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The 15th Anniversary of Insects—Advances in Insect Pest and...
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The 15th Anniversary of Insects—Advances in Insect Pest and Vector Management

A special issue of Insects (ISSN 2075-4450). This special issue belongs to the section "Insect Pest and Vector Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 3136

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Yulin Gao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection (IPP), Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 2# West Yuan Ming Yuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China
Interests: integrated pest management; potato entomology; invasive species; interspecific competition; insecticide resistance management; biological control; pesticides; insect ecology; insect-plant interactions; transgenic Bt crops; non-target effects

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We warmly invite you to contribute high-quality manuscripts on insect pest and vector management to this Special Issue titled “The 15th Anniversary of Insects—Advances in Insect Pest and Vector Management”. This Special Issue will be published in celebration of the 15th anniversary of Insects, and all accepted papers will be included in a commemorative book.

We welcome submissions focused on the development of tools and methodologies for the management of arthropod pests, including vectors of pathogens. Studies addressing pest management across various crops and commodities are encouraged, including those related to agriculture, forestry, urban environments, stored products, and pests of medical or veterinary importance. Mechanistic studies that clarify innovative interventions or investigate interactions between pests and the environment are also highly encouraged.

Prof. Dr. Yulin Gao
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-blind 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

  • monitoring
  • pest ecology
  • insect toxicology
  • biological control
  • pesticides
  • integrated pest management
  • arthropod–pathogen interactions
  • insect–plant interactions
  • predator–prey interactions
  • pesticide resistance

