Insects

12 pages, 1536 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Studies on Lygus pratensis’ (Hemiptera: Miridae) Flight Ability

by Yixiang Zheng, Pengfei Li, Tailong Li, Kunyan Wang, Changqing Gou and Hongzu Feng

Insects 2024, 15(10), 762; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100762 - 30 Sep 2024

Lygus pratensis (Linnaeus) is an important agricultural pest with a strong ability to move and spread between hosts. However, L. pratensis’ flight potential and factors affecting its flight ability are unclear. We used the insect flight information system (flight mill) to determine [...] Read more.

Lygus pratensis (Linnaeus) is an important agricultural pest with a strong ability to move and spread between hosts. However, L. pratensis’ flight potential and factors affecting its flight ability are unclear. We used the insect flight information system (flight mill) to determine the effects of temperature, humidity, age, sex, and mating on L. pratensis’ flight ability in an artificial climate chamber. Temperature and relative humidity significantly affected L. pratensis’ flight ability; however, low and high temperature, as well as low humidity, were unsuitable, and the optimal flight environment was 20–28 °C and 60–75% RH. Lygus pratensis’ flying ability initially increased and then decreased with age and was highest at 10 days old (flight rate: 71.43%; total flight distance: 18.63 ± 1.89 km; total flight time: 6.84 ± 0.60 h). At 15 days old, flight speed was the highest (3.36 ± 0.18 km h⁻¹). Sex had little effect on L. pratensis’ flying ability; it was marginally stronger for females than males, but the difference was insignificant. Mating increased female flying ability but decreased that of males, but the difference was insignificant. Overall, L. pratensis had strong flight dispersal ability, was largely unaffected by sex and mating, and optimal flight conditions were mild temperature and humidity. This knowledge provides a scientific basis for L. pratensis outbreak prediction, prevention, and control. Full article

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

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40 pages, 30636 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phylogeny of the Neotropical Hypoctonine Whip-Scorpions (Thelyphonida, Thelyphonidae), with Descriptions of Two New Genera and Species

by Ricardo Botero-Trujillo, Jairo A. Moreno-González and Lorenzo Prendini

Insects 2024, 15(10), 761; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100761 - 30 Sep 2024

Abstract

Thelyphonida Blanchard, 1852, also known as vinegaroons or whip-scorpions, is a small arachnid order with 140 described species contained in a single family, Thelyphonidae Lucas, 1835. Despite being conspicuous and widely distributed across the tropics and subtropics on four continents, knowledge of the [...] Read more.

Thelyphonida Blanchard, 1852, also known as vinegaroons or whip-scorpions, is a small arachnid order with 140 described species contained in a single family, Thelyphonidae Lucas, 1835. Despite being conspicuous and widely distributed across the tropics and subtropics on four continents, knowledge of the order has been slow to advance. Hypoctoninae Pocock, 1899, one of four subfamilies currently recognized and one of two represented in the New World, comprises five genera. Since its inception, Thelyphonellus Pocock, 1894 has remained the only hypoctonine genus occurring in South America, with only four species described prior to the present contribution. The first detailed morphological study and phylogenetic analysis of Thelyphonellus is presented herein. The morphological phylogenetic analysis—the first for Thelyphonida—includes all except one of the previously described species of Thelyphonellus in addition to two new species described herein; the species of Ravilops Víquez and Armas, 2005 (from the Caribbean island of Hispaniola); and the monotypic Old World genus Etienneus Heurtault, 1984 (from West Africa) scored for 45 morphological characters. A single, most parsimonious phylogenetic hypothesis revealed that Thelyphonellus is paraphyletic with respect to Ravilops. The New World Hypoctoninae comprises four clades with disjunct distributions and well supported by a combination of morphological characteristics, on the basis of which four genera, two of which are new, are recognized: Ravilops, with two species, endemic to Hispaniola; Thelyphonellus, herein restricted to Thelyphonellus amazonicus (Butler, 1872) and Thelyphonellus ruschii Weygoldt, 1979, occurring in Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and northern Brazil; Wounaan, gen. n., containing Wounaan vanegasae (Giupponi and Vasconcelos, 2008), comb. n. and Wounaan yarigui, sp. n. from Colombia; and Yekuana, gen. n., containing Yekuana venezolensis (Haupt, 2009), comb. n. and Yekuana wanadi, sp. n. from Venezuela. The two new species are described and illustrated. A key to the identification of the Neotropical genera of Hypoctoninae and a map plotting the known distribution of its species are also presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Other Arthropods and General Topics)

