field-relevant dose of TMX (400 ng/g) under laboratory conditions to examine whether TMX exposure triggers similar or distinct effects in different biological processes and tissues. Our results demonstrate that TMX damages the gut cell structure and significantly increases mortality. Gut transcriptomic analysis revealed that the activation of signaling pathways such as glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, Notch signaling, and Wnt signaling likely contributed to structural damage in gut cells. Head transcriptomic results indicated that the activation of pathways including pyruvate metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, thiamine metabolism, and riboflavin metabolism might negatively affect the stability of the neural system in A. cerana. The metabolic dysfunction of glycine, serine, threonine, as well as glycerophospholipids potentially impairs the neural system, leading to behavioral abnormalities and mortality. In summary, field-level TMX damages the gut cell structure, destabilizes the neural system, and increases the mortality rate of A. cerana. These findings demonstrate that TMX exposure induces complex, tissue-specific effects. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the molecular and physiological impacts of TMX on A. cerana, offering valuable insights for the conservation and protection of this important pollinator species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Social Insects and Apiculture)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1078 KB  
Article
Honey Bees Can Use Sequence Learning to Predict Rewards from a Prior Unrewarded Visual Stimulus
by Bahram Kheradmand, Ian Richardson-Ramos, Sarah Chan, Claudia Nelson and James C. Nieh
Insects 2025, 16(4), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16040358 - 31 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2127
Abstract
Learning to anticipate upcoming events can increase fitness by allowing animals to choose the best course of action, and many species can learn sequences of events and anticipate rewards. To date, most studies have focused on sequences over short time scales such as [...] Read more.
Learning to anticipate upcoming events can increase fitness by allowing animals to choose the best course of action, and many species can learn sequences of events and anticipate rewards. To date, most studies have focused on sequences over short time scales such as a few seconds. Whereas events separated by a few seconds are easily learned, events separated by longer delays are typically more difficult to learn. Here, we show that honey bees (Apis mellifera) can learn a sequence of two visually distinct food sources alternating in profitability every few minutes. Bees were challenged to learn that the rewarded pattern was the one that was non-rewarded on the prior visit. We show that bees can predict and choose the feeder that will be rewarding upon their next approach more frequently than predicted by chance, and they improve with experience, with 64% correct choices made in the second half of their visit sequence (N = 320 visits by 20 different bees). These results increase our understanding of honey bee visual sequential learning and further demonstrate the flexibility of foragers’ learning strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Social Insects and Apiculture)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 390 KB  
Review
Patterns and Mechanisms of Niche Partitioning Between Related Parasitoids (Hymenoptera) Sharing the Same Host Species
by Vladimir E. Gokhman
Insects 2025, 16(4), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16040340 - 25 Mar 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4061
Abstract
Related species of parasitoid Hymenoptera often coexist on a certain host, but many details of interactions between these organisms remain unclear. The present review summarizes the main existing concepts and facts and suggests principal patterns and mechanisms that allow for the coexistence of [...] Read more.
Related species of parasitoid Hymenoptera often coexist on a certain host, but many details of interactions between these organisms remain unclear. The present review summarizes the main existing concepts and facts and suggests principal patterns and mechanisms that allow for the coexistence of several members of a particular parasitoid genus at the expense of the same host. Although the successful introduction of exotic parasitic wasps into the existing ecosystems often leads to the competitive displacement of related parasitoids, mere spatial and/or temporal niche partitioning between these insects is also possible. Nevertheless, many cases of coexistence of related wasp species on the same host defy simple explanations since they apparently result from complex interactions between the host and its parasitoids. The main characteristics of the oviposition process, i.e., egg volume, fecundity, and duration of the egg-laying period, are likely to correlate with other basic features of life-history strategies in parasitoid Hymenoptera. Specialist parasitic wasps often aggregate over the host patches, whereas generalists can be randomly distributed, thus reducing the degree of interspecific competition among parasitoids. However, some of the coexisting parasitic wasps, usually the weakest competitors, must also have access to enemy-free space to survive. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Taxonomy and Biology of Parasitoids and Potential for Their Biological Control)
31 pages, 39485 KB  
Article
Subfossil Insects of the Kebezen Site (Altai Mountains): New Data on the Last Deglaciation Environment
by Anna A. Gurina, Natalia I. Agrikolyanskaya, Roman Yu. Dudko, Yuri E. Mikhailov, Alexander A. Prokin, Sergei V. Reshetnikov, Alexey S. Sazhnev, Alexey Yu. Solodovnikov, Evgenii V. Zinovyev and Andrei A. Legalov
Insects 2025, 16(3), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16030321 - 19 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2816
Abstract
This paper focuses on insect remains found at the Kebezen site (51.93600° N, 87.09665° E) on the Turachak stream, Altai Republic, Russia, in layers ranging in age from 20.1 to 19.3 cal ky BP, corresponding to the onset of the last deglaciation. Coleoptera, [...] Read more.
This paper focuses on insect remains found at the Kebezen site (51.93600° N, 87.09665° E) on the Turachak stream, Altai Republic, Russia, in layers ranging in age from 20.1 to 19.3 cal ky BP, corresponding to the onset of the last deglaciation. Coleoptera, represented by 105 species from 21 families, predominate in the sediments, with the families Carabidae, Staphylinidae, Chrysomelidae and Scolytidae being the most numerous. The insect assemblage of Kebezen contrasts sharply with the Late Pleistocene entomofauna of the West Siberian Plain, but it is similar with the assemblages of the geographically close Lebed site (Oldest and Older Dryas). Also, it corresponds well with the modern middle-altitude entomofauna of the mountains of north-eastern Altai. Based on such entomological data, boreal forests with a predominance of Picea and alpine meadows, as well as a cold and humid climate, were reconstructed for the Kebezen site. Changes in the ecological composition of beetles were traced during sedimentation: the most complete spectrum of the basal layer was replaced by a complex with a significant predominance of meadow and water-edge species, after which the proportions of shrub species, bryophilous species, and forest species consistently increased. Such changes correspond to the course of primary succession initiated by a catastrophic factor such as a megaflood. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fossil Insects: Diversity and Evolutionary History)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2723 KB  
Article
Rahnella aquatilis Isolated from Aedes albopictus Impairs Mosquito Reproduction Capacity
by Ling Gu, Lin Li, Jinyang Sun, Yongqiao Zhao, Kai Wan, Meichun Zhang, Julin Li, Meihua Zhang, Guoding Zhu and Jianxia Tang
Insects 2025, 16(3), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16030257 - 2 Mar 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2459
Abstract
Aedes albopictus is one of the most important vectors of Dengue, which poses a serious threat to public health. The bacterial microbiota has an effect on the parameters of mosquitos, such as larval development and fecundity, and it has emerged as a promising [...] Read more.
Aedes albopictus is one of the most important vectors of Dengue, which poses a serious threat to public health. The bacterial microbiota has an effect on the parameters of mosquitos, such as larval development and fecundity, and it has emerged as a promising field to be explored for novel environmentally friendly control strategies. Rahnella sp. are present in many insects, including Ae. Albopictus, and play a role in bacterial–insect interactions; however, the role of the bacteria in mosquito biology has not yet been characterized. In this study, we characterized the Rahnella isolate RAeA1 obtained from Ae. albopcitus, and its colonization stability in Ae. albopictus was investigated by generating GFP-tagged bacteria. The influences of the bacteria on larval development and mosquito reproductive capacity were evaluated by inoculating RAeA1 in axenic larvae and antibiotic-treated adult mosquitoes, respectively. The results indicated that RAeA1, which is widespread in the field population of Ae. albopictus, can be transmitted directly from the parental strain to the progeny and can rescue axenic larvae developing into adults with a prolonged development time to pupation. RAeA1 inoculation can impair egg production and ovary maturation, as well as reducing the synthesis of ecdysteroids and vitellogenin in Ae. albopictus females. Overall, our results provide a thorough study of bacterium function characterization that will facilitate the development of potential strategies in relation to the design of microbiomes for vector control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Medical and Livestock Entomology)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

31 pages, 469 KB  
Review
What Can We Learn from Dissecting Tortricid Females About the Efficacy of Mating Disruption Programs?
by Alan Lee Knight, Michele Preti and Esteban Basoalto
Insects 2025, 16(3), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16030248 - 28 Feb 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2671
Abstract
Female mating success for the tortricids codling moth (CM), Cydia pomonella, Oriental fruit moth (OFM), Grapholita molesta, European grape vine moth (EGVM), Lobesia botrana, and five leafroller (LR) species under various mating disruption (MD) programs was reviewed at a time [...] Read more.
Female mating success for the tortricids codling moth (CM), Cydia pomonella, Oriental fruit moth (OFM), Grapholita molesta, European grape vine moth (EGVM), Lobesia botrana, and five leafroller (LR) species under various mating disruption (MD) programs was reviewed at a time when new dual sex lures can provide alternative tools to assess female mating. Previous reliance on passive assessments such as tethering and virgin female-baited traps with laboratory moths are at odds with active trapping methods of wild moths. Additive factors such as delayed mating, adjustments in female behaviors, and greater levels of natural control may or may not contribute to the apparent success of MD. Current MD programs are not based solely on research, as economics and commercialization require some compromise. The complete sex pheromone blend is not always used. A delay in mating has been reported from the field with one study and suggested that reductions in fecundity would likely be minimal. There is no evidence that MD works better with low population densities. MD is an established technology, but the new dual sex lures are showing that the density of mated females is rather high. Efforts to improve the efficacy of MD are ongoing with a small cadre of researchers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inter- and Intra-specific Interactions by Semiochemicals in Arthropods)
17 pages, 6113 KB  
Article
On the Study of Joint YOLOv5-DeepSort Detection and Tracking Algorithm for Rhynchophorus ferrugineus
by Shuai Wu, Jianping Wang, Wei Wei, Xiangchuan Ji, Bin Yang, Danyang Chen, Huimin Lu and Li Liu
Insects 2025, 16(2), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020219 - 17 Feb 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2381
Abstract
The Red Palm Weevil (RPW, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) is a destructive pest of palm plants that can cause the death of the entire plant when infested. To enhance the efficiency of RPW control, a novel detection and tracking algorithm based on the joint [...] Read more.
