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Nature Communications Jun 2024Unravelling the multifaceted and bidirectional interactions between microbiota and host physiology represents a major scientific challenge. Here, we utilise the nematode...
Unravelling the multifaceted and bidirectional interactions between microbiota and host physiology represents a major scientific challenge. Here, we utilise the nematode model, Pristionchus pacificus, coupled to a laboratory-simulated decay process of its insect host, to mimic natural microbiota succession and investigate associated tripartite interactions. Metagenomics reveal that during initial decay stages, the population of vitamin B-producing bacteria diminishes, potentially due to a preferential selection by nematodes. As decay progresses to nutrient-depleted stages, bacteria with smaller genomes producing less nutrients become more prevalent. Lipid utilisation and dauer formation, representing key nematode survival strategies, are influenced by microbiota changes. Additionally, horizontally acquired cellulases extend the nematodes' reproductive phase due to more efficient foraging. Lastly, the expressions of Pristionchus species-specific genes are more responsive to natural microbiota compared to conserved genes, suggesting their importance in the organisms' adaptation to its ecological niche. In summary, we show the importance of microbial successions and their reciprocal interaction with nematodes for insect decay in semi-artificial ecosystems.
Topics: Animals; Coleoptera; Microbiota; Ecosystem; Nematoda; Metagenomics; Bacteria; Cellulases
PubMed: 38879542
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49513-5 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Invasive pests reduce biodiversity and ecosystem service functions, thereby leading to economic and also agricultural losses. Banana skipper (Erionota torus Evans), red...
Invasive pests reduce biodiversity and ecosystem service functions, thereby leading to economic and also agricultural losses. Banana skipper (Erionota torus Evans), red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), and coconut caterpillar (Opisina arenosella Walker) are invasive insect pests in the palm-growing regions and they have had serious consequences for the planting of bananas (Musa nana), palms (Trachycarpus fortune) and coconut (Cocos nucifera). Based on screened occurrence data, the present research utilized Maximum Entropy model (Maxent) to simulate the distribution dynamics of these three invasive insects in China, under current and future climate (2050s, 2070s, 2090s) in two shared socio-economic pathways (SSPs: 126 and 585) of the newly released coupled model intercomparison project phase6 (CMIP6). The results show that: (1) Under current and future climate conditions, all model groups exhibited an AUC value exceeding 0.92, which shows that the model prediction results are very good;(2) The suitable habitat area of E. torus Evans remains relatively stable with some expansion in the SSP126 of 2090s and some contraction in the SSP585 of 2090s. The suitable habitat area of R. ferrugineus showed an overall contraction, with substantial contraction in the SSP585 of 2090s.The suitable habitat area of O. arenosella has an overall expansion, with the most pronounced expansion in the SSP585 of 2070s; (3) The current centroid of suitable habitats for R. ferrugineus and E. torus Evans is located in Guangxi Province and wholely shift toward the south direction under future climate. The centroid of suitable habitats for O. arenosella is currently located in the northeastern maritime area of Hainan Province and will shift toward the north direction under future climate; (4) Temperature, precipitation and Human disturbance factors (Population density and Human influence index) were crucial variables for describing the distribution of the three species. For E. torus Evans in particular, percentage contributions of Population density was up to 31.4, which is only 0.1 different from ranked first Bio19 (Precipitation of the coldest quarter). The dynamics of habitats of these three species and the correlating driver factors proposed in this work provide essential insights into future spatial management of the three invasive insects in China. Our work is necessary and timely in identifying newly areas at high risk of expansion of the three invasive insects in the future, then suggesting strategic control measures to prevent their spread, and finally providing scientific evidence for the early prevention and rapid response to the three invasive insects.
Topics: Animals; China; Climate Change; Introduced Species; Weevils; Ecosystem; Agriculture; Biodiversity
PubMed: 38871779
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63553-3 -
Parasites & Vectors Jun 2024Macroinvertebrate predators such as backswimmers (Heteroptera: Notonectidae), dragonflies (Odonata: Aeshnidae), and predatory diving beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)... (Review)
Review
Macroinvertebrate predators such as backswimmers (Heteroptera: Notonectidae), dragonflies (Odonata: Aeshnidae), and predatory diving beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) naturally inhabit aquatic ecosystems. Some aquatic ecosystems inhabited by these macroinvertebrate predator taxa equally form malaria vector larval habitats. The presence of these predators in malaria vector larval habitats can negatively impact on development, adult body size, fecundity, and longevity of the malaria vectors, which form important determinants of their fitness and future vectorial capacity. These potential negative impacts caused by aquatic macroinvertebrate predators on malaria vectors warrant their consideration as biocontrol agents in an integrated program to combat malaria. However, the use of these macroinvertebrate predators in malaria biocontrol is currently constrained by technical bottlenecks linked to their generalist predatory tendencies and often long life cycles, demanding complex rearing systems. We reviewed the literature on the use of aquatic macroinvertebrate predators for biocontrol of malaria vectors from the An. gambiae s.l. complex. The available information from laboratory and semi-field studies has shown that aquatic macroinvertebrates have the potential to consume large numbers of mosquito larvae and could thus offer an additional approaches in integrated malaria vector management strategies. The growing number of semi-field structures available in East and West Africa provides an opportunity to conduct ecological experimental studies to reconsider the potential of using aquatic macroinvertebrate predators as a biocontrol tool. To achieve a more sustainable approach to controlling malaria vector populations, additional, non-chemical interventions could provide a more sustainable approach, in comparison with the failing chemical control tools, and should be urgently considered for integration with the current mosquito vector control campaigns.
