Insects

16 pages, 3302 KB

Open AccessArticle

Parental Broflanilide Exposure Impairs Offspring Fitness and Alters Detoxification Enzymes and Gut Microbiota in Helicoverpa armigera

by Xue Gao, Qihui Li, Fangfang Yan, Chenyu Su, Xiufang Wang, Pengjun Xu, Guangwei Ren and Min Mao

Insects 2026, 17(8), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17080878 - 21 Aug 2026

Abstract

The cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner, 1808) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a globally distributed polyphagous pest that damages various crops. Pesticides remain a primary and effective strategy for controlling cotton bollworm populations. This study evaluated the effects of broflanilide on H. armigera by integrating [...] Read more.

The cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner, 1808) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a globally distributed polyphagous pest that damages various crops. Pesticides remain a primary and effective strategy for controlling cotton bollworm populations. This study evaluated the effects of broflanilide on H. armigera by integrating life-table analysis, detoxification enzyme activity assays, and gut microbiome characterization. Broflanilide showed high toxicity against third-instar larvae. Parental LC₅₀ exposure prolonged larval development and reduced larval survival in the F₁ generation. In addition, parental exposure to both LC₃₀ and LC₅₀ reduced adult emergence, fecundity and major population growth parameters, especially the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and net reproductive rate (R₀), demonstrating a significant transgenerational inhibitory effect. Enzyme assays showed that carboxylesterase (CarE) activity was induced after broflanilide exposure, glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity showed a time-dependent response with the strongest induction generally observed under LC₁₀ treatment, whereas cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (P450) activity was generally inhibited. Gut microbiota analysis showed that LC₅₀ exposure significantly reduced the relative abundance of Enterococcus. Functional prediction further indicated enrichment trends in pathways related to xenobiotic degradation and metabolism. Overall, broflanilide not only exhibited strong lethal activity against H. armigera, but also produced sustained effects on population fitness, detoxification metabolism and gut microbial ecology. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the rational use of broflanilide and improve our understanding of its sublethal physiological and microbial effects on H. armigera. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)

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17 pages, 935 KB

Open AccessArticle

Allelic Survey and Population Genomics in a Hotspot of Diflubenzuron Resistance in the Mosquito Culex pipiens

by Flavio Piras, Valentina Lucchesi, Arianna Puggioli, Romeo Bellini, Daniele Porretta and Valentina Mastrantonio

Insects 2026, 17(8), 877; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17080877 - 21 Aug 2026

Abstract

The long-term efficacy of vector control programs is seriously hampered by the evolution of insecticide resistance. In this scenario, assessing the distribution, frequency, and drivers of resistance spread is crucial to planning effective control programs. Here, we addressed these issues in the mosquito [...] Read more.

The long-term efficacy of vector control programs is seriously hampered by the evolution of insecticide resistance. In this scenario, assessing the distribution, frequency, and drivers of resistance spread is crucial to planning effective control programs. Here, we addressed these issues in the mosquito Culex pipiens, focusing on the Emilia-Romagna region (Italy), a known hotspot of diflubenzuron (DFB) resistance. First, Cx. pipiens larvae were screened for point mutations conferring DFB resistance to capture the distribution and frequency of resistance-associated alleles across the region. To this end, a fragment of the chitin synthase 1 gene spanning the mutated site was sequenced. Then, by using population genomics, we investigated the vector population structure in this area. Our findings revealed that resistance-associated alleles maintain a focal geographic distribution in the region, with higher mutation frequencies in the central-eastern than in the western provinces. Also, we observed that the populations of Cx. pipiens are a highly homogeneous gene pool and can be interconnected across the region, highlighting the risk of resistance alleles spread across Emilia-Romagna. Overall, this study stresses the importance of systematically surveying resistance-associated alleles and their integration with population genomic data to gain relevant information for resistance management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Insecticide Resistance in Disease Vectors: Mechanisms, Surveillance, and Control Perspectives)

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14 pages, 1999 KB

Open AccessArticle

Global DNA Barcoding of Sigara (Hemiptera: Corixidae) Reveals Cryptic Species Formation and Climatic-Niche Divergence

by Zonglei Liang, Kexin Ren, Bingjiao Sun and Tongyin Xie

Insects 2026, 17(8), 876; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17080876 - 21 Aug 2026

Abstract

The genus Sigara Fabricius, 1775 (Hemiptera: Corixidae) is an important freshwater bioindicator, but its conservative morphology complicates traditional species identification. This study combines DNA barcoding, traditional taxonomy, and climatic factors within an integrative framework to provide new insights into species delimitation. We analyzed [...] Read more.

