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16 pages, 4441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Larval Starvation Stress on the Life History and Adult Fitness of Fall Webworm, Hyphantria Cunea

by Yuan Zhang, Lin Zhang, Junchao Zheng, Tongpu Li and Lvquan Zhao

Insects 2025, 16(4), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16040410 - 14 Apr 2025

Viewed by 410

Abstract

Insects often encounter starvation stress, especially during invasion spread or population outbreaks. The fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae), is an important invasive pest in China, and the starvation resistance of its larvae determines population spread and resulting outbreak threat. In this [...] Read more.

Insects often encounter starvation stress, especially during invasion spread or population outbreaks. The fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae), is an important invasive pest in China, and the starvation resistance of its larvae determines population spread and resulting outbreak threat. In this study, we investigated the starvation resistance of H. cunea larvae and the effects of starvation stress on their life history and adult fitness. Larval starvation resistance increased along with the instar stage, and the second-day sixth instar molt was critical for starvation resistance. The response to starvation stress was reflected in multiple biological indicators observed in H. cunea. Complete food deprivation reduced the pupation survival rate of sixth instar larvae, prolonged their developmental duration, reduced pupal and adult body mass, shortened adult forewing length and lifespan, and reduced female egg production. The sixth instar larvae showed a certain ability to recover after refeeding. However, negative impacts of the starvation period on larval life history traits, such as pupation survival rate, pupal and adult body mass, adult longevity, and fecundity, were still observed even after refeeding, and the effects of refeeding were affected by larval starvation duration and refeeding mode. These results suggested that H. cunea larvae were highly resistant to starvation, that starvation stress negatively affected their larval life history and adult fitness, and that the pattern of the effects of post-starvation refeeding on larval and adult fitness was related to the duration of starvation and the refeeding mode. The results of this study offer important insights into understanding the physiological response mechanisms of invasive insects under starvation stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)

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17 pages, 2565 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temperature Variation Regulates the Trade-Off Between Pre- and Post-Hatching Investment in a Burying Beetle

by Donghui Ma, Long Ma and Jan Komdeur

Insects 2025, 16(4), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16040378 - 2 Apr 2025

Viewed by 508

Abstract

Understanding how organisms respond to temperature variation is essential for assessing and predicting their resilience and vulnerability to environmental and climate changes. Here, using a biparental care burying beetle (Nicrophorus vespilloides), we tested whether and how parental investment in carcass preparation [...] Read more.

Understanding how organisms respond to temperature variation is essential for assessing and predicting their resilience and vulnerability to environmental and climate changes. Here, using a biparental care burying beetle (Nicrophorus vespilloides), we tested whether and how parental investment in carcass preparation and ambient temperature interact to influence subsequent parental care behaviour and reproductive success. We employed a 3 × 2 factorial experiment, manipulating the levels of parental investment in carcass preparation (Reduced, Control, and Elevated) and ambient temperatures (benign: 20 °C and harsh: 23 °C) in breeding pairs. We found the following: (1) Irrespective of ambient temperature, males in the Reduced group decreased their pre-hatching care. (2) Across all investment groups, both sexes under higher temperature reduced post-hatching care. (3) Carcass-preparation investment and ambient temperature interactively influenced reproductive success. Overall, the harsh temperature decreased reproductive success. Furthermore, beetle pairs experiencing reduced carcass-preparation investment produced fewer eggs and lighter broods, while those experiencing elevated carcass-preparation investment produced smaller and lighter broods. Our findings provide new insights into how temperature variation affects parental investment strategies and enhance our understanding of the phenotypic plasticity in reproductive strategies that animals employ to cope with climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)

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14 pages, 1919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal and Spatial Patterns of Mating in Rhodnius prolixus

by Franco Divito, Gabriel A. De Simone, Lorena Pompilio and Gabriel Manrique

Insects 2025, 16(3), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16030312 - 18 Mar 2025

Viewed by 400

Abstract

The kissing bug Rhodnius prolixus is a nocturnal species; however, its temporal mating patterns remain unexplored. Copulation lasts about fifty minutes, during which time the couple remains almost motionless. We hypothesized that R. prolixus copulates within shelters to reduce its vulnerability. To test [...] Read more.

