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20 pages, 2742 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Expansion of Dirofilaria repens in the Irtysh Basin of Western Siberia Is Associated with Nine Species of Aedes Mosquitoes

by Vladimir A. Burlak, Tatyana A. Khlyzova, Valentina S. Fedorova, Yuliya V. Andreeva, Svetlana S. Alekseeva, Dmitry A. Karagodin, Igor V. Sharakhov, Maria V. Sharakhova and Gleb N. Artemov

Insects 2026, 17(4), 398; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17040398 - 7 Apr 2026

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Abstract

The northward expansion of Dirofilaria spp. is a current medical and veterinary concern. However, it is unclear how far north the parasite has spread in Western Siberia and what species of mosquito can carry and transmit it. This study examined Dirofilaria spp. infection [...] Read more.

The northward expansion of Dirofilaria spp. is a current medical and veterinary concern. However, it is unclear how far north the parasite has spread in Western Siberia and what species of mosquito can carry and transmit it. This study examined Dirofilaria spp. infection in Aedes mosquitoes in the taiga zone of the Irtysh Basin. The mosquito species were identified based on morphology, and Dirofilaria spp. were identified using PCR. Of the 13 habitats surveyed, 24 of 2205 mosquito samples were infected with D. repens and 1 with Dirofilaria sp. The highest infection rate (~7.6) was recorded in Tobolsk, Tyumen region, at 58.4° N. Mosquito infection was recorded as far north as 61° N in Khanty-Mansiysk. The presence of the infective L3 stage of the parasite was recorded up to 60° N in Bobrovsky. Nine species of mosquitoes were found to be infected with D. repens: Aedes rossicus, Aedes behningi, Aedes cantans, Aedes communis, Aedes cyprius, Aedes euedes, Aedes excrucians, Aedes flavescens, and Aedes sticticus. Two of these species, Ae. behningi and Ae. communis, were competent vectors of the parasite. Thus, D. repens has successfully adapted to the Aedes mosquito in the taiga zone of Siberia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance and Management of Invasive Insects)

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17 pages, 2327 KB

Open AccessArticle

Validamycin Inhibits the Reproductive Capacity of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) by Suppressing the Activity of Trehalase

by Fan Zhong, Sijing Wan, Shangrong Hu, Yuxin Ge, Ye Han, Xinyu Zhang, Min Zhou, Yan Li and Bin Tang

Insects 2026, 17(1), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17010105 - 16 Jan 2026

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Abstract

Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797), an omnivorous crop pest worldwide, reproduces prolifically. Validamycin, a competitive natural inhibitor of trehalase, is regarded as an effective and safe insecticide. Pupae were injected with a validamycin gradient (0.5–10 µg/µL) to block trehalase; enzyme activity and [...] Read more.

Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797), an omnivorous crop pest worldwide, reproduces prolifically. Validamycin, a competitive natural inhibitor of trehalase, is regarded as an effective and safe insecticide. Pupae were injected with a validamycin gradient (0.5–10 µg/µL) to block trehalase; enzyme activity and the Vitellogenin gene (Vg)/its receptor gene (VgR) expression (rpL10 reference) were subsequently quantified to determine the compound’s impact on S. frugiperda ontogeny and fecundity. Validamycin directly inhibited pupal membrane-bound trehalase, sharply lowering glycogen. Both pupal and adult mortality rose with dose, yielding marked abnormalities versus the Control Check (CK) group. At 0.5 μg/μL validamycin, eggs blackened and clumped in the lateral oviduct, blocking release; treated females produced far fewer eggs by day 4, exhibited ovarian atrophy, shorter lifespan, and low hatchability. The expression levels of Vg and VgR in the ovaries of the fall armyworm were consistent with the changes in the ovarian developmental phenotype. Validamycin significantly inhibited the activity of trehalase in S. frugiperda, severely hindering their normal eclosion and lowering the potential reproductive capacity of S. frugiperda. Simultaneously, it directly affects ovarian development and the lifespan of female moths. The results provide data to support the development of new methods for controlling S. frugiperda. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance and Management of Invasive Insects)

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7 pages, 770 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Evaluating Real-Time PCR to Quantify Drosophila suzukii Infestation of Fruit Crops

by Matthew G. Gullickson, Vincenzo Averello IV, Mary A. Rogers, William D. Hutchison and Adrian Hegeman

Insects 2026, 17(1), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17010102 - 16 Jan 2026

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Abstract

Common methods for detecting Drosophila suzukii (spotted-wing drosophila, SWD) in fruit, such as microscopy, physical extraction, and incubation, are time-consuming and may underrepresent egg and first instar larvae counts, the smallest life stages of SWD. To address these limitations, we evaluated a quantitative [...] Read more.

