Insects

28 pages, 18075 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Symbiotic Fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus (Möller) Singer (Agaricales, Agaricaceae) as a Target Organism to Control Leaf-Cutting Ants

by Sean Araújo, Janaína Seibert, Ana Ruani, Ricardo Alcántara-de la Cruz, Artur Cruz, Alana Pereira, Doraí Zandonai, Moacir Forim, Maria Fátima Silva, Odair Bueno and João Fernandes

Insects 2022, 13(4), 359; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13040359 - 6 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6197

Abstract

Atta and Acromyrmex are the main genera of leaf-cutting ants present in North and South America, causing extensive damage to agroforestry. Control of the ants requires high handling costs with few effective methods available to decrease the losses. The symbiosis between the leaf-cutting [...] Read more.

Atta and Acromyrmex are the main genera of leaf-cutting ants present in North and South America, causing extensive damage to agroforestry. Control of the ants requires high handling costs with few effective methods available to decrease the losses. The symbiosis between the leaf-cutting ants and the fungus Leucoagaricus gongylophorus is essential for ant nest survival. Therefore, L. gongylophorus may be a key target in controlling leaf-cutting ants, since its reduction may cause an imbalance in the symbiosis necessary to maintain the nest. Among the options for natural fungal control, plant species are considered important sources of compounds belonging to several classes of natural products that show potential as antifungal agents. This review also presents studies that establish that the antagonist fungi from the Escovopsis and Trichoderma genera effectively reduce the development of L. gongylophorus. The development of nanostructured delivery systems, which have shown advantages over conventional formulations, is suggested for ant control; no commercial nanotechnology-based product has yet been developed, and this appears to be a new approach for future studies. Full article

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

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21 pages, 620 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Multimodal Information Processing and Associative Learning in the Insect Brain

by Devasena Thiagarajan and Silke Sachse

Insects 2022, 13(4), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13040332 - 28 Mar 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 7697

Abstract

The study of sensory systems in insects has a long-spanning history of almost an entire century. Olfaction, vision, and gustation are thoroughly researched in several robust insect models and new discoveries are made every day on the more elusive thermo- and mechano-sensory systems. [...] Read more.

The study of sensory systems in insects has a long-spanning history of almost an entire century. Olfaction, vision, and gustation are thoroughly researched in several robust insect models and new discoveries are made every day on the more elusive thermo- and mechano-sensory systems. Few specialized senses such as hygro- and magneto-reception are also identified in some insects. In light of recent advancements in the scientific investigation of insect behavior, it is not only important to study sensory modalities individually, but also as a combination of multimodal inputs. This is of particular significance, as a combinatorial approach to study sensory behaviors mimics the real-time environment of an insect with a wide spectrum of information available to it. As a fascinating field that is recently gaining new insight, multimodal integration in insects serves as a fundamental basis to understand complex insect behaviors including, but not limited to navigation, foraging, learning, and memory. In this review, we have summarized various studies that investigated sensory integration across modalities, with emphasis on three insect models (honeybees, ants and flies), their behaviors, and the corresponding neuronal underpinnings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Physiology of Insect Olfaction)

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18 pages, 2731 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Field Suppression of Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) (Drosophila suzukii Matsumura) Using the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT)

by Rafael A. Homem, Zeus Mateos-Fierro, Rory Jones, Daniel Gilbert, Andrew R. Mckemey, Glen Slade and Michelle T. Fountain

Insects 2022, 13(4), 328; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13040328 - 26 Mar 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5962

Abstract

Drosophila suzukii (spotted wing drosophila—SWD) is an economically important pest of soft and stone fruit worldwide. Control relies on broad-spectrum insecticides, which are neither fully effective nor environmentally sustainable. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a proven, effective and environmentally friendly pest-management tool. [...] Read more.

Drosophila suzukii (spotted wing drosophila—SWD) is an economically important pest of soft and stone fruit worldwide. Control relies on broad-spectrum insecticides, which are neither fully effective nor environmentally sustainable. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is a proven, effective and environmentally friendly pest-management tool. Here, we investigated, for the first time, the potential of using SIT to control D. suzukii in field conditions without physical barriers that limit insect invasion. A proprietary method of rearing and irradiation with X-rays was used to obtain males that were > 99% sterile. Sterile males were released twice per week from April to October 2021 on a site in Kent, UK, where everbearing strawberries were grown in open polytunnels. The infestation of wild female D. suzukii was monitored weekly using red sticky traps with dry lure at the treated site and at two similar control sites that did not receive sterile male releases. Releases of sterile males suppressed the wild female D. suzukii population by up to 91% in comparison with the control sites. We thus demonstrated the feasibility of SIT to achieve season-long control of D. suzukii using early, sustained and dynamically targeted releases of sterile males. This provides a promising environmentally friendly method to control this important pest. Full article

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

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8 pages, 946 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effect of Temperature and Photoperiod on Development, Survival, and Growth Rate of Mealworms, Tenebrio molitor

by Stephan Eberle, Lisa-Marie Schaden, Johannes Tintner, Christian Stauffer and Martin Schebeck

Insects 2022, 13(4), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13040321 - 24 Mar 2022

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 10556

Abstract

Insects are a potential substitute for conventional meat and can be part of a sustainable human diet due to their valuable nutrients and relatively low environmental production impact. One species that is already produced for human consumption and livestock feed is the mealworm, [...] Read more.

Insects are a potential substitute for conventional meat and can be part of a sustainable human diet due to their valuable nutrients and relatively low environmental production impact. One species that is already produced for human consumption and livestock feed is the mealworm, i.e., larvae of Tenebrio molitor. Knowledge of the effects of temperature, and particularly photoperiod, on mealworm development is scarce, but crucial for the improvement of rearing. Therefore, the effects of three temperatures (20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C), in combination with three photoperiods (long-day—16 h:8 h light:dark; short-day—8 h:16 h light:dark, and constant darkness) on mealworm survival, developmental time, and growth rate were tested. We describe a significant effect of temperature on survival rate, developmental time, and growth rate. Furthermore, significant effects of photoperiod on developmental time and growth rate were found. At 25 and 30 °C and constant darkness, the highest survival and growth rate, along with the shortest developmental time, were observed. Our data can be used to improve the mass rearing of mealworms for an efficient production of food and feed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Other Arthropods and General Topics)

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14 pages, 3472 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Practical Insecticide Resistance Monitoring Bioassay for Orally Ingested Dinotefuran in Anopheles Malaria Vectors

by George John Ian Parsons, Rosemary Susan Lees, Sofia Balaska and John Vontas

Insects 2022, 13(4), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13040311 - 22 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4178

Abstract

Attractive Toxic Sugar Baits (ATSB) deployed outdoors are likely to be particularly effective against outdoor biting mosquitoes and, if they contain insecticides with a different mode of action, mosquitoes resistant to pyrethroids. One such ATSB based on the neonicotinoid dinotefuran is currently under [...] Read more.

Attractive Toxic Sugar Baits (ATSB) deployed outdoors are likely to be particularly effective against outdoor biting mosquitoes and, if they contain insecticides with a different mode of action, mosquitoes resistant to pyrethroids. One such ATSB based on the neonicotinoid dinotefuran is currently under evaluation in Africa. As with any insecticide-based intervention, it will be important to monitor for the possible emergence of vector resistance. While methods for detecting resistance to insecticides via tarsal contact are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), these may not be applicable for orally ingested insecticides. Here, a new ingestion assay, appropriate for a controlled laboratory setting, is described using fluorescein sodium salt (uranine) as a feeding marker. Conventional topical application bioassays, more appropriate for routine deployment, have also been used to apply dinotefuran to the thorax of adult Anopheles mosquitoes with an organic carrier to bypass lipid cuticle barriers. The two methods were compared by establishing lethal doses (LD) in several Anopheles strains. The similarity of the ratios of susceptibility to dinotefuran between pairs of pyrethroid susceptible and resistant strains validates topical application as a suitable, more practical and field applicable method for monitoring for the emergence of resistance to orally ingested dinotefuran. A discriminating dose is proposed, which will be further validated against field populations and used to routinely monitor for the emergence of resistance alongside ATSB trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insecticides for Mosquito Control: Strengthening the Evidence Base)

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14 pages, 1766 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Larvicidal Activity of Carbon Black against the Yellow Fever Mosquito Aedes aegypti

by Erick J. Martínez Rodríguez, Parker Evans, Megha Kalsi, Noah Rosenblatt, Morgan Stanley and Peter M. Piermarini

Insects 2022, 13(3), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13030307 - 20 Mar 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6601

Abstract

The yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti is one of the deadliest animals on the planet because it transmits several medically important arboviruses, including Zika, chikungunya, dengue, and yellow fever. Carbon-based nanoparticles (CNPs) derived from natural sources have previously been shown to have toxic [...] Read more.

The yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti is one of the deadliest animals on the planet because it transmits several medically important arboviruses, including Zika, chikungunya, dengue, and yellow fever. Carbon-based nanoparticles (CNPs) derived from natural sources have previously been shown to have toxic effects on mosquito larvae and offer a potential alternative to chemical insecticides such as pyrethroids, for which mosquitoes have evolved resistance. However, CNPs derived from industrial sources, such as carbon black, have not previously been evaluated as larvicides. Here, we evaluate the effects of a commercially-available carbon black, EMPEROR^® 1800 (E1800), on mortality and development of pyrethroid-susceptible (PS) and pyrethroid-resistant (PR) strains of Ae. aegypti. We found that E1800 exhibited concentration-dependent mortality against 1st instar larvae of both strains within the first 120 h after exposure, but after this period, surviving larvae did not show delays in their development to adults. Physical characterization of E1800 suspensions suggests that they form primary particles of ~30 nm in diameter that fuse into fundamental aggregates of ~170 nm in diameter. Notably, larvae treated with E1800 showed internal accumulation of E1800 in the gut and external accumulation on the respiratory siphon, anal papillae, and setae, suggesting a physical mode of toxic action. Taken together, our results suggest that E1800 has potential use as a larvicide with a novel mode of action for controlling PS and PR mosquitoes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Management of Public Health Pests)

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43 pages, 731 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Integrative Alternative Tactics for Ixodid Control

by Allan T. Showler and Perot Saelao

Insects 2022, 13(3), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13030302 - 18 Mar 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5512

Abstract

Ixodids (hard ticks), ectoparasitic arthropods that vector the causal agents of many serious diseases of humans, domestic animals, and wildlife, have become increasingly difficult to control because of the development of resistance against commonly applied synthetic chemical-based acaricides. Resistance has prompted searches for [...] Read more.

