The kissing bugRhodnius prolixus is a nocturnal species; however, its temporal mating patterns remain unexplored. Copulation lasts about fifty minutes, during which time the couple remains almost motionless. We hypothesized thatR. prolixus copulates within shelters to reduce its vulnerability. To test [...] Read more.

The kissing bugRhodnius prolixus is a nocturnal species; however, its temporal mating patterns remain unexplored. Copulation lasts about fifty minutes, during which time the couple remains almost motionless. We hypothesized thatR. prolixus copulates within shelters to reduce its vulnerability. To test this, we examined the spatial and temporal patterns of its copulation, as well as the potential endogenous regulation of its circadian rhythm, under three conditions: a light:dark cycle (L/D), constant light (L/L), and constant darkness (D/D). Over ten days, the number and the timing of copulation of pairs in arenas containing a shelter were video-recorded. Under the L/D cycle, the pairs mated mainly during daylight hours. This rhythm persisted under the D/D cycle, with a peak extending from the first half of the subjective day to the first half of the subjective night. No rhythm was observed under the L/L cycle. A greater proportion of mating occurred within the shelters during the L/D and L/L cycles, whereas its spatial distribution was random under the D/D cycle. Our results reveal an endogenously controlled circadian rhythm of mating behavior, with mating activity mainly occurring during daylight hours. Additionally, we showed that the pairs copulated inside the shelters. These results provide new insights into the reproductive behavior ofR. prolixus.Full article

Insects face the constant challenge of balancing energy allocation between reproduction and immune responses, both of which are highly energy-demanding processes. Immune challenges frequently result in decreased fecundity, reduced egg viability, and delayed ovarian development. Conversely, heightened reproductive activity often suppresses immune functions. [...] Read more.

Insects face the constant challenge of balancing energy allocation between reproduction and immune responses, both of which are highly energy-demanding processes. Immune challenges frequently result in decreased fecundity, reduced egg viability, and delayed ovarian development. Conversely, heightened reproductive activity often suppresses immune functions. This trade-off has profound ecological and evolutionary consequences, shaping insects’ survival, adaptation, and population dynamics. The intricate interplay between reproduction and immunity in insects is regulated by the neuroendocrine and endocrine systems, which orchestrate resource distribution alongside other biological processes. Key hormones, such as juvenile hormone and ecdysteroids, serve as central regulators, influencing both immune responses and reproductive activities. Additionally, macromolecules like vitellogenin and lipophorin, primarily known for their functions as yolk protein precursors and lipid carriers, play crucial roles in pathogen recognition and transgenerational immune priming. Advancements in molecular and omics tools have unveiled the complexity of these regulatory mechanisms, providing new insights into how insects dynamically allocate resources to optimize their fitness. This delicate balance underscores critical evolutionary strategies and the integration of physiological systems across species. This review synthesizes insights from life history theory, oogenesis, and immunity, offering new perspectives on the trade-offs between reproductive output and immune investment.Full article

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The globally increased severity and frequency of elevated temperatures are altering native species’ geographic distributions and local abundances while also increasing the invasion of new areas by exotic species. These distributional shifts have affected native species. Through two experiments, we investigated the effects [...] Read more.

