Insects最新文献

Antennal sensillar structures respond to a variety of environmental stimuli. In the present study, the antennal sensilla of all three subfamilies of the family Lygaeidae are studied for the first time. This research shows the presence of five main types of sensilla (sensilla trichodea, chaetica, campaniformia, basiconica, and coeloconica). Their comparison to other, previously studied, heteropteran insects and their putative mechano-, chemo-, and thermo-hygroreceptive functions are discussed. The current study shows uniformity in the types of sensilla in all studied species. However, minor differences between the subfamilies, as well as within the subfamily Lygaeinae, are observed.

Insects have highly developed olfactory systems in which cytochrome P450s (CYPs) were involved as odor-degrading enzymes throughout the olfactory recognition of odor compounds by insects to avoid continuous stimulation of signaling molecules and thus damage to the olfactory nervous. To understand whether the highly expressed CYPs in the antennae play an olfactory function in Solenopsis invicta worker, in this study, we find six highly expressed antennal CYPs from the transcriptome of S. invicta. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis divided them into two families: the CYP3 family (SinvCYP6K1, SinvCYP6K1-1) and the CYP4 family (SinvCYP4C1, SinvCYP4C1-1, SinvCYP4C1-2, SinvCYP4V2). The expression patterns of these six CYPs were analyzed by RT-qPCR, which revealed that SinvCYP6K1 and SinvCYP4V2 were only highly expressed in the antennae of adult workers. The expression of SinvCYP6K1 and SinvCYP4V2 in workers was markedly diminished after feeding with dsRNA. The electroantennography (EAG) assay demonstrated that the silencing of either SinvCYP6K1 or SinvCYP4V2 resulted in a notable reduction in the EAG response of workers to 2-ethyl-3,6(5)-dimethylpyrazine (EDMP). Furthermore, the trajectory behavior assay showed that the worker's range and speed of movement in response to EDMP significant decreased after the silencing of SinvCYP6K1 and SinvCYP4V2. The findings indicated that both SinvCYP6K1 and SinvCYP4V2 were implicated in the recognition of EDMP by S. invicta.

Deer keds (Lipoptena spp. and Neolipoptena ferrisi) are hematophagous ectoparasites that primarily infest white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and other cervids in the United States. The distribution of deer keds in the northeastern United States and the pathogens they harbor remains relatively unexplored. In this study, we examined the geographical distribution and pathogen prevalence of deer keds in Massachusetts by collecting samples from white-tailed deer and testing for tick-borne pathogens. Deer keds were collected across the state, including in four previously unrecorded counties, indicating a wide distribution. Pathogen screening revealed the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA in 30% of the keds, but no other pathogens were detected. The medical and biological significance of detecting A. phagocytophilum DNA in deer keds requires future studies. This research provides a baseline for the distribution and pathogen prevalence of deer keds in Massachusetts and highlights the potential of deer keds as sentinels for monitoring deer-associated microbes.

Encarsia protransvena (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) is recorded here for the first time in Italy as a parasitoid of the whitefly Singhiella simplex (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), one of the most invasive alien pests of exotic Ficus species. Singhiella simplex, originating from the Oriental region, has established a global presence. Monitoring of the whitefly and its parasitoids was conducted in the southern areas of Italy, providing crucial insights into their distribution and interactions. The taxonomic identity of E. protransvena, was confirmed by scrutiny of morphological and molecular taxonomic characters. At the time of writing, we also obtained some specimens of Encarsia hispida from the host collected in Campania. We reserve the right to provide bio-ethological information on the species in the future. Comprehensive illustrations and diagnostic features are provided for the host and the parasitoids. An identification key is included for all Encarsia species associated with S. simplex, which provides a valuable tool to distinguish these aphelinid wasps for future research and applications in biological control programs.

A new genus and species of Limacodidae, Guium nebulum gen. et sp. nov., is described based on specimens collected from Guangxi Autonomous Region and Jiangxi Province in China. The new genus shares certain morphological features, such as a well-developed labial palpus, with related genera like Tanvia Solovyev & Witt, 2009; Scopelodes Westwood, 1841; Hyphorma Walker, 1865; and Monema Walker, 1855. However, the new genus can be separated from them by the wing venation and the male genital characteristics. COI molecular marker analysis further supports the monophyly of this new genus, indicating a close relationship with Scopelodes.

The four honeybee species native to Cambodia-Apis dorsata, Apis cerana, Apis florea, and Apis andreniformis-play a vital role in ecosystem health and agricultural productivity through their pollination activities. Beekeeping in Cambodia has primarily developed around the introduced species Apis mellifera. However, it remains underdeveloped compared to neighboring countries, with wild honey collection continuing to play a significant role. Although native bees are not at immediate risk of extinction, their crucial ecological and socio-economic roles, coupled with the threats to their populations, necessitate the urgent implementation of conservation policies. The beekeeping sector in Cambodia faces numerous challenges that hinder its development. These include a lack of documentation and official data, limited access to productive apiaries, inappropriate pesticide practices, insufficient knowledge about bee health, diseases, and parasites, inadequate organization and representation of beekeepers, the high cost of Cambodian honey, and a lack of consumer awareness and trust in local bee products. This paper provides an overview of the status and distribution of honeybee species, along with the production, value chain, and trade of bee products in Cambodia. It examines the challenges of conserving native honeybees and developing the beekeeping sector while proposing strategies to strengthen bee conservation and support the growth of beekeeping in the country. Key recommendations focus on integrating bee conservation strategies with broader conservation goals, such as reducing deforestation, promoting sustainable agriculture, and regulating the consumption of wild bee brood. Key strategies for the development of beekeeping are documenting and conserving bee floral resources and habitats, reducing the use of bee-toxic pesticides, developing research and training capacities in beekeeping, regulating bee imports, and enhancing quality and authenticity testing facilities. Additionally, building capacity among honey value chain stakeholders in areas such as quality control, authenticity, processing, packaging, and marketing is essential.

