Search

Simple Summary: This study surveyed the diversity of yeast species in the guts of various insects from three Bulgarian National Parks, Vitosha, Rila, and Pirin. Insects from a wide range of taxonomic groups, including Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Dermaptera, and Collembola, were collected. Yeast strains were identified using DNA barcoding of ribosomal markers. This study found 89 ascomycetous and 18 basidiomycetous yeast isolates. Forty-two percent of the yeast isolates represented novel yeast species. Our study confirms that insects remain a rich source of unknown yeast species. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive survey aimed at assessing the diversity of yeast species inhabiting the guts of various insect species collected mainly from two Bulgarian National Parks, namely, Rila, and Pirin. The insect specimens encompass a broad taxonomic spectrum, including representatives from Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Dermaptera, Isopoda, and Collembola. Yeast strains were identified with DNA barcoding using the ribosomal markers, specifically, the D1/D2 domains of the ribosomal large subunit (LSU) and the internal transcribed spacers regions ITS 1 + 2 (ITS). The analysis unveiled the presence of 89 ascomycetous and 18 basidiomycetous yeast isolates associated with the insect specimens. Furthermore, our study identified 18 hitherto unknown yeast species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viticulture worldwide is challenged by grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs). Involvement of arthropods in the dissemination process of GTD pathogens, notably esca pathogens, is indicated after detection of associated pathogens on arthropod exoskeletons, and demonstration of transmission under artificial conditions. The present study is the first to quantify spore loads via qPCR of the esca-relevant pathogen Phaeomoniella chlamydospora on arthropods collected in German vineyards, i.e., European earwigs (Forficula auricularia), ants (Formicidae), and two species of jumping spiders (Marpissa muscosa and Synageles venator). Quantification of spore loads showed acquisition on exoskeletons, but most arthropods carried only low amounts. The mycobiome on earwig exoskeletons was described for the first time to reveal involvement of earwigs in the dispersal of GTDs in general. Metabarcoding data support the potential risk of earwigs as vectors for predominantly Pa. chlamydospora and possibly Eutypa lata (causative agent of Eutypa dieback), as respective operational taxonomical unit (OTU) assigned genera had relative abundances of 6.6% and 2.8% in total reads, even though with great variation between samples. Seven further GTD-related genera were present at a very low level. As various factors influence the successful transmission of GTD pathogens, we hypothesize that arthropods might irregularly act as direct vectors. Our results highlight the importance of minimizing and protecting pruning wounds in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Apples are among the most heavily treated fruits against pests. Finding new, more environmentally friendly solutions for pest control is essential. Biological control is one of these, and can involve the use of predatory insects to eliminate pests. The earwig is one such predatory insect. We set out to determine whether earwigs had developed resistance mechanisms to the molecules to which they are exposed in orchards. A single population of earwigs was sampled in three types of orchard (organic, conventional and integrated pest management) and compared with each other. Mutations and higher expression levels in genes known to confer resistance were identified. These results highlight the effect of pesticide use on beneficial organisms and the resulting effect on the biodiversity of natural enemies in orchards. To date, apple orchards are among the most treated crops in Europe with up to 35 chemical treatments per year. Combining control methods that reduce the number of pesticide treatments is essential for agriculture and more respectful of the environment, and the use of predatory insects such as earwigs may be valuable to achieve this goal. European earwigs, Forficula auricularia (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) are considered beneficial insects in apple orchards where they can feed on many pests like aphids. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential impact of orchards' insecticide treatments on resistance-associated molecular processes in natural populations of earwigs. Because very few molecular data are presently available on earwigs, our first goal was to identify earwig resistance-associated genes and potential mutations. Using earwigs from organic, integrated pest management or conventional orchards, we identified mutations in acetylcholinesterase 2, α1 and β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. In addition, the expression level of these targets and of some essential detoxification genes were monitored using RT-qPCR. Unexpectedly, earwigs collected in organic orchards showed the highest expression for acetylcholinesterase 2. Four cytochromes P450, one esterase and one glutathione S-transferases were over-expressed in earwigs exposed to various management strategies in orchards. This first study on resistance-associated genes in Forficula