Insects

Research

15 pages, 2908 KB

Open AccessArticle

Species Composition and Emergence Patterns of Agriotes litigiosus, A. brevis and A. sordidus (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in Central Italy

by Abdalhadi M.A. Abulebda, Giorgio Sperandio, Sara Ruschioni, Matteo Pacella, Maria Chiara Battistelli, Nunzio Isidoro and Paola Riolo

Insects 2026, 17(2), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17020172 - 5 Feb 2026

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Abstract

Click beetles (Agriotes spp.) are major agricultural pests whose larvae, known as wireworms, cause serious damage to a wide range of crops. Effective management requires a clear understanding of species composition and adult emergence patterns. This study investigated three Agriotes species in [...] Read more.

Click beetles (Agriotes spp.) are major agricultural pests whose larvae, known as wireworms, cause serious damage to a wide range of crops. Effective management requires a clear understanding of species composition and adult emergence patterns. This study investigated three Agriotes species in central Italy, focusing on their abundance and phenology in the Marche region. Field monitoring was conducted at six sites using pheromone traps from 2024 to 2025. Three species were detected: A. litigiosus, A. brevis, and A. sordidus, with A. litigiosus being the most abundant. Adult emergence displayed species-specific timing, occurring earliest in A. brevis, followed by A. sordidus and subsequently A. litigiosus. These findings highlight the importance of species-specific monitoring to optimize pest-control strategies. A deeper understanding of Agriotes’ flight dynamics can support more effective and sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, reducing reliance on chemical control and minimizing crop damage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Conservation of Biodiversity, Monitoring Programs and Trend Assessment)

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14 pages, 32961 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bioclimatic and Land Use/Land Cover Factors as Determinants of Crabronidae (Hymenoptera) Community Structure in Yunnan, China

by Nawaz Haider Bashir, Muhammad Naeem, Qiang Li and Huanhuan Chen

Insects 2026, 17(1), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17010100 - 15 Jan 2026

Viewed by 603

Abstract

Crabronid wasps (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) are ecologically important predators that provide various ecological services by regulating the arthropod populations, enhancing soil processes through nesting, serving as sensitive indicators of habitat condition, and providing pollen transfer for plants. However, as other invertebrates face biodiversity threats, [...] Read more.

Crabronid wasps (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) are ecologically important predators that provide various ecological services by regulating the arthropod populations, enhancing soil processes through nesting, serving as sensitive indicators of habitat condition, and providing pollen transfer for plants. However, as other invertebrates face biodiversity threats, these wasps might be under threat from environmental changes, and we need to assess the biodiversity patterns of these wasps in Yunnan Province. Unfortunately, no information is currently available about the pattern and factors responsible for the assemblages of these wasps within our study region. This study provides the first province-level assessment of habitat suitability, species richness, assemblage structure, and environmental determinants for Crabronidae in Yunnan by integrating species distribution modeling (SDM), multivariate clustering, and ordination analyses. More than 50 species were studied to assess habitat suitability in Yunnan using MaxEnt. Model performance was robust (AUC > 0.7). Suitability patterns varied distinctly among regions. Species richness peaked in southern Yunnan, particularly in the counties of Jinghong, Mengla, Menghai, and Jiangcheng Hani & Yi. Land use/land cover (LULC) variables were the dominant predictors for 90% of species, whereas precipitation-related variables contributed most strongly to the remaining 10%. Ward’s hierarchical clustering grouped the 125 counties into three community assemblage zones, with Zone III comprising the most significant area. A unique species composition was found within a particular zone, and clear separation among zones based on environmental variation was supported by Principal Component Analysis (PCA), which explained more than 70% variability among zones. Furthermore, Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) indicated that both LULC and climatic factors shaped community structure assemblages, with axes 1 and 2 explaining 70% of variance (p = 0.001). The most relevant key factors in each zone were precipitation variables (bio12, bio14, bio17), which were dominant in Zone I; for Zone II, temperature and vegetation variables were most important; and urban, wetland, and water variables were most important in Zone III. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Conservation of Biodiversity, Monitoring Programs and Trend Assessment)

