Search Results (447)

Chrysomya megacephala, as one of the common blowflies, displays biological characteristics, such as ovoviviparity and carrion-feeding adaptation. Thus, this species is generally considered of significant ecological, medical, and forensic importance. However, without a high-quality pseudo-chromosome genome for C. megacephala, elucidating its evolutionary trajectory proved difficult. Herein, we assembled and analyzed a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of the C. megacephala, combined with PacBio HiFi long reads, Hi-C data, and Illumina reads. The pseudo-chromosomes assembly of C. megacephala spans 629.44 Mb, with 97.05% anchored to five chromosomes. Final assembly includes 1056 contigs (N50 = 1.68 Mb), and 97 scaffolds (N50 = 121.37 Mb), achieving 98.90% BUSCO completeness (n = 1367). Gene annotation predicted 17,071 protein-coding genes (95.60% BUSCO completeness), while repeat masking identified 244.26 Mb (38.82%) as repetitive elements. Additionally, 3740 non-coding RNAs were characterized. Gene family analyses resulted in 10,579 gene families, containing 151 gene families that experienced rapid evolution. Comparative genomic analyses showed that the expanded genes are related to reproduction and necrophagous habits. In addition, we annotated the gene family P450s, CCEs, IRs, GRs, and ORs, all of which represent remarkable expansion, playing a crucial role in the mechanism of locating the hosts for forensic insects. Our research establishes a high-quality genome sequence to facilitate subsequent molecular investigations into significant species within forensic entomology. Full article

Bacterial symbionts play an important role in insect survival by contributing to key metabolic and defensive functions. While stingless bees are known to harbor diverse microbial communities, their core bacterial symbionts remain poorly characterized. In this study, we analyzed the gut microbiota of sixteen stingless bee species collected from different regions of Mexico using 16S rRNA gene sequencing on the Illumina^® MiSeq™ platform. Our results revealed that Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria are the most abundant bacterial phyla across species. Among the dominant genera, lactic acid bacteria, such as Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium, and Fructobacillus spp., were the most prevalent. These bacteria are responsible for developing biochemical functions in metabolic processes like lactic fermentation and the biotransformation of complex organic compounds into molecules that are more easily assimilated by bees. This study offers a novel perspective on the diversity and predicted composition of gut microbiota in Mexican stingless bees. By highlighting differences in microbial communities among species with different feeding habits, our results emphasize the importance of preserving microbial biodiversity in these pollinators. Full article

This study documents the recolonization of the wolf using opportunistic and systematic data, including camera trapping and scat surveys in south-eastern Italy. Wolf distribution was mapped using a 10 × 10 km grid, and Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) were applied to identify environmental and anthropogenic drivers of stable presence. Camera trapping and scat analyses were used to provide the first insights into the activity patterns and feeding habits of the species. The results showed a significant expansion in wolf range, with occurrence increasing by 120%, especially in areas with high forest cover. During 1402 camera-trap nights, wolves and wild prey species displayed primarily nocturnal activity, reducing overlap with human presence, though prey activity peaks were offset from those of wolves. Diet analysis of 75 scats revealed a high occurrence of livestock and pets, along with all wild species living in the area (i.e., ungulates, medium-sized and micromammals). These findings underscore the wolf’s ecological adaptability and ability to thrive in heavily altered landscapes. Indeed, this study shows how wolves were able to occupy even suboptimal areas, taking advantage of both anthropogenic and wild trophic resources, still displaying nocturnal activity to lower the probability of encounters with humans. Full article

Plastic pollution poses a massive problem to the environment, particularly seas and oceans. Microplastics (MPs) ingestion by marine species can generate many adverse effects, including causing oxidative stress. This study evaluated the effects of anthropic activity-related MP presence in two coastal fish species—Serranus scriba (more related to rocky bottoms) and Lithognathus mormyrus (more related to sandy bottoms)—in two areas of Mallorca Island (Western Mediterranean) with varying anthropic pressures with similar mixed rocky/sandy bottoms. A total of eight fish samples per species and per area (total n = 32), as well as three water samples (500 mL each) and three sediment samples per area, were collected and analyzed. The results showed that despite plastic presence in both areas, the area with higher tourism affluence was also the most polluted. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed that the majority of recovered polymers were polyethylene and polypropylene. The pattern of MPs presence was reflected in the biomarker analysis, which showed higher values of antioxidants, namely catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD); detoxification, namely glutathione s-transferase (GST); and inflammation, namely myeloperoxidase (MPO)—enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract of fish from the more polluted area. However, no statistical differences were found for malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of lipid peroxidation. As for differences between species, S. scriba presented a higher presence of MPs and measured biomarkers than in L. Mormyrus, suggesting higher exposure. In conclusion, these results showed that increased anthropic activity is associated with a higher presence of MPs which, in turn, induces an adaptative response in exposed fish. Moreover, species living in the same area could be differentially affected by MPs, which is probably associated with different behavioural and feeding habits. Full article

