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Journal of Insect Science (Online) May 2024Border crops can increase beneficial insect biodiversity within agricultural fields by supplementing insects with food and nesting resources. However, the effectiveness...
Border crops can increase beneficial insect biodiversity within agricultural fields by supplementing insects with food and nesting resources. However, the effectiveness of border crops relies on insect movement between adjacent habitats and some insects might consider habitat boundaries as barriers. Therefore, understanding insect movement between habitats is needed to determine the effectiveness of border crops for ecosystem services such as pest control within agricultural habitats. Our objective was to compare ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) movement across soybean plots that were bordered by corn and grassland habitat to determine whether habitat boundaries were considered barriers of movement to predatory beetles. Using a grid of pitfall traps within these habitats, we conducted a mark, release, and recapture experiment to track and evaluate ground beetle movement patterns. We found that ground beetles stayed in the habitat of their release and that movement between habitats, despite the type of bordering habitat or type of edge, was uncommon. We also found that long-distance movement was rare as most beetles moved less than 5 m (regardless of release or recaptured habitat) and movement was perpendicular to habitat edges. These results suggest that any edge habitat, including agricultural-agricultural boundaries and natural-agricultural boundaries, are likely barriers to ground beetle movement. Therefore, in order for border crops to be effective in pest management by ground beetles, making habitat edges more permeable, especially using techniques such as edge softening, could promote cross-habitat movement and ultimately contribute to natural pest control in agricultural systems.
Topics: Animals; Coleoptera; Ecosystem; Crops, Agricultural; Glycine max; Animal Distribution; Agriculture; Zea mays
PubMed: 38884599
DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieae062 -
ZooKeys 2024The first phylogenetic inference of Calopterini and Eurrhacini focused on and related taxa was carried out. A data matrix composed of 46 species and 51 morphological...
The first phylogenetic inference of Calopterini and Eurrhacini focused on and related taxa was carried out. A data matrix composed of 46 species and 51 morphological characters was assembled and analyzed using parsimony and model-based approaches. Eurrhacini were recovered monophyletic. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses highly supported the clade including also , , and as its sister clade. Our trees consistently recovered monophyly of the new genus with two new species: (Panama, Baru Volcano) and from the Pacific slopes of Ecuador. A revised key to the genera of Eurrhacini is given and illustrations of distinguishing characters are provided. Phylogenetic relationships of Eurrhacini and character evolution are discussed.
PubMed: 38882563
DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1204.114932 -
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 -
Proceedings. Biological Sciences Jun 2024An often-overlooked aspect of life-history optimization is the allocation of resources to protect the germline and secure safe transmission of genetic information. While...
An often-overlooked aspect of life-history optimization is the allocation of resources to protect the germline and secure safe transmission of genetic information. While failure to do so renders significant fitness consequences in future generations, germline maintenance comes with substantial costs. Thus, germline allocation should trade off with other life-history decisions and be optimized in accordance with an organism's reproductive schedule. Here, we tested this hypothesis by studying germline maintenance in lines of seed beetle, selected for early (E) or late (L) reproduction for 350 and 240 generations, respectively. Female animals provide maintenance and screening of male gametes in their reproductive tract and oocytes. Here, we reveal the ability of young and aged E- and L-females to provide this form of germline maintenance by mating them to males with ejaculates with artificially elevated levels of protein and DNA damage. We find that germline maintenance in E-females peaks at young age and then declines, while the opposite is true for L-females, in accordance with the age of reproduction in the respective regime. These findings identify the central role of allocation to secure germline integrity in life-history evolution and highlight how females can play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of male germline decisions on mutation rate and offspring quality.
Topics: Animals; Female; Longevity; Germ Cells; Male; Biological Evolution; Reproduction; Coleoptera
PubMed: 38864321
DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.0532 -
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 -
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 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Aug 2024Progress in the development of biodegradable or biobased ionic liquids (ILs) has led to the design of green compounds for several applications. Herein, four...
Progress in the development of biodegradable or biobased ionic liquids (ILs) has led to the design of green compounds for several applications. Herein, four biocompatible dicationic ionic liquids (DILs) with ammonium-phosphonium cations and amino acid anions were synthesized and investigated their environmental impact. The structures of the DILs were confirmed by spectral analyses (H, C and P NMR). Furthermore, physicochemical properties such as density, viscosity and refractive index were determined. Water content, bromide content and solubility were thereafter determined as the parameters needed for further studies. Subsequently, their antifeedant activity towards economically important pests of grain in storage warehouses: the granary weevil, the confused flour beetle, and the khapra beetle was examined, showing the dependence on structure. Moreover, selected DILs were investigated for toxicity towards white mustard, Daphnia magna, and Artemia franciscana to specify the environmental impact. These studies were complemented by understand the biodegradation of DILs by bacterial communities derived from soil at the agricultural land. The result was DILs with limited environmental footprints that have great potential for further application studies.
Topics: Ionic Liquids; Animals; Amino Acids; Daphnia; Artemia; Ammonium Compounds; Organophosphorus Compounds; Cations; Anions; Environment; Biodegradation, Environmental; Coleoptera
PubMed: 38850954
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134793