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22 pages, 3185 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Influence of Trap Type and Crop Phenological Stage on Insect Population Diversity in Mediterranean Open-Field Tomatoes

by Nada Abdennour, Mehdia Fraj, Ramzi Mansour, Amal Ghazouani, Ahmed Mahmoud Ismail, Hossam S. El-Beltagi, Mohamed M. El-Mogy, Sherif Mohamed El-Ganainy, Wael Elmenofy, Mohamed J. Hajjar, Shimat V. Joseph and Sabrine Attia

Insects 2026, 17(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17010036 - 26 Dec 2025

Viewed by 942

Abstract

The relationship between insect diversity and crop production has been of continuous scientific interest. Understanding insect community dynamics using various sampling and monitoring methods at different crop phenology stages is crucial for enhancing pest management and ecosystem service functioning. The present study assessed [...] Read more.

The relationship between insect diversity and crop production has been of continuous scientific interest. Understanding insect community dynamics using various sampling and monitoring methods at different crop phenology stages is crucial for enhancing pest management and ecosystem service functioning. The present study assessed the influence of four trap types (Blue, Yellow, White, and Malaise) applied at four tomato developmental stages (start of planting, flowering, flowering fruit development and harvest) on insect diversity in northeastern Tunisian open-field conditions. A total of 1771 insect individuals belonging to seven orders and 31 families were trapped, with the order Hymenoptera being the most common in the sampled plots, which was represented by 25 families. Trap type exerted a strong effect on both abundance and alpha diversity parameters. Yellow pan traps showed the highest diversity, with family richness (S) ranging from 1 to 16, Shannon diversity (H) reaching 2.54, Simpson (Is) diversity ranging from 0.72 to 0.90 and Pielou’s evenness (J) ranging from 0.83 to 0.98. Blue and white traps displayed intermediate diversity (Blue: S = 6 and H = 1.7; White: S = 7 and H = 1.6), while Malaise traps captured the least diverse assemblages (S = 4, H = 1.2 and Is = 0.65). These differences were highly significant (p < 0.05). Phenological stage significantly structured Hymenoptera diversity. Richness peaked at the start of planting (S = 1–16 and H up to 2.54) and declined sharply at harvest (S = 1–6). Pollinator families (Apidae, Halictidae, Megachilidae) were the most abundant during flowering, whereas parasitoid families (Braconidae, Eulophidae) dominated during the fruit development stage. Beta diversity analyses (NMDS, stress = 0.25) and PERMANOVA showed that trap type and phenological stage jointly explained 15.5% of the variation in community composition (R² = 0.155, p = 0.014). Although a strong taxonomic overlap among traps was observed, Indicator Value analysis revealed significant trap-specific associations, including the family Andrenidae with Blue traps and the family Scoliidae with White and Yellow traps. Overall, the results of the present study demonstrate that both trap type and crop phenology significantly influence insect population diversity. A multi-trap sampling strategy combining colored pan traps and Malaise traps could be recommended to accurately characterize insect communities and associated ecosystem services in Mediterranean open-field tomato systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Conservation of Biodiversity, Monitoring Programs and Trend Assessment)

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15 pages, 8751 KB

Open AccessArticle

Predicted Global Redistribution of Lagria nigricollis (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) Under Future Climate Change

by Manlu Zhao, Jieqiong Wang, Fen Liu, Yunchun Li, Hanlan Fei, Zhonghua Wei and Aimin Shi

Insects 2025, 16(12), 1227; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16121227 - 3 Dec 2025

Viewed by 828

Abstract

Lagria nigricollis (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is a forest pest, widely distributed in East Asia. The impact of climate change on its distribution is currently unknown. To better understand how the geographic distribution of this species responds to future climate change, this study employed the [...] Read more.

