Abstract: The yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor (T. molitor), is increasingly considered a promising protein and lipid source for circular bioeconomy strategies in food and feed. Interest is driven by the need to diversify protein supplies and reduce environmental footprints, but feasibility depends on safety, regulation, and scalable operating conditions. Alongside industrial systems, low-input models adapted to arid conditions have been proposed, yet evidence remains heterogeneous and context-dependent. This review covers developments between 2020 and 2025, a period that coincides with accelerated EU novel food assessments and a rapid expansion of applied research on processing, safety, and valorization, with a focus on scientific progress and regulatory approvals such as those issued by EFSA in Europe. Several new applications have emerged, including enzymatic hydrolysates, lipid recovery, and the extraction of chitosan from exuviae. Uses now span animal nutrition, biodegradable materials, and bioactive food ingredients. Life-cycle assessments often report lower greenhouse gas emissions and land use than conventional livestock, but outcomes are sensitive to energy inputs, feed substrates, and system boundaries. Key constraints include variable frass composition, allergenicity and cross-reactivity risks, regulatory and compliance constraints, and mixed consumer acceptance. For research, priority needs include longer-term safety datasets and field-relevant validation of bioactive claims beyond in vitro assays. For policy and industry, priorities include harmonised criteria for substrate safety and traceability, and transparent supply-chain controls that enable reproducible quality at scale.

Abstract:

The use of botanical extracts derived from Jatropha spp. offers a sustainable alternative for controlling insect pests, thereby reducing the reliance on synthetic chemical insecticides. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to summarize the published evidence on the insecticidal activity of these extracts. Electronic database searches were conducted to identify relevant studies evaluating Jatropha ssp. botanical extracts against insect pests, including mortality, antifeedant activity, time of development, oviposition inhibition, and repellency. A random-effects meta-analysis for continuous variables with 95% confidence intervals was employed to compare treated insects against a control group. The study encompassed 77 articles, which evaluated the extracts from various botanical parts of J. curcas and J. gossypifolia against insects from nine taxonomic orders. The results of the meta-analyses demonstrated that aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic extracts from leaves and seeds were effective in increasing the mortality rate of treated insects. These extracts also affected the insects by prolonging development time, reducing weight gain in larvae and pupae, inhibiting oviposition, and increasing the percentage of repellency. Consequently, botanical extracts obtained from the leaves and seeds of J. curcas and J. gossypifolia should be considered a sustainable and agroecological alternative for pest management.

Abstract: The invasive yellow-legged hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax has spread across Europe following its accidental introduction into France in 2004. This species adversely affects biodiversity, apiculture, pomiculture and viticulture, and human health. Cur-rent management relies predominantly on nest destruction; however, manual removal is often logistically challenging and costly because nests are typically located high in trees (up to 30 m), frequently necessitating vehicle-mounted lifts. Ground-based ap-plication of biocides using long injection lances is comparatively rapid and inexpensive, but in many countries insecticides are not permitted because products are not specifi-cally authorized for hornet control. Consequently, alternative approaches are needed. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of activated charcoal for nest destruction in V. v. nig-rithorax. We injected 145 nests with 50–100 g of activated charcoal and subsequently destroyed the nests. One week later, we assessed worker survival and the establish-ment of new nests. Emergency nest construction by surviving workers was observed in 3 of 145 cases (2.1 %). This rate was comparable to that observed following insecticide treatment (2 of 136 cases; 1.5 %). Activated charcoal therefore appears to be similarly effective to insecticide-based control while offering advantages in terms of environ-mental compatibility, user safety, ease of handling, and legal applicability in Europe. Activated charcoal may represent a practical alternative to manual nest removal and unauthorized insecticide use.

