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PeerJ 2024The Jambato Harlequin toad (), a formerly abundant species in the Andes of Ecuador, faced a dramatic population decline in the 1980s, with its last recorded sighting in...
The Jambato Harlequin toad (), a formerly abundant species in the Andes of Ecuador, faced a dramatic population decline in the 1980s, with its last recorded sighting in 1988. The species was considered Extinct by the IUCN until 2016, when a fortuitous discovery of one Jambato by a local boy reignited hope. In this study, we present findings from an investigation conducted in the Angamarca parish, focusing on distribution, abundance, habitat preferences, ecology, disease susceptibility, and dietary habits of the species. In one year we identified 71 individuals at different stages of development in various habitats, with a significant presence in agricultural mosaic areas and locations near water sources used for crop irrigation, demonstrating the persistence of the species in a complex landscape, with considerable human intervention. The dietary analysis based on fecal samples indicated a diverse prey selection, primarily comprising arthropods such as Acari, Coleoptera, and ants. Amphibian declines have been associated with diseases and climate change; notably, our study confirmed the presence of the pathogen (), but, surprisingly, none of the infected Jambatos displayed visible signs of illness. When analyzing climatic patterns, we found that there are climatic differences between historical localities and Angamarca; the temporal analysis also exposes a generalized warming trend. Finally, in collaboration with the local community, we developed a series of management recommendations for terrestrial and aquatic environments occupied by the Jambato.
Topics: Animals; Ecuador; Bufonidae; Ecosystem; Batrachochytrium; Conservation of Natural Resources
PubMed: 38915382
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17344 -
Journal of Chemical Ecology Jun 2024Plant domestication often alters plant traits, including chemical and physical defenses against herbivores. In squash, domestication leads to reduced levels of...
Plant domestication often alters plant traits, including chemical and physical defenses against herbivores. In squash, domestication leads to reduced levels of cucurbitacins and leaf trichomes, influencing interactions with insects. However, the impact of domestication on inducible defenses in squash remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the chemical and physical defensive traits of wild and domesticated squash (Cucurbita argyrosperma), and compared their responses to belowground and aboveground infestation by the root-feeding larvae and the leaf-chewing adults of the banded cucumber beetle Diabrotica balteata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Wild populations contained cucurbitacins in roots and cotyledons but not in leaves, whereas domesticated varieties lacked cucurbitacins in all tissues. Belowground infestation by D. balteata larvae did not increase cucurbitacin levels in the roots but triggered the expression of cucurbitacin biosynthetic genes, irrespective of domestication status, although the response varied among different varieties. Conversely, whereas wild squash had more leaf trichomes than domesticated varieties, the induction of leaf trichomes in response to herbivory was greater in domesticated plants. Leaf herbivory varied among varieties but there was a trend of higher leaf damage on wild squash than domesticated varieties. Overall, squash plants responded to both belowground and aboveground herbivory by activating chemical defense-associated gene expression in roots and upregulating their physical defense in leaves, respectively. While domestication suppressed both chemical and physical defenses, our findings suggest that it may enhance inducible defense mechanisms by increasing trichome induction in response to herbivory.
PubMed: 38914799
DOI: 10.1007/s10886-024-01523-9 -
Journal of Insect Science (Online) May 2024Tracking of soil-dwelling insects poses greater challenges compared to aboveground-dwelling animals in terrestrial systems. A metal detector system consisting of a...
Tracking of soil-dwelling insects poses greater challenges compared to aboveground-dwelling animals in terrestrial systems. A metal detector system consisting of a commercially available detector and aluminum tags was developed for detecting dung beetle, Copris ochus Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). First, detection efficacy of the system was evaluated by varying volumes of aluminum tags attached on a plastic model of the insect and also by varying angles. Then, detection efficacy was evaluated by varying depths of aluminum-tagged models under soil in 2 vegetation types. Finally, the effects of tag attachment on C. ochus adults were assessed for survivorship, burrowing depth, and horizontal movement. Generally, an increase in tag volume resulted in greater detection distance in semi-field conditions. Maximum detection distance of aluminum tag increased up to 17 cm below soil surface as the tag size (0.5 × 1.0 cm [width × length]) and thickness (16 layers) were maximized, resulting in a tag weight of 31.4 mg, comprising ca. 9% of average weight of C. ochus adult. Furthermore, the detection efficacy did not vary among angles except for 90°. In the field, metal detectors successfully detected 5 aluminum-tagged models in 20 × 10 m (W × L) arena within 10 min with detection rates ≥85% for up to depth of 10 cm and 45%-60% at depth of 20 cm. Finally, aluminum tagging did not significantly affect survivorship and behaviors of C. ochus. Our study indicates the potential of metal detector system for tracking C. ochus under soil.
