Insects

22 pages, 4562 KB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptation to Hot and Humid Climates in the Silkworm: Energy Reallocation and Cuticle Transpiration

by Jiajun Zhuo, Yuli Zhang, Xing Gao, Cailin Liang, Guizheng Zhang, Lihui Bi, Wei Wei, Shoumin Fang, Xiaoling Tong, Fangyin Dai, Cheng Lu and Quanyou Yu

Insects 2025, 16(9), 962; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090962 - 12 Sep 2025

Abstract

The silkworm (Bombyx mori) is rich in germplasm resources, including thermotolerant strains that live in tropical/subtropical humid climates. In this study, two thermotolerant strains and one sensitive strain were used as materials, with the former exhibiting higher critical thermal maximum (CTmax) [...] Read more.

The silkworm (Bombyx mori) is rich in germplasm resources, including thermotolerant strains that live in tropical/subtropical humid climates. In this study, two thermotolerant strains and one sensitive strain were used as materials, with the former exhibiting higher critical thermal maximum (CTmax) values. Under different temperature and humidity stresses, physiological and transcriptomic responses of the fifth instar larvae were compared. It was confirmed that high humidity exacerbates harmful effects only under high temperature conditions. Based on transcriptome and co-expression network analysis, 88 evolved thermoplastic genes (Evo_TPGs) and 1338 evolved non-plastic genes (Evo_non-PGs) were identified, which exhibited specific responses or expressions in the two thermotolerant strains. Eighteen of the Evo_TPGs encode cuticular proteins, 17 of which were specifically downregulated in the two thermotolerant strains after short-term exposure to 35 °C. This may promote cuticular transpiration to dissipate internal heat, thus compensating for the suppression of tracheal ventilation in hot and humid climates. For the Evo_non-PGs, most of the metabolic genes showed lower expression at background levels in the thermotolerant strains, while oxidative stress genes showed the opposite trend, suggesting that silkworms can enhance heat tolerance by suppressing metabolic rates and allocating more resources to overcome heat-induced oxidative damage. Furthermore, the heat resistance-related genes showed higher single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between resistant and sensitive strains compared to randomly selected genes, suggesting that they may have been subjected to natural selection. Through long-term adaptive evolution, thermotolerant silkworms may reduce their internal temperature by dynamically regulating cuticle respiration in response to high temperature and humidity, while allocating more energy to cope with and repair heat-induced damage. Overall, these findings provide insights into the evolution of heat-resistant adaptations to climate change in insects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Molecular Biology and Genomics)

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14 pages, 3924 KB

Open AccessArticle

Morphology and Olfactory Recognition of Leg Sensilla in Honeybee Workers of Apis cerana cerana

by Huiman Zhang, Lele Sun, Peng Wang, Jiaoxin Xie and Yuan Guo

Insects 2025, 16(9), 961; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090961 - 12 Sep 2025

Abstract

Apis cerana cerana is a key social insect, and its ability to recognize chemical signals is crucial for maintaining colony homeostasis and coordinating collective behaviors, such as foraging, nursing, and defense. The legs of insects play a significant role in gustatory perception and [...] Read more.

Apis cerana cerana is a key social insect, and its ability to recognize chemical signals is crucial for maintaining colony homeostasis and coordinating collective behaviors, such as foraging, nursing, and defense. The legs of insects play a significant role in gustatory perception and proximity olfactory perception. In this study, the leg sensilla of A. c. cerana were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Two types of sensilla were observed, including sensilla trichodea (Str I, Str II, Str III, Str IV, Str V, and Str VI) and sensilla chaetica (Sch I, Sch II, and Sch III). The two unique structures of the tibial spur (Tsp I, Tsp II) and antennal brush (Abr) are carefully observed. The electrophysiological responses of workers at different ages to diverse chemical compounds were measured via electrolegogram (ELG) recordings on their legs. The results showed that 1-day-old A. c. cerana was more sensitive to nonanal; 10-day-old and 25-day-old A. c. cerana were more sensitive to ocimene. The results of behavioral responses showed that nonanal and ocimene can significantly attract 10-day-old workers of A. c. cerana. This study establishes a foundation for further exploration of the mechanisms by which the legs of A. c. cerana facilitate colony-level communication through chemical signals. It also provides an important theoretical basis for understanding their social organization and information transmission. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Insects and Apiculture)

