Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.3
3.0
Journals
Insects
Special Issues
Beetles: Biology, Ecology, and Integrated Management
share announcement

Beetles: Biology, Ecology, and Integrated Management

A Special Issue of Insects (ISSN 2075-4450).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 February 2027 | Viewed by 9938

Editor

Dr. Maria C. Boukouvala

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Agricultural Zoology and Entomology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
Interests: coleoptera; beetles; forest entomology; lepidoptera; insect distribution; agricultural entomology; integrated pest management; pest management; insect; entomology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Coleoptera is the largest order of insects on Earth, exhibiting vast diversity and various roles within their environments, where they are essential in diverse ecosystems, acting as either decomposers and pollinators or as pests that inflict significant damage on crops, stored products, urban plants, and forests. This Special Issue aims to cover the biology, ecology, and management of beetles in all anthromes including croplands, forests, food production, and structures. Thus, studies that examine aspects of biology and ecology of coleopterans, such as morphology, morphometry, phylogeny, physiology, life cycle, distribution, and behavior are of interest for this Special Issue. Furthermore, research efforts that present modern integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which combine biological, pesticides, and proactive interventions for the effective and sustainable management of harmful beetles, are particularly relevant to the scope of this Special Issue.

Dr. Maria C. Boukouvala
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Insects is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • systematics
  • reproduction
  • evolution
  • biological control
  • chemical control
  • green insecticides
  • sublethal effects of insecticides
  • combined treatments

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

17 pages, 2948 KB  
Article
Assessing the Mobility Disruption of Tribolium confusum Under Sublethal Concentrations of Chlorfenapyr Through Video Tracking Software
by Constantin S. Filintas, Nickolas G. Kavallieratos and Maria C. Boukouvala
Insects 2026, 17(8), 801; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17080801 - 3 Aug 2026
Viewed by 542
Abstract
Tribolium confusum is a destructive global pest of processed grains, causing severe economic damages in storages. After the application of synthetic insecticides to surfaces, they degrade, allowing insects to come in contact with lower concentrations of the toxicant. This study focused on the [...] Read more.
Tribolium confusum is a destructive global pest of processed grains, causing severe economic damages in storages. After the application of synthetic insecticides to surfaces, they degrade, allowing insects to come in contact with lower concentrations of the toxicant. This study focused on the investigation of the sublethal impacts of the pyrrole insecticide chlorfenapyr across different surface types (plastic, glass, metal, cement) on T. confusum. Using Toxtrac for automated video tracking, we quantified locomotor traits of T. confusum adult males and females. Chlorfenapyr surface treatment at LC10 and LC30 suppressed the locomotor activity of T. confusum adults. Important mobility traits were quantified using ToxTrac analysis, such as average speed, average acceleration, total distance, exploration rate, mobility average speed, and total time frozen. In the untreated groups, beetles displayed high levels of activity, with average speeds exceeding 50 mm/s on glass, plastic, and cement. After insecticide exposure, all locomotor traits declined across all surface types, except for total time frozen, that showed a positive correlation with the increase in concentration of chlorfenapyr. Treatments on non-porous materials (plastic, glass, metal) caused higher mobility suppression in both sexes in comparison to respective treatments on cement. These effects were more prevalent at LC30 vs. LC10. Chlorfenapyr induced a strong, negative effect on the mobility behavior of T. confusum adults across all tested surfaces, highlighting the value of automated behavioral tracking for detecting and quantifying key mobility impairment on specific traits relevant to stored-product pest management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetles: Biology, Ecology, and Integrated Management)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 709 KB  
Article
Habitat Isolation Effects on Personality in a Ground Beetle, Carabus convexus Fabricius, 1775
by Tibor Magura, Szabolcs Mizser, Roland Horváth, Mária Tóth, Ferenc Sándor Kozma, Vanda Éva Abriha-Molnár, Bianka Sipos, Anada Takár and Gábor L. Lövei
Insects 2026, 17(4), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17040356 - 24 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1309
Abstract
Urbanization is a major and rapidly expanding form of land-use change worldwide and is one of the main drivers of the decline in arthropod diversity. Within urban matrices, remnants of natural or semi-natural habitats serve as important refuges for native organisms. However, these [...] Read more.
Urbanization is a major and rapidly expanding form of land-use change worldwide and is one of the main drivers of the decline in arthropod diversity. Within urban matrices, remnants of natural or semi-natural habitats serve as important refuges for native organisms. However, these urban fragments are typically small, isolated, and strongly affected by various forms of disturbance. Therefore, connectivity among urban remnant patches may enhance population persistence and resilience. Increased tendencies to explore novel environments, tolerate human disturbance, and exploit unpredictable resources can be advantageous in urban environments. Accordingly, in this study of a flightless ground beetle species, we hypothesized that individuals from urban habitats—especially from isolated ones—would be bolder and more exploratory than their rural conspecifics, that sexes would differ in behavior, and that these behaviors would be temporally consistent, indicating animal personality. Activity-, exploration-, and boldness-related behavioral traits were significantly repeatable, providing evidence for animal personality, particularly in females and rural beetles. Contrary to our hypothesis, no behavioral differences were detected between rural and urban individuals. Furthermore, no significant sex-dependent differences in behavior were observed. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of species-specific traits and ecological context in shaping behavioral variation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetles: Biology, Ecology, and Integrated Management)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