The globally increased severity and frequency of elevated temperatures are altering native species’ geographic distributions and local abundances while also increasing the invasion of new areas by exotic species. These distributional shifts have affected native species. Through two experiments, we investigated the effects of temperature on the survival and oviposition of the hairy maggot blow flyChrysomya rufifacies (Macquart), a highly competitive and predatory invasive blow fly of ecological, economic, and forensic importance. In our first experiment, we exposed mixed-sex colonies ofC. rufifacies to a given temperature (10–45.0 °C) for 24 h. High survival (≥90%) was observed from 10 to 40 °C, with moderate mortality at 42.5 °C (29.2%) and high mortality at 43.5 °C (75.4%). All flies died when exposed to 44.5 or 45.0 °C for 24 h. Oviposition occurred from 22.5 to 42.5 °C, with the greatest occurrences (100%) at 30 and 35 °C and the greatest number of eggs (2035) occurring at 30 °C. Although oviposition occurred from 22.5 to 42.5 °C, egg viability was only observed from 22.5 to 37.5 °C. Thus,C. rufifacies has distinct thermal limits for survival, and oviposition may exhibit a bet-hedging strategy in response to temperature exposure. In our second experiment, we assessed the effects of an acute heat shock onC. rufifacies oviposition performance. Adult virgins (males and females) were exposed to 25.0 °C, 42.0 °C, or 44.0 °C for 1 h, and then maintained at ~25 °C in mixed-sex colonies for 14 d. Pre-breeding heat exposure had no effect on male or female reproductive success, except for females exposed to 44.0 °C. Females exposed to this temperature before breeding oviposited sooner (2.5 ± 0.0 d, 37.5% decrease), more frequently (0.5 ± 0.4, 33.3% increase), and produced more eggs (10,772.9 ± 2258.6 eggs, 73.3% increase) than female flies exposed to 25 °C. The combined results show thatC. rufifacies survives exposures up to 43.5 °C, successfully oviposits up to 37.5 °C, and accelerates both oviposition timing and intensity following brief exposure to near upper lethal temperatures (44.0 °C), potentially providesC. rufifacies a competitive advantage over native calliphorids in warming environments.Full article

The gypsum karst of Sorbas (Almería, Spain) is home to a diverse community of Collembola. Over seven years of sampling, 7875 specimens were collected from 83 cave visits, representing four orders: Symphypleona (5251 specimens), Entomobryomorpha (2552), Poduromorpha (32), and Neelipleona (29). A total [...] Read more.

The gypsum karst of Sorbas (Almería, Spain) is home to a diverse community of Collembola. Over seven years of sampling, 7875 specimens were collected from 83 cave visits, representing four orders: Symphypleona (5251 specimens), Entomobryomorpha (2552), Poduromorpha (32), and Neelipleona (29). A total of 25 species were identified. The most abundant are listed in descending order of abundance:Pygmarrhopalites ruizporteroae sp. nov.,Pseudosinella najtae,Pygmarrhopalites subbifidus,Troglopedetes machadoi,Pseudosinella sexocellata sp. nov.,Pygmarrhopalites torresi sp. nov., andHeteromurus major. Additionally, partial redescriptions ofPseudosinella najtae andTroglopedetes machadoi are provided. This research enhances the taxonomic framework of subterranean Collembola and provides new insights into species differentiation and adaptation. The methodologies applied allow for high-resolution morphological characterization, essential for species delimitation. The results highlight the potential for further discoveries in gypsum caves and emphasize the need for advanced imaging techniques in Collembola taxonomy.Full article

Pediculus humanus capitis infestation is one of the most underestimated parasitoses still constituting a current epidemiological and social problem. Haematophagous insects, the etiological factor of pediculosis capitis, spread most easily in preschool children, which is determined by social and behavioural aspects. The study [...] Read more.

Pediculus humanus capitis infestation is one of the most underestimated parasitoses still constituting a current epidemiological and social problem. Haematophagous insects, the etiological factor of pediculosis capitis, spread most easily in preschool children, which is determined by social and behavioural aspects. The study aimed to search for factors contributing to pediculosis capitis persistence in kindergartens located in south-eastern Poland. For this purpose, anonymous surveys among the management staff of preschool institutions were conducted. Head lice infestations were reported in 87.0% of the 561 surveyed facilities. A positive correlation was confirmed between the prevalence of head lice and a higher number of children in these facilities. Additionally, in 69.3% of the facilities where cases of pediculosis capitis were reported, it was noted that the infestation was associated with the child’s attendance at preschool. Familial and occupational transmission was observed in 78.5% and 25.2% of the facilities, respectively. In contrast, in 93.2% of preschools where no cases of infestation were reported, all parents consented to periodic head inspections. Parents’ attitudes and their perception of head lice as a health issue, rather than an embarrassing problem, appear to be key factors in effectively limiting the spread of head lice in the studied kindergartens.Full article

Helopeltis cinchonae is an emerging pest of tea and causes severe damage to tea plantations in China. The female ofH. cinchonae has been reported to produce a sex pheromone consisting of two components, hexyl (3R)-3-acetoxybutyrate and (5R)-1-acetoxy-5-butyroxyhexane, and [...] Read more.