The genus Sigara Fabricius, 1775 (Hemiptera: Corixidae) is an important freshwater bioindicator, but its conservative morphology complicates traditional species identification. This study combines DNA barcoding, traditional taxonomy, and climatic factors within an integrative framework to provide new insights into species delimitation. We analyzed cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences from 501 Sigara specimens collected from 15 countries, including 95 newly generated COI barcodes. Our integrated approach included phylogenetic analyses, genetic distance assessments, and ecological niche modeling. The results revealed remarkable diversity, with sequences clustering into 46 Barcode Index Numbers (BINs). COI genetic distances showed a pronounced bimodal pattern, with most intraspecific divergences below 1% and interspecific divergences mainly ranging from 8–16%, while the few intermediate divergences (4–8%) suggested potential cryptic diversity or recent species divergence. Most morphologically defined species corresponded to distinct molecular lineages, supporting traditional taxonomy, whereas some morphospecies exhibited genetic discordance potentially associated with species divergence. Integrative analyses revealed that climatic factors, particularly isothermality and seasonal temperature and precipitation, are major drivers of Sigara MOTU distributions, highlighting the important role of climate in shaping their geographic patterns. These findings indicate that although COI barcodes are not sufficient to define the species boundaries of Sigara alone, they provide a key entry point for the accurate division of species, which in turn promotes the development of molecular tools for freshwater ecological monitoring and conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Insects: Ecology, Diversity and Conservation)

18 pages, 1280 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrating Host Phylogeny and Bacterial Detection Patterns Reveals Contrasting Associations of Buchnera aphidicola and Other Aphid-Associated Bacteria

by Işıl Özdemir, Naciye Sena Çağatay and Nurper Guz

Insects 2026, 17(8), 875; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17080875 - 21 Aug 2026

Abstract

Aphids are important agricultural pests that interact with diverse bacterial taxa living within or associated with their bodies. Some bacteria, such as the obligate symbiont Buchnera aphidicola, provide essential nutritional functions and are predominantly inherited vertically, whereas other aphid-associated bacteria may have [...] Read more.

Aphids are important agricultural pests that interact with diverse bacterial taxa living within or associated with their bodies. Some bacteria, such as the obligate symbiont Buchnera aphidicola, provide essential nutritional functions and are predominantly inherited vertically, whereas other aphid-associated bacteria may have more variable distributions and ecological roles. In this study, we investigated patterns of association between aphid evolutionary relationships and selected bacterial taxa. Aphids were identified using morphological characteristics and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences, and host phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed using mitochondrial DNA data. We then compared the host phylogeny with that of the obligate symbiont Buchnera aphidicola based on 16S rRNA sequences and screened aphid specimens for selected aphid-associated bacteria (Wolbachia, Pantoea, and Arsenophonus) using diagnostic PCR assays. The host and Buchnera phylogenies showed significant global congruence, consistent with a strong long-term host-associated evolutionary relationship and predominantly vertical inheritance of Buchnera. In contrast, the selected aphid-associated bacteria showed heterogeneous detection patterns across the sampled aphid taxa. Pantoea was detected relatively frequently and across a broad range of sampled hosts, whereas Wolbachia and Arsenophonus showed more variable and restricted detection patterns. Given the small and uneven sample sizes among aphid species, these findings are interpreted as descriptive screening patterns rather than species-level prevalence estimates. Overall, the results highlight contrasting patterns of host-associated evolution between Buchnera and other aphid-associated bacteria and provide a basis for further investigation of the ecological and evolutionary processes underlying these associations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Behavior and Pathology)

25 pages, 3738 KB

Open AccessArticle

ESD-YOLO: A Method for Small-Target Termite Detection Under Complex Backgrounds

by Weiling Lu, Yuting Meng, Shan Wu and Hangjun Wang

Insects 2026, 17(8), 874; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17080874 - 21 Aug 2026

Abstract

Timely and accurate termite detection is essential for effective termite control. To address the challenges posed by the small size of termite individuals and the susceptibility of target features to background texture interference under complex backgrounds, this study proposes ESD-YOLO, a fine-grained feature-enhanced [...] Read more.

Timely and accurate termite detection is essential for effective termite control. To address the challenges posed by the small size of termite individuals and the susceptibility of target features to background texture interference under complex backgrounds, this study proposes ESD-YOLO, a fine-grained feature-enhanced object detection model. Using YOLO11n as the baseline, ESD-YOLO redesigns the feature extraction, deep feature aggregation, and multi-scale feature fusion stages to improve the representation of small-scale termite targets under complex backgrounds. Specifically, the Efficient Multi-scale Attention (EMA) mechanism is incorporated into the C3k2 module to enhance feature discriminability between termite individuals and the background. A Spatial Pyramid Pooling-Fast with Dual Global Pooling (SPPF-DGP) module is employed to supplement deep features with global contextual information and salient response information. In addition, the DySample dynamic upsampling module is introduced to improve spatial alignment during multi-scale feature fusion and enhance boundary representation for small targets. Experimental results show that ESD-YOLO achieves Precision, Recall, mAP@0.5, and mAP@0.5:0.95 values of 95.39%, 96.33%, 97.85%, and 65.92%, respectively, with 2.67 M parameters and 6.68 G FLOPs. Compared with Faster R-CNN, RetinaNet, RT-DETR, and several YOLO-series models, ESD-YOLO demonstrates strong small-target detection and localization performance under the controlled complex-background conditions established in this study, providing a methodological reference for automated termite detection in practical settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI and Cloud Computing for Insect Ecology and Management)

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14 pages, 11871 KB

Open AccessArticle

Intraguild Predation Among Three Thrips Species and the Two-Spotted Spider Mite Tetranychus urticae on Vegetables

by Bo Peng, Jin-Cui Chen, Ming Xue, Bing Li, Alima Azhati, Ya-Jun Gong, Yan-Li Du and Shu-Jun Wei

Insects 2026, 17(8), 873; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17080873 - 21 Aug 2026

Abstract

Several phytophagous thrips can act as facultative predators within arthropod food webs, and this trophic flexibility may shape pest population dynamics when thrips co-occur with spider mites or conspecific competitors on shared host plants. Here we examined intraguild predation among three economically important [...] Read more.