Abstract:

Haiti is a Caribbean country of about 11 million people with a high burden of mosquito-transmitted disease and limited vector control, thereby making effective operational mosquito control of high import. Previous studies have examined vector-borne disease burden and insecticide resistance markers in Haitian Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes but not Culex species. In this study, we examined collections of Culex quinquefasciatus from 12 locations in northern and southern Haiti for the presence of markers of insecticide resistance (using a variety of target site mutations and biochemical assays) and pathogens (using a deep sequencing microbiome workflow). The metagenome analysis identified Wolbachia, Rhabdoviridae and Plasmodium infection in all sample pools at relatively high levels along with less frequent findings of other potential pathogens. Resistance marker examination identified variable frequencies of knockdown resistance and acetylcholinesterase resistance mutations, as well as variation in resistance-associated enzymatic activities in these populations, which indicate that insecticide resistance to the primary pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides is likely. Though there was variation between Culex mosquito populations and no clear activity pattern, enzymatic activity was significantly higher in the southern sites compared to the northern sites. Similar findings in Cx. quinquefasciatus populations in other locations in the Americas strongly suggest that vector control with pyrethroid and organophosphate adulticides may be of limited efficacy.

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 with protection against natural enemies. The study examines mealybug species identification, dominant ant genera present in vineyards, and the impact of sugar dispensers on ant and mealybug populations, as well as fruit cluster infestations. Field trials were conducted in two commercial vineyards in Virginia, USA, both with a history of mealybug infestations. Sampling plots with or without sugar dispensers were compared to assess differences in mealybug and ant population densities and fruit cluster infestation levels. Two mealybug species, Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn) and Ferrisia gilli Gullan were recorded from both sites. Some dominant ant genera, including Tetramorium Mayr, Lasius Fabricius, Solenopsis molesta (Say), Crematogaster Lund, and Pheidole Westwood were found in close association with mealybugs. Ant populations remained consistently low in the untreated plots throughout the sampling season. While sugar dispensers containing insecticide initially attracted a higher number of ants, the population subsequently declined. Fruit cluster infestation was also highest in the untreated plots lacking sugar dispensers.

Abstract:

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are major pests of crops, requiring effective monitoring for management. This study evaluated locally available food baits for monitoring fruit flies in guava orchards in Maputo, Mozambique. It also assessed infestation levels, examined the relationship between trap catches and adult/kg from incubated fruits. A randomized block design with four treatments (palm sap, molasses, torula yeast, and water) and four replications were used. Tephri traps were installed on four trees per block and inspected weekly, while guava fruits from trees and the ground were collected and incubated to estimate infestation indices. Data on flies’ density was subjected to ANOVA for analysis, to compare the treatments. Three genera (Bactrocera, Dacus, and Ceratitis) were recorded, with high relative abundance (90.37%) for Bactrocera dorsalis. Torula and palm sap were the best attractants, with no significant difference between them. Guava fruits showed high infestation (208.46±13.34 adults/kg). Trap catches of B. dorsalis were positively correlated with adults/kg, explaining 42.5% of infestation variation, highlighting the effect of the “outside the orchard” factors in the infestation indices. Results show that palm sap is a promising low-cost alternative bait and highlight the importance of considering area wide management of fruit flies.

Abstract:

Microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are valuable markers for understanding genome structure, function, and evolution. However, their distribution and characteristics remain largely unexplored in cricket species. We conducted a genome-wide identification and analysis of SSRs (P-SSRs, C-SSRs, and I-SSRs) across five cricket genomes. The total number of SSRs ranged from 2,350,765 to 3,299,527, representing 5.37%–7.27% of the genomes. Abundance followed the pattern I-SSRs > P-SSRs > C-SSRs across genomic regions (genome, intergenic, intronic, and CDSs). The total SSR number showed a strong but statistically non-significant positive correlation with genome size, whereas SSR length, abundance, and density showed no correlation. Trinucleotide repeats were consistently the most common P-SSR type. The (AAT)_n motif predominated in genome, intergenic, and intron regions, while (CCG)_n was most frequent in CDSs. Consequently, AT-rich repeats dominated non-coding regions, whereas GC-rich repeats were enriched in CDSs. Coefficient of variation (CV) analysis of repeat copy numbers (RCN) revealed distinct trends in P-SSR distribution across regions and species. Functional annotation of CDSs containing P-SSRs indicated involvement in binding, signal transduction, and transcription. This study represents, to our knowledge, the first comprehensive family-level comparative analysis of SSRs in crickets, providing new insights into their genomic architecture.