Topics: Animals; Coleoptera; Aluminum; Soil; Entomology; Animal Identification Systems
PubMed: 38913611
DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieae067 -
Microbiology Spectrum Jun 2024Soil salinization usually occurs in arid and semi-arid climate areas from 37 to 50 degrees north latitude and 73 to 123 degrees east longitude. These regions are...
UNLABELLED
Soil salinization usually occurs in arid and semi-arid climate areas from 37 to 50 degrees north latitude and 73 to 123 degrees east longitude. These regions are inhabited by a large number of Coleopteran insects, which play an important role in the ecological cycle. However, little is known about the endosymbiotic microbial taxa and their biological characteristics in these insects. A study of endosymbiotic microorganisms of Coleoptera from Xinjiang, a typical arid and inland saline area, revealed that endosymbiont bacteria with salinity tolerance are common among the endosymbionts of Coleoptera. Functional prediction of the microbiota analysis indicated a higher abundance of inorganic ion transporters and metabolism in these endosymbiont strains. Screening was conducted on the tolerable 11% NaCl levels of G20 (PRJNA754761), and differential metabolite and proteins were performed. The differential metabolites of the strain during the exponential and plateau phases were found to include benzene compounds, organic acids, and their derivatives. These results suggest that the endosymbiotic microorganisms of Coleoptera in this environment have adaptive evolution to extreme environments, and this group of microorganisms is also one of the important resources for mining saline and alkaline-tolerant chassis microorganisms and high-robustness enzymes.
IMPORTANCE
Coleoptera insects, as the first largest order of insect class, have the characteristics of a wide variety and wide distribution. The arid and semi-arid climate makes it more adaptable. By studying the endosymbiont bacteria of Coleoptera insects, we can systematically understand the adaptability of endosymbiont bacteria to host and special environment. Through the analysis of endosymbiont bacteria of Coleoptera insects in different saline-alkali areas in arid and semi-arid regions of Xinjiang, it was found that bacteria in different host samples were resistant to saline-alkali stress. These results suggest that bacteria and their hosts co-evolved in response to this climate. Therefore, this study is of great significance for understanding the endosymbiont bacteria of Coleoptera insects and obtaining extremophile resources (Saline-alkali-resistant chassis strains with modification potential for the production of bulk chemicals and highly robust industrial enzymes).
PubMed: 38912811
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00232-24 -
Environmental Entomology Jun 2024Emerald ash borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is the most destructive insect to invade North American forests. Identifying habitat...
Emerald ash borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is the most destructive insect to invade North American forests. Identifying habitat features that support EAB natural enemies is necessary to enhance EAB biological control. In many forest ecosystems, tree species diversity has been linked with reduced pest abundance and increases in natural enemy abundance. We assessed the influence of tree species richness, ash density, and proportion of total ash basal area on ash canopy condition, EAB larval densities, and biocontrol by woodpeckers and parasitoids in pairs of healthy and declining overstory (DBH > 10 cm) and recruit-sized ash (DBH 2-10 cm) in 4 post-invasion forests in Michigan, USA. Tree species richness and ash density were not significantly associated with EAB larval densities, ash canopy dieback and transparency, and woodpecker predation of EAB larvae. In declining and healthy overstory ash, woodpeckers killed 38.5 ± 3.9% and 13.2 ± 3.7% of larvae, respectively, while the native parasitoid Phasgonophora sulcata Westwood killed 15.8 ± 3.8% and 8.3 ± 3.0% and the introduced parasitoid Spathius galinae Belokobylskij & Strazanac killed 10.8 ± 2.5% and 5.0 ± 2.6% of EAB larvae. Parasitism by P. sulcata was inversely related to ash density while parasitism by S. galinae was positively associated with ash density. Ash density, but not tree diversity, appears to differentially influence biological control of EAB by parasitoids, but this effect is not associated with reduced EAB densities or improved canopy condition.