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14 pages, 1005 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Cricket Farming Efficiency: Comparative Analysis of Temperature Effects on Three Edible Malagasy Species

by Valéry Riantsoa, Henlay J. O. Magara, Sylvain Hugel and Brian L. Fisher

Insects 2025, 16(9), 960; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090960 - 12 Sep 2025

Abstract

As demand for sustainable protein intensifies, edible crickets offer a promising solution to food insecurity and environmental strain, particularly in regions like Madagascar. This study investigated the effects of two rearing temperatures (28 °C and 30 °C) on life-history traits of three edible [...] Read more.

As demand for sustainable protein intensifies, edible crickets offer a promising solution to food insecurity and environmental strain, particularly in regions like Madagascar. This study investigated the effects of two rearing temperatures (28 °C and 30 °C) on life-history traits of three edible cricket species—Gryllus bimaculatus, Gryllodes sigillatus, and Teleogryllus lemur—under controlled laboratory conditions. Growth, survival, development time, and biomass yield were quantified for each species (n = 150 per temperature treatment) and analyzed using t-tests, chi-squared tests, and ANOVA. Results revealed distinct species-specific thermal responses. G. bimaculatus exhibited accelerated development and higher biomass at 30 °C without significant survival loss. G. sigillatus maintained high survival but developed more slowly at 30 °C, suggesting thermal sensitivity. In contrast, T. lemur demonstrated substantial growth gains at 30 °C but suffered a 50% reduction in survival, indicating heat intolerance. Development time and biomass yield varied significantly across species and temperature treatments (p < 0.0001). These findings highlight critical trade-offs between growth efficiency and survival in insect farming systems. G. bimaculatus emerges as a strong candidate for high-yield, thermally resilient farming, while T. lemur requires cooler rearing environments. This work informs species selection and environmental optimization for scalable, climate-adaptive cricket farming in tropical regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Physiology, Reproduction and Development)

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26 pages, 4009 KB

Open AccessArticle

Lightweight Pest Object Detection Model for Complex Economic Forest Tree Scenarios

by Xiaohui Cheng, Xukun Wang, Yanping Kang, Yun Deng, Qiu Lu, Jian Tang, Yuanyuan Shi and Junyu Zhao

Insects 2025, 16(9), 959; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090959 - 12 Sep 2025

Abstract

Pest control in economic forests is a crucial aspect of sustainable forest resource management, yet it faces bottlenecks such as low efficiency and high miss rates for small objects. Based on the RT-DETR model, this paper proposes LightFAD-DETR, a lightweight architecture integrated with [...] Read more.

Pest control in economic forests is a crucial aspect of sustainable forest resource management, yet it faces bottlenecks such as low efficiency and high miss rates for small objects. Based on the RT-DETR model, this paper proposes LightFAD-DETR, a lightweight architecture integrated with feature aggregation diffusion, designed for complex economic forest scenarios. Firstly, by employing the YOLOv9 lightweight backbone network to compress the computational base load, we introduce the RepNCSPELAN4-CAA module, which integrates re-parameterization techniques and one-dimensional strip convolution. This enhances the model’s ability for cross-regional modeling of slender insect morphologies. Secondly, a feature aggregation diffusion network is designed, incorporating a dimension-aware selective integration mechanism. This dynamically fuses shallow detail features with deep semantic features, effectively mitigating information loss for small objects occluded by foliage. Finally, a re-parameterized batch normalization technique is introduced to reconstruct the AIFI module. Combined with a progressive training strategy, this eliminates redundant parameters, thereby enhancing inference efficiency on edge devices. Experimental validation demonstrates that compared to the baseline RT-DETR model, LightFAD-DETR achieves a 1.4% improvement in

{m A P}_{0.5 : 0.95}

, while reducing parameters by 41.7% and computational load by 35.0%. With an inference speed reaching 106.3 FPS, the method achieves balanced improvements in both accuracy and lightweight design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Insect Pests Management: Securing Food Security, Human Health, and Natural Resources)

