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Insects
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Ecological Adaptation of Insect Pests
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Ecological Adaptation of Insect Pests

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 July 2026 | Viewed by 6274

Editors

Prof. Dr. Yuzhou Du

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
2. Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
Interests: global changes; molecular ecology; molecular systematics; environmental stress adaptation; integrated pest management (IPM)
Dr. Yawen Chang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
Interests: ecological adaptation; temperature tolerance; molecular ecology; invasive insect pest; leafminer fly

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Under the pressures of global climate change and agricultural intensification, the ecological adaptation of insect pests has become a critical factor influencing ecosystems and crop production. Insect pests exhibit remarkable ecological adaptations that enable their survival, reproduction, and expansion in diverse environments. These adaptations include phenotypic and behavioral plasticity, physiological tolerance, host-plant interactions, ecological resistance mechanisms, etc. Understanding these adaptations is critical for predicting pest outbreaks, developing targeted control strategies, and mitigating crop losses. By integrating insights from ecology, evolutionary biology, insect physiology and biochemistry, and molecular biology, this topic aims to unravel the genetic and phenotypic underpinnings of insect pest adaptation, explore their ecological and evolutionary consequences, and translate these findings into innovative insect pest management solutions.

Prof. Dr. Yuzhou Du
Dr. Yawen Chang
Guest Editors

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

  • ecological adaptations
  • phenotypic plasticity
  • behavioral strategies
  • physiological mechanisms
  • molecular mechanisms

