Entomological Research最新文献

Mosquitoes are one of the most significant vectors of diseases worldwide. They can transmit many viral and parasitic diseases to humans and animals. A survey was conducted in ten areas in Buraydah City to investigate the prevalence and distribution of mosquitoes in the area. The study involved the collection of adult mosquitoes using Blackhole light traps over a year, from January to December 2021. During this period, a total of 23,346 adult mosquitoes were collected and analyzed as part of the survey. The results showed the presence of several mosquito species, including Aedes aegypti, Ae. caspius, Culex pipiens, Cx. quinquefasciatus, Cx. citizens, and Anopheles d'thali. This mosquito survey revealed the dominance of Cx. mosquitoes, with 21,216 mosquitoes collected out of a total of 23,346, representing 91% of the total. In contrast, the Aedes genus was the second most prevalent species, with 1,860 mosquitoes collected, representing 8% of the total mosquito population. Anopheles mosquitoes were remarkably low, with only 270 individuals collected, representing less than 1% of the total mosquito population. The survey revealed that mosquitoes are present throughout the year, but their density varies due to monthly changes in temperature and humidity. Furthermore, the first documented sighting of the Ae. aegypti mosquito in the city was recorded. This finding represents a serious public health concern, as Ae. aegypti is a known vector of diseases, especially dengue fever. Therefore, there is an urgent need to enhance mosquito surveillance and control measures in Buraydah to mitigate the risks of mosquito-borne disease outbreaks.

Abbas, U, Majeed, MZ, Alkherb, WAH et al. (2024) Evaluation of silver nanoformulated plant extracts against larvae of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), under laboratory and field conditions. Entomological Research, 54;e70003. https://doi.org/10.1111/1748-5967.70003.

The reference ‘Kalleshwaraswamy CM, Asokan R, Swamy HM et al. (2018) First report of the fall armyworm, S. frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), an alien invasive pest on maize in India. Pest Management in Horticultural Ecosystems 24:23–29. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41190-018-0012-8’ was incorrect. This should have read: ‘Sharanabasappa SD, Kalleshwara Swamy CM, Asokan R et al. (2018). First report of the fall armyworm, S. frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), an alien invasive pest on maize in India. Pest Management in Horticultural Ecosystems 24:23–29.’

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The production of recombinant glycoproteins is pivotal for numerous therapies targeting human diseases, forming a cornerstone of the medical industry. The baculovirus-insect cell system has emerged as a leading method for producing high-value therapeutic glycoproteins. This system has several advantages, including rapid cultivation of insect cells, high production yields, and relatively straightforward post-translational processing. Insect cells, being eukaryotic, have functional glycosylation pathways, offering a significant advantage over prokaryotic cells which lack these capabilities. These advantages are particularly promising for the expression and testing of post-translational processing in de novo proteins, which are newly developed and extensively researched through AI-based computational methods. However, challenges remain, particularly with expression levels and glycosylation modifications, which need to be addressed to optimize protein production. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the baculovirus-insect cell expression system, highlighting progress in insect cell utilization, expression optimization, glycosylation modifications, and the production of therapeutic proteins.

The Korean rhinoceros beetle, Trypoxylus dichotomus, an edible insect in the Republic of Korea, is an important insect for industrial farming, with various uses ranging from medical purposes to pets. However, there have been difficulties in the production and management of this species over the past 10 years as a result of nudivirus. This virus belongs to the family Nudiviridae, and infection with this virus proves fatal for rhinoceros beetles. The goal of this work was to develop an antibody for fundamental research on virus diagnosis. The ODV-E66 gene encoding an envelope protein was selected for antibody production. The peptide region was derived from in silico analysis considering the conserved motif region and secondary structure of the peptide. In addition, the final peptide immunogen was validated by analyzing the physicochemical properties of the peptide to increase the rate of antibody formation. The production of polyclonal antibodies was induced by injecting peptide immunogens into rabbits. Antibody activity was evaluated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. As a result, we confirmed that antibody formation was possible with nudivirus mimotopes, and we also confirmed that the antigen–antibody reaction differs depending on the peptide. These results suggest a new perspective for diagnosing insect viruses and contribute to the broader knowledge of peptide immunogens.