The kissing bug Rhodnius prolixus is a nocturnal species; however, its temporal mating patterns remain unexplored. Copulation lasts about fifty minutes, during which time the couple remains almost motionless. We hypothesized that R. prolixus copulates within shelters to reduce its vulnerability. To test this, we examined the spatial and temporal patterns of its copulation, as well as the potential endogenous regulation of its circadian rhythm, under three conditions: a light:dark cycle (L/D), constant light (L/L), and constant darkness (D/D). Over ten days, the number and the timing of copulation of pairs in arenas containing a shelter were video-recorded. Under the L/D cycle, the pairs mated mainly during daylight hours. This rhythm persisted under the D/D cycle, with a peak extending from the first half of the subjective day to the first half of the subjective night. No rhythm was observed under the L/L cycle. A greater proportion of mating occurred within the shelters during the L/D and L/L cycles, whereas its spatial distribution was random under the D/D cycle. Our results reveal an endogenously controlled circadian rhythm of mating behavior, with mating activity mainly occurring during daylight hours. Additionally, we showed that the pairs copulated inside the shelters. These results provide new insights into the reproductive behavior of R. prolixus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)

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19 pages, 1893 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reproductive Trade-Offs in Culex pipiens: Effects of CYV Infection and Delayed Mating

by Mareike Heinig-Hartberger, Fanny Hellhammer and Stefanie C. Becker

Insects 2025, 16(3), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16030252 - 1 Mar 2025

Viewed by 687

Abstract

Arbovirus control strategies often target vector reproductive dynamics, with insect-specific viruses (ISVs) like Culex Y virus (CYV) offering potential as eco-friendly approaches by influencing mosquito reproduction without affecting humans or animals. This study investigated the interplay between autogeny, anautogeny, nutrient availability, and viral [...] Read more.

Arbovirus control strategies often target vector reproductive dynamics, with insect-specific viruses (ISVs) like Culex Y virus (CYV) offering potential as eco-friendly approaches by influencing mosquito reproduction without affecting humans or animals. This study investigated the interplay between autogeny, anautogeny, nutrient availability, and viral infection and their effect on reproductive success in Culex pipiens biotype molestus and Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus. CYV infection had a minimal impact on mosquito reproductive parameters, even after a five-day incubation period. Autogeny enabled Cx. pipiens biotype molestus to produce eggs without blood meals, yet older females (3–5 days post-emergence) showed reduced reproductive success unrelated to nutrient deficiency, as blood-feeding did not restore their egg production. These findings demonstrate that age affects reproductive success in Cx. pipiens biotype molestus but not in Cx. pipiens quinquefasciatus and suggest that CYV has negligible direct effects on mosquito reproduction. This work enhances our understanding of ISV biology and vector ecology, supporting the development of innovative, sustainable arbovirus-control strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)

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19 pages, 2348 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reproductive Behavior of the Polyembryonic Parasitoid Copidosomopsis nacoleiae (Eady) at Different Ages

by Huili Ouyang, Dongyu Chen, Peng Xiang, Xiaoyun Wang, Wen Lu and Xialin Zheng

Insects 2025, 16(3), 239; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16030239 - 25 Feb 2025

Viewed by 704

Abstract

In the control of agricultural and forestry pests, excessive reliance on chemical pesticides has led to increasingly severe issues, such as toxic residues and heightened pest resistance. The effective use of biological control has become a major focus in pest management. Parasitoid wasps, [...] Read more.

In the control of agricultural and forestry pests, excessive reliance on chemical pesticides has led to increasingly severe issues, such as toxic residues and heightened pest resistance. The effective use of biological control has become a major focus in pest management. Parasitoid wasps, as a critical natural enemy of pests, are widely distributed, diverse in species, and play an essential role in natural pest control. Copidosomopsis nacoleiae, a recently discovered polyembryonic endoparasitoid wasp, parasitizes Diaphania angustalis; yet, its biological characteristics remain insufficiently studied. The artificial rearing and population propagation of this wasp have not yet been achieved, and its reproductive behavior and rhythm are not fully understood. To better utilize natural enemy resources and maximize their pest control benefits, we conducted laboratory rearing, behavioral observation, and population surveys to investigate the morphological characteristics, life history, and behavioral patterns of C. nacoleiae. Under laboratory conditions, C. nacoleiae has a generational cycle of 48.71 ± 0.48 days, with an egg–larval period of 32.17 ± 0.20 days and a pupal period of 14.36 ± 0.27 days. Adult wasps require nutritional supplementation and have a maximum lifespan of 2.18 ± 0.09 days when fed 10% honey water. The pre-mating period for adults is 4.72 ± 0.24 h, with an average mating frequency of 5.17 ± 1.65 times per lifetime. Females have a pre-oviposition period of 2.80 ± 0.31 h and an oviposition period of 4.52 ± 0.12 h, laying between 2 and 95 eggs, with an average of 12.75 ± 9.99 eggs, totaling 107.55 ± 28.38 eggs over their lifespan. Offspring production increases with the body length of the host’s mature larvae. Through the successful establishment of a laboratory population of D. angustalis, the biological characteristics, reproductive behavior, and rhythms of C. nacoleiae were systematically examined in this study, and its occurrence dynamics in the field were investigated. These results provide a theoretical foundation for the large-scale propagation and application of C. nacoleiae to control D. angustalis populations effectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)