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

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 643 KB  
Article
Biology of Chrysoperla comanche (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)—Should This Predator Be Considered for Insectary Production?
by Kent M. Daane
Insects 2025, 16(12), 1235; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16121235 - 6 Dec 2025
Viewed by 233
Abstract
The immature development, larval food consumption, and adult fecundity of Chrysoperla comanche (Banks), as a predator of the leafhopper Erasmoneura variabilis (Beamer), were determined. The threshold temperatures of egg, first, second, and third instars, and pupal stages were 10.6, 12.9, 11.5, 10.3, and [...] Read more.
The immature development, larval food consumption, and adult fecundity of Chrysoperla comanche (Banks), as a predator of the leafhopper Erasmoneura variabilis (Beamer), were determined. The threshold temperatures of egg, first, second, and third instars, and pupal stages were 10.6, 12.9, 11.5, 10.3, and 11.0 °C, respectively, and their corresponding accumulated degree days (DDs) were 73.5, 38.5, 37.4, 44.3 and 140.4 DD. When placed in an outdoor cage, field-collected adults continued to deposit eggs during the winter months. The weight of 3 d-old cocoons was negatively related to temperature, indicating that cocoon weights decrease as temperatures near the lethal thresholds. Larvae consumed ~250 late instar E. variabilis. At 26.7 °C. Adults had an average pre-ovipositional period of 5.8 days and produced an average of 1108 eggs over their entire life of 53.6 days, with 77.3% (857 eggs) of eggs produced in the first 30 days of reproduction. The results are discussed with respect to the application and commercial production of C. comanche in biological control programs, as well as the feasibility of insectaries to produce specialty natural enemies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15th Anniversary of Insects—Advances in Insect Pest and Vector Management)
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20 pages, 1600 KB  
Article
Chlorantraniliprole Resistance and Associated Fitness Costs in Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda): Implications for Resistance Management
by Arzlan Abbas, Faisal Hafeez, Ali Hasnain, Ayesha Iftikhar, Muhammad Hassan Khan, Farman Ullah, Ahmed M. M. Elkady, Chen Ri Zhao and Xiaohe Sun
Insects 2025, 16(12), 1232; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16121232 - 6 Dec 2025
Viewed by 211
Abstract
Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) represents a major threat to maize production across Pakistan, with chemical control serving as the predominant management approach. The intensive application of insecticides, particularly diamide compounds such as chlorantraniliprole, has escalated concerns regarding resistance evolution in field [...] Read more.
Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) represents a major threat to maize production across Pakistan, with chemical control serving as the predominant management approach. The intensive application of insecticides, particularly diamide compounds such as chlorantraniliprole, has escalated concerns regarding resistance evolution in field populations. This study evaluated the insecticidal efficacy of seven commonly used compounds against geographically diverse field-collected populations of S. frugiperda from major maize-growing regions of Pakistan, revealing significant inter-population variability in susceptibility profiles. Chlorantraniliprole was selected for comprehensive transgenerational screening based on moderate baseline LC50 values and optimal laboratory colony establishment parameters. A representative field strain underwent six consecutive generations of selection pressure at LC70 concentrations, resulting in a 4.48-fold increase in resistance levels with a realized heritability (h2) of 0.198. Predictive modeling using established quantitative genetic frameworks demonstrated that resistance evolution rates are critically dependent on both selection intensity and genetic parameters. Under constant h2 = 0.198, increasing selection intensity substantially accelerated resistance development, with 10-fold resistance achievable in approximately 18 generations at 80% selection intensity (slope = 2.696) compared to 36 generations at lower intensities (slope = 4.696). Sensitivity analysis revealed that heritability variations from 0.148 to 0.248 could reduce generation requirements from >40 to ~25 generations when slope was maintained at 3.696. Life table analyses of the chlorantraniliprole-selected strain demonstrated significant fitness costs manifested as extended developmental periods, reduced reproductive output, and decreased intrinsic rate of population increase (r), indicating evolutionary trade-offs associated with resistance acquisition. These findings provide crucial insights for developing sustainable management strategies, highlighting the importance of integrating resistance monitoring, refuge-based approaches, and rotation with insecticides of different modes of action to delay resistance buildup in field populations. Such data-driven management frameworks are vital for maintaining the long-term efficacy of diamides in Pakistan’s maize production systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15th Anniversary of Insects—Advances in Insect Pest and Vector Management)
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12 pages, 2177 KB  
Article
Diversity and Seasonal Dynamics of Stored-Product Insects in a Feed Manufacturing Facility in Greece
by Evagelia Lampiri, Paraskevi Agrafioti, Efstathios Kaloudis, Dimitrios Kateris and Christos G. Athanassiou
Insects 2025, 16(12), 1209; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16121209 - 27 Nov 2025
Viewed by 438
Abstract
The present study aimed to document the diversity and seasonal dynamics of stored-product insects in an animal feed facility located in northern Greece. A total of 38 traps were installed across different operational areas of the facility and inspected over 51 consecutive sampling [...] Read more.
The present study aimed to document the diversity and seasonal dynamics of stored-product insects in an animal feed facility located in northern Greece. A total of 38 traps were installed across different operational areas of the facility and inspected over 51 consecutive sampling occasions. Captured insects were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level, and their frequency and dominance were calculated. In total, 9047 insect species belonging to five orders, 14 families, and at least 18 insect species were recorded. The dominant species were Tribolium castaneum, T. confusum, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Sitophilus granarius, Lasioderma serricorne, and Lepidoptera adults, which collectively accounted for more than 85% of all captures. The total number of insects exhibited marked seasonal fluctuations, with the highest captures during late summer and early autumn and minimal activity during winter. Positive and significant correlations were detected among several dominant species, notably between Lepidoptera and T. castaneum, suggesting overlapping environmental preferences within the facility. These findings provide a detailed overview of the insects associated with feed industries in Greece and underscore the importance of continuous monitoring for effective pest management. The results highlight the need for seasonally adjusted control measures and contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of stored-product pests under industrial conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15th Anniversary of Insects—Advances in Insect Pest and Vector Management)
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15 pages, 728 KB  
Article
Efficiency Enhancement Technology of Dastarcus helophoroides (Coleoptera: Bothrideridae) for Controlling Monochamus alternatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae): Drilling Optimization and Biological Collaboration