The Red Palm Weevil (RPW, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) is a destructive pest of palm plants that can cause the death of the entire plant when infested. To enhance the efficiency of RPW control, a novel detection and tracking algorithm based on the joint YOLOv5-DeepSort algorithm is proposed. Firstly, the original YOLOv5 is improved by adding a small object detection layer and an attention mechanism. At the same time, the detector of the original DeepSort is changed to the improved YOLOv5. Then, a historical frame data module is introduced into DeepSort to reduce the number of target identity (ID) switches while maintaining detection and tracking accuracy. Finally, an experiment is conducted to evaluate the joint YOLOv5-DeepSort detection and tracking algorithm. The experimental results show that, in terms of detectors, the improved YOLOv5 model achieves a mean average precision (mAP@.5) of 90.1% and a precision (P) of 93.8%. In terms of tracking performance, the joint YOLOv5-DeepSort algorithm achieves a Multiple Object Tracking Accuracy (MOTA) of 94.3%, a Multiple Object Tracking Precision (MOTP) of 90.14%, reduces ID switches by 33.3%, and realizes a count accuracy of 94.1%. These results demonstrate that the improved algorithm meets the practical requirements for RPW field detection and tracking. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Insect Pests Management: Securing Food Security, Human Health, and Natural Resources)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3662 KB  
Article
Programmable LED Array for Evaluating Artificial Light Sources to Improve Insect Trapping
by Mohsen Paryavi, Keith Weiser, Michael Melzer, Damon Crook, Chandrika Ramadugu and Daniel M. Jenkins
Insects 2025, 16(2), 170; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020170 - 6 Feb 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4097
Abstract
We developed a programmable LED array to evaluate different wavelength illumination (UV, blue, green, yellow, amber, and red) and modulation schemes to improve catch rates in insect traps. The device can communicate through Bluetooth® with a simple Android app to update the [...] Read more.
We developed a programmable LED array to evaluate different wavelength illumination (UV, blue, green, yellow, amber, and red) and modulation schemes to improve catch rates in insect traps. The device can communicate through Bluetooth® with a simple Android app to update the operational settings to facilitate field experiments, including which LEDs to operate, when to operate (always, night only, or predefined intervals after sunset and/or before sunrise), and to change the LED intensities/modulation during operation. We used the devices to evaluate different wavelengths to improve catches in traps for coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB; Oryctes rhinoceros Linnaeus) in the field, as well as to evaluate lighting preferences of Asian citrus psyllid (ACP; Diaphorina citri Kuwayama). In both cases, insects were most strongly attracted to constant UV illumination. However, CRB avoided traps with any “visible” wavelength LEDs placed in panels of traps, while ACP was moderately attracted to blue, yellow, and amber. For CRB, UV illumination of cups at the bottom of panel traps reduced catch rates compared to UV illumination higher in the panels of traps, consistent with observations of dorsal orientation towards light observed by other researchers in nocturnal beetles and moths. Finally, we provide some hardware design recommendations to improve the energy efficiency of similar devices for more widespread deployment in insect traps and for controlling the LEDs to evaluate the effects of intensity and modulation with minimal pulsing, which our observations suggest may result in insects avoiding traps. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Biocontrol and Behavioral Approaches to Manage Invasive Insects)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 5748 KB  
Article
Roles of Vitellogenin and Its Receptor Genes in Female Reproduction of the Cigarette Beetle, Lasioderma serricorne
by Qian Guo, Mingxun Zu, Deqian Liu, Yi Yan, Wenjia Yang and Kangkang Xu
Insects 2025, 16(2), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020175 - 6 Feb 2025
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2359
Abstract
Vitellogenin (Vg) and the vitellogenin receptor (VgR) play essential roles in insect reproductive development. However, the functions of Vg and VgR genes in Lasioderma serricorne, an important insect pest of stored products, are unknown. We identified and characterized these two genes, designated [...] Read more.
Vitellogenin (Vg) and the vitellogenin receptor (VgR) play essential roles in insect reproductive development. However, the functions of Vg and VgR genes in Lasioderma serricorne, an important insect pest of stored products, are unknown. We identified and characterized these two genes, designated LsVg and LsVgR, in L. serricorne. The open reading frames of LsVg and LsVgR were 5232 and 5529 bp, encoding 1743 and 1842 amino acid residues, respectively. Both LsVg and LsVgR were predominantly expressed in female adults and exhibited the highest expression in ovaries. The RNAi-mediated silencing of LsVg or LsVgR significantly decreased the average length of ovarian tubes and oocytes and severely affected ovarian development. The Knockdown of LsVg or LsVgR significantly reduced the oviposition period, the number of eggs laid, and the egg hatching rate. Females injected with dsLsVg and dsLsVg + VgR were found to had decreased vitellogenin content. The co-silencing of LsVg and LsVgR had a more pronounced effect on reducing the oviposition period and female fecundity in L. serricorne. This study revealed the importance of LsVg and LsVgR in regulating female reproduction and shows their potential as targets for RNAi-based control of L. serricorne. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2638 KB  
Article
Losses of Foliage to Defoliating Insects Increase with Leaf Damage Diversity Due to the Complementarity Effect
by Mikhail V. Kozlov and Vitali Zverev
Insects 2025, 16(2), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020139 - 31 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2276
Abstract
The functioning of ecosystems critically depends on biodiversity. However, the effects of herbivore diversity on plant damage caused by herbivore feeding remain underexplored. In this study, we tested the prediction that relative losses of foliage to defoliating insects increase with leaf damage diversity [...] Read more.
The functioning of ecosystems critically depends on biodiversity. However, the effects of herbivore diversity on plant damage caused by herbivore feeding remain underexplored. In this study, we tested the prediction that relative losses of foliage to defoliating insects increase with leaf damage diversity (LDD), and we also explored the mechanisms underlying the observed LDD patterns. We measured insect herbivory in 501 individuals of three deciduous woody species (Betula pubescens, Salix phylicifolia, and Vaccinium uliginosum) across 38 localities in north-western Russia, collected 8844 leaves damaged by defoliating insects, classifying the 21,073 feeding events observed in these leaves into 29 damage types. Overall, LDD significantly decreased with increasing latitude but showed no variation along elevation or pollution gradients. Herbivory weakly but significantly increased with increasing LDD, and a strong positive correlation between the rarefied number of leaf damage types and their evenness provided evidence for the complementarity effect underlying this herbivory increase, indicating that insects producing different leaf damage types differ in their resource use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Ecology, Diversity and Conservation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4245 KB  
Article
Online Crowdsourced Data from iNaturalist Can Assist Monitoring of Invasive Mosquitoes
by Benjamin Cull
Insects 2025, 16(2), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020128 - 28 Jan 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2905
Abstract
Invasive mosquitoes continue to spread, increasing the threat of mosquito-borne disease. Ongoing mosquito surveillance is necessary to track the introduction and establishment of these species in new areas and implement appropriate public health and vector control measures. Contributions from citizen science initiatives have [...] Read more.
Invasive mosquitoes continue to spread, increasing the threat of mosquito-borne disease. Ongoing mosquito surveillance is necessary to track the introduction and establishment of these species in new areas and implement appropriate public health and vector control measures. Contributions from citizen science initiatives have been an important component in detecting, controlling, and raising awareness of invasive mosquitoes. The open-access biodiversity platform iNaturalist is an extensive source of human observations of wildlife, including arthropod vectors, and can be a useful supplementary tool for passive vector surveillance. In this study, the utility of iNaturalist data to support invasive mosquito surveillance was assessed by examining the distribution and seasonal data on four invasive Aedes species (IAS) in Europe and neighbouring countries. Almost 16,000 iNaturalist observations of mosquitoes were examined across 62 countries; 13% were identified as IAS, with a further 2% considered probable IAS. These included 16 observations of Aedes aegypti, 1582 Aedes albopictus, 373 Aedes japonicus, and 58 Aedes koreicus. iNaturalist observations of IAS were present in most known areas of establishment, but potential new regions of spread were also identified. These results further support the use of iNaturalist data as a low-cost source of arthropod data to assist existing vector surveillance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Control and Surveillance of Mosquitoes to Reduce the Spread of Mosquito-Borne Disease)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 5192 KB  
Article
Structural and Functional Analysis of Hemoglobin Binding to the Peritrophic Matrix During Blood Digestion in Aedes aegypti
by Karla Barreto da Silva Orozimbo, Desiely da Silva Gusmão Tauil, Aline Melila Licurgo, Felipe Figueirôa Moreira, Jucélia da Silva Araújo, Maria Aparecida Aride Bertonceli, Sérgio Henrique Seabra, Olga Lima Tavares Machado and Francisco José Alves Lemos
Insects 2025, 16(2), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020116 - 24 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2531
Abstract
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is responsible for transmitting pathogens such as the Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya viruses. The peritrophic matrix (PM) is an extracellular chitin-rich structure that lines the midgut of arthropods, providing a crucial protective barrier for the gut epithelium against mechanical [...] Read more.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is responsible for transmitting pathogens such as the Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya viruses. The peritrophic matrix (PM) is an extracellular chitin-rich structure that lines the midgut of arthropods, providing a crucial protective barrier for the gut epithelium against mechanical damage, ingested pathogens, and toxic substances. During blood digestion, hemoglobin is lysed, releasing free heme into the midgut lumen. Part of this heme binds strongly to the PM, mitigating its harmful effects on the mosquito epithelial cells. Our study focused on investigating the interaction dynamic between hemoglobin and the PM during blood digestion in A. aegypti. Optical microscopy was employed to observe the temporal progression of blood digestion in the A. aegypti midgut, highlighting significant morphological changes in the blood bolus. An electrophoresis analysis revealed distinct protein bands in the PM extract, some of which were associated with hemoglobin and its subunits. The presence of PM-associated hemoglobin was confirmed by amino-terminal sequencing and an immunoblot analysis using anti-hemoglobin antibodies. Furthermore, fluorescence microscopy revealed overlapping labeling between hemoglobin and chitin, suggesting an interaction between hemoglobin and PM chitin. Corroborating these results, hemoglobin showed an affinity with chitin in the chromatography and molecular docking assays, in which the hemoglobin subunits interacted with the oligosaccharide (NAG)4. Thus, hemoglobin may perform a function similar to that of peritrophins. Further experiments demonstrated the protective role of the PM against hemoglobin proteolysis during blood digestion. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the intricate interactions between hemoglobin and the PM, enhancing our understanding of mosquito digestive physiology and potentially contributing to the development of vector control strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Physiology, Reproduction and Development)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2415 KB  
Review
Effects of Microbes on Insect Host Physiology and Behavior Mediated by the Host Immune System
by Shan Zhang, Zhengyan Wang, Qiong Luo, Lizhen Zhou, Xin Du and Yonglin Ren
Insects 2025, 16(1), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16010082 - 15 Jan 2025
Cited by 41 | Viewed by 4162
Abstract
Innate immunity is critical for insects to adjust to complicated environments. Studying the insect immune system can aid in identifying novel insecticide targets and provide insights for developing novel pest control strategies. Insects recognize environmental pathogens through pattern recognition receptors, thus activating the [...] Read more.