Ixodids (hard ticks), ectoparasitic arthropods that vector the causal agents of many serious diseases of humans, domestic animals, and wildlife, have become increasingly difficult to control because of the development of resistance against commonly applied synthetic chemical-based acaricides. Resistance has prompted searches for alternative, nonconventional control tactics that can be used as part of integrated ixodid management strategies and for mitigating resistance to conventional acaricides. The quest for alternative control tactics has involved research on various techniques, each influenced by many factors, that have achieved different degrees of success. Alternative approaches include cultural practices, ingested and injected medications, biological control, animal- and plant-based substances, growth regulators, and inert desiccant dusts. Research on biological control of ixodids has mainly focused on predators, parasitoid wasps, infective nematodes, and pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Studies on animal-based substances have been relatively limited, but research on botanicals has been extensive, including whole plant, extract, and essential oil effects on ixodid mortality, behavior, and reproduction. The inert dusts kaolin, silica gel, perlite, and diatomaceous earth are lethal to ixodids, and they are impervious to environmental degradation, unlike chemical-based toxins, remaining effective until physically removed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Management of Public Health Pests)

37 pages, 5267 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Impacts of Wildflower Interventions on Beneficial Insects in Fruit Crops: A Review

by Michelle T. Fountain

Insects 2022, 13(3), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13030304 - 18 Mar 2022

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 9121

Abstract

Integrated pest management (IPM) has been practiced by the fruit industry for at least 30 years. Naturally occurring beneficial insects have been encouraged to thrive alongside introduced predatory insects. However, Conservation Biological Control (CBC) and augmented biocontrol through the release of large numbers [...] Read more.

Integrated pest management (IPM) has been practiced by the fruit industry for at least 30 years. Naturally occurring beneficial insects have been encouraged to thrive alongside introduced predatory insects. However, Conservation Biological Control (CBC) and augmented biocontrol through the release of large numbers of natural enemies is normally only widely adopted when a pest has become resistant to available conventional pesticides and control has begun to break down. In addition, the incorporation of wild pollinator management, essential to fruit production, has, in the past, not been a priority but is now increasingly recognized through integrated pest and pollinator management (IPPM). This review focuses on the impacts on pest regulation and pollination services in fruit crops through the delivery of natural enemies and pollinating insects by provisioning areas of fruiting crops with floral resources. Most of the studies in this review highlighted beneficial or benign impacts of floral resource prevision to fruit crops. However, placement in the landscape and spill-over of beneficial arthropods into the crop can be influential and limiting. This review also highlights the need for longer-term ecological studies to understand the impacts of changing arthropod communities over time and the opportunity to tailor wildflower mixes to specific crops for increased pest control and pollination benefits, ultimately impacting fruit growers bottom-line with less reliance on pesticides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollinator Diversity in Sustainable Agroecosystems)

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25 pages, 1978 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Contribution of Silk Fibroin in Biomedical Engineering

by Cristian Lujerdean, Gabriela-Maria Baci, Alexandra-Antonia Cucu and Daniel Severus Dezmirean

Insects 2022, 13(3), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13030286 - 14 Mar 2022

Cited by 106 | Viewed by 11390

Abstract

Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural protein (biopolymer) extracted from the cocoons of Bombyx mori L. (silkworm). It has many properties of interest in the field of biotechnology, the most important being biodegradability, biocompatibility and robust mechanical strength with high tensile strength. SF [...] Read more.

Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural protein (biopolymer) extracted from the cocoons of Bombyx mori L. (silkworm). It has many properties of interest in the field of biotechnology, the most important being biodegradability, biocompatibility and robust mechanical strength with high tensile strength. SF is usually dissolved in water-based solvents and can be easily reconstructed into a variety of material formats, including films, mats, hydrogels, and sponges, by various fabrication techniques (spin coating, electrospinning, freeze-drying, and physical or chemical crosslinking). Furthermore, SF is a feasible material used in many biomedical applications, including tissue engineering (3D scaffolds, wounds dressing), cancer therapy (mimicking the tumor microenvironment), controlled drug delivery (SF-based complexes), and bone, eye and skin regeneration. In this review, we describe the structure, composition, general properties, and structure–properties relationship of SF. In addition, the main methods used for ecological extraction and processing of SF that make it a green material are discussed. Lastly, technological advances in the use of SF-based materials are addressed, especially in healthcare applications such as tissue engineering and cancer therapeutics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silkworm and Silk: Traditional and Innovative Applications)

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15 pages, 331 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

A Review of Commercial Metarhizium- and Beauveria-Based Biopesticides for the Biological Control of Ticks in the USA

by Cheryl Frank Sullivan, Bruce L. Parker and Margaret Skinner

Insects 2022, 13(3), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13030260 - 5 Mar 2022

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 7910

Abstract

There is a need for the development of sustainable, nonchemical tick management strategies. Mycoacaricide and mycoinsecticide product development worldwide has focused primarily on fungi in the genera Beauveria (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) and Metarhizium (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae). Microbial biopesticides containing entomopathogenic fungi have potential in tick [...] Read more.

There is a need for the development of sustainable, nonchemical tick management strategies. Mycoacaricide and mycoinsecticide product development worldwide has focused primarily on fungi in the genera Beauveria (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) and Metarhizium (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae). Microbial biopesticides containing entomopathogenic fungi have potential in tick management. However, despite considerable progress in the development of fungal biopesticides over the past 20 years, the establishment of commercial products available for use against ticks continues to be slow. We reviewed published scientific literature and compiled a comprehensive list of reports of the effectiveness of commercial biopesticides based on the fungal genera Metarhizium and Beauveria and registered for use in the USA against ixodid ticks under laboratory and field conditions. We also report on results when these biopesticides were used as a part of integrated tick management. Until efficacious fungus-based products become more available, tick management will rely primarily on synthetic chemical acaricides, with natural-product acaricides as the alternative. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology of Ticks and Their Control)

19 pages, 1110 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Interactions between Rice Resistance to Planthoppers and Honeydew-Related Egg Parasitism under Varying Levels of Nitrogenous Fertilizer

by Ainara Peñalver-Cruz and Finbarr G. Horgan

Insects 2022, 13(3), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13030251 - 1 Mar 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4928

Abstract

Host plant resistance is the most researched method for the management of planthoppers and leafhoppers in tropical rice. For optimal effects, resistance should be resilient to fertilizer inputs and work in synergy with natural enemies. In field plot experiments, we examined how rice [...] Read more.

Host plant resistance is the most researched method for the management of planthoppers and leafhoppers in tropical rice. For optimal effects, resistance should be resilient to fertilizer inputs and work in synergy with natural enemies. In field plot experiments, we examined how rice resistance and fertilizer inputs affect mortality of planthopper and leafhopper eggs by hymenopteran parasitoids. We used IR62 as a variety with resistance to Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) [BPH], Sogatella furcifera (Horváth) [WBPH] and Nephotettix virescens (Distant) [GLH], and IR64 as a susceptible control. The herbivores were more abundant during wet season sampling in low-nitrogen plots. During this study, parasitoids killed between 31 and 38% of BPH eggs and 24 and 52% of WBPH eggs during four days of field exposure. Parasitism, mainly due to Oligosita spp., was generally higher in high-nitrogen and IR64 plots. Similar densities of eggs in exposed plants suggest that these trends were mediated by semiochemicals and therefore support the Optimal Defense Hypothesis. Honeydew from BPH on IR62 had more xylem-derived wastes than honeydew on IR64. We applied honeydew from both varieties to sentinel plants. Parasitism by Anagrus spp. was higher on plants of either variety treated with honeydew derived from IR62; however, the effect was only apparent in high-nitrogen plots. Results suggest that Anagrus spp., by responding to honeydew, will counter the nitrogen-induced enhancement of planthopper fitness on resistant rice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Biology and Management of Sap-Sucking Pests)

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25 pages, 2985 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Visible beyond Violet: How Butterflies Manage Ultraviolet

by David Stella and Karel Kleisner

Insects 2022, 13(3), 242; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13030242 - 28 Feb 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6180

Abstract

Ultraviolet (UV) means ‘beyond violet’ (from Latin ‘ultra’, meaning ‘beyond’), whereby violet is the colour with the highest frequencies in the ‘visible’ light spectrum. By ‘visible’ we mean human vision, but, in comparison to many other organisms, human visual perception is rather limited [...] Read more.

Ultraviolet (UV) means ‘beyond violet’ (from Latin ‘ultra’, meaning ‘beyond’), whereby violet is the colour with the highest frequencies in the ‘visible’ light spectrum. By ‘visible’ we mean human vision, but, in comparison to many other organisms, human visual perception is rather limited in terms of the wavelengths it can perceive. Still, this is why communication in the UV spectrum is often called hidden, although it most likely plays an important role in communicating various kinds of information among a wide variety of organisms. Since Silberglied’s revolutionary Communication in the Ultraviolet, comprehensive studies on UV signals in a wide list of genera are lacking. This review investigates the significance of UV reflectance (and UV absorption)—a feature often neglected in intra- and interspecific communication studies—mainly in Lepidoptera. Although the text focuses on various butterfly families, links and connections to other animal groups, such as birds, are also discussed in the context of ecology and the evolution of species. The basic mechanisms of UV colouration and factors shaping the characteristics of UV patterns are also discussed in a broad context of lepidopteran communication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Behaviour in Insects and other Non-Marine Arthropods)

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13 pages, 1778 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Designing a Pest and Disease Outbreak Warning System for Farmers, Agronomists and Agricultural Input Distributors in East Africa

by Molly E. Brown, Stephen Mugo, Sebastian Petersen and Dominik Klauser

Insects 2022, 13(3), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13030232 - 26 Feb 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6327

Abstract

Early warnings of the risks of pest and disease outbreaks are becoming more urgent, with substantial increases in threats to agriculture from invasive pests. With geospatial data improvements in quality and timeliness, models and analytical systems can be used to estimate potential areas [...] Read more.

Early warnings of the risks of pest and disease outbreaks are becoming more urgent, with substantial increases in threats to agriculture from invasive pests. With geospatial data improvements in quality and timeliness, models and analytical systems can be used to estimate potential areas at high risk of yield impacts. The development of decision support systems requires an understanding of what information is needed, when it is needed, and at what resolution and accuracy. Here, we report on a professional review conducted with 53 professional agronomists, retailers, distributors, and growers in East Africa working with the Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture. The results showed that respondents reported fall armyworm, stemborers and aphids as being among the most common pests, and that crop diversification was a key strategy to reduce their impact. Chemical and cultural controls were the most common strategies for fall armyworm (FAW) control, and biological control was the least known and least used method. Of the cultural control methods, monitoring and scouting, early planting, and crop rotation with non-host crops were most used. Although pests reduced production, only 55% of respondents were familiar with early warning tools, showing the need for predictive systems that can improve farmer response. Full article

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16 pages, 1535 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Comparative Screening of Mexican, Rwandan and Commercial Entomopathogenic Nematodes to Be Used against Invasive Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda

by Patrick Fallet, Lara De Gianni, Ricardo A. R. Machado, Pamela Bruno, Julio S. Bernal, Patrick Karangwa, Joelle Kajuga, Bancy Waweru, Didace Bazagwira, Thomas Degen, Stefan Toepfer and Ted C. J. Turlings

Insects 2022, 13(2), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13020205 - 16 Feb 2022

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 4638

Abstract

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important pest of maize originating from the Americas. It recently invaded Africa and Asia, where it causes severe yield losses to maize. To fight this pest, tremendous quantities of synthetic insecticides are [...] Read more.

