Arthropod Biodiversity: Ecological and Functional Aspects, 2nd Edition

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Arthropods, i.e. invertebrate animals with a segmented body, exoskeleton, and articulated appendages, represent the largest phylum in the animal kingdom, and account for over 80% of all known living species. They exhibit great biodiversity with a wide range of adaptations and forms such as insects, lobsters, crabs, spiders, scorpions, mites, centipedes, and millipedes that live in every habitat on earth. Arthropods play an extremely important role in maintaining ecosystem services, including benefits to humans. For example, many species pollinate plants, produce useful substances, serve as pest control, and serve as food for other animals in most trophic webs. Moreover, mites, isopods, myriapods, and insects are scavengers or decomposers that break down dead plants and animal material, converting them into soil nutrients, or are valued bioindicators of environmental pollution. Many crustacean species (crabs, lobsters, shrimps, and crayfish) are largely consumed by humans, while several insect species are used as protein supply for animal feed or as sources of bioactive compounds, and are therefore farmed on an intensive commercial scale. In contrast, other crustaceans and insects are highly invasive species and represent one of the greatest threats to biodiversity worldwide, requiring strict control strategies. Others are direct pests of crops and stored products, hematophagous vectors, or intermediate hosts of pathogenic organisms. The 2nd edition of this interdisciplinary Topic provides a platform to highlight new research findings, by further advancing the frontiers of knowledge in morphological and functional adaptations and ecology, diversity, and conservation of arthropods.

Dr. Paolo Solari
Prof. Dr. Roberto M. Crnjar
Dr. Anita Giglio
Prof. Dr. Gianluca Tettamanti
Topic Editors

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Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Animals animals	2.7	5.2	2011	17.7 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Arthropoda arthropoda	-	-	2023	24.7 Days	CHF 1000	Submit
Diversity diversity	2.1	4.0	2009	17.1 Days	CHF 2100	Submit
Insects insects	2.9	5.6	2010	18.1 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Life life	3.4	6.0	2011	19.3 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Pathogens pathogens	3.3	6.8	2012	13.5 Days	CHF 2200	Submit

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All Animals Arthropoda Diversity Insects Life Pathogens

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Open AccessArticle

Ecological Pest Control in Alpine Ecosystems: Monitoring Asteraceae Phytophages and Developing Integrated Management Protocols in the Three River Source Region

by Li-Jun Zhang, Yu-Shou Ma, Ying Liu and Jun-Ling Wang

Insects 2025, 16(8), 861; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16080861 - 19 Aug 2025

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Abstract

Aster spp., a key grass species for the ecological restoration of alpine degraded grasslands on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, often suffers from pest damage during its flowering and seed maturation stages, severely limiting the effectiveness of ecological restoration and the sustainable utilization of germplasm [...] Read more.

Aster spp., a key grass species for the ecological restoration of alpine degraded grasslands on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, often suffers from pest damage during its flowering and seed maturation stages, severely limiting the effectiveness of ecological restoration and the sustainable utilization of germplasm resources. This study focused on nine widely distributed species of Aster in the Three River Source Region of Qinghai Province, systematically investigated the structure of arthropod communities and the spatiotemporal dynamics of pests, and developed an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy. Through systematic surveys at multiple sites, a total of 109 arthropod species were identified (57 families of insects, 96 species; 7 families of spiders, 13 species). The Diptera (Tephritidae) and Hemiptera (Miridae) were identified as dominant groups. Tephritis angustipennis was determined to be the key pest, with its population density reaching a peak in mid-to-late August (p < 0.05). Based on the occurrence patterns of the pest, an IPM strategy integrating physical, chemical, and biological control methods was proposed: flower head bagging as a physical barrier significantly reduced plant damage but required balancing the risk of seed sterility. A combination lure (broad-spectrum fruit fly lure + a mixture of sugar and vinegar) showed a significant effect in attracting and killing adult flies. In chemical control, spraying a combination of insecticides (DB: 10% β-Cypermethrin aqueous emulsion (9 mL/acre) + 5% avermectin (20 mL/acre)) during the leaf expansion stage to early flowering stage achieved approximately 80% pest mortality within 24 h; additionally, supplementary spraying of 5% broflanilide (30 mL/acre) during the full flowering stage prolonged the efficacy and delayed the development of insecticide resistance. In terms of natural enemy utilization, Lycosidae and Thomisidae demonstrated significant potential for naturally regulating pest populations. Physiological mechanism studies showed that the difference in responses between plant catalase (CAT) activity and insect glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was a key factor driving control efficacy (the cumulative explanation rate reached 94%). This IPM strategy, by integrating physical barriers, dynamic trapping, targeted spraying, and natural enemy control, significantly enhances control efficiency and ecological compatibility, providing a theoretical basis and technical paradigm for the ecological restoration of degraded alpine grasslands and the sustainable management of medicinal plants in cold regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Arthropod Biodiversity: Ecological and Functional Aspects, 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 2027 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Involvement of Gonolabis distincta in the Control of Root Maggots in Garlic Fields

by Caihong Tian, Junpeng Li, Yan Zhang, Junyi Zhang, Xinju Gao, Xinming Yin, Lirong Yang and Hongqiang Feng

Life 2025, 15(8), 1192; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15081192 - 27 Jul 2025

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Abstract

Garlic root maggots are the main pest of garlic in Qi County, Henan Province, China, which has become an important factor restricting the development of the garlic industry. Earwigs play an important role in controlling root maggots because of their similar ecological niches. [...] Read more.