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10 pages, 1252 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Genetic Diversity of the Asian Spongy Moth, Lymantria dispar asiatica Vnukovskii (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), in Korea Based on Mitochondrial COI Analysis

by Jongmin Bae, Hye-Min Byun, Subin Choi, Geunho Jang, Minjoon Kang, Eunji Kim, Jaekook Park, Heung-Sik Lee and Sunghoon Jung

Insects 2025, 16(9), 958; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090958 - 11 Sep 2025

Abstract

In this study, we assessed the genetic diversity of the Asian spongy moth, Lymantria dispar asiatica Vnukovskii (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), in Korea. We obtained 123 sequences of the species, including those from 26 regions in Korea. We analyzed the genetic diversity within the Korean [...] Read more.

In this study, we assessed the genetic diversity of the Asian spongy moth, Lymantria dispar asiatica Vnukovskii (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), in Korea. We obtained 123 sequences of the species, including those from 26 regions in Korea. We analyzed the genetic diversity within the Korean samples (n = 87) and haplotype networks between the Korean and global samples (123 sequences from 26 regions in Korea and five other countries) using median-joining (MJ) network analysis. The results showed low nucleotide diversity and high haplotype diversity (π = 0.00159; Hd = 0.660). The neutrality tests were also significantly negative. The MJ network recovered a star-shaped network with diverse populations in Korea, with 12 haplotypes and a dominating haplotype, H07, in all regions. Two haplogroups, Middle and Southern, were identified. The Middle haplogroup included haplotypes from Shandong, China, indicating shared populations between the two regions. In contrast, the Southern haplogroup, primarily found in ship and harbor samples, likely originated from invasive populations. This pattern reflects the influence of human activities such as international trade, highlighting the importance of strict monitoring at ports to prevent the introduction of invasive pests and to support effective forest pest management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Ecology, Diversity and Conservation)

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14 pages, 1146 KB

Open AccessReview

Thermal Adaptation in Liriomyza trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae): From Interspecific Competition to Mechanisms

by Ya-Wen Chang, Jing-Ya Zhao, Yu-Cheng Wang and Yu-Zhou Du

Insects 2025, 16(9), 957; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090957 - 11 Sep 2025

Abstract

Global climate change has intensified temperature fluctuations, significantly impacting insect populations. Thermal tolerance has emerged as a critical determinant of species distribution and invasion potential. Liriomyza trifolii, an economically important invasive pest, has been rapidly expanding in southeastern coastal regions of China, [...] Read more.

Global climate change has intensified temperature fluctuations, significantly impacting insect populations. Thermal tolerance has emerged as a critical determinant of species distribution and invasion potential. Liriomyza trifolii, an economically important invasive pest, has been rapidly expanding in southeastern coastal regions of China, gradually displacing its congeners L. sativae and L. huidobrensis. This competitive advantage is closely associated with its superior thermal adaptation strategies. Here, we first examine the temperature-mediated competitive dominance of L. trifolii, then systematically elucidate the physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms underlying its temperature tolerance, revealing its survival strategies under extreme temperatures. Notably, L. trifolii exhibits a lower developmental threshold temperature and higher thermal constant, extending its damage period, while its significantly lower supercooling point confers exceptional overwintering capacity. Physiologically, rapid cold hardening (RCH) enhances cold tolerance through glycerol accumulation and increased fatty acid unsaturation, while heat acclimation improves thermotolerance via a trade-off between developmental processes and reproductive investment. Molecular analyses demonstrate that L. trifolii combines the low-temperature inducible characteristics of L. huidobrensis with the high-temperature responsive advantages of L. sativae in heat shock protein (Hsp) expression patterns. Transcriptomic studies further identify differential expressions of lipid metabolism and chaperone-related genes as key to thermal adaptation. Current research limitations include incomplete understanding of non-Hsp gene regulatory networks and laboratory–field adaptation discrepancies. Future studies should integrate multi-omics approaches with ecological modeling to predict L. trifolii’s expansion under climate change scenarios and develop temperature-based green control strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Invasive Pests: Bionomics, Damage, and Management)

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26 pages, 4388 KB

Open AccessArticle

Recurrent Duplication, Testis-Biased Expression, and Functional Diversification of Esf2/ABT1 Family Genes in Drosophila

by Elizaveta D. Davydova, Alexei A. Kotov, Alina V. Chernizova, Ekaterina Yu. Yakovleva and Ludmila V. Olenina

Insects 2025, 16(9), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090956 - 11 Sep 2025

Abstract

Gene duplications are considered to be the major evolutionary resource of novel functions. The gene family Esf2/ABP1 is conserved in metazoan organisms from yeast to humans. Here we performed a search and characterization of Esf2/ABP1 homologs in the Drosophila genus. Whereas in the [...] Read more.

