Frontiers in insect science最新文献

Telenomus remus is one of the most effective parasitoids of eggs used to control key pests in agricultural systems. This wasp can parasitize many species within the genus Spodoptera, including Spodoptera latifascia. The abundance and effectiveness of T. remus are influenced by landscape composition, climatic factors, and host availability, which need to be better characterized. However, no studies have investigated how those factors simultaneously affect the population dynamics of S. latifascia and T. remus under field conditions. In this study, we used sex pheromone traps to investigate the dynamics of host-parasitoid interactions and the parasitism rate of S. latifascia eggs. We also examined how landscape structure and function influence host-parasitoid dynamics, as well as the impact of local weather on parasitoid and moth abundance and on oviposition behavior. Our results indicated that the type of pheromone used did not affect the attraction of either the parasitoid or the oviposition behavior of the host. The landscape metrics driving each insect species differed, while local weather variables showed similar effects on both species. Specifically, the total number of patches was positively related to the abundance of T. remus, whereas functional traits were closely related to the abundance of S. latifascia. Rising temperatures negatively affected egg and moth abundance, while high relative humidity was positively correlated with increased abundance of these species. This study presents, for the first time, an established population of T. remus in Puerto Rico, and insights into the temporal and spatial dynamics associated with S. latifascia.

The dataset presents results from studies of Sarcophagidae conducted in 2008, 2013, 2014, and 2016-2024 in the central part of European Russia (Republic of Mordovia). A total of 2,162 males representing 58 species and 10 genera were reliably identified. The highest species diversity of Sarcophagidae was recorded in the Mordovia State Nature Reserve. For the first time in Russia, a new species - Sarcophaga (Heteronychia) slovaca (Povolný and Slamečková, 1967) - was documented. The highest species diversity of Sarcophagidae was recorded in forest glades and floodplains (39 species each). Sarcophaga (Sarcophaga) variegata (Scopoli, 1763) reached its highest abundance in meadows and was relatively common along forest edges. Sarcophaga (Sarcotachinella) sinuata Meigen, 1826 and Sarcophaga (Mimarhopocnemis) granulata Kramer, 1908 predominated in deciduous forests. Metopia grandii Venturi, 1953 and Metopia argyrocephala (Meigen, 1824) were most abundant in burned forest areas. In terms of collection methods, the greatest number of both specimens and species was obtained using yellow pan traps and Malaise traps.

Polymer-based delivery systems for double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) have gained attention as a promising strategy for RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated insect pest control. Despite encouraging in vitro results, their practical application remains limited by methodological inconsistencies and species-specific challenges. Variability in experimental parameters, such as nitrogen/phosphorous (N/P) ratios, dsRNA lengths, and buffer systems, complicates reproducibility and cross-study comparisons. Moreover, in vitro stability and transfection efficiency often fail to predict in vivo RNAi outcomes, highlighting the need for more physiologically relevant models. Variation in RNAi efficiency across insect orders, such as Lepidoptera and Hemiptera, continues to challenge the generalizability of polymer-based delivery systems. To advance the field, future research should focus on species-tailored polymer design, improved predictive assays, and comprehensive environmental safety evaluations. Interdisciplinary collaboration will be essential to develop RNAi delivery platforms that are efficient, scalable, and ecologically sustainable.

Mosquitoes are major vectors of pathogens causing diseases such as dengue, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis, imposing significant global public health and economic burdens. Traditional morphological approaches for mosquito research are limited by the reliance on specialized taxonomic expertise, the inability to distinguish cryptic species or immature life stages, and the susceptibility to environmental factors. DNA markers have emerged as indispensable tools to address these limitations. This review systematically summarizes the characteristics and applications of important DNA markers in mosquito population genetics research, covering core areas such as species identification, evolutionary and phylogenetic studies, invasion history and population genetic structure analysis, genetic mapping and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). This review highlights the pivotal role of DNA markers in advancing the understanding of mosquito biology and supporting the development of effective strategies for mitigating mosquito-borne diseases.