We studied the feeding habits of the common eagle ray (Myliobatis aquila) in the shallow northern Adriatic Sea. Altogether we analysed the contents of 122 stomachs of specimens caught as by-catch in the Gulf of Trieste and along the west Istrian coast. Shelled molluscs (N% = 75.17), mainly bivalves and gastropods, were the most prominent prey categories, while crustaceans, sipunculids, echinoderms and polychaets (N% < 10) represented considerably smaller numbers. With increasing size (and age) the eagle rays tend to become more experienced in preying molluscs and specialized to this prey category. The obtained results are in general in agreement with the limited existing reports on the diet of the common eagle ray in the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent areas. Full article

The intestinal microbiota is vital for host immunity and metabolism, and its changes are associated with the development stage of hosts. However, little is known regarding how growth and development of anurans affect the diversity of their microbiota, which has a complex life cycle. The Tibetan toad (Bufo tibetanus) is a wild population in the high-altitude area of southwest China, which has special adaptability to the environment. Here, the microbial community of the Tibetan toad at six developmental stages (from the tadpole at Gosner stage 18 to the 8-year-old adult) was assessed using high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing. The alpha diversity index analysis showed that the Chao, Ace, and Shannon indices were highest at Gosner stage 32 and decreased as development progressed, and their alpha diversity remained unchanged over time in adult stages. Beta diversity revealed that the gut microbiota structure differed significantly from Gosner stages 18 to 31, and it became similar to adult toads from Gosner stages 45 to 46 and in juvenile groups. At the phylum level, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria were dominant phyla in tadpoles and adults. The relative abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria in the adult group was significantly higher and lower than that of tadpoles, respectively. The linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis identified seven phyla exhibiting significant differences during life stages: Verrucomicrobiota, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria (Gosner 18 to 31), Cyanobateria and Chloroflexi (Gosner 32 to 41), Actinobacteriota (Gosner 45 to 46), Desulfobacterota (juvenile group), and Firmicutes (adult group). A pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the metabolism and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were significantly enriched across all developmental stages. This research unveiled variations in the intestinal microbiota composition during development in anurans. Factors such as developmental stage, habitat type and feeding habit jointly affected the gut microbial diversity and community composition in the Tibetan toad. The findings of this study can provide information for understanding the influence of historical developments on the intestinal microbiota and provide protection information for anurans. Full article

With over 40 species, Eupeodes Osten Sacken, 1877, is a common aphidophagous hoverfly genus (Diptera: Syrphidae: Syrphinae) with a worldwide distribution. The immature stages of Eupeodes are well known, since 23 species have been reared, but only 8 species have been described. All known immature stages of Eupeodes species have predatory feeding habits, mainly on aphids and other soft-bodied Hemiptera, for which some of its species are commonly used as agents of biological control programs. In this work, the puparium of Eupeodes bucculatus (Rondani, 1857) is detailed and re-described, and the complete morphology of all immature stages of the life cycle of Eupeodes corollae (Fabricius, 1794) is documented by using stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope techniques. An update to the taxonomic key for the known larvae/puparium of Eupeodes species is also provided. Full article