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12 pages, 5748 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Roles of Vitellogenin and Its Receptor Genes in Female Reproduction of the Cigarette Beetle, Lasioderma serricorne

by Qian Guo, Mingxun Zu, Deqian Liu, Yi Yan, Wenjia Yang and Kangkang Xu

Insects 2025, 16(2), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020175 - 6 Feb 2025

Viewed by 802

Abstract

Vitellogenin (Vg) and the vitellogenin receptor (VgR) play essential roles in insect reproductive development. However, the functions of Vg and VgR genes in Lasioderma serricorne, an important insect pest of stored products, are unknown. We identified and characterized these two genes, designated [...] Read more.

Vitellogenin (Vg) and the vitellogenin receptor (VgR) play essential roles in insect reproductive development. However, the functions of Vg and VgR genes in Lasioderma serricorne, an important insect pest of stored products, are unknown. We identified and characterized these two genes, designated LsVg and LsVgR, in L. serricorne. The open reading frames of LsVg and LsVgR were 5232 and 5529 bp, encoding 1743 and 1842 amino acid residues, respectively. Both LsVg and LsVgR were predominantly expressed in female adults and exhibited the highest expression in ovaries. The RNAi-mediated silencing of LsVg or LsVgR significantly decreased the average length of ovarian tubes and oocytes and severely affected ovarian development. The Knockdown of LsVg or LsVgR significantly reduced the oviposition period, the number of eggs laid, and the egg hatching rate. Females injected with dsLsVg and dsLsVg + VgR were found to had decreased vitellogenin content. The co-silencing of LsVg and LsVgR had a more pronounced effect on reducing the oviposition period and female fecundity in L. serricorne. This study revealed the importance of LsVg and LsVgR in regulating female reproduction and shows their potential as targets for RNAi-based control of L. serricorne. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)

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13 pages, 2851 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Overwintering Strategies and Post-Diapause Female Reproduction Fitness in the Willow Leaf Beetle Plagiodera versicolora (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

by Jian Yan, Lin Zhang, Mingxuan Xu, Xiaofeng Zhang and Lvquan Zhao

Insects 2025, 16(2), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020140 - 1 Feb 2025

Viewed by 603

Abstract

Diapause, a survival strategy utilized by many insects under severe environmental conditions, can generate costs that potentially affect post-diapause development and reproduction. The willow leaf beetle, Plagiodera versicolora, overwinters as an adult. This study investigated the cold hardiness-hardiness and energy utilization of [...] Read more.

Diapause, a survival strategy utilized by many insects under severe environmental conditions, can generate costs that potentially affect post-diapause development and reproduction. The willow leaf beetle, Plagiodera versicolora, overwinters as an adult. This study investigated the cold hardiness-hardiness and energy utilization of female P. versicolora, and their impact on post-diapause reproductive fitness. The supercooling point exhibited seasonal temperature variation, with the lowest points occurring in January and February, coinciding with the relatively lower ambient temperatures. Lipid content demonstrated a pronounced decline at the onset of diapause (from November to December) and stabilized from December to March. Glycogen content also showed a sharp decrease from November to January, subsequently stabilizing at relatively constant levels. In addition, trehalose content increased significantly when temperatures dropped (from November to January) and then decreased as temperatures rose (from January to March). There were no significant differences in the time from pairing to successful mating for post-diapause females compared with non-diapause females. However, mating duration and the pre-oviposition period for post-diapause individuals relative to non-diapause individuals increased, coupled with a reduction in the oviposition period, total number of eggs, number of egg clutches, and number of eggs per clutch; however, most importantly, there was no notable change in egg-hatching success. These results suggest that the cold-hardiness strategy of P. versicolora falls within the freeze-avoidance category, with energy usage predominantly reliant on lipids and carbohydrates during diapause initiation. Our findings also highlight that, although post-diapause females are capable of nutrient replenishment, the energetic demands of diapause result in considerable negative impacts on post-diapause female reproductive fitness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)