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important pest of maize originating from the Americas. It recently invaded Africa and Asia, where it causes severe yield losses to maize. To fight this pest, tremendous quantities of synthetic insecticides are being used. As a safe and sustainable alternative, we explore the possibility to control FAW with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN). We tested in the laboratory whether local EPNs, isolated in the invasive range of FAW, are as effective as EPNs from FAW native range or as commercially available EPNs. This work compared the virulence, killing speed and propagation capability of low doses of forty EPN strains, representing twelve species, after placing them with second-, third- and sixth-instar caterpillars as well as pupae. EPN isolated in the invasive range of FAW (Rwanda) were found to be as effective as commercial and EPNs from the native range of FAW (Mexico) at killing FAW caterpillars. In particular, the Rwandan Steinernema carpocapsae strain RW14-G-R3a-2 caused rapid 100% mortality of second- and third-instar and close to 75% of sixth-instar FAW caterpillars. EPN strains and concentrations used in this study were not effective in killing FAW pupae. Virulence varied greatly among EPN strains, underlining the importance of thorough EPN screenings. These findings will facilitate the development of local EPN-based biological control products for sustainable and environmentally friendly control of FAW in East Africa and beyond. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entomopathogenic Nematodes: Lethal Parasites of Insects)

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8 pages, 1411 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Effect of Resistance to Bt Corn on the Reproductive Output of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

by Natália de Souza Ribas, Jeremy N. McNeil, Hernane Dias Araújo, Bruna de Souza Ribas and Eraldo Lima

Insects 2022, 13(2), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13020196 - 14 Feb 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3576

Abstract

The fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda is the most significant lepidopteran corn pest in South American countries. Transgenic Bt corn, producing the Cry1Fa toxins, has been used to control this pest, but there is clear evidence that some FAW populations have developed resistance. [...] Read more.

The fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda is the most significant lepidopteran corn pest in South American countries. Transgenic Bt corn, producing the Cry1Fa toxins, has been used to control this pest, but there is clear evidence that some FAW populations have developed resistance. To determine if there are costs associated with resistance, we compared the mass of adults, the duration of mating, and the mass of the first spermatophore produced, as well as the lifetime fecundity and fertility of once-mated susceptible (SS) and resistant (RR) females. Adult mass was affected by both sex and strain, with SS females being significantly larger than RR ones, while the inverse was true for males. RR pairs took significantly longer to mate than SS pairs, yet the mass of spermatophores produced by RR males was significantly less than those of SS males. The total number of eggs laid did not differ but the fertility of eggs from once-mated RR pairs was significantly lower than that of SS pairs. Our data provided clear evidence that the development of Bt resistance affected the reproductive capacity of resistant FAW. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applied Insect Reproductive Biology)

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14 pages, 825 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Imported Dengue Case Numbers and Local Climatic Patterns Are Associated with Dengue Virus Transmission in Florida, USA

by Caroline Stephenson, Eric Coker, Samantha Wisely, Song Liang, Rhoel R. Dinglasan and John A. Lednicky

Insects 2022, 13(2), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13020163 - 3 Feb 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5325

Abstract

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are the main vector of dengue viruses globally and are present throughout much of the state of Florida (FL) in the United States of America. However, local transmission of dengue viruses in FL has mainly occurred in the southernmost counties; [...] Read more.

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are the main vector of dengue viruses globally and are present throughout much of the state of Florida (FL) in the United States of America. However, local transmission of dengue viruses in FL has mainly occurred in the southernmost counties; specifically Monroe and Miami-Dade counties. To get a better understanding of the ecologic risk factors for dengue fever incidence throughout FL, we collected and analyzed numerous environmental factors that have previously been connected to local dengue cases in disease-endemic regions. We analyzed these factors for each county-year in FL, between 2009–2019, using negative binomial regression. Monthly minimum temperature of 17.5–20.8 °C, an average temperature of 26.1–26.7 °C, a maximum temperature of 33.6–34.7 °C, rainfall between 11.4–12.7 cm, and increasing numbers of imported dengue cases were associated with the highest risk of dengue incidence per county-year. To our knowledge, we have developed the first predictive model for dengue fever incidence in FL counties and our findings provide critical information about weather conditions that could increase the risk for dengue outbreaks as well as the important contribution of imported dengue cases to local establishment of the virus in Ae. aegypti populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Vector-Borne Infections: From Ecology to Vector-Microbe-Host Interactions)

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19 pages, 708 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Improving Natural Enemy Selection in Biological Control through Greater Attention to Chemical Ecology and Host-Associated Differentiation of Target Arthropod Pests

by Morgan N. Thompson, Raul F. Medina, Anjel M. Helms and Julio S. Bernal

Insects 2022, 13(2), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13020160 - 2 Feb 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 9828

Abstract

Host-associated differentiation (HAD) refers to cases in which genetically distinct populations of a species (e.g., herbivores or natural enemies) preferentially reproduce or feed on different host species. In agroecosystems, HAD often results in unique strains or biotypes of pest species, each attacking different [...] Read more.

Host-associated differentiation (HAD) refers to cases in which genetically distinct populations of a species (e.g., herbivores or natural enemies) preferentially reproduce or feed on different host species. In agroecosystems, HAD often results in unique strains or biotypes of pest species, each attacking different species of crops. However, HAD is not restricted to pest populations, and may cascade to the third trophic level, affecting host selection by natural enemies, and ultimately leading to HAD within natural enemy species. Natural enemy HAD may affect the outcomes of biological control efforts, whether classical, conservation, or augmentative. Here, we explore the potential effects of pest and natural enemy HAD on biological control in agroecosystems, with emphases on current knowledge gaps and implications of HAD for selection of biological control agents. Additionally, given the importance of semiochemicals in mediating interactions between trophic levels, we emphasize the role of chemical ecology in interactions between pests and natural enemies, and suggest areas of consideration for biological control. Overall, we aim to jump-start a conversation concerning the relevance of HAD in biological control by reviewing currently available information on natural enemy HAD, identifying challenges to incorporating HAD considerations into biological control efforts, and proposing future research directions on natural enemy selection and HAD. Full article

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

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10 pages, 461 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Could Sterile Aedes albopictus Male Releases Interfere with Aedes aegypti Population in Reunion Island?

by Harilanto Felana Andrianjakarivony, David Damiens, Lucie Marquereau, Benjamin Gaudillat, Nausicaa Habchi-Hanriot and Louis-Clément Gouagna

Insects 2022, 13(2), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13020146 - 29 Jan 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3077

Abstract

In Reunion Island, the feasibility of an Aedes albopictus control program using the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is studied. Because, in some regions, Ae. albopictus is living in sympatry with Aedes aegypti, the impact of releasing millions of sterile male Ae. albopictus [...] Read more.

In Reunion Island, the feasibility of an Aedes albopictus control program using the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is studied. Because, in some regions, Ae. albopictus is living in sympatry with Aedes aegypti, the impact of releasing millions of sterile male Ae. albopictus on female Ae. aegypti reproduction needs to be assessed. Thus, to study the potential heterospecific matings, a marking technique using rhodamine B has been used. Rhodamine is given in solution to male mosquitoes to be incorporated into the male body and seminal fluid and transferred during mating into the bursa inseminalis and spermathecae of females. The presence of rhodamine in females occurred in 15% of cases when Ae. aegypti females were offered non-irradiated Ae. albopictus males, 5% when offered irradiated Ae. albopictus males and 18% of cases in the inverse heterospecific matings. Moreover, our results also showed that these matings gave few eggs but were not viable. Finally, the results showed that whatever the type of mating crosses, females in cages previously crossed with males of another species can re-mate with males of their species and produce an equivalent amount of egg compared to females only mated with conspecific males. Despite the promiscuity of the males and females in small cages for three days, heterospecific mating between sterile male Ae. albopictus and female Ae aegypti, 95% of the females have not been inseminated suggesting that in the field the frequency satyrization would be very low. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mosquito Handling, Transport, Release and Male Trapping Methods)

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19 pages, 2904 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Quick Spreading of Populations of an Exotic Firefly throughout Spain and Their Recent Arrival in the French Pyrenees

by Marcel Koken, José Ramón Guzmán-Álvarez, Diego Gil-Tapetado, Miguel Angel Romo Bedate, Geneviève Laurent, Lucas Ezequiel Rubio, Segimon Rovira Comas, Nicole Wolffler, Fabien Verfaillie and Raphaël De Cock

Insects 2022, 13(2), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13020148 - 29 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 8061

Abstract

In August 2018, a firefly (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) of American origin was observed in several localities in Girona (Catalonia, Spain) and was described as Photinus immigrans by Zaragoza-Caballero and Vinolas, 2018. Here, we show that this species dispersed very quickly throughout northeastern [...] Read more.

In August 2018, a firefly (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) of American origin was observed in several localities in Girona (Catalonia, Spain) and was described as Photinus immigrans by Zaragoza-Caballero and Vinolas, 2018. Here, we show that this species dispersed very quickly throughout northeastern Spain and was, in 2020, observed in the French Pyrenees. The animal’s quick progress is documented, and part of its biology is described (dispersion speed, land use, phenology, identification of all life stages). An additional population was localized in Extremadura, and its special status is discussed. We were able to determine its Argentinian–Uruguayan origin and propose, therefore, to consider Photinus immigrans as a synonym of Photinus signaticollis (Blanchard, 1846) (=Photinus immigrans Zaragoza-Caballero and Viñolas, 2018, syn. nov.). Our data clearly show that at least the Catalan and French populations are spreading very quickly and are able to settle permanently if adequate ecosystems are found. The species is highly expansive and may well be invasive; our citizen science platforms are ideally suited to monitor their progress throughout Spain and France. This is important for avoiding future ecological problems with diverse native faunas, such as glow-worms, fireflies and earthworms. If no ways are found to stop the species’ progression, the animals will quite probably invade substantial areas of France, Spain and the rest of Europe in the years to come. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Reproductive Behaviour in Insects and other Non-Marine Arthropods)

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26 pages, 821 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Temperature-Specific and Sex-Specific Fitness Effects of Sympatric Mitochondrial and Mito-Nuclear Variation in Drosophila obscura

by Pavle Erić, Aleksandra Patenković, Katarina Erić, Marija Tanasković, Slobodan Davidović, Mina Rakić, Marija Savić Veselinović, Marina Stamenković-Radak and Mihailo Jelić

Insects 2022, 13(2), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13020139 - 28 Jan 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 22082

Abstract

The adaptive significance of sympatric mitochondrial (mtDNA) variation and the role of selective mechanisms that maintain it are debated to this day. Isofemale lines of Drosophila obscura collected from four populations were backcrossed within populations to construct experimental lines, with all combinations of [...] Read more.