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 4785 KB  
Article
Hypervirulence Characteristics of Spaceflight-Mutated Beauveria bassiana Isolate for Integrated Control of Sweet Potato Foliar and Soil Pests
by Yijia Liu, Yuan Liu, Hongyu Gong, Zhaoxia Feng, Rongchan Li, Wei Di, Junhong Qiu, Baoli Qiu and Da Ou
Insects 2026, 17(7), 720; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17070720 - 12 Jul 2026
Viewed by 254
Abstract
The ecological adaptations of insect pests, such as multi-niche colonization and physiological resistance to conventional chemicals, pose severe challenges to the sustainable production of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). The tobacco whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), and the sweet potato weevil, Cylas [...] Read more.
The ecological adaptations of insect pests, such as multi-niche colonization and physiological resistance to conventional chemicals, pose severe challenges to the sustainable production of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). The tobacco whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), and the sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius (Coleoptera: Brentidae), form a highly destructive, spatially separated pest complex. In this study, we evaluated the dual-niche pathogenicity of a Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) isolate, BbCF-2, generated via spaceflight mutagenesis, against C. formicarius and B. tabaci under controlled laboratory conditions. The mutated strain exhibited enhanced colony expansion and a high sporulation capacity (2.72 × 108 conidia/mL). Bioassays revealed that BbCF-2 possesses significantly increased virulence compared to the wild-type strain, capable of overcoming the distinct physiological and physical barriers of both targeted pests. Against the highly sclerotized subterranean C. formicarius adults, BbCF-2 achieved 92.68% mortality at 15 days post-inoculation at 1 × 108 conidia/mL, with an LC50 of 8.452 × 103 conidia/mL and an LT50 of 6.305 days. Concurrently, against the canopy-dwelling B. tabaci, the isolate demonstrated rapid lethal mycosis with an LT50 of 6.718 days, effectively reducing the adult vector population prior to their typical dispersal timeframe. These results demonstrate that the spaceflight-mutated BbCF-2 strain exhibits broad pathogenicity. By simultaneously targeting both foliar and soil-dwelling pests, this single-agent biological control strategy shows potential for integrated pest management, pending greenhouse and field evaluation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Adaptation of Insect Pests)
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18 pages, 10690 KB  
Article
Characterization of Gut Bacteria in Blepharipa tibialis (Diptera: Tachinidae) Larvae Parasitizing Different Developmental Stages of Antheraea pernyi
by Peng Hou, Li Liu, Ding Yang and Chuntian Zhang
Insects 2026, 17(5), 519; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17050519 - 19 May 2026
Viewed by 337
Abstract
Blepharipa tibialis (Diptera: Tachinidae) is a typical parasitoid fly. It spends most of its lifespan inside its host (Antheraea pernyi larvae) and relies heavily on host nutrition for survival. Whether the gut bacteria characteristics of B. tibialis larvae are associated with host [...] Read more.
Blepharipa tibialis (Diptera: Tachinidae) is a typical parasitoid fly. It spends most of its lifespan inside its host (Antheraea pernyi larvae) and relies heavily on host nutrition for survival. Whether the gut bacteria characteristics of B. tibialis larvae are associated with host development during the parasitoid process remains unclear. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing to conduct the first systematic investigation of the gut bacteria of a parasitoid fly, comprehensively revealing the composition, structure, diversity, specificity, and potential functions in B. tibialis larvae parasitizing different host developmental stages. Results show that B. tibialis larval gut bacterial species were highly abundant, with a total of 24 phyla, 41 classes, 84 orders, 127 families, and 194 genera annotated. Although the number of bacterial species in B. tibialis larvae parasitizing different host stages (3rd, 4th, and 5th instar) differed significantly, the community structures were similar, suggesting that host physiological changes and dynamic alterations in the internal microenvironment may drive changes in the larval gut bacteria. Different host developmental stages may alter the gut bacterial composition of B. tibialis larvae, but bacterial functional stability is largely maintained. PICRUSt2 functional prediction indicated that the gut bacterial community may play an important role during the parasitoid process of B. tibialis larvae. This study provides an important basis for research on gut bacteria in tachinid flies (Diptera), supplements gut microbiota data for this group, and offers references for exploring the interaction mechanisms of gut microbiota in parasitoid systems, as well as for developing green control strategies against A. pernyi pests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Adaptation of Insect Pests)
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18 pages, 9210 KB  
Article
Current and Future Potential Distribution of the Flower Bud Fly (Dasiops saltans) in Pitahaya Cultivation in Northern Peru Under Climate Change Scenarios
by Katerin M. Tuesta-Trauco, Jorge M. Canta-Ventura, Marly Guelac-Santillan, Angel J. Medina-Medina, Jhon A. Zabaleta-Santisteban, Abner S. Rivera-Fernandez, Teodoro B. Silva-Melendez, Marlen A. Grandez-Alberca, Rolando Salas López, Cecibel Portocarrero, Manuel Oliva and Elgar Barboza
Insects 2026, 17(2), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17020155 - 30 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1204
Abstract
Dasiops saltans is a small insect pest associated with pitahaya cultivation, whose occurrence is strongly influenced by specific environmental conditions. This study examined where this species could live in the Amazonas region by using models that identify areas with favourable conditions. With this [...] Read more.
Dasiops saltans is a small insect pest associated with pitahaya cultivation, whose occurrence is strongly influenced by specific environmental conditions. This study examined where this species could live in the Amazonas region by using models that identify areas with favourable conditions. With this approach, the current and future distribution of the insect was estimated, considering possible changes in climate. The results show that the places with the best conditions for the species may decrease slightly in the coming decades, while most of the region will continue to be unfavorable for its presence. The study also identified which environmental factors most influence where the insect can survive, highlighting the role of the terrain, soil characteristics and climate conditions related to temperature and moisture. These findings help us better understand the environmental limits of Dasiops saltans and provide useful information for decision-makers, farmers and local authorities, who can use this knowledge to improve management, monitoring and prevention strategies in agricultural areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Adaptation of Insect Pests)