Abstract: The tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) poses a significant threat to global tomato production. However, environmentally sustainable management strategies for this pest, as well as its mechanisms of insecticide resistance, remain insufficiently understood. This study employed the leaf immersion method to conduct bioassays on the early second-instar larvae of the T.absoluta to evaluate physiological responses to sublethal concentrations of the novel amide insecticide broflanilide. Subsequently, high-throughput transcriptome sequencing was performed to investigate changes in gene expression and metabolic pathways. Bioassay results determined the larval sublethal concentrations of broflanilide to be 0.136 mg/L (LC₁₀) and 0.210 mg/L (LC₃₀). Sublethal exposure significantly prolonged the larval period, reduced pupal weight, and inhibited fecundity of female adults. Transcriptomic and qPCR analyses revealed that, compared with the control (CK), expression of the vitellogenin gene Vg decreased by 15.99% and 30.27% under LC₁₀ and LC₃₀ treatments, respectively, while its receptor gene VgR decreased by 11.56% and 24.49%. Similarly, expression of chitin synthase genes chs1 and chs2 declined by 13.56% and 30.17% (chs1), and 7.85% and 19.45% (chs2), respectively. Gene expression analysis elucidated how sublethal insecticides treatment impact larval development and fecundity. Furthermore, the study revealed upregulation of cytochrome P450-mediated detoxification pathways and Toll/Imd immune signaling pathways under broflanilide stress, indicating activation of a coordinated defense response in T. absoluta. Sublethal broflanilide exposure modulated larval gene expression to balance growth, development, and stress adaptation. Such exposure exerts selective pressure on susceptible populations, potentially driving adaptive shifts in detoxification metabolism and contributing to the development of field resistance. These findings advance our understanding of the sublethal effects of novel insecticides and provide valuable insights for insecticide deployment strategies and resistance management.

Abstract:

The Western honey bee, Apis mellifera, forms large colonies, which represent organisms in their own right, so-called superorganisms. Although the honey bee is one of the best studied species of insects, there are still contradictory explanations in use for characteristics as fundamental as colonial lifespan. In this review, considering colonies as potentially immortal is debunked due to a lack of conformity with biological convention. What has traditionally been referred to as honey bee colony represents a matrilineage of superorganisms. By proposing a refined colonial life cycle, the analogy between animals and superorganisms is taken further, thereby visualizing superorganismal traits in a new light. Zygotic, embryonic, fetal, juvenile and adult stages are identified during superorganismal ontogeny. An image of the honey bee superorganism emerges as viviparous with strictly sexual reproduction, which is engaged in various forms of maternal care. A multitude of pathways to sexual reproduction are analyzed. Since swarming precedes fertilization, it can be viewed as superorganismal autotomy rather than reproduction. While the prime swarm serves the function of allowing maternal superorganisms to survive reproduction, afterswarms are a means to produce more than one offspring per reproductive cycle. The implications of the findings for honey bee parasitology, monitoring and beekeeping are discussed.

Abstract:

Our study investigated how adult female mosquitoes regulate systemic iron homeostasis after blood feeding, a process essential for reproduction, and revealed striking parallels to iron deficiency disorders in mammals. This study shows that a coordinated transcriptional regulation of Ferritin (Fer) and Transferrin (Trf) plays a crucial role in follicle development and egg maturation. Silencing of both genes using RNA interference (RNAi) led to severe reproductive impairment, including ovarian arrest in 50% of females, 40% reduction in oocyte number, and a decrease in first instar larval size. These outcomes correlate with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and altered serotonin receptor (5-HTR) expression in the brain, possibly driven by microbial Gut-Brain-Axis communication alteration due to disrupted iron metabolism. Additionally, we also report the discovery of a previously unknown mosquito gene encoding a hepcidin-like peptide (AcHep), expressed in the fat body. This finding reflects the role of mammalian hepcidin, a central regulator of iron homeostasis, suggesting a conserved evolutionary mechanism. In summary, our research provides the first molecular proof and new conceptual understanding that iron metabolism disorders may affect mGBA communication and, in turn, reproductive outcomes.

