Lepidoptera: Behavior, Ecology, and Biology

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026 | Viewed by 508

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Centre for Agribusiness Biotechnology Research, University of Almería, La Cañada de S. Urbano, s/n, ES-04120 Almería, Spain
Interests: biological control; pest management; mathematical modelling

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The order Lepidoptera includes more than 180,000 species, constituting one of the most diverse and intriguing groups of insects. The co-evolution between Lepidoptera and plants is a fascinating aspect of their biology and ecology. Numerous plant species have evolved specific traits to attract Lepidopteran pollinators, while others have adapted to exploit other plant resources, resulting in intricate ecological relationships. Thus, there are species that are economically significant pests affecting agriculture and forestry because of their feeding habits. Studying and understanding their biology, behavior, and ecology is crucial for developing effective management strategies to mitigate negative effects while preserving ecological functions. This Special Issue aims to highlight recent advances in research on this group of insects, exploring their ecological importance, evolutionary adaptations, and the complex interactions that define their existence. We hope to foster multidisciplinary approaches to gain a deeper appreciation of these remarkable insects and their contributions to biodiversity.

Prof. Dr. Tomás Cabello-Garcia
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • Lepidoptera
  • behavior
  • ecology
  • biology
  • lepidopteran pests
  • monitoring
  • integrated pest management
  • insecticide resistance
  • biodiversity

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

15 pages, 3136 KiB  
Article
Evolutionary Dynamics of Glycoside Hydrolase Family 1 Provide Insights into Insect–Plant Interactions in Lepidoptera
by Yanping Yuan, Xidan Zhang, Jinyu Wu, Jun Li, Zhengbo He, Wenbo Fu, Amrita Chakraborty and Shulin He
Insects 2025, 16(7), 727; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16070727 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 269
Abstract
Glycoside hydrolase family 1 (GH1) enzymes are essential for plant cell wall digestion and the detoxification of plant metabolites in insects, yet their evolutionary history in Lepidoptera remains unresolved. This study systematically identified GH1 genes across 61 Lepidopteran genomes and analyzed their evolutionary [...] Read more.
Glycoside hydrolase family 1 (GH1) enzymes are essential for plant cell wall digestion and the detoxification of plant metabolites in insects, yet their evolutionary history in Lepidoptera remains unresolved. This study systematically identified GH1 genes across 61 Lepidopteran genomes and analyzed their evolutionary dynamics. In addition, the expression profiles of GH1 genes in the silkworm (Bombyx mori) across various developmental stages and tissues were related to their evolutionary histories. A total of 996 GH1 genes were annotated and classified into 11 groups, with each showing distinct species diversity. Gene duplication and loss analysis revealed frequent duplications and losses during Lepidoptera evolution; these duplications primarily originated through tandem and dispersed duplications and were located in syntenic regions. Transcriptomic analysis of the silkworm revealed that the groups and duplications of GH1 genes were correlated to their expression patterns, with high expression in the larval midgut and fat body. These findings suggest that GH1 gene duplications and losses and expression have played a significant role in Lepidopteran adaptation to diverse host plants. Overall, this study provides comprehensive insights into the evolutionary trajectories of GH1 genes, highlighting their potential contribution to insect–plant interactions in Lepidoptera. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lepidoptera: Behavior, Ecology, and Biology)
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