Garlic root maggots are the main pest of garlic in Qi County, Henan Province, China, which has become an important factor restricting the development of the garlic industry. Earwigs play an important role in controlling root maggots because of their similar ecological niches. In this study, through DNA barcoding and morphological identification, the following root maggots and main earwigs species from Qi County were quickly identified: Delia platura (Meigen), Bradysia odoriphaga Yang et Zhang, Delia antiqua (Meigen), Muscina angustifrons (Loew), Lucilia sericata (Meigan), and the main species of earwigs was Gonolabis marginalis (Dohrn). D. platura was the dominant species and accounted for 98% among all garlic root maggots. The predation ability for each stage of G. distincta on the larvae and pupae of D. platura showed that G. distincta at different developmental stages preyed on both the the larvae and the entire pupae of D. platura. Among them, female adults had the strongest predation ability and the largest daily predation on first instar larvae of gray D. platura (71.25 ± 0.66). First instar nymphs of G. distincta also had a certain predation ability with the daily predation of first instar larvae being (1.85 ± 0.13). The predation ability of G. distincta at different instars on the larvae of the same instar of D. platura increased with the increasing of the instar. For the first to second instar larvae of D. platura, the female adult of G. distincta had the strongest predation ability, followed by the male adult of G. distincta, and then the fifth instar nymph of G. distincta. There was no significant difference in the predation ability between the male and female adults of G. distincta, but the adults’ predation capacities were significantly higher than that of the fifth instar nymph of G. distincta. The capacity of the fifth instar nymph of G. distincta was significantly higher than the fourth instar nymph of G. distincta, the fourth instar nymph of G. distincta was significantly higher than the first to third instar nymphs, and there was no significant difference in the predation amount among the first to third instar nymphs. The predation selection experiment indicated that the fifth instar nymphs and the male and female adults of G. distincta showed a positive preference for the first to third instar larvae of D. platura and a negative preference for the pupae of D. platura. Our study provided a preliminary scientific basis for green prevention and control of garlic root maggot. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Arthropod Biodiversity: Ecological and Functional Aspects, 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 11648 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Edge Effects on the Spatial Distribution and Diversity of Drosophilidae (Diptera) Assemblages in Deciduous Forests of Central European Russia

by Nikolai G. Gornostaev, Alexander B. Ruchin, Oleg E. Lazebny, Alex M. Kulikov and Mikhail N. Esin

Insects 2025, 16(8), 762; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16080762 - 24 Jul 2025

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Abstract

In the forest ecosystems of Central European Russia, the influence of forest edges on the spatial distribution of Drosophilidae was studied for the first time. The research was conducted during the period of 2021–2022 in the Republic of Mordovia. Beer traps baited with [...] Read more.

In the forest ecosystems of Central European Russia, the influence of forest edges on the spatial distribution of Drosophilidae was studied for the first time. The research was conducted during the period of 2021–2022 in the Republic of Mordovia. Beer traps baited with fermented beer and sugar were used to collect Drosophilidae. Two study plots were selected, differing in their forest edges, tree stands, and adjacent open ecosystems. In both cases, the forest directly bordered an open ecosystem. Edges serve as transitional biotopes, where both forest and meadow (open area) faunas coexist. Knowing that many drosophilid species prefer forest habitats, we designated forest interior sites as control points. Traps were set at heights of 1.5 m (lower) and 7.5 m (upper) on trees. A total of 936 specimens representing 27 species were collected. Nine species were common across all traps, while ten species were recorded only once. At the forest edges, 23 species were captured across both heights, compared to 19 species in the forest interiors. However, the total abundance at the forest edges was 370 specimens, while it was 1.5 times higher in the forest interiors. Both abundance and species richness varied between plots. Margalef’s index was higher at the forest edges than in the forest interiors, particularly at 1.5 m height at the edge and at 7.5 m height in the forest interior. Shannon and Simpson indices showed minimal variation across traps at different horizontal and vertical positions. The highest species diversity was observed among xylosaprobionts (9 species) and mycetophages (8 species). All ecological groups were represented at the forest edges, whereas only four groups were recorded in the forest interiors, with the phytosaprophagous species Scaptomyza pallida being absent. In general, both species richness and drosophilid abundance increased in the lower strata, both at the forest edge and within the interior. Using the R package Indicspecies, we identified Gitona distigma as an indicator species for the forest edge and Scaptodrosophila rufifrons as an indicator for the forest interior in the lower tier for both plots. In addition, Drosophila testacea, D. phalerata, and Phortica semivirgo were found to be indicator species for the lower tier in both plots, while Leucophenga quinquemaculata was identified as an indicator species for the upper tier at the second plot. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Arthropod Biodiversity: Ecological and Functional Aspects, 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 5234 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Neosilba batesi Curran (Diptera: Lonchaeidae): Identification, Distribution, and Its Relationship with Avocado Fruits