Abstract: Last instar larva and pupa of Hypera libanotidis (Reitter, 1896) (Curculionidae: Hyperini) are described for the first time and compared with other 44 hyperine taxa. Larval morphology generally matches diagnostic characters of Hyperini but shows distinctive traits, including thorn-like setae on conspicuous black protuberances, relatively long body setae, and dense spiculate coverings in larvae and pupae. Several unusual pupal characters, such as an atypical mesocoxal seta and a peculiar spiracular covering, further distinguish this species. These characters indicate close morphological affinity with species within the subgenus Eririnomorphus and also the genus Metadonus, suggesting a potentially close phylogenetic relationship. Biological observations confirm typical hyperine traits, including ectophytic larval feeding, cryptic coloration, and cocoon construction prior to pupation. Larval coloration, especially in early instars, partly corresponds with the host plant Libanotis pyrenaica. Larvae pupate in mesh-like cocoons on host plant remains, and no larval parasitism was observed. The species is associated with xerothermic loess grasslands, with adults apparently overwintering.

Abstract: Frataxin is a conserved mitochondrial protein essential for cellular iron–sulfur (Fe–S) cluster biogenesis and oxidative balance, with its deficiency causing Friedreich’s ataxia in humans. The hypomagnetic field (HMF), an environmental stressor known to in-fluence oxidative stress and neurodevelopment, may interact with such inherent met-abolic vulnerabilities. This study investigated whether HMF exposure exacerbates Fe–S homeostasis and oxidative disruption in a Drosophila model of frataxin deficiency. Using synchrotron radiation-based X-ray fluorescence (SR-XRF) spectroscopy for in-situ ele-mental analysis in live tissues, we found that HMF significantly altered iron distribution and content in a tissue-specific manner. In frataxin-silenced brains, HMF decreased iron distribution but increased total iron content, whereas in eyes it reduced iron content. Sulfur content decreased in frataxin-deficient eyes but increased in brains under HMF, though its spatial distribution was unchanged. Critically, HMF elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) in frataxin-deficient brains. Transcriptomic analysis identified 202 dif-ferentially expressed genes under HMF in frataxin-silenced flies, including key regu-lators of iron metabolism and oxidative stress pathways. These findings demonstrate that HMF disrupts tissue-specific iron and sulfur homeostasis and intensifies oxidative stress in a frataxin-deficient insect system, underscoring its role as an environmental factor capable of aggravating metabolic fragility.

Abstract: As an effective biological control agent,Propylea japonica (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) preys on aphids, whiteflies, planthoppers, and small caterpillars, playing a crucial role in pest management within agro-ecological systems. However, the lack of population genomic data has hindered efforts to optimize its use in biological control. We anayzed resequencing data from 166 genomes across 29 populations spanning P. japonica’s distribution in China. This study reconstructed the species’ evolutionary history, assessed population genetic diversity and demographic structure, identified the key environmental factors driving adaptive evolution. Meanwhile, we predicted its suitable habitats across different periods using ecological niche modelling methods. The results indicated that North China (G1, Yellow River Basin) was the likely geographic origin of P. japonica. Northern and southern populations show significant genetic differentiation, with adaptive evolution in the south being the major driver. We identified genomic signatures of selection in adaptive genes associated with increased pesticide resistance and thermal tolerance. Over the past 20,000 years, effective population size of P. japonica experienced an early bottleneck during the Last Glacial Maximum period, and a subsequent rapid expansion. These insights are critical for improving the conservation and application of natural enemies, ultimately enhancing biological control in agricultural systems.

Abstract: Aiming to better understand how botanical products affect non-target organisms, the pre-sent work reviews current literature focusing on the toxicity of botanical pesticides to or-ganisms other than targeted pests, in order to trace a panorama on the future of sustaina-ble agricultural models worldwide, considering the importance of ecotoxicological studies in the development of new pesticides, including the botanical kinds, which are commonly recognized as essentially harmless. The article reviews published works gathered from digital databases and highlights modern tendencies in pest management research and the development of novel bioinputs, while discussing the Brazilian current legislature re-garding agricultural innovations and field obstacles. Nanotechnology techniques are dis-cussed as major innovations employed in the pest control field, and their employment in the improvement of botanical pesticides is addressed and explored. In this work we ana-lyze the factors involved in determining the success of botanical products and their im-portance to the implementation of a more sustainable way to manage crops. The results indicate a significant lack of studies focused on effects of botanical products on non-target organisms, and an increase in studies with nanoformulations.

Abstract: Climate change is making winters in temperate regions increasingly harsh and unpredictable, posing significant threats to honey bee (Apis mellifera) health. The gut microbiome, a distinct community of core bacterial species, is central to overwintering success by supporting immune function, nutrient assimilation, and pathogen resistance, but is highly sensitive to environmental stressors such as cold temperatures and dietary shifts. Stress-induced perturbations can reshape the composition and relative abundance of the gut microbiome in honey bees, leading to adverse effects on host health, physiological functions, and overwinter survival. Cold temperatures and additional stressors further destabilize the microbiome, compounding these effects. This review is the first to synthesize current knowledge on how extrinsic factors, such as diet, antibiotics, and pathogens, and intrinsic factors, including age and strain, influence the composition and function of the honey bee gut microbiota. Given the increasing severity of winter conditions under climate change, a deeper understanding of microbiome–host–environment interactions is essential for improving honey bee resilience. By integrating evidence on the microbiome’s roles in nutrient utilization, immune modulation, and pathogen defense, this review out-lines a framework to guide future research and management strategies aimed at mitigating overwintering losses and sustaining pollinator health in a changing global climate.

Abstract: Mosquito-borne diseases are an emerging public health challenge in Europe, driven by the spread of invasive mosquito species capable of sustaining outbreaks of tropical arboviral diseases. Rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, human-driven habitat habitat changes, and prolonged transmission seasons, have increased the risk of dengue, chikungunya, and West Nile virus outbreaks, among other vector-borne diseases. Effective control requires a multifaceted approach, combining traditional and novel methods with advanced surveillance technologies and community involvement. However, growing insecticide resistance and concerns about insecticide use highlight the need for more prudent management of current tools and the development of innovative alternatives. Genetic control strategies, including the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), Wolbachia-based approaches, and genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes, offer promising solutions but still face scientific, regulatory, and societal challenges. This review explores the current landscape of mosquito-borne disease control in Mediterranean Europe, emphasizing key challenges and emerging solutions. An integrated approach that strengthens surveillance, promotes sustainable control methods, and incorporates novel biotechnological tools supported by smart technologies will be essential to reduce the future burden of mosquito-borne diseases in the region.

Abstract: Lepidopteran moths are crucial for biodiversity, and many populations serve as agricultural and forestry pests. Here, we studied the community structure and diversity of the moth insects in cherry orchards on the Loess Plateau in eastern Gansu. A total of 79 species belonging to 10 families of moth insects were collected using light-trapping. The Geometridae and Noctuidae families had the highest species richness, and Semiothisa cinerearia was the most dominant species. Time niche analysis revealed that the ecological niche width of Geometridae was the largest, indicating a strong ability to utilize time resources, whereas the ecological niche width of Arctiidae was the narrowest. There were cases where niches overlap. The degree of overlap between Pyralidae and Arctiidae was relatively high, so interspecific competition between them was relatively intense. The degree of overlap between Tortricidae and Geometridae was relatively low, so the competition was relatively weak. A relationship was found between the diversity index of moths and environmental factors, particularly temperature and humidity. The abundance of moths was positively correlated with temperature (P < 0.05). The Shannon-Wiener index, Simpson index, and Pielou index were also positively related to humidity (P > 0.05). Our research results lay a foundation for understanding the distribution of moths in cherry orchards on the arid plateau in Gansu, and help to inform the monitoring, prediction, and management of pests.