The adaptive significance of sympatric mitochondrial (mtDNA) variation and the role of selective mechanisms that maintain it are debated to this day. Isofemale lines of Drosophila obscura collected from four populations were backcrossed within populations to construct experimental lines, with all combinations of mtDNA Cyt b haplotypes and nuclear genetic backgrounds (nuDNA). Individuals of both sexes from these lines were then subjected to four fitness assays (desiccation resistance, developmental time, egg-to-adult viability and sex ratio) on two experimental temperatures to examine the role of temperature fluctuations and sex-specific selection, as well as the part that interactions between the two genomes play in shaping mtDNA variation. The results varied across populations and fitness components. In the majority of comparisons, they show that sympatric mitochondrial variants affect fitness. However, their effect should be examined in light of interactions with nuDNA, as mito-nuclear genotype was even more influential on fitness across all components. We found both sex-specific and temperature-specific differences in mitochondrial and mito-nuclear genotype ranks in all fitness components. The effect of temperature-specific selection was found to be more prominent, especially in desiccation resistance. From the results of different components tested, we can also infer that temperature-specific mito-nuclear interactions rather than sex-specific selection on mito-nuclear genotypes have a more substantial role in preserving mtDNA variation in this model species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 1st International Electronic Conference on Entomology)

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17 pages, 1367 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Phenotypic Plasticity: What Has DNA Methylation Got to Do with It?

by Elizabeth J. Duncan, Christopher B. Cunningham and Peter K. Dearden

Insects 2022, 13(2), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13020110 - 19 Jan 2022

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 8981

Abstract

How does one genome give rise to multiple, often markedly different, phenotypes in response to an environmental cue? This phenomenon, known as phenotypic plasticity, is common amongst plants and animals, but arguably the most striking examples are seen in insects. Well-known insect examples [...] Read more.

How does one genome give rise to multiple, often markedly different, phenotypes in response to an environmental cue? This phenomenon, known as phenotypic plasticity, is common amongst plants and animals, but arguably the most striking examples are seen in insects. Well-known insect examples include seasonal morphs of butterfly wing patterns, sexual and asexual reproduction in aphids, and queen and worker castes of eusocial insects. Ultimately, we need to understand how phenotypic plasticity works at a mechanistic level; how do environmental signals alter gene expression, and how are changes in gene expression translated into novel morphology, physiology and behaviour? Understanding how plasticity works is of major interest in evolutionary-developmental biology and may have implications for understanding how insects respond to global change. It has been proposed that epigenetic mechanisms, specifically DNA methylation, are the key link between environmental cues and changes in gene expression. Here, we review the available evidence on the function of DNA methylation of insects, the possible role(s) for DNA methylation in phenotypic plasticity and also highlight key outstanding questions in this field as well as new experimental approaches to address these questions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epigenetics in Insects)

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17 pages, 2046 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Peering into the Darkness: DNA Barcoding Reveals Surprisingly High Diversity of Unknown Species of Diptera (Insecta) in Germany

by Caroline Chimeno, Axel Hausmann, Stefan Schmidt, Michael J. Raupach, Dieter Doczkal, Viktor Baranov, Jeremy Hübner, Amelie Höcherl, Rosa Albrecht, Mathias Jaschhof, Gerhard Haszprunar and Paul D. N. Hebert

Insects 2022, 13(1), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13010082 - 12 Jan 2022

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 12459

Abstract

Determining the size of the German insect fauna requires better knowledge of several megadiverse families of Diptera and Hymenoptera that are taxonomically challenging. This study takes the first step in assessing these “dark taxa” families and provides species estimates for four challenging groups [...] Read more.

Determining the size of the German insect fauna requires better knowledge of several megadiverse families of Diptera and Hymenoptera that are taxonomically challenging. This study takes the first step in assessing these “dark taxa” families and provides species estimates for four challenging groups of Diptera (Cecidomyiidae, Chironomidae, Phoridae, and Sciaridae). These estimates are based on more than 48,000 DNA barcodes (COI) from Diptera collected by Malaise traps that were deployed in southern Germany. We assessed the fraction of German species belonging to 11 fly families with well-studied taxonomy in these samples. The resultant ratios were then used to estimate the species richness of the four “dark taxa” families (DT families hereafter). Our results suggest a surprisingly high proportion of undetected biodiversity in a supposedly well-investigated country: at least 1800–2200 species await discovery in Germany in these four families. As this estimate is based on collections from one region of Germany, the species count will likely increase with expanded geographic sampling. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diptera Diversity in Space and Time)

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29 pages, 926 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

RNAi for Western Corn Rootworm Management: Lessons Learned, Challenges, and Future Directions

by Molly Darlington, Jordan D. Reinders, Amit Sethi, Albert L. Lu, Partha Ramaseshadri, Joshua R. Fischer, Chad J. Boeckman, Jay S. Petrick, Jason M. Roper, Kenneth E. Narva and Ana M. Vélez

Insects 2022, 13(1), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13010057 - 5 Jan 2022

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 9122

Abstract

The western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, is considered one of the most economically important pests of maize (Zea mays L.) in the United States (U.S.) Corn Belt with costs of management and yield losses exceeding USD ~1–2 billion annually. [...] Read more.

The western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, is considered one of the most economically important pests of maize (Zea mays L.) in the United States (U.S.) Corn Belt with costs of management and yield losses exceeding USD ~1–2 billion annually. WCR management has proven challenging given the ability of this insect to evolve resistance to multiple management strategies including synthetic insecticides, cultural practices, and plant-incorporated protectants, generating a constant need to develop new management tools. One of the most recent developments is maize expressing double-stranded hairpin RNA structures targeting housekeeping genes, which triggers an RNA interference (RNAi) response and eventually leads to insect death. Following the first description of in planta RNAi in 2007, traits targeting multiple genes have been explored. In June 2017, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved the first in planta RNAi product against insects for commercial use. This product expresses a dsRNA targeting the WCR snf7 gene in combination with Bt proteins (Cry3Bb1 and Cry34Ab1/Cry35Ab1) to improve trait durability and will be introduced for commercial use in 2022. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corn Rootworm: Biology, Ecology, Behavior and Integrated Management)

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9 pages, 1801 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

How Did Seal Lice Turn into the Only Truly Marine Insects?

by María Soledad Leonardi, José E. Crespo, Florencia Soto and Claudio R. Lazzari

Insects 2022, 13(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13010046 - 31 Dec 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 7661

Abstract

Insects are the most evolutionarily and ecologically successful group of living animals, being present in almost all possible mainland habitats; however, they are virtually absent in the ocean, which constitutes more than 99% of the Earth’s biosphere. Only a few insect species can [...] Read more.

Insects are the most evolutionarily and ecologically successful group of living animals, being present in almost all possible mainland habitats; however, they are virtually absent in the ocean, which constitutes more than 99% of the Earth’s biosphere. Only a few insect species can be found in the sea but they remain at the surface, in salt marshes, estuaries, or shallow waters. Remarkably, a group of 13 species manages to endure long immersion periods in the open sea, as well as deep dives, i.e., seal lice. Sucking lice (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) are ectoparasites of mammals, living while attached to the hosts’ skin, into their fur, or among their hairs. Among them, the family Echinophthiriidae is peculiar because it infests amphibious hosts, such as pinnipeds and otters, who make deep dives and spend from weeks to months in the open sea. During the evolutionary transition of pinnipeds from land to the ocean, echinophthiriid lice had to manage the gradual change to an amphibian lifestyle along with their hosts, some of which may spend more than 80% of the time submerged and performing extreme dives, some beyond 2000 m under the surface. These obligate and permanent ectoparasites have adapted to cope with hypoxia, high salinity, low temperature, and, in particular, conditions of huge hydrostatic pressures. We will discuss some of these adaptations allowing seal lice to cope with their hosts’ amphibious habits and how they can help us understand why insects are so rare in the ocean. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 1st International Electronic Conference on Entomology)

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17 pages, 902 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Lipids from Insects in Cosmetics and for Personal Care Products

by Antonio Franco, Rosanna Salvia, Carmen Scieuzo, Eric Schmitt, Antonella Russo and Patrizia Falabella

Insects 2022, 13(1), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13010041 - 30 Dec 2021

Cited by 73 | Viewed by 13015

Abstract

Insects, the most varied group of known organisms on Earth, are arousing great interest also for the possibility to use them as a feed and food source. The mass rearing of some species, defined as “bioconverters”, is spreading worldwide, thanks to their sustainability. [...] Read more.

Insects, the most varied group of known organisms on Earth, are arousing great interest also for the possibility to use them as a feed and food source. The mass rearing of some species, defined as “bioconverters”, is spreading worldwide, thanks to their sustainability. At the end of the bioconversion process, breeders obtain eco-friendly biomolecules of high biological and economic value, including proteins and lipids, from larvae of bioconverter insects, in particular Hermetia illucens. Besides the most classical use of insect lipids as food additives, they are also used in the formulation of several products for personal care. The composition of insect lipids depends on the substrate on which the insects are reared but also on the insect species, so the cosmetic producers should consider these features to choose their insect starting point. The most abundant fatty acids detected in H. illucens are lauric, myristic, palmitic, and oleic acids, regardless of feed substrate; its fatty acids composition is favorable for soap composition, while their derivatives are used for detergent and shampoo. Here, we offer an overview of insect lipids, their extraction methods, and their application in cosmetics and personal care products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insects at the Center of the Green Transition)

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22 pages, 2861 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Changes in Alpine Butterfly Communities during the Last 40 Years

by Simona Bonelli, Cristiana Cerrato, Francesca Barbero, Maria Virginia Boiani, Giorgio Buffa, Luca Pietro Casacci, Lorenzo Fracastoro, Antonello Provenzale, Enrico Rivella, Michele Zaccagno and Emilio Balletto

Insects 2022, 13(1), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13010043 - 30 Dec 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5894

Abstract

Our work aims to assess how butterfly communities in the Italian Maritime Alps changed over the past 40 years, in parallel with altitudinal shifts occurring in plant communities. In 2019, we sampled butterflies at 7 grassland sites, between 1300–1900 m, previously investigated in [...] Read more.