Lagria nigricollis (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is a forest pest, widely distributed in East Asia. The impact of climate change on its distribution is currently unknown. To better understand how the geographic distribution of this species responds to future climate change, this study employed the MaxEnt model, integrating 21 environmental variables, to explore changes in its distribution range under different climate scenarios. The results indicated that the average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the MaxEnt model across different periods is 0.991, demonstrating the reliability of the model’s predictions. The precipitation of the warmest quarter (bio18) and the temperature seasonality (bio04) were the most important environmental variables. Under current conditions, the suitable areas for L. nigricollis are mainly located in China (North China and Central China), the Korean Peninsula, and Japan (Kyushu, Shikoku, and the southern part of Honshu). In the 2050s and 2070s, suitable areas are expected to expand under three socioeconomic pathways, which are 1.08–1.33 times larger than they are currently. The expanded areas are mainly located in the northern part of the current suitable regions. The centroids of suitable areas will shift northward under future climate conditions. To limit the northward expansion of this species, primary control regions will focus on China (the junction of Inner Mongolia–Xinjiang and Northern China), Russia (the southeastern part of the Far Eastern Federal District), and Japan (Hokkaido). The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the forest pest control and distribution prediction of Lagria nigricollis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Conservation of Biodiversity, Monitoring Programs and Trend Assessment)

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17 pages, 979 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Preferences of Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae (Diptera) in the Region Calabria (Southern Italy)

by Domenico Bonelli, Federica Mendicino, Francesco Carlomagno, Giuseppe Luzzi, Antonino Siclari, Federica Fumo, Erica Di Biase, Michele Mistri, Daniel Whitmore, Cristina Munari, Marco Pezzi and Teresa Bonacci

Insects 2025, 16(9), 886; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090886 - 25 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2020 | Correction

Abstract

Diptera belonging to the families Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae are known for their diversified trophic preferences and for their forensic and medical-veterinary relevance. The ecological preferences (distribution, abundance and habitat) of these two families were investigated along four years in the Region Calabria (Southern [...] Read more.

Diptera belonging to the families Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae are known for their diversified trophic preferences and for their forensic and medical-veterinary relevance. The ecological preferences (distribution, abundance and habitat) of these two families were investigated along four years in the Region Calabria (Southern Italy) in 17 sampling sites located in four areas: the Aspromonte National Park, the Sila National Park, the Natural Regional Park of Serre, and a suburban area at the University of Calabria (Rende, Cosenza, Italy). A total of 39,537 individuals were collected, with 36,253 belonging to 14 species of Calliphoridae and 3284 belonging to 35 species of Sarcophagidae. The most abundant species among Calliphoridae was Calliphora vomitoria (Linnaeus, 1758); among Sarcophagidae, it was Sarcophaga (Sarcophaga) croatica Baranov, 1941. The highest species richness and abundance of Calliphoridae were observed in forest areas and those of Sarcophagidae in open and humid environments. The results also show a close association between the distribution of both families and environmental factors such as altitude, vegetation type, season, and temperature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Conservation of Biodiversity, Monitoring Programs and Trend Assessment)

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9 pages, 464 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hymenoptera Catches of Traps with Synthetic Generic Lures from Transcarpathia (West Ukraine)

by Antal Nagy, Dóra Arnóczkyné Jakab, Attila Molnár, Zsolt Józan, Miklós Tóth and Szabolcs Szanyi

Insects 2025, 16(9), 885; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090885 - 25 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1707

Abstract

Between 2014 and 2016, traps baited with synthetic generic lures were used to collect data on insect diversity, with a focus on Lepidoptera pest assemblages in the surroundings of Velyka Dobron’ in Transcarpathia, West Ukraine. Traps captured a large number of insects from [...] Read more.