Innate immunity is critical for insects to adjust to complicated environments. Studying the insect immune system can aid in identifying novel insecticide targets and provide insights for developing novel pest control strategies. Insects recognize environmental pathogens through pattern recognition receptors, thus activating the innate immune system to eliminate pathogens. The innate immune system of insects primarily comprises cellular immunity and humoral immunity. Toll, immune deficiency, and Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription are the main signaling pathways regulating insect humoral immunity. Nevertheless, increasing research has revealed that immune signaling activated by microbes also performs non-immune roles while exerting immune roles, and insulin signaling performs a key role in mediating the connection between the immune system and non-immune physiological activities. Therefore, this paper first briefly reviews the main innate immune signaling and insulin signaling of insects, then summarizes the relationship between immune signaling activated by microbes and insect growth and development, reproduction, pesticide resistance, chemical communication, cell turnover, lifespan, sleep, energy generation pathways and their possible underlying mechanisms. Future research directions and methodologies are also proposed, aiming to provide insights into further study on the physiological mechanism linking microbes and insect hosts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Insect Interactions with Symbionts and Pathogens)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1331 KB  
Article
An AI-Based Digital Scanner for Varroa destructor Detection in Beekeeping
by Daniela Scutaru, Simone Bergonzoli, Corrado Costa, Simona Violino, Cecilia Costa, Sergio Albertazzi, Vittorio Capano, Marko M. Kostić and Antonio Scarfone
Insects 2025, 16(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16010075 - 14 Jan 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5088
Abstract
Beekeeping is a crucial agricultural practice that significantly enhances environmental health and food production through effective pollination by honey bees. However, honey bees face numerous threats, including exotic parasites, large-scale transportation, and common agricultural practices that may increase the risk of parasite and [...] Read more.
Beekeeping is a crucial agricultural practice that significantly enhances environmental health and food production through effective pollination by honey bees. However, honey bees face numerous threats, including exotic parasites, large-scale transportation, and common agricultural practices that may increase the risk of parasite and pathogen transmission. A major threat is the Varroa destructor mite, which feeds on honey bee fat bodies and transmits viruses, leading to significant colony losses. Detecting the parasite and defining the intervention thresholds for effective treatment is a difficult and time-consuming task; different detection methods exist, but they are mainly based on human eye observations, resulting in low accuracy. This study introduces a digital portable scanner coupled with an AI algorithm (BeeVS) used to detect Varroa mites. The device works through image analysis of a sticky sheet previously placed under the beehive for some days, intercepting the Varroa mites that naturally fall. In this study, the scanner was tested for 17 weeks, receiving sheets from 5 beehives every week, and checking the accuracy, reliability, and speed of the method compared to conventional human visual inspection. The results highlighted the high repeatability of the measurements (R2 ≥ 0.998) and the high accuracy of the BeeVS device; when at least 10 mites per sheet were present, the device showed a cumulative percentage error below 1%, compared to approximately 20% for human visual observation. Given its repeatability and reliability, the device can be considered a valid tool for beekeepers and scientists, offering the opportunity to monitor many beehives in a short time, unlike visual counting, which is done on a sample basis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Conservation of Biodiversity, Monitoring Programs and Trend Assessment)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3094 KB  
Article
Fat Body Metabolome Revealed Glutamine Metabolism Pathway Involved in Prepupal Apis mellifera Responding to Cold Stress
by Xinjian Xu, Mingjie Cao, Chenyu Zhu, Lingqing Mo, Huajiao Huang, Jiaying Xie, Bingfeng Zhou, Shujing Zhou and Xiangjie Zhu
Insects 2025, 16(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16010037 - 2 Jan 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2344
Abstract
Thermal condition affects the development and growth of ectotherms. The stenothermic honeybee brood, particularly the prepupae, are sensitive to low rearing temperature. The fat body plays important roles in energy reserve and metabolism during the honeybee brood development. To date, the fat body [...] Read more.
Thermal condition affects the development and growth of ectotherms. The stenothermic honeybee brood, particularly the prepupae, are sensitive to low rearing temperature. The fat body plays important roles in energy reserve and metabolism during the honeybee brood development. To date, the fat body metabolic changes in prepupae responding to cold stress have not been completely understood. In this study, the ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS)-based non-target metabolome was analyzed between the cold-treated (CT, 20 °C, 36 h) and control (CK, 35 °C) fat body in prepupal honeybees. The fat body metabolomic data showed that the levels of 1860 and 254 metabolites were significantly increased and decreased, respectively, in cold-stressed prepupae. These altered metabolites, glutamine, glutamic acid, pyroglutamic acid, and oxidized glutathione, were significantly enriched into glutamine metabolism and glutathione metabolism pathways. Furthermore, the expression levels of glutamine metabolism-related genes, glutaminase (GLS), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT-1 and GGT-7), were significantly decreased in cold-exposed prepupae compared with the control groups. Meanwhile, the oxidized glutathione (GSSG), but not the reduced glutathione (GSH) content, was increased in the cold-exposed group compared with controls. Collectively, our data revealed the fat body metabolomic changes in larva-to-pupa transition when exposed to cold stress. Our data provided new insights into stenothermic honeybee sensitivity to cold, characterized by perturbation of glutamine metabolism and oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biology and Conservation of Honey Bees)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1370 KB  
Article
A First Step Towards Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Welfare by Considering Dietary Regimes (Part I)
by Arianna Cattaneo, Simona Belperio, Luca Sardi, Giovanna Martelli, Eleonora Nannoni, Marco Meneguz and Sihem Dabbou
Insects 2024, 15(10), 817; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100817 - 18 Oct 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5187
Abstract
The insect farming sector is expanding, but knowledge of insect welfare is still limited. This article aims to optimize the dietary regime for “black soldier fly” (Hermetia illucens L., BSF) larvae by applying a holistic view of welfare. Four diets were tested: [...] Read more.
The insect farming sector is expanding, but knowledge of insect welfare is still limited. This article aims to optimize the dietary regime for “black soldier fly” (Hermetia illucens L., BSF) larvae by applying a holistic view of welfare. Four diets were tested: control (CONTR, commercial laying hen feed), vegetable (VEG), omnivorous (OMN), and carnivorous (MEAT) diet, conducting experiments at a large (2000 larvae) and small scale (100 larvae). Rearing parameters were calculated including the growth rate, substrate reduction, efficiency of conversion of digested food, waste reduction index, and survival rate. Chemical analyses were conducted on BSF larvae and the residual frass. While the MEAT diet appears to be non-well-performing for the larvae, the VEG diet performed comparably to the control diet. Interestingly, the OMN diet demonstrated improved efficiency when evaluating the growth process at both scales. The chemical composition of larvae and frass highlighted the nutritional adequacy of the OMN diet, with the BSF larvae showing adequate protein and lipid content without nutrient catabolism or signs of discomfort. Applying the five freedoms of Brambell’s report as a welfare standard for animal rearing and evaluating performance as an indirect indicator of welfare, the OMN diet appears to promote larval welfare in rearing practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insect Rearing: Reserve Forces with Commercial and Ecological Values)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

22 pages, 4376 KB  
Article
Desert Ant (Melophorus bagoti) Dumpers Learn from Experience to Improve Waste Disposal and Show Spatial Fidelity
by Sudhakar Deeti and Ken Cheng
Insects 2024, 15(10), 814; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100814 - 16 Oct 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1852
Abstract
The Central Australian red honey-pot ant Melophorus bagoti maintains non-cryptic ground-nesting colonies in the semi-desert habitat, performing all the activities outside the nest during the hottest periods of summer days. These ants rely on path integration and view-based cues for navigation. They manage [...] Read more.
The Central Australian red honey-pot ant Melophorus bagoti maintains non-cryptic ground-nesting colonies in the semi-desert habitat, performing all the activities outside the nest during the hottest periods of summer days. These ants rely on path integration and view-based cues for navigation. They manage waste by taking out unwanted food, dead nestmates, and some other wastes, typically depositing such items at distances > 5 m from the nest entrance, a process called dumping. We found that over multiple runs, dumpers headed in the same general direction, showing sector fidelity. Experienced ants dumped waste more efficiently than naive ants. Naive individuals, lacking prior exposure to the outdoor environment around the nest, exhibited much scanning and meandering during waste disposal. In contrast, experienced ants dumped waste with straighter paths and a notable absence of scanning behaviour. Furthermore, experienced dumpers deposited waste at a greater distance from the nest compared to their naive counterparts. We also investigated the navigational knowledge of naive and experienced dumpers by displacing them 2 m away from the nest. Naive dumpers were not oriented towards the nest in their initial trajectory at any of the 2 m test locations, whereas experienced dumpers were oriented towards the nest at all test locations. Naive dumpers were nest-oriented as a group, however, at the test location nearest to where they dumped their waste. These differences suggest that in red honey ants, learning supports waste disposal, with dumping being refined through experience. Dumpers gain greater spatial knowledge through repeated runs outside the nest, contributing to successful homing behaviour. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Social Insects and Apiculture)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 4726 KB  
Article
Exposure to Cyantraniliprole Adversely Impacts Fitness of Harmonia axyridis: Acute Toxicity and Sublethal Effects on Development, Fecundity and Antioxidant Responses
by Tianshu Zhang, Yongda Yuan, Haiyuan Teng, Dongsheng Wang and Haotian Gu
Insects 2024, 15(10), 773; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100773 - 6 Oct 2024
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2714
Abstract
Extensive utilization of pesticides and their persistent residues inadvertently pose threats to the effectiveness and fitness of biocontrol agents in agroecosystems. However, these ecological consequences are generally disregarded when executing integrated pest management strategies (IPM). Cyantraniliprole (CNAP) serves as a wide-spectrum diamide insecticide [...] Read more.