auricularia paves the way for future experimental studies aimed at better understanding the potential competition between natural enemies in apple orchards in order to optimize the efficiency of biocontrol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Biological control, which is the use of natural enemies to regulate crop pests, is considered a key aspect of integrated pest management. In pome fruit (apple and pear) crops of the northwestern United States, the European earwig Forficula auricularia (L.) sensu lato may provide a unique opportunity for augmentative biological control. While this generalist omnivore is a direct pest in stone fruit crops like cherries and peaches, it is a beneficial predator in apple and pear crops. In these crops, it feeds on two key pests, the woolly apple aphid and pear psylla, respectively, and rarely damages fruit. Here, we tested a two-way strategy to reduce fruit damage by removing earwigs from crops where they are pests and releasing earwigs into orchards where they can help control pest populations. We found that mass-trapping earwigs in stone fruit orchards did not significantly reduce earwig numbers or fruit injury; however, this was a relatively easy and practical method for collecting thousands of individuals for augmentative release in pome fruit orchards. Two mass releases (once annually) of earwigs helped control key pests in pears and apples, such as pear psylla and woolly apple aphids, by the second year. We did not find evidence of a reduction in other pests, such as mites and other aphid species. Finally, we found that earwig releases can be useful in establishing their populations in orchards where they are absent or rarely found, potentially providing increased pest control over multiple seasons. The European earwig Forficula auricularia (L.) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) is an omnivorous insect that is considered a minor pest of stone fruit and a key predator of pests in pome fruit orchards. In many pome fruit orchards, earwigs are absent or in low abundance due to broad-spectrum spray programs and the slow recolonization rate of earwigs. Orchards in transition to organic or "selective" conventional programs often struggle to achieve effective levels of biological control, and thus, may benefit from inoculating earwigs to expedite their re-establishment. In a two-year study, we evaluated the potential for mass trapping earwigs from stone fruit using rolled cardboard traps to reduce fruit damage and provide earwigs for augmentation in pome fruit. We also tested whether a single mass release or five releases (on alternating weeks) of the same total number of earwigs in apples and pears reduced pests relative to plots where no releases occurred. Mass trapping did not decrease earwig abundance or substantially reduce fruit damage in stone fruit orchards. However, trapping was an efficient method for providing earwigs for augmentation. Earwig abundances were only increased in orchards where earwigs were previously low or absent; however, multiple orchards with varying prior levels of earwigs exhibited reductions in key pests (woolly apple aphid and pear psylla). For some other pests evaluated, plots with mass releases of earwigs had a slight trend in overall lower pest density when compared with control plots. A strategy for moving earwigs out of stone fruit orchards and into pome fruit orchards could be an effective method for augmenting orchard predator populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum) is a worldwide pest that causes damage to shoots, branches, trunks, and roots and reduces the capacity of apple trees to sprout and bloom. Even though this pest has a diverse guild of natural enemies, the parasitoid Aphelinus mali and the European earwig (Forficula auricularia) are the ones that have the most potential to regulate this pest. In our study we assessed the impact of earwig releases over time on woolly apple aphid populations. To do this, we released earwigs once per season in consecutive years and we compared woolly apple aphid abundance with respect to a control treatment (without earwig release). Overall, we found that earwig releases reduced the size of the colonies, but this effect was only evident from the second year onwards. These results highlighted the importance of considering time on augmentative biological control strategies. Nature-based solutions, such as biological control, can strongly contribute to reducing the use of plant protection products. In our study, we assessed the effect of augmentative releases of the European earwig (Forficula auricularia) to control the woolly apple aphid (Eriosoma lanigerum), a worldwide pest that causes serious damage to apple trees. The trials were carried out in two organic apple orchards located in Catalonia (NE Spain) from 2017 to 2020. Two treatments were compared: with vs. without earwig release. For the treatment, 30 earwigs per tree were released by means of a corrugated cardboard shelter. These releases were performed once per season and were repeated every year. We periodically assessed the length of the woolly apple aphid colonies, the number of colonies per tree, the percentage of aphids parasitized by Aphelinus mali, and the number of earwigs per shelter. Our results showed that earwig releases reduced the length of the colonies, but this effect was noticeable