Common methods for detecting Drosophila suzukii (spotted-wing drosophila, SWD) in fruit, such as microscopy, physical extraction, and incubation, are time-consuming and may underrepresent egg and first instar larvae counts, the smallest life stages of SWD. To address these limitations, we evaluated a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) protocol to detect and quantify SWD eggs using a linear model of the log-transformed ratio of eggs to sample volume (µL) in Tris buffer and fruit tissue. Compared to traditional approaches, this method reduces identification time from several weeks to approximately five hours. We observed a negative linear correlation between qPCR cycle threshold and egg concentration in both standard and fruit tissue samples, with similar model fits (R² = 0.7215 for field fruit tissue; R² = 0.874 for standard samples). This DNA-based protocol improves infestation detection speed and accuracy by enabling rapid, species-specific identification of D. suzukii in fruit tissue, addressing limitations of morphological identification of eggs and larvae. Further refinement for fruit tissue could enhance real-world applicability. Rapid detection may enable timely assessment of varietal resistance to SWD and support safer control strategies targeting early life stages, helping to prevent pest development and fruit degradation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance and Management of Invasive Insects)

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13 pages, 2834 KB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Population Genomics of the Invasive Whitefly Bemisia tabaci MED in China: Implications for Surveillance and Sustainable Control

by Kun Yang, Hongran Li, Dong Guo, Zuowen Sun, Fujun Li and Dong Chu

Insects 2025, 16(9), 975; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090975 - 17 Sep 2025

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Abstract

Bemisia tabaci MED is one of the most invasive and destructive agricultural pests worldwide, posing a serious threat to crop production and biosecurity. Understanding its spatiotemporal population dynamics and genetic structure is critical for early detection, effective surveillance, and sustainable management. Previous studies [...] Read more.

Bemisia tabaci MED is one of the most invasive and destructive agricultural pests worldwide, posing a serious threat to crop production and biosecurity. Understanding its spatiotemporal population dynamics and genetic structure is critical for early detection, effective surveillance, and sustainable management. Previous studies have shown that B. tabaci MED in China has a high genetic structure and an unstable genetic composition. The annual genetic dynamics of the B. tabaci MED population have not been investigated throughout the outbreak phase that began in 2008. Here, we report the use of 2b-RAD sequencing to estimate the spatial and temporal genetic structure of B. tabaci MED in Shandong Province over several years. We examined 198 individuals from five sites over four years (2008, 2013, 2015, and 2017). Although populations showed generally low within-population diversity (Shannon I ≤ 0.407) and a high gene flow, clear temporal differentiation emerged between the early invasion phase (2008) and later outbreak years (2013–2017). Furthermore, specific populations, notably 2017 Liaocheng and Zaozhuang, retained distinct genetic signatures compared with other regions, suggesting localized founder effects or adaptation. Our study underscores the importance of integrating high-resolution genomic tools into invasive pest surveillance programs, and understanding this heterogeneity is critical for targeted surveillance, quarantine prioritization, and sustainable management strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance and Management of Invasive Insects)

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13 pages, 1885 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Silent Conquest of Aedes albopictus in Navarre: Unraveling the Unstoppable Advance of the Tiger Mosquito Invasion in Progress

by Miguel Ángel González-Moreno, Estrella Miqueleiz-Autor, Itsaso Oroz-Santamaría, Miguel Domench-Guembe and Irati Poveda-Urkixo

Insects 2025, 16(8), 852; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16080852 - 17 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Background: Aedes albopictus, the tiger mosquito, is an invasive exotic species native to Southeast Asia, currently established in Europe, including Spain and the region of Navarre. This vector poses an emerging public health threat due to its ability to transmit dengue, Zika, [...] Read more.