Forensic entomology focuses on insects associated with decomposing remains to provide clues for forensic investigations. Among those insects, scuttle flies are uniquely capable of colonizing enclosed spaces and underground burial sites where other insects cannot access, often serving as the sole entomological "witnesses" to provide crucial evidence in forensic practice. This review highlights the forensic significance of scuttle flies, including the biological characters, diversity and behaviors of scuttle flies from forensic aspects based on reported cases. We investigate the biological and environmental factors influencing their utility in forensic investigation, and scuttle fly species commonly found on corpses were also summarized. Additionally, suggestions on future research directions of scuttle flies and how their biological characteristics can enhance their application in forensic entomology are also provided.

Introduction: Over the last four decades, the red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, has emerged as one of the most destructive pests of date and ornamental palms worldwide, causing major economic losses, with insecticide susceptibility strongly influenced by nutritional status.

Methods: This study assessed how feeding versus starvation affects the sensitivity of RPW larvae and adults to ten commonly used insecticides at three dose levels (½×, 1×, and 2× of the recommended rate). Mortality rates were recorded and compared between fed and unfed insects.

Results: Starvation significantly increased mortality, particularly in larvae, which were consistently more vulnerable than adults. Voliam Flexi achieved complete mortality under both conditions, whereas Coragen, Cyprone, and Indocarb caused full larval mortality only under starvation at the highest dose. In adults, 100% mortality with Medprid, Sivanto, Fiprol, and Deciban occurred only in starved insects. Feeding reduced insecticide toxicity, likely via enhanced detoxification or dilution of toxins through ingested sap, as indicated by lower LC₅₀ values in unfed insects for Sivanto, Coragen, Fedothrin, and Lamdoc.

Discussion/conclusion: These findings highlight feeding status as a critical determinant of insecticide efficacy. Pre-treatment starvation or natural food scarcity can enhance chemical performance, reduce insecticide use, and improve integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. The study also emphasizes the need for further research to elucidate the physiological mechanisms linking nutrition, detoxification, and insecticide susceptibility in RPW." and confirmed as accurate.

In contrast to mammals, insects possess a separate machinery for processing of long dsRNAs into siRNAs for the cleavage of viral RNAs. The process of RNAi is considered very efficient in all insects once the delivery in the cytoplasm occurs such as during RNA virus replication. For the application of RNAi as insecticide to succeed, efficient uptake of intact dsRNA into the cytoplasm therefore is necessary, which seems to occur by natural mechanisms in the leaf beetles for which RNAi-based insecticides already have been marketed. In most insects, relatively high amounts of dsRNA are required to trigger gene silencing which raises questions regarding potential side effects. Besides, RNAi is considered as the major antiviral defense mechanism, at least in Drosophila, but not necessarily in all other insects. Following increasing evidence from the recent literature, it has become prudent to include the sensing of dsRNA as an immune trigger to evaluate the extent of the RNAi mechanism that is triggered by dsRNA. In this review, an overview of mechanisms is presented regarding how the recognition of dsRNA as a "pathogen-associated molecular pattern", the multiple additional functions of the canonical siRNA factors and the modulation of the function of Dicer-2 and Ago-2 by dsRNA-binding proteins may complicate the efficiency of the exo-RNAi process and aggravate its application for pest control.

Introduction: Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have gained increasing attention as a sustainable alternative protein source for animal feed, particularly when reared on organic by-products. This study evaluated the nutritional composition of BSFL reared on different organic substrates to support sustainable feed production.

Methods: BSFL were reared on five organic substrates: chicken feed, pig feed, soy milk residue, coconut press cake, and perilla cake. Larvae were cultivated in metal trays (23 × 15 cm) for 2-4 weeks under controlled conditions (28 ± 2 °C; 65 ± 5% relative humidity). At the prepupal stage, larvae were harvested and analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract, ash, growth performance, and fatty acid profiles.

