Abstract: Biting midges, Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are significant insect vectors capable of transmitting arboviruses, such as bluetongue virus, to livestock. New Zealand is free of Culicoides, and a national surveillance programme is in place for early detection of an incursion. Traditionally, insect trap samples from the surveillance programme are analyzed using morphology-based diagnostics under microscopes, which is time-consuming and relies on specialized taxonomic expertise. Here, we assessed the effectiveness of DNA metabarcoding using insect bulk samples and environmental DNA (eDNA) from liquid samples collected in surveillance traps. Two Cytochrome oxidate I (COI) barcoding primer sets were employed to study biodiversity and detect exotic species. Results indicated that DNA metabarcoding with homogenized insect bulk samples had a higher overall detection accuracy rate (over 81% for both primer pairs) compared to ethanol fluid-derived eDNA samples from traps (68.42% and 55.26% for the primer sets LCO1490/HCO2198 and mlCOIintF/jgHCO2198, respectively), based on congruence with morphological identification. Detection failures were likely due to eDNA extraction issues or low target species abundance. Both approaches showed similar insect community composition and diversity in the surveillance trap samples, suggesting the potential of DNA metabarcoding for biosecurity surveillance and biodiversity assessments. Overall, DNA metabarcoding using bulk insect samples could enhance the efficiency of Culicoides surveillance, reducing workload and screening time.

Abstract: Pest management has entered a new era with the emergence of three innovative antisense technologies: RNAi, CUAD, and CRISPR/Cas. These technologies, which operate through sequence-specific nucleic acid duplex formation and guided nuclease activity, offer unprecedented potential for targeted pest control. While RNA-guided systems such as RNAi and CRISPR/Cas were initially discovered in non-insect models as fundamental biological mechanisms (primarily in antiviral defense), the DNA-guided CUAD system was first identified in insect pests as a practical tool for pest control, while its broader role in ribosomal RNA (rRNA) biogenesis only recently recognized. These surprising discoveries have unveiled an entirely new dimension of gene regulation, with profound implications for sustainable pest management. Despite certain similarities of these technologies, RNAi, CUAD, and CRISPR/Cas differ in their mode of action, specificity, and applicability. No single approach provides a universal solution for all insect pests; instead, each is likely to be most effective against specific pest groups. Moreover, these technologies enable the rapid adaptation of pest management strategies by countering target-site resistance, ensuring long-term efficacy. This review provides a critical synthesis of the unique advantages and limitations of each antisense technology, highlighting their complementary roles in eco-friendly, nucleic acid-guided insect pest control. By bridging fundamental discoveries with applied research, we offer new perspectives on their practical implementation, underscoring the urgent need for their integration into modern pest management strategies.

Abstract: Laboratory and field experiments have been conducted by our team since 2008 and formed the basis for these brief practical recommendations for the use of oligonucleotide insecticides (briefly, olinscides or DNA insecticides) for insect pest control in forests and agrocenoses. Most technological innovations start out very expensive and don't work well, but eventually start working well and become very cheap. CUAD biotechnology has come a long way for 17 years and is very close to the point to be implemented on a large scale against sternorrhynchans and other pest groups. These recommendations will help scientists and farmers around the world to use oligonucleotide insecticides more efficiently after registration.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Nutritional labels, often based solely on chemical analysis, may not fully represent a food’s in vivo biological value. This study aimed to determine if differences in protein content declared on commercial brown sugar labels translate into functional nutritional differences, evaluated using nutritional ecology assays. We hypothesized that higher labeled protein content would correspond to superior biological performance in consumer organisms. Methods: Commercial brown sugars were categorized as high-protein (HPBS) or low-protein (LPBS) based specifically on their nutritional label information. Using Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies) and Pardosa pseudoannulata (wolf spiders) as models, we compared the effects of diets/solutions containing HPBS, LPBS, or a control. Measured outcomes included Drosophila total developmental time, cumulative fecundity (F1-F3 generations), and climbing ability (negative geotaxis), and Pardosa survival duration under starvation conditions. Results: Spiders provided with the HPBS solution exhibited significantly longer survival than those given LPBS or water. While Drosophila developmental time did not differ significantly between HPBS and LPBS groups, flies reared on the HPBS diet showed significantly higher cumulative fecundity and superior climbing ability compared to both the LPBS and control groups. Conclusions: Brown sugars labeled with higher protein content provide demonstrably greater biological benefits in invertebrate models, particularly impacting survival, fecundity, and physical performance. These findings validate the physiological relevance of this specific label information and highlight the value of integrating label data with functional ecological assays for a more comprehensive assessment of food quality beyond chemical composition alone.

