Sustainable Utilization of Insect Biodiversity in Agriculture Forestry and Food Systems Resource Utilization, Food Security and Policy Integration

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

More than three-quarters of the world's species are insects, representing one of the most potentially sustainable protein sources able to meet protein needs while minimizing environmental impact and addressing the global problem of animal feed production. Most insects are rich in nutrients and are a natural food source for many animals. With strong encouragement from the FAO, the nutritional value of insect resources has been extensively researched in recent years. The consumption of insects from agroforestry ecosystems or insect farms not only contributes protein and other valuable nutrients to the human diet but may also provide health benefits through various insect-derived peptides and bioactive compounds. Currently known functions of highly nutritious and mass-producible insects include, but are not limited to, antioxidant effects, blood lipid-lowering effects, anti-fatigue effects, anti-aging effects, anti-mutagenic effects, immunomodulatory effects, hypoglycemic effects, anti-tumor effects, antibacterial effects, anti-radiation damage effects, and others. Unlike other well-known animal foods, edible insects represent a new food ingredient and an important food source for the future. Hence, the safety issues and potential hazards of insect foods are of great concern. Producing edible insects sustainably will significantly enhance food security.

The Topic “Sustainable Utilization of Insect Biodiversity in Agriculture Forestry and Food Systems Resource Utilization, Food Security and Policy Integration” provides a platform for publishing both reviews and original research papers. Please join us in creating a diverse collection of articles on a variety of topics. We look forward to receiving contributions.

Dr. Yu Gao
Prof. Dr. Yunfei Xie
Dr. Menglei Xu
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Agriculture agriculture	3.6	6.3	2011	18.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Biology biology	3.5	7.4	2012	16.8 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Foods foods	5.1	8.7	2012	15 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Forests forests	2.5	4.6	2010	16.8 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Insects insects	2.9	5.6	2010	18.9 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Sustainability sustainability	3.3	7.7	2009	17.9 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Wild wild	-	-	2024	26.2 Days	CHF 1000	Submit

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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All Agriculture Foods Insects Forests Sustainability Wild Biology

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Open AccessArticle

Effects of Exogenous Melatonin on Life History Traits and Cold Tolerance of Leguminivora glycinivorella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

by Shiyu Zhu, Yichang Xing, Yuxin Zhou, Shusen Shi and Yu Gao

Biology 2026, 15(10), 750; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology15100750 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2026

Abstract

The chemical control of Leguminivora glycinivorella (Mats.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) has been a major threat to the soybean industry in China over the years. Therefore, we need to develop green, safe, and environmentally friendly alternatives for pest control. Amine hormones, such as melatonin, represent [...] Read more.

The chemical control of Leguminivora glycinivorella (Mats.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) has been a major threat to the soybean industry in China over the years. Therefore, we need to develop green, safe, and environmentally friendly alternatives for pest control. Amine hormones, such as melatonin, represent an adjunct strategy for the green control of L. glycinivorella. We aimed to investigate the effects of exogenous melatonin on the development, survival, reproduction, nutrient accumulation, and cold tolerance of L. glycinivorella and to provide insights into the role of melatonin in insect adaptive regulation. Newly hatched L. glycinivorella larvae were fed on soybean pods immersed in solutions with different concentrations of exogenous melatonin. The developmental duration of larvae and pupae, survival rate, pupation rate, adult eclosion rate, body weight and length of larvae and pupae, nutrient composition of mature larvae, adult reproductive parameters, and supercooling and freezing points were measured. With increasing melatonin concentrations, the developmental durations of larvae and pupae were significantly prolonged, while the larval survival rate, pupation rate, and adult eclosion rate significantly decreased. The body weight and length of both larvae and pupae declined with increasing melatonin concentrations, reaching the lowest values in the 200 mg/L group. Melatonin treatment significantly reduced protein and lipid contents in mature larvae but significantly increased glycogen content. Reproductive parameters, including pre-oviposition period, oviposition period, fecundity, and female adult longevity, all decreased significantly with increasing melatonin concentrations. Additionally, melatonin treatment significantly lowered the supercooling point and freezing point of mature larvae. Exogenous melatonin significantly inhibits the growth, development, survival, reproduction, and nutrient metabolism of L. glycinivorella, yet enhances its low-temperature tolerance, suggesting that melatonin may serve as a potential tool for population management of L. glycinivorella through its dual regulatory role in insect physiology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Utilization of Insect Biodiversity in Agriculture Forestry and Food Systems Resource Utilization, Food Security and Policy Integration)

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12 pages, 1383 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Internal Microbiota Guided Stage Selection in Two Swine-Manure Bioconversion Flies for Feed-Protein Harvest

by Huiming Zhong, Siyao Wang, Zhen Li, Miao Hong, Dekai Zhang, Zhiyuan Ma and Guanjie Yan

Insects 2026, 17(4), 353; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17040353 - 24 Mar 2026

Viewed by 459

Abstract

Coprophagous flies can convert livestock manure into protein-rich larval biomass for animal feed, but manure-based rearing raises biosafety concerns. This study characterized the internal bacterial community dynamics across development in Aldrichina grahami and Boettcherisca peregrina reared on swine manure, aiming to identify developmental [...] Read more.