Helopeltis cinchonae is an emerging pest of tea and causes severe damage to tea plantations in China. The female ofH. cinchonae has been reported to produce a sex pheromone consisting of two components, hexyl (3R)-3-acetoxybutyrate and (5R)-1-acetoxy-5-butyroxyhexane, and lures containing the synthetic compounds have been shown to attract maleH. cinchonae to traps in the field. This is the first time that components of the sex pheromone have been identified for a species ofHelopeltis bug, but their field application has not been evaluated in detail. The present study shows that a blend of both compounds loaded into a polyethylene vial at 0.2 and 2 mg, respectively, caught significantly more maleH. cinchonae bugs than the individual compounds and all the other tested blends. Sticky wing traps baited with the binary blend of compounds at the optimized ratio and dosage caught more bugs than bucket funnel or delta traps, and traps hung at a height of 10 cm above the tea shoots caught more bugs than those at other heights. The optimized traps and lures were used for monitoring the pest and two distinct population peaks ofH. cinchonae were observed, the first one during mid-May to early June, and the other one in mid-September. Overall, the results of this study contribute to an environmentally-friendly approach to monitoring and managingH. cinchonae in the field.Full article

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Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal present in pollen and nectar that affects pollinator attributes. Honey bees possess the ability to eliminate Cd from honey. Consequently, the concentration of Cd in pollen, rather than nectar, is the critical factor influencing the growth and [...] Read more.

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal present in pollen and nectar that affects pollinator attributes. Honey bees possess the ability to eliminate Cd from honey. Consequently, the concentration of Cd in pollen, rather than nectar, is the critical factor influencing the growth and foraging behavior of honey bees. However, there is a dearth of studies regarding the specific association by which the impact on bee growth and foraging behavior fluctuates in relation to the Cd dosage of pollen or nectar. We hypothesized that at low exposure levels, the amount of Cd in pollen would affect honey bee growth, and the amount of nectar influences honey bee foraging behavior. At high exposure levels, the amount of Cd in pollen and nectar would affect both honey bee growth and foraging behavior. A field experiment was performed in Sichuan (the average background value of Cd in soil is 5.6 times higher than other regions in China) to examine the impact of different soil Cd concentrations (low: 0.60 ± 0.05 mg·kg⁻¹ (average ± SD); middle: 1.32 ± 0.08 mg·kg⁻¹; high: 1.76 ± 0.10 mg·kg⁻¹) on the Cd levels in plant organs (Brassica campestris), alongside the body mass and visitation rates of honey bees (Apis mellifera). Our results indicated in honey bees in the habitats with low concentrations of soil Cd that the Cd content in pollen was inversely correlated with the body mass of larvae, pupae, and worker bees. The quantity of nectar governed the foraging activity of honey bees in the habitats with low levels of soil Cd. At middle to high exposure levels, Cd concentrations in pollen and honey exerted a negative influence on honey bee development and foraging behavior. These findings offer novel insights into the impact of Cd on pollinator attributes, and the global decline of pollinators.Full article

Gamasid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) are ecologically diverse arthropods, many of which act as vectors for zoonotic diseases such as rickettsial pox and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. This study investigates the faunal and ecological patterns of gamasid mites across five zoogeographic microregions in [...] Read more.