Between 2014 and 2016, traps baited with synthetic generic lures were used to collect data on insect diversity, with a focus on Lepidoptera pest assemblages in the surroundings of Velyka Dobron’ in Transcarpathia, West Ukraine. Traps captured a large number of insects from various taxa, including Hymenoptera, providing valuable data on both the poorly known regional fauna and the attractiveness of the lures to different Hymenoptera groups. In total, 1214 individuals were recorded, representing 11 families and 39 species, of which 17 species are reported from Transcarpathia for the first time. The majority of the sample (97%) belonged to the families Apidae and Vespidae. The Apidae and Halictidae species were predominantly attracted to phenylacetaldehyde-based lures, while Vespidae species responded more to semisynthetic lures containing isoamyl alcohol. The parallel use of the tested lures with different selectivity appears to be an effective, user-friendly, standardized method for studying Hymenoptera assemblages. Furthermore, knowledge of lure selectivity allows for the target collection of species belonging to different ecotypes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Conservation of Biodiversity, Monitoring Programs and Trend Assessment)

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14 pages, 7789 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Sampling Approaches Enhance Assessment of Saproxylic Beetle Biodiversity in a Mediterranean Forest Ecosystem (Sila National Park, Italy)

by Federica Mendicino, Francesco Carlomagno, Domenico Bonelli, Erica Di Biase, Federica Fumo and Teresa Bonacci

Insects 2025, 16(8), 812; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16080812 - 6 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1879

Abstract

Saproxylic beetles are key bioindicators of forest ecosystem quality and play essential roles in deadwood decomposition and nutrient cycling. However, their populations are increasingly threatened by habitat fragmentation, deadwood removal, and climate-driven environmental changes. For this reason, an integrated sampling method can increase [...] Read more.

Saproxylic beetles are key bioindicators of forest ecosystem quality and play essential roles in deadwood decomposition and nutrient cycling. However, their populations are increasingly threatened by habitat fragmentation, deadwood removal, and climate-driven environmental changes. For this reason, an integrated sampling method can increase the detection of species with varying ecological traits. We evaluated the effectiveness of integrative sampling methodologies to assess saproxylic beetle diversity within Sila National Park, a Mediterranean forest ecosystem of high conservation value, specifically in two beech forests and four pine forests. The sampling methods tested included Pan Traps (PaTs), Malaise Traps (MTs), Pitfall Traps (PTs), Bait Bottle Traps (BBTs), and Visual Census (VC). All specimens were identified to the species level whenever possible, using specialized dichotomous keys and preserved in the Entomological Collection TB, Unical. Various trap types captured a different number of species: the PaT collected 32 species, followed by the PT with 24, the MT with 16, the VC with 7, and the BBT with 5 species. Interestingly, biodiversity analyses conducted using PAST software version 4.17 revealed that PaTs and MTs recorded the highest biodiversity indices. The GLMM analysis, performed using SPSS software 29.0.1.0, demonstrated that various traps attracted different species with different abundances. By combining multiple trapping techniques, we documented a more comprehensive community composition compared to single-method approaches. Moreover, PaTs, MTs, and PTs recorded 20%, 40%, and 33% of the Near Threatened species, respectively. We report new records for Sila National Park, including the LC species Pteryngium crenulatum (Curculionidae) and the NT species Grynocharis oblonga (Trogossitidae). For the first time in Calabria, the LC species Triplax rufipes (Erotylidae) and the NT species Oxypleurus nodieri (Cerambycidae) and Glischrochilus quadrisignatus (Nitidulidae) were collected. Our results emphasize the importance of method diversity in capturing species with distinct ecological requirements and highlight the relevance of saproxylic beetles as indicators of forest health. These findings support the adoption of multi-method sampling protocols in forest biodiversity monitoring and management programs, especially in biodiversity-rich and structurally heterogeneous landscapes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Conservation of Biodiversity, Monitoring Programs and Trend Assessment)

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19 pages, 5639 KB

Open AccessArticle

Nesting and Hibernation Host Preference of Bamboo Carpenter Bee, Xylocopa (Biluna) tranquebarorum tranquebarorum, and Arthropods Co-Habiting and Re-Using the Bee Nest

by Natsumi Kanzaki, Keito Kobayashi, Keiko Hamaguchi and Yuta Fujimori

Insects 2025, 16(8), 807; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16080807 - 4 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1816

Abstract

The bamboo carpenter bee, Xylocopa (Biluna) tranquebarorum tranquebarorum, is native to continental China and Taiwan, and the species invaded Japan around 2006. The bee utilizes bamboo culm for its nesting and hibernation, thereby causing structural damage to bamboo fencing and [...] Read more.