Extensive utilization of pesticides and their persistent residues inadvertently pose threats to the effectiveness and fitness of biocontrol agents in agroecosystems. However, these ecological consequences are generally disregarded when executing integrated pest management strategies (IPM). Cyantraniliprole (CNAP) serves as a wide-spectrum diamide insecticide and its sublethal effects have been well characterized on multiple insect pests, whereas its impacts on beneficial natural enemies remain unfathomed. Herein we exposed Harmonia axyridis, a predacious generalist, to lethal and sublethal concentrations of CNAP via dipping treatment (egg stage) and topical applications (1st-instar stage + adult stage). The acute toxicity tests revealed that LC50 of CNAP were 90.11, 86.11 and 240.50 mg/L against embryos, 1st instar nymphs and female adults, respectively, with safety factors ranging from 1.14 to 5.34, suggesting its medium toxicity for H. axyridis and larval stage was the most susceptible. The embryonic, larval and pupal durations of coccinellids ecdysed from CNAP-treated eggs and 1st instars were all elongated under sublethal concentrations, of which LC30 triggered more pronounced and significant retardations relative to control. Besides, exposed coccinellids displayed substantially diminished pupal mass and pupation rate, most notably for insects molted from the 1st-instar stage upon CNAP sublethal treatments. With respect to reproductive performance, LC10 and LC30 of CNAP all significantly suppressed female fecundity, as evidenced by reduced vitellin content, a prolonged pre-oviposition period (POP), mitigated laid eggs and the egg hatching rate. Specifically, there existed positive correlations between vitellin level (Vn) and number of eggs deposited by per female, indicative of CNAP affecting fecundity by regulation of Vn. In addition, the antioxidant system was also profoundly disrupted by CNAP, with compromised POD activity at different concentrations over time and induced hormesis of SOD/CAT activities post LC10 exposure. Activities of SOD and TAC were enhanced to exert protective functions during the first 48 h, while defense collapsed at 72 h following LC30 treatments that depleted all enzymatic activities. We speculated that fitness trade-offs may occur between reproductive capacity and antioxidant defenses to sustain physiological homeostasis in response to CNAP stress. Collectively, this study evaluated the ecological risk of CNAP and unmasked its adverse implications for overall fitness of H. axyridis, which highlighted rational application of agrochemicals to conserve biocontrol agents when implementing IPM strategies for sustainable pest control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Physiology, Reproduction and Development)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 2274 KB  
Article
Mitigating the Threat of Invasive Mosquito Species Expansion: A Comprehensive Entomological Surveillance Study on Kastellorizo, a Remote Greek Island
by Marina Bisia, Georgios Balatsos, Stavroula Beleri, Nikolaos Tegos, Evangelia Zavitsanou, Shannon L. LaDeau, Vasilis Sotiroudas, Eleni Patsoula and Antonios Michaelakis
Insects 2024, 15(9), 724; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15090724 - 20 Sep 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3304
Abstract
The expansion of the tiger mosquito, a vector that can transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus, poses a growing threat to global health. This study focuses on the entomological surveillance of Kastellorizo, a remote Greek island affected by its expansion. [...] Read more.
The expansion of the tiger mosquito, a vector that can transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus, poses a growing threat to global health. This study focuses on the entomological surveillance of Kastellorizo, a remote Greek island affected by its expansion. This research employs a multifaceted approach, combining KAP survey (knowledge, attitude, practices), mosquito collection using adult traps and human landing catches, and morphological and molecular identification methods. Results from questionnaires reveal community awareness and preparedness gaps, emphasizing the need for targeted education. Mosquito collections confirm the presence of the Aedes albopictus, Aedes cretinus, and Culex pipiens mosquitoes, highlighting the importance of surveillance. This study underscores the significance of community engagement in entomological efforts and proposes a citizen science initiative for sustained monitoring. Overall, this research provides essential insights for developing effective mosquito control programs in remote island settings, thereby emphasizing the importance of adopting a One Health approach to mitigate the spread of vector-borne diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biology, Ecology and Management of Mosquitoes Affecting Humans and Animals)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 975 KB  
Article
Monitoring and Detection of Insecticide Resistance in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Evidence for Field-Evolved Resistance in Egypt
by Moataz A. M. Moustafa, Nourhan A. El-Said, Nawal AbdulAziz Alfuhaid, Fatma M. A. Abo-Elinin, Radwa M. B. Mohamed and Ahmed A. A. Aioub
Insects 2024, 15(9), 705; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15090705 - 16 Sep 2024
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5681
Abstract
Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) is a notable insect pest that invades major cereal crops, causing significant damage and loss. Resistances of 2nd instar larvae of two Egyptian field populations of S. frugiperda, collected from the Fayoum and Giza governments, were [...] Read more.
Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) is a notable insect pest that invades major cereal crops, causing significant damage and loss. Resistances of 2nd instar larvae of two Egyptian field populations of S. frugiperda, collected from the Fayoum and Giza governments, were measured against eight insecticides, including traditional insecticides (profenofos and cypermethrin), bio-insecticides (emamectin benzoate, spinosad, and Bacillus thuringiensis), and insect growth regulators (IGRs) (lufenuron, diflubenzuron, and methoxyfenozide). In addition, the synergistic effects of three synergists (Piperonyl butoxide (PBO), diethyl maleate (DEM), and triphenyl phosphate (TPP) were assessed, and the activities of detoxification enzymes (acetylcholine esterase (AChE), cytochrome P-450 (CYP-450), carboxylesterase (CarE), and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) were also determined. Resistance surveillance revealed that the Fayoum field population showed moderate resistance to cypermethrin (RR = 5.75-fold), followed by spinosad (RR = 2.62-fold), and lufenuron (2.01-fold). On the other hand, the Giza population exhibited significant resistance to cypermethrin only (RR = 3.65-fold). Our results revealed that emamectin benzoate was the most effective insecticide, with an LC50 value of 0.003 mg/L for the Fayoum population and 0.001 mg/L for the Giza population, compared to the susceptible strain (0.005 mg/L). Among the biological insecticides, Bacillus thuringiensis was the least toxic insecticide of all the tested strains. Synergism assays indicated that DEM and TPP had the most synergistic effect on spinosad (SR = 8.00-fold for both), followed by PBO (SR = 5.71-fold) for the Fayoum population, compared with spinosad alone. The assay of detoxification enzymes showed that GST activity significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the two field strains compared to the susceptible strain. However, no significant changes were observed among the tested strains in CYP-450, CarE, or AChE. The findings of this study provide substantial insights into tracking and managing the development of insecticide resistance in S. frugiperda in Egypt. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Toxicology and Insecticide Resistance on Insect Pests)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 4539 KB  
Article
The Effect of Soil Type and Moisture on the Development of Forensically Important Megaselia scalaris and Dohrniphora cornuta (Diptera: Phoridae)
by Wei Han, Dianxing Feng and Yanan Tang
Insects 2024, 15(9), 666; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15090666 - 1 Sep 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2229
Abstract
Necrophagous phorid flies are common insects found on buried corpses, and their developmental data play a crucial role in estimating the post-burial interval (PBI). This study aimed to investigate the effects of soil type and moisture content on some life cycle parameters of [...] Read more.
Necrophagous phorid flies are common insects found on buried corpses, and their developmental data play a crucial role in estimating the post-burial interval (PBI). This study aimed to investigate the effects of soil type and moisture content on some life cycle parameters of two forensically important insects, Megaselia scalaris (Loew, 1866) and Dohrniphora cornuta (Bigot, 1857) (Diptera: Phoridae). Larval and pupal survival, development time, and larval body length of M. scalaris and D. cornuta were observed in three different soil types (loamy sand, sandy loam A, and sandy loam B) with six moisture contents (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%). The results indicated that soil types, soil moisture, and their interaction significantly influenced the growth and development of both species, with moisture being the most influential factor. In each soil, 20% and 40% moisture contents were more suitable for their growth and development. Both the development time and maximum larval body length were significantly different among soil types and moisture contents. The larval period of both species lasted the longest in all soils with 0% moisture content. Additionally, a regression analysis of the relationship between larval body length and development time was performed at different moisture contents in three soils. This study expanded our knowledge of the factors that influence the development of necrophagous insects and provided some reference data for applications of M. scalaris and D. cornuta in PBI estimation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Physiology, Reproduction and Development)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 11103 KB  
Article
Resolving the Taxonomy of Mountain Syrphidae (Diptera) in the Iberian Peninsula: The Species Group of Cheilosia melanura Becker, 1894
by Iván Ballester-Torres, Zorica Nedeljković, Pablo Aguado-Aranda, Ante Vujić, María Ángeles Marcos-García and Antonio Ricarte
Insects 2024, 15(9), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15090640 - 26 Aug 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3472
Abstract
The largest genus of Palaearctic Syrphidae, Cheilosia Meigen, 1822 (Syrphidae: Rhingiini), is currently under revision in the Ibero-Balearic region (Iberian Peninsula + Balearic Islands). Prior to this study, various species groups with putative phylogenetic support were defined for this genus of complex taxonomy. [...] Read more.
The largest genus of Palaearctic Syrphidae, Cheilosia Meigen, 1822 (Syrphidae: Rhingiini), is currently under revision in the Ibero-Balearic region (Iberian Peninsula + Balearic Islands). Prior to this study, various species groups with putative phylogenetic support were defined for this genus of complex taxonomy. The group of Cheilosia melanura Becker, 1894 includes species distributed all over Europe, with some of these species being similar each other in both morphology and genetics. After recent fieldwork in different Iberian localities and consultation of entomological collections, a new species from Sierra Nevada (Granada, Spain) was uncovered, described, and illustrated. Data on diagnostic characters, intraspecific variability, and adult biology were also provided. Maximum likelihood analyses of the fragment “C” of the 5′ end of the cytochrome c oxydase subunit I (COI-5′) and complete COI-5′ were performed to explore and support morphological species concepts within the group. The Spanish-endemic Cheilosia andalusiaca Torp Pedersen, 1971 is recognised here to be part of the C. melanura group based both on morphological and molecular evidence. Cheilosia carbonaria Egger, 1860 and Cheilosia cynocephala Loew, 1840 from the Iberian Peninsula are reported for the first time based on specimens originating in the Spanish Pyrenees. An identification key for the Iberian species of the C. melanura group is provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Systematics, Phylogeny and Evolution)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2035 KB  
Article
Exploring Bemisia tabaci Middle East–Asia Minor I and Mediterranean Cryptic Species Relationship with Cowpea Mild Mottle Virus and Their Dynamics in Soybean Fields
by Felipe Barreto da Silva, Rodrigo de Sarandy Raposo, Sarah Forlani de Campos, Juliana Uzan, Julio Massaharu Marubayashi, Marcos Roberto Ribeiro-Junior, Angélica Maria Nogueira, Caroline da Cruz Martines, Vinicius Henrique Bello, Cristiane Müller, Maria Márcia Pereira Sartori and Renate Krause-Sakate
Insects 2024, 15(8), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15080624 - 19 Aug 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2764
Abstract
Cowpea mild mottle virus (CPMMV, genus Carlavirus, family Betaflexividae) is an economically important virus infecting soybeans in Brazil, where it was initially identified in 1983. CPMMV is transmitted by the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, and occasionally by seeds. Over the last [...] Read more.