Background: Aedes albopictus, the tiger mosquito, is an invasive exotic species native to Southeast Asia, currently established in Europe, including Spain and the region of Navarre. This vector poses an emerging public health threat due to its ability to transmit dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses, which cause diseases in humans. This study presents novel findings by documenting the progression of the invasion of Aedes albopictus in the Navarre region in northern Spain, tracing its status from initial absence to its definitive establishment in certain areas. Methods: Surveillance in Navarre within the LIFE-IP NAdapta-CC project was conducted through a network of strategically placed ovitraps and adult traps to collect eggs and adult mosquitoes. Awareness campaigns and outreach events were organized to inform local authorities and the public about monitoring results and preventive measures. Results: Monitoring confirms Aedes albopictus’ expansion across Navarre despite training, information dissemination, and control efforts, including entomological containment in targeted areas. Conclusions: Eliminating breeding sites remains the most effective strategy to limit its spread. Complete eradication is unlikely given its invasive nature, and the species is expected to expand and colonize at least part of the region in the coming years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance and Management of Invasive Insects)

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13 pages, 523 KB

Open AccessArticle

Underground Inter-Nest Tunnels of Red Imported Fire Ants, Solenopsis invicta: Physical Features and Associations with Colony and Environmental Factors

by Meihong Ni, Juli Lu, Xinyi Yang, Yiran Zheng, Yuan Wang and Mingxing Jiang

Insects 2025, 16(8), 835; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16080835 - 13 Aug 2025

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Abstract

While foraging tunnels of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, have been well studied, much less is known about the tunnels constructed between neighboring nests, despite their perceived importance in intra-colony exchange and collaboration. In this study, we investigated such tunnels [...] Read more.

While foraging tunnels of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, have been well studied, much less is known about the tunnels constructed between neighboring nests, despite their perceived importance in intra-colony exchange and collaboration. In this study, we investigated such tunnels by excavating 80 pairs of nests (with distances of <1 m between nests) located in different types of habitats. For each pair of nests, we recorded the number of inter-nest tunnels and observed their shape, diameter, subsurface depth, and ant presence within them. Moreover, we analyzed the relationships between the probability of constructing inter-nest tunnels and several nest/habitat characteristics, including distance between nests, colony social form, nest size, soil type, and vegetation cover, as well as the relationships between tunnel numbers and these factors. The results show that the number of inter-nest tunnels ranges from one to 11. These tunnels open to the two nests at terminals, are elliptical in cross-section, <1.5 cm in diameter, and mostly at 1–3 cm (range 1–12 cm) subsurface depth. Among the 36 pairs of nests possessing tunnels, 31 pairs (86.1%) had worker or alate ants within their tunnels. Polygynous colonies are more likely (52.4%) to construct inter-nest tunnels than monogynous colonies (17.6%). Nest pairs that have a small nest, located in habitats with higher vegetation cover and loamy or sandy loam soil, tend to have inter-nest tunnels. We also showed that the capacity of constructing inter-nest tunnels falls in the regime similar to foraging tunnels. As nests were treated with chemicals, 33 nests were relocated and 47 new nests resulted within 2 weeks, but no definite tunnels were constructed between original nests and corresponding new nests. Our results highlight the significance of including such tunnels when analyzing intra-colony exchange, collaboration, and adaptive strategies in S. invicta. Uses of tunnels by fire ants during nest relocation, and the requirement of destroying them during control program implementation, were discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance and Management of Invasive Insects)

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24 pages, 5748 KB

Open AccessArticle

YOLO-PTHD: A UAV-Based Deep Learning Model for Detecting Visible Phenotypic Signs of Pine Decline Induced by the Invasive Woodwasp Sirex noctilio (Hymenoptera, Siricidae)

by Wenshuo Yang, Jiaqiang Zhao, Dexu Zhu, Zhengtong Wang, Min Song, Tao Chen, Te Liang and Juan Shi

Insects 2025, 16(8), 829; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16080829 - 9 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1460

Abstract

Sirex noctilio is an invasive pest that contributes to pine tree decline, leading to visual symptoms such as needle discoloration, crown thinning, and eventual tree death. Detecting these visible phenotypic signs from drone imagery is challenging due to elongated or irregular crown shapes, [...] Read more.