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19 pages, 3768 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knockdown of FAS2 Impairs Fecundity by Inhibiting Lipid Accumulation and Increasing Glycogen Storage in Locusta migratoria

by Jiaying Xu, Ya Tang, Yi Jin, Tingting Ma, Chen Zhang, Jianan Lou, Bin Tang and Shigui Wang

Insects 2025, 16(2), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020120 - 26 Jan 2025

Viewed by 872

Abstract

Fatty acid synthase (FAS) is a pivotal gene in the lipid synthesis pathway and plays a crucial role in insect energy metabolism. Locusta migratoria, as one of the major agricultural pests, requires identification of new targets to control or reduce [...] Read more.

Fatty acid synthase (FAS) is a pivotal gene in the lipid synthesis pathway and plays a crucial role in insect energy metabolism. Locusta migratoria, as one of the major agricultural pests, requires identification of new targets to control or reduce its reproductive capacity for effective locust pest management strategies. In this study, we focused on L. migratoria and identified FAS2 as a potential target gene with functional significance in lipid metabolism and reproduction based on sequence characteristics analysis and tissue-expression patterns of five FAS genes. Subsequently, through RNA interference (RNAi) targeting FAS2 expression, we assessed alterations in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism-related gene expression levels, lipid and carbohydrate contents, ovarian development, and reproductive capacity using experimental techniques such as RT-qPCR, ELISA, and morphological observations. Our findings revealed that interference with FAS2 upregulated genes involved in lipid degradation, including Lsd-1, Lsd-2, Lipase3, and Brummer, while significantly decreasing the TAG content and fat accumulation. At the level of carbohydrate metabolism, FAS2 silencing led to significant upregulation of key genes TPS and GS in the synthesis pathway, resulting in increased glycogen and trehalose content. In addition, FAS2 interference resulted in a significant reduction of Vg mRNA expression level sand protein content in L. migratoria, followed by delayed ovarian development and reduced egg production. This further confirms that impaired FAS2 function prompts L. migratoria to enhance lipid degradation and sugar storage to maintain the energy balance, while reducing the energy investment into reproduction. Collectively, the results of this study suggest that FAS2 can serve as a novel molecular target for controlling L. migratoria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)

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Graphical abstract

14 pages, 1687 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lethal Male Combat of Anastatus japonicus (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae), an Egg Parasitoid of Lepidopterous and Hemipterous Pests

by Muhammad Yasir Ali, Gonzalo A. Avila, Zheng-Yu Luo, Muhammad Asghar Hassan, Khalid Ali Khan, Jin-Ping Zhang and Feng Zhang

Insects 2025, 16(1), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16010045 - 6 Jan 2025

Viewed by 864

Abstract

Aggressive interactions between males are common when victors gain increased mating success but can result in severe injury or death for the defeated. Anastatus japonicus (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) is a solitary egg parasitoid of hemipteran and lepidopteran species. Here, we investigated lethal interactions between [...] Read more.

Aggressive interactions between males are common when victors gain increased mating success but can result in severe injury or death for the defeated. Anastatus japonicus (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) is a solitary egg parasitoid of hemipteran and lepidopteran species. Here, we investigated lethal interactions between A. japonicus males and analyzed aggression behavior scaled with the male condition, number of competitors, number of presented females, and female mating status. The intensity of A. japonicus male aggressiveness increased with the number of competitors and the number of presented females but was not affected by male relatedness. The intensity and frequency of A. japonicus male aggressive interactions were greater when males competed for virgin females compared to mated females. Larger A. japonicus males won more contests than smaller males and honey-fed males defeated starved ones, where defeated males suffered the loss of appendages and/or died. Fighting appeared to be the norm in all-male groupings, regardless of the presence of females. A number of biological and ecological factors are deducted that likely contribute to the evolution of male aggressive behavior in A. japonicus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)