Several phytophagous thrips can act as facultative predators within arthropod food webs, and this trophic flexibility may shape pest population dynamics when thrips co-occur with spider mites or conspecific competitors on shared host plants. Here we examined intraguild predation among three economically important thrips species, Frankliniella occidentalis, Thrips palmi, and Megalurothrips usitatus, and the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae, which frequently cooccur on vegetable crops. Predation assays showed that all three thrips species consumed T. urticae, but predation varied markedly with predator species, predator stage, and prey stage. Mite eggs were the most vulnerable prey stage with F. occidentalis showing high egg predation across developmental stages, while T. palmi and M. usitatus showed lower and more variable predation. Predation on active mite stages was generally weaker. Intraguild interactions among the three thrips species were limited in active-stage assays, but larval M. usitatus significantly reduced the survival of F. occidentalis eggs. Removing host plant material increased predation on T. urticae eggs, especially for F. occidentalis and T. palmi. In 20-day mixed-rearing assays, co-rearing with thrips significantly reduced active T. urticae abundance, whereas pairwise thrips co-rearing produced no clear suppression of thrips population abundance. Species-specific qPCR confirmed prey DNA in a subset of predators after feeding assays, supporting the direct trophic interactions detected in the behavioral experiments. These findings highlight the need to treat thrips not only as herbivores but also as context-dependent omnivores when evaluating pest interactions and integrated pest management strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thysanoptera as Invasive Alien Species)

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14 pages, 2385 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Biological Control of Maize Seedling-Stage Pests Through Combined Application of Cnidium monnieri and Endophytes

by Yingying Song, Lili Li, Kelin Cheng, Shuguang Wang, Ritao Qu, Hongying Cui, Wenxiu Guo, Suhong Lv, Ruohan Ma and Xingyuan Men

Insects 2026, 17(8), 872; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17080872 - 21 Aug 2026

Abstract

Agricultural intensification has weakened natural pest regulation by reducing habitat resources for natural enemies and limiting plant-mediated resistance. Here, we conducted field experiments during 2024–2025 to evaluate the combined effects of Cnidium monnieri field-margin planting and maize seeds coated with the endophytic fungal [...] Read more.

Agricultural intensification has weakened natural pest regulation by reducing habitat resources for natural enemies and limiting plant-mediated resistance. Here, we conducted field experiments during 2024–2025 to evaluate the combined effects of Cnidium monnieri field-margin planting and maize seeds coated with the endophytic fungal strains YC (Beauveria bassiana) and PL (Purpureocillium lilacinum) on predator conservation, pest suppression, and biological control in maize agroecosystems. Compared with natural grass margins, C. monnieri significantly increased predator abundance, species richness, and Shannon diversity, particularly of ladybirds, minute pirate bugs, and spiders (p < 0.05). Gut-content analysis detected C. monnieri DNA in ladybirds collected 10–40 m from field margins, confirming predator resource use and spillover into maize fields. Importantly, endophytic fungus-coated seeds did not reduce predator abundance or diversity. Moreover, combining C. monnieri with endophytic fungi enhanced pest suppression and achieved control efficacy comparable to imidacloprid (p > 0.05). These findings demonstrate that integrating functional plants with endophytic fungi simultaneously strengthens top-down biological control and endophyte-associated bottom-up pest suppression, providing an effective and environmentally sustainable strategy for pest management in maize. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Migration, Adaptation and Ecological Regulation of Agricultural Pests)

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16 pages, 1375 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Protein Supplementation on the Gut Microbiome of Omnivorous and Herbivorous Goliath Beetles

by Pei-Rui Wu and Matan Shelomi

Insects 2026, 17(8), 871; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17080871 - 21 Aug 2026

Abstract

Scarab beetles depend on gut microbes for digestive enzymes. Some species’ microbiomes show taxonomic conservation regardless of diet, while others have conserved functional profiles. We compared the hindgut microbiomes of two Cetoniinae beetle larvae: the obligately saproxylophagous Mecynorrhinella poggei and the omnivorous/predatory Goliathus [...] Read more.