Abstract: Exposing insects to mild and/or severe heat can protect them from future heat stress by regulating the expression of certain stress markers. In this study, 60 queen larvae, one day old, were divided into two groups: a control group of non-heat-treated mother queens (nH-T MQ), kept for 15 min at 34.5 °C and 70% relative humidity (RH), and a pre-heat-treated mother queen group (pH-T MQ) that were kept for 15 min at 41 °C and 70% RH. 500 daughter workers were collected from brood combs of each group and incubated at room temperature (22 °C) for 30 min, then divided into five groups (n=100), each was incubated for one hour at one of the following temperatures: 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55 °C. The expression levels in ten workers of each treatment were assessed by relative quantitative Real-Time qPCR and/or ELISA done on several antioxidant genes and markers. The pH-T MQ showed improved basal and dynamic expression of several genes and enzymes, which indicated a protective response against heat stress and the effectiveness of tissue hardening in oxidative stress and antioxidant activity response. These recorded changes may have global implications by improving thermotolerance acquisition during heat stress conditions.

Abstract: The Baluchistan melon fly (Myiopardalis pardalina), a highly invasive tephritid pest, poses a critical threat to global cucurbit production, with crop losses exceeding 90% during outbreaks. This review synthesises current research on the pest’s biology, ecology, and management, focusing on its severe economic repercussions for key crops—including melon, watermelon, and cucumber—across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Characterised by a life cycle comprising eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults, M. pardalina exhibits distinctive morphological adaptations and an expanding geographic range, fa-cilitated by international trade and climate resilience. Its infestations devastate fruit yields, undermining food security and destabilising rural economies reliant on cucurbit cultivation. We evaluate diverse control strategies, spanning monitoring and quarantine methods, cultural practices, physical interventions, chemical insecticides, biological agents, and emerging genetic tools. Emphasising the urgency of integrated pest man-agement (IPM), this review advocates for the strategic integration of these approaches to optimise efficacy, sustainability, and scalability. By consolidating fragmented knowledge and pinpointing critical research gaps, this work establishes a framework for mitigating M. pardalina’s impacts, offering actionable insights to safeguard agricultural productivity and bolster resilience in vulnerable regions.

Abstract: The tomato russet mite (TRM) Aculops lycopersici, a destructive pest of tomato crops worldwide, is a significant challenge to growers, both in greenhouse and open-field conditions. Traditional chemical control methods are often ineffective and set up resistance and adverse environmental impact. This has prompted the exploration of alternative control methods, such as biological control and eco-friendly botanical pesticides. In this study, the acaricidal effects of essential oils (EOs) extracted by three officinal plants, Origanum vulgare L., Salvia rosmarinus Spenn., and Salvia officinalis L., cultivated using precision aromatic crop (PAC) techniques was evaluated against A. lycopersici under laboratory conditions. The chemical composition of EOs was ascertained by a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses. Carvacrol (83.42%), ρ-Cymene (3.06%) and γ-Terpinene (2.93%) were the major components of O. vulgare, while α-Pinene (28.0%), 1,8-Cineole (11.00%) and Borneol (7.72%) were present in S. rosmarinus. 1,8-Cineole (27.67%) was the major constituent of S. officinalis EO, followed by Camphor (21.91%) and Crisantenone (12.87%). Multiple concentrations (320–5000 μL L⁻¹) and exposure times (1 to 4 days) were tested to assess mortality rates. Results showed both dose and time-dependent toxic activity with significant differences among EOs. Oregano EO was found to be the most toxic of the EOs (90% of mortality at 0.5% w/v concentration after 4 days), while rosemary and sage EOs showed limited effects (46% and 42% for the latter EOs respectively). The lethal concentration (LC50) values were 2,228 μL L⁻¹ for oregano, 5,835 μL L⁻¹ for rosemary, and 6,013 μL L⁻¹ for sage, demonstrating ef-ficacy similar to commercially available botanical pesticides. These findings support the potential of O. vulgare EO as a viable alternative for controlling A. lycopersici, contributing to integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, and highlight the need for further re-search for discovering botanical agents for an eco-friendly pest control.