Gamasid mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) are ecologically diverse arthropods, many of which act as vectors for zoonotic diseases such as rickettsial pox and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. This study investigates the faunal and ecological patterns of gamasid mites across five zoogeographic microregions in Yunnan Province, China, a biodiversity hotspot with complex topography. From 1990 to 2022, 18,063 small mammal hosts (primarily rodents) were surveyed, yielding 167 mite species (141,501 specimens). The key findings include the following: (1) Low host specificity: most mite species parasitized >10 host species, withLaelaps nuttalli,L. echidninus,Dipolaelaps anourosorecis,L. guizhouensis,L. turkestanicus, andL. chini dominating (>76.59% abundance). (2) Environmental heterogeneity: mountainous and outdoor habitats exhibited higher mite diversity than flatland/indoor environments. (3) Zoonotic risks: thirteen vector species with low host specificity were identified, potentially amplifying disease transmission. (4) Ecological niche dynamics: high niche overlaps (e.g.,Laelaps guizhouensis vs.L. xingyiensis:O_ik = 0.997) and positive interspecific correlations (e.g.,L. echidninus vs.L. nuttalli:R = 0.97,p < 0.01) suggest co-occurrence trends on shared hosts. (5) Biogeographic patterns: mite communities were clustered distinctly by microregion, with the highest similarity being obtained between western/southern plateaus (IV and V) and unique diversity in the Hengduan Mountains (I). (6) Chao 1 estimation predicted 203 total mite species in Yunnan, 36 of which were undetected in the current sampling. These results highlight the interplay of biogeography, host ecology, and environmental factors in shaping mite distributions, with implications for zoonotic disease surveillance in biodiverse regions.Full article

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The fall armywormSpodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important invasive polyphagous crop pest that has been invading the world since 2016. This species consists of two strains adapted to different host plants, the corn strain and the rice strain, which also exhibit [...] Read more.

The fall armywormSpodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important invasive polyphagous crop pest that has been invading the world since 2016. This species consists of two strains adapted to different host plants, the corn strain and the rice strain, which also exhibit differences in their mating behavior, pheromone composition, and pheromone receptor sequences. A way to monitor invasion and control this pest is the use of synthetic sex pheromones to trap adults and disturb the mate-finding process via the release of large amounts of pheromones in the air. However, the efficiency of these methods depends on the specificity and sensitivity of the corresponding pheromone receptors. Yet, only pheromone receptors of the corn strain have been characterized, and nothing is known about the specificity and sensitivity of the rice strain orthologues. To address this gap, we functionally expressed the receptors to the major sex pheromone component of the two strains inDrosophila olfactory sensory neurons and challenged them with a large panel of pheromone compounds using single-sensillum recordings. Although their sequences present subtle mutations, we revealed that they share similar response spectra and sensitivity. The implications of these results on pheromone-based pest management strategies are discussed.Full article

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The toxicity of synthetic pesticides to non-target organisms has prompted a shift towards more environmentally friendly agricultural pest control methods, including the use of essential oils as possible biopesticides. Before these natural chemicals can be widely adopted for protecting food supplies and human [...] Read more.

The toxicity of synthetic pesticides to non-target organisms has prompted a shift towards more environmentally friendly agricultural pest control methods, including the use of essential oils as possible biopesticides. Before these natural chemicals can be widely adopted for protecting food supplies and human health, it is crucial to evaluate their impacts on pollinators, such as honey bees. In this study, we examined the effects of one commercially available essential oil mixture (EcoTec+) and four essential oil components (β-bisabolene, cinnamaldehyde, 1,8-cineole, and eugenol) on honey bee workers using feeding or spray treatment. We then assessed the responses of esterase (EST), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), acetylcholine esterase (AChE), and P450. EcoTec+ increased the P450 transcript, while bisabolene inhibited EST and AChE, increased GST, and caused a mixed P450 response without being lethal. Cinnamaldehyde exhibited toxicity when ingested, suppressing P450 and eliciting a mixed response in AChE. Cineole inhibited EST but caused a mixed P450 response. Eugenol suppressed EST and AChE and was toxic on contact. We also assayed combinations of each compound with four synthetic formulations representative of the major pesticide categories, though no significant interactions were found. Overall, the essential oils tested did not cause acute lethal toxicity to honey bees; however, their biochemical effects varied, mostly remaining sublethal. These findings suggest that these essential oils could be considered safe for use around honey bees.Full article

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The new speciesAmecephala micra sp. nov. is described and illustrated on the basis of a well-preserved male psyllid (Liadopsyllidae) in a piece of Cretaceous Myanmar amber. This second species of the genusAmecephala Drohojowska, Szwedo, Müller et Burckhardt, 2020 exhibits a combination [...] Read more.

