Search Results (843)

Rhoptroceros cyatheae (Hymenoptera: Selandriidae) is a dominant herbivorous pest of Alsophila spinulosa in southwestern China, including Guizhou and Sichuan provinces. Infestation by this pest impairs spore reproduction of A. spinulosa and reduces the photosynthetic capacity of host plants. However, the chemosensory genes of R. cyatheae have not been reported, and the molecular basis of antennal detection of host volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is poorly understood. This study aims to screen and identify bioactive VOCs potentially involved in host searching behavior of R. cyatheae, analyze antennal VOC detection patterns, and explore the in vitro binding characteristics of an odorant-binding protein (OBP) involved in olfactory recognition, thereby providing a preliminary theoretical basis for the green management of R. cyatheae. Dynamic headspace sampling, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and gas chromatography-electroantennography (GC-EAD) were used to measure antennal electrophysiological responses of R. cyatheae to volatiles from its host A. spinulosa. Y-tube olfactometer assays were conducted to evaluate behavioral responses. For RcyaOBP7, fluorescence competitive binding assays, structural modeling, and molecular docking were integrated to investigate its in vitro binding characteristics with nine selected bioactive VOCs. Nine A. spinulosa volatiles were identified that elicited antennal electrophysiological responses in R. cyatheae, and the sawfly showed behavioral orientation to these VOCs, confirming that its antennae can detect host VOCs. In vitro binding assays showed that RcyaOBP7 exhibited strong binding affinity to p-ethylacetophenone, suggesting its potential involvement in antennal olfactory recognition of this volatile. Specific VOCs released by A. spinulosa are among the signaling molecules detected by the antennae of R. cyatheae. In vitro findings indicate that RcyaOBP7 binds specifically to p-ethylacetophenone, suggesting a possible role in antennal olfactory recognition and behaviors such as host location. However, in vivo functional validation and field trials under ecologically relevant conditions are needed to confirm these roles. This study characterizes the in vitro binding properties of RcyaOBP7 and provides a basis for further research on green management strategies for R. cyatheae based on antennal olfactory signals. Full article

The field effectiveness of Trichogramma parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) against lepidopteran pests is strongly influenced by temperature, which affects their development, survival, parasitism and reproductive performance. Understanding thermal requirements is therefore essential for optimizing mass rearing and release strategies. The present study evaluated the effects of five constant temperatures (25, 30, 33, 35, and 40 °C) on biological parameters of Trichogramma bourarachae Pintureau & Babault and two strains (S1 and S2) of T. cacoeciae Marchal reared on Ephestia kuehniella Zeller eggs. Emergence rates were higher between 25 °C and 33 °C for all tested parasitoids, decreased markedly at 35 °C for T. cacoeciae, whereas T. bourarachae emergence showed higher tolerance at 35 °C, and no emergence was recorded for all parasitoids at 40 °C. Parasitism capacity was strongly influenced by both temperature and parental thermal history. Trichogramma bourarachae exhibited its highest parasitism rate at 25 °C; however, females originating from the parental generation that developed at 30 °C maintained relatively high parasitism rates at elevated temperatures (30 to 35 °C). For T. cacoeciae S1, parental development at 30 °C enhanced offspring parasitism over a broader temperature range. Conversely, T. cacoeciae S2 achieved maximum parasitism when the parental generation developed at 25 °C, with high parasitism maintained at 25 °C, 30 °C, and 33 °C. At the species level, parasitism was highest between 25 °C and 33 °C, declined at 35 °C, and no parasitism was recorded at 40 °C due to the absence of survival. Within each species, however, strain-specific differences were observed, particularly at 35 °C, indicating variability in thermal tolerance and reproductive performance. Female longevity decreased with increasing temperature in all species and strains. However, individuals originating from parental generation that developed at 30 °C exhibited improved survival when exposed to elevated oviposition temperatures, indicating thermal acclimation. Increasing temperature induced a male-biased sex ratio in T. bourarachae, whereas T. cacoeciae maintained stable thelytokous reproduction across all treatments. These results emphasize the importance of thermal tolerance and parental thermal history for selecting suitable Trichogramma species and strains for mass rearing and field application for biological control under warming climatic conditions. Full article

Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae), or medfly, is an invasive pest widespread in Argentina, where standardized management methods, such as cultural and chemical controls, are commonly implemented. The success in controlling medfly populations depends on implementing preventive, sustainable, long-term, and eco-friendly eradication/control strategies across all invaded environments. One strategy may involve augmentative biological control using parasitoids adapted to local conditions, such as Ganaspis pelleranoi (Brèthes) (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), a Neotropical-native parasitoid that mostly forages on tephritid larvae in a broad range of fallen fruit. Two hypotheses were tested in the current study: (1) G. pelleranoi females are more efficient in controlling medfly larvae infesting different fruits as the density of released females progressively increases, and (2) such parasitoid-induced host mortality capacity remains when host density is increased. Parasitism (reproductive effects) and additional host mortality (non-reproductive effects) were the indicator variables of parasitoid-induced host ability. Trials were performed in field cages (semi-field conditions) using two medfly-multiplier host fruit species, namely sour orange and peach, and with variations in both parasitoid release and host larval densities. Three major findings were highlighted: (1) G. pelleranoi females successfully parasitized host larvae on peach and sour orange, regardless of their strongly differing physical features, although medfly larvae in peaches were significantly more susceptible to the parasitoid; (2) medfly mortality significantly increased in both peach and sour orange relative to the gradual increase in released G. pelleranoi females, regardless of the increase in host density offered to parasitoids; and (3) G. pelleranoi females induced a substantially high host die-off rate when the additional mortality was added to the analysis, which was not revealed when parasitism alone was regarded as a medfly mortality variable. Such outcomes may provide relevant information for implementing an augmentative biological control against medfly using indigenous parasitoid species within an eco-friendly fruit fly pest management approach. Full article

Two new species, Aprostocetus eucalyptus Zheng & Yefremova sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and Megastigmus bipolaris Zheng & Yefremova sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Megastigmidae), were discovered on populations of the invasive gall wasp Ophelimus bipolaris (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) infesting Eucalyptus in Guangxi, China. An integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological characterization and 28S rRNA-based phylogenetic analysis was used for species identification and classification. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, and an identification key for both sexes are provided. Field parasitism data confirm their potential as native natural enemies, supporting their utility for the biological control of this economically important pest. Full article

Grasping appendages in representatives of the group Insecta are usually of the sub-chelate (jackknifing) type. Only rarely do chelate appendages occur: Carcinothrips (Thysanoptera), Dryinidae (Hymenoptera), and Carcinocorini (Heteroptera). Here, we report a new find from about 100 million-year-old Kachin amber, representing, to our knowledge, the first case of a fossil of the group Insecta with a chelate type of appendage. This find is only the fourth case of an independent or convergent evolution of such a structure. A quantitative morphological comparison of over 2000 grasping structures reveals that the proximal part of the chela (in this case, the femur) has a unique shape in the fossil, unparalleled in the fossil and modern fauna. Moreover, some other new fossils reported do not possess such a shape. The mouthparts, forming a distinct beak, allow us to identify the new fossil with the distinct chela as a representative of Heteroptera. Its short beak, together with some other characteristics, indicates that it most likely is a representative of Nepomorpha. Many other details of the fossil are not well preserved, but the overall appearance shows similarities to extant and fossil representatives of Gelastocoridae, a group of terrestrial predators. Full article