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15 pages, 2438 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Feeding Transmission Modes of the Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus by the Whitefly Bemisia tabaci Do Not Contribute to Reoccurring Leaf Curl Outbreaks in Tomato

by Wendy G. Marchant, Judith K. Brown, Saurabh Gautam, Saptarshi Ghosh, Alvin M. Simmons and Rajagopalbabu Srinivasan

Insects 2024, 15(10), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100760 - 30 Sep 2024

Abstract

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) causes significant yield loss in tomato production in the southeastern United States and elsewhere. TYLCV is transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci cryptic species in a persistent, circulative, and non-propagative manner. Unexpectedly, transovarial and sexual transmission of [...] Read more.

Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) causes significant yield loss in tomato production in the southeastern United States and elsewhere. TYLCV is transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci cryptic species in a persistent, circulative, and non-propagative manner. Unexpectedly, transovarial and sexual transmission of TYLCV has been reported for one strain from Israel. In this study, the potential contribution of the B. tabaci B cryptic species transovarial and sexual transmission of TYLCV (Israel strain, Georgia variant, Georgia, USA) to reoccurring outbreaks was investigated by conducting whitefly-TYLCV transmission assays and virus DNA detection using end point PCR, DNA quantitation via real-time PCR, and virion detection by immunocapture PCR. TYLCV DNA was detectable in four, two, and two percent of first-generation fourth-instar nymphs, first-generation adults, and second-generation adults, respectively, following transovarial acquisition. Post-mating between viruliferous counterparts, the virus’s DNA was detected in four percent of males and undetectable in females. The accumulation of TYLCV DNA in whiteflies from the transovarial and/or sexual experiments was substantially lower (100 to 1000-fold) compared with whitefly adults allowed a 48-hr acquisition-access period on plants infected with TYLCV. Despite the detection of TYLCV DNA in whiteflies from the transovarial and/or mating experiments, the virions were undetectable by immunocapture PCR—a technique specifically designed to detect virions. Furthermore, tomato test plants exposed to whitefly adults that presumably acquired TYLCV transovarially or through mating remained free of detectable TYLCV DNA. Collectively, the extremely low levels of TYLCV DNA and complete absence of virions detected in whiteflies and the inability of the B. tabaci cryptic species B to transmit TYLCV to test tomato plants following transovarial and mating acquisition indicate that neither transovarial nor sexual transmission of TYLCV are probable or epidemiologically relevant for TYLCV persistence in this pathosystem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant–Insect Vector–Pathogen Interactions)

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12 pages, 1100 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Divergent Heat Stress Responses in Bactrocera tryoni and Ceratitis capitata

by Kay Anantanawat, Alexie Papanicolaou, Kelly Hill, Yalin Liao and Wei Xu

Insects 2024, 15(10), 759; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100759 - 30 Sep 2024

Abstract

Invasive Tephritid fruit flies rank among the most destructive agricultural and horticultural pests worldwide. Heat treatment is commonly employed as a post-harvest method to exterminate fruit flies in fruits or vegetables. These pest species exhibit distinct tolerance to heat treatments, suggesting that the [...] Read more.

Invasive Tephritid fruit flies rank among the most destructive agricultural and horticultural pests worldwide. Heat treatment is commonly employed as a post-harvest method to exterminate fruit flies in fruits or vegetables. These pest species exhibit distinct tolerance to heat treatments, suggesting that the molecular pathways affected by heat may differ among species. In this study, the Queensland fruit fly (Qfly), Bactrocera tryoni, was utilised as a model investigate its molecular response to heat stress through heat bioassays. RNA samples from flies before and after heat treatment were extracted and sequenced to identify genes with significant changes in expression. These findings were compared to another serious Tephritid fruit fly species, the Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly), Ceratitis capitata, under similar heat treatment conditions. The analysis reveals only three common genes: heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), HSP68, and 14-3-3 zeta protein. However, despite these shared genes, their expression patterns differ between Qfly and Medfly. This suggests that these genes might play different roles in the heat responses of each species and could be regulated differently. This study presents the first evidence of differing molecular responses to heat between Qfly and Medfly, potentially linked to their varied origins, habitats, and genetic backgrounds. These findings offer new insights into Tephritid fruit fly responses to heat at the molecular level, which may help refine post-harvest strategies to control these pests in the future. Full article

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

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15 pages, 2899 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mitochondrial Phylogenomics of Scoliidae from China, with Evidence to Challenge the Former Placement of the Colpa Group

by Zhen Liu, Cornelis van Achterberg and Huayan Chen

Insects 2024, 15(10), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100758 - 30 Sep 2024

Abstract

Scoliidae, also known as scarab hunters or flower wasps, are important in the biological control of scarabs and for pollination. Mitogenomic and phylogenetic studies are rare for this group. In this study, 10 mitochondrial genomes representing eight genera in two tribes of the [...] Read more.