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12 pages, 5838 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Parental Age on Reproductive Potential and Embryogenesis in the Pepper Weevil, Anthonomus eugenii (Cano) (Col.: Curculionidae)

by Naga Mani Kanchupati, Dakshina R. Seal, Sumit Jangra, Bruce Schaffer, Oscar E. Liburd and Julien Beuzelin

Insects 2024, 15(8), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15080562 - 25 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1020

Abstract

The pepper weevil (Anthonomus eugenii Cano) is a devastating pest that inflicts severe damage to pepper crops, leading to substantial economic losses. This study investigated the impact of aging on the reproductive success of the pepper weevil. Pepper weevil-infested fruit were harvested [...] Read more.

The pepper weevil (Anthonomus eugenii Cano) is a devastating pest that inflicts severe damage to pepper crops, leading to substantial economic losses. This study investigated the impact of aging on the reproductive success of the pepper weevil. Pepper weevil-infested fruit were harvested from pepper fields and subsequently transferred into an insect cage to facilitate the emergence of adults. The emerged adults were housed in separate cages and allowed to mature until they reached specified ages: 10 days old (young), 20 days old (middle-aged), and 30 days old (old) individuals. Eggs laid by each age group were carefully collected and incubated under controlled laboratory conditions (28 ± 1.5 °C). Several reproductive variables including the number of eggs laid, the percentage of hatched eggs, and the egg incubation period were recorded for each age group. Embryonic development was also monitored daily using a VHX digital microscope at a magnification of 200×. Differences in developmental stages such as the blastoderm, germ band, gastrulation, segmentation, and appendage formation were observed, and the time span of every stage was recorded. The results show that the 10-day-old weevils laid the most eggs and had the highest hatching rate and the shortest developmental time. The 30-day-old weevils laid the fewest eggs and had the lowest hatching rate and longest developmental time. Thus, the pepper weevil age significantly influenced the fecundity, length of time for each embryonic development stage, hatching rate, and incubation period, and should be considered when studying the reproductive biology of this pest insect. This first report of the effect of aging on the reproductive potential of the pepper weevil should enable pepper growers to adopt cultural practices aimed at reducing the pepper weevil populations, thereby helping to protect their crop from this important pest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)

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16 pages, 1658 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Age-Stage, Two-Sex Life Table of Atractomorpha lata (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) at Different Temperatures

by Wenbo Li, Nawaz Haider Bashir, Muhammad Naeem, Ruilin Tian, Xinyue Tian and Huanhuan Chen

Insects 2024, 15(7), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15070493 - 1 Jul 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1489

Abstract

Atractomorpha lata Motschoulsky (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) has recently emerged as an important agricultural pest in China. Understanding the impact of temperature on its developmental period is crucial for predicting its population dynamics. This study systematically observed the biological characteristics of A. lata at five [...] Read more.

Atractomorpha lata Motschoulsky (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) has recently emerged as an important agricultural pest in China. Understanding the impact of temperature on its developmental period is crucial for predicting its population dynamics. This study systematically observed the biological characteristics of A. lata at five temperatures (16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 °C) using the age-stage, two-sex life table method. The effects of temperature on the developmental period, survival rate, and fecundity of A. lata were studied using fresh bean leaves as host. The results demonstrated that as temperature increased from 16 °C to 32 °C, the developmental period, preadult time, adult longevity, adult preoviposition period (APOP), and total preoviposition period (TPOP) significantly decreased. The developmental threshold temperatures for various stages were calculated, ranging from 10.47 °C to 13.01 °C, using the linear optimal method. As temperature increased, both the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and the finite rate of increase (λ) also increased, while the mean generation time (T) decreased. The optimal values of the net reproductive rate (R₀ = 54.26 offspring), gross reproductive rate (GRR = 185.53 ± 16.94 offspring), and fecundity (169.56 ± 9.93 eggs) were observed at 24 °C. Similarly, the population trend index (I) for A. lata peaked at 24 °C (61.64). Our findings indicate that A. lata exhibits its highest population growth rate at 24 °C, providing a scientific basis for predicting its population dynamics in the field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)

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11 pages, 2824 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Expression and Function of Notch Involved in Ovarian Development and Fecundity in Basilepta melanopus

by Yifei Xie, Yifan Tan, Xuanye Wen, Wan Deng, Jinxiu Yu, Mi Li, Fanhui Meng, Xiudan Wang and Daohong Zhu

Insects 2024, 15(4), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15040292 - 19 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1497

Abstract

Basilepta melanopus is a pest that severely affects oil tea plants, and the Notch signaling pathway plays a significant role in the early development of insect ovaries. In this study, we explored the function of the notch gene within the Notch signaling pathway [...] Read more.