Abstract: Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) (Diptera: Culicidae) is considered as vector of emerging arboviruses, such as dengue, chikungunya, zika, and yellow fever virus. Although this mosquito has been described in Guatemala since 1995, there are few reported about this species in the country. The objective of this study was to describe the spatial distribution and breeding site of Ae. albopictus in the Department of Santa Rosa during the year 2024. A cross-sectional study was performed during dry season (November-April) and rainy season (May-October) of the Santa Rosas’ Department. The data analysis was performed with EPIDAT, version 4.2. 67 samples of Ae. albopictus were selected. The presence of the vector was identified in 12 (85.71%) of the 14 municipalities of the department. 31.34% (21/67) of the samples were collected during the dry season and 60.66% (46/67) during the rainy season. Ten deposits tested were positive for Ae. albopictus larvae with predominance of artificial deposits of 61.19% (41/67), among them, tires (34.33%) and cans (16.42%) stand out. Ae. albopictus is described in the rural area of the majority of the municipalities of the Department with a variety of the breeding sites, mainly in the non-useful artificial deposits. A wider amount of studies about Ae. albopictus that provide information about the bionomy of the vector, its relation with viruses and the transmission of diseases are necessary.

Abstract: Chalkbrood is the manifestation of the fungal disease caused by Ascosphaera apis, which affects the brood of developing honeybees, particularly in Apis mellifera colonies. Recently, Metschnikowia pulcherrima have been proposed as biocontrol agent in winemaking and for the management of major postharvest and soil-borne plant pathogenic fungi. In this study, the antagonistic activity of three M. pulcherrima strains against fifteen A. apis strains, isolated from contaminated hives of A. mellifera, was evaluated, with a specific focus ona potential antifungal activity of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The study revealed that M. pulcherrima was effective against A. apis, and that the antifungal activity was related to various mechanisms including competition for nutrients, secretion of pulcherriminic acid and biosynthesis of specific antifungal VOCs. We also found that each M. pulcherrima strain produced a unique combination of VOCs, and the antifungal activity was strain-dependent and varied depending on the specific yeast-mold combination. In addition, preliminary analyses showed that at 30 °C and a higher amount of glucose (40 g/L) in the growing medium promote the growth of A. apis. These results could be useful for designing new strategies for the biocontrol of Chalkbrood disease in honeybee colonies.

Abstract: Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and West Nile virus pose serious public health risks. On Madeira Island, the presence of the mosquito species Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens raises concerns about local transmission. In this study, we tested 100 Ae. aegypti and 40 Cx. pipiens mosquitoes to assess the presence and diversity of Wolbachia, a naturally occurring bacterium known to reduce mosquito ability to transmit viruses. Molecular identification confirmed that all Cx. pipiens specimens belonged to the molestus biotype, with 3 individuals identified as hybrids between molestus and pipiens forms, this is the first evidence of such hybrids in Madeira. Wolbachia was not detected in any of the Ae. aegypti samples. In contrast, all Cx. pipiens mosquitoes were positive, showing a 100% prevalence. Genetic characterization placed these infections within the wPip clade, supergroup B, sequence type 9. These findings provide key baseline data to inform future mosquito control strategies on the island. As Ae. aegypti showed no natural Wolbachia infection, introducing Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes may be necessary to implement such biocontrol approaches in Madeira.