Scoliidae, also known as scarab hunters or flower wasps, are important in the biological control of scarabs and for pollination. Mitogenomic and phylogenetic studies are rare for this group. In this study, 10 mitochondrial genomes representing eight genera in two tribes of the family Scoliidae were determined. The general features and rearrangements of the mitochondrial genomes for 15 Scoliidae species representing all genera distributed in China were described and compared and the phylogenetic relationships among them were inferred using MrBayes and IQtree based on four data matrices. Most sequences of Scoliidae have one extra trnM gene. Species belonging to Campsomerini have lower A + T content than all Scoliini species except for Colpa tartara in this study. The AT-skew is positive in 7 out of 15 species. All 15 Scoliidae sequences have similar conserved gene arrangements with the same arrangements of PCGs and rRNA genes, except for Campsomeriella annulata. The tRNA genes have the highest frequency of rearrangement, and C. tartara is always rearranged as in its Scoliini counterparts. Our phylogenetic results support most of the relationships between genera and tribes of Scoliidae in former morphological studies. However, Colpa tartara is proved to be closer to Scoliini according to genome features, phylogenetic analyses and some morphological evidence, which challenges the former attribution of the Colpa group. Full article

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

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16 pages, 1616 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Species Richness and Similarity of New Zealand Mayfly Communities (Ephemeroptera) Decline with Increasing Latitude and Altitude

by Stephen R. Pohe, Michael J. Winterbourn and Jon S. Harding

Insects 2024, 15(10), 757; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100757 - 29 Sep 2024

Abstract

The distribution of species in relation to latitude and altitude is of fundamental interest to ecologists and is expected to attain increasing importance as the Earth’s climate continues to change. Species diversity is commonly greater at lower than higher latitudes on a global [...] Read more.

The distribution of species in relation to latitude and altitude is of fundamental interest to ecologists and is expected to attain increasing importance as the Earth’s climate continues to change. Species diversity is commonly greater at lower than higher latitudes on a global scale, and the similarity of communities frequently decreases with distance. Nevertheless, reasons for such patterns are not well understood. We investigated species richness and changes in community composition of mayflies (Ephemeroptera) over 13 degrees of latitude at 81 locations throughout New Zealand by light-trapping and the benthic sampling of streams. Mayflies were also sampled along an altitudinal gradient on a prominent inactive volcano in the east of North Island. Sampled streams were predominantly in the native forest, at a wide range of altitudes from sea level to c. 1000 m a. s. l. A total of 47 of the 59 described New Zealand mayflies were recorded during the study, along with five undescribed morphospecies. Species richness declined and the degree of dissimilarity (beta diversity) of mayfly communities increased significantly from north to south but less strongly with increasing altitude. Our results suggest that the southward decline in species richness has historical origins with the north of the country having acted as a major refuge and region of speciation during the Pleistocene. The increasing dissimilarity of the northern and southern communities may reflect an increasingly harsh climate, variable amounts of subsequent southward dispersal of northern species and, in the South Island, the presence of species which may have evolved in the newly uplifted mountains during the Miocene–Pliocene. Full article

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

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15 pages, 7659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping Species Distributions of Latoia consocia Walker under Climate Change Using Current Geographical Presence Data and MAXENT (CMIP 6)

by Yuhan Wu, Danping Xu, Yaqin Peng and Zhihang Zhuo

Insects 2024, 15(10), 756; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100756 - 29 Sep 2024

Abstract

Latoia consocia Walker is an important phytophagous pest that has rapidly spread across North China in recent years, posing a severe threat to related plants. To study the impact of climatic conditions on its distribution and to predict its distribution under current and [...] Read more.