Cowpea mild mottle virus (CPMMV, genus Carlavirus, family Betaflexividae) is an economically important virus infecting soybeans in Brazil, where it was initially identified in 1983. CPMMV is transmitted by the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, and occasionally by seeds. Over the last three decades, the most invasive B. tabaci Middle East–Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1), and lately the Mediterranean (MED) cryptic species, have replaced the indigenous species in Brazil, with MEAM1 being predominant. In this study, we investigated the transmission properties of CPMMV by MEAM1 and MED, and their distribution in major soybean-growing areas in São Paulo State. Our results from transmission assays with a single insect revealed that MED is a more efficient vector compared to MEAM1, transmitting the virus within a two-minute inoculation access period. B. tabaci MEAM1 is still the predominant whitefly species in São Paulo State, but MED was also identified in different places, mainly in mixed infestations with MEAM1. Some areas transitioned to a predominance of MED over the three years, while others, where MED had previously been detected, showed a reduction in the insects during the same period. Understanding the transmission dynamics of CPMMV and the distribution of its vectors is crucial for implementing effective management strategies to control the virus spread and protect soybean crops. Further research into the mechanisms driving the shifts in whitefly species dominance and CPMMV distribution will be essential for sustaining soybean production in Brazil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insects Vectors of Phytopathogenic Agents: Biology, Host-Plant Interactions, and Management)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1714 KB  
Article
Temperature-Dependent Oviposition Models for Monochamus saltuarius (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
by Hyoseok Lee, Jong-Kook Jung, Youngwoo Nam and Sang-Hyun Koh
Insects 2024, 15(8), 597; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15080597 - 6 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2055
Abstract
Monochamus saltuarius Gebler is a serious insect pest in Europe and East Asia regions, including Portugal, Spain, China, Japan, and Korea. It transfers the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus to conifer trees, resulting in pine wilt disease (PWD). As temperature is a key [...] Read more.
Monochamus saltuarius Gebler is a serious insect pest in Europe and East Asia regions, including Portugal, Spain, China, Japan, and Korea. It transfers the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus to conifer trees, resulting in pine wilt disease (PWD). As temperature is a key factor influencing insect population dynamics, temperature-dependent models describing M. saltuarius oviposition could estimate population growth potential and evaluate outbreak risks. In this study, the longevity and fecundity of M. saltuarius females were measured under constant temperature conditions ranging from 20 to 32 °C, and temperature-dependent models were constructed. The longevity of M. saltuarius females ranged from 83.36 days to 22.92 days, with a total fecundity of 141 eggs and 52.77 eggs at 20 °C and 32 °C, respectively. To describe oviposition, we used a single-phase simulation describing oviposition as a single model and a two-phase simulation describing sexual maturation and oviposition as two separate models. These models effectively described M. saltuarius oviposition (r2 > 0.96) under constant temperature conditions, with the two-phase simulation demonstrating greater accuracy overall. Such models could facilitate assessments of PWD risks. The modeling framework of this study shows potential for predicting threats from various forestry and agricultural pests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2737 KB  
Article
Chlorantraniliprole Enhances Cellular Immunity in Larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
by Qingyan Liu, Xiaoyue Deng, Liuhong Wang, Wenqi Xie, Huilai Zhang, Qing Li, Qunfang Yang and Chunxian Jiang
Insects 2024, 15(8), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15080586 - 1 Aug 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2627
Abstract
The innate immunity of insects encompasses cellular and humoral defense mechanisms and constitutes the primary defense against invading microbial pathogens. Cellular immunity (phagocytosis, nodulation, and encapsulation) is primarily mediated by hemocytes. Plasmatocytes and granulocytes play an important role and require changes in the [...] Read more.
The innate immunity of insects encompasses cellular and humoral defense mechanisms and constitutes the primary defense against invading microbial pathogens. Cellular immunity (phagocytosis, nodulation, and encapsulation) is primarily mediated by hemocytes. Plasmatocytes and granulocytes play an important role and require changes in the cytoskeletons of hemocytes. However, research investigating the immunological impacts of insecticides on the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, remains scarce. Therefore, we conducted a study to investigate the effects of chlorantraniliprole exposure on cellular immunity in FAW larvae. Our findings revealed the presence of five types of hemocytes in the larvae: prohemocytes, plasmatocytes, granulocytes, oenocytoids, and spherulocytes. The LD10, LD20, and LD30 of chlorantraniliprole affected both the morphology and total count of some hemocytes in the larvae. Moreover, larvae exposed to chlorantraniliprole showed increased phagocytosis, nodulation, and encapsulation. To determine the mechanism of the enhanced cellular immunity, we studied plasmatocytes in the spread state and the cytoskeleton in hemocytes. It was found that the spreading ratio of plasmatocytes and the areas of the cytoskeletons in hemocytes were increased after chlorantraniliprole treatment. These results suggest that exposure to chlorantraniliprole results in an enhanced immune response function in FAW larvae, which may be mediated by cytoskeletal changes and plasmatocyte spreading. Consequently, this study provides valuable insights into the cellular immune response of FAW larvae to insecticide exposure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Insect Interactions with Symbionts and Pathogens)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 7202 KB  
Article
Future Range Expansions of Invasive Wasps Suggest Their Increasing Impacts on Global Apiculture
by Xueyou Zhang, Peixiao Nie, Xiaokang Hu and Jianmeng Feng
Insects 2024, 15(7), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15070546 - 19 Jul 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2890
Abstract
Until now, no study has examined the future range dynamics of major invasive wasp species to assess their future impacts on global apiculture. Here, we developed 12 species distribution models to calibrate the future range dynamics of 12 major invasive Vespidae wasp species [...] Read more.
Until now, no study has examined the future range dynamics of major invasive wasp species to assess their future impacts on global apiculture. Here, we developed 12 species distribution models to calibrate the future range dynamics of 12 major invasive Vespidae wasp species under a unified framework. An increase in their habitat suitability was identified in more than 75% of global land. Substantial range expansions were detected for all 12 species, and they were primarily induced by future climate changes. Notably, Polistes dominula and Vespa crabro had the largest potential ranges under all scenarios, suggesting their greater impact on global apiculture. Polistes chinensis and Vespa velutina nigrithorax had the highest range expansion ratios, so they warrant more urgent attention than the other species. Polistes versicolor and P. chinensis are expected to exhibit the largest centroid shifts, suggesting that substantial shifts in prioritizing regions against their invasions should be made. Europe and the eastern part of the USA were future invasion hotspots for all major invasive wasp species, suggesting that apiculture might face more pronounced threats in these regions than in others. In conclusion, given their substantial range shifts, invasive wasps will likely have increasingly negative impacts on global apiculture in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Ecology, Diversity and Conservation)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 3912 KB  
Article
Cryptic Taxa Revealed through Combined Analysis of Chromosomes and DNA Barcodes: The Polyommatus ripartii Species Complex in Armenia and NW Iran
by Vladimir A. Lukhtanov and Alexander V. Dantchenko
Insects 2024, 15(7), 545; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15070545 - 19 Jul 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2369
Abstract
The detection of cryptic species in complexes that have undergone recent speciation is often difficult, since many standard nuclear markers have not yet accumulated differences between closely related taxa, and differences in mitochondrial markers can be leveled out due to mitochondrial introgressions. In [...] Read more.
The detection of cryptic species in complexes that have undergone recent speciation is often difficult, since many standard nuclear markers have not yet accumulated differences between closely related taxa, and differences in mitochondrial markers can be leveled out due to mitochondrial introgressions. In these cases, the use of derived chromosomal characters such as non-ancestral chromosomal numbers and/or unusual karyotype features may be a solution to the species delimitation problem. However, non-ancestral but similar karyotypes may arise secondarily as a result of homoplastic evolution, and their interpretation as homologies may lead to incorrect taxonomic conclusions. In our study, we show that the combined use of mitochondrial DNA barcodes and karyotypes helps to solve this problem and identifies cryptic species in situations where each of these markers does not work individually. Using this approach, we show that the fauna of Armenia and adjacent Iran includes the following cryptic taxa of the Polyommatus ripartii species complex (haploid chromosome number, n in parentheses): P. ripartii paralcestis (n = 90), P. ripartii kalashiani, subsp. nov (n close to 90), P. emmeli, sp. nov. (n = 77–79), P. keleybaricus, sp. nov. (n = 86), P. demavendi belovi (n = 73–75), P. demavendi antonius, subsp. nov. (n = 71–73), P. admetus anatoliensis (n = 79) and P. eriwanensis (n = 29–34). Polyommatus admetus yeranyani is synonymized with P. admetus anatoliensis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Systematics, Phylogeny and Evolution)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1383 KB  
Article
Beekeepers Support the Use of RNA Interference (RNAi) to Control Varroa destructor
by Rose McGruddy, John Haywood and Philip J. Lester
Insects 2024, 15(7), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15070539 - 18 Jul 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4864
Abstract
Current Varroa mite management strategies rely heavily on the use of pesticides, adversely affecting honey bee health and leaving toxic residues in hive products. To explore the likelihood of RNAi technology being utilised as an alternative control method for pests like Varroa, [...] Read more.
Current Varroa mite management strategies rely heavily on the use of pesticides, adversely affecting honey bee health and leaving toxic residues in hive products. To explore the likelihood of RNAi technology being utilised as an alternative control method for pests like Varroa, the opinions of beekeepers on the use of this new biotechnology were obtained using a mixed-methodology approach. In-person surveys and focus groups using the Q method were conducted to discover the willingness of beekeepers to utilise Varroa-targeting RNAi treatments in their hives, and to gain feedback to inform decisions before the implementation of this new technology. Overall, the beekeepers saw potential in RNAi being used to control Varroa in their hives and were eager to have access to an alternative to pesticide treatments. Participants raised concerns about unknown long-term effects on bees and other non-target species, and the potential of an uninformed public preventing them from accessing a new Varroa treatment. While further research and discussion is needed before RNAi treatments for Varroa become commercially available, RNAi technology presents a promising, species-specific and non-toxic solution for Varroa management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Social Insects and Apiculture)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 2079 KB  
Article
Haplotype Diversity in mtDNA of Honeybee in the Czech Republic Confirms Complete Replacement of Autochthonous Population with the C Lineage
by Aleš Knoll, Lucie Langová, Antonín Přidal and Tomáš Urban
Insects 2024, 15(7), 495; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15070495 - 2 Jul 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2163
Abstract
The study aimed to analyze the genetic diversity in the Czech population of Apis mellifera using mitochondrial DNA markers, tRNAleu-cox2 intergenic region and cox1 gene. A total of 308 samples of bees were collected from the entire Czech Republic (from colonies [...] Read more.