Our work aims to assess how butterfly communities in the Italian Maritime Alps changed over the past 40 years, in parallel with altitudinal shifts occurring in plant communities. In 2019, we sampled butterflies at 7 grassland sites, between 1300–1900 m, previously investigated in 2009 and 1978, by semi-quantitative linear transects. Fine-scale temperature and precipitation data elaborated by optimal interpolation techniques were used to quantify climate changes. The changes in the vegetation cover and main habitat alterations were assessed by inspection of aerial photographs (1978–2018/1978–2006–2015). The vegetation structure showed a marked decrease of grassland habitats and an increase of woods (1978–2009). Plant physiognomy has remained stable in recent years (2009–2019) with some local exceptions due to geomorphic disturbance. We observed butterfly ‘species substitution’ indicating a general loss in the more specialised and a general gain in more tolerant elements. We did not observe any decrease in species richness, but rather a change in guild compositions, with (i) an overall increased abundance in some widespread and common lowland species and (ii) the disappearance (or strong decrease) of some alpine (high elevation) species, so that ‘resilience’ could be just delusive. Changes in butterfly community composition were consistent with predicted impacts of local warming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Insects in Mountain Ecosystems)

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19 pages, 752 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Advances in Editing Silkworms (Bombyx mori) Genome by Using the CRISPR-Cas System

by Gabriela-Maria Baci, Alexandra-Antonia Cucu, Alexandru-Ioan Giurgiu, Adriana-Sebastiana Muscă, Lilla Bagameri, Adela Ramona Moise, Otilia Bobiș, Attila Cristian Rațiu and Daniel Severus Dezmirean

Insects 2022, 13(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13010028 - 27 Dec 2021

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 8214

Abstract

CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-Cas (CRISPR-associated) represents a powerful genome editing technology that revolutionized in a short period of time numerous natural sciences branches. Therefore, extraordinary progress was made in various fields, such as entomology or biotechnology. Bombyx mori is one [...] Read more.

CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-Cas (CRISPR-associated) represents a powerful genome editing technology that revolutionized in a short period of time numerous natural sciences branches. Therefore, extraordinary progress was made in various fields, such as entomology or biotechnology. Bombyx mori is one of the most important insects, not only for the sericulture industry, but for numerous scientific areas. The silkworms play a key role as a model organism, but also as a bioreactor for the recombinant protein production. Nowadays, the CRISPR-Cas genome editing system is frequently used in order to perform gene analyses, to increase the resistance against certain pathogens or as an imaging tool in B. mori. Here, we provide an overview of various studies that made use of CRISPR-Cas for B. mori genome editing, with a focus on emphasizing the high applicability of this system in entomology and biological sciences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silkworm and Silk: Traditional and Innovative Applications)

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21 pages, 7037 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Anatomy of the Nervous System in Chelifer cancroides (Arachnida: Pseudoscorpiones) with a Distinct Sensory Pathway Associated with the Pedipalps

by Torben Stemme and Sarah E. Pfeffer

Insects 2022, 13(1), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13010025 - 24 Dec 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5815

Abstract

Many arachnid taxa have evolved unique, highly specialized sensory structures such as antenniform legs in Amblypygi (whip spiders), for instance, or mesosomal pectines in scorpions. Knowledge of the neuroanatomy as well as functional aspects of these sensory organs is rather scarce, especially in [...] Read more.

Many arachnid taxa have evolved unique, highly specialized sensory structures such as antenniform legs in Amblypygi (whip spiders), for instance, or mesosomal pectines in scorpions. Knowledge of the neuroanatomy as well as functional aspects of these sensory organs is rather scarce, especially in comparison to other arthropod clades. In pseudoscorpions, no special sensory structures have been discovered so far. Nevertheless, these animals possess dominant, multifunctional pedipalps, which are good candidates for being the primary sensory appendages. However, only little is known about the anatomy of the nervous system and the projection pattern of pedipalpal afferents in this taxon. By using immunofluorescent labeling of neuronal structures as well as lipophilic dye labeling of pedipalpal pathways, we identified the arcuate body, as well as a comparatively small mushroom body, the latter showing some similarities to that of Solifugae (sun spiders and camel spiders). Furthermore, afferents from the pedipalps terminate in a glomerular and a layered neuropil. Due to the innervation pattern and structural appearance, we conclude that these neuropils are the first integration centers of the chemosensory and mechanosensory afferents. Within Arthropoda, but also other invertebrates or even vertebrates, sensory structures show rather similar neuronal arrangement. Thus, these similarities in the sensory systems of different evolutionary origin have to be interpreted as functional prerequisites of the respective modality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Insect Senses: From Perception to Cognition)

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44 pages, 735 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Impact of Deforestation, Urbanization, and Changing Land Use Patterns on the Ecology of Mosquito and Tick-Borne Diseases in Central America

by Diana I. Ortiz, Marta Piche-Ovares, Luis M. Romero-Vega, Joseph Wagman and Adriana Troyo

Insects 2022, 13(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13010020 - 23 Dec 2021

Cited by 74 | Viewed by 17149

Abstract

Central America is a unique geographical region that connects North and South America, enclosed by the Caribbean Sea to the East, and the Pacific Ocean to the West. This region, encompassing Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Nicaragua, is highly [...] Read more.

Central America is a unique geographical region that connects North and South America, enclosed by the Caribbean Sea to the East, and the Pacific Ocean to the West. This region, encompassing Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Nicaragua, is highly vulnerable to the emergence or resurgence of mosquito-borne and tick-borne diseases due to a combination of key ecological and socioeconomic determinants acting together, often in a synergistic fashion. Of particular interest are the effects of land use changes, such as deforestation-driven urbanization and forest degradation, on the incidence and prevalence of these diseases, which are not well understood. In recent years, parts of Central America have experienced social and economic improvements; however, the region still faces major challenges in developing effective strategies and significant investments in public health infrastructure to prevent and control these diseases. In this article, we review the current knowledge and potential impacts of deforestation, urbanization, and other land use changes on mosquito-borne and tick-borne disease transmission in Central America and how these anthropogenic drivers could affect the risk for disease emergence and resurgence in the region. These issues are addressed in the context of other interconnected environmental and social challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Ecological Perturbations at the Host-Vector-Pathogen Interface under Global Change)

18 pages, 35930 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Weeds Enhance Pollinator Diversity and Fruit Yield in Mango

by Blaire M. Kleiman, Suzanne Koptur and Krishnaswamy Jayachandran

Insects 2021, 12(12), 1114; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12121114 - 13 Dec 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 15435

Abstract

Agriculture is dependent on insect pollination, yet in areas of intensive production agriculture, there is often a decline in plant and insect diversity. As native habitats and plants are replaced, often only the weeds or unwanted vegetation persist. This study compared insect diversity [...] Read more.

Agriculture is dependent on insect pollination, yet in areas of intensive production agriculture, there is often a decline in plant and insect diversity. As native habitats and plants are replaced, often only the weeds or unwanted vegetation persist. This study compared insect diversity on mango, Mangifera indica, a tropical fruit tree dependent on insect pollination, when weeds were present in cultivation versus when they were removed mechanically. The pollinating insects on both weeds and mango trees were examined as well as fruit set and yield in both the weed-free and weedy treatment in South Florida. There were significantly more pollinators and key pollinator families on the weedy mango trees, as well as significantly greater fruit yield in the weedy treatment compared to the weed-free treatment. Utilizing weeds, especially native species, as insectary plants can help ensure sufficient pollination of mango and increase biodiversity across crop monocropping systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollinator Diversity in Sustainable Agroecosystems)

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11 pages, 1292 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Body Size Variation in a Social Sweat Bee, Halictus ligatus (Halictidae, Apoidea), across Urban Environments

by Rachel A. Brant and Gerardo R. Camilo

Insects 2021, 12(12), 1086; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12121086 - 3 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4243

Abstract

High morphological variation is often associated with species longevity, and it is hypothesized that urban-dwelling species may require more plasticity in functional traits such as body size in order to maximize fitness in heterogeneous environments. There has been published research regarding the functional [...] Read more.

High morphological variation is often associated with species longevity, and it is hypothesized that urban-dwelling species may require more plasticity in functional traits such as body size in order to maximize fitness in heterogeneous environments. There has been published research regarding the functional trait diversity of urban bee pollinators. However, no two cities are identical, so the implementation of multi-city studies is vital. Therefore, we compared body size variation in female Halicus ligatus sweat bees from May–October 2016 from three distinct Midwestern United States cities: Chicago, Detroit, and Saint Louis. Additionally, to elucidate potentially influential environmental factors, we assessed the relationship between temperature and measured body size. We collected bees in community gardens and urban farms and measured their head width and intertegular distance as a proxy for overall body size. We utilized an ANCOVA to determine whether body size variation differed significantly across the three surveyed cities. Results indicated that H. ligatus females in Chicago, Detroit, and Saint Louis had significantly different body size ranges. These findings highlight the importance of intraspecific body size variation and support our prediction that bees from different urban environments will have distinct ranges in body size due to local ecological factors affecting their populations. Additionally, we found a significant influence of temperature, though this is probably not the only important ecological characteristic impacting bee body size. Therefore, we also provided a list of predictions for the future study of specific variables that are likely to impact functional trait diversity in urban bees. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Ecology, Diversity and Conservation)

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27 pages, 3853 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Ant-like Tachydromia Complex in the Iberian Peninsula—Insights from Habitat Suitability Modelling for the Conservation of an Endemism (Diptera: Hybotidae)

by Ana Rita Gonçalves, Carlos Vila-Viçosa and João Gonçalves

Insects 2021, 12(12), 1068; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12121068 - 29 Nov 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3830

Abstract

Ant-like flies comprise nine Iberian endemic species of flightless Tachydromia. Severe knowledge gaps on distribution and ecological requirements hinder conservation assessments. Species distribution models were applied to unveil habitat suitability and to provide guidelines for future studies. An ensemble modeling approach combining [...] Read more.

Ant-like flies comprise nine Iberian endemic species of flightless Tachydromia. Severe knowledge gaps on distribution and ecological requirements hinder conservation assessments. Species distribution models were applied to unveil habitat suitability and to provide guidelines for future studies. An ensemble modeling approach combining ten different techniques was implemented with the biomod2 package. Occurrence data was partitioned into six sets, including two multi-species groups and four species. The most relevant drivers of habitat suitability are climate-related, followed by forest type and structure, according to well-defined biogeographic gradients. T. lusitanica and T. ebejeri are adapted to mild temperatures and high-humidity environments. Their distribution is connected to the Temperate–Eurosiberian life zone. T. semiaptera and T. iberica are adapted to progressively drier and hotter central and southern parts of the Iberian Peninsula, connected to transitional Temperate–submediterranean areas. Ant-like fly’ ranges overlap with deciduous/marcescent oak species, acting as suitable indicators of their presence in Iberia. Southern marcescent forests emerge as “islands” with particular interest for future prospections. Ant-like flies are threatened by several factors such as climate change and habitat destruction, including urbanization and forest fires. This study provides vital tools to better assess the ant-like flies’ conservation status and to manage their habitat. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systematics, Evolution, and Diversity of Dance Flies (Diptera, Empidoidea))

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15 pages, 1687 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Condition-Specific Competitive Effects of the Invasive Mosquito Aedes albopictus on the Resident Culex pipiens among Different Urban Container Habitats May Explain Their Coexistence in the Field

by Paul T. Leisnham, Shannon L. LaDeau, Megan E. M. Saunders and Oswaldo C. Villena

Insects 2021, 12(11), 993; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12110993 - 4 Nov 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3648

Abstract

Condition-specific competition, when environmental conditions alter the outcome of competition, can foster the persistence of resident species after the invasion of a competitively superior invader. We test whether condition-specific competition can facilitate the areawide persistence of the resident and principal West Nile virus [...] Read more.