Latoia consocia Walker is an important phytophagous pest that has rapidly spread across North China in recent years, posing a severe threat to related plants. To study the impact of climatic conditions on its distribution and to predict its distribution under current and future climate conditions, the MaxEnt niche model and ArcGIS 10.8 software were used. The results showed that the MaxEnt model performs well in predicting the distribution of L. consocia, with an AUC value of 0.913. The annual precipitation (Bio12), the precipitation of the driest month (Bio14), the temperature annual range (Bio7), and the minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio6) are key environmental factors affecting the potential distribution of L. consocia. Under current climate conditions, L. consocia has a highly suitable growth area of 2243 km² in China, among which Taiwan has the largest high-suitable area with a total area of 1450 km². With climate warming, the potential habitat area for L. consocia shows an overall decreasing trend in future. This work provides a scientific basis for research on pest control and ecological protection. A “graded response” detection and early warning system, as well as prevention and control strategies, can be developed for potentially suitable areas to effectively address this pest challenge. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insect Dynamics: Modeling in Insect Pest Management)

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15 pages, 5320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Insecticidal and Repellent Activity of Essential Oils from Seven Different Plant Species against Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

by Misha Khalil, Mishal Khizar, Dalal Suleiman Alshaya, Asifa Hameed, Noor Muhammad, Muhammad Binyameen, Muhammad Azeem, Mussurat Hussain, Qaisar Abbas, Kotb A. Attia and Tawaf Ali Shah

Insects 2024, 15(10), 755; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100755 - 29 Sep 2024

Abstract

Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is the most destructive pest of stored grain commodities. To control the attack of this insect pest, it is important to develop non-hazardous alternatives to replace fumigants. This study examined the fumigant toxicity and repellent activity of seven [...] Read more.

Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is the most destructive pest of stored grain commodities. To control the attack of this insect pest, it is important to develop non-hazardous alternatives to replace fumigants. This study examined the fumigant toxicity and repellent activity of seven essential oils (Chinopodium ambrosiodes, Pinus roxburghii, Zanthoxylum armatum, Lepidium sativum, Azadirachta indica, Baccharis teindalensis, and Origanum majorana) against adult T. castaneum under controlled laboratory conditions. The fumigant toxicity and repellent activities of essential oils were tested using five different doses (62.5, 125, 250, 500, and 1000 µg) in vapour-phase fumigation and four-arm olfactometer bioassays, respectively. In vapor-phase fumigation bioassays, mortality data were recorded after 24, 48, and 72 h. The results showed that C. ambrosiodes and P. roxburghii essential oils are potential fumigants against adult T. castaneum. In repellency bioassays, a one-week-old adult population of T. castaneum was used to test the repellency potential of the essential oils. The results indicated that C. ambrosiodes and P. roxburghii had significant repellency potential against T. castaneum. Overall, we conclude that these essential oils have strong repellent and fumigant properties and can be used as potential repellent compounds to deter the insects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical and Non-chemical Control in Stored Product Protection: Modern Methods for Old Problems)

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15 pages, 2146 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic Attributes and Conservation of an Endangered Giant Water Bug Species, Diplonychus esakii Miyamoto and Lee, 1966 (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae)

by Seon Yi Kim, Changseob Lim, Ji Hyoun Kang and Yeon Jae Bae

Insects 2024, 15(10), 754; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100754 - 29 Sep 2024

Abstract

Diplonychus esakii, a water bug from the family Belostomatidae, plays an important role in freshwater ecosystems as one of the top predators. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of D. esakii by analyzing 318 specimens across 27 [...] Read more.

Diplonychus esakii, a water bug from the family Belostomatidae, plays an important role in freshwater ecosystems as one of the top predators. In this study, we investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of D. esakii by analyzing 318 specimens across 27 sites in South Korea. We found that the populations of D. esakii possess 11 haplotypes with a haplotype diversity of 0.623. This represents a relatively low level of genetic diversity compared to other known belostomatids and endangered species. AMOVA and F_ST analyses revealed significant genetic differentiation among populations, with most populations harboring only 1–2 haplotypes, suggesting restricted gene flow between populations and a low level of genetic diversity. This low genetic diversity and limited gene flow suggest a potential vulnerability to environmental changes and an increased risk of extinction, indicating that D. esakii should be designated as a protected species in South Korea as part of future conservation efforts. Based on the results of this study, Upo Wetland, which maintains relatively high levels of genetic diversity and Jeju Island, which, despite its lower genetic diversity compared to the mainland, does not share haplotypes with other regions, should be considered key conservation units for this species. This study highlights the importance of incorporating genetic information into conservation status assessments under the Red List Categories and Criteria and also emphasizes the need to evaluate this species on the Korean Red List. The data provided here will serve as essential baseline information and valuable resources for the development of effective conservation strategies. Full article