Scarab beetles depend on gut microbes for digestive enzymes. Some species’ microbiomes show taxonomic conservation regardless of diet, while others have conserved functional profiles. We compared the hindgut microbiomes of two Cetoniinae beetle larvae: the obligately saproxylophagous Mecynorrhinella poggei and the omnivorous/predatory Goliathus goliatus, which requires protein supplementation when reared artificially. Two diets with and without supplementation were used. If diet drives the microbiome, then gut microbes in protein-supplemented hosts should produce fewer lignocellulolytic enzymes and more proteinases regardless of species. If microbiome composition is conserved within a species, then Mecynorrhinella is expected to have more lignocellulolytic microbes while Goliathus should have more proteinolytic microbes regardless of diet. In this study, low-protein diets reduced G. goliatus growth, but gut microbiome composition and predicted function remained largely stable, dominated by Bacteroidales including Dysgonomonas, Proteiniphilum, and Alistipes. Mecynorrhinella’s gut microbiome showed some reduced Proteiniphilum and increased Dysgonomonas relative abundance, but otherwise the microbiome composition was statistically stable with no effect of diet on growth or predicted microbiome function. These results highlight that microbiomes of closely related insects can markedly differ even if diet does not and that microbiome functional conservation tied to host physiology may occur even if greater plasticity could theoretically reduce malnutrition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dietary Requirements and Nutrient Digestion in Edible Insect)

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20 pages, 687 KB

Open AccessArticle

Varroa and Colony Losses: Practical Advice for Hobbyist Beekeepers

by Philip Stahlmann-Brown, Ken Brown, Richard Hall, Frank Lindsay, Hayley Pragert and Michelle Taylor

Insects 2026, 17(8), 870; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17080870 - 21 Aug 2026

Abstract

Varroa destructor is the leading cause of honey bee colony losses globally and is increasingly implicated in winter colony mortality in New Zealand. This study used data from the New Zealand Colony Loss Survey to evaluate the relationship between specific varroa management practices [...] Read more.

Varroa destructor is the leading cause of honey bee colony losses globally and is increasingly implicated in winter colony mortality in New Zealand. This study used data from the New Zealand Colony Loss Survey to evaluate the relationship between specific varroa management practices and over-winter colony losses among 5203 hobbyist beekeepers surveyed between 2023 and 2025. We find that beekeepers who did not treat for varroa experienced loss rates of 49.4% compared with 30.7% among beekeepers who treated. Conditional on treatment, colony losses declined as the diversity of products used increased and as treatment applications were spread throughout the year. For example, beekeepers using four or more products experienced losses of 21.2%, while those treating in three or more seasons of the year experienced losses of 24.8%. Multiple autumn treatments were also associated with lower loss rates. No statistically significant differences were observed among major treatment types when hobbyist beekeepers used a single treatment type in a single season of the year. While apiary size is negatively associated with loss rates, beekeeper experience is not. The results demonstrate that treating for varroa, product rotation, treatment throughout the year, and intensified autumn control are associated with substantially improved over-winter colony survival among hobbyist beekeepers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Losses, Health and Wellbeing of Honey Bees Across the World)

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23 pages, 30452 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Delivery of Nucleic Acids to Insect Cells by Star Polycation Formulation

by Niayesh Shahmohammadi, Taegeun Song, Falguni Khan, Sima Majidiani and Yonggyun Kim

Insects 2026, 17(8), 869; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17080869 - 20 Aug 2026

Abstract

Gene delivery to target cells is required for bioengineering or medical/agricultural applications. However, the hydrophobicity of the cell membrane always makes it resistant to polar nucleic acids. This physicochemical barrier is usually overcome by a nano-formulation to hide the polarity. This study evaluated [...] Read more.

Gene delivery to target cells is required for bioengineering or medical/agricultural applications. However, the hydrophobicity of the cell membrane always makes it resistant to polar nucleic acids. This physicochemical barrier is usually overcome by a nano-formulation to hide the polarity. This study evaluated a specific formulation called star polycation (SPc) regarding its efficacy in DNA/RNA delivery to insect cells. The delivery efficiency of the SPc formulation was assessed by transient expression of green fluorescence protein (GFP) in Sf9 cells, in which SPc formulation significantly enhanced the gene expression compared with an unformulated vector. In vivo transient expression (IVTE) was performed by injection of the expression construct with the SPc formulation into larvae of S. exigua. Fluorescence was detected in all four tissues, namely, epidermis, midgut, hemocyte, and fat body, where the SPc formulation enhanced the expression in most tissues except epidermis. Under this IVTE condition, an additional injection of SPc-formulated dsRNA specific to GFP suppressed the gene expression significantly more than the unformulated vector. The enhanced RNA interference (RNAi) efficiency caused by the SPc formulation was confirmed against four endogenous genes of S. exigua, namely, Snf7, PSMB5, vATPase, and α-tubulin, by either injection or feeding of dsRNA. These RNAi treatments were lethal to S. exigua, in which dsRNA specific to vATPase formulated with SPc resulted in almost 80% mortality through oral delivery. A similar oral toxicity by SPc-formulated dsRNA was demonstrated in another lepidopteran Plutella xylostella. The oral delivery of dsRNA was applied to control sucking insects such as aphids and thrips by spraying SPc-formulated dsRNA onto plant surfaces. The sprayed dsRNA labeled with Cy3 fluorescence was detected in the internal tissues of plant leaves, in which the penetration of dsRNA into the plant tissues was further accelerated by SPc formulation. The SPc formulation of dsRNA specific to vATPase was effective at killing the sucking insects by spraying on plant surfaces. These results suggest the application of an SPc formulation to deliver DNA/RNA to insect cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue RNAi in Insect Physiology—2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 430 KB