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18 pages, 3800 KB  
Article
Linking Thermal Ecology and Agricultural Risk: Generational Potential of Diceraeus melacanthus in Southern and Central Brazil
by Luciano Mendes de Oliveira, Rodolfo Bianco, Maurício Ursi Ventura, Ayres de Oliveira Menezes Júnior and Humberto Godoy Androcioli
Insects 2025, 16(12), 1242; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16121242 - 9 Dec 2025
Viewed by 858
Abstract
Diceraeus melacanthus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) has become a key pest in Brazilian maize production, particularly during seedling establishment. This study estimated its lower and upper developmental thresholds (Tb and Tsup), thermal constant (K), and degree-day requirements, and used these parameters to model [...] Read more.
Diceraeus melacanthus (Dallas, 1851) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) has become a key pest in Brazilian maize production, particularly during seedling establishment. This study estimated its lower and upper developmental thresholds (Tb and Tsup), thermal constant (K), and degree-day requirements, and used these parameters to model the potential annual generations (PAG) across the Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná, and São Paulo states. Biological parameters were calculated from controlled laboratory assays, and historical meteorological datasets were combined with regression models and spatial analyses to generate phenology maps of PAG. Results indicated marked regional differences: Mato Grosso do Sul presented the highest potential, averaging eleven generations per year, São Paulo showed intermediate values with nine generations, and Paraná exhibited the lowest, with approximately seven generations annually. Latitude exerted the strongest influence on PAG, while altitude contributed the least. These findings are consistent with the known adaptability of D. melacanthus to warmer climates and highlight its capacity to persist in no-tillage soybean–maize systems and areas with volunteer plants. The results provide a predictive framework for assessing population risk and may support decision-making in integrated pest management. Further studies on host range, phenology, and distribution are required to anticipate future expansions across South America. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Adaptation of Insect Pests)
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15 pages, 1498 KB  
Article
Host-Affected Body Coloration Dynamics in Perina nuda Larvae: A Quantitative Analysis of Color Variations and Endogenous Plant Influences
by Songkai Liao, Xinjie Mao, Yuan Liu, Guihua Luo, Jiajin Wang, Haoyu Lin, Ming Tang and Hui Chen
Insects 2025, 16(7), 728; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16070728 - 17 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1453
Abstract
Insects’ body coloration may be indirectly influenced by their host plants. Perina nuda (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), commonly known as the Banyan Tussock Moth and a serious pest of banyan trees (Ficus spp.) in southern China, exhibits light body coloration during its first- to [...] Read more.
Insects’ body coloration may be indirectly influenced by their host plants. Perina nuda (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), commonly known as the Banyan Tussock Moth and a serious pest of banyan trees (Ficus spp.) in southern China, exhibits light body coloration during its first- to third-instar stages, with its coloration progressively darkening as it matures, but little is known of the relationship between larval body coloration and host plants. To address this gap, we examined the R (red), G (green), B (blue), and L (lightness) values of the head, dorsal thorax and abdomen, stripe, dorsal mid-line, and tail of larvae fed on different hosts and host endogenous substance by using quantitative image analysis and chemical determination. Our results revealed that larval body coloration exhibited conserved ontogenetic patterns but varied significantly with host species, developmental age, and anatomical region. Redundancy analysis identified chlorophyll-b as the dominant driver, strongly associating with dorsal thorax–abdomen pigmentation. Flavonoids exhibited subthreshold significance, correlating with darker dorsal mid-line coloration, while nutrients (sugars, proteins) showed negligible effects. Linear regression revealed weak but significant links between leaf and larval body coloration in specific body regions. These findings demonstrate that host plant endogenous substances play a critical role in shaping larval body coloration. This study provides a foundation for understanding the ecological and biochemical mechanisms underlying insect pigmentation, with implications for adaptive evolution and pest management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Adaptation of Insect Pests)
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13 pages, 600 KB  
Article
Does Temperature Tolerance Increase in Long-Term Domesticated Frankliniella occidentalis Under Constant Temperature?
by Lin Shu, Hongbo Li, Yawen Chang and Yuzhou Du
Insects 2025, 16(6), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16060557 - 24 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1322
Abstract
The wide distribution of Frankliniella occidentalis is largely due to its extreme temperature adaptability. In current studies, most scholars consider environmental changes to be the main factor affecting insect temperature adaptation. However, our previous studies have shown that the adaptability of F. occidentalis [...] Read more.
The wide distribution of Frankliniella occidentalis is largely due to its extreme temperature adaptability. In current studies, most scholars consider environmental changes to be the main factor affecting insect temperature adaptation. However, our previous studies have shown that the adaptability of F. occidentalis to extreme temperature conditions can be strengthened through domestication. In this study, the population of F. occidentalis raised in the laboratory for a long time (2008–2022) under relatively constant temperature and humidity conditions was used as the experimental material. Over 14 years, changes in temperature tolerance after the same high- and low-temperature stress were evaluated by comparing the survival data of the 2010 population, 2016 population (more than 100 generations), and 2022 population (more than 200 generations). The survival data and LT50 values demonstrated significant stage- and sex-specific differences in thermal tolerance: The cold tolerance of F. occidentalis improved significantly, with LT50 decreasing from −12.5 °C (P2010) to −13.4 °C (P2022) for females and −11.5 °C to −13.0 °C for males. Notably, male adults showed higher survival rates than females at −14 °C and −15 °C. Meanwhile, heat tolerance increased most markedly in 2nd instar larvae (ΔLT50 = +4.1 °C). These findings indicate an environment-independent evolutionary pathway within the population, providing a new research direction for insect population evolution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecological Adaptation of Insect Pests)
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