The new speciesAmecephala micra sp. nov. is described and illustrated on the basis of a well-preserved male psyllid (Liadopsyllidae) in a piece of Cretaceous Myanmar amber. This second species of the genusAmecephala Drohojowska, Szwedo, Müller et Burckhardt, 2020 exhibits a combination of features that have not been previously recognised among Liadopsyllidae. These features include details of the antennae, hind legs and their armature, and hind wings. The presence of a short apical spine on the apex of the metatibia suggests that it was likely capable of jumping, and the strengthening of the claval margin of the hind wing may be interpreted as part of the apparatus for vibrational communication. These issues are discussed in relation to modern Psylloidea and Liadopsyllidae. The finding offers an important contribution to knowledge of the disparity and taxonomic diversity of Liadopsyllidae and their evolutionary traits.Full article

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Three species of the purse-web spider genusAtypus Latreille, 1804, collected from Hunan and Sichuan Provinces of China, are diagnosed and described as new to science:A. yaozu sp. nov. (♂♀),A. siyiensis sp. nov. (♂♀) andA. yanjingensis sp. nov. (♂♀). Detailed [...] Read more.

Three species of the purse-web spider genusAtypus Latreille, 1804, collected from Hunan and Sichuan Provinces of China, are diagnosed and described as new to science:A. yaozu sp. nov. (♂♀),A. siyiensis sp. nov. (♂♀) andA. yanjingensis sp. nov. (♂♀). Detailed descriptions, photographs and DNA barcodes of the three new species and a distribution map ofAtypus species in China are provided. Additionally, we enrich the general natural history of the genusAtypus through a decade of observation.Full article

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The honey bee (Apis mellifera) is of paramount importance to human activities through the pollination services they provide in agricultural settings. Honey bee colonies in the United States have suffered from an increased rate of annual die-off in recent years, stemming [...] Read more.

The honey bee (Apis mellifera) is of paramount importance to human activities through the pollination services they provide in agricultural settings. Honey bee colonies in the United States have suffered from an increased rate of annual die-off in recent years, stemming from a complex set of interacting stressors that remain poorly described. Defining the cellular responses that are perturbed by divergent stressors represents a key step in understanding these synergies. We found that multiple model stressors induce upregulated expression of thelactate dehydrogenase (Ldh) gene in the midgut of the eusocial honey bee and that theLdh gene family is expanded in diverse bee species. Alterations inLdh expression were concomitant with changes in the expression of other genes involved in cellular respiration and genes encoding insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS) pathway components. Additionally, changes in metabolites in the midgut after stress, including increased levels of lactate, linked metabolic changes with the observed changes in gene expression. Select transcriptional changes in response to stress were similarly observed in the solitary alfalfa leafcutting bee (Megachile rotundata). Thus, increasedLdh expression may be part of a core stress response remodeling cellular respiration and insulin signaling. These findings suggest that a conserved cellular response that regulates metabolic demands under diverse stressful conditions may play a protective role in bees regardless of life history.Full article

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Glutathione S-transferase (GST) is a class of detoxifying enzymes in the second stage of insect metabolism and plays a key role in insecticide resistance. In this study, based on the transcriptome sequences ofS. frugiperda, the full-length cDNA ofSfGSTD1 was cloned [...] Read more.

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) is a class of detoxifying enzymes in the second stage of insect metabolism and plays a key role in insecticide resistance. In this study, based on the transcriptome sequences ofS. frugiperda, the full-length cDNA ofSfGSTD1 was cloned and characterized. The temporal and spatial expression pattern showed thatSfGSTD1 was highly expressed in Malpighian tubules, which are key excretion organs. Knocking downSfGSTD1 reducedS. frugiperd tolerance to abamectin and beta-cypermethrin. The overexpression ofSfGSTD1 enhanced the viability ofSf9 cell under abamectin and beta-cypermethrin treatment. Furthermore,SfGSTD1 was overexpressed inDrosophila melanogaster using theGAL4/UAS binary expression system, and this overexpression strain was also less susceptible to abamectin and beta-cypermethrin. The enzyme activity of recombinant SfGSTD1 could also be significantly inhibited by abamectin and beta-cypermethrin. Taken together, our findings indicate thatSfGSTD1 might be involved in the tolerance of abamectin and beta-cypermethrin inS. frugiperda. And these results provide theoretical foundations for understanding the resistance mechanism ofS. frugiperda to abamectin and beta-cypermethrin.Full article

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Avermectin is a widely used insecticide for pest control, such as thePlutella xylostella. Despite its efficacy in pest management, concerns have been raised regarding its effect on non-target species, such as the important economic insect silkworm (Bombyx mori). We [...] Read more.