by Braulio Alberto Lemus-Soriano, Oscar Morales-Galván, David García-Gallegos, Diana Vely García-Banderas, Mona Kassem and Carlos Patricio Illescas-Riquelme

Diversity 2025, 17(7), 499; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17070499 - 21 Jul 2025

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Abstract

In this study, the association between Neosilba batesi (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) and avocado fruits (Persea americana L.) was investigated. Fruits showing signs of rot and infested with Diptera larvae were collected from commercial orchards in the states of Michoacán and Jalisco, Mexico. N. [...] Read more.

In this study, the association between Neosilba batesi (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) and avocado fruits (Persea americana L.) was investigated. Fruits showing signs of rot and infested with Diptera larvae were collected from commercial orchards in the states of Michoacán and Jalisco, Mexico. N. batesi was identified in association with fruits from both trees and the ground at all sampling sites. Furthermore, a phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene supported the morphological identification, showing >99% identity with records from Veracruz, and revealed distinct genetic lineages within the Neosilba genus. In a study within one Michoacán orchard, infested tree-borne fruits averaged 5.40 cm in length and 3.90 cm in width, with a mean of 9.61 larvae emerging per fruit. Females were observed to lay eggs in openings between the pedicel and the fruit, never piercing the exocarp. In contrast, on fallen fruit, they utilized existing wounds with exposed pulp. Infested avocados exhibit characteristic spots indicating the presence of internal larvae and generally detach from the tree. Larvae can feed on avocados in various stages of decomposition and may either emerge through wounds or pupate within the fruit. These findings support the opportunistic and saprophagous behavior associated with this fly species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Arthropod Biodiversity: Ecological and Functional Aspects, 2nd Edition)

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19 pages, 22510 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Three New and Two New Record Species of the Genus Dichaetomyia Malloch (Diptera: Muscidae) from China

by Yizhen Han, Wenliang Li and Ding Yang

Diversity 2025, 17(4), 232; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17040232 - 25 Mar 2025

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Abstract

The genus Dichaetomyia Malloch, 1921 of Muscidae from China is recorded, and an updated identification key to Chinese species based on males is provided. Three new species, namely Dichaetomyia villscutellata sp. n., Dichaetomyia bimaculata sp. n., and Dichaetomyia maculiventra sp. n [...] Read more.

The genus Dichaetomyia Malloch, 1921 of Muscidae from China is recorded, and an updated identification key to Chinese species based on males is provided. Three new species, namely Dichaetomyia villscutellata sp. n., Dichaetomyia bimaculata sp. n., and Dichaetomyia maculiventra sp. n., are described, along with two new country records, Dichaetomyia varicauda Emden, 1965, and Dichaetomyia latistriata Malloch, 1924. Photographs of the habitus and male genitalia, as well as illustrations of the male genitalia of the new species and new records, are provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Arthropod Biodiversity: Ecological and Functional Aspects, 2nd Edition)

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31 pages, 35205 KB  

Open AccessArticle

New Species of the Purse-Web Spider Genus Atypus Latreille, 1804 from Southern China (Araneae, Atypidae), with the General Natural History of Atypus Spiders

by Yecheng Wu, Yang Liu, Zongguang Huang, Haiqiang Yin and Xiang Xu

Insects 2025, 16(3), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16030301 - 13 Mar 2025

Viewed by 978

Abstract

Three species of the purse-web spider genus Atypus Latreille, 1804, collected from Hunan and Sichuan Provinces of China, are diagnosed and described as new to science: A. yaozu sp. nov. (♂♀), A. siyiensis sp. nov. (♂♀) and A. yanjingensis sp. nov. (♂♀). Detailed [...] Read more.

Three species of the purse-web spider genus Atypus Latreille, 1804, collected from Hunan and Sichuan Provinces of China, are diagnosed and described as new to science: A. yaozu sp. nov. (♂♀), A. siyiensis sp. nov. (♂♀) and A. yanjingensis sp. nov. (♂♀). Detailed descriptions, photographs and DNA barcodes of the three new species and a distribution map of Atypus species in China are provided. Additionally, we enrich the general natural history of the genus Atypus through a decade of observation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Arthropod Biodiversity: Ecological and Functional Aspects, 2nd Edition)

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