Basilepta melanopus is a pest that severely affects oil tea plants, and the Notch signaling pathway plays a significant role in the early development of insect ovaries. In this study, we explored the function of the notch gene within the Notch signaling pathway in the reproductive system of B. melanopus. The functional domains and expression patterns of Bmnotch were analyzed. Bmnotch contains 45 epidermal growth factor-like (EGF-like) domains, one negative regulatory region, one NODP domain and one repeat-containing domain superfamily. The qPCR reveals heightened expression in early developmental stages and specific tissues like the head and ovaries. The RNA interference (RNAi)-based suppression of notch decreased its expression by 52.1%, exhibiting heightened sensitivity to dsNotch at lower concentrations. Phenotypic and mating experiments have demonstrated that dsNotch significantly impairs ovarian development, leading to reduced mating frequencies and egg production. This decline underscores the Notch pathway’s crucial role in fecundity. The findings advocate for RNAi-based, Notch-targeted pest control as an effective and sustainable strategy for managing B. melanopus populations, signifying a significant advancement in forest pest control endeavors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)

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Review

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25 pages, 1471 KiB

Open AccessReview

Vitellogenesis and Embryogenesis in Spiders: A Biochemical Perspective

by Carlos Fernando Garcia, Aldana Laino and Mónica Cunningham

Insects 2025, 16(4), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16040398 - 10 Apr 2025

Viewed by 552

Abstract

This review compiles information on the biochemistry of spider reproduction, from vitellogenesis to postembryonic development. Despite the diversity of spiders, biochemical studies on their reproduction remain scarce. The structures, functions, and relationships of vitellogenins and lipovitellins across different groups are compared. Information on [...] Read more.

This review compiles information on the biochemistry of spider reproduction, from vitellogenesis to postembryonic development. Despite the diversity of spiders, biochemical studies on their reproduction remain scarce. The structures, functions, and relationships of vitellogenins and lipovitellins across different groups are compared. Information on two vitellogenin-associated proteins (30 and 47 kDa) is presented and discussed. By analyzing females at different reproductive stages—previtellogenesis, early vitellogenesis, vitellogenesis, and postvitellogenesis—as well as males, we examined lipid and fatty acid synthesis, mobilization, and accumulation in the yolk. Lipid dynamics across vitellogenic organs, such as the intestinal diverticula, hemolymph, and ovaries, were established. Structural lipids, mainly phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, were the predominant yolk components, followed by triacylglycerols. The gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indices are described for the first time in spiders, providing a new tool for studying vitellogenesis. Hemocyanin was detected in early spider eggs, suggesting a role in organogenesis, with its concentration increasing in later embryonic stages. In contrast, lipovitellin consumption was observed throughout embryonic development until juvenile emergence. The data compiled in this review provide valuable insights into the molecular interactions underlying a key process for oviparous animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)

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24 pages, 1315 KiB

Open AccessReview

How Insects Balance Reproductive Output and Immune Investment

by Jimena Leyria, Leonardo L. Fruttero, Pedro A. Paglione and Lilián E. Canavoso

Insects 2025, 16(3), 311; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16030311 - 17 Mar 2025

Viewed by 1616

Abstract

Insects face the constant challenge of balancing energy allocation between reproduction and immune responses, both of which are highly energy-demanding processes. Immune challenges frequently result in decreased fecundity, reduced egg viability, and delayed ovarian development. Conversely, heightened reproductive activity often suppresses immune functions. [...] Read more.