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

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17 pages, 9187 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ultrastructure of Immatures Stages and Life Cycle of Helicobia aurescens (Diptera: Sarcophagidae: Sarcophaginae)

by Lucas Barbosa Cortinhas, Paloma Martins Mendonça, Eliane Gomes Perrut, Rodrigo Rocha Barbosa, Jacenir Reis dos Santos-Mallet and Margareth Maria de Carvalho Queiroz

Insects 2024, 15(10), 753; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100753 - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

Helicobia aurescens is a flesh fly associated with pig and rat carcasses. This study aims to describe the life cycle at two temperatures (27 ± 1 °C and 29 ± 1 °C) and analyze the morphological characteristics of the eggs, larvae, and puparia [...] Read more.

Helicobia aurescens is a flesh fly associated with pig and rat carcasses. This study aims to describe the life cycle at two temperatures (27 ± 1 °C and 29 ± 1 °C) and analyze the morphological characteristics of the eggs, larvae, and puparia of H. aurescens using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Temperature is an abiotic factor that greatly influences the development of insects. The larval development of H. aurescens lasts longer at 27 ± 1 °C than it does at 29 ± 1 °C, affecting the growth of newly hatched larvae into adults. The females larviposited three times more at 27 °C than they did at 29 °C, and the number of days laying larvae was also greater. At 27 °C, they laid larvae for 38 days, whereas, at 29 °C, the females larviposited for 21 days. No hatching lines or median areas were detected on the exochorion with SEM, as in the other sarcophagid species. The first-instar larva is very similar to those of the other species. The second instar has anterior spiracles present on the first thoracic segment, with six or seven ramifications aligned regularly. On the third instar, these structures have eight ramifications in a regular row and are located dorsolaterally. The puparium morphology is similar to that of the third-instar larvae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Advances in Diptera Biology)

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11 pages, 2689 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Limited Variation in Codon Usage across Mitochondrial Genomes of Non-Biting Midges (Diptera: Chironomidae)

by Teng Lei, Xiaojun Zheng, Chao Song, Haobo Jin, Lingjun Chen and Xin Qi

Insects 2024, 15(10), 752; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100752 - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

The codon usage patterns of mitochondrial genomes offer insights into the evolutionary and phylogenetic studies of species. Codon usage analysis has been conducted in a few Chironomidae species, and the codon usage patterns in other species remain ambiguous. We aim to reveal the [...] Read more.

The codon usage patterns of mitochondrial genomes offer insights into the evolutionary and phylogenetic studies of species. Codon usage analysis has been conducted in a few Chironomidae species, and the codon usage patterns in other species remain ambiguous. We aim to reveal the codon usage differences in the mitochondrial genomes across this family. We sequenced the first mitochondrial genome of the genus Conchapelopia and the third mitochondrial genome of the subfamily Tanypodinae. Then, we analyzed its relative synonymous codon usage and effective number of codons with registered mitochondrial genomes from 28 other genera. The results indicated that there was limited variation in codon usage across five subfamilies, Chironominae, Orthocladiinae, Diamesinae, Prodiamesinae and Tanypodinae. While Parochlus steinenii from Podonominae presented a weaker codon bias, P. steinenii possessed the most genes experiencing natural selection. Additionally, ND1, ND2 and ND3 were found to be the most frequently selected genes across all species. Our findings contribute to further understanding the evolutionary and phylogenetic relationships of Chironomidae. Full article

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

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18 pages, 4346 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Patterns of Adelges tsugae Annand (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) in Eastern Hemlock Stands: Implications for Sampling and Management

by Sunghoon Baek and Yong-Lak Park

Insects 2024, 15(10), 751; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100751 - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

Understanding the spatial patterns of insect pests and their associations with their environments is crucial for developing effective sampling and management plans. This study was conducted to identify optimal sampling units for the hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) and to [...] Read more.

