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Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Insect Science

Muye Niu

,

Helin Chan

,

Zhi Huang

,

Xiujuan Liu

,

Jiancheng Zang

Abstract: This study describes a new species of the family Caliscelidae (Hemiptera) from the Xizang region of China—Peltonotellus lasaensis sp. nov. Through integrated morphological examination (including external morphology and genitalia dissection) and mitochondrial gene (COI) sequence analysis, the taxonomic status of this species was determined. Morphological results reveal that the male aedeagus terminates in valvular lobes, with ventral processes comprising a pair of spinous projections. In females, the type IX arcuate process bears approximately 15 ridge teeth on the dorsal margin, a feature that distinctly differentiates it from congeners. Molecular phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a substantial genetic divergence (K2P = 16.5%) between the new species and its closest relative, Peltonotellus sp. (MW928530.1), far exceeding the species-level threshold (< 2%). Additionally, the new species formed a monophyletic clade with high bootstrap support (>97%) in the maximum likelihood tree. This study represents the first record of Caliscelidae in the high-altitude regions of Xizang (3 650–3 800 m), thereby enriching the diversity data of Hemiptera in Asia and providing valuable insights into the biogeography of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.

Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Insect Science

Torben K. Heinbockel

,

Vonnie D. C. Shields

Abstract: Most plant-based essential oil repellent products currently available on the market utilize a "green" approach based on the volatile properties of essential oils. In general, these essential oils contain terpenes, terpenoids, or phenylpropanoids that can be used to either (1) eliminate a human's scent through a process called odor masking, or (2) interfere with an insect's ability to detect a person's scent through interaction with both olfactory receptors and odorant binding proteins. Additionally, many of the essential oil blends that have been developed have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial properties. The primary draw-back to using essential oil-based repellents is that their protection times vary widely, and typically last only a short period of time due to the volatile nature of the active ingredients, as well as differences in concentration and formulation among products. Encapsulation, nano-delivery systems, and rationally designed blend combinations are being proposed as potential methods to delay the release of the essential oil active ingredients, thus extending the duration of effectiveness of the repellent product. Since essential oils represent complex mixtures, there is a possibility that resistance to the repellent active ingredients could develop differently than it would for single-active agents. However, before such resistance can be assessed, the repellents must undergo extensive safety evaluations, along with standardized efficacy assessments against Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved repellent products, and ultimately, field trials must be conducted in areas where the repellents will be used to prevent vector-borne diseases. In addition to conducting these evaluations, the repellents must comply with existing state and federal pesticide regulations.

Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Insect Science

Karim Debache

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.

Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Insect Science

Weidson Plauter Sutil

,

Antonio Ricardo Panizzi

,

Adeney de Freitas Bueno

Abstract: The crop system of soybean (summer)—maize or other cereals (fall/winter) succession has been adopted widely in the Neotropics. It inadvertently provides food in sequence to stink bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), forming green bridges, which favor their outbreaks. Attempts to control these outbreaks, usually consists of chemical control on isolated crop scenarios. Analyzing the literature available, it is possible to conclude that stink bugs must be managed having a broader and more holistic perspective, taking the whole landscape into consideration, rather than the usual individualized perspective. Multidisciplinary recommendations should include insect pests plus weed and disease controls, crop harvest, sowed cultivars or varieties, and neighboring vegetation (cultivated or native) for effective stink bug management. In conclusion, during the first crop season, stink bugs should be controlled only in the reproductive stage of soybean (from R3 to R6 plant development stage), when population is equal or higher than ET (2 stink bugs.m−1). Biologicals should be used instead of chemicals whenever possible. When ET is surpassed at R7 or R8, more tolerant maize varieties (fast growing) should be sowed in the second crop season with the adoption of seed treatment. Always, grain losses during harvest and the presence of weeds must be avoided at the end of soybean season. Additionally, chemical insecticides sprayings on maize might still be necessary if Diceraeuss spp. outbreaks equal or surpass three insects.m−1 during maize early stages. This more precise and less impactful management of the agroecosystem will promote more sustainable and resilient management of these polyphagous pests.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Insect Science