Abstract: The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), a cryptic species-complex, encompasses a number of morphologically indistinguishable species which differ genetically from each other. It probably represents the highest number of biotypes or genetic groups than any other species in the order Hemiptera. The pest is distributed over almost all regions of the world with high economic impact owing to its direct feeding effect as well as vector of many plant viruses. Since the emergence of its invasive B-biotype in 1980s, novel genetic groups are being reported from different regions of the world based on biochemical techniques and mitochondrial CO1 gene sequences. With only few biotypes identified in early 1990s, reports of new genetic species are increasing in recent years. Here, we present in this review, the progress made in the identification and classification of different genetic groups within this species-complex. Besides, its role as a plant virus-vector and management aspects are also discussed.

Abstract: Insects play a crucial role in ecosystem stability, biodiversity conservation, and environmental monitoring. Their diversity, distribution, and population dynamics are essential indicators of ecological health, particularly in regions undergoing environmental or anthropogenic changes. This study examines the variety of insects in urban, suburban, and rural environments in Kekedala City, Xinjiang, China, between April and August 2023. 63,090 specimens in all, belonging to 123 taxa and 57 families, were gathered. Two new species were discovered by combining DNA barcoding and morphological classification, adding to databases of biodiversity worldwide. Ecological indices, including Shannon-Wiener, Simpson’s Diversity, and Evenness, revealed high species diversity across all sites, with consistent species richness (17 species) and evenness near 1.0, indicating balanced community structures. Seasonal abundance peaked in July and August, correlating with higher humidity, although temperature did not significantly affect insect abundance. Statistical analyses, including Generalized Linear Models (GLM), confirmed a weak negative correlation between insect abundance and humidity, with no significant site-based differences in population levels. Indicating that insect populations are adaptive across land-use types, Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) and Bray-Curtis metrics revealed slight differences in community composition. The identification of two new recorded species Stethoconus pyri and Pinacoplus didymogramma was confirmed by DNA barcoding, underscoring the significance of genetic technologies in biodiversity studies. This study highlights the adaptability of insect communities in rural, suburban, and urban settings. It also highlights the necessity of long-term monitoring and sophisticated molecular techniques in conservation plans of the future.

Abstract: Comprehensive genetic surveys of Lepidoptera are still largely lacking across most of the eastern Mediterranean. Consequently, there is a lack of modern, taxonomically validated checklists that meet current scientific standards. In this study, we analyze the butterfly and moth fauna of Crete (Greece) for the first time based on 3,110 DNA barcode sequences, primarily obtained from specimens based on our own sampling program. Building on this data and incorporating previously published records from print sources and online forums, we establish the first comprehensive checklist of the island’s fauna. In total, the occurrence of 1,230 species from 62 families is confirmed, with 725 of them genetically verified. Among them, 75 species appear to be island endemics. The checklist includes 125 newly recorded species for Crete validated by DNA barcoding (36 also new for Greece), along with 23 species confirmed solely through morphological study and another 16 only documented by photographs. Conversely, 212 previously reported species had to be removed as likely invalid. Furthermore, the 111 unidentified sequence clusters (BINs – Barcode Index Numbers) were documented, taxonomic uncertainties that will require future integrative resolution. The only taxonomic revision proposed in this study is the elevation of Holoscolia creticella Rebel, 1916 stat. nov. to full species status.

Abstract: To investigate the repellent efficacy of commercially available mosquito repellents in China against H. longicornis, four representative DEET-based repellents and biont-derived repellents were selected. The study utilized a modified circular filter paper method repellent testing device to establish an evaluation system for assessing the repellent effects of each product against three developmental stages of H. longicornis: larvae, nymphs, and adults. In our study, for DEET-based repellents, Johnson demonstrated the highest repellency against larvae within 1 hour, with an average repellency rate exceeding 80.14%. Yamei and Johnson exhibited repellency rates more than 91.11% for nymphs within 1 hour, surpassing the other two DEET products. Repellency rates of Longliqi and Xiaohuanxiong fluctuated between 80.95% and 100% at different time points. Yamei, Longliqi, and Johnson achieved 100% repellency to adults within 1 hour, while Xiaohuanxiong showed slightly lower efficacy. The four biont-derived repellents showed significant variations in efficacy: larval-stage repellency ranged from 14.29% to 88.89%, nymphal-stage repellency from 57.89% to 100%, and adult-stage repellency from 50% to 79.49%. CaliforniaBaby exhibited the highest efficacy, comparable or superior to DEET-based products, whereas Longhu demonstrated the weakest repellency and poor persistence. We further conducted persistence test for CaliforniaBaby, and found that it maintained >75% repellency against H. longicornis for 6 h. This study provides scientific evidence for selecting tick repellents in practice, offers guidance for purchasing commercial biont-derived tick repellents, and serves as a reference for developing safer, more effective tick repellents.