Avermectin is a widely used insecticide for pest control, such as thePlutella xylostella. Despite its efficacy in pest management, concerns have been raised regarding its effect on non-target species, such as the important economic insect silkworm (Bombyx mori). We aimed to investigate the effects of avermectin application on the 3D genome architecture of silkworm midgut using high-throughput techniques such as high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) coupled with RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq). Midgut tissue samples, during the fifth instar and three days, were collected from silkworm larvae fed mulberry leaves (control group) and leaves soaked in avermectin solution for 12 h (experimental group). Our findings revealed that avermectin treatment led to significant changes, including 386 differentially expressed genes (252 up-regulated, 134 down-regulated) and increased chromatin accessibility, particularly those involved in immune response, metabolism, and cellular stress pathways. The Hi-C data revealed more intense spatial interactions in the experimental group, leading to increased expression of detoxification proteins like ABC transporter. This study provides important insights into the molecular basis of pesticide resistance and a foundational basis for further research on the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of insect stress responses.Full article

In China, the Asian corn borer (ACB),Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenee) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is the most significant economic insect pest of corn, causing losses ranging from six to nine million tons annually by feeding on all parts of maize, including damaging ears and leaves [...] Read more.

In China, the Asian corn borer (ACB),Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenee) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is the most significant economic insect pest of corn, causing losses ranging from six to nine million tons annually by feeding on all parts of maize, including damaging ears and leaves and making tunnels in stems. In China, since the 1970s, theTrichogramma species have extensively mass-reared from factitious hosts to control ACB and support integrated pest management programs. TheTrichogramma dendrolimi Matsumura andT. ostriniae Pang and Chen are the most efficient biocontrol agents for controlling ACB among the availableTrichogramma species. To evaluate the reproductive success ofTrichogramma dendrolimi andT. ostriniae, we assessed the impact of varying parasitoid ratios (5:1, 3:1, 1:1, 1:3, and 1:5 representing T. dendrolimi and T. ostriniae, respectively) on adult offspring emergence and mortality from ACB eggs over multiple generations (from first (F₁) to third (F₃) generations). We discovered that bothTrichogramma species’ offspring emergence was significantly influenced by the parasitoid generations, parasitoid ratios, and their interactions. The offspring mortality in bothTrichogramma species was significantly affected by parasitoid generations but was not significantly influenced by parasitoid ratios or interaction between parasitoid generations and parasitoid ratios. Furthermore, at parasitoid ratios of 5:1, 3:1, and 1:1, the emergence rate of the F₁ generation ofT. dendrolimi was significantly higher compared to the ratios of 1:3 and 1:5. However, in the F₂ generation, the emergence ofT. dendrolimi decreased considerably, and no emergence was observed in the F₃ generation. A contrasting trend was observed in the emergence ofT. ostriniae offspring. Overall, regardless of the parasitoid ratios, the offspring emergence ofT. ostriniae in all three generations was significantly higher than that ofT. dendrolimi. After assessing the offspring mortality in our research by dissecting the unhatched eggs, we found an inverse relationship between theT. dendrolimi generations and their mortality across different parasitoid ratios. Notably, mortality exhibited a significant decline with an increasing number of generations. A positive correlation was observed between the number ofT. ostriniae generations and their mortality across different parasitoid ratios, indicating that mortality increased with successive generations. Overall, across all parasitoid ratios and generations, the offspring mortality ofT. ostriniae was considerably greater than that ofT. dendrolimi. These results suggest that mortality is a crucial empirical measure that validatesT. ostriniae’s superiority overT. dendrolimi. These findings highlight the importance of selecting suitable parasitoid species when implementingTrichogramma for pest management.Full article

Insect predators can suppress prey populations through increased progeny production. The present study investigated the numerical responses of adult♀Xylocoris flavipes (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) on a diet ofLiposcelis decolor (Pearman) (Psocodea: Liposcelididae). Adult♀X. flavipes were placed in arenas containing nymphs, adult [...] Read more.