Condition-specific competition, when environmental conditions alter the outcome of competition, can foster the persistence of resident species after the invasion of a competitively superior invader. We test whether condition-specific competition can facilitate the areawide persistence of the resident and principal West Nile virus vector mosquito Culex pipiens with the competitively superior invasive Aedes albopictus in water from different urban container habitats. (2) Methods: We tested the effects of manipulated numbers of A. albopictus on C. pipiens’ survival and development in water collected from common functional and discarded containers in Baltimore, MD, USA. The experiment was conducted with typical numbers of larvae found in field surveys of C. pipiens and A. albopictus and container water quality. (3) Results: We found increased densities of A. albopictus negatively affected the survivorship and development of C. pipiens in water from discarded containers but had little effect in water from functional containers. This finding was driven by water from trash cans, which allowed consistently higher C. pipiens’ survival and development and had greater mean ammonia and nitrate concentrations that can promote microbial food than other container types. (4) Conclusions: These results suggest that the contents of different urban containers alter the effects of invasive A. albopictus competition on resident C. pipiens, that trash cans, in particular, facilitate the persistence of C. pipiens, and that there could be implications for West Nile virus risk as a result. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Pests and Vectors: Interdisciplinary Links between Arthropod–Human Systems)

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23 pages, 7232 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Immature Insect Assemblages from the Early Cretaceous (Purbeck/Wealden) of Southern England

by Robert A. Coram and Edmund A. Jarzembowski

Insects 2021, 12(10), 942; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12100942 - 17 Oct 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3407

Abstract

The record of immature insects from the non-marine Purbeck and Wealden groups (Lower Cretaceous) of southern England is reviewed and expanded. Fossils of adult terrestrial insects are locally common, but terrestrial immature remains are restricted to transported hemipterans, most of which are sessile [...] Read more.

The record of immature insects from the non-marine Purbeck and Wealden groups (Lower Cretaceous) of southern England is reviewed and expanded. Fossils of adult terrestrial insects are locally common, but terrestrial immature remains are restricted to transported hemipterans, most of which are sessile nymphs or puparia resembling those of extant whiteflies (Aleyrodidae). Remains of immature aquatic insects are more diverse and comprise the extant orders Plecoptera, Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Trichoptera, Hemiptera and Diptera. The Trichoptera are represented by larval cases constructed from a variety of materials corresponding to several ichnogenera. The Wealden immature insects were preserved in predominantly freshwater fluvial settings, whereas the Purbeck ones occur in lagoonal palaeoenvironments, ranging in salinity from brackish to hypersaline. The composition of aquatic immature insect faunas in the latter offers potential for palaeosalinity analysis, although there are complicating factors relating to habitat stability. Uncommon trace fossils such as beetle borings in wood provide evidence of immature insects not represented by body fossils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Fossil Record of Immature Insects)

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12 pages, 1254 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Crude Extracts and Alkaloids Derived from Ipomoea-Periglandula Symbiotic Association Cause Mortality of Asian Citrus Psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)

by Xue-Dong Chen, Navneet Kaur, David R. Horton, W. Rodney Cooper, Jawwad A. Qureshi and Lukasz L. Stelinski

Insects 2021, 12(10), 929; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12100929 - 12 Oct 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3739

Abstract

Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) is an important economic pest of citrus crops because it vectors the causal pathogen of huanglongbing (HLB; aka citrus greening). Population suppression of D. citri with insecticides has been disproportionally relied on for HLB management [...] Read more.

Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) is an important economic pest of citrus crops because it vectors the causal pathogen of huanglongbing (HLB; aka citrus greening). Population suppression of D. citri with insecticides has been disproportionally relied on for HLB management and a greater diversity of more sustainable tools is needed. Periglandula spp. is a fungal endosymbiont (family Clavicipitaceae) that forms a mutualistic relationship with members of plants in family Convolvulaceae. This association results in the production of ergot alkaloids that were previously documented as having psyllicidal properties. We investigated the mortality and behavior of D. citri exposed to crude extracts from morning glories in the plant family Convolvulaceae, as well as synthetic ergot alkaloids. Nymphs and adults were exposed to the crude plant extracts from Periglandula positive species of Convolvulaceae, as well as five synthetic ergot alkaloids. Treatments were prepared by exposing clippings of citrus to 100 ng/µL of crude extract from Periglandula-positive species of Ipomoea (I. imperati, I. leptophylla, I. pandurata and I. tricolor), and Turbina corymbosa, and from one Periglandula-negative species (I. alba) (100 ng/µL). Mortality of adult and nymphal D. citri was significantly higher than the control after exposure to extracts from I. tricolor and I. imperati. The synthetic ergot alkaloids, lysergol (10–100 ng/µL), ergonovine maleate (100 ng/µL), agroclavine (10–100 ng/µL), and ergosine (10–100 ng/µL) increased mortality of D. citri nymphs, while ergosine (100 ng/µL) and agroclavine (100 ng/µL) increased mortality of adults compared to water controls. Fewer D. citri adults settled on plants treated with crude extracts or synthetic ergot alkaloids than on water controls at 48 h after release. D. citri that fed on citrus leaves treated with 10 ng/μL solution of crude extract from the Periglandula-positive species Ipomoea (I. imperati, I. leptophylla, I. pandurata, I. tricolor), and Turbina corymbosa excreted significantly less honeydew compared with a negative water control and extract from Periglandula-negative species (I. alba). Our results indicate that crude extracts and ergot alkaloids exhibit toxic and sub-lethal effects on D. citri that could be useful for management of this pest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Psyllid Vectors: From Genetics to Pest Integrated Management)

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18 pages, 1060 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Adaptation by the Brown Planthopper to Resistant Rice: A Test of Female-Derived Virulence and the Role of Yeast-like Symbionts

by Finbarr G. Horgan, Ainara Peñalver Cruz, Arriza Arida, Jedeliza B. Ferrater and Carmencita C. Bernal

Insects 2021, 12(10), 908; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12100908 - 6 Oct 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3745

Abstract

The adaptation by planthoppers to feed and develop on resistant rice is a challenge for pest management in Asia. We conducted a series of manipulative experiments with the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens (Stål)) on the resistant rice variety IR62 (BPH3/ [...] Read more.

The adaptation by planthoppers to feed and develop on resistant rice is a challenge for pest management in Asia. We conducted a series of manipulative experiments with the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens (Stål)) on the resistant rice variety IR62 (BPH3/BPH32 genes) to assess behavioral and bionomic changes in planthoppers exhibiting virulence adaptation. We also examined the potential role of yeast-like symbionts (YLS) in virulence adaptation by assessing progeny fitness (survival × reproduction) following controlled matings between virulent males or females and avirulent males or females, and by manipulating YLS densities in progeny through heat treatment. We found virulence-adapted planthoppers developed faster, grew larger, had adults that survived for longer, had female-biased progeny, and produced more eggs than non-selected planthoppers on the resistant variety. However, feeding capacity—as revealed through honeydew composition—remained inefficient on IR62, even after 20+ generations of exposure to the resistant host. Virulence was derived from both the male and female parents; however, females contributed more than males to progeny virulence. We found that YLS are essential for normal planthopper development and densities are highest in virulent nymphs feeding on the resistant host; however, we found only weak evidence that YLS densities contributed more to virulence. Virulence against IR62 in the brown planthopper, therefore, involves a complex of traits that encompass a series of behavioral, physiological, and genetic mechanisms, some of which are determined only by the female parent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Biology and Management of Sap-Sucking Pests)

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13 pages, 1664 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Aposematic Coloration of Moths Decreases Strongly along an Elevational Gradient in the Andes

by Konrad Fiedler and Gunnar Brehm

Insects 2021, 12(10), 903; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12100903 - 3 Oct 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 7517

Abstract

On tropical mountains, predation pressure decreases with elevation. Accordingly, one expects an elevational decay in the prevalence of costly defensive traits such as aposematic coloration. Using light-trap catches of Arctiinae moths (353 species, 4466 individuals), assembled along a forested gradient in the megadiverse [...] Read more.

On tropical mountains, predation pressure decreases with elevation. Accordingly, one expects an elevational decay in the prevalence of costly defensive traits such as aposematic coloration. Using light-trap catches of Arctiinae moths (353 species, 4466 individuals), assembled along a forested gradient in the megadiverse tropical Andes of southern Ecuador, we show that the incidence of aposematic coloration decreases strongly between 1040 and 2670 m asl. While over 60% of Arctiinae moths were warningly colored at lowest sites, this fraction decreased to less than 20% in montane forest, yet increased slightly again at the highest sites in the very open Purdiaea nutans forest. In parallel, the incidence of hymenopteran mimics and of species that mimic chemically defended beetles decreased with elevation. Hymenopteran mimics accounted for less than 5% of Arctiinae moths at sites above 2100 m, and beetle mimics were essentially lacking at high elevations. These patterns coincide with a change in gross taxonomic composition of Arctiinae ensembles and with an increase in average body size towards higher elevations. Representatives of Euchromiina and Ctenuchina became scarce with altitude, whereas the prevalence of Lithosiinae increased. Our findings suggest that the variable selective pressures along the elevational gradient favor warning coloration primarily at lower sites, whereas cryptic appearance of adult moths dominates in the tropical upper montane forest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Ecology, Diversity and Conservation)

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13 pages, 446 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Metabolic Resistance in Permethrin-Resistant Florida Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

by Sierra M. Schluep and Eva A. Buckner

Insects 2021, 12(10), 866; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12100866 - 24 Sep 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3654

Abstract

Aedes aegypti is the principal mosquito vector for many arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. In the United States, excessive permethrin use has led to a high frequency of resistance in mosquitoes. Insecticide resistance is a significant obstacle in the struggle [...] Read more.