Sirex noctilio is an invasive pest that contributes to pine tree decline, leading to visual symptoms such as needle discoloration, crown thinning, and eventual tree death. Detecting these visible phenotypic signs from drone imagery is challenging due to elongated or irregular crown shapes, weak color differences, and occlusion within dense forests. This study introduces YOLO-PTHD, a lightweight deep learning model designed for detecting visible signs of pine decline in UAV images. The model integrates three customized components: Strip-based convolution to capture elongated tree structures, Channel-Aware Attention to enhance weak visual cues, and a scale-sensitive dynamic loss function to improve detection of minority classes and small targets. A UAV-based dataset, the Sirex Woodwasp dataset, was constructed with annotated images of weakened, and dead pine trees. YOLO-PTHD achieved an mAP of 0.923 and an F1-score of 0.866 on this dataset. To evaluate the model’s generalization capability, it was further tested on the Real Pine Wilt Disease dataset from South Korea. Despite differences in tree symptoms and imaging conditions, the model maintained strong performance, demonstrating its robustness across different forest health scenarios. Field investigations targeting Sirex woodwasp in outbreak areas confirmed that the model could reliably detect damaged trees in real-world forest environments. This work demonstrates the potential of UAV-based visual analysis for large-scale phenotypic surveillance of pine health in forest management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance and Management of Invasive Insects)

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29 pages, 5503 KB

Open AccessArticle

Feature Selection Framework for Improved UAV-Based Detection of Solenopsis invicta Mounds in Agricultural Landscapes

by Chun-Han Shih, Cheng-En Song, Su-Fen Wang and Chung-Chi Lin

Insects 2025, 16(8), 793; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16080793 - 31 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1351

Abstract

The red imported fire ant (RIFA; Solenopsis invicta) is an invasive species that severely threatens ecology, agriculture, and public health in Taiwan. In this study, the feasibility of applying multispectral imagery captured by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to detect red fire ant [...] Read more.

The red imported fire ant (RIFA; Solenopsis invicta) is an invasive species that severely threatens ecology, agriculture, and public health in Taiwan. In this study, the feasibility of applying multispectral imagery captured by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to detect red fire ant mounds was evaluated in Fenlin Township, Hualien, Taiwan. A DJI Phantom 4 multispectral drone collected reflectance in five bands (blue, green, red, red-edge, and near-infrared), derived indices (normalized difference vegetation index, NDVI, soil-adjusted vegetation index, SAVI, and photochemical pigment reflectance index, PPR), and textural features. According to analysis of variance F-scores and random forest recursive feature elimination, vegetation indices and spectral features (e.g., NDVI, NIR, SAVI, and PPR) were the most significant predictors of ecological characteristics such as vegetation density and soil visibility. Texture features exhibited moderate importance and the potential to capture intricate spatial patterns in nonlinear models. Despite limitations in the analytics, including trade-offs related to flight height and environmental variability, the study findings suggest that UAVs are an inexpensive, high-precision means of obtaining multispectral data for RIFA monitoring. These findings can be used to develop efficient mass-detection protocols for integrated pest control, with broader implications for invasive species monitoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance and Management of Invasive Insects)

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12 pages, 1398 KB

Open AccessArticle

Flight Phenology of Spodoptera eridania (Stoll, 1781) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Its Native Range: A Baseline for Managing an Emerging Invasive Pest

by Claudia Alzate, Eduardo Soares Calixto and Silvana V. Paula-Moraes

Insects 2025, 16(8), 779; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16080779 - 29 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1387

Abstract

Spodoptera eridania (Stoll, 1781) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important pest with a broad host range and growing relevance due to its high dispersal capacity, recent invasions into Africa and Asia, and documented resistance to biological insecticides. Here, we assessed S. eridania flight phenology [...] Read more.

