Search

The ongoing depletion of the diversity of Pachylinae, the largest subfamily within Gonyleptidae, is progressing. The unranked clade DRMN continues to expand, now incorporating two additional genera – Gyndoides Mello-Leitão, 1927, and Sertaneja Saraiva, Hara & DaSilva, 2021 – previously classified under Pachylinae. Through a cladistic analysis, with an expansion of the morphological dataset used in previous works, our research reveals that both Gyndoides and Sertaneja are separately placed within DRMN. As DRMN is not a formal Linnean taxon, both genera are herein called Gonyleptidae incertae sedis to avoid the establishment of new monogeneric subfamilies. A new species of Gyndoides is described from the state of Paraná, marking the first record for the genus from this state. The other two species, from Santa Catarina state, are herein redescribed, and an emended diagnosis is provided for the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An updated phylogenomic tree of the Nudiviridae is presented, including 49 species, proposing two genera associated with ectoparasitic insects. Evolution of the family Nudiviridae is estimated to have occurred in the mid-Devonian, matching the timeline of the insect's evolution. All the crustacean-infecting nudiviruses have likely emerged from a single common ancestor (~143 million years ago), perhaps transmitted to Jurassic crustaceans by an insect host. The Nudiviridae have a proclivity for ectoparasitic arthropods (i.e., lice and fleas), linked to multiple diversification events in the Triassic (early Betanudivirinae split), Jurassic (involving ectoparasitic hosts of alphanudiviruses), and Cretaceous periods (Zeta/Etanudivirus diversification). Nudiviruses inhabit various geographical and climatic zones, including members from subpolar habitats. The nudiviruses (family: Nudiviridae) are large double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viruses that infect insects and crustaceans, and have most recently been identified from ectoparasitic members (fleas and lice). This virus family was created in 2014 and has since been expanded via the discovery of multiple novel viral candidates or accepted members, sparking the need for a new taxonomic and evolutionary overview. Using current information (including data from public databases), we construct a new comprehensive phylogeny, encompassing 49 different nudiviruses. We use this novel phylogeny to propose a new taxonomic structure of the Nudiviridae by suggesting two new viral genera (Zetanudivirus and Etanudivirus), from ectoparasitic lice. We detail novel emerging relationships between nudiviruses and their hosts, considering their evolutionary history and ecological role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Drip irrigation is currently the main solution adopted by winegrowers to cope with climate change in Mediterranean vineyards. • Evidence of the ecological impact is still scarce. • Irrigation reduced entomophilous flower cover in vineyard inter-rows. • Irrigation negatively affected beneficial arthropods. • Irrigation reduced the diurnal predation. Over the last decades, the use of irrigation in vineyards has grown exponentially in response to climate change. In the Mediterranean region, irrigation is the most widely used method of preventing water stress and high sugar content in grapes. However, little is known about potential irrigation effects on biodiversity. This study aims to understand the effect of irrigation on inter-row vegetation, on the abundance of beneficial arthropods and on the predation of pest insects. In the Luberon region of South-Eastern France, nine irrigated and nine non-irrigated vineyards were analysed. Drip irrigation was applied only during the two driest months of the growing season. We found lower flower cover in irrigated vineyards but no difference in species richness and total vegetation cover. Similarly, abundances of several beneficial arthropods were directly affected by irrigation, such as crab spiders, ladybirds, ladybird larvae and parasitic wasps. Structural equation modelling (SEM) revealed that negative irrigation effects on these arthropods were mediated by negative effects on flower cover. Predation rates were also lower in irrigated vineyards but only during daytime. Grapevine yield was not affected by irrigation. Experiments manipulating water availability under controlled conditions may help to understand this surprisingly strong effect of irrigation on flower cover and beneficial arthropod abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small temporary wetlands, like kettle holes, provide many valuable ecosystem functions and serve as refuge habitats in otherwise monotonous agricultural landscapes. However, the mechanisms that maintain biodiversity in these habitats are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigate how three taxa (vascular plants, ground beetles and spiders) respond to small-scale flooding and disturbance gradients in kettle holes as well as kettle hole area. For this purpose, we determined total, hygrophilic and red list species richness for all taxa and activity density for arthropods along transects extending from the edge towards the center of kettle holes. Furthermore, we calculated the community-weighted mean body size for arthropods and seed mass for plants as surrogates for the ability to respond to disturbance. Our analyses revealed that in particular plants and ground beetles showed strong responses along the small-scale spatial gradient. Total plant species richness decreased towards the center, while hygrophilic plant species increased. In contrast, both total and hygrophilic species richness of ground beetles increased towards the center. Spiders showed similar responses as ground beetles, but less pronounced. We found no evidence that disturbance at the edge of kettle holes leads to smaller body sizes or seed masses. However, arthropods in adjacent arable fields (one meter from the kettle hole edge) were particularly small. Kettle hole area had only weak effects on plants, but not on arthropods. Our study indicates that differences in the depth at the drier edge and the moist, regularly flooded center have a large and taxon-dependent influence on the species composition. Therefore, small-scale heterogeneity seems to be an important predictor for the maintenance of species diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind disturbances and consequent salvage logging lead to drastic changes in forest soil conditions, vegetation and microclimate, potentially affecting arthropod communities. In mountain regions, topography is expected to be particularly important to modulate the effect of canopy removal and soil disturbance potentially amplifying the ecological contrast between forest and disturbed areas. Here, we studied the short-term response of ground beetles (Carabidae), spiders (Araneae), and harvestmen (Opiliones) in wind-damaged spruce forests along statistically orthogonal gradients in elevation, slope, and aspect. We addressed three main ecological questions: (i) Does the effect of wind disturbance on diversity depend on topography? (ii) Are there specific taxon-related responses to disturbances?, and (iii) What is the role of dispersal in shaping species assembly dynamics? We generally observed that increasing slope and elevation amplified the differences between undisturbed forest and windfall areas. On the one hand, the diversity of ground beetles and harvestmen seemed to be negatively affected by wind disturbance, causing a loss of specialized forest species with a low rate of colonization of species typical of open habitats. On the other hand, several novel spider species were able to rapidly colonize windfalls and community composition strongly shifted from forest to disturbed areas. Species with long-range dispersal strategies (e.g. flying and ballooning) were those more likely to colonize windfalls. Our findings suggest that disturbance effects on ground-dwelling organisms were modulated by underlying environmental gradients and that short-term response of different taxa was dependent on their dispersal ability. [Display omitted] • Wind disturbance and salvage logging affected forest ground-dwelling arthropods, driving community changes in the short term. • Changes in activity density of ground beetles, spiders and harvestmen after disturbance were mediated by elevation and slope. • Forests at high elevations and on steep slopes were more sensitive to disturbance. • Spiders showed a high species turnover rate with richer communities occurring after disturbance. • Species with long-distance dispersal strategies occurred more frequently in windfalls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While large-scale agriculture is an important driver of biodiversity loss, diversified agricultural cropping systems may have potential to support farmland biodiversity. Strip cropping is a form of crop diversification in which crop strips are alternated in the same field and thereby increasing in-field crop heterogeneity and edge-density while using existing farm machinery. Although strip cropping may provide more diversity in habitat, food, and shelter at small spatial scales, it is still unknown how arthropod communities respond to a variety of strip widths of intensively managed vegetable crops, and whether strip cropping can provide nearby refuge sites for arthropods during and after harvest. We studied responses of the ground-dwelling arthropod community to strip widths of 6, 12, 24 and 48 m, both pre- and post-harvest. The study was conducted in cauliflower strips in a large-scale, commercial organic strip cropping field in 2018 and 2019. The cauliflower strips were bordered by annual flower strips on one side and by grass-clover (year 1) or potato (year 2) on the other side. Increasing strip width was associated with lower spider activity density and lower richness of the ground-dwelling arthropod community, and higher rove beetle activity density. Ground beetles showed variable responses to strip width depending on genus and year. Ground beetles of the genus Harpalus showed negative responses to increasing strip width in both years and genera Bembidion and Pterostichus showed positive responses to increasing strip width in 2019. Crop harvest had a negative influence on ground-dwelling arthropod activity density and community richness, and this effect was more pronounced in narrow strips than in wider strips. Our results indicate that strip cropping cauliflower can support ground-dwelling arthropod community richness and activity density of certain species groups in large-scale agricultural fields, but does not enhance short-term post-harvest recolonization. • Arthropod activity density was assessed in 6, 12, 24, 48 m wide cauliflower strips. • Spider activity density was enhanced by narrower cauliflower strip widths. • Rove beetle activity density was enhanced by wider cauliflower strip widths. • Crop harvest reduced activity density and richness of most ground beetle genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production efficiency may differ considerably among individuals and populations. Here we theoretically analyze to what extent differences in efficiency among populations relate to basic physiological processes. We derive characteristics for a stationary population of constant size using (1) an extended Bertalanffy growth equation and (2) Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) theory to describe individual energetics and mortality combined with an additional thinning rule to provide a more realistic description of survival than the one usually made by only assuming constant background mortality. The production-assimilation ratio as predicted by DEB theory appeared to be strongly correlated with the Bertalanffy growth coefficient and the ultimate reproduction rate. Birds and to a lesser extent mammals have a much lower ratio than other taxa. Benthic marine invertebrate grazers, which are mainly molluscs, showed a higher ratio than pelagic grazers, mostly arthropods, which may have consequences for overall ecological efficiency when marine coastal systems get more dominated by the benthic compartment as a result of human impacts such as the construction of windfarms. • Population assimilation and production rates are derived using Dynamic Energy Budget theory. • Production-assimilation ratio correlated with growth coefficient and ultimate reproduction. • Birds and mammals have a much lower production-assimilation ratio than other taxa. • Benthic marine invertebrate grazers have a higher ratio than pelagic grazers • Overall ecological efficiency may therefore change as a result of the construction of windfarms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consideration is given to previous and more recent protocols for harvesting arthropod haemocytes from Galleria , Drosophila , mosquitoes, Limulus and crustaceans. The optimal harvesting of these cells is essential for meaningful studies of invertebrate immunity in vitro. The results of such experiments, however, have often been flawed due to a lack of understanding of the fragile nature of arthropod haemocytes on exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharides, resulting in the aggregation and loss of cell types during haemolymph clotting. This article emphasizes that although there are similarities between mammalian neutrophils and arthropod haemocytes, the protocols required for the successful harvesting of these cells vary significantly. The various stages for the successful harvesting of arthropod haemocytes are described in detail and should provide invaluable advice to those requiring both high cell viability and recovery of the different cell types for subsequent experimentation. • Consideration is given to previous protocols for harvesting arthropod haemocytes. • Mammalian neutrophils and arthropod haemocytes are similar but protocols for harvesting of these cells vary significantly. • Arthropod haemocytes are fragile and exposure to lipopolysaccharides causes loss of cell types during harvesting. • The various stages for the successful harvesting of arthropod haemocytes are described in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous medicinal plants have been used traditionally in South Africa for gastric ulcer treatment. Helicobacter pylori is known for causing inflammation and the onset of gastric ulcers. While several studies explored medicinal plants against H. pylori , investigation of medicinal plants used for gastric ulcers has been neglected, as well as the effects these plants would have on bacteria occurring naturally in the gut microbiome. This study aimed to investigate Southern African medicinal plants used traditionally for treating gastric ulcers against H. pylori , as well as the effects that these plants have when combined with Lactobacillus species and tested against H. pylori. Based on evidence from the ethnobotanical literature, 21 plants were collected. Their antimicrobial activity was assessed against five clinical H. pylori strains, and in combination with each of three Lactobacillus species, using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) broth microdilution assays. Toxicity was assessed using the brine shrimp lethality assay. Noteworthy activity was observed against at least one H. pylori strain for 12 plant species. The lowest mean MICs were from organic extracts of Carissa edulis Vahl (0.18 mg/mL) and Chironia baccifera L. (0.20 mg/mL), and aqueous extracts of Sansevieria hyacinthoides (L.) Druce (0.26 mg/mL) and Dodonaea viscosa Jacq. (0.30 mg/mL). Aqueous extracts of the investigated plants were combined with Lactobacillus species, and the majority of combinations showed increased antimicrobial activity compared with the extracts alone. Combinations of Lactobacillus rhamnosus with 18 of the 21 aqueous plant extracts showed at least a two-fold decrease in the mean MBC against all H. pylori strains tested. Lactobacillus acidophilus combined with either Protea repens L. , Carpobrotus edulis (L.) L. Bolus or Warburgia salutaris (Bertol.f.) Chiov. aqueous extracts had the best anti- H. pylori activity (mean MBCs of 0.10 mg/mL for each combination). Only four organic and one aqueous extract(s) were considered toxic. These results highlight the potential of medicinal plants to inhibit H. pylori growth and their role in traditional treatments for the management of ulcers. The results also indicate that aqueous extracts of these plants do not hinder the growth of bacteria that occur naturally in the gut microbiome and play a role in maintaining gut health, as well as show the potential benefit of including Lactobacillus species as potentiators of H. pylori activity. [Display omitted] • Several Southern African medicinal plants showed noteworthy anti- H. pylori activity. • Aqueous plant extracts had no adverse inhibitory effect on Lactobacillus species. • A Lactobacillus -aqueous plant extract combination assay was developed. • Lactobacillus -aqueous extract combinations had increased anti- H. pylori activity. • Most medicinal plants showed little to no toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Developed an innovative, user-friendly device for measuring the encapsulation response in arthropods. • The new method demonstrated a 22% reduction in execution time compared to traditional methods. • Both traditional and new methods elicited similar encapsulation responses, ensuring biological relevance. • New device allows for rapid training of researchers, reducing the skill barrier for ecoimmunological studies. • Enhanced accessibility of encapsulation assays for undergraduate researchers, facilitating broader participation in ecoimmunology research. Ecoimmunology explores how ecological factors and evolutionary processes influence immune responses across various taxa and how immune responses trade-off with other traits. Studying immune responses requires biologically meaningful immunoassays applicable to a broad range of taxa and are sensitive enough to detect changes in the immune response. Useful immunoassays should also correlate with immunocompetence and fitness. The encapsulation response, a complex immune mechanism in arthropods, serves as a robust method for ecoimmunological investigations. However, traditional methods to test the encapsulation response can require long training. This study introduces an innovative, cost-effective method for assessing the encapsulation immune response in arthropods, which simplifies the procedure by reducing the training time and skill required. Our modified device utilizes a pen and syringe assembly for inserting monofilaments into arthropod larvae. We compared our device against traditional methods. Despite the new method being 22% faster, it did not compromise the accuracy or effectiveness of the encapsulation response when compared with traditional techniques, demonstrating similar degrees of melanization and encapsulation. Our method allowed for more accessible participation by less experienced researchers, such as undergraduates, facilitating their involvement in ecoimmunological research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural intensification and landscape simplification are among the major drivers of biodiversity loss in agricultural landscapes. Increasing field edges might be a key solution for enhancing biodiversity and related ecosystem services within arable fields. In this study, we investigated the spatial distribution of nine arthropod groups and weed seed and pest predation rates across different distances from field edges and crop types. Furthermore, we tested the relationship between local carabid abundance and species richness and directly measured weed seed and pest predation rates. Most of the investigated taxa were not affected by field margin proximity, except for carabid species richness and the abundance of bees and wasps, hoverflies, and myriapods, which were high near the edge. We found a higher abundance of carabids and herbivores in oilseed rape compared to other crops, while hoverflies, bees and wasps were more abundant in cereal. True bug abundance was significantly higher in oilseed rape interiors compared to edges. Weed seed predation and pest predation by small mammals were the highest at 36 m from the field margin, probably due to small mammal distribution, while pest predation by arthropods did not show any significant pattern. Both weed seed predation rate and arthropod pest predation were positively related to carabid abundance and negatively to species richness. Contrasting responses across nine investigated arthropod taxa indicate that re-designing agricultural landscapes to support biodiversity across taxa will be challenging, and further studies are needed to fully understand the spatial distribution of arthropods and related ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. • The spatial distribution of nine arthropod groups and two ecosystem services was investigated. • The abundance of bees and wasps, hoverflies, and myriapods was higher near field edges than in field interiors. • Weed seed predation and pest predation were the highest at 36 m from field edges. • The crop type had stronger effects on arthropod communities than proximity to the field edges. • Ecosystem services were positively related to carabid abundance and negatively to species richness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• As evidenced in the present study, there is a lack of robust and reliable quantitative data at the national level about the historical use of insecticides and the long-term impact it has had on different groups of arthropods (e.g., vectors, crop pests, or invasive species). • The limited number of studies on insecticide resistance patterns and mechanisms in Panama highlights the need for a more systematic and holistic One Health approach to monitoring and regulating insecticide use. • Countrywide populations of Anopheles albimanus depict hyperirritability to organochlorine insecticides administered by indoor residual spraying (IRS), although they appear susceptible to these insecticides in bioassay settings as well as to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides in field tests. • Populations of Aedes aegypti show resistance to pyrethroids, particularly in areas near Panama City, but the spread of resistance remains unknown in Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Vector-borne diseases are a major source of morbidity in Panama. Herein, we describe historical usage patterns of synthetic insecticides to control arthropod disease vectors in this country. We examine the influence of interventions by vector control programs on the emergence of insecticide resistance. Chemical control has traditionally focused on two mosquito species: Anopheles albimanus , a