The bamboo carpenter bee, Xylocopa (Biluna) tranquebarorum tranquebarorum, is native to continental China and Taiwan, and the species invaded Japan around 2006. The bee utilizes bamboo culm for its nesting and hibernation, thereby causing structural damage to bamboo fencing and sting injuries to humans. Serious economic and ecological impacts were not expected in the early stage of its invasion. However, its distribution is rapidly expanding in Japan, and thus, its potential impacts need to be evaluated. Since the basic biology of the bee has not been examined in detail, even in its natural range, we examined the basic biology of X. t. tranquebarorum in its invasive range by evaluating its nesting preference and hibernation in several bamboo species collections in Kyoto, Japan. The field survey revealed that the bee prefers dead bamboo internodes with approximately16–28 mm of external diameter, which is well-congruent with previous studies, and does not have strict preference concerning the bamboo species, though the bee prefers Bambusa multiplex and Phyllostachys spp. in its native range. The hibernating bees in the culm sometimes share their nests with other invertebrates, including Anterhynchium gibbifrons, Dinoderus japonicus, Crematogaster matsumurai, unidentified spiders, shield bugs, and lepidopteran larvae. Within these co-habitants, the former two possibly negatively affect nesting and hibernation of the bees. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Conservation of Biodiversity, Monitoring Programs and Trend Assessment)

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11 pages, 5750 KB

Open AccessArticle

Management Diversification Increases Habitat Availability for Lepidoptera Papilionoidea in the Torretes Biological Station (Spain)

by Javier Quinto, Elena Espín and Eduardo Galante

Insects 2025, 16(7), 683; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16070683 - 30 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3003

Abstract

Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea), considered bioindicators of habitat conservation status, are one of the groups used to assess the impact of habitat management and improvement efforts in the Biological Station of Torretes (Ibi, Alicante, Spain). This area also houses the Botanical Garden of the [...] Read more.

Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea), considered bioindicators of habitat conservation status, are one of the groups used to assess the impact of habitat management and improvement efforts in the Biological Station of Torretes (Ibi, Alicante, Spain). This area also houses the Botanical Garden of the University of Alicante. The study was focused on the period from autumn 2022 to late spring 2023, and data on butterfly diversity and abundance from the current study were compared with historical data. Our results highlight that open spaces and the availability of trophic resources (nutritional plants) were key factors influencing the richness and abundance of Papilionoidea. The program for the creation and maintenance of new habitats at the biological station has increased spatial heterogeneity and the availability of trophic resources, which has led to a significant increase in the richness and abundance of butterflies in a short period. To support the conservation of Mediterranean ecosystems, and entomofauna in general, the Papilionidae are proposed as model groups for designing conservation projects based on traditional habitat management. These projects should promote spatial heterogeneity, include programs to enrich plant diversity, and be complemented by environmental education and outreach initiatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Conservation of Biodiversity, Monitoring Programs and Trend Assessment)

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13 pages, 1112 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Driving Factors of Formicidae in Small Watersheds of Loess Hilly Regions

by Yu Tian, Fangfang Qiang, Guangquan Liu, Changhai Liu and Ning Ai

Insects 2025, 16(6), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16060630 - 15 Jun 2025

Viewed by 1222

Abstract

This study takes the Jinfoping Small Watershed in the Loess Hilly Region as the research area. Through field investigation and laboratory analysis, combined with methods such as spatial autocorrelation analysis, the ordinary least squares method (OLS), and the geographically weighted regression model (GWR), [...] Read more.