Insects face the constant challenge of balancing energy allocation between reproduction and immune responses, both of which are highly energy-demanding processes. Immune challenges frequently result in decreased fecundity, reduced egg viability, and delayed ovarian development. Conversely, heightened reproductive activity often suppresses immune functions. This trade-off has profound ecological and evolutionary consequences, shaping insects’ survival, adaptation, and population dynamics. The intricate interplay between reproduction and immunity in insects is regulated by the neuroendocrine and endocrine systems, which orchestrate resource distribution alongside other biological processes. Key hormones, such as juvenile hormone and ecdysteroids, serve as central regulators, influencing both immune responses and reproductive activities. Additionally, macromolecules like vitellogenin and lipophorin, primarily known for their functions as yolk protein precursors and lipid carriers, play crucial roles in pathogen recognition and transgenerational immune priming. Advancements in molecular and omics tools have unveiled the complexity of these regulatory mechanisms, providing new insights into how insects dynamically allocate resources to optimize their fitness. This delicate balance underscores critical evolutionary strategies and the integration of physiological systems across species. This review synthesizes insights from life history theory, oogenesis, and immunity, offering new perspectives on the trade-offs between reproductive output and immune investment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)

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13 pages, 852 KiB

Open AccessReview

Tracking Existing Factors Directly Affecting the Reproduction of Bumblebees: Current Knowledge

by Xiaomeng Zhao, Jingxin Jiang, Zilin Pang, Weihua Ma, Yusuo Jiang, Yanfang Fu and Yanjie Liu

Insects 2024, 15(9), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15090654 - 30 Aug 2024

Viewed by 2035

Abstract

Bumblebees are primary social insects and a vital class of pollinating insects. Their distinctive reproductive mode is characterized by the independent initiation and construction of the nest by the queen and the subsequent production of sufficient workers, males, and gynes following colony development. [...] Read more.

Bumblebees are primary social insects and a vital class of pollinating insects. Their distinctive reproductive mode is characterized by the independent initiation and construction of the nest by the queen and the subsequent production of sufficient workers, males, and gynes following colony development. After successful mating, the queen transitions to the first phase of its annual life cycle. The reproductive processes are directly influenced by environmental factors, including floral resources and pesticides. Moreover, the reproductive level is regulated by biological factors, particularly the role of workers, who participate in egg laying and pass on their genetic material to the next generation of queens. Successful reproduction can only be achieved by maintaining colony development under natural or artificial breeding conditions. Consequently, understanding the known factors that influence bumblebee reproduction is essential for developing conservation strategies for wild bumblebees and for successfully breeding diverse bumblebee species. Breeding various bumblebee species is crucial for in-depth research into known factors and for further exploration of other potential factors, which will also help to meet the demand for pollination in agricultural facilities globally. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)

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Other

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11 pages, 871 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Effect of Flowering Period on Drone Reproductive Parameters (Apis mellifera L.)

by Carlos Castellanos-Zacarías, Álvaro Domínguez-Rebolledo, Henry Loeza-Concha, Jorge Vivas-Rodríguez, Julio Ramón-Ugalde, Juan Baeza-Rodríguez and Roberto Zamora-Bustillos

Insects 2024, 15(9), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15090676 - 7 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1213

Abstract

Insufficient protein intake during the larval phase of drones affects the development of reproductive organs and spermatogenesis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the flowering-scarcity and flowering-onset periods on the eversion of the copulatory apparatus, ejaculation, and sperm [...] Read more.

Insufficient protein intake during the larval phase of drones affects the development of reproductive organs and spermatogenesis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the flowering-scarcity and flowering-onset periods on the eversion of the copulatory apparatus, ejaculation, and sperm quality of drones (Apis mellifera L.). To stimulate the laying of drone eggs during the flowering-scarcity period, 1 L of sugar syrup was supplied weekly to the hives, along with a protein supplement made of 20% pollen and 80% brewer’s yeast. During the periods of flowering scarcity and the onset of flowering, 800 drones were collected (200 per month). At the onset of flowering, 270 drones showed eversion of the copulatory apparatus, of which 162 ejaculated, compared to the flowering-scarcity period, where 112 drones showed eversion of the copulatory apparatus and 39 drones ejaculated. During the period of flowering onset, sperm parameters such as volume, concentration, motility, viability, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial activity were higher compared to the period of flowering scarcity. In conclusion, we observed a greater number of drones with eversion of the copulatory apparatus and ejaculation, as well as better sperm quality with the drones bred during the period of flowering onset. These differences indicate that the flowering-scarcity period significantly impacts the reproductive parameters of drones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)

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