Open AccessArticle

Knowledge, Attitudes, Perceptions and Consumption of Edible Insects at the University of Venda: A Descriptive Synthesis of Three Independent Cross-Sectional Studies

by Netshivhangoni Dzulani Flexy, Ntsako Mashego, Mahlangu Sbusiso, Khavhatondwi Rinah Mofokeng and Rhulani Caswell Chauke

Insects 2026, 17(8), 868; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17080868 - 20 Aug 2026

Abstract

Background: Edible insects constitute a highly nutritious, environmentally sustainable and culturally significant food resource with considerable potential to contribute to food system transformation within academic and broader societal contexts. Although global interest in entomophagy continues to increase, there remains limited research exploring [...] Read more.

Background: Edible insects constitute a highly nutritious, environmentally sustainable and culturally significant food resource with considerable potential to contribute to food system transformation within academic and broader societal contexts. Although global interest in entomophagy continues to increase, there remains limited research exploring the knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and consumption practices of university populations within rural South African settings. Methods: Three concurrent cross-sectional quantitative studies were conducted at the University of Venda (UNIVEN), located in Thohoyandou, Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Study 1 evaluated the knowledge, attitudes and consumption patterns of edible insects among 200 students. Study 2 examined knowledge and utilisation of edible insects among 390 students. Study 3 investigated knowledge and perceptions regarding edible insects among 200 university staff members. Structured questionnaires covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and food frequency practices were administered across all studies. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 28 through descriptive statistics, frequencies and percentages. Analyses were descriptive only; no inferential testing, factor analysis or regression was undertaken, and the three studies are compared as a descriptive synthesis rather than pooled into a single dataset. Results: Findings across all study groups demonstrated high levels of awareness regarding edible insects, with awareness reported by 85% of participants in Study 1 and 100% in Study 2, and 98% of staff members acknowleded the ecological importance of insects. Mopane worms (Gonimbrasia belina), termites and grasshoppers emerged as the most recognised and frequently consumed edible insect species. Consumption prevalence was notably high, reported at 91% in Study 1 and 69.2% in Study 2 and 66.3% among staff in Study 3. General attitudes towards entomophagy were largely favourable, with 41% of students expressing excitement about edible insect consumption and 91.1% of staff supporting the commercialisation of edible insects. Key barriers influencing consumption included religious restrictions (25.1%, reported in Study 2 only; participants with religious dietary prohibitions were excluded at sampling in Studies 1 and 3, limiting cross-study comparability of this barrier), cultural taboos (3%), inadequate market availability and limited awareness regarding nutritional benefits. Staff members further demonstrated positive environmental and sustainability perceptions, with 84.1% recognising edible insects as environmentally beneficial and viable future food sources. Conclusions: Across three independent cross-sectional studies conducted at the University of Venda, broadly similar patterns of awareness, attitudes, perceptions and edible insect consumption were observed. Although the studies differed in sampling and measurement, they consistently suggest that edible insects remain culturally accepted among many students and staff. Nevertheless, challenges relating to nutritional literacy, market accessibility and policy integration continue to limit broader adoption. Strengthening nutrition education initiatives and incorporating edible insects into institutional food systems may enhance the contribution of edible insects towards food security, sustainable protein provision and nutrition sustainability within Limpopo Province and beyond. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Cultural Entomology: Our Love-hate Relationship with Insects)

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26 pages, 6738 KB

Open AccessArticle

Temperature Anomalies and Structural Change in Global and Mediterranean Apiculture Systems

by Okan Özgül, Rahşan İvgin Tunca and Gonca Özmen Özbakır

Insects 2026, 17(8), 867; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17080867 - 20 Aug 2026

Abstract

While climate change is a significant pressure point for pollinators and honeybees, its long-term relationship with managed honeybee colonies and honey production remains unclear and context sensitive. This study, using FAOSTAT data from 1961 to 2024, examined the relationships between land surface temperature [...] Read more.

While climate change is a significant pressure point for pollinators and honeybees, its long-term relationship with managed honeybee colonies and honey production remains unclear and context sensitive. This study, using FAOSTAT data from 1961 to 2024, examined the relationships between land surface temperature anomalies and the number of registered beehives, the constant-price honey production value, and the normalized honey production value per colony, both globally and specifically for 18 Mediterranean countries. To differentiate between long-term structural trends and short-term temperature relationships, correlation, regression, bootstrap confidence interval, temperature series sensitivity analysis, cross-correlation function, and normalized index analyses were used together. The study results show strong long-term co-movement between temperature anomalies and recorded beekeeping indicators at the global and Mediterranean scale in the level series; however, first-differenced (year-to-year) analyses show this association weakens substantially and, for Mediterranean honey production value, reverses sign, indicating that the level-series correlations are driven largely by common long-term trends. The relationship between temperature anomalies and beekeeping indicators shows a context-dependent structure among Mediterranean countries. The findings show that the increase in colony size does not always coincide with the increase in the constant-price honey production value per colony; in some cases, these two indicators can move in different directions. This indicates the need for an analytical decomposition of the dynamics of quantitative growth and economic production value per colony in the beekeeping sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Insects and Apiculture)

