Search Results (137)

Anoplophora glabripennis (Asian longhorned beetle, ALB) (Motschulsky, 1854) is a local forest pest in China. Although the suitable area for this pest has some research history, it does not accurately predict the future distribution area of ALB. Accurate prediction of its suitable area can help control the harm caused by ALB more effectively. In this study, we applied the maximum entropy model to predict the suitable area for ALB. Moreover, the prediction results revealed that ALB is distributed mainly in northern, eastern, central, southern, southwestern, and northwestern China, and its high-fit areas are located mainly in northern, northwestern, and southwestern China. The average minimum temperature in September, precipitation seasonality (coefficient of variation), the average maximum temperature in April, and average precipitation in October had the greatest influence on ALB. The greatest distribution probabilities were observed at the September average minimum temperature of 16 °C, the precipitation seasonality (coefficient of variation) of 130%, the April average maximum temperature of 14 °C, and the October average precipitation of 30 mm. Furthermore, with climate change, the non-suitability area for the ALB will show a decreasing trend in the future. The intermediate suitability area will increase, while the low and high suitability areas will first increase and then decrease. Taken together, the potentially suitable areas for ALB in China include the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region and the Shanghai region in North China and East China, providing a deeper understanding of ALB control. Full article

This paper provides a brief review of the genus Trichorondonia Breuning, 1965. A new species, Trichorondonia wenkaii sp. nov. (文凯毛郎氏天牛), is described and illustrated. Trichorondonia kabateki Viktora, 2024 is newly recorded in Hubei province, with the first description of the male. Additionally, photographs of the holotypes of three previously described species are presented. A key to the four species is given. The new species differs from T. pilosipes and T. hybolasioides in having elytra with rounded lateral apical angles and a vertex with blackish-brown pubescence medially behind the eyes. The new species can also be easily distinguished from T. kabateki by the antennae being ventrally fringed with sparse hairs only on segments 1–8, the greyish-yellow pubescence on the pronotum being unevenly distributed and particularly sparse in the posterior half, the elytra having rather thin greyish-yellow pubescence and hardly visible greyish-white pubescence, elongated blackish-brown spots on the elytral longitudinal carinae, and a small tuft of black setae at the centre of the elytral base where there is no obvious tubercle. The type specimen of the new species was collected in Dianping village, Xinhua town, Leye county, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China, and deposited at Insect Collection, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei, China (ICYZU). Full article

A possible tactic to survey and control Pine Wilt Disease is the use of semiochemical-baited traps to capture the insect-vector, the pine sawyer Monochamus galloprovincialis (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). The most common chemical lure used is the Galloprotect Pack, which includes the aggregation pheromone ([2-undecyloxy] ethanol), a host monoterpene (α-pinene), and bark-beetle pheromones (ipsenol and 2-methyl-3-buten-1-ol). This lure also attracts non-target species, including bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) that use ipsenol (Ips sexdentatus (Boerner)) and 2-methyl-3-buten-1-ol (Orthotomicus erosus (Wollaston)) as pheromones, but also large numbers of their natural enemies, Temnoscheila caerulea (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Trogossitidae), Aulonium ruficorne (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Colydiidae), and Thanasimus formicarius (L.) (Coleoptera: Cleridae), and other saproxylic insects (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). These catches cause a decrease in biodiversity of the forest insect communities, and the removal of predatory insects may favour bark beetle outbreaks. Thus, our project objective was to test trap modifications to try to reduce catches of non-target insects. Modifying the multifunnel trap’s collection cup by placing a 0.5 cm mesh in the drainage hole allowed the escape of all predator beetles (Cleridae, Trogossitidae, Colydiidae, and Histeridae) in 2020, and retained only two Trogossitidae in 2021, against 249 specimens caught in the non-modified collection cup. This simple modification thus allowed the escape of almost all predators, while maintaining the traps’ efficiency at catching the target species, M. galloprovincialis. Full article