Gene duplications are considered to be the major evolutionary resource of novel functions. The gene family Esf2/ABP1 is conserved in metazoan organisms from yeast to humans. Here we performed a search and characterization of Esf2/ABP1 homologs in the Drosophila genus. Whereas in the majority of Drosophila species this gene family is represented by only a single gene, in the melanogaster and suzukii subgroups recurrent gene duplications arose, providing 47 homologous genes located on the X chromosome. To study the evolutionary history of duplicates, we performed phylogenetic, functional domain, and tissue-specific expression analyses. We revealed a male-specific and testis-biased transcription pattern of duplicated copies in Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila sechellia compared to ubiquitous expression of the parental gene. The amplification of 21 repeated paralogs within the heterochromatic piRNA cluster resulted in the ovarian-specific transformation of these repeats into piRNAs in D. melanogaster. In three species of the suzukii subgroup, Esf2/ABP1 genes evolved with domain diversification: in addition to RNA-binding ABT1-like domain preservation, all homologous proteins acquired expanded intrinsically disordered regions. By studying the duplicated copies of the Esf2/ABP1 family in Drosophila, we offer insight into how novel gene functions emerge and are maintained, contributing to life’s diversity and complexity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insect Transcriptomics)

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1 pages, 124 KB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Zhang et al. The Effect of X-ray Irradiation on the Fitness and Field Adaptability of the Codling Moth: An Orchard Study in Northeast China. Insects 2023, 14, 615

by Jinghan Zhang, Shengwang Huang, Shici Zhao, Xingya Wang, Xianming Yang, Huiyuan Zhao, Ping Gao, Yuting Li and Xueqing Yang

Insects 2025, 16(9), 955; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090955 - 11 Sep 2025

Abstract

In the original publication [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmentally-Friendly Pest Control Approaches for Invasive Insects)

14 pages, 2324 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Insecticides on Spotted Lanternfly Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) in Kiwifruit

by Zi-Jian Song, Yi-Na Bai, Zheng-Yu Luo, Rebecca Burns, Chandan Pal, Feng Zhang, Shu-Sen Shi, Rui Bi and Jin-Ping Zhang

Insects 2025, 16(9), 954; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090954 - 11 Sep 2025

Abstract

The spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), has invaded several countries and caused significant losses to agricultural economy, especially in grapes, apples and kiwifruit production. Currently, chemical control is the primary method for managing this pest. In this study, we tested the [...] Read more.

The spotted lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), has invaded several countries and caused significant losses to agricultural economy, especially in grapes, apples and kiwifruit production. Currently, chemical control is the primary method for managing this pest. In this study, we tested the contact toxicity of bifenthrin and lime sulphur on SLF eggs, as well as the residual toxicity of natural pyrethrins, bifenthrin, and thiacloprid on SLF nymphs. The results showed that bifenthrin, applied at 100 times the label rate, had the highest lethal effect on SLF eggs, with an adjusted mortality rate of 71.8 ± 8.5%. The addition of a penetrant, Engulf, did not further enhance ovicidal efficacy. For nymphs, the residual effect of thiacloprid and bifenthrin at label rates demonstrated 100% mortality within 48 h in laboratory bioassays. Similar efficacies were observed in short-term field experiments. However, the efficacy of bifenthrin declined significantly over time, while thiacloprid provided a long-lasting control, with mortality rates of 72.8 ± 5.9% and 46.7 ± 7.2% at 7 and 14 days, respectively. Although the combination of pyrethrins and mineral oil exhibited limited efficacy, with a 0-day (test immediately after the sprayed branches have dried) mortality rate of 41.5 ± 12.5%, its favourable environmental safety profile makes it a viable option for organic control strategies. In conclusion, bifenthrin at 100 times the label rate was the most effective against SLF eggs, while thiacloprid at label rates provided the longest-lasting control against SLF nymphs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Toxicology and Insecticide Resistance on Insect Pests)