Hymenoptera venom allergy is a cause of anaphylaxis, which significantly affects patients’ daily lives due to the constant fear of accidental stings. Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is the only treatment capable of preventing severe systemic reactions (SSRs). Limited long-term real-life data are available, integrating both clinical and immunological outcomes. A five-year prospective observational study was conducted on 35 patients with a history of SSR who underwent VIT at a tertiary allergy center in Southern Italy; two of them had a diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis. Most patients were sensitized to Vespula, but others to Apis, Polistes dominula and Vespa crabro, reflecting the exposure pattern characteristic of Mediterranean regions. Clinical outcomes following accidental re-stings and serological trends, including total IgE, venom-specific IgE, and baseline serum tryptase, were assessed at treatment initiation and after five years of maintenance therapy. During the entire follow-up, all patients tolerated VIT. No SSRs occurred after accidental stings in 17/35 patients, confirming clinical protection achieved with VIT. Vespula serum-specific IgE presented a highly significant decrease; total IgE, tryptase and specific IgE for Apis, Polistes dominula and Vespa crabro showed a statistically significant decrease. Our findings reinforce the role of VIT as a well-tolerated, effective and disease-modifying treatment in a real-world setting. Full article

Silverfish (order Zygentoma) comprise a diverse group of primitively wingless insects, several of which have evolved myrmecophilous associations with ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). However, the diversity and host relationships of ant-associated Zygentoma in the Balkans remain insufficiently documented. In this study, we surveyed ant nests across Bulgaria to assess the taxonomic diversity, host specificity and distribution of silverfish associated with ants. We identified five species: Atelura montana (Stach, 1946), Proatelurina pseudolepisma (Grassi, 1887), Neoasterolepisma balcanicum (Stach, 1922), N. cf. crassipes (Escherich, 1905) and N. wasmanni (Moniez, 1894). These species were recorded from nests of ants belonging to the genera Bothriomyrmex, Aphaenogaster, Pheidole, Messor, Tetramorium, Formica and Lasius. Patterns of host association ranged from generalist species occurring in nests of multiple ant genera, such as Atelura montana, to more specialised taxa largely restricted to a single host genus, as observed in Neoasterolepisma species. Our findings expand the current understanding of myrmecophilous Zygentoma in the Balkans. Three species—Proatelurina pseudolepisma, Neoasterolepisma cf. crassipes, and Neoasterolepisma wasmanni—are reported here for the first time in Bulgaria, bringing the total number of recorded silverfish species in the country to 11. Moreover, our results highlight the ecological importance of ant nests as microhabitats that support highly specialised arthropod communities. Full article

Social wasps are frequently associated with fruit injuries in agroecosystems, but the diversity of species involved and the ecological context of these interactions remain poorly synthesized in Brazil. This study aimed to compile and analyze records of social wasp interactions with fruits in Brazil, combining opportunistic field observations, iNaturalist records, and published studies. In total, 19 field observations, 87 iNaturalist records, and 11 published studies were incorporated into the dataset, resulting in 2443 records involving 51 social wasp species in 10 genera and 36 plant species. Most records involved fruits still attached to the plant (1853; 75.8%), whereas 590 records (24.2%) were associated with fallen fruits. Large-bodied wasps were disproportionately associated with fruits on the plant, while small- and medium-sized species were more frequent on fallen fruits, and this association was significant (χ² = 554.71; p < 0.001). Records also varied significantly throughout the year (χ² = 5693.28; p < 0.001), with peaks in February, March, and July. The interactions were strongly concentrated in a few genera, especially Polybia, Polistes, and Agelaia, and in a few fruit species, particularly Psidium guajava, Anacardium occidentale, and Mangifera indica. Overall, the compiled evidence indicates that fruit exploitation by social wasps in Brazil is structured by body size, resource accessibility, and seasonality. However, because the study compiles heterogeneous records rather than directly measuring economic losses, the agricultural significance of these interactions remains context-dependent and requires further evaluation. Full article

Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) are one of the prevalent pests infesting wine grapes in the eastern United States. Their close association with ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) provides them with protection against natural enemies. Although sugar-based dispensers have been proposed as a strategy to disrupt this trophobiotic interaction, their field performance and indirect effects on mealybug infestation remain poorly understood. This study addresses this gap by identifying mealybug species present in Virginia vineyards, characterizing dominant ant genera associated with mealybugs, and evaluating the impact of sugar dispensers (with and without insecticide) on ant activity, mealybug density, and fruit cluster infestation. Field trials were conducted in two commercial vineyards in Virginia, USA, both with a history of mealybug infestations. Sampling plots with or without sugar dispensers were compared to assess differences in mealybug and ant population densities and fruit cluster infestation levels. Two mealybug species, Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn) and Ferrisia gilli Gullan, were detected at both sites. Some dominant ant genera, including Tetramorium Mayr, Lasius Fabricius, Solenopsis molesta (Say), Crematogaster Lund, and Pheidole Westwood, were found in close association with mealybugs. Ant activity remained low in untreated plots, whereas insecticide-treated dispensers initially attracted high ant numbers, which declined over time. Fruit cluster infestation was highest in plots lacking dispensers, indicating that dispenser deployment reduced mealybug impact. These findings demonstrate that sugar dispensers, particularly those containing insecticide, can suppress ant activity and reduce mealybug-related fruit damage, offering a practical non-disruptive tool for integrated pest management in small- and medium-sized vineyards. Full article

Parasitoid wasps play a fundamental role in the biological control of pests. However, their morphological identification may be limited due to their small size and the high morphological similarity between species. Our objective was to identify specific genomic variants of the target species Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare & LaSalle, 1993, Tetrastichus howardi (Olliff, 1893), Trichospilus diatraeae Cherian & Margabandhu, 1942, and Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, 1879, (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) by whole-genomic sequencing. Parasitoids were collected from their hosts and established in the laboratory after adult emergence. A sample of each parasitoid was sent to the Departamento de Ciências Biológicas at Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES) and “Oscar Monte” Entomophagous Insect Collection for morphological identification. Subsequently, samples composed of 20 individuals were preserved in absolute ethanol for DNA extraction. The DNA was extracted, quantified and sequenced on the Illumina Novaseq 6000 platform. Bioinformatic tools were used for quality control, detection of specific genomic variants, principal component analysis (PCA), and support vector machine (SVM). Genomic sequencing generated high-quality data for the analyzed parasitoids, allowing the identification of four specific variants for P. elaeisis, two for Te. howardi, four for Ts. diatraeae and five for Tg. pretiosum. These results provide a precise molecular tool for distinguishing parasitoids used in biological control programs. Full article

Aproceros leucopoda (Hymenoptera: Argidae) is an East-Asian pest of Ulmus spp. that has spread across Europe since the 2000s and, more recently, to North America, causing repeated defoliation of host plants. Laboratory studies have suggested four or five generations per year in Hungary; however, in the field, their number ranges from one to six. In 2012 and 2013, the bionomics of this invasive pest were studied in north-eastern Italy through weekly samplings from April to October, with data related to accumulated degree days (DDs). Although adult captures exhibited five peaks in both years, only in 2012 were eggs of the fifth and last generation of the season. Their apparent absence in 2013 might be due to elm water stress or temperatures much higher than optimal (30 vs. 19.5 °C). From 2013 to today, a progressive decline in A. leucopoda populations has been recorded. The possible reasons for the gradual decline in the sawfly population recorded in the subsequent years are discussed. Several natural enemies were observed. This study can contribute to a better understanding of A. leucopoda population dynamics in newly colonised areas, including the risk to wood production in mixed deciduous plantations if defoliation occurs over many consecutive years. Full article