The study aimed to analyze the genetic diversity in the Czech population of Apis mellifera using mitochondrial DNA markers, tRNAleu-cox2 intergenic region and cox1 gene. A total of 308 samples of bees were collected from the entire Czech Republic (from colonies and flowers in 13 different regions). Following sequencing, several polymorphisms and haplotypes were identified. Analysis of tRNAleu-cox2 sequences revealed three DraI haplotypes (C, A1, and A4). The tRNAleu-cox2 region yielded 10 C lineage haplotypes, one of which is a newly described variant. Three A lineage haplotypes were identified, two of which were novel. A similar analysis of cox1 sequences yielded 16 distinct haplotypes (7 new) within the population. The most prevalent tRNAleu-cox2 haplotype identified was C1a, followed by C2a, C2c, C2l, and C2d. For the cox1 locus, the most frequent haplotypes were HpB02, HpB01, HpB03, and HpB04. The haplotype and nucleotide diversity indices were high in both loci, in tRNAleu-cox2 with values of 0.682 and 0.00172, respectively, and in cox1 0.789 and 0.00203, respectively. The Tajima’s D values were negative and lower in tRNAleu-cox2 than in cox1. The most frequent haplotypes were uniformly distributed across all regions of the Czech Republic. No haplotype of the indigenous M lineage was identified. High diversity and the occurrence of rare haplotypes indicate population expansion and continuous import of tribal material of the C lineage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Molecular Biology and Genomics)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3263 KB  
Review
The Biological Roles of microRNAs in Drosophila Development
by Daegyu Jang, Chae Jeong Kim, Bo Hyun Shin and Do-Hwan Lim
Insects 2024, 15(7), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15070491 - 30 Jun 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4708
Abstract
Drosophila is a well-established insect model system for studying various physiological phenomena and developmental processes, with a focus on gene regulation. Drosophila development is controlled by programmed regulatory mechanisms specific to individual tissues. When key developmental processes are shared among various insects, the [...] Read more.
Drosophila is a well-established insect model system for studying various physiological phenomena and developmental processes, with a focus on gene regulation. Drosophila development is controlled by programmed regulatory mechanisms specific to individual tissues. When key developmental processes are shared among various insects, the associated regulatory networks are believed to be conserved across insects. Thus, studies of developmental regulation in Drosophila have substantially contributed to our understanding of insect development. Over the past two decades, studies on microRNAs (miRNAs) in Drosophila have revealed their crucial regulatory roles in various developmental processes. This review focuses on the biological roles of miRNAs in specific tissues and processes associated with Drosophila development. Additionally, as a future direction, we discuss sequencing technologies that can analyze the interactions between miRNAs and their target genes, with the aim of enhancing miRNA studies in Drosophila development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Insect Epigenetics)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 8571 KB  
Article
Unveiling the Microbiome Diversity in Telenomus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) Parasitoid Wasps
by Mayra A. Gómez-Govea, Kenzy I. Peña-Carillo, Gabriel Ruiz-Ayma, Antonio Guzmán-Velasco, Adriana E. Flores, María de Lourdes Ramírez-Ahuja and Iram Pablo Rodríguez-Sánchez
Insects 2024, 15(7), 468; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15070468 - 23 Jun 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3671
Abstract
Bacterial symbionts in insects constitute a key factor for the survival of the host due to the benefits they provide. Parasitoid wasps are closely associated with viruses, bacteria, and fungi. However, the primary symbionts and their functions are not yet known. This study [...] Read more.
Bacterial symbionts in insects constitute a key factor for the survival of the host due to the benefits they provide. Parasitoid wasps are closely associated with viruses, bacteria, and fungi. However, the primary symbionts and their functions are not yet known. This study was undertaken to determine the gut microbiota of six species of the Telenomus genus: T. alecto (Crawford), T. sulculus Johnson, T. fariai Costa Lima, T. remus Nixon, T. podisi Ashmead, and T. lobatus Johnson & Bin. Wasp parasitoids were collected from their hosts in different locations in Mexico. DNA was extracted from gut collection, and sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA was carried out in Illumina® MiSeq™. Among the six species of wasps, results showed that the most abundant phylum were Proteobacteria (82.3%), Actinobacteria (8.1%), and Firmicutes (7.8%). The most important genera were Delftia and Enterobacter. Seventeen bacteria species were found to be shared among the six species of wasps. The associate microbiota will help to understand the physiology of Telenomus to promote the use of these wasp parasitoids in the management of insect pests and as potential biomarkers to target new strategies to control pests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Behavior and Pathology)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2425 KB  
Article
Compatibility of Bioinsecticides with Parasitoids for Enhanced Integrated Pest Management of Drosophila suzukii and Tuta absoluta
by Fabrizio Lisi, Carmelo Cavallaro, Maria Flavia Pitruzzello, Judit Arnó, Nicolas Desneux, Peng Han, Xingeng Wang, Lucia Zappalà, Antonio Biondi and Antonio Gugliuzzo
Insects 2024, 15(7), 467; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15070467 - 22 Jun 2024
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5261
Abstract
Drosophila suzukii and Tuta absoluta are successful biological invaders of agroecosystems. Their integrated pest management (IPM) programs involve the release and/or conservation of natural enemies. Among these, Ganaspis kimorum is a major Asian parasitoid of D. suzukii and has been introduced as a classical [...] Read more.
Drosophila suzukii and Tuta absoluta are successful biological invaders of agroecosystems. Their integrated pest management (IPM) programs involve the release and/or conservation of natural enemies. Among these, Ganaspis kimorum is a major Asian parasitoid of D. suzukii and has been introduced as a classical biological control agent of this pest in Europe and North America, while Necremnus tutae is a key fortuitous parasitoid of T. absoluta in the Mediterranean region. Bioinsecticides represent key alternatives to chemicals for controlling both pests. This study investigated the potential compatibility of both parasitoids with Beauveria bassiana, Bacillus thuringiensis, garlic essential oil (EO), and spinosad, in comparison to two synthetic insecticides, cyantraniliprole and chlorantraniliprole. The results showed that combining each of the tested insecticides with G. kimorum slightly increased pest mortality compared to the insecticide alone. Necremnus tutae had a significant additive effect on host mortality when combined with insecticides. Beauveria bassiana and B. thuringiensis were most compatible with both parasitoid species. Both garlic EO and chlorantraniliprole impaired the survival of immature N. tutae and showed sublethal toxicity on the reproductive and non-reproductive behaviors of N. tutae. Spinosad exhibited high acute toxicity on both juvenile and adult parasitoids of both species. Overall, these findings provide useful insights into insecticide selectivity toward two key parasitoids and offer new knowledge on the potential of combining natural enemies and bioinsecticides for optimized IPM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 3044 KB  
Article
A Mysterious Asian Firefly Genus, Oculogryphus Jeng, Engel & Yang (Coleoptera, Lampyridae): The First Complete Mitochondrial Genome and Its Phylogenetic Implications
by Yu-Xia Yang, Ya Kang, Xue-Ying Ge, Shuai-Long Yuan, Xue-Yan Li and Hao-Yu Liu
Insects 2024, 15(7), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15070464 - 21 Jun 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3870
Abstract
The firefly genus Oculogryphus Jeng, Engel & Yang, 2007 is a rare-species group endemic to Asia. Since its establishment, its position has been controversial but never rigorously tested. To address this perplexing issue, we are the first to present the complete mitochondrial sequence [...] Read more.
The firefly genus Oculogryphus Jeng, Engel & Yang, 2007 is a rare-species group endemic to Asia. Since its establishment, its position has been controversial but never rigorously tested. To address this perplexing issue, we are the first to present the complete mitochondrial sequence of Oculogryphus, using the material of O. chenghoiyanae Yiu & Jeng, 2018 determined through a comprehensive morphological identification. Our analyses demonstrate that its mitogenome exhibits similar characteristics to that of Stenocladius, including a rearranged gene order between trnC and trnW, and a long intergenic spacer (702 bp) between the two rearranged genes, within which six remnants (29 bp) of trnW were identified. Further, we incorporated this sequence into phylogenetic analyses of Lampyridae based on different molecular markers and datasets using ML and BI analyses. The results consistently place Oculogryphus within the same clade as Stenocladius in all topologies, and the gene rearrangement is a synapomorphy for this clade. It suggests that Oculogryphus should be classified together with Stenocladius in the subfamily Ototretinae at the moment. This study provides molecular evidence confirming the close relationship between Oculogryphus and Stenocladius and discovers a new phylogenetic marker helpful in clarifying the monophyly of Ototretinae, which also sheds a new light on firefly evolution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Systematics, Phylogeny and Evolution)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 2861 KB  
Article
Spotted Lanternflies Respond to Natural Pheromone Lures for Mate-Finding and Oviposition
by Miriam F. Cooperband and Kelly M. Murman
Insects 2024, 15(6), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15060447 - 13 Jun 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3494
Abstract
Using semiochemicals collected from spotted lanternflies Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) (SLF) and deployed in the field with circle traps, we demonstrated that SLF responded to SLF pheromones: in particular, this was the case for males while seeking mates and for females while ovipositing. [...] Read more.
Using semiochemicals collected from spotted lanternflies Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) (SLF) and deployed in the field with circle traps, we demonstrated that SLF responded to SLF pheromones: in particular, this was the case for males while seeking mates and for females while ovipositing. The attractants consisted of SLF body extract emitted from diffuser lures and SLF honeydew on burlap ribbons, collected from heavily infested locations. Traps with attractants were deployed in field sites with very light SLF infestations to avoid competing signals of pre-existing aggregations. The number of SLF equivalents emitted by each diffuser per trapping period was used in a dose–response analysis. Three trees per block received either (1) a control hexane lure and a clean ribbon, (2) a lure containing SLF extract and a clean ribbon, or (3) a lure containing SLF extract and a honeydew-laden ribbon. Ten blocks were sampled three times per week for twelve weeks. We found a significant positive dose–response by males to SLF body extract only in the presence of SLF honeydew, indicating a synergistic effect between honeydew volatiles and body volatiles. This dose–response occurred for five weeks after mating started, after which males no longer responded. Subsequently, females had a significant positive dose–response to SLF extract only in the presence of honeydew when oviposition was their primary activity, continuing for two weeks, suggesting that females may use pheromones to aggregate for oviposition. The extract in the absence of honeydew did not result in a positive dose–response, nor did the hexane control. These findings suggest that SLF respond synergistically to the combination of pheromones present in both SLF honeydew and SLF bodies. Thus, combining key components from both sources may aid the development of semiochemical lures for SLF. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Insect Signals)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 3177 KB  
Article
Susceptibility of Yellow Squash and Zucchini Cultivars to the Sweetpotato Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (MEAM1), in the Southeastern United States
by George N. Mbata, Yinping Li, Sanower Warsi and Alvin M. Simmons
Insects 2024, 15(6), 429; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15060429 - 6 Jun 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5431
Abstract
The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) Middle East–Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1), causes significant losses to vegetable crops directly by sap-feeding, inducing plant physiological disorders, and elevating the build-up of sooty mold, and indirectly by transmitting plant viruses. In this study, we evaluated the [...] Read more.