Topics: Animals; Anopheles; Mosquito Control; Malaria; Pest Control, Biological; Predatory Behavior; Mosquito Vectors; Ecosystem; Larva; Heteroptera; Odonata; Coleoptera; Biological Control Agents; Invertebrates
PubMed: 38867296
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06332-3 -
Proceedings of the National Academy of... Jun 2024Animals from all major clades have evolved a segmented trunk, reflected in the human spine or the insect segments. These units emerge during embryogenesis from a...
Animals from all major clades have evolved a segmented trunk, reflected in the human spine or the insect segments. These units emerge during embryogenesis from a posterior segment addition zone (SAZ), where repetitive gene activity is regulated by a mechanism described by the clock and wavefront/speed gradient model. In the red flour beetle , RNA interference (RNAi) has been used to continuously knock down the function of primary pair-rule genes (pPRGs), caudal or Wnt pathway components, which has led to the complete breakdown of segmentation. However, it has remained untested, if this breakdown was reversible by bringing the missing gene function back to the system. To fill this gap, we established a transgenic system in , which allows blocking an ongoing RNAi effect with temporal control by expressing a viral inhibitor of RNAi via heat shock. We show that the segmentation machinery was able to reestablish after RNAi targeting the pPRGs and was blocked. However, we observed no rescue after blocking RNAi targeting Wnt pathway components. We conclude that the insect segmentation system contains both robust feedback loops that can reestablish and labile feedback loops that break down irreversibly. This combination may reconcile conflicting needs of the system: Labile systems controlling initiation and maintenance of the SAZ ensure that only one SAZ is formed. Robust feedback loops confer developmental robustness toward external disturbances.
Topics: Animals; RNA Interference; Tribolium; Body Patterning; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Feedback, Physiological; Animals, Genetically Modified; Biological Clocks
PubMed: 38865277
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2318229121 -
ZooKeys 2024The lycid genus Fairmaire, 1899 is reviewed. Six new species are described from China, including , , , , , and Nine previously known species, including (Pic,...
The lycid genus Fairmaire, 1899 is reviewed. Six new species are described from China, including , , , , , and Nine previously known species, including (Pic, 1927), (Bocak, 1999), (Bocak, 1999), (Bourgeois, 1885), (Bocak, 1999), Fairmaire, 1899, (Pic, 1939), (Kiesenwetter, 1874), and Li, Bocak & Pang, 2015 are illustrated with images of the habitus and aedeagi to make the comparisons with the new species. In addition, a distribution map and an identification key to all 24 species of are provided.
PubMed: 38855787
DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1203.120166 -
PloS One 2024In the polyphagous insect Monolepta signata (M. signata) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), antennae are important for olfactory reception used during feeding, mating, and...
In the polyphagous insect Monolepta signata (M. signata) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), antennae are important for olfactory reception used during feeding, mating, and finding a suitable oviposition site. Based on NextSeq 6000 Illumina sequencing, we assembled the antennal transcriptome of mated M. signata and described the first chemosensory gene repertoire expressed in this species. The relative expression levels of some significant chemosensory genes were conducted by quantitative real-time PCR. We identified 114 olfactory-related genes based on the antennal transcriptome database of M. signata, including 21 odorant binding proteins (OBPs), six chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 46 odorant receptors (ORs), 15 ionotropic receptors (IRs), 23 gustatory receptors (GRs) and three sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs). Blastp best hit and phylogenetic analyses showed that most of the chemosensory genes had a close relationship with orthologs from other Coleoptera species. Overall, this study provides a foundation for elucidating the molecular mechanism of olfactory recognition in M. signata as well as a reference for the study of chemosensory genes in other species of Coleoptera.