major regional malaria vector, and Aedes aegypti , a historical vector of yellow fever, and current vector of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Countrywide populations of An. albimanus depict hyperirritability to organochlorine insecticides administered by indoor residual spraying, although they appear susceptible to these insecticides in bioassays settings, as well as to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides in field tests. Populations of Ae. aegypti show resistance to pyrethroids, particularly in areas near Panama City, but the spread of resistance remains unknown in Ae. aegypti and Aedes albopictus. A One Health approach is needed in Panama to pinpoint the insecticide resistance mechanisms including the frequency of knockdown mutations and behavioral plasticity in populations of Anopheles and Aedes mosquitoes. This information is necessary to guide the sustainable implementation of chemical control strategies and the use of modern vector control technologies such as genetically modified mosquitoes, and endosymbiont Wolbachia -based biological control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of local versus landscape drivers of biodiversity is presently intensely discussed, which raises the question what information ecological sampling can provide about the relative importance of these factors and how the amount of information is distributed over different spatial scales. Here, we have tried to assess the amount of the information in sets of arthropod samples on four landscape characteristics, i.e., the percentage arable land, semi-natural area, urban area, and edge density, at spatial scales varying from 100 m to 3000 m around sample sites. A large, existing dataset of different studies from all over Europe was used for that. Random Forests were used for predicting the characteristic classes of the surrounding area. The accuracy of the predictions, calculated as the reversed Normalized Brier score, was used as measure of the amount of information. The results showed that, at least in Europe, the amount of information is different between edge density on the one hand, and arable land, semi-natural area, and urban area on the other hand. In case of edge density, the information decreased from 100 m to 250 m around the sample site, then increased to get a hump-shape between 250 and 3000 m, with the maximum amount at 1750 m. In case of the other three landscape characteristics, the information decreased from 100 m to 1000 m, and then stayed equal or slightly increased. These results could be explained by assuming that organisms present at a sample site are either site-specific, or non-site-specific. Site-specific organisms are thought to enable predictions of characteristics at the small scales, while non-site-specific organisms are thought to indicate characteristics of larger scales. The results implied that, for study designs, it is important to be aware of the type of processes that result in the presence of species at sample sites. For effective conservation measures for arthropods, the results showed that landscapes at a spatial scale of at least 9.6 km2 should be taken in consideration in Europe. • Sets of arthropod samples have ample information on the location and region of the sample site in Europe. • Information on edge density decreased, and then increased and decreased again between 100 and 3000 m around the sample site. • Information over landscape scales did not differ between that on arable land, semi-natural area, and urban area. • This information decreased from 100 m to 1000 m, and then stayed equally low. • For effective arthropod conservation measures, the landscape at a scale of at least 9.6 km2 should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field studies in post-mining sites on epigeic invertebrate groups are scarce despite their importance in pedogenesis and ecosystem multifunctionality. This research investigated the diversity, abundance and succession of aboveground invertebrates in a rehabilitated Pb/Zn tailings chronosequence of 5, 20 and 35 years. The study also explored the trophic relationship of selected arthropods and characterized the nitrogen (N) cycle using stable isotope measurements. The abundance and species richness in most investigated groups and the dominance index Berger–Parker (BP) of aboveground invertebrates increased with rehabilitation age from 0.17 BP in early to 0.31 BP in late stage. Elemental and stable isotope ratio analysis showed that N and C soil content increased and the C/N ratio decreased with age, yet despite this increased N availability in the system, the maturing N-cycle used N efficiently. The lack of large N losses from the system despite substantial atmospheric deposition inputs was indicated by the fact that N isotope ratios (δ15N) in plants and animals became significantly more negative with rehabilitation age, −6.0 δ15N for plants, −5.0 δ15N for herbivores and 3.0 δ15N for carnivores. The length of the invertebrate food chain expanded by more than half a trophic level (2.7‰ δ15N) for top predator Coleoptera from early to late stage, probably reflecting more complex food webs including intra-guild predation in older communities. In conclusion, δ15N measurements in plants and animals provided novel insights into the N-cycle, accumulative N flows and the trophic position in post-mining sites. It is proposed that isotope ratio measurements could be used as easy-to-measure, integrating indicators of nutrient cycling and the soil food web complexity of rehabilitated mine tailings and similar soil ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthropods represent an entry point for pesticide transfers in terrestrial food webs, and pesticide accumulation in upper chain organisms, such as predators can have cascading consequences on ecosystems. However, the mechanisms driving pesticide transfer and bioaccumulation in food webs remain poorly understood. Here we review the literature on pesticide transfers mediated by terrestrial arthropods in food webs. The transfer of pesticides and their potential for bioaccumulation and biomagnification are related to the chemical properties and toxicokinetic of the substances, the resistance and detoxification abilities of the contaminated organisms, as well as by their effects on organisms' life history traits. We further identify four critical areas in which knowledge gain would improve future predictions of pesticides impacts on terrestrial food webs. First, efforts should be made regarding the effects of co-formulants and pesticides mixtures that are currently understudied. Second, progress in the sensitivity of analytical methods would allow the detection of low concentrations of pesticides in small individual arthropods. Quantifying pesticides in arthropods preys, their predators, and arthropods or vertebrates at higher trophic level would bring crucial insights into the bioaccumulation and biomagnification potential of pesticides in real-world terrestrial food webs. Finally, quantifying the influence of the trophic structure and complexity of communities on the transfer of pesticides could address several important sources of variability in bioaccumulation and biomagnification across species and food webs. This narrative review will inspire future studies aiming to quantify pesticide transfers in terrestrial food webs to better capture their ecological consequences in natural and cultivated landscapes. [Display omitted] • Arthropods are important mediators of pesticide transfers in food webs. • We review evidence of trophic transfers mediated by arthropods in terrestrial food webs. • Sublethal doses are probably critical for biomagnification processes. • The trophic structure and complexity of communities influence pesticide transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian somatic tissues typically surround developing oocytes and play a crucial role in oogenesis across various metazoans, often displaying structural properties specific to their functions. However, there is an absence of evident structural modularity in the follicle epithelium of Myriapoda. We report here two structurally and developmentally distinct domains within the follicle epithelium of the Japanese pill millipede, Hyleoglomeris japonica. The follicle epithelium of H. japonica exhibits a thick cell mass at the apex of the follicle. These cells harbor abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, Golgi complexes, and numerous microvilli, indicative of synthetic/secretory activities. Moreover, their height increases as oogenesis progresses. In contrast, another region of the epithelium lacks these features. Our findings highlight the presence of structural and functional modularity in the follicle epithelium of H. japonica. We suggest classifying the follicle epithelium of Myriapoda into three types: homogenous epithelia with enhanced synthetic activities, homogenous epithelia with diminished such activities, and heterogeneous epithelia with varying synthetic activities. These findings prompt a reevaluation of the nature of ovarian somatic tissues in Myriapoda as well as in Arthropoda. [Display omitted] • The ovarian follicle epithelium of Hyleoglomeris japonica has structurally distinct domains. • One region exhibits high synthetic activities, another region does not. • Our findings suggest three types in myriapod follicle epithelium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present unique data of abundance, spatial diversity, and bathymetric patterns of the Peracarida communities of the economic and ecological important scarce studied area of the southern Gulf of Mexico. Peracarida macrofauna was collected from 63 sites in a large geographical area (92.67°– 96.70° W, 18.74°–23.04° N) with a wide bathymetric gradient (185–3740 m depth) of the deep-sea southwestern Gulf of Mexico. The samples were obtained onboard the R/V Justo Sierra (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM) using a Reineck-type box corer during four oceanographic cruises (SOGOM 1–4; 2015–2018). We examined the bathymetric and spatial patterns of standardized abundance (ind. m-2) and taxonomic diversity (Hill numbers, q = 0, 1, and 2). Abundance patterns were related to environmental parameters (organic matter, aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, bottom water temperature, dissolved oxygen and grain composition). We collected 684 specimens belonging to 53 Peracarida families of 4 orders (Amphipoda, 19; Isopoda, 17; Tanaidacea, 13; and Cumacea, 4). The most abundant orders were Amphipoda and Tanaidacea, representing 36.4% and 35.8% of the total abundance, respectively, followed by Isopoda (25.1%). Cumacea was the least abundant order (2.7%). The top ten abundant families in order were Apseudidae, Phoxocephalidae, Caprellidae, Desmosomatidae, Nototanaidae, Nannoniscidae, Tanaellidae, Ischnomesidae, Podoceridae, and Agathotanaidae, accounting for 66% of the total relative abundance. The abundance decreased with increasing depth. Highest values were recorded in the northwestern region of the study area and in the Campeche Bay salt domes zone, whereas the lowest abundance values were registered at the abyssal locations and in some sites located in the Coatzacoalcos and Campeche Canyons. The composition and structure of the peracarid community showed shifts related to depth. The major structural abiotic factors of the Peracarida community