only for the second year onwards. Moreover, we found that those releases were compatible with A. mali. Overall, we demonstrated the positive impact of earwig releases on the woolly apple aphid control and the importance of considering time on augmentative biological control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this paper, two new genera with two new species of Dermaptera are described from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, China. The discovery of these two new species enriches the comparatively meagre fossil record of Dermaptera, particularly from the Middle Jurassic. The description of Applanatiforceps angustus is another brick laid in the foundation of protodiplatyid diversity, and the new genus Ekpagloderma gracilentum highlights the diversity of cercal forms among Aglyptodermatinae and the remarkable homogeneity of the general morphology of groups within this clade. Two new genera and species of Dermaptera are described from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, China: Applanatiforceps angustus gen. et sp. nov. in the archidermapteran family Protodiplatyidae, and Ekpagloderma gracilentum gen et sp. nov. in the eodermapteran family Semenoviolidae. Applanatiforceps shares the typical characters of the extinct suborder Archidermaptera (e.g., pentamerous meta tarsi, filiform and multimerous cerci) and externalized ovipositor. The family identity of the Protodiplatyidae can be further distinguished by comparing this new genus with other genera of the Protodiplatyidae. As a result of its large compound eyes, tegmina without venation, body sparsely setose, legs rather short and slender, and shape of the veinless tegmina, Ekpagloderma is classified in the subfamily Aglyptodermatinae. Ekpagloderma not only has the typical features of the Aglyptodermatinae, but also exhibits a more primitive slender segmented cerci, which is different from all other genera of Eodermaptera. In fact, the diversity of Eodermaptera as known today indicates some of the challenges in understanding the suborder and whether or not it is monophyletic as historically construed, or if the separation of Turanodermaptera is justified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthopteroidea is an ecologically diverse group of incompletely transformed insects that includes several insect orders similar in development and structure. Many species from Dermaptera, Orthoptera, Mantodea, and Blattodea are sensitive to anthropogenic influences and are indicators of the external environment. Some species cause damage to agriculture and forestry; others are inhabitants of human dwellings and pests of food supplies. The aim of this study is to describe fauna of some orders of Orthopteroidea in the Republic of Mordovia, in the central part of European Russia. This study was conducted in April–October 1971, 1984, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2001, and 2004–2023. All possible habitats were studied using a variety of methods (entomological traps, pitfall traps, pan traps, etc.). An acoustic method of species identification was also used. For each observation, the coordinates of location, abundance, and dates were recorded. The dataset contains 4865 occurrences. In total, 16,644 specimens of Orthopteroidea were studied. The dataset contains 71 species including Dermaptera (4), Orthoptera (62), Mantodea (1), and Blattodea (4). Of these, 13 species are identified for the first time in the region; these mainly inhabit steppe areas. The presence of two Orthoptera species has not been confirmed yet during our studies; these species are noted in this paper according an old published paper. The biodiversity of Mordovia includes 73 species from four orders. The biology of numerous species, their seasonal dynamics, and some descriptions of biotopes and number of new species are described. Dataset:  https://doi.org/10.15468/cmr3yy. Dataset License: Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Italy plays a central role in the research on Europe's biogeography because of its position in the middle of the Mediterranean, which is a global hotspot of diversity. This study investigated how present patterns of earwig species richness and composition in Italy are affected by climatic, geographical, and historical factors. Earwig richness does not decrease from the base to the tip of the Italian peninsula, which contrasts with the so-called 'peninsula effect'. However, richness does not increase southward either, suggesting that southern regions did not play a crucial role as a refuge during Pleistocene glaciations. Inter-regional similarities in species composition between regions is more influenced by their geographical proximity than climatic similarity, although richness is positively correlated with precipitation, in accordance with earwig preferences for humid conditions. The similarity in species composition with central European fauna decreases southward, indicating possible exchanges between central Europe and Italy. The majority of the earwigs of the Italian fauna are either widespread across Europe and the Palearctic, or confined to the main Italian mountain ranges, that is, the Alps and the Apennines. The isolation of ancient earwig populations on mountains resulted in the development of a high proportion of endemics, making the Italian earwig fauna one of the richest in Europe. Placed in