This study takes the Jinfoping Small Watershed in the Loess Hilly Region as the research area. Through field investigation and laboratory analysis, combined with methods such as spatial autocorrelation analysis, the ordinary least squares method (OLS), and the geographically weighted regression model (GWR), it deeply explores the spatial distribution characteristics and driving factors of Formicidae in the study area. The research results are as follows: (1) Spatial autocorrelation analysis indicates that the distribution of Formicidae is significantly regulated by spatial dependence and has significant spatial autocorrelation (global Moran’s I = 0.332; p < 0.01). (2) The spatial visualization analysis of the GWR model reveals that soil physical and chemical properties and topographic factors have local influences on the spatial distribution of Formicidae. Available phosphorus (AP) and slope (SLP) were significantly positively correlated with the number of ants. Hydrogen peroxidase (HP) and topographic relief (TR) were significantly negatively correlated with the number of ants. This study reveals the spatial distribution pattern of Formicidae in the Loess Hilly Region and its complex relationship with environmental factors, and clarifies the importance of considering spatial heterogeneity when analyzing ecosystem processes. The research results provide a scientific basis for the protection and management of soil ecosystems, and also offer new methods and ideas for future related research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Conservation of Biodiversity, Monitoring Programs and Trend Assessment)

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14 pages, 2768 KB

Open AccessArticle

Chemosterilant Potential of Insect Growth Regulators for Management of Bactrocera cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae)

by Iqra Kainat, Shafqat Saeed, Muhammad Asif Farooq, Wafa A. H. Alkherb, Asim Abbasi, Farrukh Baig, Umer Liaqat, Fawad Zafar Ahmad Khan, Muhammad Irfan Akram, Muhammad Hasnain and Nazih Y. Rebouh

Insects 2025, 16(2), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020137 - 31 Jan 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2586

Abstract

The melon fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae, is an important insect pest responsible for significant yield losses in vegetables. Conventional control methods, like pesticide applications, have certain limitations, including environmental contamination. This study evaluated the chemosterilant potential of five new insect growth regulators [...] Read more.

The melon fruit fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae, is an important insect pest responsible for significant yield losses in vegetables. Conventional control methods, like pesticide applications, have certain limitations, including environmental contamination. This study evaluated the chemosterilant potential of five new insect growth regulators (IGRs)—Pyriproxyfen; Novaluron; Lufenuron; Buprofezin; and Flubendiamide—at concentrations ranging from 50 to 300 ppm in a 5 mL diet against B. cucurbitae. Laboratory trials identified Lufenuron as the most effective IGR, which reduced fecundity by 68.4% and adult emergence by 70.97% at a 300 ppm concentration. Other IGRs, Pyriproxyfen; Novaluron; Buprofezin; and Flubendiamide, also significantly reduced fecundity and adult emergence at higher concentrations. Based on laboratory performance, Lufenuron was selected for field trials using six bait traps per 0.4 hectares. The field trials demonstrated a higher number of B. cucurbitae adult captures in Lufenuron-based bait traps compared to the control and reductions in crop damage, with fruit fly damage decreasing by 7.01% in August and 4.25% in September. This study highlights the potential of chemosterilant baited traps as a promising approach for integrated fruit fly management programs in cucurbitaceous vegetables. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Conservation of Biodiversity, Monitoring Programs and Trend Assessment)

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13 pages, 1331 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

An AI-Based Digital Scanner for Varroa destructor Detection in Beekeeping

by Daniela Scutaru, Simone Bergonzoli, Corrado Costa, Simona Violino, Cecilia Costa, Sergio Albertazzi, Vittorio Capano, Marko M. Kostić and Antonio Scarfone

Insects 2025, 16(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16010075 - 14 Jan 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5047

Abstract

Beekeeping is a crucial agricultural practice that significantly enhances environmental health and food production through effective pollination by honey bees. However, honey bees face numerous threats, including exotic parasites, large-scale transportation, and common agricultural practices that may increase the risk of parasite and [...] Read more.