Abstract:

Beekeeping is a widespread economic activity in rural Tanzania, supporting over 2 million livelihoods. The country's extensive forests and woodlands, covering approximately 55% of its land area, provide habitat and forage for an estimated 9.2 million honeybee colonies. This makes Tanzania the second-largest honey producer in Africa and the tenth-largest globally. Despite this potential, comprehensive and current information on the beekeeping industry remains scarce. This review synthesizes scientific insights into Tanzania's beekeeping sector, focusing on honeybee species, bee products, management practices, and conservation measures. Among the three documented subspecies of Apis mellifera (Linnaeus, 1758), A. m. scutellata is the most widespread and commonly managed by indigenous beekeepers. Tanzania annually produces over 31,000 tonnes of honey and 1800 tonnes of beeswax, generating approximately USD 77.5 million and contributing about 1% to the national GDP. The industry supports livelihoods, food security, biodiversity conservation, and international cooperation. However, its sustained growth requires strengthened legal and administrative frameworks, expanded scientific research, enhanced innovation, coordinated partnerships, and integrated nationwide initiatives.

Abstract:

The key to implementing IPM of wireworms effectively is to associate feasible, reliable and affordable sampling methods with well-defined damage thresholds. As wireworms live underground, they cannot be observed directly, thus estimating population levels can be challenging. Soil sampling to ascertain larval density is very time-consuming, and although the use of bait traps is much more time-effective, they are unable to ascertain wireworm density. The work described herein was conducted between 1993 and 1999 in two regions of Northern Italy: Veneto and Piedmont. The experimental protocol involved placing soil bait traps in a 15–30 m x 10 m grid in selected cultivated fields and taking a soil sample 3 m from the location of each bait trap. The number of monitoring points ranged from 18 to 48. Both trap contents and soil cores were put in the trap funnels to dry out, forcing the wireworms to move and fall into a vial, according to the Bernese method. Data were processed with a variety of statistical approaches. A moderate association was found between the number of wireworms (Agriotes brevis, A. sordidus and A. ustulatus) caught by the bait traps and by soil sampling, indicating a potential for reciprocal estimation between methods. In other words, bait-trap catch values can be estimated from soil sampling (e.g. when bait traps could not be used due to low temperatures or growing plants covering the field) and vice versa. The potential of bait traps for catching wireworms was shown to be 5 to 25 times higher than the potential of soil sampling. The estimated soil-sampling thresholds range from 15 to 20 larvae/m2.

Abstract: The house cricket Acheta domesticus is found globally. It is an agricultural pest causing economic damage to a wide variety of crops including cereal seedlings, vegetable crops, fruit plants, and stored grains. Additionally, crickets act as mechanical vectors of pathogens by harboring bacteria, fungi, viruses and toxins causing foodborne illnesses. They can contaminate stored grains, packaged foods, or animal feed due to deposition of their feces, lowering the quality of the food and creating food safety risks. Synthetic insect repellents, such as pyrethroids and carbamates, have been used previously in integrated pest management practices to control crickets. Though successful as repellents, they have been associated with health and environmental risks and concerns. The use oforganic green repellents, such as plant essential oils, may be a viable alternative in pest management practices. In this study, we tested the behavioral effects of 27 plant-based essential oils on the behavioral effects of the house crickets, Acheta domesticus in dual choice bioassays. Crickets were introduced into an open arena to allow them unrestricted movement. A transparent plastic bottle containing an essential oil treatment was placed in the arena to allow voluntary entry by crickets. Following a predetermined observation period, the number of crickets that entered the bottle was recorded, and percent entry was calculated as the proportion of individuals inside the bottle relative to the total number in the arena. Analysis of the percentage entry into the bottle allowed for a comparative assessment of repellency of the panel of essential oils that were tested. Essential oils that elicited high levels of entry into the bottle were categorized as having weak or no repellency, while those that produced reduced entry were classified as moderate or strong repellents. This ranking system enabled a clear differentiation among essential oils with respect to impact on cricket behavior. Our results indicated that house crickets responded with a strong repellent behavior to nearly half of the essential oils tested, while four essential oils and two synthetic repellents evoked no significant repellent responses. Four strong repellent essential oils were tested at different concentrations and showed a clear dose-dependent repellent effect. The results suggest that selected essential oils can be useful in the development of more natural “green” insect repellents.