were: latitude, depth, temperature, and sediment aliphatic hydrocarbons. The diversity based on the three estimated Hill numbers consistently decreased with increasing depth. We recorded intermediate and low diversity values in almost the entire study area, except for the Campeche Bay salt domes zone and northwestern region, where intermediate and high diversity values were registered. • The Peracarida abundance decrease with increasing depth. • The alpha Peracarida diversity decrease with increasing depth. • Amphipoda, Tanaidacea, and Isopoda where the must abundant orders. • The peracarid community composition and structure shifted along the depth range. • Latitude, depth, temperature, and aliphatic hydrocarbons were the community drivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harpacticoid copepods can be a substantial component of the meiobenthic community in lakes and serve an ecological role as detritivores. Here we present the first species-level lake-wide quantitative assessment of the harpacticoid assemblage of Lake Ontario with emphasis on the status of nonindigenous species. Additionally, we provide COI-5P sequences of harpacticoid taxa through Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD). Harpacticoids were collected at depths from 0.1 to 184 m and from a range of substrates from August to September 2018 as part of the Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI) offshore benthic survey. Twenty-six meiobenthic samples were analyzed using microscopy for community composition analysis of harpacticoids. We found thirteen indigenous and three nonindigenous species of harpacticoid, with the introduced species dominating at shallow depths. The community transitioned from nonindigenous to indigenous species dominance as depth increased. Nonindigenous species accounted for 79% of the community (by abundance) at depths <20 m, 55% from 20 to 40 m, and only 24% at depths >40 m. The nonindigenous species encountered included the first detections of Schizopera borutzkyi (Monchenko, 1967) and Heteropsyllus nunni (Coull, 1975) from Lake Ontario. S. borutzkyi was the most abundant harpacticoid species in the lake, approaching a maximum density of 50,000/m2 and a lake-wide average density of 7,900/m2. Numerically important indigenous species included Bryocamptus nivalis (Willey, 1925), Canthocamptus robertcokeri (Wilson, 1958), Canthocamptus staphylinoides (Pearse, 1905), and Moraria cristata (Chappuis, 1929). The prevalence of nonindigenous harpacticoids in the meiobenthos of Lake Ontario suggests further investigations of Great Lakes meiofauna communities are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildflower areas are a popular agri-environment scheme to counteract agro-biodiversity loss. Yet, their benefits are controversially discussed. Since inconsistent benefits may be owed to landscape context and temporal dynamics, we applied a multi-year study to unravel effects of permanent and transient habitats on ground-dwelling arthropods in wildflower areas and cereal fields. Across three consecutive years, we studied activity density, species richness and community composition of rove beetles, carabid beetles and spiders in ten pairs of wildflower areas and cereal fields along independent gradients of proportions of permanent semi-natural habitats or transient wildflower areas. Arthropod responses to the proportions of permanent semi-natural habitats often followed a hump-shaped pattern, whereas transient wildflower areas seemed to drive linear responses. An interactive effect on rove beetle richness in wildflower areas implies that benefits were highest either at intermediate proportions of permanent semi-natural habitats or at lower proportions, but with additional availability of transient wildflower areas or in landscapes with low proportions of permanent semi-natural habitats, but high proportions of wildflower areas. However, ground-dwelling arthropod activity density or species richness did not systematically increase over the three study years. Our results suggest that both permanent and transient habitats differ in how they affect biodiversity, possibly due to different temporal continuity and resource diversity. Benefits of permanent semi-natural habitats seemed highest at an equilibrium between an increasing resource-related species pool and an increasing diversity dilution, whereas benefits of transient wildflower areas seemed to increase with resource complementarity and connectivity at the landscape scale. Nevertheless, both habitats seem to complement each other and considered in concert, seem to be most effective in promoting benefits of wildflower areas to ground-dwelling arthropods at intermediate landscape complexity. The substantial variation in diversity patterns among years with weather extremes, suggests that optimizing benefits of wildflower areas requires further multi-year studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Thiolreductase active motif of mammalian GILT protein is CXXC, but the GILT homolog of black tiger shrimp has CXXS. • Black tiger shrimp GILT does not have thiolreductase activity. • Black tiger shrimp GILT inhibits virus infection through complex formation with the viral envelope protein. • The common function of GILT homologs in mammalians and lower animals is antiviral activity. We have previously reported that gamma-interferon inducible lysosomal thiolreductase (GILT) functions as a host defense factor against retroviruses by digesting disulfide bonds on viral envelope proteins. GILT is widely conserved even in plants and fungi as well as animals. The thiolreductase active site of mammalian GILT is composed of a CXXC amino acid motif, whereas the C-terminal cysteine residue is changed to serine in arthropods including shrimps, crabs, and flies. GILT from Penaeus monodon (PmGILT) also has the CXXS motif instead of the CXXC active site. We demonstrate here that a human GILT mutant (GILT C75S) with the CXXS motif and PmGILT significantly inhibit amphotropic murine leukemia virus vector infection in human cells without alterning its expression level and lysosomal localization, showing that the C-terminal cysteine residue of the active site is not required for the antiviral activity. We have reported that human GILT suppresses HIV-1 particle production by digestion of disulfide bonds on CD63. However, GILT C75S mutant and PmGILT did not digest CD63 disulfide bonds, and had no effect on HIV-1 virion production, suggesting that they do not have thiolreductase activity. Taken together, this study found that antiviral activity, but not thiolreductase activity, is conserved in arthropod GILT proteins. This finding provides a new insight that the common function of GILT is antiviral activity in many animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mountainous areas are attractive for human colonization. • In South Africa, mountains host high levels of aquatic arthropod endemism. • There are often trade-offs between urbanization and biodiversity conservation. • Urbanization presents several novel threats to freshwater conservation. • Threats can and have been mitigated to encourage arthropods in urban spaces. Mountains supply essential resources, making them attractive areas for human settlement. Variation in elevation in mountainous areas determines local and regional climates, leading to complex biodiversity patterns. Mountains in the Cape Floristic Region have high species richness and beta diversity, and very high levels of local endemism. Table Mountain is an iconic mountain in the region, and unusual, as it is in the centre of the city of Cape Town. It is exceedingly rich in biodiversity, including many localized endemic species. However, increasing urbanization in the area is adversely affecting the local biodiversity, especially in the lowlands. Climate change effects to date are minimal, but projected to interact with the impacts of urbanization. Here we review the biodiversity patterns of green and blue spaces in and around Cape Town, including Table Mountain, focusing on aquatic arthropods. We also review the major threats that lead to biotic impoverishment, and provide information on current conservation efforts aimed at protecting the rich biodiversity of Table Mountain and its surrounds. Finally, we focus on the shortcomings of existing conservation actions, and then provide conservation strategies to limit aquatic arthropod biodiversity losses, based on actions that have already worked well. To ensure protection of all arthropods, freshwater habitats across all elevations require further conservation action. Education and creating awareness must continue to close the gaps between scientists, conservation practitioners and civil society as a crucial part of the conservation plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Rickettsia species are molecularly detected among a wide range of arthropods, vector competence becomes an imperative aspect of understanding the ecoepidemiology of these vector-borne diseases. The synergy between vector homeostasis and rickettsial invasion, replication, and release initiated within hours (insects) and days (ticks) permits successful transmission of rickettsiae. Uncovering the molecular interplay between rickettsiae and their vectors necessitates examining the multifaceted nature of rickettsial virulence and vector infection tolerance. Here, we highlight the biological differences between tick- and insect-borne rickettsiae and the factors facilitating the incidence of rickettsioses. Untangling the complex relationship between rickettsial genetics, vector biology, and microbial interactions is crucial in understanding the intricate association between rickettsiae and their vectors. The incidence of rickettsioses is constricted by the geographic range, host preference, and feeding habits of their vector hosts. Ranging from strict vector endosymbionts to severe human pathogens, Rickettsia evolved several mechanisms fostering its dynamic life cycles (navigating between vector and vertebrate hosts). A distinct vector response to Rickettsia emphasizes an intricate Rickettsia –vector relationship, but our understanding of these associations remains limited. Vector competence must be an interplay between rickettsial genetics, vector biology, and feeding habits, and sympatric microbial interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Atlantic Forest is a highly fragmented biodiversity hotspot, which in Argentina is represented by the Paranaense Forest, covering a wide area of the province of Misiones. In conservation studies, groups of vertebrates, plants and arthropods are generally used together but other invertebrates scarcely used. In the present work, we aim to provide information on new species of freshwater gastropods, from protected and unprotected areas. Specimens were collected in a protected area (Yabotí Biosphere Reserve) and in two unprotected areas (Alba Posse city and Centro de Investigaciones Antonia Ramos -CIAR-). The shell, radula, internal anatomy and the molecular information of the partial sequence of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) were analysed. The phylogenetic trees were obtained using Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference analyses. Altogether, the anatomical, shell, and genetic studies allow us to differentiate six new species of the genus Potamolithus from the others present in Argentina