Beekeeping is a crucial agricultural practice that significantly enhances environmental health and food production through effective pollination by honey bees. However, honey bees face numerous threats, including exotic parasites, large-scale transportation, and common agricultural practices that may increase the risk of parasite and pathogen transmission. A major threat is the Varroa destructor mite, which feeds on honey bee fat bodies and transmits viruses, leading to significant colony losses. Detecting the parasite and defining the intervention thresholds for effective treatment is a difficult and time-consuming task; different detection methods exist, but they are mainly based on human eye observations, resulting in low accuracy. This study introduces a digital portable scanner coupled with an AI algorithm (BeeVS) used to detect Varroa mites. The device works through image analysis of a sticky sheet previously placed under the beehive for some days, intercepting the Varroa mites that naturally fall. In this study, the scanner was tested for 17 weeks, receiving sheets from 5 beehives every week, and checking the accuracy, reliability, and speed of the method compared to conventional human visual inspection. The results highlighted the high repeatability of the measurements (R² ≥ 0.998) and the high accuracy of the BeeVS device; when at least 10 mites per sheet were present, the device showed a cumulative percentage error below 1%, compared to approximately 20% for human visual observation. Given its repeatability and reliability, the device can be considered a valid tool for beekeepers and scientists, offering the opportunity to monitor many beehives in a short time, unlike visual counting, which is done on a sample basis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Conservation of Biodiversity, Monitoring Programs and Trend Assessment)

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Review

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27 pages, 1191 KB

Open AccessReview

Eastern North American Monarch Butterfly Conservation Needs and Opportunities: What the Science Tells Us

by Karen S. Oberhauser

Insects 2026, 17(3), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17030235 - 25 Feb 2026

Viewed by 2081

Abstract

Monarch butterfly numbers in North America have been declining since the early 2000s. This review focuses on the causes of this decline in the eastern migratory population, found roughly east of the Rocky Mountains, and ways to achieve population sustainability. Drivers of eastern [...] Read more.

Monarch butterfly numbers in North America have been declining since the early 2000s. This review focuses on the causes of this decline in the eastern migratory population, found roughly east of the Rocky Mountains, and ways to achieve population sustainability. Drivers of eastern North American monarchs’ decline include (1) the loss of breeding habitat, caused mainly by the loss of their milkweed host plants in agricultural fields after adoption of genetically modified, herbicide tolerant corn and soybeans, (2) weather, particularly warmer and drier conditions that could push monarchs farther north and lead to lower numbers, and (3) increasing insecticide use. Making habitat broadly available to monarchs across their migratory cycle will make them more resilient, and better able to survive weather-driven declines, and even small tracts of land can provide needed habitat. Sites that are isolated from other habitat patches contain higher egg, larva, and adult monarch densities. Good monarch habitat should include a diversity of native milkweed species and nectar plants that will thrive in local growing conditions. Monarch egg and larva density increases with increasing milkweed density and monarch survival is higher when larvae are less crowded, so a good general rule is that more milkweed is better. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Conservation of Biodiversity, Monitoring Programs and Trend Assessment)

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18 pages, 1891 KB

Open AccessReview

Reducing Close Encounters with Insect Pests and Vectors: The Past, Present and Future of Insect Repellents

by Luis A. Martinez and Laurence J. Zwiebel

Insects 2026, 17(2), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17020130 - 23 Jan 2026

Viewed by 658

Abstract

Insects acting as agricultural pests or disease vectors represent some of the greatest challenges to global health, food security and economics. Diverse technologies to combat insects of economic and medical importance have been and are continually being developed. These include natural and synthetic [...] Read more.

Insects acting as agricultural pests or disease vectors represent some of the greatest challenges to global health, food security and economics. Diverse technologies to combat insects of economic and medical importance have been and are continually being developed. These include natural and synthetic chemical insecticides and repellents, mass-trapping approaches and, more recently, an increasingly wide range of biological as well as genetic manipulations of insect vectors/pests. The increase in biological resistance and cross-resistance to many insecticides and repellents, the rapid expansion of human populations, as well as escalating climate change have extended or shifted the active periods and habitats of many insect species, creating new hurdles for attempts to defend humans from insects. At the same time, environmental, ecological and socio-political concerns continue to impact the utility of both current interventions as well as newly emerging innovative strategies. The near exponential increase in insect-based threats highlights the importance of basic and translational studies to design and develop novel technologies to combat detrimental insect populations. This review outlines the history of these challenges and describes the evolution of chemical insect control technologies, while highlighting existing and contemporary approaches to develop and deploy chemical repellents to address this threat to human health and agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Conservation of Biodiversity, Monitoring Programs and Trend Assessment)