21 pages, 17214 KB  
Article
Beyond Rensch’s Rule: Prevalent Female-Biased Size Dimorphism and Its Allometric Scaling in Cassidinae Beetles
by Jialong Wang, Yuru Yang, Chaokun Yang, Chengqing Liao, Jiasheng Xu, Qingyun Guo and Xiaohua Dai
Insects 2026, 17(2), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17020208 - 16 Feb 2026
Viewed by 1208
Abstract
Body size is a key trait influencing life history and ecological adaptation, and sexual size dimorphism (SSD) reflects divergent selective pressures acting on males and females. In morphologically conserved insect groups such as Cassidinae leaf beetles, the external similarity between sexes often impedes [...] Read more.
Body size is a key trait influencing life history and ecological adaptation, and sexual size dimorphism (SSD) reflects divergent selective pressures acting on males and females. In morphologically conserved insect groups such as Cassidinae leaf beetles, the external similarity between sexes often impedes accurate dimorphism assessment. To address this, we conducted a systematic morphometric study of ten Cassidinae species from the Nanling Mountains—the largest east–west mountain system in southern China—where we definitively assigned sex via genital dissection. We measured body weight, body length, body width, length–width ratio, and corresponding wing traits. Across all species, SSD was consistently female biased, with statistically significant but subtle differences in most traits; body weight exhibited the greatest relative disparity. While this pattern aligns with the fecundity advantage hypothesis, direct fecundity data were not collected. Crucially, interspecific allometric analyses revealed that the scaling of male and female body sizes was statistically indistinguishable from that of isometry, providing no significant support for Rensch’s rule in this female-biased system. Our findings offer foundational insights into SSD evolution in cryptically dimorphic, herbivorous beetles and highlight the need for phylogenetically informed studies across broader geographic and taxonomic scales. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetles: Biology, Ecology, and Integrated Management)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 4383 KB  
Article
Diversity and Seasonal Abundance of the Pine Bark and Ambrosia Beetles in the Florida Panhandle
by Ann Marie S. Robinson-Baker, Muhammad Haseeb and Lambert H. B. Kanga
Insects 2025, 16(12), 1275; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16121275 - 15 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1256
Abstract
This study investigated the diversity, distribution, and seasonal abundance of ambrosia and pine bark beetles (PBBs) in the Florida Panhandle, focusing on Leon and Gadsden Counties between July 2022 and October 2023. A total of 1657 specimens representing 24 species and 18 genera [...] Read more.
This study investigated the diversity, distribution, and seasonal abundance of ambrosia and pine bark beetles (PBBs) in the Florida Panhandle, focusing on Leon and Gadsden Counties between July 2022 and October 2023. A total of 1657 specimens representing 24 species and 18 genera were captured using baited Lindgren funnel traps. Dominant species varied by location: Xyleborinus saxesenii, Cnestus mutilatus, and Xylosandrus crassiusculus were most abundant in Leon County, while Xylosandrus amputatus prevailed in Gadsden County. Three new county records were documented, including Xylosandrus amputatus and Ambrosiodmus lewisi for Leon County, and Cyclorhipidion distinguendum for Gadsden County. Additionally, three ambrosia beetle species within Platypodinae Euplatypus compositus, Myoplatypus flavicornis, and Euplatypus compositus were recorded across both counties. Seasonal patterns showed pronounced activity peaks during spring and early fall, corresponding with warmer and more humid conditions that support beetle reproduction and host colonization. Climatic analysis revealed that moisture-related variables, particularly relative humidity and precipitation, were the strongest predictors of beetle abundance, reflecting the ecological dependence of ambrosia beetles on fungal symbionts. Greater species richness observed in Leon County suggests that favorable microclimatic and habitat conditions enhance colonization dynamics. The documentation of new county records highlights the influence of shifting trade pathways, human movement, and environmental change on species introductions. The findings underscore the need for continuous surveillance and refined detection systems integrating ethanol-based lures and species-specific pheromones. As climate change continues to modify forest ecosystems, these results provide essential guidance for developing proactive monitoring and management strategies to protect forest health, biodiversity, and timber resources in the Florida Panhandle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetles: Biology, Ecology, and Integrated Management)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