Aedes aegypti is the principal mosquito vector for many arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. In the United States, excessive permethrin use has led to a high frequency of resistance in mosquitoes. Insecticide resistance is a significant obstacle in the struggle against vector-borne diseases. To help overcome metabolic resistance, synergists that inhibit specific metabolic enzymes can be added to formulated pyrethroid products. Using modified CDC bottle bioassays, we assessed the effect of three inhibitors (piperonyl butoxide (PBO), which inhibits oxidase activity; S.S.S-tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF), which inhibits esterase activity; and diethyl maleate (DM), which inhibits glutathione transferase activity) + permethrin. We performed these against 20 Florida Ae. aegypti populations, all of which were resistant to permethrin. Our data indicated that 11 out of 20 populations (55%) exhibited metabolic resistance. Results revealed 73% of these populations had significant increases in mortality attributed to DEF + permethrin, 64% to PBO + permethrin, and 55% to DM + permethrin compared to permethrin alone. Currently, PBO is the only metabolic enzyme inhibitor added to formulated pyrethroid products used for adult mosquito control. Our results suggest that the DEF and DM inhibitors could also be useful additives in permethrin products, especially against metabolically resistant Ae. aegypti mosquitoes. Moreover, metabolic assays should be conducted to better inform mosquito control programs for designing and implementing integrated vector management strategies. Full article

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

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12 pages, 1207 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Developmental Temperature Affects Life-History Traits and Heat Tolerance in the Aphid Parasitoid Aphidius colemani

by Mey Jerbi-Elayed, Vincent Foray, Kévin Tougeron, Kaouthar Grissa-Lebdi and Thierry Hance

Insects 2021, 12(10), 852; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12100852 - 22 Sep 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3980

Abstract

Developmental temperature plays important roles in the expression of insect traits through thermal developmental plasticity. We exposed the aphid parasitoid Aphidius colemani to different temperature regimes (10, 20, or 28 °C) throughout larval development and studied the expression of morphological and physiological traits [...] Read more.

Developmental temperature plays important roles in the expression of insect traits through thermal developmental plasticity. We exposed the aphid parasitoid Aphidius colemani to different temperature regimes (10, 20, or 28 °C) throughout larval development and studied the expression of morphological and physiological traits indicator of fitness and heat tolerance in the adult. We showed that the mass decreased and the surface to volume ratio of parasitoids increased with the development temperature. Water content was not affected by rearing temperature, but parasitoids accumulated more lipids when reared at 20 °C. Egg content was not affected by developmental temperature, but adult survival was better for parasitoids reared at 20 °C. Finally, parasitoids developed at 20 °C showed the highest heat stupor threshold, whereas parasitoids developed at 28 °C showed the highest heat coma threshold (better heat tolerance CTmax1 and CTmax2, respectively), therefore only partly supporting the beneficial acclimation hypothesis. From a fundamental point of view, our study highlights the role of thermal plasticity (adaptive or not) on the expression of different life history traits in insects and the possible correlations that exist between these traits. From an applied perspective, these results are important in the context of biological control through mass release techniques of parasitoids in hot environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Plasticity and Adaptation in Insects)

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23 pages, 23555 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Review and Meta-Analysis of the Evidence for Choosing between Specific Pyrethroids for Programmatic Purposes

by Natalie Lissenden, Mara D. Kont, John Essandoh, Hanafy M. Ismail, Thomas S. Churcher, Ben Lambert, Audrey Lenhart, Philip J. McCall, Catherine L. Moyes, Mark J. I. Paine, Giorgio Praulins, David Weetman and Rosemary S. Lees

Insects 2021, 12(9), 826; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12090826 - 14 Sep 2021

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5391

Abstract

Pyrethroid resistance is widespread in malaria vectors. However, differential mortality in discriminating dose assays to different pyrethroids is often observed in wild populations. When this occurs, it is unclear if this differential mortality should be interpreted as an indication of differential levels of [...] Read more.

Pyrethroid resistance is widespread in malaria vectors. However, differential mortality in discriminating dose assays to different pyrethroids is often observed in wild populations. When this occurs, it is unclear if this differential mortality should be interpreted as an indication of differential levels of susceptibility within the pyrethroid class, and if so, if countries should consider selecting one specific pyrethroid for programmatic use over another. A review of evidence from molecular studies, resistance testing with laboratory colonies and wild populations, and mosquito behavioural assays were conducted to answer these questions. Evidence suggested that in areas where pyrethroid resistance exists, different results in insecticide susceptibility assays with specific pyrethroids currently in common use (deltamethrin, permethrin, α-cypermethrin, and λ-cyhalothrin) are not necessarily indicative of an operationally relevant difference in potential performance. Consequently, it is not advisable to use rotation between these pyrethroids as an insecticide-resistance management strategy. Less commonly used pyrethroids (bifenthrin and etofenprox) may have sufficiently different modes of action, though further work is needed to examine how this may apply to insecticide resistance management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insecticides for Mosquito Control: Strengthening the Evidence Base)

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12 pages, 731 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Arthropods as the Engine of Nutrient Cycling in Arid Ecosystems

by Nevo Sagi and Dror Hawlena

Insects 2021, 12(8), 726; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12080726 - 14 Aug 2021

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 9890

Abstract

Nutrient dynamics in most terrestrial ecosystems are regulated by moisture-dependent processes. In drylands, nutrient dynamics are often weakly associated with annual precipitation, suggesting that other factors are involved. In recent years, the majority of research on this topic focused on abiotic factors. We [...] Read more.

Nutrient dynamics in most terrestrial ecosystems are regulated by moisture-dependent processes. In drylands, nutrient dynamics are often weakly associated with annual precipitation, suggesting that other factors are involved. In recent years, the majority of research on this topic focused on abiotic factors. We provide an arthropod-centric framework that aims to refocus research attention back on the fundamental role that macro-arthropods may play in regulating dryland nutrient dynamics. Macro-arthropods are prevalent in drylands and include many detritivores and burrowing taxa that remain active during long dry periods. Macro-arthropods consume and process large quantities of plant detritus and transport these nutrients to the decomposer haven within their climatically buffered and nutritionally enriched burrows. Consequently, arthropods may accelerate mineralization rates and generate a vertical nutrient recycling loop (VRL) that may assist in explaining the dryland decomposition conundrum, and how desert plants receive their nutrients when the shallow soil is dry. The burrowing activity of arthropods and the transportation of subterranean soil to the surface may alter the desert microtopography and promote desalinization, reducing resource leakage and enhancing productivity and species diversity. We conclude that these fundamental roles and the arthropods’ contribution to nutrient transportation and nitrogen fixation makes them key regulators of nutrient dynamics in drylands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropods in Desert Ecosystems)

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16 pages, 2318 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Using Chemical Ecology to Enhance Weed Biological Control

by Alexander M. Gaffke, Hans T. Alborn, Tom L. Dudley and Dan W. Bean

Insects 2021, 12(8), 695; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12080695 - 3 Aug 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4383

Abstract

In agricultural systems, chemical ecology and the use of semiochemicals have become critical components of integrated pest management. The categories of semiochemicals that have been used include sex pheromones, aggregation pheromones, and plant volatile compounds used as attractants as well as repellents. In [...] Read more.

In agricultural systems, chemical ecology and the use of semiochemicals have become critical components of integrated pest management. The categories of semiochemicals that have been used include sex pheromones, aggregation pheromones, and plant volatile compounds used as attractants as well as repellents. In contrast, semiochemicals are rarely utilized for management of insects used in weed biological control. Here, we advocate for the benefit of chemical ecology principles in the implementation of weed biocontrol by describing successful utilization of semiochemicals for release, monitoring and manipulation of weed biocontrol agent populations. The potential for more widespread adoption and successful implementation of semiochemicals justifies multidisciplinary collaborations and increased research on how semiochemicals and chemical ecology can enhance weed biocontrol programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Invasive Plants Using Arthropods)

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11 pages, 1114 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evolution of Adaptive Variation in the Mosquito Culex pipiens: Multiple Independent Origins of Insecticide Resistance Mutations

by Valentina Mastrantonio, Daniele Porretta, Valentina Lucchesi, Nurper Güz, Naciye Sena Çağatay, Romeo Bellini, John Vontas and Sandra Urbanelli

Insects 2021, 12(8), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12080676 - 27 Jul 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3258

Abstract

Insecticide resistance is an informative model for studying the appearance of adaptive traits. Simultaneously, understanding how many times resistance mutations originate is essential to design effective resistance management. In the mosquito Culex pipiens, target–site resistance to the insecticide diflubenzuron (DFB) has been [...] Read more.

Insecticide resistance is an informative model for studying the appearance of adaptive traits. Simultaneously, understanding how many times resistance mutations originate is essential to design effective resistance management. In the mosquito Culex pipiens, target–site resistance to the insecticide diflubenzuron (DFB) has been recently found in Italian and Turkish populations. Three point mutations confer it at the codon 1043 of the chitin synthase 1 gene (chs-1): I1043L, I1043M, and I1043F. Whether the resistant mutations originated independently from different susceptible alleles or sequentially from resistant alleles and whether resistant alleles from Italy and Turkey have originated once or multiple times remain unresolved. Here, we sequenced a fragment of the chs-1 gene carrying the resistant mutations and inferred the phylogenetic relationships among susceptible and resistant alleles. Confirming previous findings, we found the three mutations in Italy and the I1043M in Turkey. Notably, the I1043F was also found for the first time in Turkish samples, highlighting the need for extensive monitoring activities. Phylogenetic analyses are consistent with an independent origin of the I1043F, I1043M, and I1043L mutations from different susceptible alleles and with multiple independent origins of the Italian and Turkish I1043M and I1043F alleles. Full article

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

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30 pages, 2130 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Investigating Virus–Host Interactions in Cultured Primary Honey Bee Cells

by Alexander J. McMenamin, Fenali Parekh, Verena Lawrence and Michelle L. Flenniken

Insects 2021, 12(7), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12070653 - 17 Jul 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6958

Abstract

Honey bee (Apis mellifera) health is impacted by viral infections at the colony, individual bee, and cellular levels. To investigate honey bee antiviral defense mechanisms at the cellular level we further developed the use of cultured primary cells, derived from either [...] Read more.