Maria Lucia Cocato

,

Eduardo Gianini Abimorad

,

Leandro Lopes Borges

,

Daniela Castellani

,

Pietro Ragozzino-Paulino

,

Jorge Eduardo de Souza Sarkis

Abstract: Insect meals are promising alternatives to conventional protein sources in aquafeeds, but comparative evidence in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) remains limited. This study evaluated the effects of partially replacing an insect-free control diet with larvae meals from Tenebrio molitor and Hermetia illucens on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, haematological profile, and resistance to Streptococcus agalactiae in juvenile Nile tilapia. Fish were fed isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets for 82 days: a control diet without insect meal and diets containing 100 g kg⁻¹ dry matter of T. molitor, H. illucens, or a 1:1 mixture. Growth performance and somatic indices were not affected by dietary treatment. Lipid digestibility remained high and similar among diets, whereas protein digestibility differed among diets and insect ingredients. Erythrocyte and total leukocyte counts were unchanged, but neutrophil and lymphocyte proportions differed among treatments. After intraperitoneal challenge with S. agalactiae, cumulative mortality was numerically lower in fish fed T. molitor or H. illucens than in the control group, although survival curves did not differ significantly. These findings indicate that both insect meals can be included at 10% in juvenile Nile tilapia diets without impairing growth, while influencing protein digestibility and leukocyte distribution.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Insect Science

Bin Xue

,

Xin Huang

,

Di Yang Huang

,

Jing Yun Wu

,

Tong Le Lei

,

Jing Jin Bao

,

Shu Yi Zhao

,

Xue Deng

,

Ming Zhou

,

Wei Shen

+2 authors

Abstract: Among the various insects used in animal foodstuff, Hermetia illucens is regarded as an effective converter of organic wastes including food waste, crop straw, vinasse, rice and wheat bran, human and animal feces. Based on the tremendous potential of converting organic waste into renewable resources, such as food and feed ingredients, extensive research on H. illucens has recently been conducted. The salinity of the foodstuff is a crucial factor to consider for the larval growth and nutrient accumulation of H. illucens, as they live and feed in it. To realize the efficient reuse of food wastes, the effects of salinity (1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%) in food wastes on the fecundity of H. illucens were researched by way of TWO-SEX life table computer software in laboratory, and the prepupa nutrients (ash, protein, fat, and mineral composition) was also determined with the method of Soxhlet extractor, muffle furnace, and Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that the intrinsic rate of increase (r) of H. illucens in control (0.1199 d-1) was greatest and significantly more than those of 3% (0.1110 d-1), 4% (0.1076 d-1) and 5% (0.0989 d-1) treatments by way of affecting the nutritional intake of H. illucens larva. The ash proportion of H. illucens prepupa in the control group was least and significantly less than those in 3%, 4%, and 5% treatments. In addition, the content of crude fat in control was greatest and significantly greater than those in 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% treatments. The content of crude protein in control was also significantly more than those in all other treatments. Furthermore, the content of some fat acids and amino acids was also significantly affected by the foodstuff salinity. Because of the better reproductive performance and more nutrient component, the feedstuff with lower salinity was more suitable to feed H. illucens larvae, which result was conducive to producing H. illucens prepupa used as animal feeds and biodiesel material in large-scale use.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Insect Science

Li-Fang Cheng

,

Yu-Liang Xiao

,

Cheng Zhang

,

Jia-Ke Zhang

,

Yu-Xin Li

,

Tong-Yin Xie

,

Qing Zhao

Abstract: Invasive alien species threaten agricultural and natural ecosystems security. Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), a globally recognized quarantine pest of honeybees, poses severe threats to colony health and apicultural sustainability. Whereas Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser, 1955), an entomopathogenic nematode, exhibits biocontrol potential agent of this pest. This study used MaxEnt and CLIMEX models to predict the global potential distribution under different climate change scenarios. Result indicate that temperature and precipitation are the core environmental factors that constrain their distribution. Under current climatic conditions, both models demonstrate that suitable habitats for A. tumida is primarily located in South America, southern Africa, and South Asia, whereas S. carpocapsae exhibits a broader, spread almost globally. Notably, CLIMEX predicts a more extensive suitable range than the MaxEnt model for two species. MaxEnt predict result indicate suitable habitat of A. tumida expansion into North America, Europe and central Australia, while S. carpocapsae is expected to expand to Asia, North America, and Africa. Under both the A1B and A2 climate scenarios, the highly suitable habitat for both pests decreases significantly, whereas moderately and marginally increases markedly. Collectively, the results provide key scientific basis and decision-making support for the precise prevention and control of invasive pests.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Insect Science

Samuel Piquer-Esteban

,

Vicente Pérez-Brocal

,

Rebeca Domínguez-Santos

,

Amparo Latorre

,

Carlos García-Ferris

,

Andrés Moya

Abstract: Cockroaches display a double symbiosis: an obligate intracellular one with Blattabacterium cuenoti, and a complex extracellular intestinal non-vertically transmitted microbiota, that may be affected by horizontally transmitted factors. Four experiments using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing analyzed the microbiota of the hindgut and feces of adult cockroaches to understand the influence of the environment, feces, and host genetic background on hindgut microbiota acquisition and development. We observed that sample type, rearing conditions, and host influenced microbiota composition. Furthermore, the induction of germ-free cockroaches placed in non-sterile conditions had a greater impact on microbiota than rearing conditions, also showing that in absence of fecal inputs the cockroach gut microbiota is strongly diminished. Moreover, when exploring fecal microbiota differences between three cockroach species, the greatest divergence was found between Periplaneta americana and Blattella germanica, with Blatta orientalis being placed in an intermediate position. Therefore, P. americana was selected for fecal transplantation on B. germanica. This transplantation experiment indicates that host species clearly influence intestinal bacterial selection, limiting full integration of donor-derived communities. Overall, these results suggest that beyond other factors the host species had the strongest influence on shaping the cockroach gut microbiota.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Insect Science

Alan Lee Knight

,

Esteban Basoalto

Abstract: Field trials were conducted to define several parameters associated with adding LEDs to monitoring traps for codling moth (CM), Cydia pomonella (L.), using both a sex pheromone lure (PH1X) and a non-pheromone lure (CM4K). Traps with LEDs emitting at a peak of 395 nm with 1,000 – 2000 mW/m2 were the most effective. Lights with greater intensities caught similar numbers of CM, and significantly more non-targets. Adding the UV-A lights did not increase moth catches early in the season with either the PH1X or CM4K lures. However, UV-A LEDs when used with these two lures significantly increased total moth catch 7- and 3-fold in July – August, respectively. The addition of the UV-A LEDs allowed CM4K-baited traps to perform significantly better in previously limiting situations, such as in weedy orchards and in pear relative to apple. Distance from the light source is a key factor affecting light energy. Irradiance dropped >90% at 15 cm which is the distance from the lure to the entrance of a standard delta trap. A smaller trap (7.5 cm radius) had a 4-fold greater irradiance at its entrance and caught greater numbers of non-targets but not CM than delta traps without LEDs.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Insect Science

Pannapak Urairut

,

Yash Munnalal Gupta

,

Somjit Homchan

Abstract: As global food security challenges intensify, edible crickets are increasingly recognized as a sustainable alternative protein source; however, genomic resources for commercially important species remain limited, restricting evolutionary inference and the development of robust tools for farm management. In this study, we sequenced and assembled new complete mitochondrial genomes of Gryllus bimaculatus and Teleogryllus mitratus from commercial farms in Thailand using high-throughput Illumina sequencing, achieving high coverage depths of 32,391× and 63,258×, respectively. The circular mitochondrial genomes were 15,955 bp and 16,046 bp in length and exhibited the typical insect mitochondrial gene complement of 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs), with strong AT bias. Selective pressure analyses indicated pervasive purifying selection across all mitochondrial PCGs (ω < 1), while episodic diversifying selection was detected in cox1, cox3, cytb, and nad5, while atp8 displayed a comparatively elevated ω. Codon usage analyses revealed a strong preference for AT-ending codons, with leucine codons showing the highest bias. Phylogenetic analyses using concatenated protein-coding and ribosomal RNA genes recovered well-supported relationships within Gryllidae. Collectively, these farm-derived mitogenomes provide practical foundations for molecular species authentication, population monitoring, and comparative analyses relevant to breeding and traceability, and they nominate candidate mitochondrial genes for future work on environmental adaptation and performance under farming conditions.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Insect Science