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26 pages, 6819 KB

Open AccessArticle

Taxonomic Review of the Genus Taxigramma (Diptera, Sarcophagidae, Miltogramminae) from China

by Zijun Liu, Yi Gai, Xiaolan Cheng, Hanqing Li, Yaqian Fan, Krzysztof Szpila, Thomas Pape and Dong Zhang

Insects 2025, 16(9), 953; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090953 - 11 Sep 2025

Abstract

The genus Taxigramma from China has been taxonomically reviewed. Taxigramma pluriseta and T. pluton are new to the fauna sinica, while T. karakulensis is removed. The male of T. albina is firstly recorded and described from China. An updated checklist of all eight [...] Read more.

The genus Taxigramma from China has been taxonomically reviewed. Taxigramma pluriseta and T. pluton are new to the fauna sinica, while T. karakulensis is removed. The male of T. albina is firstly recorded and described from China. An updated checklist of all eight species of Taxigramma known from China is presented with newly supplemented specimen examinations, biological observations and distributional information. A taxonomic key to the Chinese species of Taxigramma is also provided. COI sequences of T. albina, T. pluriseta and T. pluton are newly obtained, with a concise analysis of their genetic divergence among species of Taxigramma. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diptera Diversity: Systematics, Phylogeny and Evolution)

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21 pages, 3808 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Image Recognition of Field-Trapped Adult Spodoptera frugiperda Using Sex Pheromone Lures

by Quanyuan Xu, Caiyi Li, Min Fan, Ying Lu, Hui Ye and Yonghe Li

Insects 2025, 16(9), 952; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090952 - 11 Sep 2025

Abstract

Spodoptera frugiperda is a major transboundary migratory pest under global alert by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The accurate identification and counting of trapped adults in the field are key technologies for achieving quantitative monitoring and precision pest [...] Read more.

Spodoptera frugiperda is a major transboundary migratory pest under global alert by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The accurate identification and counting of trapped adults in the field are key technologies for achieving quantitative monitoring and precision pest control. However, precise recognition is challenged by issues such as scale loss and the presence of mixed insect species in trapping images. To address this, we constructed a field image dataset of trapped Spodoptera frugiperda adults and proposed an improved YOLOv5s-based detection method. The dataset was collected over a two-year sex pheromone monitoring campaign in eastern–central Yunnan, China, comprising 9550 labeled insects across six categories, and was split into training, validation, and test sets in an 8:1:1 ratio. In this study, YOLOv7, YOLOv8, Mask R-CNN, and DETR were selected as comparative baselines to evaluate the recognition of images containing Spodoptera frugiperda adults and other insect species. However, the complex backgrounds introduced by field trap photography adversely affected classification performance, resulting in a relatively modest average accuracy. Considering the additional requirement for model lightweighting, we further enhanced the YOLOv5s architecture by integrating Mosaic data augmentation and an adaptive anchor box strategy. Additionally, three attention mechanisms—SENet, CBAM, and Coordinate Attention (CA)—were embedded into the backbone to build a multidimensional attention comparison framework, demonstrating CBAM’s superiority under complex backgrounds. Ultimately, the CBAM-YOLOv5 model achieved 97.8% mAP@0.5 for Spodoptera frugiperda identification, with recognition accuracy for other insect species no less than 72.4%. Based on the optimized model, we developed an intelligent recognition system capable of image acquisition, identification, and counting, offering a high-precision algorithmic solution for smart trapping devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)

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14 pages, 1620 KB

Open AccessArticle

Lipid Composition Analysis of Cricket Oil from Crickets Fed with Broken Rice-Derived Bran

by Ryosuke Sogame, Taiki Miyazawa, Masako Toda, Akihiro Iijima, Maharshi Bhaswant and Teruo Miyazawa

Insects 2025, 16(9), 951; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090951 - 11 Sep 2025

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of rice bran derived from broken rice feeding on the lipid classes and fatty acid composition of oil extracted from crickets (Acheta domesticus). During the final seven days prior to cricket oil extraction, crickets were fed [...] Read more.

