Search

Shelf life is an important determinant of the quality of parasitoids used as natural enemies in augmentation biological control. Cotesia chilonis (Munakata) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), an obligate endoparasitoid of Chilo suppressalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), has potential for use through augmentation biological control in China. Here, the effects of cold storage temperature, host status, and larval stage on the biological characteristics of C. chilonis were investigated to extend the agent's shelf life. Results showed that the number of healthy C. chilonis adults obtained was reduced by 3.5% and 47.7% when C. suppressalis larvae in either natural or induced diapause were used as hosts compared to nondiapausing control larvae. Both parasitism and cold storage significantly reduced the supercooling point of nondiapausing C. suppressalis larvae, whereas the opposite result was observed in those of natural diapause. In order to improve the long‐term storage of C. chilonis, nondiapausing C. suppressalis larvae were parasitized for 1, 3, 5, and 7 days to allow C. chilonis to develop into different larval stages before being transferred into cold storage for 30 days at 4 or 10°C. Compared to the control, the C. chilonis cocoon formation and emergence rates of the 1‐day‐old egg treatment group held at 10°C were reduced by 15% and 17%, respectively. The results also showed that the duration of the larval stage of C. chilonis was prolonged fourfold after storage at 4 and 10°C. Individuals held at 10°C had a significantly longer cocoon and adult stage compared to those held at 4°C. The biological parameters and life history of the F1 generation of C. chilonis returned to normal levels under laboratory conditions. In conclusion, C. suppressalis larvae were successfully used to extend the shelf life of C. chilonis for use in augmentative biocontrol programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biotic exchanges between Taiwan and Mainland China have shaped the biodiversity and ecosystems of both regions. Exchanges from Mainland China to Taiwan have received more attention, mainly studied in terrestrial vertebrates, while the reverse direction and invertebrates have largely been overlooked. Here, we explore the dispersal events between these two regions based on the moths of three species groups of Obeidia, including Taiwan taxa and its relatives from mainland. We conducted mixed methods and analysis, including reconstructing a phylogenetic tree, estimating associated divergence times and inferring ancestral areas and source regions, to explore the phylogeographical structure and genetic pattern of three groups based on eight genes. Our results revealed a structure of three clades and every clade included at least one Taiwanese taxa and its closest relatives of mainland of China, and also served Taiwan as an important source region of two mainland taxa. Our study revealed various origin pattern and dispersal models on the basis of three species groups of Obeidia. Bi‐directional biotic exchange via a land bridge were found: four Taiwanese taxa originated from mainland, and two of them migrated back to mainland. Both eastern Himalayas and south China are important origin areas for Taiwan biota, and the dominant source region may need multiple insect cases to confirm. Our study also provided evidences for disjunct distribution from the perspective of insecta molecular phylogeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clanis bilineata Walker (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae), a burgeoning edible insect, is experiencing rising demand in China and other regions. Despite this interest, larval production is currently constrained by the limitations of artificial production technologies, particularly the selection of optimal host plants. This study rigorously evaluated the performance of C. bilineatha larvae on four main host plants: round-leaf soybean, pointed-leaf soybean, black locust, and kudzu. Preference tests demonstrated that the larvae were most attracted to black locust (34.76 ± 4.65%), with subsequent preferences for kudzu (25.00 ± 6.12%), round-leaf soybean (23.17 ± 2.79%), and pointed-leaf soybean (14.02 ± 4.74%). No significant preference differences were noted between round-leaf soybean and either black locust or kudzu. In feeding assays, the larvae exhibited a marked preference for round-leaf soybean (37.36 ± 0.81 g, total feeding amount for larvae), followed by kudzu (37.26 ± 0.82 g), pointed-leaf soybean (35.38 ± 1.31 g), and black locust (28.53 ± 0.81 g). When the larvae were fed on round-leaf soybean, they exhibited significantly higher survival rate (39.33 ± 0.90%), body weight (9.75 ± 0.07 g), total biomass (383.43 ± 7.35 g), pupation rate (87.78 ± 1.73%), and egg production (189.80 ± 1.06 eggs/female) compared to other hosts. These findings uncovered that round-leaf soybean significantly enhances larval performance, suggesting its potential for improving C. bilineata larval production and sustainability in cultivation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) has been extensively used as molecular markers in determining the insect phylogenetic relationships. In order to resolve the relationships among tribes and subtribes of Satyrinae at the mitochondrial genomic level, we obtained the complete mitogenome of Aulocera merlina (Oberthür, 1890) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) with a size of 15,259 bp. The mitogenome consisted of 37 typical genes, including 13 protein‐coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and an A + T‐rich region. The gene organization and arrangement were similar to those of all other known Satyrinae mitogenomes. All PCGs were initiated with the canonical codon pattern ATN, except for the cox1 gene, which used an atypical CGA codon. Nine PCGs used the complete stop codon TAA, while the remaining PCGs (cox1, cox2, nad4, and nad5) were terminated with a single T nucleotide. The canonical cloverleaf secondary structures were found in all tRNAs, except for trnS1 which lacked a dihydrouridine arm. The 448 bp A + T‐rich region was located between rrnS and trnM, and it included the motif ATAGA followed by a 19‐bp poly‐T stretch and a microsatellite‐like (TA)6 element preceded by the ATTTA motif. The phylogenetic tree, inferred using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods, generated similar tree topologies, revealing well‐supported monophyletic groups at the tribe level and recovering the relationship ((Satyrini + Melanitini) + ((Amathusiini + Elymniini) + Zetherini)). The close relationship between Satyrina and Melanargiina within the Satyrini was widely accepted. Additionally, Lethina, Parargina, and Mycalesina were closely related and collectively formed a sister group to Coenonymphina. Moreover, A. merlina was closely related to Oeneis buddha within the Satyrina. These findings will provide valuable information for future studies aiming to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships of Satyrinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Simple Summary: The genus Rhagastis Rothschild & Jordan, 1903 (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae, Macroglossinae, Macroglossini) currently comprises sixteen species, ten of which are found in China; however, complex and confusing taxonomic issues have existed for a long time. We performed an analysis based on a 658-bp region of the COI mitochondrial gene (DNA barcode) and morphological characteristics such as the wing pattern and genital structure of the albomarginatus group, the castor group, the olivacea group and other species, demonstrating that subspecies of Rhagastis albomarginatus and R. castor should be treated as good species, i.e., Rhagastis dichroae stat. nov., R. everetti stat. nov., R. aurifera stat. rev., R. chinensis stat. nov., R. formosana stat. nov., and R. jordani stat. rev. Here, the taxonomy of the genus Rhagastis Rothschild & Jordan, 1903 (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae, Macroglossinae, Macroglossini) from China is revised based on differences in wing morphology, male and female genitalia, and the phylogenetic relationship of the DNA barcodes. Subspecies of Rhagastis albomarginatus (Rothschild, 1894) and R. castor (Walker, 1856) are treated as "good" species, namely Rhagastis dichroae Mell, 1922 stat. nov.; R. everetti Rothschild & Jordan, 1903 stat. nov.; R. aurifera (Butler, 1875) stat. rev.; R. chinensis Mell, 1922 stat. nov.; R. formosana Clark, 1925 stat. nov.; and R. jordani Oberthür, 1904 stat. rev. The distribution maps, biological notes, and ecological records of the genus Rhagastis Rothschild & Jordan, 1903 from China are given, and a species inventory of genus Rhagastis in the world is also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In recent years, the damage inflicted upon vegetation by the fall webworm (FWW), Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiidae), has escalated globally. The black-headed fall webworm has extensively invaded regions in Europe and Asia. In China, scholars have conducted extensive research on the fall webworm. However, there has been limited research on the dynamics of invasion by the black-headed form of the fall webworm and the comprehensive interplay of various factors affecting its spread. Therefore, this study focuses on the dynamics of invasion by the black-headed form of the fall webworm and the combined influence of various factors affecting its spread. The plan is to map the invasion road map of Autumn Dictyophora melanocephala since its introduction into China and summarize the effects of terrain, vegetation, and human factors on the temporal and spatial changes of the species. The fall webworm (FWW), H. cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiidae), is an extremely high-risk globally invasive pest. Understanding the invasion dynamics of invasive pests and identifying the critical factors that promote their spread is essential for devising practical and efficient strategies for their control and management. The invasion dynamics of the FWW and its influencing factors were analyzed using standard deviation ellipse and spatial autocorrelation methods. The analysis was based on statistical data on the occurrence of the FWW in China. The dissemination pattern of the FWW between 1979 and 2022 followed a sequence of "invasion-occurrence-transmission-outbreak", spreading progressively from coastal to inland regions. Furthermore, areas with high nighttime light values, abundant ports, and non-forested areas with low vegetation cover at altitudes below 500 m were more likely to be inhabited by the black-headed FWW. The dynamic invasion pattern and the driving factors associated with the fall webworm (FWW) provide critical insights for future FWW management strategies. These strategies serve not only to regulate the dissemination of insects and diminish migratory tendencies but also to guarantee the