Aleurocanthus spiniferus not only damages plant leaves directly but also causes a sooty blotch due to the honeydew secreted by the nymphs and adults. This pest is widespread and seems to be spreading from low latitude to higher latitude areas where winters are typically colder, indicating an increase in its cold tolerance. Changes in temperature help insects to anticipate the arrival of winter, allowing them to take defensive measures in advance. This study examines the impacts of brief warm pulses on the low-temperature tolerance of A. spiniferus, and analyzes the physiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying its cold adaptation, utilizing seasonal differences in cold tolerance. Intermittent training at 25 °C significantly improved the survival rate of overwintering nymphs (third and fourth instar) at -7 °C. Analysis of seasonal differences in the supercooling point (SCP) and freezing point (FP) revealed that overwintering nymph had the highest cold tolerance in November. Seasonal variation in levels of cold-resistant substances were also observed, with moisture decreasing during overwintering, while fat and glycerol levels increased. Conversely, glucose, sorbitol, and trehalose levels rose significantly at the end of the overwintering period. The expression profile of cold-resistant genes indicated that the aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B1 in Aleurocanthus spiniferus (AspiAKR1B1) shows a significant decrease at the end of the overwintering period. Knocking down AspiAKR1B1 led to a marked reduction in the cold tolerance of A. spiniferus. Therefore, brief warm pulses and AspiAKR1B1 are key factors contributing to the enhanced cold tolerance of A. spiniferus. This research provides theoretical support for preventing the further spread of A. spiniferus to higher latitudes, and offers technical guidance for developing effective pest control measures.

The honey bee is an important insect pollinator that provides critical pollination services for natural and agricultural systems worldwide. However, inadequate food weakens honey bee colonies, making them vulnerable to various biotic and abiotic factors. In this study, we examined the impact of supplementary feeding on bees' genes for antioxidative enzymes and vitellogenin, oxidative stress parameters, and the hygienic and grooming behavior. The colonies were divided into two experimental groups (with ten hives each): a treatment group that received the plant-based supplement and a control group. The experiment was conducted in two seasons, spring and summer. After the treatment, in both seasons, all the monitored parameters in the treatment group differed from those in the control group. The expression levels of genes for antioxidative enzymes were significantly lower, but the vitellogenin gene transcript level was significantly higher. Values of oxidative stress parameters were significantly lower. The levels of hygienic and grooming behavior were significantly higher. Therefore, our field study indicates that the tested supplement exerted beneficial effects on bees, reflected in reduced oxidative stress and enhanced hygienic and grooming behavior.

Thermal condition affects the development and growth of ectotherms. The stenothermic honeybee brood, particularly the prepupae, are sensitive to low rearing temperature. The fat body plays important roles in energy reserve and metabolism during the honeybee brood development. To date, the fat body metabolic changes in prepupae responding to cold stress have not been completely understood. In this study, the ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS)-based non-target metabolome was analyzed between the cold-treated (CT, 20 °C, 36 h) and control (CK, 35 °C) fat body in prepupal honeybees. The fat body metabolomic data showed that the levels of 1860 and 254 metabolites were significantly increased and decreased, respectively, in cold-stressed prepupae. These altered metabolites, glutamine, glutamic acid, pyroglutamic acid, and oxidized glutathione, were significantly enriched into glutamine metabolism and glutathione metabolism pathways. Furthermore, the expression levels of glutamine metabolism-related genes, glutaminase (GLS), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT-1 and GGT-7), were significantly decreased in cold-exposed prepupae compared with the control groups. Meanwhile, the oxidized glutathione (GSSG), but not the reduced glutathione (GSH) content, was increased in the cold-exposed group compared with controls. Collectively, our data revealed the fat body metabolomic changes in larva-to-pupa transition when exposed to cold stress. Our data provided new insights into stenothermic honeybee sensitivity to cold, characterized by perturbation of glutamine metabolism and oxidative stress.

The selection of an appropriate and targeted crop protection technology for winter oilseed rape is crucial for the economic production of this crop. Insecticides belonging to the group of diamides and butenolides are available as seed treatments for winter oilseed rape and serve as effective tools for chemical crop protection. The objective of this study was to determine the multi-directional applicability of the active ingredients cyantraniliprole and flupyradifurone. Furthermore, the phenotypic detection of stress was conducted for these systemic insecticides. The results of our study show that these active ingredients acropetal and basipetal translocation are both effective against Athalia rosae (L. 1758) (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae). The findings from our laboratory studies indicated that the insecticidal active ingredients are effective against Athalia rosae (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae) via both acropetal and basipetal translocation. However, differences in the time of exertion of lethal effect were recorded. In both experimental groups, mortality was observed to reach 100% at the 96-h mark, regardless of the specific experimental conditions or the insecticide employed. An examination of the bio-photon emission of the experimental plants revealed a statistically verifiable correlation between the applied active ingredients and the photon emission intensity per unit plant surface area. The findings of our study indicate that due to their insecticidal activity, systemic insecticides also affect plant life processes by increasing photosynthetic activity per unit leaf area.