The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) Middle East–Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1), causes significant losses to vegetable crops directly by sap-feeding, inducing plant physiological disorders, and elevating the build-up of sooty mold, and indirectly by transmitting plant viruses. In this study, we evaluated the susceptibility of 20 yellow squash and zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) cultivars to MEAM1, across three growing seasons in the southeastern United States. Weekly sampling of the numbers of MEAM1 adults, nymphs, and eggs were conducted from the fourth week after seed sowing and across 6 weeks during the summer and fall of 2021 and five weeks during the fall of 2022. In general, adult whitefly populations were high during the first week of sampling but decreased as the seasons progressed. The zucchini cultivar ‘Black Beauty’ harbored the most adults, while ‘Green Eclipse Zucchini’ was the least attractive zucchini cultivar to the adults in fall 2022. For yellow squash, ‘Early Summer’ (summer 2021) and ‘Amberpic 8455’ (summer 2021 and fall 2022) were the cultivars with the highest adult populations, while ‘Lioness’ (summer 2021) and ‘Gourmet Gold Hybrid’ (fall 2022) harbored the lowest adult counts. The whitefly egg counts across both vegetables trailed those of adults and peaked in the second week of sampling. The counts of nymphs increased as the seasons progressed, but there was a decline after the second week during fall 2021. For the yellow squash cultivars, ‘Gourmet Gold Hybrid’, (summer 2021 and fall 2022), ‘Lioness’, and ‘Fortune’ (summer 2021) recorded the highest yields. For zucchini, ‘Golden Glory’ (summer 2021) was the top performer. These results provide valuable information for whitefly management in yellow squash and zucchini based on host plant susceptibility and yield. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Management of Arthropod Pests in Agroecosystems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 624 KB  
Review
Buzzing with Intelligence: Current Issues in Apiculture and the Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Tackle It
by Putri Kusuma Astuti, Bettina Hegedűs, Andrzej Oleksa, Zoltán Bagi and Szilvia Kusza
Insects 2024, 15(6), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15060418 - 4 Jun 2024
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6601
Abstract
Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) are important for agriculture and ecosystems; however, they are threatened by the changing climate. In order to adapt and respond to emerging difficulties, beekeepers require the ability to continuously monitor their beehives. To carry out this, the utilization [...] Read more.
Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) are important for agriculture and ecosystems; however, they are threatened by the changing climate. In order to adapt and respond to emerging difficulties, beekeepers require the ability to continuously monitor their beehives. To carry out this, the utilization of advanced machine learning techniques proves to be an exceptional tool. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the available research on the different applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in beekeeping that are relevant to climate change. Presented studies have shown that AI can be used in various scientific aspects of beekeeping and can work with several data types (e.g., sound, sensor readings, images) to investigate, model, predict, and help make decisions in apiaries. Research articles related to various aspects of apiculture, e.g., managing hives, maintaining their health, detecting pests and diseases, and climate and habitat management, were analyzed. It was found that several environmental, behavioral, and physical attributes needed to be monitored in real-time to be able to understand and fully predict the state of the hives. Finally, it could be concluded that even if there is not yet a full-scale monitoring method for apiculture, the already available approaches (even with their identified shortcomings) can help maintain sustainability in the changing apiculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Precision Apicultures)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1196 KB  
Article
Ethyl Formate Fumigation for Controlling Two Major Aphid Pests, Aphis spiraecola and Aphis gossypii, on Passion Fruit, from Cultivation to Post-Harvest Storage
by Jeong Oh Yang, Dongbin Kim, Young Su Lee, Ki-Jeong Hong, Byung-Ho Lee and Min-Goo Park
Insects 2024, 15(6), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15060386 - 26 May 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3746
Abstract
Tropical and subtropical crops are being increasingly cultivated in South Korea, leading to an increase in damage by exotic insect pests. Consequently, ethyl formate (EF) is currently being considered for quarantine and pre-shipment fumigation. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of EF [...] Read more.
Tropical and subtropical crops are being increasingly cultivated in South Korea, leading to an increase in damage by exotic insect pests. Consequently, ethyl formate (EF) is currently being considered for quarantine and pre-shipment fumigation. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of EF fumigation for controlling Aphis spiraecola Patch and Aphis gossypii Glover, two representative quarantine pests on passion fruit (“Pink Bourbon”) during greenhouse cultivation and post-harvest storage. The efficacy of EF against both aphids in terms of the lethal concentration causing 50% mortality (LCt50%) and LCt99% was 1.36–2.61 g h/m3 and 3.73–7.55 g h/m3 under greenhouse conditions (23 °C), and 1.37–2.02 g h/m3 and 3.80–14.59 g h/m3 post-harvest (5 °C), respectively. EF at 4 g/m3 for 4 h resulted in 100% mortality of A. spiraecola, which was more resistant to EF, without causing phytotoxic damage to the trees in a 340 m3 greenhouse. Post-harvest fruit fumigation at 10 g/m3 for 4 h in a mid-size (0.8 m3) fumigation chamber resulted in complete disinfection. Moreover, the EF level decreased below the EF threshold within 10 min after natural ventilation in the greenhouse. Therefore, our results suggest EF fumigation as an effective method for controlling A. spiraecola and A. gossypii. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2526 KB  
Article
Transcriptomic Insights into Host Metabolism and Immunity Changes after Parasitization by Leptopilina myrica
by Junwei Zhang, Jieyu Shan, Wenqi Shi, Ting Feng, Yifeng Sheng, Zixuan Xu, Zhi Dong, Jianhua Huang and Jiani Chen
Insects 2024, 15(5), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15050352 - 14 May 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2487
Abstract
Parasitoids commonly manipulate their host’s metabolism and immunity to facilitate their offspring survival, but the mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we deconstructed the manipulation strategy of a newly discovered parasitoid wasp, L. myrica, which parasitizes D. melanogaster. Using RNA-seq, we analyzed [...] Read more.
Parasitoids commonly manipulate their host’s metabolism and immunity to facilitate their offspring survival, but the mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we deconstructed the manipulation strategy of a newly discovered parasitoid wasp, L. myrica, which parasitizes D. melanogaster. Using RNA-seq, we analyzed transcriptomes of L. myrica-parasitized and non-parasitized Drosophila host larvae. A total of 22.29 Gb and 23.85 Gb of clean reads were obtained from the two samples, respectively, and differential expression analysis identified 445 DEGs. Of them, 304 genes were upregulated and 141 genes were downregulated in parasitized hosts compared with non-parasitized larvae. Based on the functional annotations in the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases, we found that the genes involved in host nutrition metabolism were significantly upregulated, particularly in carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolism. We also identified 30 other metabolism-related DEGs, including hexokinase, fatty acid synthase, and UDP-glycosyltransferase (Ugt) genes. We observed that five Bomanin genes (Boms) and six antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) were upregulated. Moreover, a qRT-PCR analysis of 12 randomly selected DEGs confirmed the reproducibility and accuracy of the RNA-seq data. Our results provide a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of how L. myrica manipulates its host, laying a solid foundation for studies on the regulatory mechanisms employed by parasitoid wasps in their hosts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Physiology, Reproduction and Development)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 7791 KB  
Article
Nanopore-Based Surveillance of Leishmania Parasites in Culicoides Latrielle (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) Caught from the Affected Community and Tham Phra Cave in Chiang Rai Province, the Endemic Area of Leishmaniasis in Northern Thailand
by Rinnara Ampol, Puckavadee Somwang, Pathamet Khositharattanakool, Chulaluk Promrangsee, Thanapat Pataradool, Piyapat Tepboonreung, Padet Siriyasatien and Kanok Preativatanyou
Insects 2024, 15(5), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15050327 - 2 May 2024
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3942
Abstract
In this research, we elucidated the species composition of Culicoides biting midges, infection prevalence, and genetic diversity of Leishmania parasites circulating in the affected community in Chiang Rai Province, being the most endemic area in Northern Thailand. A total of 146 parous and [...] Read more.
In this research, we elucidated the species composition of Culicoides biting midges, infection prevalence, and genetic diversity of Leishmania parasites circulating in the affected community in Chiang Rai Province, being the most endemic area in Northern Thailand. A total of 146 parous and gravid females, belonging to at least twelve Culicoides species in five subgenera and one species group, were trapped from three collection sites with an overall Leishmania prevalence of 26.7% (39/146). Leishmania was detected, using ITS1-PCR, in C. mahasarakamense (15), C. guttifer (11), C. (Trithecoides) spp. (8), C. jacobsoni (2), C. oxystoma (2), and C. orientalis (1). The evidence of Leishmania infection in these last five species represents new records in Northern Thailand. Given a high infection rate in cavernicolous specimens, this indicates an increased risk of parasite exposure when visiting the cave. Using the nanopore amplicon sequencing, L. martiniquensis was ubiquitously identified in all positives, and more than half of these were also co-infected with L. orientalis. The genetic diversity analysis revealed 13 and 17 unique haplotypes for L. martiniquensis and L. orientalis, respectively. Higher haplotype diversity and relatively low nucleotide diversity were observed in both parasite populations, suggesting recent population divergence. Neutrality tests (Tajima’s D and Fu and Li’s D) showed to be significantly negative, indicating rapid population growth or a selective sweep. Moreover, dominant haplotypes of both Leishmania species were 100% identical to those in all leishmaniasis patients previously reported from Northern Thailand, strongly supporting the imperative role of Culicoides spp. in disease transmission. Essentially, this research provides the first entomological surveillance data representing the sympatric existence, transmission dynamics, and genetic complexity of two autochthonous Leishmania (Mundinia) parasites in several Culicoides species in the endemic area of Northern Thailand. This would contribute to a more complete understanding of the epidemiology of vector infection and facilitate the development of vector control programs to effectively reduce the transmission of this neglected tropical disease in endemic areas of Northern Thailand. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insect Vectors of Human and Zoonotic Diseases)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3845 KB  
Article
The Beneficial Effects of Soluble Silicon Fertilizer in Dendrobium Orchids: Silicon-Augmented Resistance against Damage by Insect Pests and Fungal Pathogens
by Joanna Bloese, Russell Galanti, Ryan Porter and Tiani Know
Insects 2024, 15(5), 323; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15050323 - 1 May 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3250
Abstract
The effects of soluble silicon fertilization on monocots and dicots have been widely studied. However, little is known regarding its effects on protecting epiphytes against insect and fungal pests. The efficacy of silicon fertilizer to reduce damage by thrips pest complexes, namely: Thrips [...] Read more.