implementation of efficient early detection systems and prompt response measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The common cutworm, Spodoptera litura, is a major migratory pest worldwide. Seasonal migration is the biological basis of its regional population outbreaks. In this study, migration dynamics and trajectory simulations were conducted from Ruili City, an important migratory corridor between China and the south Asia region. The results showed that this pest exhibited seasonal migration in this area, mainly divided into two migration periods. One seasonal migration route across multiple national borders was identified by a trajectory simulation model. These findings will help in developing regional management systems for this pest in the relevant countries. The common cutworm, Spodoptera litura (F.), feeds on a wide variety of food and cash crops and is one of the most widespread and destructive agricultural pests worldwide. Migration is the biological basis of its regional population outbreaks but the seasonal movement of this pest between east and south Asia regions remains unknown. In this study, searchlight traps were used to monitor the seasonal migration of S. litura from 2019 to 2023 in Ruili City (Yunnan, China), located along the insect migratory route between China and the south Asia region. The results showed that migratory activity could occur throughout the year, with the main periods found in spring (April–May) and autumn (October–December). The ovarian development and mating status of the trapped females indicated that most individuals were in the middle or late stages of migration and that Ruili City was located in the transit area of the long-distance migration of the pest. In the migration trajectory simulation, populations of S. litura moved from northeast India, Bangladesh, and northern Myanmar to southwestern China along the southern margin of the Himalayas in spring and returned to the south Asia region in autumn. Our findings clarify the seasonal migration patterns of S. litura in China and South Asia and facilitate the development of regional cross-border monitoring and management systems for this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long- distance migrations of insects contribute to ecosystem functioning but also have important economic impacts when the migrants are pests or provide ecosystem services. We combined radar monitoring, aerial sampling, and searchlight trapping, to quantify the annual pattern of nocturnal insect migration above the densely populated agricultural lands of East China. A total of -9.3 trillion nocturnal insect migrants (15,000 t of biomass), predominantly Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, and Diptera, including many crop pests and disease vectors, fly at heights up to 1 km above this 600 km- wide region every year. Larger migrants (>10 mg) exhibited seasonal reversal of movement directions, comprising northward expansion during spring and summer, followed by southward movements during fall. This north-south transfer was not balanced, however, with southward movement in fall 0.66- that of northward movement in spring and summer. Spring and summer migrations were strongest when the wind had a northward component, while in fall, stronger movements occurred on winds that allowed movement with a southward component; heading directions of larger insects were generally close to the track direction. These findings indicate adaptations leading to movement in seasonally favorable directions. We compare our results from China with similar studies in Europe and North America and conclude that ecological patterns and behavioral adaptations are similar across the Northern Hemisphere. The predominance of pests among these nocturnal migrants has severe implications for food security and grower prosperity throughout this heavily populated region, and knowledge of their migrations is potentially valuable for forecasting pest impacts and planning timely management actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micromelalopha troglodyta (Graeser) is an important pest of poplar in China, and glutathione S -transferase (GST) is an important detoxifying enzyme in M. troglodyta. In this paper, three full-length GST genes from M. troglodyta were cloned and identified. These GST genes all belonged to the epsilon class (MtGSTe1 , MtGSTe2 , and MtGSTe3). Furthermore, the expression of these three MtGSTe genes in different tissues, including midguts and fat bodies, and the MtGSTe expression in association with different concentrations of tannic acid, including 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 mg ml−1, were analysed in detail. The results showed that the expression levels of MtGSTe1 , MtGSTe2 , and MtGSTe3 were all the highest in the fourth instar larvae; the expression levels of MtGSTe1 and MtGSTe3 were the highest in fat bodies, while the expression level of MtGSTe2 was the highest in midguts. Furthermore, the expression of MtGSTe mRNA was induced by tannic acid in M. troglodyta. These studies were helpful to clarify the interaction between plant secondary substances and herbivorous insects at a deep level and provided a theoretical foundation for controlling M. troglodyta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glyphodes pyloalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is the main pest of mulberry leaves and causes great losses to the sericultural industry in China. Chlorfenapyr is a new type of arylpyrrole insecticide