PubMed: 38912619
DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvae060 -
Heliyon Jun 2024The fall armyworm ( Smith) is an invasive and polyphagous insect pest. It poses a significant threat to maize crops, uncontrolled infestation can result 100 % loss....
The fall armyworm ( Smith) is an invasive and polyphagous insect pest. It poses a significant threat to maize crops, uncontrolled infestation can result 100 % loss. However, natural enemies play a vital role in regulating the population of this pest. Additionally, botanical sources extracts have the potential to be effective insecticides. The objectives of the study were to investigate the natural enemies of in the Gurage zone and to compare efficacy of Neem seed and leaf aqueous extracts with larvae, central Ethiopia. larvae and egg masses, cocoons and larvae cadavers collected from infested maze farms. From each round collection 25 healthy and inactive larvae were sampled to rear until emerging adults. Observed predator species recorded. Neem seed and leaf aqueous extracts was tested against in laboratory condition. The study found a diverse range of natural enemies associated with , including parasitoids, predators, and entomopathogenic fungi. Three species of parasitoids (, spp., and ) were documented in Ethiopia for the first time. Predatory insects belonging to four distinct orders: Hemiptera, Dermaptera, Coleoptera, and Mantodea also identified. In particular, various Hemipterans were observed in the maize farms infested with . In terms of Neem seed and leaf aqueous extracts, they demonstrated similar mortality rates for larvae after 72 h, although differences were observed at 24 and 48 h. For effective management of more research is needed to fully exploit the potential of natural enemies and botanical source insecticides.
PubMed: 38912443
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32083 -
Biodiversity Data Journal 2024Taxonomy has long struggled with analysing vast amounts of phenotypic data due to computational and accessibility challenges. Ontology-based technologies provide a...
BACKGROUND
Taxonomy has long struggled with analysing vast amounts of phenotypic data due to computational and accessibility challenges. Ontology-based technologies provide a framework for modelling semantic phenotypes that are understandable by computers and compliant with FAIR principles. In this paper, we explore the use of Phenoscript, an emerging language designed for creating semantic phenotypes, to produce computable species descriptions. Our case study centers on the application of this approach to dung beetles (Coleoptera, Scarabaeinae).
NEW INFORMATION
We illustrate the effectiveness of Phenoscript for creating semantic phenotypes. We also demonstrate the ability of the Phenospy python package to automatically translate Phenoscript descriptions into natural language (NL), which eliminates the need for writing traditional NL descriptions. We introduce a computational pipeline that streamlines the generation of semantic descriptions and their conversion to NL. To demonstrate the power of the semantic approach, we apply simple semantic queries to the generated phenotypic descriptions. This paper addresses the current challenges in crafting semantic species descriptions and outlines the path towards future improvements. Furthermore, we discuss the promising integration of semantic phenotypes and nanopublications, as emerging methods for sharing scientific information. Overall, our study highlights the pivotal role of ontology-based technologies in modernising taxonomy and aligning it with the evolving landscape of big data analysis and FAIR principles.
PubMed: 38912113
DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.12.e121562 -
Biodiversity Data Journal 2024Numerous taxonomic studies have focused on the dung beetle genus d'Orbigny, 1915, endemic to Madagascar. However, this genus stilll needs a thorough revision. Semantic...
BACKGROUND
Numerous taxonomic studies have focused on the dung beetle genus d'Orbigny, 1915, endemic to Madagascar. However, this genus stilll needs a thorough revision. Semantic technologies, such as nanopublications, hold the potential to enhance taxonomy by transforming how data are published and analysed. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of nanopublications in establishing synonyms within the genus .
NEW INFORMATION
In this study, we identify four new synonyms within : (Fairmaire, 1898) = Balthasar, 1941 ; Lebis, 1960 = Balthasar, 1963 ; Balthasar, 1964 = Montreuil, 2005 ; (Harold, 1869) = (Fairmaire, 1895) may have a significantly larger number of synonyms than currently known, indicating potentially inaccurate estimates about its recent extinction.We also publish the newly-established synonyms as nanopublications, which are machine-readable data snippets accessible online. Additionally, we explore the utility of nanopublications in taxonomy and demonstrate their practical use with an example query for data extraction.