Sergio Méndez-Cardona

,

Juliana A. Morales-Monje

,

Alejandro Lopera-Toro

,

Adrian Forsyth

,

Alexandra J. Bauer

,

Olivia R. Magaletta

,

Panpim Thongsripong

,

Olga L. Cabrera-Quintero

Abstract: Phlebotomine sand flies, vectors of Leishmania parasites, remain poorly studied in southeastern Peru, a region with a high burden of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Using modified UV light traps, we surveyed sand fly assemblages across four habitat types at Manu Biological Station during the wet season (March–May 2023): secondary forest, Guadua bamboo forest, fruit crop plots, and peridomicile habitats. A total of 2,641 sand flies representing 32 species were collected, with females comprising 74.5% of captures. Habitat type was the primary driver of assemblage composition, with minimum nightly temperature as the strongest environmental correlate. Sand fly abundance was highest in secondary forest (n = 921) and peridomicile habitats (n = 836), where assemblages were dominated by Nyssomyia shawi, a generalist species also captured indoors. Although Guadua bamboo forests harbored lower total abundance (n = 386), potential vector species comprised 92% of the assemblage compared to 42–86% in other habitats, and communities exhibited greater evenness. These findings suggest that expanding bamboo forests may pose an underrecognized risk for CL transmission. Additionally, peridomicile assemblages consisted largely of generalist species overlapping with adjacent forested habitats, indicating potential pathways for sylvatic-to-peridomestic spillover. Our findings underscore the importance of habitat-specific assemblage structure and vector dominance in shaping spatially heterogeneous transmission risk and highlight the need for habitat-targeted surveillance strategies in dynamic Amazonian landscapes.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Insect Science

Zainab Saeed

,

Usman Khalique

,

Farrah Zaidi

,

Muhammad Zahid

,

Bibi Hajra

,

Khush Bakht Latif

,

Syeda Hira Fatima

,

Syed Jawad Ahmad Shah

Abstract: Annually, global crop harvest significantly declines due to various pest attacks. Their effective management is crucial for sustainable agricultural productivity. Native entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) have been recognized as the most promising microbiological control agents against these pests. The present study aimed to isolate locally occurring entomopathogenic fungi and assess their efficacy against the serious noctuid pest, H. armigera, under laboratory conditions. EPF was explored in cultivated soil from crops of two distinct agro-ecological zones (plains and foothills) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. Using the Galleria baiting technique, fungal isolates were recovered from collected soil samples. Upon identification, these isolates belonged to 4 different EPF species, viz., Nomuraea rileyi, Aspergillus parasiticus, A. niger, and A. flavus. Results revealed that soils from the foothills exhibited a comparatively higher percentage distribution of isolates than those from the plains. Aspergillus niger was the most abundant fungal species in various localities and crops. The pathogenicity of four isolated species was assessed against H. armigera at three concentrations (1x106, 1x107 and 1x108 conidia/mL). Results revealed that the H. armigera larvae were found to be susceptible to all tested EPF species, particularly at high concentration levels. M. rileyi was the most effective, causing the highest percent mortality and exhibiting the lowest percentage of pupal recovery and adult emergence, followed by Aspergillus species. Probit analysis showed that M. rileyi was highly virulent, with the lowest LC50 and LT50 values. This study reveals the potential of M. rileyi to serve as an effective biocontrol agent in integrated pest management strategies against H. armigera, and as a promising candidate for bio-pesticide product development. The use of EPF agents will ensure the production of healthier organic crops by eliminating insecticide residue and resistance problems.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Insect Science

Ping Zhao

,

Chen Meng

,

Syeda Wajeeha Gillani

,

Xueli Lu

,

Xi Jia

,

Meng Wang

,

Yu Bai

,

Yiru Song

,

Hongyan Hou

,

Yiqiang Li

+2 authors

Abstract: In China, the enormous gap between domestic soybean supply and increasing consumption necessitates large-scale soybean imports. The use of cultivated soybean (Glycine max) leaves as feed for the edible insect Clanis bilineata tsingtauica further reduces crop yields, posing a threat to national soybean production security. To address this issue, this study evaluated wild soybean (Glycine soja) as a potential alternative feed source. Comparative analyses examined the nutritional and anti-nutritional properties of G. max (cv. Qihuang34) and laboratory-preserved G. soja germplasm, together with their effects on larval growth performance, nutritional composition, and associated microbiota. G. soja leaves exhibited significantly higher crude fat (5.61% vs. 2.17%), ash (11.07% vs. 9.62%), neutral detergent fiber (23.75% vs. 21.00%), calcium (4.05 g/kg vs. 3.41 g/kg), and phosphorus (2.52 g/kg vs. 2.38 g/kg) than G. max, alongside lower trypsin inhibitor levels (P< 0.01) despite higher phytic acid content (P< 0.05). Fifth-instar larvae reared on G. soja leaves achieved a 12.9% increase in body weight (6.846 g vs. 6.066 g), higher crude protein (672.14 g/kg vs. 555.02 g/kg), total soluble sugar (21.27 mg/g vs. 8.96 mg/g), and soluble protein (26.35 mg/g vs. 24.71 mg/g), but lower crude fat (187.44 g/kg vs. 205.82 g/kg, P< 0.05). 16S rRNA sequencing revealed distinct phyllosphere microbial communities, with G. soja enriched in diverse taxa (e.g., Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria) and G. max dominated by Firmicutes. Corresponding differences were observed in larval gut microbiota, with positive correlation analyses suggesting potential microbe transfer from G. soja leaves to larval guts. Overall, G. soja represents a promising alternative feed for C. bilineata, reducing competition with soybean grain production and supporting sustainable insect farming.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Insect Science