in mulberry fields. Uridine diphosphate–glycosyltransferase (UGT) is the major phase II metabolizing enzymes that play important roles in detoxifying the toxic substances in insects. However, the roles of UGT genes against chemical insecticides in lepidopteran pests still receive less attention. To better understand the mechanism of insecticide tolerance in G. pyloalis, a LC50 of chlorfenapyr to the fourth‐instar larvae was firstly determined. Subsequently, 24 UGT genes were identified from the previous constructed larvae transcriptome of G. pyloalis. Among these, 23 contained full‐length ORFs and shared high homology with Ostrinia furnacalis and Chilo suppressalis. qRT‐PCR validation revealed that four GpylUGTs (GpUGT33AQ1, GpUGT33AS1, GpUGT50A14, and GpUGT40AV1) were significantly upregulated after 24 h of chlorfenapyr treatment. Three GpylUGTs (GpUGT33AS1, GpUGT40AM4, and GpUGT40AK7) were upregulated after 48 h of chlorfenapyr treatment compared to the control groups. To further explore the functions of UGT genes, GpUGT33AS1 was selected and knocked down, which resulted in the decline of UGT expression and significantly increased the mortality of G. pyloalis larvae under LC30 chlorfenapyr exposure. This study revealed that UGTs in G. pyloalis contributed to the tolerance towards chlorfenapyr and provided basic insight into the insecticide detoxification mechanism in lepidopteran pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), invaded China in 2019. The species has been established as a year-round breeding population in most of the southern provinces which are the main winter maize planting areas. The effect of rising nighttime temperatures, driven by the changing climate in this region, on the growth and development of S. frugiperda is unclear. Results of this study show that the survival rate of larvae and pupae significantly declined with daytime temperatures declining and the nighttime temperature range increasing. Development rate accelerated along with the increasing daytime temperatures and nighttime temperatures, except for the intermediate treatments (daytime temperature 24 °C and diurnal range from 2–6 °C). Predictions of FAW development and warnings to local farmers need to be adjusted to take into account more rapid development when nighttime temperatures increase in the warming climate. The Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), is a serious migratory pest. After invading China in 2019, the species was established as a year-round breeding population in most of the southern provinces. The area of winter maize in this region has been increasing due to the huge demand of fresh maize consumption, which is potentially at risk from this invasive pest, although the growth and development of S. frugiperda in the region's changing climate is unclear, particularly with rising temperatures at night. Here, we used the highest daytime temperatures of 27 °C, 24 °C, 20 °C and decreased these by 2, 4 and 6 °C to reflect the range of nighttime temperatures indicative of winter conditions in a warming climate to evaluate the effect of increasing night temperatures on the growth and development of S. frugiperda. Results show that the survival of larvae and pupae significantly declined with daytime temperatures declining and the nighttime temperature range increasing. Significant developmental effects were observed across all daytime–nighttime temperature treatments, except for adults. Additionally, there were significant interaction effects for all stages, except the egg stage, and generation time. The development rate increased with the increasing daytime temperatures and nighttime temperatures, except for the intermediate treatments (Group II). The uniformity of pupation and emergence times were higher under high daytime temperatures and nighttime temperature treatments. Predictions of FAW development and warnings to local farmers need to be adjusted to take into account the more rapid development when nighttime temperatures increase in the warming climate. These results will support decision makers in developing long-term management strategies for FAW in southern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lecithocerid genus Woonpaikia Park, 2010 and Woonpaikia angoonae Park, 2010 are newly recorded from China. Woonpaikia similangoonae Yu & Wang, sp. nov. and W. imperspicua Yu & Wang, sp. nov. are described as new to science. Images of adults of the Chinese Woonpaikia species are provided, along with a key to the males of all the known species of Woonpaikia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subfamilies Salassinae and Agliinae are two monogeneric groups of the family Saturniidae. They were regarded as the non-cocooning saturniids in Asia. Since very little information on their life history and mitogenome has been reported, their origin and evolution are still poorly understood. In this study, nature-imitated rearing is used to record the life history of two Aglia and five Salassa species. In addition, four complete mitogenomes are presented, which are the first ones of these two subfamilies. The results show that both Salassinae and Agliinae have lost their cocooning. Moreover, the phylogenetic analysis demonstrates that the subfamily Saturniinae is not monophyletic due to the inclusion of Agliinae and Salassinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, six species of Statherotmantis Diakonoff, 1973 were previously recorded. In the present study, four other species were recognized using morphology and DNA barcording analysis. Among these, three of which, S. miniscula sp. n., S. calva sp. n., and S. longiuscula sp. n., are described as new. In addition, one species, S. laetana Kuznetzov, 1988, is a new record for China. Adults and genitalia are illustrated, and keys to identify the Chinese species of Statherotmantis are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