Understanding the spatial patterns of insect pests and their associations with their environments is crucial for developing effective sampling and management plans. This study was conducted to identify optimal sampling units for the hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) and to characterize its spatial distribution patterns in hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière) stands in West Virginia, USA. To determine the optimal sampling unit, we randomly selected 24 branches from each of 46 A. tsugae-infested hemlock trees. The locations and number of A. tsugae ovisacs on each branch were recorded and the coefficient of variation was used to choose the optimal sampling units. To determine the spatial patterns of A. tsugae, each of the three 1-ha hemlock stands was divided into 100 grids, and ovisac counts were taken from the center of each grid. Semivariograms and spatial analysis by distance indices (SADIE) were used to analyze the spatial patterns of A. tsugae. In addition, various environmental and biological factors were measured to explore their spatial associations with A. tsugae. The results of this study revealed that the A. tsugae ovisacs exhibited spatial aggregation within branches, predominantly at the tips, and a 50 cm branch approximately 3 m above the ground was the optimal sampling unit. The spatial aggregation of A. tsugae in the hemlock stands was evident, and positive spatial associations were found between A. tsugae populations and factors including the aspect, tree diameter at breast height, and tree height. These findings offer valuable insights for the sampling and management of A. tsugae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Hemiptera: Ecology, Physiology, and Economic Importance)

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12 pages, 1280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Attraction of Sweet Potato Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), and Two Generalist Predators to Green Leaf Volatile Compounds

by Alexander M. Gaffke, Neil W. Miller, Anamika Sharma and Sandra A. Allan

Insects 2024, 15(10), 750; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100750 - 28 Sep 2024

Abstract

Traditionally, olfaction was thought to play a minor role in the behavioral ecology of the sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). However, recent research is uncovering significant potential for whitefly management based on olfaction. Incorporating chemical attractants with standard whitefly management programs could [...] Read more.

Traditionally, olfaction was thought to play a minor role in the behavioral ecology of the sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). However, recent research is uncovering significant potential for whitefly management based on olfaction. Incorporating chemical attractants with standard whitefly management programs could significantly improve control. The integration of attractants with biological control is exceptionally promising. Therefore, the behavioral response of B. tabaci and two generalist predators to the green leaf volatiles (E)-2-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, and (Z)-3-hexe-1-ol were investigated in Y-tube olfactometers. Three of the four green leaf volatiles resulted in the attraction of female B. tabaci. Blend optimization indicated a two-chemical blend to be the most attractive blend for female B. tabaci. In addition, this blend was attractive to female Macrolophus praeclarus (Distant) but did not elicit a behavioral response from either male or female Delphastus catalinae (Horn). The two-chemical blend of green leaf volatiles could be further developed as a lure to attract B. tabaci and its predator, M. praeclarus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Management of Whiteflies)

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18 pages, 2353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Duration of Cattle Ranching Affects Dung Beetle Diversity and Secondary Seed Removal in Tropical Dry Forest Landscapes

by Juan J. Morales-Trejo, Wesley Dáttilo, Gustavo Zurita and Lucrecia Arellano

Insects 2024, 15(10), 749; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100749 - 27 Sep 2024

Abstract

Cattle ranching is an economic activity responsible for the loss of large extensions of tropical dry forest around the world. Several studies have demonstrated that the use of inadequate practices of this activity in tropical forests (e.g., fire, agrochemicals, and lack of rotational [...] Read more.

Cattle ranching is an economic activity responsible for the loss of large extensions of tropical dry forest around the world. Several studies have demonstrated that the use of inadequate practices of this activity in tropical forests (e.g., fire, agrochemicals, and lack of rotational grazing systems of cattle in pastures) have negative consequences on dung beetle diversity and their ecological functions. In the present study, the influence of the cattle ranching duration gradient on the diversity of dung beetles and seed removal was evaluated. This study was carried out in pastures with different times of establishment of cattle ranching (between 4 and 40 years) in a tropical dry forest of Mexico. Overall, the species richness of dung beetles was similar along the gradient of grazing ages. However, the diversity of common (q1) and dominant (q2) species decreased and was associated with an increasing abundance of exotic species and a decreasing abundance of native species. Seed removal was mainly carried out by four beetle species, among which the exotic species Digitonthophagus gazella was the most important. The results establish that the duration of cattle ranching primarily influences the composition of dung beetle communities, as reflected in changes in the structure and function of their assemblages in the pastures. Although native dung beetles persist at low abundances along this gradient, the consequences of land use changes are undeniable in other similar ecosystems where these species could definitively disappear. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Invertebrate Conservation: Challenges and Ways Forward)

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16 pages, 5970 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Markers for Analyses of Genetic Diversity within the Anastrepha fraterculus Complex with Emphasis on Argentine Populations

by Ludvik M. Gomulski, María Teresa Vera, Silvia B. Lanzavecchia, Riccardo Piccinno, Giulia Fiorenza, Daniel De Luca, Beatriz N. Carrizo, Juan Pedro R. Bouvet, Valeria A. Viana, Carlos Cárceres, Walther Enkerlin, Anna R. Malacrida and Giuliano Gasperi

Insects 2024, 15(10), 748; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100748 - 27 Sep 2024

Abstract

The South American fruit fly Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedmann) has a vast range extending from northern Mexico, through Central America, to South America where it is an extremely polyphagous pest of wild and cultivated fruits. It is a complex of cryptic species currently composed [...] Read more.

