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Zootaxa Nov 2023Based on the specimens housed primarily in the University of New Hampshire Insect Collection (UNH) and the Canadian National Collection (CNC), we present here a...
Based on the specimens housed primarily in the University of New Hampshire Insect Collection (UNH) and the Canadian National Collection (CNC), we present here a comprehensive faunal review of aleocharine beetles of the state and provide new distribution and natural history data. We report 252 species from New Hampshire belonging to some 74 genera in 15 tribes; 159 of these constitute new New Hampshire state records (NSR), of which 37 (excluding new species and including 1 New York record) constitute new country distribution records (NCR) for the USA. In addition, we provide 36 new state records for ME, with 5 of these species not yet known from NH, seven new state records for MA, two new state records for PA and VT, and one each for CT, DE, MI, NC, NY (also a NCR), OH, and OK. One new genus, Belladonna Klimaszewski and Chandler is erected, and nine species are described as new to science (alphabetical order): Agaricomorpha hampshirensis Klimaszewski and Chandler, sp. n., Atheta ellisi Klimaszewski and Chandler sp. n, Atheta monroe Klimaszewski and Chandler, sp. n., Atheta struyvei Klimaszewski and Chandler sp. n, Belladonna barryi Klimaszewski and Chandler, sp. n., Belladonna fortieri Klimaszewski and Chandler, sp. n., Colusa smetanai Klimaszewski and Chandler, sp. n., Philhygra pinkhami Klimaszewski and Chandler sp. n., and P. pseudomagniceps Klimaszewski and Chandler, sp. n. Undescribed females of Aleochara daviesi Klimaszewski and Brunke, and Silusa langori Klimaszewski, are described and illustrated. Illustrations of Atheta (Tetropla) tubericauda Bernhauer are provided for the first time, based on a male from New Hampshire. A new combination is proposed for Atheta (Dimetrota) mcalpinei Klimaszewski and Webster.
Topics: Female; Male; Animals; Coleoptera; New Hampshire; Animal Distribution; Canada
PubMed: 38220733
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5364.1.1 -
Genes Aug 2023Tenebrionidae is widely recognized owing to its species diversity and economic importance. Here, we determined the mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of three...
Tenebrionidae is widely recognized owing to its species diversity and economic importance. Here, we determined the mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of three Tenebrionidae species (, , and ) and performed a comparative mitogenomic analysis to characterize the evolutionary characteristics of the family. The tenebrionid mitogenomes were highly conserved with respect to genome size, gene arrangement, base composition, and codon usage. All protein-coding genes evolved under purifying selection. The largest non-coding region (i.e., control region) showed several unusual features, including several conserved repetitive fragments (e.g., A+T-rich regions, G+C-rich regions, Poly-T tracts, TATA repeat units, and longer repetitive fragments) and tRNA-like structures. These tRNA-like structures can bind to the appropriate anticodon to form a cloverleaf structure, although base-pairing is not complete. We summarized the quantity, types, and conservation of tRNA-like sequences and performed functional and evolutionary analyses of tRNA-like sequences with various anticodons. Phylogenetic analyses based on three mitogenomic datasets and two tree inference methods largely supported the monophyly of each of the three subfamilies (Stenochiinae, Pimeliinae, and Lagriinae), whereas both Tenebrioninae and Diaperinae were consistently recovered as polyphyletic. We obtained a tenebrionid mitogenomic phylogeny: (Lagriinae, (Pimeliinae, ((Tenebrioninae + Diaperinae), Stenochiinae))). Our results provide insights into the evolution and function of tRNA-like sequences in tenebrionid mitogenomes and contribute to our general understanding of the evolution of Tenebrionidae.
Topics: Animals; Coleoptera; Phylogeny; RNA, Transfer; Codon Usage; Gene Order
PubMed: 37761878
DOI: 10.3390/genes14091738 -
The ISME Journal Jan 2024Many insects feeding on nutritionally challenging diets like plant sap, leaves, or wood engage in ancient associations with bacterial symbionts that supplement limiting...
Many insects feeding on nutritionally challenging diets like plant sap, leaves, or wood engage in ancient associations with bacterial symbionts that supplement limiting nutrients or produce digestive or detoxifying enzymes. However, the distribution, function, and evolutionary dynamics of microbial symbionts in insects exploiting other plant tissues or relying on a predacious diet remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated the evolutionary history and function of the intracellular gamma-proteobacterial symbiont "Candidatus Dasytiphilus stammeri" in soft-winged flower beetles (Coleoptera, Melyridae, Dasytinae) that transition from saprophagy or carnivory to palynivory (pollen-feeding) between larval and adult stage. Reconstructing the distribution of the symbiont within the Dasytinae phylogeny unraveled not only a long-term coevolution, originating from a single acquisition event with subsequent host-symbiont codiversification, but also several independent symbiont losses. The analysis of 20 different symbiont genomes revealed that their genomes are severely eroded. However, the universally retained shikimate pathway indicates that the core metabolic contribution to their hosts is the provisioning of tyrosine for cuticle sclerotization and melanization. Despite the high degree of similarity in gene content and order across symbiont strains, the capacity to synthesize additional essential amino acids and vitamins and to recycle urea is retained in some but not all symbionts, suggesting ecological differences among host lineages. This report of tyrosine-provisioning symbionts in insects with saprophagous or carnivorous larvae and pollen-feeding adults expands our understanding of tyrosine supplementation as an important symbiont-provided benefit across a broad range of insects with diverse feeding ecologies.
Topics: Animals; Symbiosis; Coleoptera; Phylogeny; Tyrosine; Pollen; Gammaproteobacteria; Biological Evolution; Genome, Bacterial; Larva
PubMed: 38861456
DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrae080 -
Microscopy Research and Technique Dec 2023Using scanning electron microscopy, we examined the gross and ultrastructure morphology of the mandibles, labial palpi, and mandibular palpi of adult male and female...
Using scanning electron microscopy, we examined the gross and ultrastructure morphology of the mandibles, labial palpi, and mandibular palpi of adult male and female Glenea cantor beetles. The morphology of these parts, both in their gross and ultrastructure, varied significantly between males and females. The lengths of the mandible, labial palpi, and mandibular palpi were clearly noticeably longer in females than in men, which is mostly related to the oviposition mechanism. In terms of the ultrastructural morphology of the mandibles, labial palpi, and mandibular palpi, seven types of sensilla were found on these parts: sensilla twig basiconica (STB I, II, III, and IV), sensilla chaetica (Scheme IV and V), Böhm's bristles (Bb), sensilla placodea (SP), sensilla trichodea (ST II), sensilla plate (SP), sensilla coeloconica (SC), and sensilla campaniformia (SCa). Females have significantly more ST I and Scheme III on their mandibles than males. The mechanical sensors SCh and Bb, olfactory sensor ST II, taste sensor STB IV, and carbon dioxide sensor and temperature and humidity sensors SC, SP, and SCa were much more developed on the labial and maxillary palpi of females compared to those of males, which further clarified the significance of the oral appendages in oviposition behavior. These findings will advance information-based technique design and the creation of information-based pest control strategies by assisting in our understanding of the host preference and oviposition behavior of adult G. cantor. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The external morphology and distribution of the oral appendages of Glenea cantor between sexes has been researched through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for the first time. Several significant differences between males and females have been found by analyzing the oral appendages of G. cantor with SEM. The differences in the structure of oral appendages of G. cantor between sexes reflect functional differences in reproductive behaviors.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Male; Female; Coleoptera; Sensilla; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Bone Plates; Arthropod Antennae
PubMed: 37548179
DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24395 -
Genes Dec 2023Lamiinae is the largest subfamily of the Cerambycidae (longhorn beetles), with approximately 21,863 described species. Previous phylogenetic studies of Lamiinae showed...
Lamiinae is the largest subfamily of the Cerambycidae (longhorn beetles), with approximately 21,863 described species. Previous phylogenetic studies of Lamiinae showed that this subfamily was monophyletic, but the relationship between the tribes of Lamiinae is still controversial. Partial molecular data and species morphological characteristics are not sufficient to resolve species phylogenetic studies perfectly. At the same time, the full mitochondrial genome contains more comprehensive genetic data. Benefiting from the development of next-generation sequencing (NGS), mitochondrial genomes can be easily acquired and used as reliable molecular markers to investigate phylogenetic relationships within Cerambycidae. Using NGS technology, we obtained 11 mitochondrial genome sequences of Lamiinae species. Based on this newly generated mitochondrial genome dataset matrix, we reconstructed the phylogeny of Lamiinae. The Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood analyses strongly support the monophyly of four tribes (Lamiini, Batocerini, Mesosini, and Saperdini), whereas the tribe Acanthocinini was identified as paraphyletic. Other mitochondrial structural features were also observed: the start codon in the nad1 gene of all 11 mitochondrial genomes is TTG; 17-22 bp intergenic spacers (IGS) with a 'TACTA' motif were found between and nad1. Moreover, two long IGS were found in and sp. Tandem repeats were found in the IGS of sp.
Topics: Animals; Phylogeny; Genome, Mitochondrial; Coleoptera; Bayes Theorem; Mitochondria
PubMed: 38275595
DOI: 10.3390/genes15010013 -
Journal of Insect Science (Online) Mar 2024The rape stem weevil (Ceutorhynchus asper Roel.) and its close relatives primarily breed on cruciferous plants and cause severe damage to rapeseed production. However,...
The rape stem weevil (Ceutorhynchus asper Roel.) and its close relatives primarily breed on cruciferous plants and cause severe damage to rapeseed production. However, their genetic and molecular information is still scarce. Here, we generated mitogenomes for both C. asper and Ceutorhynchus albosuturalis. The lengths of the 2 mitochondrial genomes are 14,207 bp (C. asper) and 15,373 bp (C. albosuturalis), and both weevils exhibit identical numbers of protein-coding genes with the absence of trnI. A + T contents for both mitogenomes are high (80% and 79.9%, respectively). Haplotype and genetic distance analyses showed that the genetic differentiation of C. asper populations in northwestern China is low. Based on 5 datasets from mitogenomes, phylogenetic analyses with maximum-likelihood and Bayesian methods show that both species (C. asper and C. albosuturalis) fall in the CCCMS clade (Curculioninae, Conoderinae, Cossoninae, Molytinae, and Scolytinae) of Curculionidae and belong to clades H and I of the genus Ceutorhynchus, respectively. Larvae of the clade H weevils mainly are borers in petioles or stems of cruciferous plants, while larvae of the clade I weevils mainly inhabit the fruits of the same plants, suggesting that ecological niche specialization can play a critical role in the diversification of Ceutorhynchus species. This study generates baseline molecular and genetic information for future research of Ceutorhynchus-related taxa and provides insights into the phylogeny and evolution of Curculionidae.
Topics: Animals; Weevils; Coleoptera; Phylogeny; Bayes Theorem; Genome, Mitochondrial; Larva; Brassica rapa
PubMed: 38536151
DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieae038 -
Environmental Entomology Aug 2023Ornamental plant production in eastern Virginia nurseries have been greatly impacted by Systena frontalis (F.), also known as the red-headed flea beetle. With the advent...
Ornamental plant production in eastern Virginia nurseries have been greatly impacted by Systena frontalis (F.), also known as the red-headed flea beetle. With the advent of S. frontalis as a prevalent pest in the past 2 decades, baseline phenology and behavior are currently understudied within Virginia nurseries. This pest is costly to control due to insecticide expenses and loss of saleable plants. In 2021 and 2022, populations of this insect were monitored at 2 commercial nurseries in eastern Virginia in order to better understand their temporal and spatial population dynamics. Patterns that emerged indicated S. frontalis could have up to 3 generations in eastern Virginia, with peaks of adult abundance in June, late July, and late August to early September. Phenylethyl alcohol was tested as an adult attractant lure, but it was found to be ineffective under nursery conditions. Diel monitoring demonstrated these adults were most active from 1100 to 1500 h. Severity of defoliation at the leaf level increased linearly with increased density of adults, where 5 individuals defoliated up to 4% of any Hydrangea paniculata cv. 'Limelight' leaf in 1 wk under greenhouse conditions. Timing of scouting and insecticide sprays according to the adult activity peaks of the day and across the season may allow reduction in overall insecticide usage.
Topics: Animals; Coleoptera; Insecticides; Virginia; Gardens
PubMed: 37463285
DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvad058 -
Bulletin of Entomological Research Aug 2023(Germar) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a major pest of common bean ( L.; Fabales: Fabaceae), and adults can defoliate plants during the whole crop cycle. This study...
(Germar) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a major pest of common bean ( L.; Fabales: Fabaceae), and adults can defoliate plants during the whole crop cycle. This study was conducted to evaluate the resistance to in 16 common bean genotypes (14 landraces and 2 cultivars), through three different experiments. In the laboratory, choice and no-choice feeding tests were performed to evaluate the percentage of leaf consumption. In the greenhouse, plant height, numbers of leaves, percentage of injured leaves, percentage of injury per leaf, weight of seeds, and survival were evaluated. Furthermore, trichome density, levels of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and protein content in common bean leaves were assessed. In the laboratory, the genotypes Chumbinho Branco, Dobalde, Manteigado, IPR Tuiuiú, and 90D Mouro were the least consumed by . In the greenhouse, the genotypes Dobalde, Manteigado, and IPR Tuiuiú expressed tolerance to the pest, which was associated with a higher plant height and/or unchanged POD and SOD levels and protein content following insect feeding, and no reduction in seed production. The landrace 90D Mouro exhibited antixenosis and tolerance to , observed as a lower leaf injury, higher trichome density, lower protein contents, higher SOD level and no reduction in seed weight. Overall, we have shown that antixenosis and tolerance can help overcome damages resulting from feeding, with emphasis on four common bean genotypes that may be useful in plant breeding programs aimed at controlling in common bean crops.
Topics: Animals; Coleoptera; Phaseolus; Genotype; Crops, Agricultural; Superoxide Dismutase
PubMed: 37334552
DOI: 10.1017/S0007485323000226 -
FEMS Microbiology Ecology Nov 2023Ambrosia beetles are fungal-growing insects excavating galleries deep inside the wood. Their success as invaders increased scientific interest towards them. However,...
Ambrosia beetles are fungal-growing insects excavating galleries deep inside the wood. Their success as invaders increased scientific interest towards them. However, most studies on their microbiota targeted their fungal associates whereas the role of bacterial associates is understudied. To explore the role of abundant microbial associates, we isolated bacteria from active galleries of two widespread ambrosia beetles, Xylosandrus crassiusculus and X. germanus. These isolates were classified within the Erwiniaceae family and through a phylogenetic analysis including isolates from other insects we showed that they clustered with isolates obtained from ambrosia and bark beetles, including Erwinia typographi. The whole genome analysis of the isolate from active galleries of X. crassiusculus suggested that this bacterium plays both a nutritional role, by providing essential amino acids and enzymes for the hydrolysis of plant biomass, and a defensive role, by producing antibiotics. This defensive role was also tested in vitro against fungi, including mutualists, common associates, and parasites. The bacteria inhibited the growth of some of the common associates and parasites but did not affect mutualists. Our study supported the hypothesis of a mutualist role of Erwiniaceae bacteria in ambrosia beetles and highlighed the importance of bacteria in maintaining the symbiosis of their host with nutritional fungi.
Topics: Animals; Coleoptera; Weevils; Ambrosia; Phylogeny; Bacteria
PubMed: 37951293
DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiad144 -
Microbial Ecology Nov 2023Gut microbes play important roles for their hosts. Previous studies suggest that host-microbial systems can form long-term associations over evolutionary time and the...
Gut microbes play important roles for their hosts. Previous studies suggest that host-microbial systems can form long-term associations over evolutionary time and the dynamic changes of the intestinal system may represent major driving forces and contribute to insect dietary diversification and speciation. Our study system includes a set of six closely related leaf beetle species (Galerucella spp.) and our study aims to separate the roles of host phylogeny and ecology in determining the gut microbial community and to identify eventual relationship between host insects and gut bacteria. We collected adult beetles from their respective host plants and quantified their microbial community using 16S rRNA sequencing. The results showed that the gut bacteria community composition was structured by host beetle phylogeny, where more or less host-specific gut bacteria interact with the different Galerucella species. For example, the endosymbiotic bacteria Wolbachia was found almost exclusively in G. nymphaea and G. sagittariae. Diversity indicators also suggested that α- and β-diversities of gut bacteria communities varied among host beetle species. Overall, our results suggest a phylogenetically controlled co-occurrence pattern between the six closely related Galerucella beetles and their gut bacteria, indicating the potential of co-evolutionary processes occurring between hosts and their gut bacterial communities.
Topics: Animals; Coleoptera; Phylogeny; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Insecta; Bacteria
PubMed: 37314477
DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02251-5