Results: Significant differences in nutritional composition were observed among substrates. Crude protein content was high in larvae fed chicken feed (50.55 ± 0.07%), pig feed (52.10 ± 0.14%), soy milk residue (52.15 ± 0.78%), and perilla cake (47.20 ± 0.00%). Crude fiber was highest in larvae fed soy milk residue (7.19 ± 1.48%) and perilla cake (5.38 ± 0.25%). Favorable growth performance was observed, with larvae reaching 0.22 ± 0.01 g in weight, 20.38 ± 0.36 mm in length, and 5.08 ± 0.05 mm in width. Fatty acid analysis revealed substantial levels of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, including palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids. Larvae reared on coconut press cake showed the highest saturated fatty acid content (74.91 ± 0.03%), while those fed soy milk residue exhibited the highest oleic (26.68 ± 0.06%) and linoleic acid (38.44 ± 0.07%) contents, resulting in increased polyunsaturated fatty acids (38.57 ± 0.03%).

Discussion: The findings demonstrate that organic by-products commonly available in Thailand are suitable substrates for BSFL production and significantly influence larval nutritional quality. These substrates enable the production of nutrient-rich, cost-effective, and sustainable insect-based feed, contributing to responsible consumption, waste valorization, and food security.

Bactrocera dorsalis is a serious pest of mango, causing heavy losses during fruit ripening. Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are pivotal in insect olfaction, facilitating the detection of host plant volatiles. In this study, we focused on OBPs that mediate responses to volatiles from the Guire No.82 mango. Quantitative real-time PCR showed cultivar-dependent expression of six antennal OBP genes. Among these, BdorOBP84a-1 was highly expressed in adults fed on Guire No.82. The 3D structure of BdorOBP84a-1 was predicted with AlphaFold3, showing six α-helices and three disulfide bonds forming a hydrophobic pocket. Molecular docking and 100-ns MD simulations indicated strong and stable binding of sesquiterpenes. Caryophyllene and ledene showed the lowest binding free energies (-31.87 and -30.62 kcal/mol) and stable RMSD/RMSF values. Key residues, including PHE95, ILE109 and PHE133, contributed to binding through hydrophobic and aromatic interactions. Y-tube behavioral assays validated these computational predictions. Caryophyllene attracted males at very low (0.01%) and high (10%) doses, females responded selectively at 0.1% and 1%, ledene attracted males at 0.1% and 10%, These findings suggest that BdorOBP84a-1 mediates recognition of mango sesquiterpenes and that caryophyllene and ledene are promising leads for new attractants in B. dorsalis management.

The tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a major defoliating pest in East and South Asia and serves as an alternative host for the mass propagation of the parasitoid Telenomus remus. Therefore, optimizing the rearing cost of S. litura is critical for large-scale production to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. We evaluated 18 artificial diet formulations derived from a standard diet by incorporating corn flour and adjusting the ingredient ratios. The diets were grouped into high-, medium-, and low-cost categories, and their biological performance was assessed under controlled laboratory conditions (26 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 5% RH, and a16:8 h L:D photoperiod). Among the tested diets, formulation 15 produced the best results, yielding shorter larval (19.52 d) and pupal durations (10.46 d), higher pupal mass (500 mg), greater fecundity (2,658 eggs/female), and improved egg hatch (73.77%) compared with the control. Population parameters, including the intrinsic (r) and finite (λ) rates of increase, were significantly improved, whereas the mean generation time (T) and net reproductive rate (R₀ ) decreased. Importantly, formulation 15 lowered rearing costs by 5.9% relative to the original diet. These findings demonstrate that replacing soybean flour with corn flour as the primary protein source provides a cost-effective and biologically robust diet for S. litura. This optimized diet will facilitate large-scale rearing of S. litura and mechanized production of T. remus, providing a model for reducing artificial diet costs in other insect systems.