Abstract: The cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a crucial plant in Tigray, northern Ethiopia, widely distributed in arid and semi-arid environments. It serves as a seasonal food, livestock feed, fence, soil conservation, and environmental protection. Recently, the cactus pear population in Tigray have been damaged by an exotic insect, cochineal (Dactylopius coccus). It damaged the cactus pear populations in the region’s southern, south eastern and eastern zones. The Tigray war that broke out in November 2021 exacerbated D. coccus infestation. A study was conducted to assess the impact of the armed conflict on the trends of D. coccus infestation and forward management approaches for sustainable cactus pear production in post-war Tigray. The study was conducted in the eastern zone of Tigray. Primary and secondary data were collected. The study revealed that D. coccus infestation increased during and post-war compared to the pre-war. The number of districts and level of D. coccus¬ infestation on cactus pear populations increased. The rapid D. coccus spread is attributed to the impact of the armed conflict which halted the pest management practices. Different management approaches are recommended to manage D. coccus dissemination and sustainably produce cactus pear in the region, including pest prevention, suppression, or eradication.

Abstract: Background: The Satyrinae subfamily represents a taxonomically critical group within Nymphalidae, characterized by its remarkable species diversity. Despite its evolutionary significance, the phylogenetic relationships among tribal and subtribal lineages remain poorly resolved. Although mitochondrial genomes have become crucial molecular markers in Lepidoptera phylogenetics, their potential remains underutilized in the systematics of Satyrinae. Notably, Amathusiini exhibits a particular paucity, with only two congeneric representatives having been comprehensively sequenced to date. Methods: To address this gap, we employed high-throughput sequencing to assemble the complete mitochondrial genomes of two Amathusiini species, Discophora sondaica and Aemona amathusia. Our study revealed novel evolutionary insights through comparative genomics, which encompassed all available Satyrinae mitochondrial genomes. Additionally, we conducted phylogenetic reconstruction using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference approaches, utilizing the most extensive dataset to date. Results: The closed circular mitochondrial genomes measure 15,333 bp for D. sondaica and 15,423 bp for A. amathusia, maintaining the ancestral lepidopteran architecture: 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, and an AT-rich control region. Comparative analyses of 71 mitochondrial genomes revealed strong evolutionary conservation across multiple parameters: nucleotide composition (AT content range: 77.9% - 81.8%), codon usage bias (ENC = 30.83 - 37.55), tRNA secondary structures, and control region organization. All PCGs showed purifying selection signals (Ka/Ks < 1.0), with atp8 exhibiting the highest evolutionary rate (Ka/Ks = 0.277). Phylogenetic reconstructions yielded congruent tribal-level topologies with strong nodal support: (((Satyrini + Melanitini) + (Amathusiini + Elymniini) + Zetherini), confirming a sister relationship between Amathusiini and Elymniini. Within Satyrini, five subtribes formed monophyletic groups: Ypthimina, Erebiina, Maniolina, Satyrina, and Melanargiina, arranged as (((Ypthimina + (Erebiina + Maniolina)) + (Satyrina + Melanargiina)). Mycalesina, Lethina, and Parargina comprised a well-supported clade (BS = 100%; PP = 1.0), though internal relationships required further resolution due to Lethina's polyphyly. Conclusions: This study provides novel insights into mitochondrial genomic evolution within the Satyrinae subfamily, while elucidating the efficacy of mitogenomic data for resolving deep phylogenetic relationships within this ecologically significant subfamily. Our findings establish critical genome baselines for further systematic research and underscore essential pathways for refining subtribal-level taxonomy through integrative molecular approaches.