Spodoptera eridania (Stoll, 1781) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important pest with a broad host range and growing relevance due to its high dispersal capacity, recent invasions into Africa and Asia, and documented resistance to biological insecticides. Here, we assessed S. eridania flight phenology and seasonal dynamics in the Florida Panhandle, using pheromone trapping data to evaluate population trends and environmental drivers. Moths were collected year-round, showing consistent patterns across six consecutive years, including two distinct annual flight peaks: an early crop season flight around March, and a more prominent flight peak during September–October. Moth abundance followed a negative quadratic relationship with temperature, with peak activity occurring between 15 °C and 26 °C. No significant relationship was found with precipitation or wind. These results underscore the strong influence of abiotic factors, particularly temperature, on seasonal abundance patterns of this species. Our findings offer key insights by identifying predictable periods of high pest pressure and the environmental conditions that drive population increases. Understanding the flight phenology and behavior of this species provides an ultimate contribution to the development of effective IPM and insect resistance management (IRM) programs, promoting the development of forecasting tools for more effective, timely pest management interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance and Management of Invasive Insects)

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20 pages, 1220 KB

Open AccessArticle

Color and Attractant Preferences of the Black Fig Fly, Silba adipata: Implications for Monitoring and Mass Trapping of This Invasive Pest

by Ricardo Díaz-del-Castillo, Guadalupe Córdova-García, Diana Pérez-Staples, Andrea Birke, Trevor Williams and Rodrigo Lasa

Insects 2025, 16(7), 732; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16070732 - 17 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1711

Abstract

The black fig fly, Silba adipata (Diptera: Lonchaeidae), is an invasive pest recently introduced to Mexico, where it has rapidly spread across fig-producing regions. Despite its economic importance, effective monitoring strategies remain poorly studied. The present study evaluated the response of S. adipata [...] Read more.

The black fig fly, Silba adipata (Diptera: Lonchaeidae), is an invasive pest recently introduced to Mexico, where it has rapidly spread across fig-producing regions. Despite its economic importance, effective monitoring strategies remain poorly studied. The present study evaluated the response of S. adipata adults to visual (color) and olfactory (attractant) cues under laboratory and field conditions in fig orchards. No significant color preferences were observed in laboratory choice tests using nine colors or in field trials using traps of four different colors. In the laboratory, traps containing 2% ammonium sulfate solution, torula yeast + borax, or Captor + borax, captured similar numbers of flies, whereas CeraTrap^® was less attractive. Traps containing 2% ammonium sulfate were more effective than 2% ammonium acetate, though attraction was comparable when ammonium acetate was diluted to 0.2% or 0.02%. In the field, torula yeast + borax and 2% ammonium sulfate mixed with fig latex outperformed the 2% ammonium sulfate solution alone, although seasonal variation influenced trap performance. A high proportion of field-captured females were sexually immature. Torula yeast + borax attracted high numbers of non-target insects and other lonchaeid species, which reduced its specificity. In contrast, traps containing fig latex mixtures showed higher selectivity, although some S. adipata adults could not be sexed due to specimen degradation. These findings highlight the value of torula yeast pellets and 2% ammonium sulfate plus fig latex for monitoring this pest, but merit validation in field studies performed over the entire crop cycle across both wet and dry seasons. Future studies should evaluate other proteins, ammonium salt combinations and fig latex volatiles in order to develop effective and selective monitoring or mass trapping tools targeted at this invasive pest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance and Management of Invasive Insects)

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13 pages, 1285 KB

Open AccessArticle

Symbiont-Targeted Control of Halyomorpha halys Does Not Affect Local Insect Diversity in a Hazelnut Orchard

by Sofia Victoria Prieto, Matteo Dho, Bianca Orrù, Elena Gonella and Alberto Alma

Insects 2025, 16(7), 688; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16070688 - 30 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1670

Abstract

Harmless crop-associated insect communities are a fundamental part of the agroecosystem. Their potential as a reservoir of natural enemies of pests has encouraged their conservation through the development of low-impact pest management programs. The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, represents a serious [...] Read more.