the center of the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot, Italy plays a central role for the study of Europe's biogeography. In this paper, the influence of climatic, spatial, and historical factors on current patterns of variation in earwig species richness and composition is investigated. The Italian earwig fauna is mainly composed of species which are either widely distributed in Europe and the Palearctic region or that are endemic to the Alps and the Apennines. Variation in species richness does not follow any obvious geographical patterns, but a positive influence of precipitation on richness is consistent with earwig preferences for humid climates. European mainland territories did not contribute substantially to the current biodiversity of Italian earwigs, which explains the lack of a distinct peninsula effect, although a southward decrease in similarity with the central European fauna was observed. However, southern areas did not exert a pivotal role during Pleistocene glaciations in determining current patterns of species richness. Variation in species composition among Italian regions can be mostly explained by geographical proximity, while climatic differences and historical (paleogeographical and paleoecological) events seem to have played a minor role. However, the isolation of ancient earwig stocks on Italian mountains led to the origin of a relatively large number of endemics, which makes the Italian earwig fauna one of the richest in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The paper corrects a mistake in the identification of Formosozoros newi Chao & Chen, 2000, described in Zoraptera. F. newi is characterized by extremely long cerci and tarsi with a long first tarsomere; the latter character has not been recognized in any other extant or fossil Zoraptera. Based on the morphological comparisons of diagnostic characters, we here identified Formosozoros newi as the 1st-instar nymph of an earwig (Dermaptera). Zoraptera shows extreme uniformity in general body morphology, with the exception of Formosozoros (=Zorotypus) newi Chao & Chen, 2000, which stands out in terms of the shape and arrangement of its legs, the cerci, and several other morphological characters. After critical evaluation, we found that this species is not a zorapteran but is instead a nymph (1st instar) of an earwig; i.e., F. newi is a dermapteran. Because of the lack of morphological descriptions of Dermaptera nymphs that would allow species identification, and because the type material of F. newi is lost, a more detailed classification is not possible. We therefore propose that the genus name Formosozoros Chao & Chen, 2000 and the species name Formosozoros newi Chao & Chen, 2000 are nomina dubia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Earwigs (Dermaptera) have their highest diversity in the tropical areas of the southern hemisphere, whereas the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere have relatively few species. This pattern has been considered a reflection of their origin in Gondwana, the supercontinent that grouped most of the land masses in today's southern hemisphere, including Antarctica, South America, Africa and Madagascar. An analysis of the distributions of the major evolutionary lineages of earwigs supports the role of the Gondwanan breakup in determining the current patterns of their diversity, as well the influence of the Indian collision with the Eurasian plate. The dispersal into the Eurasian plate was largely constrained by the Himalayan orogenesis and the presence of colder temperatures. This climatic barrier was probably the most important factor that largely hampered the colonization of North America from South America. The Dermaptera are an insect order exhibiting their highest diversity in the tropical areas of the southern hemisphere. This pattern has been considered a reflection of a Gondwanan origin. However, this hypothesis has not been tested through analytical methods. In this paper, the world distribution of earwigs was analysed by using the 'Cladistic Analysis of Distributions and Endemism' (CADE), a method which groups areas of endemism on the basis of shared distributions and phylogenetic relationships among taxa. In addition, clustering techniques were applied to depict biotic relationships based on similarity indices. Results of CADE support the idea that Gondwanan fragmentation exerted a crucial role in shaping the current distribution of the main clades of earwigs. However, the relationships between India with South East Asia suggested a biotic interchange occurred after the Indian collision with the Eurasian plate. The overall scenario emerging from cluster analyses revealed a strong influence of dispersal events. Overall, the distribution of earwig major clades indicates that their biogeographical history was mainly characterized by vicariance events (led by the break-up of Gondwana) followed by large scale dispersal processes constrained by the Himalayan orogenesis and the presence of colder temperatures, which have largely hampered the colonization of the northern hemisphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Based on both the morphological and molecular data of the earwig samples collected from a bakery in Beni-Suef, Egypt, we identified the species as Marava arachidis (Spongiphoridae). The predation capability of M. arachidis against