Insect predators can suppress prey populations through increased progeny production. The present study investigated the numerical responses of adult♀Xylocoris flavipes (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) on a diet ofLiposcelis decolor (Pearman) (Psocodea: Liposcelididae). Adult♀X. flavipes were placed in arenas containing nymphs, adult females, or males ofL. decolor at varying prey densities under laboratory conditions at 28 ± 1 °C, 63 ± 5 RH, and a 0:24 (L:D) photoperiod. The number of eggs laid by the predator was assessed at 24 h intervals for five days, and this was used to determine oviposition rate, oviposition efficiency, and efficiency of conversion of ingested food resources (ECI). This study showed that prey stage did not affect oviposition rate; however, there was a positive correlation between prey density andX. flavipes oviposition rate for all the prey stages. The predator’s oviposition efficiency and ECI (%) were inversely proportional to prey density for all prey stages. The current study shows thatX. flavipes can produce more offspring on adults and nymphs ofL. decolor when prey densities are high and can establish at low prey densities. Further evaluation ofX. flavipes under field storage conditions is recommended to facilitate its incorporation into integrated management of psocids.Full article

Plants, as producers in ecosystems, are an integral part of biodiversity in terms of their species diversity. Plant diversity not only enhances the quality of ecosystem services, but also provides habitat for a wide range of plants and animals. The invasion of pine [...] Read more.

Plants, as producers in ecosystems, are an integral part of biodiversity in terms of their species diversity. Plant diversity not only enhances the quality of ecosystem services, but also provides habitat for a wide range of plants and animals. The invasion of pine wilt disease (PWD) has posed a significant threat to plant diversity in China, but it is not clear whether this threat would be significantly different in natural and planted forests. In this study, we collected a long time series of refined forest subcompartment data on PWD occurrence and plant diversity sample survey data to analyze the loss and recovery time of plant diversity in China caused by PWD invasion, especially the degree of impact on plant diversity in natural and planted forests. The results showed that after PWD invasion, the plant diversity levels of China’s national, natural, and planted forests reached a minimum in the third year of invasion, with a loss of 9.1%, 6.46%, and 9.82%, respectively, relative to the pre-invasion levels. Starting from the third year of invasion, the plant diversity levels of the three recovered gradually at different rates, among which there was a significant difference in the speed of recovery between natural forests and planted forests, which took two and three years to recover to the original level of plant diversity, respectively. This study revealed the differences in the response of plant diversity to PWD invasion between natural and planted forests and provided a theoretical basis for local governments and managers in preventing and controlling PWD and protecting plant diversity.Full article

Corn is one of the world’s most economically important cereal crops and can be attacked bySitophilus zeamais. The control ofS. zeamais is mostly based on synthetic insecticides; however, populations of this insect have developed resistance to various chemical compounds. New [...] Read more.

Corn is one of the world’s most economically important cereal crops and can be attacked bySitophilus zeamais. The control ofS. zeamais is mostly based on synthetic insecticides; however, populations of this insect have developed resistance to various chemical compounds. New rational insecticides that prevent the development of resistant populations need to be continuously evaluated. This research aimed to assess the effects mediated by azadirachtin onS. zeamais populations in terms of mortality, survival, food preference, and repellency. Azadirachtin is toxic toS. zeamais at the larval (LC₅₀ = 3.36 ppm), pupal (LC₅₀ = 23.0 ppm), and adult (LC₅₀ = 37.7 ppm) stages. At all stages of insect development, the survival rate was 99.9% in insects not treated with azadirachtin, decreasing to 29.9%, 44.9%, and 68.5% in larvae, pupae, and adults treated with the LC₅₀ of the bioinsecticide, respectively. The preference for untreated corn grains was higher with the LC₂₅ and LC₅₀ of azadirachtin, while the LC₉₅ (209 ppm) repelled adults. Azadirachtin causes lethality inS. zeamais, compromising its survival and reducing the feeding preference on grains protected with repellent activity at high concentrations. Therefore, the use of this bioinsecticide may offer an alternative to controlS. zeamais in the field and post-harvest.Full article