The red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, is an agricultural and storage pest with a global distribution. Studies have shown that eucalyptol has strong contact toxicity against larvae of this beetle, whereas odorant binding proteins (OBPs) are known to contribute to larval defenses against this phytochemical toxin. However, the mechanisms underlying the protective effect of insect OBPs against eucalyptol remain unclear. Here, TcOBPC02 from T. castaneum was cloned and characterized. Gene expression profile analysis showed that TcOBPC02 is highly expressed at early larval and early pupal stages. Additionally, tissue expression profiling revealed that, in the adult, TcOBPC02 was most highly expressed in the head, followed by the epidermis, whereas in larvae, TcOBPC02 was mainly expressed in hemolymph and the epidermis. These developmental stages and tissues that exhibit high TcOBPC02 expression are closely related to the detoxification of heterologous substances. Furthermore, the mRNA level of TcOBPC02 was significantly increased after exposure to eucalyptol, whereas TcOBPC02-targeted RNA interference increased the susceptibility of T. castaneum to eucalyptol, indicating that TcOBPC02 participates in the tolerance of this beetle to eucalyptol. Additionally, recombinant TcOBPC02 was expressed in Escherichia coli and isolated, enabling a straightforward fluorescence competition binding assay. In combination, these results have demonstrated that TcOBPC02 is required for defenses against phytochemicals in T. castaneum. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the mechanisms underlying the degradation of exogenous toxicants in insects and adds to the repertoire of potential target genes for pest control.

The impact of climate change on insects, particularly pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths and hoverflies, has been the focus of numerous studies. In this context, recognizing a gap in research on pollinators in the Republic of Korea, we employed species distribution models (SDMs) to assess the potential impacts of climate change on 206 species of pollinating insects in the Republic of Korea under two climate change scenarios: SSP245 and SSP585. Our results showed that under the SSP245 scenario, two bee species are projected to increase by 24.3% on average, whereas five species will decrease by 61.3%. For butterflies, 12 species will increase by 144.6%, whereas 35 species will decrease by 86.1%. For hoverflies, six species will increase by 75.7% and 13 species will decrease by 68.8%. For moths, 37 species will increase by 131% and 96 species will decrease by 90.8%. Under the worst-case climate change scenario (SSP585), one bee species is expected to see its distribution range increase by an average of 161%, whereas six other species might experience a reduction of 73.2% on average. For butterflies, 15 species are projected to expand their range by an average of 157%, whereas 32 species could face an average decrease of 89.7%. In the case of hoverflies, ten species are anticipated to grow their distribution range by 117.9% on average, whereas nine species might decrease by an average of 90.8%. Lastly, for moths, 38 species are expected to expand their range by an average of 199%, whereas 95 species could contract their range by an average of 87%.

Despite the medicinal benefits of Pueraria lobata (kudzu), it stands as an invasive species that disrupts forest ecosystems, prompting the exploration of natural predators for its control. This study presents the first comprehensive report on Lema (Lema) diversipes, Pic, 1921, a beetle species that uses kudzu as its host, with significant implications for forest ecosystem dynamics. Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations of its larva stage are provided for the first time. Additionally, partial sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, a domestic distribution map, and biological notes are included.

Insect C-type lectins (CTLs) play a vital role in recognizing and binding pathogen-associated molecules, such as carbohydrate moieties, to initiate immune responses. Although the characteristics of Bombyx mori C-type lectin 21 (BmCTL21), named BmLBP, have been reported, its molecular mechanisms, including expression patterns during immune responses and recognition and binding behaviors, remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study aims to explore the molecular characterization of BmCTL21 in innate immune responses. The findings reveal that BmCTL21 is upregulated in the fat body and subsequently transported to hemocytes, where it binds to the surface of Gram-negative bacteria during microbial infection. Additionally, BmCTL21 RNAi treatment leads to a decline in BmCTL21 expression, which results in the suppression of phenoloxidase activity. Moreover, recombinant BmCTL21 was found to recognize carbohydrates, such as lipopolysaccharide, mannan and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine, in a Ca²⁺-independent manner, and binds to the cell walls of Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria and fungi. In summary, this study offers new insights into the molecular mechanisms and functional behaviors of BmCTL21 in the innate immune response of silkworms.

This study evaluates the effects of various artificial diets on the development of Zophobas atratus larvae. Artificial diets containing various concentrations of agar were also investigated for their ability to reduce death rates during the early stages of larval development. Our results indicated that larvae fed artificial diets experienced a slightly longer developmental period but achieved significantly higher weights. Notably, wheat bran + fish meal 6% resulted in the highest weight gain; however, wheat bran + fish meal 6%, wheat bran + fish meal 5% + ginseng leaf 1%, and wheat bran + fish meal 4% + ginseng leaf 2% yielded higher death rates. The diet with 4% agar resulted in the shortest developmental period, whereas that with 3% agar produced the highest weight gain. However, considering death rates, the diet with 2% agar provided the most balanced outcome across developmental time, weight gain, and survival, making it the most suitable diet for Z. atratus larvae. In conclusion, wheat bran + fish meal + agar 2% artificial diet is more suitable for Z. atratus larval development than wheat bran, leading to greater weight gain, shorter development periods, and higher adult emergence rates. Additionally, this diet showed the potential to reduce the dust issues and labor demands associated with wheat bran usage. Our findings suggest that wheat bran + fish meal + agar 2% could be an effective artificial diet for the optimal development of Z. atratus larvae.