Coprophagous flies can convert livestock manure into protein-rich larval biomass for animal feed, but manure-based rearing raises biosafety concerns. This study characterized the internal bacterial community dynamics across development in Aldrichina grahami and Boettcherisca peregrina reared on swine manure, aiming to identify developmental stages with a lower microbial hazard profile. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of pooled internal samples, we analyzed communities from third-instar larvae, dispersing-stage larvae, pupae at multiple time points, and newly emerged adults. Developmental stage strongly structured bacterial composition and altered richness in both species. Communities were dominated by Bacillota and Pseudomonadota, reflecting substrate origin, with pronounced turnover during metamorphosis and stage-specific dominance patterns, indicating developmental filtering rather than uniform microbial clearance. Crucially, dispersing larvae did not show the marked dominance signatures seen in later pupal or adult stages, supporting this stage as a pragmatic harvest window with a comparatively lower microbial-hazard indicator profile. Since downstream processing such as drying or heating will further reduce viable hazards, stage selection serves as an effective upstream control to lower the initial hazard burden entering production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Utilization of Insect Biodiversity in Agriculture Forestry and Food Systems Resource Utilization, Food Security and Policy Integration)

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24 pages, 3048 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Mitogenomic Insight into the Population Genetic Diversity and Phylogeography of Soybean Stink Bug (Riptortus pedestris) in China

by Yuxin Zhou, Shusen Shi, Lei Chen, Zhengxiao Du, Yuan Chen, Junkui Ma, Wenbin Wang, Lulu Wang, Yinyue Zhao, Shiyu Zhu and Yu Gao

Insects 2026, 17(3), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17030337 - 19 Mar 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 722

Abstract

Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera, Alydidae) is widely distributed across East Asia, where significant genetic differentiation may occur among geographic populations. To understand the genetic structure, historical dynamics, and formation of geographic distribution patterns in China, we conducted a phylogeographic analysis using three mitochondrial genes [...] Read more.

Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera, Alydidae) is widely distributed across East Asia, where significant genetic differentiation may occur among geographic populations. To understand the genetic structure, historical dynamics, and formation of geographic distribution patterns in China, we conducted a phylogeographic analysis using three mitochondrial genes (COI, COII, Cytb) from 35 populations. After PCR amplification, we performed genetic diversity analysis, Fst/Nm estimation, phylogenetic reconstruction (ML, BI, NJ), haplotype network, AMOVA, neutrality tests, mismatch distribution, and molecular dating. Results revealed high genetic diversity (Hd > 0.81, π > 0.011), an AT-rich base composition, and faster evolution at the first codon position. Genetic and geographic distances were significantly correlated, with high Fst values indicating strong differentiation, especially between southwestern/southern and other populations. Two main clades were identified: Clade 1 (mainly southern and southwestern China) and Clade 2 (central, northern, northwestern, and northeastern China). A star-like haplotype network and neutrality tests suggested a rapid expansion around 0.019–0.022 Ma (Last Glacial Maximum), and molecular dating estimated the main split at ~0.029 Ma. AMOVA and Gst/Nst confirmed significant phylogeographic structure with most variation among populations. This study provides initial evidence for the genetic differentiation and evolutionary history of R. pedestris in China, demonstrating that its population structure was shaped by climatic changes and geographical isolation, providing key insights into its adaptive evolution and dispersal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Utilization of Insect Biodiversity in Agriculture Forestry and Food Systems Resource Utilization, Food Security and Policy Integration)

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11 pages, 406 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Investigation into the Predation of Pomacea canaliculata by Aquatica leii Larvae

by Jiangtao Luo, Chunlin An, Yingjun Wu and Huachao Xu

Insects 2026, 17(3), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17030297 - 9 Mar 2026

Viewed by 569

Abstract

Pomacea canaliculata, a pervasive invasive gastropod, inflicts significant ecological and economic damage in Chinese rice ecosystems. With the limitations of chemical molluscicides, sustainable biological control solutions are urgently required. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the biocontrol potential of larvae of [...] Read more.