Aromia bungii Faldermann (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae) is one of the most serious stem-boring pests that infests Rosaceae fruit trees and ornamental trees. This study, based on occurrence data for this species, employed the MaxEnt model and meta-analysis method to predict the distribution range and centroid movement of A. bungii under the current and future climates in China. The study also analyzed the impact of environmental variables on its distribution. The meta-analysis results revealed that A. bungii has the highest distribution density within the altitude range of 0 to 300 m. The MaxEnt model identified six key environmental variables influencing the distribution of A. bungii, namely the minimum temperature of the coldest month (bio6), mean temperature of the wettest quarter (bio8), precipitation of the wettest month (bio13), precipitation of the driest month (bio14), precipitation seasonality (coefficient of variation) (bio15), and altitude. Under the current climate conditions, the most suitable distribution range of A. bungii is located between 92.6–120.38° E and 16.17–44.46° N, with highly suitable areas predominantly found in the North China Plain, the Shandong Hills, the area around the Bohai Sea, and the middle–lower reaches of the Yangtze River, covering a total area of 41.43 × 10⁴ km². Scenarios related to the future climate indicate a shift in the suitable habitats of A. bungii towards higher latitudes, with the centroid of the potentially suitable area shifting towards the northeast. This study provides supporting information for the control and management of this pest. Full article

Anoplophora horsfieldii Hope, a potential pest of the Cerambycidae family, is widely distributed throughout China, where it can cause damage to various living tree species. It has emerged as a critical invasive organism threatening China’s agricultural and forestry production as well as ecological security. This study comprehensively analyzed the key environmental factors influencing the geographical distribution of A. horsfieldii and its spatiotemporal dynamics by integrating multi-source environmental data and employing ecological niche modeling. Model validation demonstrated high reliability and accuracy of our predictions, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) value of 0.933, Kappa coefficient of 0.704, and true skill statistic (TSS) reaching 0.960. Our analysis identified four dominant environmental factors governing the distribution of A. horsfieldii: mean diurnal range (Bio2), temperature annual range (Bio7), precipitation of driest quarter (Bio17), and precipitation of coldest quarter (Bio19). Under current climatic conditions, the total potential suitable distribution area for A. horsfieldii was estimated at 212.394 × 10⁴ km², primarily located in central, southern, eastern, southwestern, and northwestern China. Future projections under three climate scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5) suggest significant reductions in highly and moderately suitable habitats, while low-suitability areas may expand into central, eastern, and southwestern regions, with Chongqing, Henan, and Anhui potentially becoming new suitable habitats. Concurrently, the centroid coordinates of suitable habitats exhibited a directional shift toward Guangdong Province, with the overall distribution pattern demonstrating a spatial transition characterized by movement from inland to coastal areas and from higher to lower latitudes. This study provides scientific theoretical support for forestry authorities in controlling the spread of A. horsfieldii, while establishing a solid foundation for future ecological conservation and biosecurity strategies. The findings offer both theoretical insights and practical guidance for pest management and ecosystem protection. Full article

To understand the spread of the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner and Buhrer, 1934; Nickle, 1970) and identify infected trees, the dispersal ability of insects was examined. In this study, the effects of sex, adult age, and morphological traits on the flight performance (such as flight distance, time, and speed) of Monochamus alternatus (Hope, 1843) were investigated using flight mills. Over a period of 8 weeks, a total of 42 newly emerged adult beetles were tethered to flight mills once a week. Flight distance and time were recorded for 2 h during each session. The total flight distance of individuals that flew more than 100 m during each session was calculated. The results showed that females flew an average of 6.65 km, for 59.6 min, while males flew an average of 9.89 km, for 85.8 min. In a single flight experimental session, both sexes could fly up to approximately 2 km and were found to fly at an average speed of 1.9 m s⁻¹. In our principal component analysis (PCA), the first and second principal components were found to be highly correlated with the sex, morphological traits, and flight performances of M. alternatus. This study demonstrates that the flight ability of M. alternatus varies significantly according to body size and sex, which is fundamental and crucial for understanding the dispersal patterns of pine wilt disease. Full article

The study of shape by the use of geometric morphometrics has been an important tool for addressing taxonomic challenges in complex groups like the genus Tetropium Kirby, 1837 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae). This insect genus includes 28 species, 8 of which are found in North America, with the invasive T. fuscum (Fabricius) posing a significant quarantine risk as a pest of coniferous trees. The present study evaluated the use of geometric morphometrics to analyze the pronotum shape in females of nine species of the genus, showing the effectiveness of this tool in distinguishing between species. Even if some overlaps were found between some species, this research highlights the potential of GM in developing pest monitoring, quarantine managements, and integrated pest management programs. Our findings suggest that the use of a comprehensive database of landmarks, encompassing broader geographic and ecological diversity, could further improve species identification at ports of entry and facilitate trade. Full article