the eggs and larvae (in-ground stages) of the Rhipicephalusannulatus tick under laboratory conditions was assessed. Laboratory findings revealed that this species has predation capability on R. annulatus tick eggs and larvae. In Egypt, only five species of Dermaptera (earwigs) have been reported. Based on both the morphological and molecular data of the earwig samples collected from a bakery in Beni-Suef, Egypt, we identified the species as Marava arachidis (Spongiphoridae), a cosmopolitan species with no prior records in Egypt. The current study was designed to analyze its predation capability on newly emerged eggs and larvae of the Rhipicephalus annulatus tick. A laboratory functional response study was set up by applying a predation test with various predator-prey ratios as treatments. This experiment was applied using the undefined mix of collected earwigs and the laboratory-collected eggs and the larvae of R. annulatus. The laboratory results showed that the mean number of predated tick eggs was 18.64 ± 11.18 in 24 h under the highest predator-prey ratio (1:10) examined, accompanied by 12.04 ± 4.38 broken but unconsumed eggs. Moreover, M. arachidis predated an average of 12.32 ± 9.07 tick larvae per day. In contrast, the mean dead larvae increased to 38.4 ± 2.30 per day with the highest predator density (1:10). The number of eggs and larvae consumed increased with the predator density. A linear relationship was detected between earwig density and the consumption rates of tick eggs (R2 = 0.99; p = 0.0001) and larvae (R2 = 0.96; p = 0.003). In conclusion, M. arachidis was first recorded in Egypt. This earwig has predation capability on R. annulatus tick eggs and larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most investigated patterns in species diversity is the so-called latitudinal gradient, that is, a decrease in species richness from the equator to the poles. However, few studies investigated this pattern in insects at a global scale because of insufficient taxonomic and biogeographical information. Using estimates of earwig species richness at country level, their latitudinal diversity gradient was modelled globally and for the two hemispheres separately after correcting for differences in country areas. Separate analyses were also conducted for mainland and island countries. All analyses clearly indicated the existence of latitudinal gradients. The most plausible explanation for the observed pattern is the so-called tropical conservatism hypothesis, which postulates (1) a tropical origin of many extant clades, (2) a longer time for cladogenesis in tropical environments thanks to their environmental stability, and (3) a limited ability of historically tropical lineages to adapt to temperate climates. Earwigs probably evolved on Gondwana and secondarily colonized the Northern Hemisphere. This colonization was hampered by both geographical and climatic factors. The Himalayan orogenesis obstructed earwig dispersal into the Palearctic region. Additionally, earwig preferences for warm/hot and humid climates hampered the colonization of temperate regions. Pleistocene glaciation further contributed to reducing diversity at northern latitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This work aimed to build a molecular marker to detect Spodoptera frugiperda DNA in predators' gut content. The molecular marker developed is highly specific, and it was able to detect S. frugiperda DNA in the gut content of ladybug and earwig predators in field conditions. Our results confirm that generalist predators feed on S. frugiperda in maize fields, and they must be considered in IPM programs for S. frugiperda suppression. Spodoptera frugiperda is a serious pest of maize and other crops worldwide. The integration of control tactics is recommended for S. frugiperda suppression because reports of insecticide and Btplant-resistance are frequent. Biological control agents would be an alternative to improve S. frugiperda control in agricultural areas. We constructed a species-specific molecular marker to detect S. frugiperda DNA in predators' gut content and estimated the predation rates of ladybugs and earwigs on S. frugiperda in maize crops. Predators were sampled in Pirassununga, São Paulo state, Brazil, in 2020 and 2021. Using the species-specific molecular marker in laboratory conditions, we estimated the half-life time to detect S. frugiperda DNA in the gut contents of Hippodamia convergens as 6.16 h and Doru luteipes as 25.72 h. The weekly predation rate of S. frugiperda by predators in maize crop varied from 0 to 42.1% by ladybugs and from 0 to 9.2% by D. luteipes. Predation events on S. frugiperda by predators were more frequent during the maize reproductive stage. Our results confirmed that predators might contribute to S. frugiperda suppression in maize fields. However, further studies of prey–predator interactions and agricultural landscapes are essential for a better understanding of predator dynamics in crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The insect order Dermaptera is commonly known as earwigs. The earwigs have many interesting biological characteristics, such as epizoic on other small animals, viviparous, and maternal care on their eggs and young nymphs. The external morphology of earwigs has been studied in detail, but their genetic characteristics remain unclear. The phylogenetic position