Pomacea canaliculata, a pervasive invasive gastropod, inflicts significant ecological and economic damage in Chinese rice ecosystems. With the limitations of chemical molluscicides, sustainable biological control solutions are urgently required. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the biocontrol potential of larvae of the endemic aquatic firefly, Aquatica leii, against Pomacea canaliculata. Through controlled laboratory experiments, we evaluated the feeding preference of larvae when offered a choice between Pomacea canaliculata and a native snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis), and systematically quantified the predatory efficiency (lethal time and consumption amount) across the 3rd to 6th larval instars. Furthermore, the lethal activity of crude extracts from distinct anatomical regions of the larval digestive tract (mouthpart, foregut, midgut, and hindgut) was assayed via injection into Pomacea canaliculata. The larvae accepted Pomacea canaliculata as a viable prey source. Predatory performance varied markedly among instars; 4th-instar larvae exhibited optimal efficacy, characterized by the shortest mean lethal time (7.37 min) and the highest mean consumption (1.23 g). Midgut extract was identified as the principal causative agent of mortality, inducing a 96.7% mortality rate in Pomacea canaliculata, which was significantly superior to the minimal effects observed from other extract types. This points to the midgut secretion as a likely source of potent bioactive compounds responsible for rapid snail lethality, warranting further investigation. responsible for rapid snail lethality. Our results conclusively demonstrate, from both behavioral and physiological vantage points, the feasibility of Aquatica leii larvae as a highly effective native biocontrol agent. This work establishes a critical foundation for future research aimed at the isolation and characterization of the midgut-specific active substances, paving the way for the development of novel, target-selective biogenic molluscicides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Utilization of Insect Biodiversity in Agriculture Forestry and Food Systems Resource Utilization, Food Security and Policy Integration)

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20 pages, 11433 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Global Invasion Potential of Black-Headed and Red-Headed Webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiidae) Following Climatic Niche Simulations

by Jie Pan, Fan Shao, Jia Liu, Dongxiao Xu and Gaosheng Liu

Insects 2025, 16(8), 843; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16080843 - 15 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1395

Abstract

The fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiidae), is a highly dangerous global invasive pest. It exhibits two races: the “red-headed” and “black-headed,” each with distinct ecological traits. However, much remains unknown regarding the climatic niche and potential global distribution suitability of [...] Read more.

The fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiidae), is a highly dangerous global invasive pest. It exhibits two races: the “red-headed” and “black-headed,” each with distinct ecological traits. However, much remains unknown regarding the climatic niche and potential global distribution suitability of these two races. This study utilized the COUE framework, and Maxent models to investigate the climatic niche differences between these two races and predict their respective potential suitable distributions globally. Our findings indicate substantial differences in the climatic niches between the two races of H. cunea, with the red-headed race demonstrating greater invasive potential compared to the black-headed race. Both races pose significantly larger potential threats globally than currently recognized. They are capable of survival in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Specifically, Asia and Europe exhibit potentially greater threats from the black-headed race, while other regions show greater potential harm from the red-headed race. This study highlights significant differences in the climatic niches between the two races of H. cunea, as well as the substantial presence of uninvaded suitable habitats globally for both races. Therefore, future efforts to prevent H. cunea invasions should prioritize control strategies tailored to each race and especially emphasize potential regions that have their respective suitable habitats that have not yet been invaded. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Utilization of Insect Biodiversity in Agriculture Forestry and Food Systems Resource Utilization, Food Security and Policy Integration)

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20 pages, 3131 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Optimized MaxEnt Model Predicts Future Suitable Habitats for Chinese Caterpillar Fungus Under Climate Change

by Yaqin Peng, Zhihang Zhuo, Qianqian Qian and Danping Xu

Agriculture 2025, 15(11), 1144; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15111144 - 26 May 2025

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1866

Abstract

The Chinese Caterpillar Fungus (CCF) is a precious and rare traditional Chinese medicinal material that is extremely sensitive to environmental changes, making wild resources scarce. Therefore, studying the impact of climate change on the potential distribution and changes of the CCF is of [...] Read more.

The Chinese Caterpillar Fungus (CCF) is a precious and rare traditional Chinese medicinal material that is extremely sensitive to environmental changes, making wild resources scarce. Therefore, studying the impact of climate change on the potential distribution and changes of the CCF is of great significance. Employing an enhanced MaxEnt approach (optimized with ENMeval), this study determined the primary ecological constraints on CCF and mapped its potential present and future ranges. The results indicated that elevation, bio05, bio04, bio12, bio11, slope, d1_ph_water, and hf were the driving environmental factors influencing the survival of the CCF. The ideal habitat zones for the CCF were mainly distributed in the plateau and alpine climate zones of northwestern and southwestern China, covering an area of 7.42 × 10⁴ km². Compared with the current climate scenario, the area of suitable habitats for the CCF was expected to increase in the future. In the 2090s, under the SSP1–2.6 scenario, the highly suitable areas for the CCF will have increased the most, by 67.54%, while the low–suitability areas will have decreased by 6.87%. Overall, the highly suitable areas for the CCF will shift towards higher latitudes. The outcomes of this study can inform subsequent conservation strategies for CCF resources and facilitate research on other ecological variables affecting CCF distribution patterns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Utilization of Insect Biodiversity in Agriculture Forestry and Food Systems Resource Utilization, Food Security and Policy Integration)

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