Abstract: The propensity with which the arthropod vectors of human and animal diseases have intensified pathogen transmission under the impact of changing climate has portrayed the later as the biggest health threat in the 21st century, with vector-borne diseases affecting more than half of the world population. There are indications of climate change driving spatiotemporal shifts, particularly bolstered by anthropization and vector densification, in prevalence as well as exacerbation of the vector-borne diseases. Identification of such climate-sensitive infections is crucial for mitigating disease threat. Regional changes in the temperature, precipitation, humidity and wind patterns etc. con-tribute to the expansion of diseases like malaria, dengue etc., and emergence of new pathogens and their ability to adapt diverse breeding habitats. Classic case studies malaria forming new foci in the Thar Desert region while dengue spread to hitherto entirely virgin lands of the Kerala State in India. There are multiple governmental programmes to tackle health problems, especially associated with the vector-borne diseases, on a wider front and on a longer-term basis through the creation of permanent multifunctional healthcare delivery institutions. However, addressing these challenges require an interdisciplinary approach that combines entomology, epidemiology, ecology, and consumer public health interwoven within the gamut of Integrated Disease Management.

Abstract: Two of the most studied species: monophage Trioza magnisetoza and narrow oligophage Altica ballasogloi are offered for biological control of Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) in the USA. The data obtained over 15 years and presented in this publication on biological and ecological features, host-plants, damage to the host plants, and suggested approaches for establishing new populations of both species are sufficient for their use in biological control in North America. Currently, 72 species of insects from 58 genera, 33 families, and six orders are known in Central Asia as pests of Russian Olive. The most numerous are insects from the order Coleoptera (36 species, 29 genera, 10 families), Homoptera (14 species, eight genera, six families), and Lepidoptera (13 species from 12 genera, 10 families). The most suitable for biological control of Russian Olive from this list are 24 species, including 8 species of monophages and 16 species of oligophages. In addition, other six species of insect pests with unexplored food specialization but associated with Russian Olive might also be used.

Abstract: Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) are one of the prevalent pests infesting wine grapes in the eastern United States. Their close association with ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) provides them protection against natural enemies. In this paper, we present our research on identification of mealybug species and ant genera around vineyard and the effect of the use of sugar dispensers on the populations of ants and mealybug around the vineyard and on fruit cluster infestations. Field trials were carried out in two commercial vineyards in Virginia, United States, with a history of mealybug infestations. The sugar dispensers with and without insecticide were deployed to control ant populations on the vineyard. Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn) and Ferrisia gilli Gullan were the two species of mealybugs recorded from both sites. Tetramorium Mayr, Lasius Fabricius, Solenopsis molesta (Say), Crematogaster Lund and Pheidole Westwood were some of the dominant ant genera found in close asso-ciation with mealybugs. Ant number remained low in the untreated check throughout the sampling season. Sugar dispensers having insecticide although had higher number of ants, the number started decreasing subsequently throughout the sampling season. Fruit cluster infestation was also higher in the untreated check lacking any sugar dispensers.

Abstract: The genus Trichogramma Westwood (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) includes insect egg parasitoids widely used worldwide as biological control agent of pests. The success of these parasitoids in pest management depends, among other factors, on their adaptation to the climatic conditions of the release area, particularly temperature. This study aimed to identify the Trichogramma species naturally occurring in Hungary. Parasitism was observed by trapping Trichogramma spp. individuals using bait cards containing Sitotroga ceraella eggs (provided by the AMW company) in apple orchard between July 8, 2024, and September 30, 2024. We evaluated the relationship between several variables – the rate of cards with observed parasitism, the parasitism rate, the number of host eggs and the hatching rate – and the time of release, the age of the host eggs and meteorological factors. We found that the parasitism rate significantly depends on the time of release. Pearson's correlation coefficients indicated that temperature parameters (average minimum, maximum and the mean temperatures during the exposure period of the cards) are significantly and negatively correlated with both parasitism rate and number of parasitised eggs. Air pressure showed a significant positive correlation with the number of parasitised eggs. The naturally occurring egg parasitoid species was identified as T. evanescens. These results suggest that these parasitoids are well adapted to the local climate and can be considered as candidates for pest management programs in Hungary and in other countries with a temperate continental climate.