and the surrounding areas. These new species raise the number of freshwater gastropods for the malacological province Río Uruguay to 64. Three of the new species have been found within a protected area, while other three at unprotected areas. The presence of invasive species, such as Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker 1857) and Melanoides tuberculata (Müller, 1774), as well as the possible creation of a hydroelectric dam, may modify the environment inhabited by the new endemic fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The host-seeking behavior of mosquitoes have long been established to be primarily odor-mediated. In this process, olfactory receptors (Ors) play a critical role. 1-Octen-3-ol is a common volatile compound that is attractive to hematophagous arthropods such as mosquitos. The olfactory receptor 8 (AaOr8) on the tip of the stylet and maxillary palp of Aedes aegypti is tuned to 1-octen-3-ol, which is required for mosquitoes to quickly find blood vessels from a vertebrate host. However, little is known about the interaction of AaOr8 with 1-octen-3-ol which was studied in vivo and in silico in this study. The molecular binding poses and energies between ligands and the receptor were investigated. Three mutants of AaOr8 were cloned and compared with in vivo calcium imaging utilizing heterologous expression systems. As a result, our findings imply that a genetic disruption including targeted modification of Or s genes may be used to reduce mosquito bites. [Display omitted] • Aedes aegypti mosquitoes transmit harmful human diseases. • Octen-3-ol is the main attractant secreted by humans that attracts mosquitoes. • The driver for mosquitoes to detect humans is the odorant receptor AaOr8. • Mutations in the new receptor site deactivate AaOr8's sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The first report of landmarks-based approach on posterior spiracles of blow fly larvae. • High percentage of correct classification in most species, ranking from 86% to 100%. • Our data (800 specimens) provide as a data bank for further analysis. Fly identification is the primary step of analysis in forensic entomology. Although morphology and molecular techniques are considered satisfactory methods, some constraints may arise from a financial or even human point of view. Over the past decade, the geometric morphometric approach has been increasingly advocated for the classification and identification of arthropods. This study explored the method for species identification of 800 third-instar larvae of eight blow fly species of medical and forensic importance: Chrysomya chani Kurahashi, Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius), Chrysomya (Ceylonomyia) nigripes Aubertin, Chrysomya pinguis (Walker), Chrysomya (Achoetandrus) rufifacies (Macquart), Hemipyrellia ligurriens (Wiedemann), Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann), and Lucilia porphyrina (Walker). Based on the posterior spiracles geometry, the cross-validation revealed a relatively high percentage of correct classification in most species, ranking from 86% to 100%. The results of this study confirmed that the geometric morphometric (GM) analysis of posterior spiracles might be utilized as a larva identification tool. Therefore, this GM method represents one way of overcoming difficulties with the identification of blow fly larvae and can support further studies of these flies. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triacylglycerol (TAG) is crucial in animal energy storage and membrane biogenesis. The conversion of diacylglycerol (DAG) to triacylglycerol (TAG) is catalyzed by diacylglycerol acyltransferase enzymes (DGAT s), which are encoded by genes belonging to two distinct gene families. Although arthropods are known to possess DGAT s activities and utilize the glycerol-3-phosphate pathway and MAG pathway for TAG biosynthesis, the sequence characterization and evolutionary history of DGAT s in arthropods remains unclear. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate genomic analyses of DGAT s in 13 arthropod species and 14 outgroup species. We found that arthropods lack SOAT2 genes within the DGAT1 family, while DGAT2 , MOGAT3 , AWAT1 , and AWAT2 were absent from in DGAT2 family. Gene structure and phylogenetic analyses revealed that DGAT1 and DGAT2 genes come from different gene families. The expression patterns of these genes were further analyzed in crustaceans, demonstrating the importance of DGAT1 in TAG biosynthesis. Additionally, we identified the DGAT1 gene in Swimming crab (P. trituberculatus) undergoes a mutually exclusive alternative splicing event in the molt stages. Our newly determined DGAT inventory data provide a more complete scenario and insights into the evolutionary dynamics and functional diversification of DGAT s in arthropods. [Display omitted] • We identified 2–4 DGAT s in arthropods and studied their evolutionary history. • The number of DGAT s in arthropods is less than vertebrates. • We demonstrated that DGAT1 and DGAT2 derived from different ancestors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapes are among the most valuable fruit crops with over ∼80 billion US dollars in farm gate value worldwide. Many insect pests, including phylloxera, mealybugs, grapevine moths, and spotted lanternfly, among others, persistently challenge grapevine plants. Insect infestations can limit berry production and affect the quality and quantity of its several byproducts, resulting in economic losses. To counter insect attack, grapevines employ different mechanisms, including structural, direct, indirect, and inducible defenses. Surprisingly, there is a lack of literature review in the grapevine-arthropod interactions study system. This review summarizes various defense mechanisms, including primary/secondary metabolites, elicitors, volatile organic compounds, etc., used by grapevines against insect and mite attacks that would help to improve and develop pest management strategies in vineyards. Finally, future perspectives of grapevine-insect interactions will be discussed, which could help to reveal novel grapevine defense mechanisms against arthropod herbivory and develop new pest management strategies to reduce crop losses. [Display omitted] • Grapevines are susceptible to infestation by various insect and mite pests. • Arthropod infestations lead to both activation and suppression of defense mechanisms in grapevine plants. • Grapevines utilize secondary metabolites, elicitors, and volatile organic compounds among others for defense against insect pests. • Abiotic factors significantly influence the dynamics of grapevine-arthropod interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Differential volatile profiles highlighting methyl salicylateand terpenoids elicited by herbivores infestation with different mouthparts were identified in chrysanthemum. • Two homologies of CmSAMTs , responsible for the induced emission of methyl salicylateby Tetranychus urticae feeding, were functionally characterized. • Two pivotal CmTPSs , contributing to the major terpenes production elicited by Tetranychus urticae and Spodoptera frugiperda feeding, were functionally characterized. Many volatiles that are induced in plant foliage as a result of herbivorous insect infestation can act as cues for natural enemy attraction or for priming defense mechanisms. However, the qualitative and quantitative differences in volatile emissions in chrysanthemum plants that are fed upon by pests with different mouthparts have not been explored. In this study, Tetranychus urticats (TEU) with piercing-sucking mouthparts and Spodoptera frugiperda larvae (FAW) with chewing mouthparts were selected to infest the Chrysanthemum morifolium leaves to determine the response of volatile emission and production induced by herbivore feeding with different mouthparts. Our results showed that FAW-infestation significantly increased the emission rate of monoterpenes and specifically induced the emission of β-pinene. In contrast, TEU-infested plants significantly enhanced the emission rate of sesquiterpenes and phenylpropanoids compared to the control group. In particular, β-funebrene and methyl salicylate (MeSA) were exclusively induced in TEU-infested plants. CmSAMTs responsible for the elicited emission of MeSA, were functionally characterized. Additionally, multiple CmTPSs with strikingly elevated expression induced by TEU and FAW-infestation were subjected to enzymatic assay for the identification of their biochemical function. The products (β-pinene, α-copaene, germacrene D, β-caryophyllene, β-funebrene and β-ylangene) of two pivotal CmTPSs covered the major terpene profiles elicited by TEU and FAW feeding. Overall, these results could deepen our understanding of the corresponding defensive strategies against herbivores feeding with different mouthparts in chrysanthemum plants and provide theoretical basis for the biological control of pests in the cultivation and production of chrysanthemum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) signaling systems have been characterized in a diverse range of protostomes, representatively in arthropods. The cyclic CX 5 C-type CCAP regulates various biological activities through CCAP receptors (CCAPRs), which are orthologous to neuropeptide S receptors (NPSRs) in deuterostomes. However, the CCAPRs of the lophotrochozoa remain poorly characterized; therefore, the relationship between the CCAP, NPS, and CX 4 C-type oxytocin/vasopressin (OT/VP) signaling systems is unclear. In this study, we identified a CCAP precursor and two CCAPR isoforms in the Pacific abalone (Haliotis discus hannai ; Hdh). The Hdh-CCAP precursor was found to harbor three CX 5 C-type and one CX 4 C-type CCAPs. The Hdh-CCAPRs displayed homology with protostome CCAPRs and deuterostome NPSRs, having characteristics of the rhodopsin-type G protein-coupled receptors. Phylogenetic analysis showed that lophotrochozoan CCAPRs, including Hdh-CCAPRs, form a monophyletic group distinct from arthropod CCAPRs. Reporter assays demonstrated that all examined Hdh-CCAPs and insect CCAP-induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and cAMP accumulation in Hdh-CCAPR-expressing HEK293 cells, whereas none of the CCAP peptides inhibited the forskolin-stimulated cAMP signaling pathway even at micromolar concentrations. In silico ligand-receptor docking models showed that the N-terminal FCN motifs of Hdh-CCAPs are deeply inserted inside the binding pocket of Hdh-CCAPR, forming extensive hydrophobic interactions. In mature Pacific abalone, the transcripts for Hdh-CCAP precursor and Hdh-CCAPR were highly expressed in the neural ganglia compared to the peripheral tissues. Collectively, this study characterized the first CCAP signaling system linked to both Ca2+/PKC and cAMP/PKA signal transduction pathways in gastropod mollusks and gives insights into the evolutional origins of deuterostomian NPS and OT/VP signaling systems. [Display omitted] • The crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) system was investigated in the Pacific abalone Haliotis discus hannai (Hdh). • Protostome CCAP receptors (CCAPRs) were classified as a sister group with deuterostome neuropeptide S receptors. • Hdh-CCAP and insect CCAP peptides activated the Ca2+/PKC and the cAMP/PKA signaling pathways through the Hdh-CCAPRs. • In silico docking model showed that N-terminal FCN motif of Hdh-CCAP