This study investigated the effect of rice bran derived from broken rice feeding on the lipid classes and fatty acid composition of oil extracted from crickets (Acheta domesticus). During the final seven days prior to cricket oil extraction, crickets were fed either rice bran or control feed. The lipid classes in both the cricket oil and feed materials (rice bran or control feed) were identified using thin-layer chromatography, while the proportion of neutral lipids, phospholipids, and glycolipids was quantified by solid-phase extraction. Fatty acid composition was determined using GC-FID. Cricket oil from the rice bran-fed group exhibited a significantly higher ratio of glycolipids, which are abundant in rice bran, compared to the control group. Although both oleic and linoleic acid levels were significantly higher than in the control feed, only the oleic acid proportion was significantly increased in the cricket oil from the rice bran-fed group. Additionally, the ω-6/ω-3 ratio in each lipid fraction was significantly higher in the rice bran-fed group compared to the control group. These results suggest that dietary supplementation with rice bran derived from broken rice significantly alters the lipid profile of crickets and may represent a valuable strategy for enhancing the nutritional quality of cricket oil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Role of Insects in Human Society)

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17 pages, 1488 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrative Morphological and Molecular Diagnostics for Euseius nicholsi and Euseius oolong (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

by Xiaoduan Fang, Jun Li, Syed Usman Mahmood, Nwanade Chuks Fidelis and Jianglei Meng

Insects 2025, 16(9), 950; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090950 - 10 Sep 2025

Abstract

In a survey of Bajiaozhai National Forest Park (Guilin, China), several specimens of an Euseius sp. were collected. These specimens were very similar to Euseius nicholsi and Euseius oolong, based on morphological observations. However, some morphological characters, such as the body size, [...] Read more.

In a survey of Bajiaozhai National Forest Park (Guilin, China), several specimens of an Euseius sp. were collected. These specimens were very similar to Euseius nicholsi and Euseius oolong, based on morphological observations. However, some morphological characters, such as the body size, number of solenostomes on the dorsal plate, calyx shape of the spermatheca, the shape and number of metapodal platelet, teeth number on the fixed digit, length of setae j3, and macroseta Seg IV, Sti IV, and St IV were different between these specimens and E. nicholsi and E. oolong. To ascertain whether these morphological differences were interspecific or intraspecific variations, molecular analyses were conducted using mitochondrial DNA COI, 12S rRNA, and nuclear ITS markers. Based on the three molecular markers, minimal genetic distances were observed (COI 0–4%, 12S rRNA 0–2%, and ITS 0%) among the putative Euseius sp., E. nicholsi (collected from Bauhinia purpurea in IZGAS and from Eurya macartneyi and Ficus hispida in Shaoguan City), and E. oolong (collected from B. purpurea in IZGAS). Amblyseius swirskii was used as the outgroup. Using the maximum likelihood method, the phylogenetic tree showed that these specimens of Euseius sp., E. nicholsi, and E. oolong clustered in a single clade. Therefore, we propose that this putative Euseius sp. is E. nicholsi, and E. oolong is a junior synonym of E. nicholsi. This study demonstrates the importance of integrative taxonomy for the proper identification of phytoseiid mites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revival of a Prominent Taxonomy of Insects)

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13 pages, 2689 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Population Structure and Invasion Risk in Suitable Areas of the Rice Pest Leptocorisa acuta (Hemiptera: Alydidae)

by Xue Dong, Xiuxiu Zhu, Zechen Tang, Wenbo Yi and Wenjun Bu

Insects 2025, 16(9), 949; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090949 - 10 Sep 2025

Abstract

Rice (Oryza sativa) provides a major food resource worldwide, playing an important role in the global economy. Leptocorisa acuta (Hemiptera: Alydidae), commonly known as the rice seed bug, is a major pest of paddy crops in many rice-growing regions and it [...] Read more.