Topics: Animals; Coleoptera; Arthropod Antennae; Transcriptome; Receptors, Odorant; Phylogeny; Insect Proteins; Female; Gene Expression Profiling
PubMed: 38848419
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301177 -
ZooKeys 2024is a strictly Afrotropical genus of bark beetles breeding under bark of rainforest trees and lianas. A taxonomic revision of the genus included a molecular phylogenetic...
is a strictly Afrotropical genus of bark beetles breeding under bark of rainforest trees and lianas. A taxonomic revision of the genus included a molecular phylogenetic analysis of ten species based on three gene fragments and was compared to a morphology-based tree topology for all 24 currently recognised species. Four species are described as new to science: , , , , , , all from Madagascar, and , from Cameroon. Hagedorn, 1910, . is resurrected from synonymy with Hagedorn, 1910, and Browne, 1965 from its synonymy with Eggers, 1922 (as Schedl, 1941). The following species have new synonymies suggested: Schedl, 1941 (= Schedl, 1941, ), Eggers, 1922 (= Schedl, 1941, , = Schedl, 1941, ), Eggers, 1922 (= Eggers, 1935, , = Eggers, 1940, ), Hagedorn, 1910 (= Schedl, 1939, ), and Eggers, 1920 (= Eggers, 1920, ). New country records are noted for (Tanzania), (Uganda), (Liberia), Hagedorn, 1910 (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Schedl, 1941 (Ghana), (Cameroon), and (Madagascar), with patterns in distribution and colonisation of Madagascar discussed. An identification key with pictures of all species is provided.
PubMed: 38846746
DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1203.123757 -
ZooKeys 2024The predatory firefly is common throughout the Atlantic Forest and has been proposed as a biomonitor due to the species' narrow niche and elevational range. However,...
The predatory firefly is common throughout the Atlantic Forest and has been proposed as a biomonitor due to the species' narrow niche and elevational range. However, the species is only known from adults, and a more effective monitoring of its populations hinges on the lack of knowledge on their immature stages. Recent sampling in ferruginous caves and inserted in other lithologies, on sites in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado, have led to the capture of firefly larvae later reared to adults in the lab. Firefly larvae have been reported in South American caves before; however, they have only been identified to family due to the adult-biased taxonomy of Lampyridae. Here, we provide an updated diagnosis of , describe its immature stages for the first time, and update the distribution of the species. The larvae of were observed to interact with guano of several bat species, including that of vampire bats. These observations are consistent with the less specialized feeding preferences of photurine larvae, unlike most other firefly taxa, which specialize in gastropods and earthworms. It is yet unclear whether are cave specialists. However, since its occurrence outside caves remains unknown, protecting cave environments must be considered in conservation strategies for this important biomonitor species.
PubMed: 38846745
DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1203.120341 -
Wellcome Open Research 2023We present a genome assembly from an individual female (a weevil; Arthropoda; Insecta; Coleoptera; Curculionidae). The genome sequence is 713.4 megabases in span. Most...
We present a genome assembly from an individual female (a weevil; Arthropoda; Insecta; Coleoptera; Curculionidae). The genome sequence is 713.4 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 11 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 18.22 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 23,058 protein coding genes.
PubMed: 38846515
DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.20414.1 -
PloS One 2024Exploration of edible insects as sustainable alternative nutrient-dense sources such as nutraceuticals have attracted more and more global attention recently. However,...
Exploration of edible insects as sustainable alternative nutrient-dense sources such as nutraceuticals have attracted more and more global attention recently. However, research on wood borer beetles have largely been overlooked. This study assessed the entomo-chemical properties of Titoceres jaspideus (Cerambycidae) and Passalus punctiger (Passalidae), which are widely consumed in many African countries, including Kenya. The crude protein content of the beetle larvae ranged between 27.5-39.8 mg BSA/g. In comparison with those of cereals, amino acids such as lysine (7.9-9.9 mg/g), methionine (0.48-0.64 mg/g) and threonine (2.31-2.55 mg/g) were considerably high in the larvae. Methyl-5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoate and methyl-9Z-octadecenoate were the predominant polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, respectively. High total phenols (>4.4 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (>3.6 mg QE/g) and anti-oxidative activities (>67%) were recorded for both larvae. This implies that increasing the consumption of wood-borer beetle larvae would positively impact the state of the natural environment and reduce the problem of malnutrition in the society. Thus, applying these strategies to develop insect food in a more familiar form can help to make insect-enriched foods more appealing to consumers, facilitating their widespread adoption as a sustainable and nutritious food source.
Topics: Animals; Larva; Kenya; Coleoptera; Nutritive Value; Phenols; Edible Insects; Antioxidants; Flavonoids; Amino Acids
PubMed: 38843212
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304944