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Women’s Special Issue Series: Insects

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A special issue of Insects (ISSN 2075-4450).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 August 2025 | Viewed by 9776

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Patrizia Falabella

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Guest Editor

Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
Interests: insect immunity; molecular bases of host–parasitoid interaction; molecular bases of insect olfactive perception; bioconversion processes by Hermetia illucens; insects as a source of antimicrobial peptides
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Dr. Rosanna Salvia

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Guest Editor

Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
Interests: antimicrobial peptides; parasitoid venom; chitin and chitosan; odorant-binding proteins
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Dr. Carmen Scieuzo

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Guest Editor

Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
Interests: host–parasitoid interactions; proteins, chitin and lipids from insects; insect olfactory perception
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The journal “Insects” is launching a Special Issue on the "Contributions of Female Scientists to the Advancement of Insect Science" to highlight the achievements made by women to any areas of insect science. Outstanding research papers and review articles will be included in this Special Issue. We encourage contributions of persons who identify as a woman as the lead author is a woman, and the main goal of this Special Issue is to highlight and celebrate women in science and their advancement and success in the entomological field, reached by important publications. However, we welcome submissions from all authors, irrespective of gender identity.

Women’s Special Issue Series

This Special Issue is part of Insects' Women’s Special Issue Series, hosted by women editors for women researchers. The series advocates the advancement of women in science. We invite contributions to the Special Issue whose lead authors identify as women. The submission of articles with all-women authorship is especially encouraged. However, we do welcome articles from all authors, irrespective of gender.

Prof. Dr. Patrizia Falabella
Dr. Rosanna Salvia
Dr. Carmen Scieuzo
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

insect biology
insect physiology
immune defenses
insect viruses
medical vector biology
evolution
genetics
adaptation
ecology
circular economy
biodiversity
environmental safeguard
pest management
sustainability
molecular biology
biochemistry

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1086 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Study of the Productive Parameters of Two Breeds of the Bombyx mori Silkworm Fed Rhodotorula glutinis Yeast

by Mihaela Hăbeanu, Anca Gheorghe, Nicoleta Aurelia Lefter, Mihaela Dumitru, Smaranda Mariana Toma, Petru Alexandru Vlaicu and Teodor Mihalcea

Insects 2025, 16(5), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16050482 - 1 May 2025

Viewed by 354

Abstract

In this study, a comparative approach was used with the aim of filling the knowledge gap regarding the productive and economic parameters of two native B. mori silkworm breeds (Lines C and Z) fed with different diets, namely mulberry leaves alone and mulberry leaves with R. glutinis yeast at two different concentrations (1 × 10⁹ and 1 × 10⁷ CFU/mL). The trifactorial experiment was carried out with 600 silkworms during the fifth instar, with 300 for each breed and 50 larvae per rearing tray. The larvae were randomly assigned into three feeding groups, with two replicates: in the control group (C), the larvae received ordinary mulberry leaves; in the first experimental group (RG-1), the larvae were given mulberry leaves supplemented with R. glutinis yeast at a 1 × 10⁷ concentration; and in the second experimental group (RG-2), the larvae received the same quantity of mulberry leaves as the C and RG-1 groups, but with R. glutinis yeast at a 1 × 10⁹ concentration. Line C larvae in the RG-1 group revealed higher values for most of the productive traits assessed. There was a positive and significant correlation between the weights and lengths of the larvae and the silk gland, the silk gland and the shell, the cocoon and the pupae and the shell, and the shell and the pupa size (p < 0.001). The steady decline in the parameters at a higher concentration suggests that R. glutinis positively influences a number of silkworm growth features at a recommended dosage of 1 × 10⁷; however, further research is required to more precisely identify the mechanisms involved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Insects)