University campuses, as small and isolated areas of rapidly growing urban areas, can provide a unique opportunity for urban biodiversity research, conservation, education, and citizen science by monitoring assemblages of butterflies within their areas. We surveyed butterfly biodiversity in a rapidly developing urban area represented by the Chenggong Campus of Yunnan University in southwestern China using the Pollard walk method. In total, 3625 butterfly individuals belonging to 50 species, 35 genera, and six families were recorded in this survey. The results showed that the families Pieridae and Nymphalidae are the families with the highest species richness on the campus, and that the family Riodinidae contained the fewest species. Pieris rapae was the most common species, and seven species assessed by the IUCN Red List were recorded. Butterfly community structure varied across habitats and seasons on campus, and butterfly diversity was higher in spring and autumn than it was in summer and winter, as well as being higher in road habitats than in scenic habitats. Unavoidable urbanisation activities (construction, green space planning, etc.) may have influenced the composition and diversity of butterflies, and conserving urban butterfly diversity requires a balance between urban planning and habitat diversity. Finally, we encourage universities and research institutions to develop butterfly monitoring platforms for citizen scientists to participate in. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of the genus Phaecadophora, P. dactylina sp. nov. and P. vascularis sp. nov., are described from the southwest China. Photographs of the adults and the genitalia are provided. Keys to the species of the genus based on the male and female genitalia are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: A previous study found that an indigenous endoparasitic wasp Cotesia ruficrus, has a good control effect on the invasive pest Spodoptera frugiperda. Understanding the molecular mechanism of host recognition of C. ruficrus would help improve its biological control effect. Chemoreceptor proteins (CSPs) play a crucial role in insect olfactory perception. The CrufCSP1 protein was obtained via prokaryotic expression, and its binding properties were evaluated using fluorescence binding assays. Molecular docking was used to verify the function of CrufCSP1. The findings revealed that CrufCSP1 has the ability to bind with seven host-related compounds. This information serves as a crucial reference for developing natural enemy attractants for pest control. Chemosensory proteins (CSPs) are a class of soluble proteins that facilitate the recognition of chemical signals in insects. While CSP genes have been identified in many insect species, studies investigating their function remain limited. Cotesia ruficrus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) holds promise as an indigenous biological control agent for managing the invasive pest Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in China. This study aimed to shed light on the gene expression, ligand binding, and molecular docking of CrufCSP1 in C. ruficrus. A RT-qPCR analysis revealed that the expression of CrufCSP1 was higher in the wings, with male adults exhibiting significantly higher relative expression levels than other developmental stages. A fluorescence competitive binding analysis further demonstrated that CrufCSP1 has a high binding ability with several host-related volatiles, with trans-2-hexenal, octanal, and benzaldehyde showing the strongest affinity to CrufCSP1. A molecular docking analysis indicated that specific amino acid residues (Phe24, Asp25, Thr53, and Lys81) of CrufCSP1 can bind to these specific ligands. Together, these findings suggest that CrufCSP1 may play a crucial role in the process of C. ruficrus locating hosts. This knowledge can contribute to the development of more efficient and eco-friendly strategies for protecting crops and managing pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) originated in South America and is a major pest of the economically critical solanaceous crops. It is devastating to tomatoes, attacking mainly the leaves, stems, flowers and fruits of tomato plants, and can cause up to 100% damage. T. absoluta invaded China in 2017 and expanded rapidly, severely impacting the tomato industry. To illustrate the detailed potential distribution of T. absoluta in China, we used CLIMEX and MaxEnt models to predict the potential distribution of this pest using historical and future climate data. CLIMEX predicts a wider potential distribution area for T. absoluta in China than MaxEnt, which suggests that most of China is suitable for its distribution, except for the Tarim Basin in southern Xinjiang, western Inner Mongolia and northwestern Gansu. Both models accurately predicted the known distribution of T. absoluta in the provinces of Yunnan and Guangxi, and the predictions by both models suggest the total distribution range of T. absoluta in China is to increase slightly with future changes in climate temperature. These predictions will help understand