Gaetan LeClair

,

Peter Mayo

Abstract: Insect attractant lures come in many formats, one of which utilizes tapered rubber sleeve stoppers, normally utilized to seal laboratory glassware openings. Their cup-shape top happens to be ideal to pipet a solution within this cavity, and, through permeation, load quantities of active ingredients. The expansion or swelling of the rubber facilitates the permeation of the active within its matrix, a role that dichloromethane performs well. Dichloromethane is also favored due to its volatility and broad chemical compatibility. However, this solvent is possibly on the verge of retirement, which would mean finding alternatives. It was found that several other common laboratory solvents could serve as replacement, and of those tested, tetrahydrofuran outperformed dichloromethane in terms of overall volume uptake and swelling. When loading the septum/sleeve with larger amounts of active, a full soaking methodology can disperse the active throughout the rubber sleeve as well as reduce labor requirement since batches can be processed compared to manually pipetting a solution to individual sleeves.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Insect Science

Raisa Sukhodolskaya

,

Igor Solodovnikov

,

Teodora Teofilova

,

Vladimir Langraf

,

Alexander Borisovskiy

,

Sergey Luzyanin

,

Alexander Ruchin

,

Dominic Stočes

,

Anatoliy Anciferov

,

Roman Gorbunov

+4 authors

Abstract: The study was based on a large database of morphometric measurements of the ground beetle Carabus granulatus. It was compiled between 2006 and 2025 and includes over 10,000 individuals of this species, captured in 14 major regions of Russia and Western Europe. Beetles were captured with Barber traps across a spectrum of anthropogenic impacts—urban areas, suburbs, agricultural lands, and natural biotopes. They were then transported to the Institute of Ecology of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tatarstan, where they were measured using a unified method for six linear traits. SSD was assessed using two methods. Using the standard Lovich formula, SSD for all traits was significantly higher, on average in all six traits, in beetle populations from suburban areas. Application of the second method, RMAII, showed that the slope of the regression curve is generally higher in females, indicating greater sensitivity of Carabus granulatus females to environmental factors. At the same time, a comparison of the results obtained by the aforementioned methods did not support the thesis that SSD increases with beetle size. The curves for SSD variability in both urban and non-urban populations were sawtooth-shaped. This conclusion may be due to the fact that the variability of both structural traits and SSD for them is not described by a monotonic curve. This necessitates studying the variability of SSD in other ground beetle species (or genera) using the same data set and a unified methodology.

Review
Biology and Life Sciences
Insect Science

Armando Valdez-Ramírez

,

María E. de la Torre-Hernández

,

Antonio Flores-Macías

,

Rodolfo Figueroa-Brito

,

Juan Ramírez-Zamora

,

Joel D. Castañeda-Espinosa

,

Miguel A. Ramos-Lopez

,

Brisceyda Arce-Bojórquez

,

Marisol Montoya-Moreno

,

Karla P. Gutiérrez-Castro

+4 authors

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.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Insect Science

Andreas W. M. Presuhn

,

Ulrich Rainer Ernst

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. Current 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 application of biocides using long injection lances is comparatively rapid and inexpensive, but in many countries insecticides are not permitted because products are not specifically 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 establishment 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 environmental 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.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Insect Science

Primrose Tanachaiwiwat

,

Neil D. Sanscrainte

,

Bernard A. Okech

,

Alden S. Estep

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.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Insect Science

Pragya Chalise

,

D.G. Pfeiffer

,

T. Kuhar

,

Mizuho Nita

,

T. Jordan

,

C. Brewster

,

Ryan Mays

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.

Article
Biology and Life Sciences
Insect Science

Deborah Apio

,

Laura Canhanga

,

Cugala Domingos

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.

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