of Dermaptera among all insect orders and the inner relationship of Dermaptera are largely unsolved. To better understand the molecular characters of earwigs, we sequenced and analyzed two mitogenomes of an earwig species from the family Haplodiplatyidae. The results revealed the existence of intraspecific variation and extensive gene rearrangement events in the mitogenomes of earwigs. The phylogenetic results are partially similar to previous studies. The discoveries in this study could provide new information for the molecular diversity and mitogenomic evolution of earwigs. Haplodiplatyidae is a recently established earwig family with over 40 species representing a single genus, Haplodiplatys Hincks, 1955. The morphology of Haplodiplatyidae has been studied in detail, but its molecular characters remain unclear. In this study, two mitogenomes of Haplodiplatys aotouensis Ma & Chen, 1991, were sequenced based on two samples from Fujian and Jiangxi provinces, respectively. These represent the first mitogenomes for the family Haplodiplatyidae. The next-generation sequencing method and subsequent automatic assembly obtained two mitogenomes. The two mitogenomes of H. aotouensis were generally identical but still exhibit a few sequence differences involving protein-coding genes (PCGs), ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, control regions, and intergenic spacers. The typical set of 37 mitochondrial genes was annotated, while many transfer RNA (tRNA) genes were rearranged from their ancestral locations. The calculation of nonsynonymous (Ka) and synonymous (Ks) substitution rates in PCGs indicated the fastest evolving nd4l gene in H. aotouensis. The phylogenetic analyses supported the basal position of Apachyidae but also recovered several controversial clades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil macrofauna are a critical component for ecosystem function and strongly affect production sustainability. The effect of fertiliser management practices, in different cropping systems, on soil macrofauna communities remains poorly understood in semi-arid to arid regions. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of tillage practices i.e., no-till (NT), rotational tillage (RT) and conventional tillage (CT) and nitrogen fertiliser application rates (0, 100 and 200 kg/ha N) (urea) on abundance and order diversity of soil macrofauna in a maize continuous monocropping system. The sampling of macrofauna in the trial was conducted in April 2019, August 2019 and March 2020 using 25 cm × 25 cm × 25 cm steel monoliths in randomly selected positions, and this was replicated four times. The study found a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the abundance of soil macrofauna in NT (127 ind/m2) and RT (110 ind/m2) compared to CT (51 ind/m2) treatment. The abundance of macrofauna was also negatively affected by increasing the rate of fertiliser, with 0, 100 and 200 kg/ha resulting in 133, 94 and 62 ind/m2. Orders Haplotaxida and Diplopoda were found to be sensitive to increases in the fertiliser application rate. Haplotaxida (48.4%) was the most abundant order, followed by Coleoptera (18.2%). Other orders included Diplopoda (9.2%), Gastropoda (6.3%), Isoptera (4.7%), Chilopoda (4.7%), Araneae (4%), Hymenoptera (3.2%), Orthoptera (0.9%) and Dermaptera (0.3%). No-till (NT) and rotational tillage (RT) with mulch favoured the establishment of various macrofauna communities in the studied cropping system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In the current report, we describe a new earwig species, Spirolabia kaja Kočárek, sp. nov. found in an association with the wood-boring termite in a dipterocarp rain forest in Borneo. To evaluate the level of association with termites we documented termite–earwig interactions in the laboratory. We found that earwigs and termites mutually communicate by antennation, and we observed no form of aggressive behavior. The earwigs responded to the proximity of an experimentally irritated termite soldier by the feigning of death (thanatosis), which seems to be a defensive reaction. The occurrence of earwig adults together with the nymphs in the galleries termite strongly suggests that the earwig reproduces inside the termite colony. Spirolabia kaja Kočárek, sp. nov. is the first earwig species for which termitophily has been demonstrated. Based on behavioral observations, we report termitophily by the earwig Spirolabia kaja Kočárek, sp. nov. (Spongiphoridae: Labiinae). The new species was found in association with the wood-boring termite Schedorhinotermes sarawakensis (Holmgren, 1913) in a dipterocarp rain forest in Borneo; in addition to being observed in the galleries, termite–earwig interactions were subsequently documented in the laboratory. We found that earwigs and termites communicate by antennation, and we observed no form of targeted mutual or unilateral aggressive behavior. The earwigs responded to the proximity of an experimentally irritated termite soldier by conflict-avoidance behavior based on thanatosis, which seems to be a defensive reaction that may reduce the chance of being attacked by an irritated termite. Based on the analysis of gastrointestinal tract contents, we conclude that S. kaja sp. nov. is an omnivorous species that feeds mainly on plant tissues and fungi but occasionally on arthropod remains. The occurrence of S. kaja