27 pages, 3870 KB  
Article
Bark and Ambrosia Beetle Communities in Hazelnut Orchards of Italy and Georgia
by Eleonora Cresta, Nicolò Di Sora, Roberto Masturzi, Luca Rossini, Matteo Maspero, Marika Kodua, Tommaso De Gregorio, Miloš Petrović, Stefano Speranza and Mario Contarini
Insects 2025, 16(11), 1148; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16111148 - 9 Nov 2025
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1349
Abstract
Bark and ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) are major pests of agricultural and forest systems and include some species which attack hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) as well. Although hazelnut cultivation is increasingly threatened by insect and mite pests, yet little is known [...] Read more.
Bark and ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) are major pests of agricultural and forest systems and include some species which attack hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) as well. Although hazelnut cultivation is increasingly threatened by insect and mite pests, yet little is known about how management practices can reduce infestations. This study investigated bark and ambrosia beetles in hazelnut orchards from two highly productive areas: Viterbo district (central Italy) and Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region (Republic of Georgia). Three phytosanitary management strategies were compared across 2023–2024: Integrated Pest Management, organic farming, and renaturalised orchards. Monitoring also evaluated three ethanol-baited trap designs: three designs in Italy (handmade red funnel [BR] and bottle [TT] and commercial multi-funnel [MF]) and only TT in Georgia. Anisandrus dispar, Hypothenemus eruditus, Xyleborinus saxesenii, and Xylosandrus germanus were detected in both countries, while Xyleborus monographus occurred only in Italy. Xyleborinus saxesenii was the dominant species in both regions. Beetle populations differed among management strategies, being lowest in organic orchards and highest in integrated and renaturalised systems. Trap performance also varied, with BR consistently outperforming commercial MF. These findings highlight the influence of management and monitoring tools on scolytine populations, offering practical insights for sustainable hazelnut production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetles: Biology, Ecology, and Integrated Management)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2947 KB  
Article
Mouthparts and Alimentary Tract of Flower-Visiting Monkey Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Hopliini): Insights into Feeding Preferences
by Michael Neulinger, Florian Karolyi, Jonathan F. Colville, Myriam E. Widmann, Jonas Kristl and Harald W. Krenn
Insects 2025, 16(9), 985; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090985 - 21 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1754
Abstract
Monkey beetles (Hopliini, Scarabaeoidea) are a species-rich group of flower-visiting insects that are specialized to feed on floral tissue, pollen and/or nectar. We studied ten South African species, examining morphological features associated with their specific feeding preferences. This is the first attempt in [...] Read more.
Monkey beetles (Hopliini, Scarabaeoidea) are a species-rich group of flower-visiting insects that are specialized to feed on floral tissue, pollen and/or nectar. We studied ten South African species, examining morphological features associated with their specific feeding preferences. This is the first attempt in a limited number of beetle species to comparatively investigate both the mouthparts and the alimentary tract in relation to ingested food. Using light microscopy, we found cutting edges on the mandibles and galea teeth in flower tissue-feeding species. Pollen feeders have numerous bristles on the maxillae and a prominent mola on the mandibles that are likely used for gathering and grinding pollen. The elongate heads and mouthparts of the nectar feeders are considered an adaptation that enable these species to mop up nectar while probing flowers. Using µCT imaging and reconstructions of the entire alimentary tract, our morphometric results suggest that food preferences are not related to total relative gut length, although the ratio of foregut to body length was greater in pollen- and nectar-feeding monkey beetles than in floral tissue-feeders. The midgut of females tends to be longer relative to body size compared to males. Our work serves as a basis for generating hypotheses for future research that includes gut morphology in flower-visiting insects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetles: Biology, Ecology, and Integrated Management)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

13 pages, 2005 KB  
Review
Chemical Ecology of Host- and Mate-Finding in the Cypress Bark Beetle Phloeosinus aubei, with Notes on Congeneric Species
by Gábor Bozsik, Armin Tröger, Stefan Schulz, Michael J. Domingue and Gábor Szőcs
Insects 2026, 17(1), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17010107 - 16 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1394
Abstract
Recent intensive research on the cypress bark beetle, Phloeosinus aubei was prompted because of its invasion of Central Europe that caused serious damage to scale-leaved conifer ornamental trees. This dynamic also increased the risk of accidental introduction into North America. In contrast to [...] Read more.
Recent intensive research on the cypress bark beetle, Phloeosinus aubei was prompted because of its invasion of Central Europe that caused serious damage to scale-leaved conifer ornamental trees. This dynamic also increased the risk of accidental introduction into North America. In contrast to other historically well-studied bark beetles infesting spruce, pine or broad-leaf trees, intense study of the pheromones and host plant kairomones of bark beetles associated with cupressaceous trees has only begun in the past decade. This highly specialized clade is represented by the genus Phloeosinus. The pressing need for semiochemical-baited traps demands the identification of behavior-modifying compounds. This challenge involves unraveling the various stimuli interacting in the complex communication system to reveal the composition of signal bouquets and the absolute configuration of their components capable of evoking behavior responses. In this short overview we describe the recent research results on host-finding and intraspecific chemical communication of P. aubei, with a short outlook on the species of this genus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beetles: Biology, Ecology, and Integrated Management)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop