Arthropod Reproductive Biology

A special issue of Insects (ISSN 2075-4450). This special issue belongs to the section "Insect Physiology, Reproduction and Development".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 January 2025 | Viewed by 5135

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
2. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología (CIBICI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Córdoba 5000, Argentina
Interests: Chagas' disease; vectors; insect physiology; insect reproduction; defense mechanisms; endocrine system; lipid and protein metabolism

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Guest Editor
Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
Interests: insect physiology; insect reproduction; endocrine signaling; nutrient regulation; insulin signaling; Rhodnius prolixus

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Guest Editor
1. Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemical Sciences, National University of Córdoba, Cordoba, Argentina
2. Research Center in Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology (CIBICI), National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Cordoba, Argentina
Interests: reproduction; oogenesis; immunity; toxic proteins; ureases; Chagas disease vectors; Rhodnius prolixus; Jack Bean Urease; physiology; biochemistry

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,             

Arthropods, a diverse phylum encompassing insects, arachnids, crustaceans, and myriapods, represent the most successful group of organisms on the face of the Earth. Their large populations and great variety of individuals correlate with their high rates of reproduction. Successful reproduction across arthropod taxa is governed not only by biological adaptations, such as unique hormonal regulation and genetic pathways, but also by a vast array of mating behaviors, courtship rituals, and copulatory structures. Understanding arthropod reproductive biology is paramount for the scientific community, but also has practical implications through translational research. This knowledge can aid in the development of targeted strategies for pest control and the manipulation of beneficial species for pollination or biological control purposes. This Special Issue, devoted to arthropod reproductive biology, welcomes original articles and reviews exploring physiological, behavioral, and molecular aspects that contribute to the extraordinary success and resilience of arthropod life cycles.

Dr. Lilián E. Canavoso
Dr. Jimena Leyria
Dr. Leonardo Luis Fruttero
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • arthropod
  • reproductive system
  • endocrine regulation
  • mating behaviors
  • pheromones
  • oogenesis
  • gonadotrophic cycle
  • courtship rituals
  • offspring

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 5838 KiB  
Article
Influence of Parental Age on Reproductive Potential and Embryogenesis in the Pepper Weevil, Anthonomus eugenii (Cano) (Col.: Curculionidae)
by Naga Mani Kanchupati, Dakshina R. Seal, Sumit Jangra, Bruce Schaffer, Oscar E. Liburd and Julien Beuzelin
Insects 2024, 15(8), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15080562 - 25 Jul 2024
Viewed by 612
Abstract
The pepper weevil (Anthonomus eugenii Cano) is a devastating pest that inflicts severe damage to pepper crops, leading to substantial economic losses. This study investigated the impact of aging on the reproductive success of the pepper weevil. Pepper weevil-infested fruit were harvested [...] Read more.
The pepper weevil (Anthonomus eugenii Cano) is a devastating pest that inflicts severe damage to pepper crops, leading to substantial economic losses. This study investigated the impact of aging on the reproductive success of the pepper weevil. Pepper weevil-infested fruit were harvested from pepper fields and subsequently transferred into an insect cage to facilitate the emergence of adults. The emerged adults were housed in separate cages and allowed to mature until they reached specified ages: 10 days old (young), 20 days old (middle-aged), and 30 days old (old) individuals. Eggs laid by each age group were carefully collected and incubated under controlled laboratory conditions (28 ± 1.5 °C). Several reproductive variables including the number of eggs laid, the percentage of hatched eggs, and the egg incubation period were recorded for each age group. Embryonic development was also monitored daily using a VHX digital microscope at a magnification of 200×. Differences in developmental stages such as the blastoderm, germ band, gastrulation, segmentation, and appendage formation were observed, and the time span of every stage was recorded. The results show that the 10-day-old weevils laid the most eggs and had the highest hatching rate and the shortest developmental time. The 30-day-old weevils laid the fewest eggs and had the lowest hatching rate and longest developmental time. Thus, the pepper weevil age significantly influenced the fecundity, length of time for each embryonic development stage, hatching rate, and incubation period, and should be considered when studying the reproductive biology of this pest insect. This first report of the effect of aging on the reproductive potential of the pepper weevil should enable pepper growers to adopt cultural practices aimed at reducing the pepper weevil populations, thereby helping to protect their crop from this important pest. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)
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16 pages, 1658 KiB  
Article
Age-Stage, Two-Sex Life Table of Atractomorpha lata (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) at Different Temperatures
by Wenbo Li, Nawaz Haider Bashir, Muhammad Naeem, Ruilin Tian, Xinyue Tian and Huanhuan Chen
Insects 2024, 15(7), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15070493 - 1 Jul 2024
Viewed by 987
Abstract
Atractomorpha lata Motschoulsky (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) has recently emerged as an important agricultural pest in China. Understanding the impact of temperature on its developmental period is crucial for predicting its population dynamics. This study systematically observed the biological characteristics of A. lata at five [...] Read more.
Atractomorpha lata Motschoulsky (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) has recently emerged as an important agricultural pest in China. Understanding the impact of temperature on its developmental period is crucial for predicting its population dynamics. This study systematically observed the biological characteristics of A. lata at five temperatures (16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 °C) using the age-stage, two-sex life table method. The effects of temperature on the developmental period, survival rate, and fecundity of A. lata were studied using fresh bean leaves as host. The results demonstrated that as temperature increased from 16 °C to 32 °C, the developmental period, preadult time, adult longevity, adult preoviposition period (APOP), and total preoviposition period (TPOP) significantly decreased. The developmental threshold temperatures for various stages were calculated, ranging from 10.47 °C to 13.01 °C, using the linear optimal method. As temperature increased, both the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and the finite rate of increase (λ) also increased, while the mean generation time (T) decreased. The optimal values of the net reproductive rate (R0 = 54.26 offspring), gross reproductive rate (GRR = 185.53 ± 16.94 offspring), and fecundity (169.56 ± 9.93 eggs) were observed at 24 °C. Similarly, the population trend index (I) for A. lata peaked at 24 °C (61.64). Our findings indicate that A. lata exhibits its highest population growth rate at 24 °C, providing a scientific basis for predicting its population dynamics in the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)
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11 pages, 2824 KiB  
Article
The Expression and Function of Notch Involved in Ovarian Development and Fecundity in Basilepta melanopus
by Yifei Xie, Yifan Tan, Xuanye Wen, Wan Deng, Jinxiu Yu, Mi Li, Fanhui Meng, Xiudan Wang and Daohong Zhu
Insects 2024, 15(4), 292; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15040292 - 19 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1066
Abstract
Basilepta melanopus is a pest that severely affects oil tea plants, and the Notch signaling pathway plays a significant role in the early development of insect ovaries. In this study, we explored the function of the notch gene within the Notch signaling pathway [...] Read more.
Basilepta melanopus is a pest that severely affects oil tea plants, and the Notch signaling pathway plays a significant role in the early development of insect ovaries. In this study, we explored the function of the notch gene within the Notch signaling pathway in the reproductive system of B. melanopus. The functional domains and expression patterns of Bmnotch were analyzed. Bmnotch contains 45 epidermal growth factor-like (EGF-like) domains, one negative regulatory region, one NODP domain and one repeat-containing domain superfamily. The qPCR reveals heightened expression in early developmental stages and specific tissues like the head and ovaries. The RNA interference (RNAi)-based suppression of notch decreased its expression by 52.1%, exhibiting heightened sensitivity to dsNotch at lower concentrations. Phenotypic and mating experiments have demonstrated that dsNotch significantly impairs ovarian development, leading to reduced mating frequencies and egg production. This decline underscores the Notch pathway’s crucial role in fecundity. The findings advocate for RNAi-based, Notch-targeted pest control as an effective and sustainable strategy for managing B. melanopus populations, signifying a significant advancement in forest pest control endeavors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)
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Review

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13 pages, 852 KiB  
Review
Tracking Existing Factors Directly Affecting the Reproduction of Bumblebees: Current Knowledge
by Xiaomeng Zhao, Jingxin Jiang, Zilin Pang, Weihua Ma, Yusuo Jiang, Yanfang Fu and Yanjie Liu
Insects 2024, 15(9), 654; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15090654 - 30 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1026
Abstract
Bumblebees are primary social insects and a vital class of pollinating insects. Their distinctive reproductive mode is characterized by the independent initiation and construction of the nest by the queen and the subsequent production of sufficient workers, males, and gynes following colony development. [...] Read more.
Bumblebees are primary social insects and a vital class of pollinating insects. Their distinctive reproductive mode is characterized by the independent initiation and construction of the nest by the queen and the subsequent production of sufficient workers, males, and gynes following colony development. After successful mating, the queen transitions to the first phase of its annual life cycle. The reproductive processes are directly influenced by environmental factors, including floral resources and pesticides. Moreover, the reproductive level is regulated by biological factors, particularly the role of workers, who participate in egg laying and pass on their genetic material to the next generation of queens. Successful reproduction can only be achieved by maintaining colony development under natural or artificial breeding conditions. Consequently, understanding the known factors that influence bumblebee reproduction is essential for developing conservation strategies for wild bumblebees and for successfully breeding diverse bumblebee species. Breeding various bumblebee species is crucial for in-depth research into known factors and for further exploration of other potential factors, which will also help to meet the demand for pollination in agricultural facilities globally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)
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Other

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11 pages, 871 KiB  
Brief Report
Effect of Flowering Period on Drone Reproductive Parameters (Apis mellifera L.)
by Carlos Castellanos-Zacarías, Álvaro Domínguez-Rebolledo, Henry Loeza-Concha, Jorge Vivas-Rodríguez, Julio Ramón-Ugalde, Juan Baeza-Rodríguez and Roberto Zamora-Bustillos
Insects 2024, 15(9), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects15090676 - 7 Sep 2024
Viewed by 685
Abstract
Insufficient protein intake during the larval phase of drones affects the development of reproductive organs and spermatogenesis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the flowering-scarcity and flowering-onset periods on the eversion of the copulatory apparatus, ejaculation, and sperm [...] Read more.
Insufficient protein intake during the larval phase of drones affects the development of reproductive organs and spermatogenesis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the flowering-scarcity and flowering-onset periods on the eversion of the copulatory apparatus, ejaculation, and sperm quality of drones (Apis mellifera L.). To stimulate the laying of drone eggs during the flowering-scarcity period, 1 L of sugar syrup was supplied weekly to the hives, along with a protein supplement made of 20% pollen and 80% brewer’s yeast. During the periods of flowering scarcity and the onset of flowering, 800 drones were collected (200 per month). At the onset of flowering, 270 drones showed eversion of the copulatory apparatus, of which 162 ejaculated, compared to the flowering-scarcity period, where 112 drones showed eversion of the copulatory apparatus and 39 drones ejaculated. During the period of flowering onset, sperm parameters such as volume, concentration, motility, viability, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial activity were higher compared to the period of flowering scarcity. In conclusion, we observed a greater number of drones with eversion of the copulatory apparatus and ejaculation, as well as better sperm quality with the drones bred during the period of flowering onset. These differences indicate that the flowering-scarcity period significantly impacts the reproductive parameters of drones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)
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