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14 pages, 704 KB

Open AccessArticle

Microfungi, Mycotoxins and Heavy Metals in the Mass Rearing of Tenebrio molitor L. Larvae

by René Rehorska, Valentin Kraus, Nicole Bodrik, Florian Lehnhardt, Mathias Hutzler, Martina Gastl, David Renault and Simon Berner

Insects 2026, 17(8), 866; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17080866 - 20 Aug 2026

Abstract

Since Tenebrio molitor L. was approved by the EU as novel food in 2021, food safety is paramount for both chemically and microbiologically safe products. Since T. molitor larvae are reared on substrates mainly based on cereals, mycotoxins and heavy metals may represent [...] Read more.

Since Tenebrio molitor L. was approved by the EU as novel food in 2021, food safety is paramount for both chemically and microbiologically safe products. Since T. molitor larvae are reared on substrates mainly based on cereals, mycotoxins and heavy metals may represent a serious risk. However, analyses of mycotoxins and heavy metals are complex and cost-intensive procedures, which may not be affordable for small-scale farmers on a regular basis. To provide a preliminary risk assessment and to add further insights to existing knowledge, this study used a rapid screening method based on MALDI-TOF to identify potentially mycotoxin-producing microfungi. The colony-forming units (CFU) were determined, and the isolated species identified. In addition, a_w-values of substrates and meal (four samples, nine repeats each) were determined to assess mycotoxin-related risks. Eight mycobionts were identified, including three potential mycotoxin producers: Penicillium citrinum, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus brasiliensis. Very low CFU counts (<3 × 10³ CFU/g) and a_w-values (0.35–0.59) indicate minor risks. LC-MS/MS mycotoxin analysis of nine samples (varying in source and time point) confirmed concentrations below the limit of detection (LoD): 0.50 µg/kg for aflatoxins B1/B2/G1/G2; 50 µg/kg for DON/FuB1/FuB2; 20 µg/kg for HT2/T2; 150 µg/kg for NIV; 1 µg/kg for OTA; and 5 µg/kg for ZEA. Heavy metal analysis (ICP-OES/MS) of three substrates and insect meal showed that all six metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, Sb, As, Cr) were below the LoD (0.2 mg/kg), except for Cr in malt residual pellets (0.4 mg/kg). Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Medical and Livestock Entomology)

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17 pages, 8537 KB

Open AccessArticle

Diversity and Network Structure of Culicidae Associated with Two Bromeliad Species from Northwestern Argentina

by María Julia Dantur-Juri, Jonathan Liria-Salazar, Gabriela Cecilia Flores, Luciana Contreras, Gabriela María Silenzi-Usandivaras, Paul Leonardo Duque, Raúl Ernesto Campos and Ximena Pérez-Otáñez

Insects 2026, 17(8), 865; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17080865 - 20 Aug 2026

Abstract

Phytotelmata are natural water-holding microhabitats that support diverse aquatic communities, including immature mosquitoes. We analyzed the diversity, composition, and interaction network structure of Culicidae associated with two bromeliad species, Aechmea distichantha and Vriesea friburgensis, in two localities of the Yungas ecoregion in [...] Read more.

Phytotelmata are natural water-holding microhabitats that support diverse aquatic communities, including immature mosquitoes. We analyzed the diversity, composition, and interaction network structure of Culicidae associated with two bromeliad species, Aechmea distichantha and Vriesea friburgensis, in two localities of the Yungas ecoregion in northwestern Argentina: La Florida Provincial Reserve (LFPR) (Tucumán) and Isla de Cañas (Salta). Immature mosquitoes were sampled during 2017–2018, and community structure was evaluated using Hill numbers, nonparametric richness estimators, bipartite network analysis, and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). A total of 12 mosquito species were identified, with richness ranging from 5 to 9 species depending on bromeliad species and locality, with the highest richness recorded in V. friburgensis in LFPR. Sampling completeness ranged from 96.8% to 100%. Bipartite network analysis showed moderate connectance (0.50), low modularity (Q = 0.188), intermediate nestedness (NODF = 46.94), and low global specialization (H2′ = 0.273), suggesting a relatively generalized interaction structure. Culex coronator and Cx. imitator dominated the assemblage, while other species exhibited more restricted associations. The CCA indicated that species composition was mainly associated with bromeliad height above ground, internal water temperature, sediment, and pH. These results highlight the importance of microhabitat heterogeneity in structuring mosquito assemblages in Neotropical phytotelmata. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Ecology, Diversity and Conservation)

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14 pages, 2363 KB

Open AccessArticle

Pilot Study of Grape Pomace Extract Impact on Nosema ceranae-Infected Honey Bees

by Uroš Glavinić, Stefan Jelisić, Marko Ristanić, Đura Nakarada, Branislav Vejnović, Milivoje Ćosić and Zoran Stanimirović

Insects 2026, 17(8), 864; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17080864 - 19 Aug 2026

Abstract

Nosema ceranae infection represents one of the major health threats to honey bees (Apis mellifera), contributing to colony weakening, oxidative stress, immune suppression, and increased mortality. Due to restrictions on the use of fumagillin and the growing demand for natural alternatives, [...] Read more.