is inserted inside the binding pocket of Hdh-CCAPR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil arthropods can affect plant growth and aboveground interactions directly via root herbivory and indirectly through nutrient cycling and interactions with soil microorganisms. Research on these effects of soil arthropods has focused on a few taxa within natural systems, largely neglecting agroecosystems and arthropod community-level effects. This study investigated the effects of soil arthropod communities from cereal-based agroecosystems on wheat plant growth and above-belowground interactions. Nutrient cycling and wheat growth were measured in a greenhouse microcosm experiment using field-collected agricultural soils from two rotational schemes with and without their soil arthropod communities. The effects of soil arthropods on aboveground phytohormones and colony growth of an aphid [ Metopolophium festucae cerealium (Stroyan)] infesting the plants were measured. Wheat grown in soils with arthropod communities had significantly greater root (+ Arth mean: 0.15 ± 0.01 g; − Arth mean: 0.06 ± 0.01 g; F 1,54 = 72.34, p < 0.001) and shoot biomass (+ Arth mean: 0.39 ± 0.03 g; − Arth mean: 0.24 ± 0.03 g; F 1,54 = 17.61, p < 0.001), greater soil nitrate concentrations (+ Arth mean: 62.18 ± 4.76 mg NO 3 − - N kg−1 soil; − Arth mean: 13.06 ± 0.61 mg NO 3 − - N kg−1 soil; F 1,54 = 99.89, p < 0.001), and altered root architecture compared to controls. Soil arthropod communities collected from the two rotational schemes differed significantly in abundance and diversity, but affected wheat growth similarly. Aphid colony growth (+ Arth mean: 30.50 ± 4.06; − Arth mean: 22.13 ± 3.36; χ2 1,27 = 21.19, p < 0.001), but not plant damage by aphids (+ Arth mean: 2.72 ± 0.17, − Arth mean: 2.69 ± 0.16; F 1,27 = 0.02, p > 0.05), was significantly greater on wheat grown in soils with arthropods. Aphids, in turn, modified the effects of soil arthropods on root architecture and increased the abundance of soil arthropods. Wheat grown in soils with arthropods had increased levels of stress- and defense-related phytohormones in response to aphid herbivory, while phytohormones of wheat plants grown in soils without arthropods did not differ with aphid presence. Soil arthropod communities may help plants defend against herbivores aboveground by facilitating phytohormone induction while offsetting costs by increasing soil nutrients and modifying plant growth. By using taxonomically diverse field-collected soil arthropod communities from agroecosystems, this study showed that community-level effects on plant growth are more complex and dynamic than the effects of any single taxon, such as Collembola, illustrating that interactions within communities can produce emergent properties that alter the net effect of soil arthropods on plant growth. The results indicate that community-level effects of soil organisms should be considered as part of sustainable plant production and protection strategies. • Soil arthropod communities collected from agricultural soils improved wheat growth. • Community-level effects differed from studies that only used Collembola. • Bidirectional aphid and soil arthropod interactions affected wheat growth. • Soil arthropod communities influenced phytohormone production. • Future above-belowground research should consider community-level effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genome editing technique CRISPR/Cas9 has led to major advancements in many research fields and this state-of-the-art tool has proven its use in genetic studies for various arthropods. However, most transformation protocols rely on microinjection of CRISPR/Cas9 components into embryos, a method which is challenging for many species. Alternatively, injections can be performed on adult females, but transformation efficiencies can be very low as was shown for the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae , a minute but important chelicerate pest on many crops. In this study, we explored different CRISPR/Cas9 formulations to optimize a maternal injection protocol for T. urticae. We observed a strong synergy between branched amphipathic peptide capsules and saponins, resulting in a significant increase of CRISPR/Cas9 knock-out efficiency, exceeding 20%. This CRISPR/Cas9 formulation, termed SYNCAS, was used to knock-out different T. urticae genes – phytoene desaturase, CYP384A1 and Antennapedia – but also allowed to develop a co-CRISPR strategy and facilitated the generation of T. urticae knock-in mutants. In addition, SYNCAS was successfully applied to knock-out white and white-like genes in the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis. The SYNCAS method allows routine genome editing in these species and can be a game changer for genetic research in other hard to transform arthropods. [Display omitted] • Many arthropod species are hard to genetically transform via traditional embryo injection. • Different formulations for CRISPR/Cas9 editing via adult female injection were explored. • Strong synergism was observed between BAPC and saponins, significantly increasing CRISPR/Cas9 editing efficiency. • This new CRISPR/Cas9 formulation, termed SYNCAS, allowed to knock-out different targets in spider mites and thrips. • SYNCAS facilitated the generation of knock-in mutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power amplification with catapult-like structures in arthropods is well studied, including the jump mechanism of natural organisms and biomimetic applications in robotics. Most catapult jump mechanisms have been developed based on animals that use legs to jump. However, jumps of some arthropods that use body parts other than legs and that show outstanding performance have been less studied until now. Here, we experimentally studied the jumping behavior of the sandhopper Talitrus saltator to determine whether they jump through the catapult mechanism and identify its critical catapult structures. The results showed that the sandhopper jumps through a body-catapult mechanism (muscle-specific power output: 1.7–5.7 kW/kg, 3.4–11.4 times the power output limit of arthropod muscle). The arch-shaped structures at the fore margin of the five posterior segments can provide a large amount of strain energy storage and account for more than 80% of the total kinetic energy demand. In addition, we build a biomimetic bi-segment device whose extension movement is actuated by sandhopper-inspired spring units. The results indicate that a multi-segmented robotic configuration can achieve rapid jumps based on the same principles of the body-catapult mechanism of the sandhopper. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ticks exist across diverse environments and transmit numerous pathogens. Due to their long and unique life cycles, these arthropods likely evolved robust epigenetic mechanisms that provide sustainable responses and buffers against extreme environmental conditions. Herein, we highlight how the study of the epigenetic basis of tick biology and vectorial capacity will enrich our knowledge of tick-borne infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant–microbe–arthropod (PMA) three-way interactions have important implications for plant health. However, our poor understanding of the underlying regulatory mechanisms hampers their biotechnological applications. To this end, we searched for potential common patterns in plant responses regarding taxonomic groups or lifestyles. We found that most signaling modules regulating two-way interactions also operate in three-way interactions. Furthermore, the relative contribution of signaling modules to the final plant response cannot be directly inferred from two-way interactions. Moreover, our analyses show that three-way interactions often result in the activation of additional pathways, as well as in changes in the speed or intensity of defense activation. Thus, detailed, basic knowledge of plant–microbe–arthropod regulation will be essential for the design of environmentally friendly crop management strategies. Plant‐microbe‐arthropod (PMA) interactions have important impacts on plant fitness, and recent studies shed light on how plants regulate responses in such complex interactions. Biosynthetic pathways for the production of defensive and signaling compounds, and the corresponding signaling modules (mostly related to phytohormones) are key regulators both in interactions of the plant with either microbes or arthropods (two-way interactions), or when exposed to both (PMA; three-way interactions). Most signaling modules regulating two-way interactions of plants with microbes or arthropods also operate in three-way PMA interactions, but changes in their speed or intensity (e.g., defense priming) and/or activation of additional pathways frequently occur. These differences shape the outcome of PMA interactions and may have implications for ecologically based crop protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolism influences biochemical networks, and arthropod vectors are endowed with an immune system that affects microbial acquisition, persistence, and transmission to humans and other animals. Here, we aim to persuade the scientific community to expand their interests in immunometabolism beyond mammalian hosts and towards arthropod vectors. Immunometabolism investigates the interplay of metabolism and immunology. We provide a conceptual framework for investigators from diverse disciplines and indicate that relationships between microbes, mammalian hosts and their hematophagous arthropods may result in cost-effective (mutualism) or energetically expensive (parasitism) interactions. We argue that disparate resource allocations between species may partially explain why some microbes act as pathogens when infecting humans and behave as mutualistic or commensal organisms when colonizing arthropod vectors. Hematophagous arthropods transmit a wide variety of microbes that are mutualistic or commensal organisms to arthropods yet parasitic to humans. This disparate impact of a microbe in varying species suggests a role for partitioning of metabolites and resources in interspecies relationships. Immunometabolism, an emerging scientific field of research that investigates the interplay of metabolism with immunology, remains mostly unexplored in hematophagous arthropods. Upon encountering a microbe, nutrient allocation to tissues and organs may dictate whether interspecies relationships will be synergistic, neutral, or antagonistic to an organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new crustacean microcoprolite Halorina cryptica nov. ichnogen., nov. ichnosp., is reported from cryptic cavities cutting the Upper Triassic (Carnian to lower Rhaetian) Dachstein-type limestones from the Northern Apuseni Mountains, Romania. The new ichnotaxon is extremely abundant in cavities, neptunian dikes and sills filled with red ferruginous carbonate sediment. The associated microfauna consists of ostracods and rare foraminifera. The microfacies is represented by bioclastic coprolite-bearing wackestone-packstone to grainstone. The red ferruginous carbonate fillings are strongly bioturbated. The neptunian sill located at the top of the studied section contains a rich ichnofauna associated with brachiopod accumulations. It is dominated by the dimerelloid rhynchonellid Halorella , indicating a late Norian-early Rhaetian age. Although neptunian