The South American fruit fly Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedmann) has a vast range extending from northern Mexico, through Central America, to South America where it is an extremely polyphagous pest of wild and cultivated fruits. It is a complex of cryptic species currently composed of eight recognised morphotypes: “Mexican”, “Venezuelan”, “Andean”, “Peruvian”, “Ecuadorian”, and the three Brazilian morphotypes “Brazilian-1”, “Brazilian-2”, and “Brazilian-3”. Molecular markers that can identify the member species of the complex are crucial for the implementation of effective pest control measures, such as the sterile insect technique. The object of this study was to evaluate the use of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequence for discriminating several members of the A. fraterculus cryptic species complex (Mexican, Peruvian, and Brazilian-1) and a related species, Anastrepha schultzi Blanchard. The analysis highlighted significant genetic differentiation between the evaluated morphotypes, allowed their discrimination within the A. fraterculus cryptic species complex, and provided new insights into their genetic relationships. The ITS2 marker provides a basis for the development of taxonomic keys for the discrimination of the cryptic taxa within the A. fraterculus cryptic species complex. ITS2 also represents an important marker for the poorly studied species A. schultzi. Full article

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

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18 pages, 5118 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Assessment Model for Agricultural Databases: The Arthropod Pesticide Resistance Database as a Case Study

by Jane Payumo, Julia Bello-Bravo, Vineeth Chennuru, Solo Arman Mercene, Chaeyeon Yim, Lee Duynslager, Bhanu Kanamarlapudi, Omar Posos-Parra, Sky Payumo and David Mota-Sanchez

Insects 2024, 15(10), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100747 - 27 Sep 2024

Abstract

This paper presents a multi-method approach for evaluating the utility and impact of agricultural databases in the context of the rapidly expanding digital economy. Focusing on the Arthropod Pesticide Resistance Database, one of the most comprehensive global resources on arthropod pesticide resistance, we [...] Read more.

This paper presents a multi-method approach for evaluating the utility and impact of agricultural databases in the context of the rapidly expanding digital economy. Focusing on the Arthropod Pesticide Resistance Database, one of the most comprehensive global resources on arthropod pesticide resistance, we offer a framework for assessing the effectiveness of agricultural databases. Our approach provides practical guidance for developers, users, evaluators, and funders on how to measure the impact of these digital tools, using relevant metrics and data to validate their contributions. Additionally, we introduce an index-based method that evaluates impact across multiple dimensions, including data usage, accessibility, inclusivity, knowledge generation, innovation, research and policy development, and collaboration. The detailed methodology serves as both a reference and a model for evaluating the impact of other agricultural databases, ensuring they effectively support decision-making and foster innovation in the agricultural sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Other Arthropods and General Topics)

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7 pages, 467 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Evidence of Cuticle Chemicals of Heortia vitessoides (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) Larvae Influencing the Aggregation Behavior of Conspecific Larvae

by Xinya Yang, Guangsheng Li and Cai Wang

Insects 2024, 15(10), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100746 - 26 Sep 2024

Abstract

Heortia vitessoides (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a severe pest of Aquilaria plants, which produce high-priced agarwood. The larval stage of this pest is gregarious, usually forming large aggregates during young instars and becoming solitary during the fifth instar. We hypothesize that the cuticle chemicals [...] Read more.

Heortia vitessoides (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a severe pest of Aquilaria plants, which produce high-priced agarwood. The larval stage of this pest is gregarious, usually forming large aggregates during young instars and becoming solitary during the fifth instar. We hypothesize that the cuticle chemicals of young-instar H. vitessoides larvae could promote larval aggregating, whereas the cuticle chemicals of late-instar larvae would no longer attract young-instar larvae. In this study, two-choice tests were conducted to evaluate the effect of cuticle extracts of second- and fifth-instar H. vitessoides larvae on the aggregation preference of second-instar larvae. Results show that significantly more larvae aggregated on the leaves treated with the hexane extract of second-instar H. vitessoides larvae than on untreated leaves. However, the hexane extract of fifth-instar larvae had no significant effect on the aggregation preference of the second-instar conspecific larvae. Interestingly, acetone extracts of both second- and fifth-instar H. vitessoides larvae repelled the second-instar conspecific larvae throughout the 8 h experiment. Our study shows that cuticle chemicals of H. vitessoides larvae may play a role in the group dynamics of this pest, which may contribute to screening novel attractants and repellents for H. vitessoides. Detailed chemical analyses of the extracts and identification of the compounds involved in larval attracting and repelling would be valuable in future studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Behavior and Pathology)

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19 pages, 28649 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mitogenome-Based Phylogeny with Divergence Time Estimates Revealed the Presence of Cryptic Species within Heptageniidae (Insecta, Ephemeroptera)

by Zhi-Qiang Guo, Chen-Yang Shen, Hong-Yi Cheng, Yu-Xin Chen, Hui-Yuan Wu, Kenneth B. Storey, Dan-Na Yu and Jia-Yong Zhang

Insects 2024, 15(10), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100745 - 26 Sep 2024

Abstract

Heptageniidae are known for their flat heads and bodies and are divided into three subfamilies. Despite the extensive diversity within this group and considerable efforts made to understand their evolutionary history, the internal classifications and origin time of Heptageniidae remains controversial. In this [...] Read more.

Heptageniidae are known for their flat heads and bodies and are divided into three subfamilies. Despite the extensive diversity within this group and considerable efforts made to understand their evolutionary history, the internal classifications and origin time of Heptageniidae remains controversial. In this study, we newly sequenced 17 complete mitogenomes of Heptageniidae to reconstruct their phylogenetic positions within this family. Because of the ambiguous time of origin, our study also estimated the divergence time within Heptageniidae based on five fossil calibration points. The results of BI and ML trees all highly supported the monophyly of Heptageniidae and three subfamilies. The phylogenetic relationship of Rhithrogeninae + (Ecdyonurinae + Heptageniinae) was also recovered. The divergence time showed that Heptageniidae originated from 164.38 Mya (95% HPD, 150.23–181.53 Mya) in the mid-Jurassic, and Rhithrogeninae originated from 95.54 Mya (95% HPD, 73.86–120.19 Mya) in the mid-Cretaceous. Ecdyonurinae and Heptageniinae began to diverge at 90.08 Mya (95% HPD, 68.81–113.16 Mya) in the middle Cretaceous. After morphological identification, analysis of the mitogenome’s composition, genetic distance calculation, phylogenetic analysis, and divergence time calculation, we suggest that two different populations of Epeorus montanus collected from Aksu, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (40°16′ N, 80°26′ E) and Xinyuan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (43°20′ N, 83°43′ E) in China are cryptic species of E. montanus, but further detailed information on their morphological characteristics is needed to fully identify them. Full article

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

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13 pages, 273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Effects of Epichloë Fungal Endophytes of Perennial Ryegrass on the Feeding Behaviour and Life History of Rhopalosiphum padi

by Nicholas Paul Collinson, Khageswor Giri, Jatinder Kaur, German Spangenberg, Mallik Malipatil, Ross Cameron Mann and Isabel Valenzuela

Insects 2024, 15(10), 744; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15100744 - 26 Sep 2024

Abstract

The bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), is an economically significant pest of pasture grasses, the latter being capable of hosting several fungal endophyte–perennial ryegrass symbiota rich in alkaloids and toxic to vertebrates and invertebrates. Measuring aphid feeding behaviour can provide insights into [...] Read more.

The bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.), is an economically significant pest of pasture grasses, the latter being capable of hosting several fungal endophyte–perennial ryegrass symbiota rich in alkaloids and toxic to vertebrates and invertebrates. Measuring aphid feeding behaviour can provide insights into the effectiveness and mode of action of different fungal endophytes. This study investigated the effects of different Epichloë–perennial ryegrass symbiota on the feeding behaviour of R. padi using the electrical penetration graph technique while also assessing the aphid life history. In most cases, endophytes had significant feeding deterrence and paired fecundity and mortality effects. But, in some instances, endophytes with the highest aphid mortality did not significantly deter feeding, suggesting a more complicated scenario of interactions between the relative concentration of metabolites, e.g., host plant defence response metabolites and alkaloids, and/or physical changes to leaf morphology. Overall, this study sheds light on the mode of action of Epichloë endophytes against aphids and highlights the importance of Epichloë–perennial ryegrass symbiota in the management of insect pests such as aphids in pasture-based grazing systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Behavior and Pathology)

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