The effects of soluble silicon fertilization on monocots and dicots have been widely studied. However, little is known regarding its effects on protecting epiphytes against insect and fungal pests. The efficacy of silicon fertilizer to reduce damage by thrips pest complexes, namely: Thrips palmi Karny, Frankliniella occidentalis Pergande, Chaetanaphothrips orchidii Moulton, and Chaetanaphothrips signipennis Bagnall (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), and the fungal pathogens: Botrytis cinerea Persoon (Helotiales: Sclerotiniaceae) and Fusarium spp. Link (Hypocreales: Nectriaceae) was examined during a nine-month greenhouse trial in Hawaii. The trial assessed yield, quality, and pest damage across three common varieties of dendrobiums. All replicates received additional soluble silicon fertilizer applications alternating weekly between soil drench and foliar (50 mg Si/plant) applications. Yield, quality, and spray length, pest damage, plant vigor, SPAD, and leaf temperature were measured. Data were analyzed using a generalized linear model (glm) with repeated measures followed by post-hoc pair-wise comparisons in R, version 4.3.1. Treatment effects were significant at p < 0.001 for the majority of the explanatory variables including: marketable yield, spray length, thrips damage, and fungal damage. Overall, the lavender variety (‘Uniwai Supreme’) benefited the most from silicon applications with a 73.0% increase in marketable yield, compared to the white variety (‘Uniwai Mist’), which had an increase of 50.6% marketable sprays in contrast to its untreated control. Si benefits conferred to the purple variety (‘Uniwai Royale’) were intermediate to the lavender and white varieties. Although the magnitude of Si benefits varied among the varieties, all dendrobium varieties significantly benefited from silicon fertilization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Integrated Pest Management Strategies for Horticultural Crops)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 11901 KB  
Article
Which SDM Model, CLIMEX vs. MaxEnt, Best Forecasts Aeolesthes sarta Distribution at a Global Scale under Climate Change Scenarios?
by Umer Hayat, Juan Shi, Zhuojin Wu, Muhammad Rizwan and Muhammad Sajjad Haider
Insects 2024, 15(5), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15050324 - 1 May 2024
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5927
Abstract
A precise evaluation of the risk of establishing insect pests is essential for national plant protection organizations. This accuracy is crucial in negotiating international trade agreements for forestry-related commodities, which have the potential to carry pests and lead to unintended introductions in the [...] Read more.
A precise evaluation of the risk of establishing insect pests is essential for national plant protection organizations. This accuracy is crucial in negotiating international trade agreements for forestry-related commodities, which have the potential to carry pests and lead to unintended introductions in the importing countries. In our study, we employed both mechanistic and correlative niche models to assess and map the global patterns of potential establishment for Aeolesthes sarta under current and future climates. This insect is a significant pest affecting tree species of the genus Populus, Salix, Acer, Malus, Juglans, and other hardwood trees. Notably, it is also categorized as a quarantine pest in countries where it is not currently present. The mechanistic model, CLIMEX, was calibrated using species-specific physiological tolerance thresholds, providing a detailed understanding of the environmental factors influencing the species. In contrast, the correlative model, maximum entropy (MaxEnt), utilized species occurrences and spatial climatic data, offering insights into the species’ distribution based on observed data and environmental conditions. The projected potential distribution from CLIMEX and MaxEnt models aligns well with the currently known distribution of A. sarta. CLIMEX predicts a broader global distribution than MaxEnt, indicating that most central and southern hemispheres are suitable for its distribution, excluding the extreme northern hemisphere, central African countries, and the northern part of Australia. Both models accurately predict the known distribution of A. sarta in the Asian continent, and their projections suggest a slight overall increase in the global distribution range of A. sarta with future changes in climate temperature, majorly concentrating in the central and northern hemispheres. Furthermore, the models anticipate suitable conditions in Europe and North America, where A. sarta currently does not occur but where its preferred host species, Populus alba, is present. The main environmental variables associated with the distribution of A. sarta at a global level were the average annual temperature and precipitation rate. The predictive models developed in this study offer insights into the global risk of A. sarta establishment and can be valuable for monitoring potential pest introductions in different countries. Additionally, policymakers and trade negotiators can utilize these models to make science-based decisions regarding pest management and international trade agreements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 3417 KB  
Article
Residual Efficacy of Two Diatomaceous Earths from Greece for the Control of Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae) on Wheat and Maize
by Georgia V. Baliota, Christos I. Rumbos and Christos G. Athanassiou
Insects 2024, 15(5), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15050319 - 30 Apr 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2387
Abstract
We evaluated the persistence and efficacy of two different, in granulometry and content of diatoms, diatomaceous earth (DE) formulations (i.e., DE5 and DE6), against two major beetle species of stored products, i.e., Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae). [...] Read more.
We evaluated the persistence and efficacy of two different, in granulometry and content of diatoms, diatomaceous earth (DE) formulations (i.e., DE5 and DE6), against two major beetle species of stored products, i.e., Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae). The formulations were applied as powders in soft wheat and maize in two doses of 500 and 1000 mg kg−1 (ppm). Samples of the treated grains were taken on the day of application and every 30 days until completion of the six-month period of storage. Adults of S. oryzae and R. dominica were exposed to the treated grains at 25 °C and 55% relative humidity, and the mortality was measured after 7, 14, and 21 days of exposure. Rhyzopertha dominica survival was not affected by any combination of DE formulation, dose, and commodity. Contrariwise, the DEs caused significant adult mortality of S. oryzae, in most of the cases tested. We observed that DE6 was equally effective in both wheat and maize, and no considerable variations were observed in S. oryzae mortality during the 6-month experimental period. Furthermore, DE6 was more effective against S. oryzae than DE5, a difference that could have potentially contributed to the variations in the diatom granulometry between these two DEs. Thus, a DE treatment of 1000 ppm was shown to provide long-term protection of wheat and maize against S. oryzae, but this is strongly dependent on the DE formulation, commodity, and insect species. Overall, such natural resource-based inert silicaceous deposits could be used with success in stored-product protection with only some minor modifications, such as sieving and drying of the raw deposit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical and Non-Chemical Control in Stored Product Protection: Modern Methods for Old Problems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1499 KB  
Article
Different Sensitivity of Flower-Visiting Diptera to a Neonicotinoid Insecticide: Expanding the Base for a Multiple-Species Risk Assessment Approach
by Cátia Ariana Henriques Martins, Celeste Azpiazu, Jordi Bosch, Giovanni Burgio, Maria Luisa Dindo, Santolo Francati, Daniele Sommaggio and Fabio Sgolastra
Insects 2024, 15(5), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15050317 - 29 Apr 2024
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4610
Abstract
Insects play an essential role as pollinators of wild flowers and crops. At the same time, pollinators in agricultural environments are commonly exposed to pesticides, compromising their survival and the provision of pollination services. Although pollinators include a wide range of species from [...] Read more.
Insects play an essential role as pollinators of wild flowers and crops. At the same time, pollinators in agricultural environments are commonly exposed to pesticides, compromising their survival and the provision of pollination services. Although pollinators include a wide range of species from several insect orders, information on pesticide sensitivity is mostly restricted to bees. In addition, the disparity of methodological procedures used for different insect groups hinders the comparison of toxicity data between bees and other pollinators. Dipterans are a highly diverse insect order that includes some important pollinators. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the sensitivity of two hoverflies (Sphaerophoria rueppellii, Eristalinus aeneus) and one tachinid fly (Exorista larvarum) to a neonicotinoid insecticide (Confidor®, imidacloprid) following a comparative approach. We adapted the standardized methodology of acute contact exposure in honey bees to build dose–response curves and calculate median lethal doses (LD50) for the three species. The methodology consisted in applying 1 µL of the test solution on the thorax of each insect. Sphaerophoria rueppelli was the most sensitive species (LD50 = 10.23 ng/insect), and E. aeneus (LD50 = 18,176 ng/insect) the least. We then compared our results with those available in the literature for other pollinator species using species sensitivity distribution (SSD). Based on the SSD curve, the 95th percentile of pollinator species would be protected by a safety factor of 100 times the Apis mellifera endpoint. Overall, dipterans were less sensitive to imidacloprid than most bee species. As opposed to most bee species, oviposition and fecundity of many dipteran species can be reliably assessed in the laboratory. We measured the number of eggs laid following exposure to different insecticide doses and assessed the potential trade-off between oviposition and survival through the sublethal sensitivity index (SSI). Exposure to imidacloprid had a significant effect on fecundity, and SSI values indicated that oviposition is a sensitive endpoint for the three dipteran species tested. Future studies should integrate this information related to population dynamics in simulation models for environmental risk assessment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollinator Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 3244 KB  
Article
CRISPR/Cas9-Based Functional Characterization of SfUGT50A15 Reveals Its Roles in the Resistance of Spodoptera frugiperda to Chlorantraniliprole, Emamectin Benzoate, and Benzoxazinoids
by Zhan Shi, Mei Luo, Jinxi Yuan, Bin Gao, Minghuan Yang and Guirong Wang
Insects 2024, 15(5), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15050314 - 26 Apr 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2913
Abstract
UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) are a diverse superfamily of enzymes. Insects utilize uridine diphosphate-glucose (UDP-glucose) as a glycosyl donor for glycosylation in vivo, involved in the glycosylation of lipophilic endosymbionts and xenobiotics, including phytotoxins. UGTs act as second-stage detoxification metabolizing enzymes, which are essential for [...] Read more.
UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) are a diverse superfamily of enzymes. Insects utilize uridine diphosphate-glucose (UDP-glucose) as a glycosyl donor for glycosylation in vivo, involved in the glycosylation of lipophilic endosymbionts and xenobiotics, including phytotoxins. UGTs act as second-stage detoxification metabolizing enzymes, which are essential for the detoxification metabolism of insecticides and benzoxazine compounds. However, the UGT genes responsible for specific glycosylation functions in S. frugiperda are unclear at present. In this study, we utilized CRISPR/Cas9 to produce a SfUGT50A15-KO strain to explore its possible function in governing sensitivity to chemical insecticides or benzoxazinoids. The bioassay results suggested that the SfUGT50A15-KO strain was significantly more sensitive to chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate, and benzoxazinoids than the wild-type strains. This finding suggests that the overexpression of the SfUGT50A15 gene may be linked to S. frugiperda resistance to pesticides (chlorantraniliprole and emamectin benzoate) as well as benzoxazinoids (BXDs). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying article 1-50 on page 1 of 7.
Go to page     1 2 3 4 5 chevron_right last_page
Back to TopTop