the influence of climate change on the potential distribution of T. absoluta in China and thus provide a theoretical foundation for developing early monitoring, quarantine and control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the composition of natural enemy species in the fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Drury) population and the dynamics of its natural enemy community in Dandong, Liaoning Province, China, where it was first reported. We collected the natural enemy of eggs, larvae, and pupae of H. cunea on host trees at 12 survey sites from June 2019 to October 2020. The results showed that the community consists of 34 species: 20 predatory species, including 15 spiders and 5 insects, and 14 parasitic species, including 10 parasitic wasps and 4 parasitic flies. The top 3 dominant species based on the importance value index for both parasitic and predatory species were Pediobius pupariae  >  Chouioia cunea  >  Cotesia gregalis in the natural enemy community of H. cunea. Analysis of all 3 principal components by principal component analysis showed that Clubionidae sp. 1, Parena cavipennis , or other predators were the main factors affecting the natural enemy community. Analysis of the community structure parameters of the H. cunea natural enemy community in different developmental stages across generations revealed the following: (i) Compared with the degree of complexity of the egg and pupal stages, the larval stage was the highest. (ii) The complexity was determined by means of comprehensive evaluation: first-generation larvae in 2020 > first-generation larvae in 2019 > second-generation larvae in 2020 > second-generation larvae in 2019. These results clarify the dynamics of natural enemy species, coevolution with the host in the invaded habitat of H. cunea and development of biological control technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transgenic Bt cotton was developed to control lepidopteran pests like the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera. However, there was concern that H. armigera would develop resistance to Bt cotton as this species had developed resistance to many insecticides and Bt toxins. To counter resistance, the cotton industry developed a resistance management plan (RMP) that included techniques to block resistant genes surviving from one season to the next (seasonal quarantining). One such technique is pupae busting, where cotton fields are cultivated after harvest, destroying potentially resistant pupating Helicoverpa spp. While pupae busting was important when there was only one insecticidal gene in Bt cotton, is it still relevant now Bt cotton has three insecticidal Bt genes? To address this question, we reviewed the development of pupae busting as a tool and its role in the current RMP. This included examining the ecology and behavioural characteristics of Helicoverpa spp. that impact on pupae busting efficacy (e.g., diapause, pupal mortality and pupae depth); the effect of soil type and different tillage techniques on pupae busting efficacy; and pupae busting within the context of Australia's current cotton farming system. We also looked at alternative forms of seasonal quarantining, such as using bisexual attract‐and‐kill techniques against adults. We confirmed that soil for pupae busting needs to be checked for moisture, which ideally should be less than the soil plastic limit. Comparisons between reports indicated that under good conditions, 'go‐devils' and chisel ploughs were excellent pupae busters. While a bisexual attract‐and‐kill strategy of late season moths has a place within the industry, pupae busting is still the best method in seasonal quarantining and has a good fit within the modern cotton industry, particularly given differences in the biology and ecology of H. armigera and H. punctigera, and the presence of dominant resistance to Bt toxins by H. armigera in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The beet webworm Loxostege sticticalis L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is one of the most disastrous pest insects that outbreak periodically in northern China. Developing a definite indicator depending on defining the ending and beginning of the occurrence period cycle is urgent for the population forecast and theoretical study of the beet webworm. Looking through the 38-year historical population survey data, we found a close connection between the sex ratio and the population occurrence cycle. To clarify how the sex ratio connects with the population occurrence cycle, we measured the maximum mating potential of both females and males and the population's net reproductive rate under different sex ratios. Our results showed that the population net reproductive rate fits a parabolic curve analysis according to the variation of sex ratio and topped at 1.82, which indicates that the population may begin a new period of the cycle when the sex ratio achieves 1.82. In contrast, collapse may happen when the sex ratio is less than one. Our findings accurately forecast long-term dimension population occurrence dynamics in the beet webworm. Beet webworms, Loxostege sticticalis L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), are one of the most destructive pest insects in northern China, and their populations outbreak periodically. Developing an indicator that defines the ending and beginning of the occurrence period cycle is urgent for the population forecast and theoretical study. The sex ratio can be a primary