dikes and sills are rather common in the Dachstein-type carbonate platform that extended on the northwestern Tethyan margin, we report here the first record of mass-occurrence of crustacean microcoprolites in neptunian dikes and sills filled with red carbonate sediments of marine origin. They are interpreted here as cryptic cavities with specific palaeoenvironmental features (e.g., lack of light, abundant nutrients, intensive microbial activity) where crustacean arthropods thrived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mast cells and basophils are central to acquired resistance against blood-feeding arthropods which, in turn, counteract these cells by modulating their biological activities. The phenotypic exuberance displayed in this battlefield points to a reciprocal selective pressure suggesting a coevolutionary arms race that shapes both ectoparasites and vertebrate hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its cold and dry climate and scarcity of ice-free land, Antarctica has one of the most extreme environments on our planet. To survive in the Antarctic region, parasitic arthropods must either remain closely associated with their hosts throughout the entire life cycle or develop physiological adaptations to survive in the terrestrial habitat while their hosts are away foraging at sea or overwintering at lower latitudes. Forty-eight species of birds and seven species of pinnipeds breed in the Antarctic region, with 158 species/subspecies of parasitic arthropods recorded thus far, comprising: sucking lice (Echinophthiriidae), chewing lice (Menoponidae, Philopteridae), fleas (Ceratophyllidae, Pygiopsyllidae, Rhopalopsyllidae), pentastomes (Reighardiidae), hard ticks (Ixodidae), nest-associated haematophagous mites (Laelapidae), nasal mites (Halarachnidae, Rhinonyssidae) and feather mites (Alloptidae, Avenzoariidae, Xolalgidae, Freyanidae). In this review, we provide an updated compilation of the available information on the host-parasite associations of arthropods infesting birds and pinnipeds in the Antarctic region, and discuss some over-arching ecological patterns and gaps of knowledge. Image 1 • Antarctic parasitic arthropods comprise lice, fleas, pentastomes, ticks and mites. • A total of 158 species/subspecies of parasitic arthropods infest Antarctic hosts. • Antarctica's extreme climate is a key limiting factor for nest-bound parasites. • Chewing lice are the most diverse parasite group, but are usually host specialists. • Ticks and fleas are host generalists with the most potential to vector pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Gregarines are among the most frequently found parasites in the gut of arthropods. • Gregarines have long been known for the costs they incur to their hosts. • We showed that gregarine infection is not costly in the European earwig. • Moreover, it comes with apparent benefits in terms of survival. • We discuss why gregarines could be involved in a mutualistic relationship. Studying the costs and benefits of host-parasite interactions is of central importance to shed light on the evolutionary drivers of host life history traits. Although gregarines (Apicomplexa: Sporozoa) are one of the most frequent parasites in the gut of invertebrates, the diversity of its potential impacts on a host remains poorly explored. In this study, we addressed this gap in knowledge by investigating the prevalence of natural infections by the gregarine Gregarina ovata and testing how these infections shape a large set of morphological, behavioural and physiological traits in the European earwig Forficula auricularia. Our results first show that G. ovata was present in 76.8% of 573 field-sampled earwigs, and that its prevalence was both higher in males compared with females and increased between July and September. The load of G. ovata in the infected individuals was higher in males than females, but this sex difference vanished during the season. Our experiments then surprisingly revealed apparent benefits of G. ovata infections. Food-deprived hosts survived longer when they exhibited high compared with low gregarine loads. Moreover, the presence of gregarines was associated with a reduced phenoloxidase activity, indicating a lower immune resistance or a higher immune tolerance of the infected hosts. By contrast, we found no effect of G. ovata presence and number on earwigs' development (eye distance, forceps length), activity, food consumption or resistance against a fungal pathogen. Overall, our findings suggest that G. ovata could be involved in a mutualistic relationship with the European earwig. Given the ubiquitous presence of gregarines among invertebrates, our data also suggest that this common member of insect gut flora could have a broad and positive role in the life history of many host species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the earliest reported pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs), and these receptors play pivotal roles in the innate immune system. Systematic studies of TLR family at the genome-wide level are important to understand its functions but are currently lacking in the insect lineage. Here, 6 TLR genes were identified and characterized in housefly (Musca domestica). The TLR genes of housefly were classified into five families according to the phylogenetic analysis of insect TLRs. The domain organization analyses indicated that the TLRs were composed by three major components: a leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain, a transmembrane region (TM) and a Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain. Primary and tertiary structure analysis showed that the ectodomains of arthropod TLRs were longer than that of other phyla or classes. The mRNA expression levels of all 6 TLRs downregulated in the resistant housefly strain. Moreover, the expression levels of 6 TLRs varied between tissue and gender. Additionally, the 3D structures of the TIR domain were highly conserved during evolution. Collectively, these results help elucidate the crucial roles of TLRs in the immune response of housefly and provide a foundation for further understanding of innate immunity of the housefly. • The genome of housefly contains 6 Toll-like receptor genes (MdTLR). • All 6 MdTLR genes were downregulated in insecticide-resistant houseflies. • The ectodomains of arthropods TLRs are longer than that of other phyla. • The tertiary structures of TIR domains are highly conserved in evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We studied carabid and spider responses to impervious surfaces and patch isolation. • The nestedness component mainly explained the total taxonomic and functional β-diversity. • Impervious surfaces cause functional homogenization and turnover in both groups. • Patch isolation homogenizes and shifts species composition in both groups. • Spider dispersal capacity increases with urbanization density and patch isolation. The conversion of natural lands in urban areas is exponentially increasing worldwide, causing a major decline in biodiversity. Environmental alterations caused by urbanization, such as land conversion and isolation of natural patches, favour tolerant and generalist species, causing both species loss and replacement. In addition, selective pressure is exerted on particular functional traits, driving a functional homogenization or turnover of biotic communities. We sampled ground arthropods within the municipality of Turin (NW-Italy), wherein an isolated and a connected control subplot were repeatedly sampled at 15 stations distributed along a gradient of increasing urbanization. Such a nested sampling design allowed us to investigate the taxonomic and the functional responses of carabids and spiders to both the urbanization level and patch isolation. First, we highlighted the dominant role played by species homogenization (nestedness) in explaining both taxonomic and functional variation in both groups of arthropods. Secondly, we showed that urbanization causes simultaneously functional homogenization and replacement in both carabid and spider assemblages, whereas patch isolation influences carabid species composition and homogenizes and shifts spider taxonomic and functional composition. Lastly, by relating community-weighted means of body length, dispersal capacity and trophic strategy to the urbanization and isolation gradients, we demonstrated that urbanization alters the trophic structure of both taxonomic groups and increases the average dispersal capacity of spiders. On the other hand, patch isolation affected the functional composition of spiders only, reducing the body size and increasing dispersal capacity and the proportion of web-builder species. Our results demonstrate that both urbanization and patch isolation alter species composition by causing functional and taxonomic homogenization. In addition, they exert a strong filtering effect on community functional traits, increasing the proportion of phytophagous species in carabids, and increasing dispersal capacity and web-builders occurrence in spiders, while reducing spider body size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A differential variation in the rate of rearrangement by gene and by taxonomic order. • Crustacea and Chelicerata mitogenomes tend to be more rearranged compared to Myriapoda. • A high number of different gene orders are reported in the arthropod mitochondrial genome. • Ancestral gene order in each Subphylum and taxonomic order were postulate. In the species-rich Phylum Arthropoda, the mitochondrial genome is relatively well conserved both in terms of number and order of genes. However, specific clades have a 'typical' gene order that differs from the putative arthropod ancestral arrangement. The aim of this work was to compare the rate of mitochondrial gene rearrangements at inter- and intra-taxonomic levels in the Arthropoda and to postulate the most parsimonious ancestral orders representing the four major arthropod lineages. For this purpose, we performed a comparative genomic analysis of arthropod mitochondrial genomes available in the NCBI database. Using a combination of bioinformatics methods that examined mitochondrial gene rearrangements in 464 species of arthropods from three subphyla (Chelicerata, Myriapoda, and Crustacea [except Hexapoda, previously analyzed]), we observed differences in the rate of rearrangement within major lineages. A higher rate of mitochondrial genome rearrangement was observed in Crustacea and Chelicerata compared to Myriapoda. Likewise, early branching clades exhibit less variability in mitochondrial genome order than late branching clades, within each subphylum. We identified 'hot regions' in the mitochondrial genome of each studied subphylum, and postulated the most likely ancestral gene order in each subphylum and taxonomic order. Our work provides new evidence on the evolutionary dynamics of mitochondrial genome gene order in arthropods and new mitochondrial genome architectures in different taxonomic divisions within each major lineage of arthropods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat destruction and land use intensification are major causes of arthropod decline in agroecosystems. Arthropods are key organisms that are linked to many ecosystem functions and sustainability of agriculture. Using 37 vineyards in Southern France as a model system, we analysed which characteristics of spontaneous inter-row