Honey bee (Apis mellifera) health is impacted by viral infections at the colony, individual bee, and cellular levels. To investigate honey bee antiviral defense mechanisms at the cellular level we further developed the use of cultured primary cells, derived from either larvae or pupae, and demonstrated that these cells could be infected with a panel of viruses, including common honey bee infecting viruses (i.e., sacbrood virus (SBV) and deformed wing virus (DWV)) and an insect model virus, Flock House virus (FHV). Virus abundances were quantified over the course of infection. The production of infectious virions in cultured honey bee pupal cells was demonstrated by determining that naïve cells became infected after the transfer of deformed wing virus or Flock House virus from infected cell cultures. Initial characterization of the honey bee antiviral immune responses at the cellular level indicated that there were virus-specific responses, which included increased expression of bee antiviral protein-1 (GenBank: MF116383) in SBV-infected pupal cells and increased expression of argonaute-2 and dicer-like in FHV-infected hemocytes and pupal cells. Additional studies are required to further elucidate virus-specific honey bee antiviral defense mechanisms. The continued use of cultured primary honey bee cells for studies that involve multiple viruses will address this knowledge gap. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Use of Insect Cell Culture and Biotechnology)

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13 pages, 564 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Possible Role of Microorganisms in Mosquito Mass Rearing

by Luca Chersoni, Alice Checcucci, Marco Malfacini, Arianna Puggioli, Fabrizio Balestrino, Marco Carrieri, Irene Piunti, Maria Luisa Dindo, Paola Mattarelli and Romeo Bellini

Insects 2021, 12(7), 645; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12070645 - 15 Jul 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5203

Abstract

In Europe, one of the most significant mosquitoes of public health importance is Aedes albopictus (Skuse), an allochthonous species of Asian origin. One of the most promising control methods against Aedes albopictus is the sterile insect technique (SIT), which consists of mass rearing [...] Read more.

In Europe, one of the most significant mosquitoes of public health importance is Aedes albopictus (Skuse), an allochthonous species of Asian origin. One of the most promising control methods against Aedes albopictus is the sterile insect technique (SIT), which consists of mass rearing the target species, separation of males from females, and male exposure to sterilizing ionizing radiation. Once released in the environment, the sterile males are expected to search for wild females to mate with. If mating occurs, no offspring is produced. The quality of sterile males is a crucial aspect in SIT programs in order to optimize effectiveness and limit production costs. The integration of probiotic microorganisms in larval and adult mosquito diets could enhance the quality parameters of the released sterile males. In this review, we attempt to give the most representative picture of the present knowledge on the relationships between gut microbiota of mosquitoes and the natural or artificial larval diet. Furthermore, the possible use of probiotic microorganisms for mosquito larvae rearing is explored. Based on the limited amount of data found in the literature, we hypothesize that a better understanding of the interaction between mosquitoes and their microbiota may bring significant improvements in mosquito mass rearing for SIT purposes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Pest Management of Arthropods in Urban Green Spaces)

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24 pages, 3058 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Mosquito-Textile Physics: A Mathematical Roadmap to Insecticide-Free, Bite-Proof Clothing for Everyday Life

by Kun Luan, Andre J. West, Marian G. McCord, Emiel A. DenHartog, Quan Shi, Isa Bettermann, Jiayin Li, Nicholas V. Travanty, Robert D. Mitchell III, Grayson L. Cave, John B. Strider, Yongxin Wang, Florian Neumann, Tobias Beck, Charles S. Apperson and R. Michael Roe

Insects 2021, 12(7), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12070636 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 40428

Abstract

Garments treated with chemical insecticides are commonly used to prevent mosquito bites. Resistance to insecticides, however, is threatening the efficacy of this technology, and people are increasingly concerned about the potential health impacts of wearing insecticide-treated clothing. Here, we report a mathematical model [...] Read more.

Garments treated with chemical insecticides are commonly used to prevent mosquito bites. Resistance to insecticides, however, is threatening the efficacy of this technology, and people are increasingly concerned about the potential health impacts of wearing insecticide-treated clothing. Here, we report a mathematical model for fabric barriers that resist bites from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes based on textile physical structure and no insecticides. The model was derived from mosquito morphometrics and analysis of mosquito biting behavior. Woven filter fabrics, precision polypropylene plates, and knitted fabrics were used for model validation. Then, based on the model predictions, prototype knitted textiles and garments were developed that prevented mosquito biting, and comfort testing showed the garments to possess superior thermophysiological properties. Our fabrics provided a three-times greater bite resistance than the insecticide-treated cloth. Our predictive model can be used to develop additional textiles in the future for garments that are highly bite resistant to mosquitoes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insecticides for Mosquito Control: Strengthening the Evidence Base)

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20 pages, 653 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceSystematic Review

The Influence of Food Waste Rearing Substrates on Black Soldier Fly Larvae Protein Composition: A Systematic Review

by Indee Hopkins, Lisa P. Newman, Harsharn Gill and Jessica Danaher

Insects 2021, 12(7), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12070608 - 4 Jul 2021

Cited by 77 | Viewed by 11781

Abstract

The Black Soldier Fly (BSF) offers the potential to address two global challenges; the environmental detriments of food waste and the rising demand for protein. Food waste digested by BSF larvae can be converted into biomass, which may then be utilized for the [...] Read more.

The Black Soldier Fly (BSF) offers the potential to address two global challenges; the environmental detriments of food waste and the rising demand for protein. Food waste digested by BSF larvae can be converted into biomass, which may then be utilized for the development of value-added products including new food sources for human and animal consumption. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies investigating the influence of food waste rearing substrates on BSF larvae protein composition. Of 1712 articles identified, 23 articles were selected for inclusion. Based on the results of this review, BSF larvae reared on ‘Fish waste Sardinella aurita’ for two days reported the highest total protein content at 78.8% and BSF larvae reared on various formulations of ‘Fruit and vegetable’ reported the lowest protein content at 12.9%. This review is the first to examine the influence of food waste on the protein composition of BSF larvae. Major differences in larval rearing conditions and methods utilized to perform nutritional analyses, potentially influenced the reported protein composition of the BSF larvae. While this review has highlighted the role BSF larvae in food waste management and alternative protein development, their application in nutrition is still in its infancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Focus on Insect Rearing Methodology to Promote Scientific Research and Mass Production)

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14 pages, 1280 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Complementary Contribution of Wild Bumblebees and Managed Honeybee to the Pollination Niche of an Introduced Blueberry Crop

by Marcos Miñarro and Daniel García

Insects 2021, 12(7), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12070595 - 30 Jun 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3870

Abstract

The entomophilous pollination niche (abundance, phenotypic traits, foraging behaviours and environmental tolerances of insect pollinators) helps to understand and better manage crop pollination. We apply this niche approach to assess how an entomophilous crop (blueberry, Vaccinium ashei) can be expanded into new [...] Read more.

The entomophilous pollination niche (abundance, phenotypic traits, foraging behaviours and environmental tolerances of insect pollinators) helps to understand and better manage crop pollination. We apply this niche approach to assess how an entomophilous crop (blueberry, Vaccinium ashei) can be expanded into new territories (i.e., northern Spain) far from their original area of domestication (North America). Insect visits to blueberry flowers were monitored in a plantation on 12 different days, at 8 different times during day and covering various weather conditions. Abundance, visitation rate, pollen gathering behaviour, and frequency of inter-plant and inter-row movements were recorded. The pollinator assemblage was basically composed of one managed honeybee species (50.8% of visits) and three native bumblebee species (48.3%). There was a marked pattern of seasonal segregation throughout bloom, with bumblebees dominating the early bloom and honeybee the late bloom. Pollinators also segregated along gradients of daily temperature and relative humidity. Finally, the two pollinator types differed in foraging behaviour, with bumblebees having a visitation rate double that of honeybee, collecting pollen more frequently and changing plant and row more frequently. The spatio-temporal and functional complementarity between honeybee and bumblebees suggested here encourages the consideration of an integrated crop pollination strategy for blueberries, based on the concurrence of both wild and managed bees. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollinator Diversity in Sustainable Agroecosystems)

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19 pages, 3268 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Biology of an Adventive Population of the Armored Scale Rhizaspidiotus donacis, a Biological Control Agent of Arundo donax in California

by Charles A. Braman, Adam M. Lambert, A. Zeynep Özsoy, Ellen N. Hollstien, Kirsten A. Sheehy, Tara McKinnon, Patrick Moran, John F. Gaskin, John A. Goolsby and Thomas L. Dudley

Insects 2021, 12(7), 588; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12070588 - 29 Jun 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3464

Abstract

Arundo donax (giant reed) is invasive in Mediterranean, sub-, and tropical riparian systems worldwide. The armored scale Rhizaspidiotus donacis is approved for biocontrol in North America, but an adventive population was recently discovered in southern California. We documented this population’s distribution, phylogeny, phenology, [...] Read more.

Arundo donax (giant reed) is invasive in Mediterranean, sub-, and tropical riparian systems worldwide. The armored scale Rhizaspidiotus donacis is approved for biocontrol in North America, but an adventive population was recently discovered in southern California. We documented this population’s distribution, phylogeny, phenology, potential host spillover to Phragmites spp., and potential for parasitism by a common biocontrol parasitoid of citrus scale. The adventive scale was found within a single watershed and is genetically closest to Iberian scale genotypes. Rhizaspidiotus donacis developed on Phragmites haplotypes but at much lower densities than Arundo. The adventive population is univoltine, producing crawlers from March-June. Aphytis melinus parasitoids exhibited sustained interest in R. donacis during choice and no-choice trials and oviposition resulted in a small second generation. Rhizaspidiotus donacis appears limited in distribution by its univoltinism and sessile adult females. This presents challenges for broad biocontrol implementation but allows for targeted application. The genetic differentiation between imported biocontrol samples and adventive populations presents an opportunity for exploring benefits of hybrids and/or alternative genotypes where establishment has been difficult. While unlikely to occur in situ, spillover to vulnerable endemic Phragmites or deleterious parasitoid effects on scale biocontrol agents warrants consideration when planning use of R. donacis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Invasive Plants Using Arthropods)

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14 pages, 2189 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Molecular Evolution of Phototransduction Pathway Genes in Nocturnal and Diurnal Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae)

by Gavin J. Martin, Sarah E. Lower, Anton Suvorov and Seth M. Bybee

Insects 2021, 12(6), 561; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12060561 - 18 Jun 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5030

Abstract

Most organisms are dependent on sensory cues from their environment for survival and reproduction. Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) represent an ideal system for studying sensory niche adaptation due to many species relying on bioluminescent communication; as well as a diversity of ecologies. Here; using [...] Read more.

Most organisms are dependent on sensory cues from their environment for survival and reproduction. Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) represent an ideal system for studying sensory niche adaptation due to many species relying on bioluminescent communication; as well as a diversity of ecologies. Here; using transcriptomics; we examine the phototransduction pathway in this non-model organism; and provide some of the first evidence for positive selection in the phototransduction pathway beyond opsins in beetles. Evidence for gene duplications within Lampyridae are found in inactivation no afterpotential C and inactivation no afterpotential D. We also find strong support for positive selection in arrestin-2; inactivation no afterpotential D; and transient receptor potential-like; with weak support for positive selection in guanine nucleotide-binding protein G(q) subunit alpha and neither inactivation nor afterpotential C. Taken with other recent work in flies; butterflies; and moths; this represents an exciting new avenue of study as we seek to further understand diversification and constraint on the phototransduction pathway in light of organism ecology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systematics, Phylogeny, Evolution and Diversity of Elateridae (Coleoptera) and Their Relatives)

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