Background: Longhorn beetles, a widely recognized group of Chinese traditional medicinal insects, are characterized by their notable hemostatic properties. However, the comprehensive understanding of their medicinal potential has been hindered by the limitations of current research methodologies. Methods: This study focuses on the species Glenea cantor (Fabricius), which can produce several generations per year, and introduces a novel method using microwave carbonization techniques. By employing an in vitro coagulation test, UHPLC-MS, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation, the hemostatic efficacy and mechanism of action of Glenea cantor charcoal medicine (GC-CM) were thoroughly studied. Results: In vitro coagulation tests showed that GC-CM significantly reduced the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT), indicating its ability to enhance the coagulation cascade and preliminarily confirming its hemostatic efficacy (p < 0.01 vs. blank control group). The analysis revealed that GC-CM comprises 453 components, including 137 bioactive components with high human utilization. After predictions via databases such as SwissTargetPrediction and deduplication, 215 targets linked to hemostatic specificity were identified. These targets regulate signaling pathways such as platelet activation, complement and coagulation cascades, and cGMP-PKG. Molecular docking demonstrated strong affinities between key targets such as SRC and PIK3R1 and compounds such as 2′,6′-dihydroxy 4′-methoxydihydrochalcone, and 1-monolinoleoyl-rac-glycerol (binding energy < −5 kcal/mol). Molecular dynamics simulations show good binding capacity between core components and targets Conclusions: The aim of this study was to elucidate the material basis and mechanism of the hemostatic efficacy of GC-CM, offering a model for exploring other insect-based medicinal resources. Full article

The fungi residing in the gut and associated habitats play a crucial role in the growth and development of Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), a wood-boring pest. Yet, how they are acquired and maintained across generations, and their respective roles throughout the life cycle, remain unknown. To this end, we used high-throughput ITS sequencing analysis to characterize the fungal composition and diversity associated with A. glabripennis across three different life stages, between sexes, and between its habitats. Overall, the fungi composition was stage specific, with adult gut communities being more diverse than those of larvae and eggs. Male fungal communities differed significantly, while frass and female communities were more similar to each other. The top 10 most abundant genera were investigated, with Fusarium consistently observed in all samples and exhibiting the highest overall abundance. Function predictions revealed the presence of potentially beneficial fungi that may support A. glabripennis invasion across all groups. Additionally, we observed complex network structures in the fungal communities associated with eggs and males, and stronger positive correlations in those of eggs and newly hatched larvae. Source tracking analysis suggested that these fungi were vertically transmitted, following a transmission pathway of ‘female gut–frass–egg–larval gut’, occurring via frass deposited in oviposition sites. Our findings provide a nuanced understanding of the intricate interactions among plants, insects, and fungi, shedding light on the acquisition, maintenance, and roles of gut-associated fungi in A. glabripennis. Full article

Populus alba var. pyramidalis (PaP) is a very important and main planted tree species in northwestern China. However, it has been threatened by Asian longhorned beetle Anoplophora glabripennis (ALB) infestation. A feasible way to protect PaP is by improving its own insect resistance ability. In order to achieve this goal, we first checked whether ALB could induce the defense system of PaP by comparing the ALB-attracted volatiles of PaP before and after ALB infestation through the collection and identification of volatiles by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). We found that attractant volatiles (Z)-3-hexenol (Z3H) and (Z)-3-hexen-1-yl acetate (Z3HA) decreased by 72.99% and 74.53% after ALB infestation, respectively. Then, the contents of the plant hormones salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), methyl salicylate (MeSA), and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and the defense substances hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), peroxidase (POD), and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) in the phloem of PaP were determined before and after ALB infestation by high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) and a manufacturer’s kit, respectively. The results showed that the quantities of SA decreased, but JA and MeJA increased by 2.1 times and 3.02 times, respectively, and the increase in H₂O₂ and POD was also significant. Therefore, we hypothesized that MeJA might be closely related to the induced ALB resistance of PaP. Further exogenous spraying of MeJA on PaP showed that the feeding and oviposition of ALB adults were significantly decreased on PaP, confirming that MeJA could improve PaP’s resistance against ALB. The concentration effect showed that 10⁻⁴ mol/L of MeJA treatment induced the strongest results. Our results clearly demonstrated the response of a poplar species to a wood borer infestation and provide an alternative method to protect PaP in the future. Full article