Rice (Oryza sativa) provides a major food resource worldwide, playing an important role in the global economy. Leptocorisa acuta (Hemiptera: Alydidae), commonly known as the rice seed bug, is a major pest of paddy crops in many rice-growing regions and it is considered a potential invasive pest in the United States. Here, we investigated the genetic structure and demographic history of 18 populations sampled from China and southeast Asia using double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq). Then, we performed niche modeling based on occurrence records under current and future climate scenarios. Our analyses suggested that the lack of genetic structure among populations of L. acuta is related to recent diversification, strong flight, and dispersal capability, leading to a high level of gene flow. The demographic history was not strongly affected by the last glacial maximum. Ecological niche modeling predicts that future suitable areas will expand in Asia and America, relative to the current conditions. The ecological niche results demonstrated that L. acuta is a potentially invasive pest to the United States (mainly Florida and nearby areas) under current and future scenarios. Moreover, the moderately and highly suitable areas will increase in America (primarily located in North America, namely Florida and nearby areas, and Mexico), Central American and Caribbean countries, and some regions of South America. Some South American countries have extensive rice crops and broadly suitable habitats that may indicate a higher invasion risk. Through population genetics, our study supports the strong dispersal capacity of this insect pest and calls for vigilance against its invasion in some countries in the Americas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)

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13 pages, 869 KB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Target Effects of Beta-Cypermethrin on Baryscapus dioryctriae and Ecological Risk Assessment

by Jing Li, Tongtong Zuo, Sicheng Fei, Yuequ Chen, Xiangyu Zhang, Qi Chen, Liwen Song and Kaipeng Zhang

Insects 2025, 16(9), 948; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090948 - 10 Sep 2025

Abstract

Beta-cypermethrin is widely applied in Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis Siebold & Zucc.) seed orchards to control cone- and seed-infesting moths (e.g., Dioryctria spp.), yet its Wsublethal risks to non-target beneficial arthropods remain insufficiently characterized. Here, we systematically evaluated the ecological and physiological [...] Read more.

Beta-cypermethrin is widely applied in Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis Siebold & Zucc.) seed orchards to control cone- and seed-infesting moths (e.g., Dioryctria spp.), yet its Wsublethal risks to non-target beneficial arthropods remain insufficiently characterized. Here, we systematically evaluated the ecological and physiological consequences of beta-cypermethrin exposure on the key parasitoid wasp Baryscapus dioryctriae Yang & Song, an important biological control agent in P. koraiensis forests. Adult wasps were exposed to LC₃₀ and LC₅₀ residue concentrations, and sublethal effects were quantified across reproductive, developmental, and biochemical endpoints over two generations. Sublethal exposure resulted in significant reductions in parasitism rates and offspring emergence, as well as altered developmental durations and adult longevity in both F₀ and F₁ generations. Enzymatic assays revealed time-dependent activation of detoxification enzymes (GST, CarE, AChE) alongside suppression of antioxidant defenses (CAT strongly; SOD early with partial recovery; POD biphasic), consistent with a sustained oxidative-stress burden. LC-MS/MS residue analysis further confirmed the accumulation and slow clearance of both beta-cypermethrin and its metabolite 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (PBA) within parasitoid tissues. These findings collectively demonstrate that even non-lethal concentrations of beta-cypermethrin can undermine the ecological fitness and persistence of B. dioryctriae, posing a tangible threat to the sustainability of biological control services. To safeguard beneficial parasitoids, integrated pest management strategies must incorporate selective insecticide use and exposure mitigation, especially in forest habitats where biological control is indispensable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)

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7 pages, 3328 KB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Zhang et al. Phylogenetics and Evolutionary Dynamics of Yunnan Acrididae Grasshoppers Inferred from 17 New Mitochondrial Genomes. Insects 2025, 16, 151

by Keyao Zhang, Jing Song, Junhui Lu, Lu Zhao, Weian Deng, Delong Guan and Benyong Mao

Insects 2025, 16(9), 947; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090947 - 10 Sep 2025

Abstract

Error in Figures 4–9 [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Revival of a Prominent Taxonomy of Insects)

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8 pages, 1573 KB

Open AccessArticle

Diapausing Cavity-Nesting Bees (Osmia, Megachile) Resist Winter Desiccation Stress

by James H. Cane

Insects 2025, 16(9), 946; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090946 - 10 Sep 2025

Abstract

All solitary and primitively eusocial bees of the temperate zones survive winter in a dormant diapausing state. Weight loss of Osmia and Megachile bees has been solely attributed to metabolism of stored triglycerides, as evidenced by loss of fat body. I hypothesized that [...] Read more.