vegetation positively influence beneficial arthropods and pest insect predation. We specifically studied the effects of flower cover, grass cover, the ratio of perennials to annuals, plant species richness and extrafloral nectar on beneficial arthropod communities in vineyards. We used direct observation and net hunting to evaluate arthropod abundance. Sentinel cards with Lucilia sp. larvae were placed on grapevine plants to analyse caterpillar predation. We found that most groups of tested beneficial arthropods were positively influenced by flower cover and plant species richness. In particular, the abundance of predators such as ladybirds (adults and larvae) and crab spiders and the abundance of parasitic wasps were positively correlated to flower cover in vineyard inter-row vegetation. The abundance of ladybirds, hoverflies and crab spiders was also positively related to plant species richness. Our results demonstrated the importance of floral resources and plant diversity for beneficial arthropods and caterpillar predation confirming their key role in biological control of pest insects. • Characteristics of vineyard inter-row vegetation strongly affected beneficial arthropods. • Flower cover had a positive effect on arthropods partially feeding on floral resources such as ladybirds and parasitic wasps. • Crab spiders not feeding on floral resources also benefitted from nectariferous flowers via prey attraction. • Plant species richness favoured beneficial arthropods such as hoverflies, ladybirds and crab spiders. • The positive effect of plant species richness translated in a higher predation of sentinel prey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BugGuide.net is a website where arthropod photographs submitted by the public are identified by professional and amateur entomologists. In April 2023 posts containing "bitten" or "stung" were reviewed. Of 39 verified bites, 10 were blood-feeding insects. Others included 9 Heteroptera, 6 spiders, 6 lacewings. 110 posts of stings included 44 social Hymenoptera, 33 solitary Hymenoptera, 5 Heteroptera, 20 caterpillars and 4 scorpions. Injury from lacewing larvae, true bugs, solitary Hymenoptera and caterpillars was unexpectedly common. [Display omitted] • Members of the public turn to online resources for identification of insects after bites and stings. • Most stings submitted to BugGuide.net were from Hymenoptera, with social species stinging more than solitary species. • Submissions for bites were fewer than stings and included many arthropods that were not clearly related to the skin lesions. • Multiple cases of reactions were documented from caterpillars, true bugs, spiders, lacewings and scorpions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides have been proven to be noxious to non-target organisms, including beneficial arthropods. Moreover, pesticide applications, kill a broad range of natural enemies and pollinators, resulting in pest outbreaks of pesticide resistant phytophagous species and a worldwide shrinking of the pollinators' populations. Natural pesticides called phytochemicals, are considered environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional pesticides, presenting lower risk to animals and humans. To minimize the environmental impact and the disruption of the species interactions, the potential lethal and sublethal effects of phytochemicals on beneficial arthropods must be evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of five phytochemical pesticides (Requiem®, Eradicoat®, Prev-Am®, FLiPPER®, BPA044I), on two predatory mites, two predatory insects and one pollinator, which are all important components of current integrated pest management (IPM) programs. The lethal and sublethal effects of the phytochemicals were evaluated on the phytoseiid mites (Acari, Phytoseiidae), Phytoseiulus persimilis (Evans), and Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot), as well as the predatory insects Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) (Heteroptera: Miridae) and Orius laevigatus (Fieber) (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae). Also, the lethal effects were evaluated on the pollinator Bombus terrestris L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) which is used in greenhouse pollination. We evaluated the acute toxicity of the phytochemicals on adult arthropods and the effects on the predator fecundity, when exposed directly and indirectly through residues. Requiem® and BPA044I were harmless or slightly harmful to the mite and insect predators (toxicity <49%), nor did they affect their fertility, according to the IOBC classification. Eradicoat® was harmless to N. tenuis, but it had moderate toxicity to mites and O. laevigatus (<50%). Prev-Am® had high toxicity (>50%) on mites and low on insects, while FLiPPER® was moderately to highly toxic to all predators. The tested phytochemical products exhibited very low toxicity on the pollinator B. terrestris, with either oral or topical exposure and very high repellency. Overall, the evaluation of natural pesticide effects on biocontrol agents and pollinators is crucial for implementing successful IPM strategies. [Display omitted] • Phytochemicals are natural toxins used in controlling pests. • All the phytochemicals tested were proven to be safe for pollinators. • However, phytochemicals can be toxic to biocontrol agents. • Integrated pest management depends on pest control tools safe for beneficials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community trophic structure is shaped by concurrent bottom-up (resources) and top-down effects (predators), but the extent to which they interact remains uncertain. The Exploitation Ecosystems Hypothesis predicts that predators should offset increases in herbivore abundance with plant productivity, which is supported by data. However, the extent to which interactions within trophic levels (e.g. competition, intraguild predation) have similar effects is less clear. Ants and spiders are abundant in vegetation and consume similar arthropod prey (occasionally each other) and plant exudates, with ants generally showing competitive dominance over spiders. We tested whether ants could shape the trophic structure of tree-dwelling macroarthropod communities by offsetting increases in spider abundance with insect prey. We performed three surveys of the macroarthropod community of 97 trees from two sites in the savanna of Northern Amazonia. Together, ants and spiders represented 74% of the sampled individuals per tree. Insect prey abundance increased with tree crown volume and crown flower cover, consistent with bottom-up limitation. Likewise, both ants and spiders increased with insect prey abundance, with ant abundance also varying with tree species, suggesting reliance on both animal and plant resources. However, as predicted, the positive relationship between spider abundance and insect prey abundance disappeared as ant abundance increased. Our results suggest that agonistic interactions within trophic levels can strongly shape community structure and size by modifying bottom-up effects as much as interactions across trophic levels. • We sampled tree macroarthropods in an Amazonian savanna. • Insect prey abundance increased with plant resources. • Ant abundance responded to insect prey and tree species. • Ants suppressed spider abundance increase with insect prey. • Interactions within trophic levels can shape community trophic structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies examining changes in functional diversity and trait composition for soil arthropods are limited yet crucial for understanding the effects of land-use change. To determine whether plantation forestry drives functional homogenization of soil biota, we compared the taxonomic and functional diversity of ants and springtails between natural (indigenous forests and grasslands) and transformed (Eucalyptus plantations) biotopes. The prevalence of morphological and ecological traits in natural vs. transformed biotopes was also assessed. The study was conducted in two environmentally contrasting regions: high elevation areas with clay soils and coastal areas with sandy soils, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Surprisingly, the Eucalyptus compartments generally had similar levels of taxonomic and functional diversity as indigenous forests and/or grasslands. However, there were shifts in traits between the three biotopes, with each biotope supporting arthropods with traits suited to the environmental conditions in the biotope. Some traits were representative of the natural biotopes, and others of the plantation compartments. As a functionally diverse component of soil biodiversity is present in the plantations, it is indicative that these plantations have seemingly high levels of ecosystem stability and functioning. Arthropod traits compatible with the different environments appear to allow them to persist in high diversity across the landscape mosaic. These results suggest that enhancing landscape heterogeneity in a production landscape increases taxonomic and functional diversity of soil arthropods by creating a large-scale, spatial mosaic of complementary conditions for species with different habitat requirements. • Grassland, forest and plantations have high levels of functional soil arthropod diversity • Contrasting habitats have soil arthropods with traits suited to each habitat • High trait diversity enables soil arthropods to survive in timber systems • Agroecological systems offer opportunities for maintaining high levels of soil fauna [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regeneration is widespread across all animal taxa, but patterns of its distribution and key factors determining regeneration capabilities stay enigmatic. A comparative approach could shed light on the problem, but its efficacy is limited by the fact that data is only available on a few species from derived taxa. Pycnogonida are nested basally within the Chelicerata. They can shed and replace their walking legs and have a high regeneration capacity. In this work, we carried careful observation on leg appendotomy and regeneration processes in a sea spider under laboratory settings. The limb structure and in vivo observation reveal autotomy as the most likely appendotomy mechanism. High regeneration capabilities were ascertained: an anatomically normal but small leg appeared in a single molting cycle and the full functionality regained in 2–3 cycles. Wound closure after appendotomy in N. brevirostre primarily relies on hemolymph coagulation, which apparently differs from both xiphosurans and crustaceans. Regeneration is provided by proliferation in the leg cutpiece. Regenerative morphogenesis resembles the normal ontogenetic morphogenesis of a walking leg, but accelerated. Unlike in most arthropods, in N. brevirostre , regeneration does not necessarily correspond to the molting cycle, inferring a plesiomorphic state. [Display omitted] • N. brevirostre exhibits appendotomy, with autotomy being the presumed mechanism. • Hemocytes are not involved in the initial clotting of the hemolymph. • The area for cell growth is limited by the remaining portion of the removed leg. • There is no correlation between the molting cycle and regeneration in N. brevirostre. • It takes 1–2 molting cycles for N. brevirostre to regenerate a fully formed leg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]