Harmless crop-associated insect communities are a fundamental part of the agroecosystem. Their potential as a reservoir of natural enemies of pests has encouraged their conservation through the development of low-impact pest management programs. The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, represents a serious threat to Italian hazelnut production. Laboratory and field experiments confirmed the susceptibility of this pest to the disruption of the obligated symbiotic interaction with gut bacteria, paving the way for the development of the symbiont-targeted control strategy. Here we present the results of a three-year field assessment of symbiont-targeted control in a hazelnut orchard in northwestern Italy. The use of a biocomplex to disrupt symbiont acquisition by H. halys nymphs was compared to the use of lambda-cyhalothrin insecticide. The effects on the local entomofauna were assessed, as were the trend of H. halys population and the damage caused by stink bugs to harvested hazelnuts. The insecticide consistently reduced the insect diversity in the field, while the anti-symbiont biocomplex had no effect. However, the control of the H. halys population and the stink bug-induced damage to hazelnuts varied over the years in the field plot submitted to the symbiont-targeted approach. Our results indicate that the symbiont-targeted control does not interfere with local insect communities. Key aspects for improving the effectiveness of this tactic are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance and Management of Invasive Insects)

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20 pages, 4048 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multigeneration Sublethal Chlorantraniliprole Treatment Disrupts Nutritional Metabolism and Inhibits Growth, Development, and Reproduction of Phthorimaea absoluta

by Lun Li, Zunzun Jia, Kaiyun Fu, Xinhua Ding, Weihua Jiang, Xiaowu Wang, Tursun. Ahmat, Jiahe Wu, Yutong Wen, Xiaoqin Ye, Wenchao Guo and Hongying Hu

Insects 2025, 16(5), 524; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16050524 - 15 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1687

Abstract

Phthorimaea absoluta, an important pest of tomato crops, has reportedly developed high levels of resistance to the insecticide chlorantraniliprole, which has a unique mode of action and high efficacy. This study evaluated the sustained multigenerational effects of chlorantraniliprole on P. absoluta, [...] Read more.

Phthorimaea absoluta, an important pest of tomato crops, has reportedly developed high levels of resistance to the insecticide chlorantraniliprole, which has a unique mode of action and high efficacy. This study evaluated the sustained multigenerational effects of chlorantraniliprole on P. absoluta, focusing on resistance development, growth, development, reproductive capacity, population parameters, and nutritional indicators. After continuous selection with sublethal chlorantraniliprole for eight generations (CX-Sub₈), bioassays showed that CX-Sub₈ had 225.37-fold higher resistance than the susceptible strain. The age-stage, two-sex life table analysis revealed that the preadult development time and mean generation time were significantly prolonged, while population reproduction and pupal weight were reduced. Moreover, the relative fitness of CX-Sub₈ was 0.62, and changes in the life table parameters correlated with an increase in the serial number of selection cycles. The second-instar larvae of CX-Sub₈ presented lower triglyceride, glycerol, trehalose, free fatty acid, and protein contents than the unselected strain (CX-S₈). Transcriptome analysis identified 2517 differentially expressed genes, with most being enriched in nutrient metabolism-related pathways, such as amino acid biosynthesis and fatty acid degradation metabolism. These results indicate that multigenerational sublethal chlorantraniliprole treatment disrupts the nutritional metabolism, and inhibits the growth, development, and reproduction of P. absoluta. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance and Management of Invasive Insects)

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16 pages, 3100 KB

Open AccessArticle

Transboundary Dispersal Dynamics of Ceracris kiangsu: From Source Regions to Migration Corridors

by Yangyang Li, Ting Du, Jun Yao, Yunsen Chen, Lei Shi and Sangzi Ze

Insects 2025, 16(4), 400; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16040400 - 11 Apr 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1065

Abstract

Yunnan is located on the southwest border of China, with a complex geographical environment and rich biodiversity, which is the first stop for many migratory pests to enter China. In recent years, Ceracris kiangsu has migrated into China through the China–Laos border line. [...] Read more.