All solitary and primitively eusocial bees of the temperate zones survive winter in a dormant diapausing state. Weight loss of Osmia and Megachile bees has been solely attributed to metabolism of stored triglycerides, as evidenced by loss of fat body. I hypothesized that uptake or loss of water vapor may represent another contributor to wintering weight change. Using a range of atmospheric humidities (0–88%), it is shown that wintering cocooned O. californica (adults) and M. rotundata (prepupae) gained weight in humid atmospheres and lost weight in drier air, the inflection point being between 35 and 47% humidity. Most of this weight change occurred in early winter. No humidity treatment enhanced mortality. Winter storage humidity is an available management variable for these bees when kept for commercial pollination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Insects and Apiculture)

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22 pages, 2561 KB

Open AccessReview

Retrospection of Research on Dragonfly and Damselfly (Odonata) During Past Fifty Years: A Bibliometric Review

by Gang-Qiang Fan, Shao-Zhao Qin and Chao-Xing Hu

Insects 2025, 16(9), 945; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090945 - 9 Sep 2025

Abstract

Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) play important roles in ecology and are used as model organisms in evolutionary studies, but a comprehensive overview of Odonata research has been lacking. Here, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of Odonata literature from 1974 to 2023 using Web [...] Read more.

Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) play important roles in ecology and are used as model organisms in evolutionary studies, but a comprehensive overview of Odonata research has been lacking. Here, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of Odonata literature from 1974 to 2023 using Web of Science (Science Citation Index Expanded) data and CiteSpace software. We analyzed over 5000 publications to identify major contributors, research hotspots, and emerging trends in this field. The results show that annual research output increased greatly over time, with the United States being the most prolific country. Co-citation and keyword analyses revealed several dominant research themes, including life history and evolution, flight mechanics and predatory behavior, habitat and community ecology, biodiversity and conservation under environmental change, molecular phylogenetics, reproductive biology, and dragonfly wing mechanics. Citation burst analysis highlighted emerging fronts such as global Odonata species diversity and conservation efforts, advanced molecular phylogenetic studies, the use of dragonflies and damselflies as model species and bioindicators, and new investigations into wing kinematics. In conclusion, this study provides a quantitative retrospective of five decades of Odonata research, offering insights into the field’s development and guiding future research directions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Insects: Ecology, Diversity and Conservation)

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14 pages, 7966 KB

Open AccessArticle

Taxonomic Revision of D. carlosvilelai Vela and Rafael, 2001, and Updated Record of D. paraguayensis Duda, 1927 Registry in Ecuador

by Coraima Elizabeth Suárez, Ana Peñafiel-Vinueza, Violeta Rafael, María Isabel Tamayo and Doris Vela

Insects 2025, 16(9), 944; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16090944 - 9 Sep 2025

Abstract

Drosophila carlosvilelai and D. paraguayensis are species that were collected in the Pasochoa Protected Forest between 1996 and 1997. D. carlosvilelai was described incompletely as a new species from Ecuador. Regarding D. paraguayensis, recent collections have raised doubts about the validity of [...] Read more.

Drosophila carlosvilelai and D. paraguayensis are species that were collected in the Pasochoa Protected Forest between 1996 and 1997. D. carlosvilelai was described incompletely as a new species from Ecuador. Regarding D. paraguayensis, recent collections have raised doubts about the validity of its records in Ecuador. Specifically, a new species found in the province of Napo fully matches the specimens of D. paraguayensis recorded in the Pasochoa Protective Forest. However, this new species does not match the description of D. paraguayensis by Vilela and Bächli. The collected specimens, preserved in alcohol, were analyzed at the Laboratorio de Genética Evolutiva. D. carlosvilelai was re-described based on the newly collected specimens. The species previously misidentified as D. paraguayensis is described as D. paraloewi sp. nov. and compared with D. paraguayensis, D. loewi, and D. hemiloewi. This analysis revealed that the aedeagus of D. paraloewi shares the dorsal structure of triangular projection on the aedeagus with D. loewi and D. hemiloewi; this morphological similarity suggests a closer phylogenetic relationship between them, rather than D. paraguayensis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Systematics, Phylogeny and Evolution)

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