Nosema ceranae infection represents one of the major health threats to honey bees (Apis mellifera), contributing to colony weakening, oxidative stress, immune suppression, and increased mortality. Due to restrictions on the use of fumagillin and the growing demand for natural alternatives, this pilot study evaluated the potential of grape pomace (GP) extract (at a concentration of 200 μg/g) as a dietary supplement for improving honey bee health and controlling Nosema ceranae infection. Newly emerged worker bees were experimentally infected with N. ceranae and maintained under laboratory cage conditions for 15 days. Bees were supplemented with GP extract either preventively, simultaneously with infection, or after infection. Survival, spore loads, and expression of immune-, antioxidant-, and detoxification-related genes were evaluated. Results showed that N. ceranae infection significantly reduced bee survival and induced strong oxidative and immune stress responses. Supplementation with GP extract significantly improved survival and reduced spore loads in infected bees, particularly when administered preventively or at the onset of infection. The extract also modulated the expression of antioxidant-related genes, including CAT, Cu/ZnSOD, GST, and MnSOD, indicating attenuation of infection-associated oxidative stress. In non-infected bees, GP supplementation stimulated the expression of immune-related genes, especially defensin and hymenoptaecin, while such immunostimulatory effects were not fully maintained in infected groups. The findings suggest that grape pomace extract acts primarily through antioxidant and gut health-associated mechanisms rather than direct immune protection during infection. Overall, grape pomace extract demonstrated promising potential as a natural dietary supplement for improving honey bee resilience and reducing the impact of Nosema ceranae infection. Further studies with more concentrations and temporal dynamics need to be evaluated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Social Insects and Apiculture)

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25 pages, 2112 KB

Open AccessArticle

Envenomization with Snake Versus Scorpion Venom: Postmortem Repercussions on the Successional Dynamics of Carcass-Attracted Flies in a Forensic Context

by Afnan Saleh Al-Qurashi, Mohammed Saleh Al-Khalifa, Hathal Mohammed Al Dhafer, Mahmoud Saleh Abdel-Dayem, Hossam Ebaid and Ashraf Mohamed Ahmed

Insects 2026, 17(8), 863; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17080863 - 19 Aug 2026

Abstract

Background: Animal venoms may alter postmortem carcass conditions and thereby influence carrion-associated insects. However, it remains unclear whether lethal envenomization affects adult Diptera as a broad assemblage-level response or as taxon-specific changes during decomposition. Methods: Fifteen rabbits were assigned to control, snake-envenomized, or [...] Read more.

Background: Animal venoms may alter postmortem carcass conditions and thereby influence carrion-associated insects. However, it remains unclear whether lethal envenomization affects adult Diptera as a broad assemblage-level response or as taxon-specific changes during decomposition. Methods: Fifteen rabbits were assigned to control, snake-envenomized, or scorpion-envenomized treatments (with five carcasses each). Carcasses were exposed under semi-natural conditions, until complete dryness, over 11 days postmortem. Adult flies were collected daily for analyzing abundance at total, family, and selected species levels, using negative GLMM, with carcass identity as a random effect and postmortem day as a nonlinear predictor. Results: A total of 5497 adult flies representing 13 species in seven families was recorded. Total fly abundance was similar among treatments and was mainly structured by postmortem day. In contrast, treatment-related temporal patterns were detected at finer taxonomic levels, especially at the family level for Muscidae, Ephydridae, and Sarcophagidae; and at the species level for the sarcophagid Sarcophaga argyrostoma and the ephydrid Actocetor indicus only. Conclusions: both snake and scorpion envenomization did not produce a broad shift in total adult-fly abundance, but in selected Dipteran taxa showing treatment-related responses during particular postmortem periods. These findings should be interpreted cautiously as exploratory observations rather than evidence of a robust venom effect on adult fly communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Role of Insects in Human Society)

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13 pages, 1240 KB

Open AccessArticle

CLCuMuV-Induced Autophagy Restricts Viral Accumulation in the MED Cryptic Species of Bemisia tabaci

by Yanbo Jia, Qingxing Shi, Jie Chen, Guojun Qi and Ting Chen

Insects 2026, 17(8), 862; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17080862 - 19 Aug 2026

Abstract

Autophagy is a conserved cellular degradation pathway that plays important roles in insect–virus interactions. In the MED cryptic species of Bemisia tabaci, cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMuV) can persist upon acquisition, yet this vector fails to transmit the virus. However, whether [...] Read more.

Autophagy is a conserved cellular degradation pathway that plays important roles in insect–virus interactions. In the MED cryptic species of Bemisia tabaci, cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMuV) can persist upon acquisition, yet this vector fails to transmit the virus. However, whether autophagy contributes to this antiviral response in MED whiteflies remains unknown. In this study, we show that CLCuMuV acquisition activates autophagy in MED whiteflies, as evidenced by increased LC3-I to LC3-II conversion, enhanced LC3-positive puncta formation in the gut, and dynamic transcriptional regulation of multiple autophagy-related genes. Functional investigations using RNAi-mediated silencing of Atg3 and Atg9, two essential autophagy genes, revealed that their knockdown elevated viral DNA accumulation by 1.4-fold at 48 h post-acquisition. Consistently, pharmacological blockade of autophagic flux with bafilomycin A1 led to a 1.0-, 2.2-, and 1.0-fold increase in viral loads across 24, 48, and 72 h post-acquisition, respectively, whereas treatment with rapamycin, an autophagy inducer, decreased viral DNA accumulation by 46.4% and 33.3% relative to control levels at 24 and 48 h post-acquisition, respectively. Together, these loss- and gain-of-function experiments demonstrate that autophagy functions as a host restriction mechanism that limits CLCuMuV persistence in MED whiteflies, providing molecular insights into the immune competence of this non-vector species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Molecular Mechanism of Insect–Virus Interaction)

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17 pages, 12827 KB

Open AccessArticle

Functional Characterization of Trypsin Genes in Spodoptera litura and Their RNA Silencing in Combination with Insecticides

by Li Xu, Ke Wang, Yin Huang, Yunsheng Wei, Hao Yu, Runqiang Liu and Dongzhi Li

Insects 2026, 17(8), 861; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17080861 - 18 Aug 2026

Abstract

Trypsin is one of the major digestive proteinases secreted by the insect midgut. It plays important roles in digestion, molting, diapause, zymogen activation, innate immunity, reproduction and insecticide resistance. However, the functions of trypsin and its potential as a target for the control [...] Read more.

Trypsin is one of the major digestive proteinases secreted by the insect midgut. It plays important roles in digestion, molting, diapause, zymogen activation, innate immunity, reproduction and insecticide resistance. However, the functions of trypsin and its potential as a target for the control of Spodoptera litura, a polyphagous agricultural pest, remain poorly understood. In this study, seven trypsin genes related to S. litura development were characterized. Temporal-spatial expression results showed that the seven trypsin genes were predominantly expressed during the larval stage and mainly localized in the gut. Their expression was positively correlated with juvenile hormone titer. Oral RNAi using star polycation (SPc) as a nanocarrier showed that silencing Sltrypsin1, Sltrypsin5, and Sltrypsin7 significantly reduced larval weight and food conversion efficiency and prolonged larval development. In a field-simulating trial, when dsSltrypsin1/SPc or dsSltrypsin7/SPc was sprayed on soybean or maize leaves, it significantly delayed S. litura larval development, decreasing their pupation and eclosion rates by 37.1–42.3% and 12.7–30.4%, respectively. The overall control efficacy ranged from 48.1% to 57.4%, suggesting that Sltrypsin1 and Sltrypsin7 play important roles in the digestion of soybean and maize. Feeding on artificial diets containing dsSltrypsin1/SPc or dsSltrypsin7/SPc significantly reduced LC₅₀ values of lufenuron, spinosad, RH-5849, and chlorantraniliprole, with synergism ratios exceeding 1.5-fold. These results suggested that Sltrypsin1 and Sltrypsin7 play important roles in food digestion in S. litura feeding on soybean and maize. They could be co-applied with insecticides to increase control efficiency, reduce the application amount and mitigate resistance to conventional insecticides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)

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19 pages, 9338 KB

Open AccessArticle

Emergency Control Strategies for Hylurgops longipillus R. (Coleoptera, Scolytinae) Outbreaks: From Chemical Communication to Integrated Management

by Huanwen Chen, Dan Xie, Li Liu, Lihong Jiang, Xiaowei Chen, Kai Ding, Xinhe Yu, Jia Yu and Defu Chi

Insects 2026, 17(8), 860; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects17080860 - 18 Aug 2026

Abstract

Under climate warming, bark beetle outbreaks increasingly threaten forest health. Hylurgops longipillus, a native bark beetle in Northeast China, causes patchy mortality in Pinus koraiensis plantations. We developed an integrated emergency control system based on host selection chemical ecology. Damage characterization revealed [...] Read more.

Under climate warming, bark beetle outbreaks increasingly threaten forest health. Hylurgops longipillus, a native bark beetle in Northeast China, causes patchy mortality in Pinus koraiensis plantations. We developed an integrated emergency control system based on host selection chemical ecology. Damage characterization revealed that adults concentrated on trees with 10–50% crown needle yellowing, and infestations expanded as discrete patches radiating from multiple epicenters. Electrophysiological and behavioral assays of host volatiles and some of their isomers yielded a highly effective attractant (69.4 adults per five-trap set over 5 d, 1.8× control) and a repellent reducing ethanol-baited trap catches by 83.3%. Emergency control techniques consisted of integrated management combining removal and safe disposal of infested trees, chemical stump sealing, push–pull trapping, and tree vigor enhancement. Three-year monitoring showed ~94% decline in trap catches, no subsequent outbreaks, and stable control. This attractant-centered, chemical ecology-based system can rapidly suppress H. longipillus outbreaks and achieve long-term management, providing a scientific basis and operational framework for similar localized bark beetle emergencies under climate warming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Pest and Vector Management)

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