Understanding how pollinators adjust their behavior to maximize reproductive success in resource-limited desert ecosystems is a fundamental ecological question. In this study, we investigated X. mongolicus using a combination of field behavioral observations, pollen identification, nutritional analysis, and morphometric measurements to systematically examine interannual variations in its flower visitation spectrum, foraging behavior, bee bread composition, and offspring body size. Our findings reveal a striking contrast: although this species exhibits polyphagy in flower visitation, it shows dietary specialization in larval nutrition—over 92% of the pollen in its bee bread originates from just two leguminous species, A. mongolicus and O. bicolor. Foraging duration increased with rising temperature and humidity, and bees adapted to strong winds by flying close to the ground. Compared with 2024, the bee bread in 2025 had lower fresh weight but higher crude protein content, and offspring body size was larger—likely due to more abundant spring rainfall in 2025, which improved the flowering performance of A. mongolicus. Collectively, these results indicate that this bee species copes with resource uncertainty in desert habitats through flexible foraging range and highly specialized food storage, with its reproductive success closely tied to the nutritional supply of key plants and precipitation patterns. This study highlights the role of precipitation timing in shaping the nutritional foundation of plant–pollinator interactions, providing a scientific basis for the conservation and management of desert pollinators. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hereditary alpha-tryptasemia (HαT) is increasingly recognized as a genetic modifier of mast cell-mediated disease severity and has been associated with heightened mediator-related symptoms and an elevated risk of anaphylaxis. This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics, multisystem manifestations, and treatment responses of eight patients with HαT and concomitant mast cell disorders. Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, eight adults with confirmed TPSAB1 copy number gain and a diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis (SM), cutaneous mastocytosis (CM), or mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) were evaluated. Baseline assessments included demographics, clinical history, basal serum tryptase (BST), TPSAB1 genotyping, KIT D816V testing, and bone marrow examination when indicated. Symptom burden was quantified at baseline and week 8 using the Mastocytosis Activity Score (MAS). All patients received mediator-targeted therapy; omalizumab was administered in selected high-risk cases. Results: Eight patients (62.5% male, mean age 53.9 ± 12.0 years) carried TPSAB1 duplication. The median BST was 16.2 ng/mL (range, 14.3–51.2). Severe anaphylaxis occurred in 75% of patients, predominantly drug-induced, while Hymenoptera venom triggered the remaining cases. Gastroesophageal reflux (87.5%), cutaneous symptoms (62.5%), neuropsychiatric features (62.5%), and autonomic dysfunction (37.5%) were common. The mean MAS decreased significantly from 27.25 ± 7.40 to 18.25 ± 6.48 after 8 weeks of high-dose antihistamines, with omalizumab providing marked additional benefit in selected patients. Conclusions: In this cohort, patients with HαT and coexisting mast cell disorders exhibited a high burden of mediator-related symptoms and a notable frequency of anaphylaxis. TPSAB1 genotyping may provide additional genetic information that aids in contextualizing clinical heterogeneity and mediator-related symptom burden in patients with mast cell disorders. Incorporation of HαT testing into routine evaluation may optimize individualized management. Full article

The parasitic wasps of Aphelinidae (Hymenoptera) are a group of insects with significant biological control value. However, their genomic evolution and ecological adaptation mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we focused on the genome analysis of Eretmocerus hayati and performed a comparative analysis with four other species from Aphelinidae. Our results indicated that the divergence time of Aphelinidae was approximately 119.9 million years ago. In Er. hayati, gene families related to energy metabolism and humoral immunity have significantly expanded, which may be associated with the high metabolic demands of its small body size and the immune adaptation strategies resulting from its unique parasitic methods. Additionally, genes involved in DNA replication and recombination have undergone positive selection in the ancestral branch of Aphelinidae species. Compared with 23 species within nine families in the Chalcidoidea superfamily studied here, the genome size of Er. hayati is the largest. The analysis of repetitive sequences revealed a recent burst of long terminal repeat (LTR) sequence insertions in the genome of Er. hayati. Our study indicates the evolutionary characteristics of Er. hayati in terms of gene family evolution, chromosomal collinearity, and transposon dynamics, providing a theoretical basis for understanding the environmental adaptation and biological control applications. Full article

Vespa orientalis is an emerging pest in southern Italy, with increasing impacts on bees in apiculture and urban environments. This study assessed the attractiveness of three bait types—beer, canned peaches, and commercial fish-based cat food—used in transparent plastic bottle traps deployed in apiary and urban sites across the Campania region. Trapping was conducted from September to October in 15 apiaries and 10 urban areas. A total of 419 hornets (V. orientalis and V. crabro) were collected. V. crabro showed a strong preference for beer-baited traps, whereas V. orientalis did not exhibit significant bait preferences, although most captures occurred in protein-baited traps. Species composition differed between environments, with V. orientalis more prevalent in urban sites. Overall, low capture rates of V. orientalis despite high presence in apiaries suggest that conventional attractant-based trapping is poorly suited for this species, highlighting the need for behaviour-based monitoring tools. Full article