Children with Down syndrome often face significant feeding difficulties and health comorbidities that may contribute to undernutrition or obesity. This study assessed dietary habits and nutritional status among 104 children with Down syndrome in Croatia, representing 11.5% of this population. Results showed that over 30% of children aged 1 to 15 were overweight. Over 60% never consumed whole grain bread, while more than 50% avoided fish, nuts, or seeds. Despite rural families more frequently producing their own food (meat p = 0.009; fruits/vegetables p = 0.035), no significant improvement was observed in the children’s diets compared to their urban counterparts. Urban children consumed milk (p = 0.008) and fermented dairy (p = 0.005) more often. Children of university-educated mothers had higher vegetable (p = 0.031), meat (p = 0.025), olive oil (p = 0.003), and nut (p = 0.029) consumption, and a lower intake of processed meats (p = 0.008) and salty snacks (p = 0.040). Families spending less than 50% of income on food also showed significantly healthier dietary patterns. Feeding difficulties in children with Down syndrome are commonly associated with sensory sensitivities, oral-motor impairments, and comorbid medical conditions. These challenges are often intensified by parental anxiety, delayed introduction of diverse foods, and inadequate professional support. Collectively, these factors contribute to selective eating, poor nutrient intake, and disordered eating behaviors. This study underscores the need for individualized nutritional interventions that address the unique physiological and sensory requirements of both children and adults with Down syndrome. Effective strategies should extend beyond general dietary recommendations to include early exposure to a variety of food textures, specialized feeding support, and the management of coexisting health conditions. Family education and engagement play a crucial role in achieving positive nutritional outcomes. Empowering parents and caregivers—especially those in socioeconomically disadvantaged or rural communities—can facilitate the alignment of food accessibility with healthy dietary practices. The findings of this research offer valuable guidance for the development and implementation of national strategies aimed at enhancing the nutrition and long-term health of individuals with Down syndrome. Full article

The blue crab Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 is native to the western coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Although its arrival to the Mediterranean was probably due to ballast water, this species has several characteristics that have enabled it to successfully invade countless localities in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. Little is known about its feeding habits and ecosystem impacts in the Mediterranean basin. This study aimed to provide information on the natural diet of C. sapidus by comparing the stomach contents of specimens caught in different seasons and habitats of the SE Iberian Peninsula (hypersaline waters in Mar Menor Lagoon and brackish waters in Guardamar Bay). This study also tested whether gender influences prey selection and if ovigerous females exhibit limited feeding activity. Regarding the frequency of occurrence, the results indicated that in Mar Menor Lagoon the most frequently consumed prey were Crustacea (60%), followed by fish (57%) and Mollusca (29%), whilst in Guardamar Bay, Mollusca (40%), sediment (32%), algae (24%) and Crustacea (24%) were dominant. It has been determined that this species predates heavily on Mediterranean shrimp Penaeus kerathurus, an economically important shrimp species in the lagoon area. Analysis using a generalised linear model indicated that sex, season and size class were factors that significantly influenced the stomach content weight. Furthermore, non-ovigerous females had significantly fuller stomachs than ovigerous individuals. Since the population of Callinectes sapidus tends to increase in the Mediterranean basin, monitoring of its feeding ecology is recommended to determine its impact on the ecosystem. Full article

Conus venoms are both highly powerful and complex, exhibiting a remarkably intriguing molecular variability. The biologic reasons behind such astonishing molecular diversity are yet to be fully understood. We hypothesized that the current knowledge has been hampered by a lack of studies targeting the whole Conus genus backed by a feeding habit analysis, as opposed to the abundant studies focused on single species or at the individual level. We aim to enlighten the understanding of the remarkable venom variability in cone snails while pushing to deliver novel peptides for biomedical applications through a broad transcriptomics approach. Here, we assessed 76 publicly available venom-related and unrelated transcriptomes from a total of 20 different Conus species. The shared transcriptomic repertoire revealed several gene variations in accordance with predatory diets (e.g., gene loss in piscivorous species), indicating that feeding habit largely influences venom evolution. Furthermore, evidences of ubiquitous symbiotic relationships within the venom organs were depicted, as biological processes alien to Conus species (e.g., Sorocarp morphogenesis) were found in all analyzed transcriptomes. Moreover, 88 potential anti-microbial peptides were bioinformatically detected, including one showing similarity with the human ACE2 receptor. Our study highlights the importance of in-depth comparative transcriptomic analyses, fostering cross-field synergic assessments by relying on informatic, biologic, and pharmacologic resources. Full article

Red wood ants (RWA), belonging to the Formica rufa species group, play a crucial and fascinating role in Central Europe’s forest ecosystems. They have a high variety of effects, which they exert around their nests. Their generalist feeding on prey in the canopies of trees lowers the frequency of defoliator outbreaks, as well as increases local biodiversity. Nearly half of their diverse diet is insects, including species considered harmful by foresters. They also have a mutualistic relation with honeydew-producing aphids and planthoppers, which connection has unclear effects on the forests. The habit of RWAs building nests could also positively influence soil composition, due to its structure and high amount of organic matter, which could potentially benefit tree growth. RWAs are also known to enhance the species richness of forests by supporting various myrmecophilous species associated with them. In this study, we review the role of RWAs in forest protection, drawing on the literature focusing on Hungary and Central Europe. Full article