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13 pages, 7764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Environmentally-Friendly RNAi Yeast-Attractive Targeted Sugar Bait Turns off the Drosophila suzukii Rbfox1 Gene

by Keshava Mysore, Jackson Graham, Saisuhas Nelaturi, Teresia M. Njoroge, Majidah Hamid-Adiamoh, Akilah T. M. Stewart, Longhua Sun and Molly Duman-Scheel

Insects 2025, 16(5), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16050481 - 1 May 2025

Viewed by 326

Abstract

Spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae), are invasive vinegar flies of East Asian origin that are an increasingly global threat to the small fruit industry. It is essential that new classes of eco-friendly insecticides and cost-effective strategies for SWD control are developed. Here, we describe the preparation of a strain of RNA interference (RNAi) Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing shRNA that specifically targets the SWD RNA-binding Fox protein 1 (Rbfox1) gene. The yeast effectively silences the SWD Rbfox1 gene, resulting in significant loss of fly neural activity. Laboratory trials demonstrated that the RNAi yeast can be mixed with soda, which functions as SWD attractive targeted sugar bait (ATSB) that can be delivered in a soda bottle feeder. The ATSB, mixed with yeast that was heat-killed prior to suspension in the ATSB, resulted in 92 ± 1% mortality of SWD flies that consumed it, yet had no impact on non-target dipterans. Rbfox.687 yeast delivered in ATSB feeders may one day be a useful component of integrated SWD control programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Insects)

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21 pages, 3809 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Characteristics and Functions of SSRs and SNPs Based on the Transcriptome of Tuta absoluta Exposed to Different Concentrations of Abamectin and Chlorantraniliprole

by Fanxue Zhang, Meimei Mu, Zonglin Wang, Haoran Zhang, Yilan Song and Rong Xiao

Insects 2025, 16(5), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16050446 - 24 Apr 2025

Viewed by 282

Abstract

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is an important invasive pest that seriously affects the yield and quality of tomatoes. In this study, based on the previously obtained transcriptome data, a total of 25,123 SSR loci and 332,537 SNP loci were identified. The identified SSRs had occurrence and appearance frequencies of 28.62% and 40.60%, respectively. SSRs with a length equal to or greater than 12 bp constituted 58.25% of the total SSR loci. Through the analysis of GO, COG annotations, and the KEGG pathway database, it was revealed that the majority of SSR-transcripts were involved in fundamental cellular metabolic functions. In addition, the frequency of SNP occurrence was approximately one SNP locus per 175 base pairs (bp), and the transition type was the main variant type. The functional annotations of SNP-transcripts were primarily concentrated in biological synthesis pathways such as peroxisome, RNA transport, carbon metabolism, and protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum. These synthesis pathways are involved in the detoxification mechanism of T. absoluta and contribute to its enhanced survival under pesticide susceptibility. These findings provide valuable data for constructing genetic maps, assessing genetic diversity, and determining functional orientation in insects, and they also provide basic data for the molecular mechanism of T. absoluta ‘s response to pesticide susceptibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Insects)

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12 pages, 5212 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying Ecological Corridors of the Bush Cricket Saga pedo in Fragmented Landscapes

by Francesca Della Rocca, Emanuele Repetto, Livia De Caria and Pietro Milanesi

Insects 2025, 16(3), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16030279 - 6 Mar 2025

Viewed by 1174

Abstract

The bush cricket Saga pedo, listed as Vulnerable globally by the IUCN and included in Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive, is a parthenogenetic species highly sensitive to environmental changes, facing threats from forest expansion and agricultural intensification. S. pedo prefers dry, open habitats with sparse vegetation, and its pronounced thermo-heliophily makes it an indicator of xerothermic habitats. In many areas of Italy, including the Northern Apennines (Piedmont), semi-natural grasslands are fragmented. Open habitats have been reduced to small, isolated patches surrounded by forests due to the abandonment of agropastoral activities. Consequently, the occurrence of open habitat species is related to the quality and availability of suitable areas and ecological connectivity. We developed a spatial Bayesian framework to identify areas of occurrence for S. pedo. Using the inverse probability of occurrence, we derived ecological corridors among suitable patches. Our findings indicate that the occurrence and connectivity of S. pedo are reduced by intensive cultivation but favored by open habitats with 10–50% woody tree cover, suggesting sustainable land management is crucial for supporting the species. Given the extinction risk S. pedo faces, we urge local administrations to maintain and improve suitable areas and guarantee the network of ecological corridors identified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Insects)