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22 pages, 1192 KB

Open AccessReview

Harnessing Electrostatic Forces: A Review of Bees as Bioindicators for Particulate Matter Detection

by Simone Meacci, Lorenzo Corsi, Eleonora Santecchia and Sara Ruschioni

Insects 2025, 16(4), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16040373 - 1 Apr 2025

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3667

Abstract

Bees (Hymenoptera, Anthophila) are widely recognized for their essential ecological roles, including pollination and biodiversity maintenance. Recently, their ability to collect environmental particulate matter through electrostatic forces has been explored for biomonitoring purposes. This review integrates knowledge on electrostatic pollen adhesion with emerging [...] Read more.

Bees (Hymenoptera, Anthophila) are widely recognized for their essential ecological roles, including pollination and biodiversity maintenance. Recently, their ability to collect environmental particulate matter through electrostatic forces has been explored for biomonitoring purposes. This review integrates knowledge on electrostatic pollen adhesion with emerging insights into particulate matter adhesion to bees, emphasizing their potential as bioindicators. The mechanisms of electrostatic adhesion, influenced by factors such as the physicochemical properties of particulate matter and bee morphology, are discussed in detail. Additionally, the study evaluates the adhesion efficiency of pollutants, including heavy metals, microplastics, nanoplastics, pathogens, pesticides, radionuclides, and volatile organic compounds. This multidisciplinary approach underscores the role of bees in advancing environmental monitoring methodologies and offers innovative tools for assessing ecosystem health while addressing the drivers of bee decline. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Conservation of Biodiversity, Monitoring Programs and Trend Assessment)

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2 pages, 139 KB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Bonelli et al. Ecological Preferences of Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae (Diptera) in the Region Calabria (Southern Italy). Insects 2025, 16, 886

by Domenico Bonelli, Federica Mendicino, Francesco Carlomagno, Giuseppe Luzzi, Antonino Siclari, Federica Fumo, Erica Di Biase, Michele Mistri, Daniel Whitmore, Cristina Munari, Marco Pezzi and Teresa Bonacci

Insects 2025, 16(10), 1017; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16101017 - 1 Oct 2025

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Daniel Whitmore was not included as an author in the original publication [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Conservation of Biodiversity, Monitoring Programs and Trend Assessment)

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Open AccessBrief Report

Nontarget Catches of Green and Brown Lacewings (Insecta: Neuroptera: Chrysopidae, Hemerobiidae) Collected by Light- and Volatile-Baited Traps in the Transcarpathian Lowland (W Ukraine)

by Kálmán Szanyi, Antal Nagy, Aletta Ősz, Levente Ábrahám, Attila Molnár, Miklós Tóth and Szabolcs Szanyi

Insects 2025, 16(1), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16010074 - 14 Jan 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1888

Abstract

Distribution data on the lacewing fauna of the data-deficient Transcarpathian Lowland (West Ukraine) were provided. The attractivity of phenylacetaldehyde-(FLO) and isoamyl alcohol-based (SBL) lures designed for trapping lepidopteran pests to lacewings was also studied and compared to the efficiency of light traps traditionally [...] Read more.

Distribution data on the lacewing fauna of the data-deficient Transcarpathian Lowland (West Ukraine) were provided. The attractivity of phenylacetaldehyde-(FLO) and isoamyl alcohol-based (SBL) lures designed for trapping lepidopteran pests to lacewings was also studied and compared to the efficiency of light traps traditionally used in studies on neuropterans. In the three-year study, 374 individuals of 10 species were caught. Although the light trap was the most efficient method, the efficiency of the tested lures could also be proved. Regarding abundances, FLO was significantly more efficient than the SBL lure. The lures could supplement the checklist of the fauna with two species and attracted an especially high number of Chrysoperla species. In the case of parallel use with light traps, they serve as an efficient standardised combined method for trapping lacewings, both in faunistic studies and plant protection applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Conservation of Biodiversity, Monitoring Programs and Trend Assessment)

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