pathway through which species regulate population size. We measured the maximum mating potential of both females and males and the population net reproductive rate under different sex ratios (e.g., 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3). The maximum mating frequency of males was 2.91 times that of females. The progeny contribution per mating decreased with increased mating times in males. The variation in population net reproductive rate affected by the sex ratio fits the parabolic curve analysis and peaked at 1.82 for females vs. males. Our results illustrate the quantitative connection phenomenon shown by the historical data: population outbreaks occur at a sex ratio of two or more and collapse at a sex rate lower than one. Simultaneously, the sex ratio may be utilized as a definite indicator for the beginning and end of the future occurrence cycle in the beet webworm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of clearwing moth, Corematosetia parvimaculata sp. nov., is described from south-eastern China in this article. Adults and genitalia of both sexes are illustrated, DNA barcodes are provided, and immature biology and potential damage to Ardisia sieboldii Miq. and A. quinquegona Blume (Primulaceae) are both discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five new species of the genus Hermonassa Walker, 1865 (H. nigricans sp. nov., H. conusa sp. nov., H. brunneocuprina sp. nov., H. albimacula sp. nov., and H. linzhiensis, sp. nov. are described from Autonomic Region Xizang, China (Tibet). Hermonassa nigricans sp. nov. is distributed in Nepal and China, and the Himalayan species H. kalamantra Kovács, G. Ronkay & L. Ronkay, 2018 is re-orded for China for the first time. The occurrences of H. anthracina Boursin, 1967 in Nepal is questionable taking in the account the presence of two externally hardly distinguishable species, H. kalamantra and H. nigricans sp. nov. New collecting data for H. yixincheni Han & Li, 2007 and H. oleographa Hampson, 1911 in China are presented. Five species groups are reviewed, and three species groups are designated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), has emerged as a highly invasive pest globally in the past decade due to its remarkable migratory capabilities. Magnetic receptors play an important role in the migration and navigation of the animal, but little is known about the molecular mechanism of the magnetic receptors of S. frugiperda (SfMagR). In this study, we successfully cloned the cDNA encoding SfMagR, which has a 396 bp of open reading frame (ORF) encoding 132 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a high conservation of magnetic receptors among various animal species, notably demonstrating a 98.4% sequence identity between S. frugiperda and Spodoptera litura, and a 70.3% identity with Homo sapiens, a vertebrate species. Expression analysis conducted across different developmental stages demonstrated SfMagR expression in the egg, larval, and pupal stages of the moth, but exhibited predominate expression in the adult stage, particularly in male adults. Moreover, the tissue expression profile indicated that SfMagR expression primarily occurred within the thorax of the moth, specifically in the thorax excluding the legs and wings. These findings not only provide fundamental data and a molecular foundation for future investigations into the function of SfMagR, but also offer valuable insights for the future management of invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is a major migratory invasive pest that poses a severe threat to agricultural production and food security in China. In this study, we estimated the effects of six cereal crops on the development, survival, and fecundity of FAW using the age‐stage, two‐sex life table: maize (Zea mays L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], oats (Avena sativa L.), millet (species, authority) (all Poaceae), and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) (Amaranthaceae). In a six‐choice test using detached leaf material, FAW larvae preferentially occurred on maize, followed by sorghum, within 6–24 h, and occurred the least on millet and quinoa. After 24 h, they had consumed the most leaf material from sorghum and maize, and the least from quinoa. In no‐choice tests using detached leaf material, they performed best on maize in terms of development (e.g., short development time), survival (e.g., high larval survival and pupation rate), and fecundity (e.g., high number of oviposition days and number of eggs laid per female), resulting in the highest predicted population growth (e.g., high intrinsic rate of increase and net reproductive rate). Although maize was found to be the most appropriate host plant, FAW was able to complete its life cycle on all six tested cereals. Our findings can help in predicting population dynamics and deepening our understanding of the potential damage incurred by FAW infestation, especially in regions under maize cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, has become one of the most important pests on corn in China since it invaded in 2019. Although FAW has not been reported to cause widespread damage to rice plants in China, it has been sporadically found feeding in the field. If FAW infests rice in China, the fitness of other insect pests on rice may be influenced. However, how FAW and other insect pests on rice interact remains unknown. In this study, we found that the infestation of FAW larvae on rice plants prolonged