Feeding habits of the four-spotted megrim, Lepidorhombus boscii, from the eastern Adriatic Sea were examined. A total of 1070 individuals collected using a bottom trawl net between July 2020 and June 2021 were analyzed. A high percentage of empty stomachs (63.27%) was recorded. The food composition proved that L. boscii is a carnivorous species. The identified prey of L. boscii was divided into seven groups: Teleostei, Bivalvia, Gastropoda, Cephalopoda, Isopoda, Mysida, and Decapoda. Decapods were the most important prey (%IRI = 58.18), followed by cephalopods (%IRI = 10.93). At the species level, the most important prey were the decapods Parapeneus longirostris (%IRI = 11.48) and Goneplax rhomboides (%IRI = 5.92). Statistically significant seasonal variations in diet were recorded; decapods dominated in spring, summer, and winter, whereas cephalopods prevailed in autumn. There were no statistically significant differences in the food composition between the three size categories. Decapods were the most important prey in all size categories (%IRI > 50). The lowest feeding intensity, as well as the highest percentage of empty stomachs, was recorded in winter, which is also the main spawning season of this species in the Adriatic Sea. Full article

The choice of what to feed is a significant decision for a pet owner and is complicated by the vast array of choices that are available. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feeding choices and practices of UK dog and cat owners. An online survey was conducted in which owners were asked about their feeding practices, what they look for in pet food, and purchasing habits, as well as collecting owner demographics and pet signalment information. A total of 520 responses were collected for 682 dogs and cats (572 dogs and 110 cats), with most owners only having one pet. Significantly more cats were fed a mix of wet and dry food or solely wet food, while significantly more dogs were fed raw food. Most owners feed their pets twice a day in a standard bowl and obtain nutritional information online. Furthermore, the most common way to purchase their food is online. There are differences between cat and dog owners feeding choices, with cat owners staying with more traditional methods and more dog owners choosing raw or alternative feeding. Raw feeding has increased in popularity compared to previous studies. Full article

Herbivorous protistan grazers are ubiquitous and abundant in marine and temperate freshwater environments. However, little is known about the algivorous ciliates and their feeding habits in outdoor mass algal cultures. In this study, we report on one hypotrich ciliate, identified as Sterkiella histriomuscorum, from the outdoor mass culture of Scenedesmus in Arizona, USA. A long-term field survey revealed that this species often occurs in Scenedesmus culture in spring and summer, and can graze very heavily on Scenedesmus cells. By isolating Sterkiella cells and then observing them via light microscopy and electron microscopy, detailed information about the morphology, ultrastructure, excystment process, and feeding characteristics of the ciliate was obtained. Specifically, it seems that S. histriomuscorum has a range of different strategies for excystment, and the sharp change in the ion concentration in the environment around the cyst results in osmotic shock, which likely facilitates the excystment. Feeding experiments revealed that S. histriomuscorum preferred to graze on chlorophytes as well as the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and had no interaction with chrysophytes or cyanobacteria. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the SSU rRNA gene sequence indicated that both the genus Sterkiella and the species S. histriomuscorum are non-monophyletic. The information obtained from this study will help advance our understanding of the biodiversity and ecological function of S. histriomuscorum, and will also be very useful in the development of early warning systems and control measures for preventing or treating this contaminant in microalgal mass cultures. Full article

This study explored the prevalence and types of microplastic (MP) pollution in three fish species—Labeo rohita, Wallago attu, and Cirrhinus mrigala—collected from the Panjnad Barrage in South Punjab, Pakistan. MPs were analyzed from the gastrointestinal tracts (GITs), gills, and muscles of 90 fish samples. Advanced analytical techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), were deployed, confirming the polymeric composition and presence of various additives. Quantitative and qualitative analyses revealed significant variations in MP accumulation across tissues, with the GIT consistently showing the highest MP count, the gills having the highest concentration per gram, and the muscles exhibiting the lowest amount of accumulation. Wallago attu was found to have accumulated the highest concentration of microparticles among all three species due to its feeding habits and habitat. Fibers and fragments were the predominant types of MPs, with yellow and red being the most frequent colors. Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) were the primary polymers identified, alongside other types like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The MP size distribution indicated that mid-sized particles (150–50 µm) were most abundant in the GIT and gills, while smaller particles (<50 µm) accumulated in the muscles, suggesting different levels of bioavailability and tissue penetration. Overall, the results suggest that agricultural activities are a major contributor to plastic pollution in the Panjnad Barrage. These findings highlight the ecological and health impacts of MP contamination, stressing the importance of targeted mitigation strategies to eliminate plastic waste in aquatic environments. Full article