sp. nov. adults together with the nymphs (2nd to 4th instars) in the galleries of S. sarawakensis strongly suggests that the earwig can reproduce inside the termite colony. Spirolabia kaja Kočárek, sp. nov. is the first earwig species for which termitophily has been demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Drosophila suzukii is an invasive species that feeds and reproduces on various cultivated and wild fruits and moves between agricultural and semi-natural habitats, such as hedges and forest patches. These semi-natural habitats are known to harbor a diverse community of natural enemies of pests. When we exposed D. suzukii pupae in dry and humid hedges, we found that on average 44% of them were predated within four days. The most common predators in the hedges were earwigs, spiders, and ants. Using a molecular assay that detects the DNA of D. suzukii in the gut of predators, we could show that 3.4% of the sampled earwigs, 1.8% of the spiders, and one predatory bug had fed on D. suzukii. This small proportion may be due to methodological constraints. However, the overall predation rate helps to reduce D. suzukii populations, in particular in hedges that are scarce of host fruits. The invasive Drosophila suzukii feeds and reproduces on various cultivated and wild fruits and moves between agricultural and semi-natural habitats. Hedges in agricultural landscapes play a vital role in the population development of D. suzukii, but also harbor a diverse community of natural enemies. We investigated predation by repeatedly exposing cohorts of D. suzukii pupae between June and October in dry and humid hedges at five different locations in Switzerland. We sampled predator communities and analyzed their gut content for the presence of D. suzukii DNA based on the COI marker. On average, 44% of the exposed pupae were predated. Predation was higher in dry than humid hedges, but did not differ significantly between pupae exposed on the ground or on branches and among sampling periods. Earwigs, spiders, and ants were the dominant predators. Predator communities did not vary significantly between hedge types or sampling periods. DNA of D. suzukii was detected in 3.4% of the earwigs, 1.8% of the spiders, and in one predatory bug (1.6%). While the molecular gut content analysis detected only a small proportion of predators that had fed on D. suzukii, overall predation seemed sufficient to reduce D. suzukii populations, in particular in hedges that provide few host fruit resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-associated microbes may induce plant defenses against herbivores. Plants, in turn, can attract natural enemies, such as predators, using herbivore-induced plant volatiles. Intricate communication occurs between microorganisms, plants, and insects. Given that many aspects related to mechanisms involved in this symbiotic system remain unknown, we evaluated how beneficial soil-borne microorganisms can affect the interactions between plants, herbivores, and natural enemies. For this study, we established a multitrophic system composed of the predatory earwig Doru luteipes (Dermaptera: Forficulidae), arugula (Eruca sativa, Brassicaceae) as the host plant, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) larvae as a specialist herbivore, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae as a generalist herbivore, and Bacillusamyloliquefaciens as the plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), in a series of nocturnal olfactometry experiments. By assessing earwig preference towards herbivore-induced and PGPR-inoculated plants in different combinations, we showed that the interaction between rhizobacteria, plants, and herbivores can affect the predatory earwig's behavior. Furthermore, we observed a synergistic effect in which earwigs were attracted by plants that presented as PGPR inoculated and herbivore damaged, for both specialist and generalist herbivores. Our findings help fill the important knowledge gap regarding multitrophic interactions and should provide useful guidelines for their application to agricultural fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermaptera (earwigs) from the Anisolabididae family may be important for pest control but their taxonomy and status in Australia is poorly studied. Here we used taxonomic information to assess the diversity of southern Australian Anisolabididae and then applied cox1 barcodes as well as additional gene fragments (mitochondrial and nuclear) to corroborate classification and assess the monophyly of the putative genera. Anisolabididae morphospecies fell into two genera, Anisolabis Fieber and Gonolabis Burr, based on paramere morphology. Combinations of paramere and forceps morphology distinguished seven morphospecies, which were further supported by morphometric analyses. The morphospecies were corroborated by barcode data; all showed within-species genetic distance < 4% and between-species genetic distance > 10%. Molecular phylogenies did not support monophyly of putative genera nor clades based on paramere shape, instead pointing to regional clades distinguishable by forceps morphology. This apparent endemism needs to be further tested by sampling of earwig diversity outside of agricultural production regions but points to a unique regional insect fauna potentially important in pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]