Yunnan is located on the southwest border of China, with a complex geographical environment and rich biodiversity, which is the first stop for many migratory pests to enter China. In recent years, Ceracris kiangsu has migrated into China through the China–Laos border line. The migratory C. kiangsu has shown typical characteristics of migratory locusts, which has seriously jeopardized the ecological security, biosecurity and food security of China. In order to prevent and control C. kiangsu from the source as soon as possible, this study used hotspot analysis and trajectory analysis to clarify the migration dynamics, source regions and migration corridors of C. kiangsu. The results showed that the migratory C. kiangsu was mainly distributed in the towns of Jiangcheng County, and the source regions were concentrated in Phongsaly, Laos. There are three cross-border migration corridors of C. kiangsu, among which the Laos–Niuluohe border migration corridor running through the entire migration cycle is the most important corridor. The study answered three key questions about the prevention and control of C. kiangsu. Ascertaining when C. kiangsu arrived at Yunnan, where it came from, and where the population then went will greatly improve the efficiency of the prevention and control of C. kiangsu as well as provide a theoretical basis for subsequent monitoring and early warning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance and Management of Invasive Insects)

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Open AccessReview

Pheromone-Mediated Social Organization and Pest Management of the Red Imported Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta: A Review

by Mengbo Guo, Nazakat Osman, Shunhai Yu, Junyan Liu, Yiping Wang and Jianyu Deng

Insects 2026, 17(2), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17020150 - 28 Jan 2026

Viewed by 977

Abstract

Pheromone-mediated chemical communication plays a central role in shaping the social organization and ecological success of S. invicta, a globally invasive eusocial insect characterized by a highly developed semiochemical signaling system. This review summarizes recent advances in the chemical ecology of S. [...] Read more.

Pheromone-mediated chemical communication plays a central role in shaping the social organization and ecological success of S. invicta, a globally invasive eusocial insect characterized by a highly developed semiochemical signaling system. This review summarizes recent advances in the chemical ecology of S. invicta, with emphasis on the putative ecological roles of major pheromone classes, current understanding of the molecular and neurobiological basis of pheromone perception and signal processing, and the associations between chemical cues and colony-level social behavior dynamics. Furthermore, we evaluate progress in pheromone-based management approaches, including pheromone-enhanced baits and trail disruption techniques, highlighting both their potential to improve the specificity and efficacy of fire ant management and the current practical limitations for large-scale field applications. Finally, current significant knowledge gaps and challenges are discussed, particularly the partial characterization of pheromone identity, the ambiguous and biological significance of chemical cues, and challenges in applying laboratory research in pest management under field conditions. By linking chemical ecology, neurobiology, and invasion biology to pest management, this review outlines priority directions for future research and provides a theoretical foundation for developing more sustainable, targeted pest control approaches for fire ant management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance and Management of Invasive Insects)

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14 pages, 1352 KB

Open AccessReview

The Baluchistan Melon Fly, Myiopardalis pardalina Bigot: Biology, Ecology, and Management Strategies

by Junyan Liu, Yidie Xu, Mengbo Guo, Kaiyun Fu, Xinhua Ding, Sijia Yu, Xinyi Gu, Wenchao Guo and Jianyu Deng

Insects 2025, 16(5), 514; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16050514 - 11 May 2025

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Abstract

The Baluchistan melon fly (Myiopardalis pardalina) is a highly invasive tephritid pest. It poses a critical threat to global cucurbit production, with crop losses exceeding 90% during outbreaks. This review synthesises current research on the pest’s biology, ecology, and management, focusing [...] Read more.

The Baluchistan melon fly (Myiopardalis pardalina) is a highly invasive tephritid pest. It poses a critical threat to global cucurbit production, with crop losses exceeding 90% during outbreaks. This review synthesises current research on the pest’s biology, ecology, and management, focusing on its severe economic repercussions for key crops—including melon, watermelon, and cucumber—across Africa, Asia, and Europe. M. pardalina has a four-stage life cycle (egg, larva, pupa, and adult) and distinct morphological adaptations. The species’ geographic range continues to expand, driven by global trade networks and its adaptability to shifting climatic conditions. Infestations by this pest severely reduce fruit yields, undermining food security and destabilising rural economies reliant on cucurbit cultivation. We evaluate diverse control strategies, including monitoring and quarantine methods, cultural practices, physical controls, chemical management, biological agents, and emerging genetic tools. This review emphasises the urgency of adopting integrated pest management (IPM) to strategically balance efficacy, ecological sustainability, and operational scalability. By consolidating fragmented knowledge and identifying critical research gaps, this work provides a framework for mitigating M. pardalina’s impacts, offering actionable insights to safeguard agricultural productivity and enhance resilience in vulnerable regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surveillance and Management of Invasive Insects)

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