PubMed: 38912110
DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.12.e120304 -
Invertebrate Systematics Jun 2024The carabid beetle Cnemalobus Guérin-Ménéville, 1838 inhabits high- and lowland grasslands of southern South America. The highest diversity is found in the Patagonian...
The South American genus (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Cnemalobini): phylogeny and biogeographic analysis with the description of four new species from extra-Andean Patagonian mountains.
The carabid beetle Cnemalobus Guérin-Ménéville, 1838 inhabits high- and lowland grasslands of southern South America. The highest diversity is found in the Patagonian Steppe, where distribution patterns are associated with latitude and elevation. Northern Patagonia, a large volcanic region with a complex geoclimatic history, exhibits elevated grades of endemism. However, a great deal remains unknown regarding diversification and biogeographical patterns for most of the endemic groups. We describe new Cnemalobus species restricted to isolated volcanoes from these extra-Andean mountain systems. We assess the phylogenetic relationships by updating the phylogeny of the genus and conduct a Bayesian binary Markov chain-Monte Carlo (MCMC) analysis on the resulting phylogenetic tree to discuss the biogeographical distribution patterns. We also provide a taxonomic key to all currently known species of Cnemalobus from the Patagonian Steppe. Our phylogenetic analysis supports the monophyly of the new species Cnemalobus tromen sp. nov., Cnemalobus silviae sp. nov., Cnemalobus aucamahuida sp. nov. and Cnemalobus domuyo sp. nov. grouped with C. diamante and C. nevado , referred to as the 'Extra-Andean' mountain lineage. Biogeographical analysis recognises vicariant events as the most plausible explanation for the allopatric distributions of the new species. We hypothesise that these vicariant events could be related to climatic barriers that likely promoted speciation processes by generating geographical isolation in ancestral populations. Our findings contribute significantly to the biogeographical understanding of the Patagonian volcanic region, prompting new inquiries to unravel the speciation processes of the endemic biota in extra-Andean mountain systems. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:6A7585E8-5006-45BC-A1A3-F874F18A6049.
Topics: Animals; Coleoptera; Phylogeny; Species Specificity; Phylogeography; Animal Distribution; Argentina; Bayes Theorem; Female; Male
PubMed: 38909606
DOI: 10.1071/IS23044 -
PloS One 2024The dung beetle primarily feeds on the feces of herbivorous animals and play a crucial role in ecological processes like material cycles and soil improvement. This study...
The dung beetle primarily feeds on the feces of herbivorous animals and play a crucial role in ecological processes like material cycles and soil improvement. This study aims to explore the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota of Catharsius molossus (a renowned dung beetle originating from China and introduced to multiple countries for its ecological value) and exploring whether these gut microbes are transmitted vertically across generations. Using 16S rRNA and ITS rRNA gene sequencing techniques, we described the diversity and composition of gut microbes in C. molossus from different localities and different developmental stages (Egg, young larvae and old larvae). We discovered that the diversity of gut microbiota of dung beetles varied obviously among different geographical localities and different developmental stages, and we also discussed the potential influencing factors. Interestingly, the microbial community structure within the brood balls is more similar to male dung beetle than to that of females, which is consistent with the observation that the brood ball is constructed by the male dung beetle, with the female laying egg in it at the final step. This unique breeding method facilitates offspring in inheriting microbial communities from both the mother and the father. Initially, the larvae's gut microbiota closely mirrors that of the parental gift in these brood balls. As larvae grow, significant changes occur in their gut microbiota, including an increase in symbiotic bacteria like Lactococcus and Enterococcus. Analysis of the gut bacteria of adult dung beetles across various localities and different developmental stages identified nine core genera in adults, contributing to 67.80% of the total microbial abundance, and 11 core genera in beetles at different developmental stages, accounting for 49.13% of the total. Notably, seven genera were common between these two core groups. Our results suggest that Parental gifts can play a role in the vertical transmission of microbes, and the abundance of probiotics increases with larval development, supporting the hypothesis that "larval feeding behavior occurs in two stages: larvae first feed on parental gifts to acquire necessary microbes, then enrich symbiotic microbiota through consuming their own feces."
Topics: Animals; Coleoptera; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Female; Male; Larva; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Bacteria; Biodiversity; China; Phylogeny
PubMed: 38905245
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304908