Subcortical beetle communities interact with a wide range of semiochemicals released from different sources, including trees, fungi, and bark beetle pheromones. While the attraction of bark beetles, their insect predators, and competitors to bark beetle pheromones is commonly studied, the attraction of these beetle communities to other sources of semiochemicals remains poorly understood. We tested the attraction of bark and wood-boring beetles and their predators to host stress volatiles, fungal volatiles, and a mountain pine beetle lure in the field. Host stress volatiles were derived from lodgepole pine trees stressed by three fungal symbionts of mountain pine beetle and two common phytopathogens. Our results showed that bark beetles, particularly mountain pine beetles, show a preference for a combination of fungal volatiles, particularly 2-methyl-1-butanol and its lures. Without the addition of lures, 2-methyl-1-butanol was also identified as a key fungal volatile in the attraction of mountain pine beetle competitors from the Cerambycidae and Buprestidae families. Predators in the Elateridae and Staphylinidae families showed attraction to host stress volatiles and the healthy tree volatile profiles. These findings suggest that these semiochemicals warrant further field testing for potential use in monitoring and management of subcortical beetle populations. Full article

Chlorophorus Chevrolat, 1863, one of the most species-rich genera of Clytini, comprises 36 subgenera and 302 species/subspecies, with some species being of significant economic importance. To assess the monophyly and subgeneric system of this genus, we newly obtained mitochondrial genomic data from 21 species of Chlorophorus via high-throughput sequencing and reconstructed the phylogeny of this genus using ML and BI methods. The mitochondrial genomes of all sequenced Chlorophorus species were found to comprise 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), and one non-coding region (control region, CR), reflecting a highly conserved gene arrangement. The mitochondrial genomes of the 21 Chlorophorus species range from 15,387 bp to 15,779 bp in length, and all exhibited AT bias. Analysis of the non-synonymous and synonymous substitution rates revealed that ATP8 has the highest evolution rate, whereas COI has the lowest. Further, phylogenetic analyses were performed based on different datasets (13 PCGs + 2 rRNAs, 13 PCGs + 2 rRNAs + 22 tRNAs, PCG123, PCG12) using maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods. The results indicate that Chlorophorus is monophyletic, but the subgenera Humeromaculatus Özdikmen, 2011; Immaculatoides Özdikmen, 2022; Brevenotatus Özdikmen, 2022; and Chlorophorus (s. str.) Chevrolat, 1863, are not monophyletic. Based on the comparison of male genitalia, we found that the sclerites of the endophallus may exhibit phylogenetic signals for the genus. Full article

Effective use of species distribution models can assess the risk of spreading forest pests. In this study, based on 434 occurrence records and eight environmental variables, an ensemble model was applied to identify key environmental factors affecting the distribution of Apriona rugicollis Chevrolat, 1852 and predict its potential habitat and its relative areas of change under current and future climatic conditions. The results indicate that humidity, solar radiation, topography, and human activities were the main factors influencing the distribution of A. rugicollis. Under the current climate scenario, suitable habitats are mainly concentrated in East Asia, including North Korea, South Korea, Japan, Myanmar, Vietnam, and China. Under future climate scenarios, the area of suitable habitat for A. rugicollis gradually increases, especially in China and Japan, which are at high risk of spreading. In addition, the suitable habitat of A. rugicollis will expand northeastward to higher latitudes. The results of this study provide an important scientific basis for policymakers to formulate strategies for monitoring and controlling A. rugicollis in response to climate change. Full article

The Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae), is a serious pest of over 43 species of hardwood trees in North America, China and Europe. The development of an effective lure and trap for monitoring A. glabripennis has been hindered by the fact that mate finding involves a rather complex series of behaviors and responses to several chemical (and visual), cues. Adults (female-biased) locate a tree via host kairomones. Research has demonstrated that female contact pheromone components are precursors that undergo abiotic oxidation to yield attractive volatile components. Males also produce a pheromone to attract other adults nearby before the final step of recognition by males to the female-produced trail and contact pheromones. Our research aimed to identify new female-produced components from ozone and UV-treated A. glabripennis body washes and test them for behavioral activity using laboratory and field assays. The ozone and UV treatment of virgin female extract yielded sixteen aldehydes, nine of which were found in trace amounts. All sixteen aldehydes elicited antennal responses (GC-EAD) in both males and females, although responses were clearer and more distinct with standards of hexanal, heptanal, octanal, nonanal, decanal, undecanal and dodecanal. Olfactometer assays showed that males were highly attracted to a blend of these seven aldehydes. Females did not show any attraction to the blend in olfactometer assays. Despite low population levels during field tests in 2018 in China, traps containing the aldehyde blend detected A. glabripennis on a weekly basis over 6 weeks and caught significantly more adults (mainly males) than control ‘flight intercept panel’ traps. Field tests in China in 2019 that used the aldehyde blend along with a three-component host blend lure also caught significantly more males (nearly 5×) than blank control traps. Full article