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15 pages, 1013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Menstrual Cycle Matters in Host Attractiveness to Mosquitoes and Topical Repellent Protection

by Mara Moreno-Gómez, Sílvia Abril, Júlia Mayol-Pérez and Ana Manzanares-Sierra

Insects 2025, 16(3), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16030265 - 3 Mar 2025

Viewed by 1520

Abstract

Human hosts exhibit remarkable variability in their attractiveness to mosquitoes, leading to differences in biting rates. It is essential to understand the factors behind this variability if we wish to develop more effective strategies for controlling the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. While past studies have shed significant light on the forces shaping host attractiveness to mosquitoes, we continue to lack information about variation in attractiveness within individual hosts. For example, little attention has been paid to the potential impact of the menstrual cycle. Our study explored the relationship between the menstrual cycle, host attractiveness to mosquitoes, and the effectiveness of topical mosquito repellents. We found that mosquito landing rate was higher and repellent protection time was shorter during ovulation than during menstruation and the luteal phase. By beginning to clarify the intricate interplay between human physiology and mosquito behavior, our results contribute to the growing body of knowledge regarding the factors that affect within-individual variability in attractiveness to mosquitoes, which has implications for the efficacy of protection and disease prevention strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Insects)

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13 pages, 1654 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CYP6B Subtype Expression Fluctuates in the Great Mormon, Papilio memnon, with Changes in the Components of the Host Plants

by Miho Nakano, Takuma Sakamoto, Yoshikazu Kitano, Hidemasa Bono and Hiroko Tabunoki

Insects 2025, 16(2), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020159 - 4 Feb 2025

Viewed by 835

Abstract

Cytochrome P-450 (CYP) is one of the metabolic enzymes which is conserved among organisms to metabolise xenobiotics. The metabolic role and transcriptomic profiles of the CYP6B subfamily have been studied in some Papilionidae insects. However, the role of CYP6Bs expressed in Rutaceae plant-fed swallowtails has yet to be fully examined. Here, the expression profile of CYP6B in the Great Mormon (Papilio memnon) larvae, which prefer Citrus plants to the Rutaceae plant, was investigated by RNA sequencing analysis and real-time quantitative PCR when feeding different kinds of Citrus plants. We found that six kinds of CYP6B subtype transcripts were expressed in the larval fat body and midgut. Then, we focused on CYP6B2, CYP6B5, and CYP6B6 transcripts and examined their mRNA expression in the larvae fed on different plants. These CYP6B mRNA expressions were changed in the larval fat body and the midgut by changing the host plants. The presence of chemicals specific to each host plant was confirmed when the host plant components were examined by database, literature, and thin-layer chromatography. Our study suggests that phytochemicals in the host plant affect CYP6B subtypes mRNA expression in P. memnon larval fat body and midgut, and CYP6B subtypes may relate to metabolise the phytochemicals in the host plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Insects)

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16 pages, 1087 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Overview of the Thrips Fauna of the “Góra Bucze” Landscape-Nature Complex in Western Carpathians (Poland)

by Marta Olczyk, Halina Kucharczyk and Maria Pobożniak

Insects 2024, 15(11), 881; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15110881 - 9 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1014

Abstract

Although thrips are commonly viewed primarily as agricultural pests [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Insects)

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10 pages, 649 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence of Borrelia and Rickettsia in Ixodes ricinus from Chosen Urban and Protected Areas in Poland and the Czech Republic

by Dorota Kiewra, Dagmara Dyczko, Alena Žákovská and Helena Nejezchlebova

Insects 2024, 15(10), 785; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100785 - 9 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1249