by Jiale Li, Min Zhang, Zhilan Li, Xiaohui Li, Yong Peng, Wenxiu Zhou, Zhengping Zhao and Xuewu Yan
Insects 2025, 16(11), 1138; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16111138 - 7 Nov 2025
Viewed by 501
Abstract
Dastarcus helophoroides Fairmaire, a parasitic natural enemy widely used in the biological control of Monochamus alternatus Hope, possesses strong abilities to search for hosts and prey. To enhance the biological control efficacy of D. helophoroides against M. alternatus, this study systematically evaluated [...] Read more.
Dastarcus helophoroides Fairmaire, a parasitic natural enemy widely used in the biological control of Monochamus alternatus Hope, possesses strong abilities to search for hosts and prey. To enhance the biological control efficacy of D. helophoroides against M. alternatus, this study systematically evaluated the effectiveness of enhancing control through methods such as drilling holes in lure logs and introducing D. helophoroides carrying Pyemotes zhonghuajia or Beauveria bassiana under controlled indoor conditions. The results showed that: (1) Releasing D. helophoroides eggs (after 30 days) and releasing adults (after 120 days) were both effective in controlling M. alternatus, with the best control effects achieved when 50 eggs/m and 3 adults/m were released. The release of adults took longer to show effects but had better results than the release of eggs in the later stages. (2) The location and number of holes drilled in lure logs significantly influenced the efficiency of D. helophoroides in searching for and parasitizing M. alternatus, while the diameter of the holes was not significant. Considering the highest control efficacy and minimizing damage to the tree, the optimal conditions were releasing D. helophoroides adults 2 cm above M. alternatus fecal holes, with 0.4 cm in diameter and 2 holes/m release density, which significantly promoted the invasion of D. helophoroides adults into the borer tunnels and increased the M. alternatus mortality rate. (3) Releasing D. helophoroides adults carrying P. zhonghuajia or B. bassiana significantly improves the control efficacy against M. alternatus. The higher the number of D. helophoroides adults released per log segment and the greater the quantity of P. zhonghuajia or B. bassiana that they carry, the higher the mortality rate of M. alternatus. After 60 days of release, the highest mortality rate of M. alternatus was observed in treatments where D. helophoroides (released at densities of 3 adults per meter of log segment) carried P. zhonghuajia (0.6 million/m) or were sprayed with B. bassiana (3 g/m). The synergistic effect of carrying P. zhonghuajia was evident, but the overall control efficacy of spraying B. bassiana was limited. In summary, optimizing drilling techniques and combining biological release strategies under laboratory conditions can significantly enhance the control efficacy against M. alternatus, providing data support for D. helophoroides future application in forest pest control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15th Anniversary of Insects—Advances in Insect Pest and Vector Management)
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17 pages, 6569 KB  
Article
Attraction-Mediated Synergy: Insecticide Toxicity Against Coptotermes formosanus Enhanced by Trichoderma Metabolites
by Aysha Siddika, Siqi Chen, Keer Zhu, Xiangfei Wang, Xinquan Du, Linjuan Wan, Min Liu and Lang Zhang
Insects 2025, 16(11), 1116; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16111116 - 31 Oct 2025
Viewed by 497
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that Trichoderma metabolites triggered aggregation behavior in Coptotermes formosanus (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae). Building on this, the present work systematically evaluated the behavioral effects of three specific Trichoderma metabolites—phenol, ethyl 2,4-dioxovalerate, and diglycolic acid—and their synergistic interactions with insecticides. We hypothesized [...] Read more.
Previous studies have demonstrated that Trichoderma metabolites triggered aggregation behavior in Coptotermes formosanus (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae). Building on this, the present work systematically evaluated the behavioral effects of three specific Trichoderma metabolites—phenol, ethyl 2,4-dioxovalerate, and diglycolic acid—and their synergistic interactions with insecticides. We hypothesized that these metabolites attract C. formosanus through multiple behavioral mechanisms and enhance the toxicity of insecticides. Bioactivity showed that ethyl 2,4-dioxovalerate and diglycolic acid exhibited no significant toxicity. Phenol (5 × 10−2 to 5 µg/cm) and ethyl 2,4-dioxovalerate (5 × 10−1 µg/cm) elicited trail-following behavior. In the no-choice insecticide synergy test, phenol or diglycolic acid combined with imidacloprid (50 µg/g) resulted in substantially higher mortality compared to insecticides alone. The combination of metabolites with fipronil resulted in 100% mortality in termites. In two-choice aggregation tests, termite presence on metabolite-treated filter papers was significantly elevated compared to the controls. Fipronil (10 μg/g) alone significantly reduced termite aggregation. But when fipronil was combined with the metabolites, termite presence on the treated papers increased significantly, resulting in a substantial rise in mortality and demonstrating a clear attract–kill synergy. These findings identify Trichoderma metabolites as safe and effective behavioral regulators for C. formosanus. By enhancing insecticidal efficacy through attractant–toxicity synergy, they represent promising candidates for developing novel termite control strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15th Anniversary of Insects—Advances in Insect Pest and Vector Management)
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14 pages, 1451 KB  
Article
CHS-2 Is Involved in the Response of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae to Cadmium Stress by Mediating the Formation of the Peritrophic Membrane
by Chen Zhang, Yanjuan Ding, Ruoyun Lan, Min Zhou, Yanrong Chen, Bin Tang, Gexia Qiao and Shigui Wang
Insects 2025, 16(11), 1102; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16111102 - 29 Oct 2025
Viewed by 563
Abstract
Pollution with heavy metals, such as cadmium (Cd), can significantly affect insect growth, development, and behavior. The midgut is an essential organ for stress response. Chitin synthase-2 (CHS-2) is closely associated with forming the peritrophic membrane (PM). The fourth-instar larvae of [...] Read more.
Pollution with heavy metals, such as cadmium (Cd), can significantly affect insect growth, development, and behavior. The midgut is an essential organ for stress response. Chitin synthase-2 (CHS-2) is closely associated with forming the peritrophic membrane (PM). The fourth-instar larvae of Aedes albopictus were exposed to varying concentrations of Cd. The results showed that Cd inhibited chitin synthesis and metabolism-related genes, but thickened the midgut PM, indicating that the larvae could respond to Cd stress through the midgut PM. Silencing CHS-2 by RNA interference resulted more severe vacuolization and malformation of midgut epithelial cells without midgut PM protection. Additionally, there was an intensified redox reaction, upregulated expression of metallothionein (MT) and heat shock proteins 70 (HSP70), and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes at some scattered time points. This study confirms that CHS-2 is involved in oxidative stress induced by Cd exposure by regulating PM formation. This study also contributes to further understanding the resistance mechanism of Ae. albopictus under Cd stress, thereby establishing a theoretical foundation for the future studies of them, which is concerned with the possibility of Ae. albopictus as a water environment detection and the control of Ae. albopictus based on resistance mechanism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The 15th Anniversary of Insects—Advances in Insect Pest and Vector Management)
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