Abstract

(1) Background: Ixodes ricinus is responsible for the spreading of medically important pathogens. Monitoring the level of tick infection in various areas is essential for determining the potential tick-born risk. This study aimed to detect Borrelia spp. and Rickettsia spp. in I. ricinus ticks collected in urban and protected areas both in Poland and the Czech Republic. (2) Methods: Ticks were collected by flagging in the years 2016–2017. Borrelia spp. was detected using nested PCR targeting the flaB gene and Rickettsia spp. using nested PCR targeting gltA. (3) Results: In total, DNA of Borrelia spp. was detected in 25.9% of samples. Ticks collected in Poland were more infected compared to the Czech Republic and ticks collected in protected areas were more infected with Borrelia spp. than ticks collected in urban areas. The RFLP analysis showed the occurrence of B. afzelii and B. garinii in both countries, and additionally B. valaisiana, B. burgdorferi s.s., and B. miyamotoi in Poland. Rickettsia spp. was detected in 17.4% of I. ricinus, with comparable infection level in both countries; however, regional differences were observed. (4) Conclusion: The regional differences in Borrelia spp. and Rickettsia spp. prevalence in I. ricinus indicate the complexity of factors influencing the level of infection and underline the need for adaptation public health surveillance strategies in each region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Insects)

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Review

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17 pages, 1435 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role of Insect-Based Feed in Mitigating Climate Change: Sustainable Solutions for Ruminant Farming

by Nelly Kichamu, Putri Kusuma Astuti and Szilvia Kusza

Insects 2025, 16(5), 516; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16050516 - 13 May 2025

Viewed by 424

Abstract

There has been an unprecedented demand for livestock production due to factors such as the ever-increasing population, limited resources (land, water, feed, etc.), and changing human lifestyles. Moreover, due to the interconnected nature of the world’s biodiversity crisis, pollution, and climate change, environmental sustainability is going to play a pivotal role in addressing these pressing issues. Because of their high nutritional value and environmental benefits compared to conventional livestock feeds, insects as animal feed have demonstrated great potential for long-term sustainability. The current state of the IBF application on ruminants is presented in this review, together with its challenges, future direction, and strength–weakness–opportunity–threat analysis. The results from many studies on ruminants have demonstrated that insect nutrients—primarily amino acids, protein, and fat—are highly digestible, safe, and beneficial to ruminant health and productivity. Additionally, they do not harm the ruminant fermentation and microbiota, even having the benefit of possibly lowering ruminant farms’ well-known methane emissions. Nevertheless, concerns continue to arise because this method is still relatively new and there is a lot of unexplored knowledge; as a result, regulation is not yet well established globally, which is a barrier to its implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Insects)

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8 pages, 2384 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Tick Bite Granuloma After Incomplete Removal of Ixodes ricinus Tick

by Katarzyna Bartosik, Agata Szczecina, Agnieszka Borzęcka-Sapko, Magdalena Raszewska-Famielec and Alicja Buczek

Insects 2025, 16(4), 389; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16040389 - 6 Apr 2025

Viewed by 1062

Abstract

Ixodes ricinus (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks infest humans in Europe most frequently. This report describes an interesting case of a persistent inflammatory skin reaction developed in a patient after the incomplete removal of an I. ricinus female tick. A 47-year-old female patient incompletely removed a female I. ricinus tick feeding in the lumbar region for approximately 12 h. After 9 weeks of persistent itching and burning, the skin from the tick feeding site was sampled for histopathological examination. The lesion exhibited the presence of abundant inflammatory infiltrates composed of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and eosinophils, as well as multinucleated macrophages and irregular fibrosis. The histopathological image revealed the presence of a tick bite granuloma. This study indicates that persistent symptoms of an inflammatory reaction may develop after incomplete tick removal, even after a short time of feeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Insects)

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