the developmental duration of the brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål)) eggs and plants damaged by gravid BPH females did not induce defenses that influenced the growth of FAW larvae. Moreover, co-infestation by FAW larvae on rice plants did not influence the attractiveness of volatiles emitted from BPH-infested plants to Anagrus nilaparvatae, an egg parasitoid of rice planthoppers. FAW larvae were able to prey on BPH eggs laid on rice plants and grew faster compared to those larvae that lacked available eggs. Studies revealed that the delay in the development of BPH eggs on FAW-infested plants was probably related to the increase in levels of jasmonoyl-isoleucine, abscisic acid and the defensive compounds in the rice leaf sheaths on which BPH eggs were laid. These findings indicate that, if FAW invades rice plants in China, the population density of BPH may be decreased by intraguild predation and induced plant defenses, whereas the population density of FAW may be increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Spongy moth, formerly known as European gypsy moth, is an invasive forest pest in the United States and is under quarantine in the eastern part of the country. The flighted spongy moth complex, a group of related spongy moths formerly known as Asian gypsy moth, are pests that are not currently present in the United States. As part of our research to characterize spongy moth pathogens, we determined the genome sequences and relative amounts of genomes of an iflavirus, an RNA-based virus, from spongy moths in two locations in the USA and flighted spongy moths in two locations in China. The iflaviruses from the USA and China spongy moth populations were distinguishable from each other on the basis of their genome sequences. Iflavirus genome levels in all moth samples were very high, but these high genome levels were not associated with any obvious disease symptoms. The information in this study raises questions about the effect of RNA viruses such as iflaviruses on their hosts, and will be of interest to scientists who work with iflaviruses, spongy moth, and other forest pests. The spongy moth virus Lymantria dispar iflavirus 1 (LdIV1), originally identified from a Lymantria dispar cell line, was detected in 24 RNA samples from female moths of four populations from the USA and China. Genome-length contigs were assembled for each population and compared with the reference genomes of the first reported LdIV1 genome (Ames strain) and two LdIV1 sequences available in GenBank originating from Novosibirsk, the Russian Federation. A whole-genome phylogeny was generated for these sequences, indicating that LdIV1 viruses observed in North American (flightless) and Asian (flighted) spongy moth lineages indeed partition into clades as would be expected per their host's geographic origin and biotype. A comprehensive listing of synonymous and non-synonymous mutations, as well as indels, among the polyprotein coding sequences of these seven LdIV1 variants was compiled and a codon-level phylogram was computed using polyprotein sequences of these, and 50 additional iflaviruses placed LdIV1 in a large clade consisting mostly of iflaviruses from other species of Lepidoptera. Of special note, LdIV1 RNA was present at very high levels in all samples, with LdIV1 reads accounting for a mean average of 36.41% (ranging from 1.84% to 68.75%, with a standard deviation of 20.91) of the total sequenced volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Opacoptera Gozmány, 1978 is reviewed. Four species are described as new: O. condensata sp. nov., O. hybocentra sp. nov., O. introflexa sp. nov. and O. longissima sp. nov. Opacoptera kerastiodes Park, 2021 is newly recorded for China. Images of adults are provided, along with a key to the males of all the known species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bradina is a species-rich genus that differs from most other Spilomelinae genera because of its distinctive wing venation. Most species of this genus are very similar in appearance. In this study, we have studied morphological characteristics of the genus and eight closely related species from China. Among them, B. falciculata Guo & Du, sp. nov., B. fusoidea Guo & Du, sp. nov., B. spirella Guo & Du, sp. nov., B. ternifolia Guo & Du, sp. nov. and B. torsiva Guo & Du, sp. nov. are described as new to science. Bradina megesalis (Walker, 1859), B. translinealis Hampson, 1896 and B. subpurpurescens (Warren, 1896) are redescribed based on their holotypes and additional material, and the latter two are newly recorded from China and their genitalia are described for the first time. The images of the habitus and genitalia of these eight species are provided, with a key to their identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is one of the most destructive invasive pests causing serious damage to maize crops in China. At present, the use of chemical pesticides is the main method to prevent and control S. frugiperda. However, the excessive use of chemical pesticides not only causes toxicity in humans and animals but also pollutes the environment and causes public harm. In this context, the present study aimed to isolate, identify and evaluate the pathogenicity of the native strain of Metarhizium guizhouense against eggs, larvae and pupae of S. frugiperda under laboratory conditions. Results: The fungal isolate was identified as M. guizhouense (Xct1) based on its morphological and molecular characteristics by sequencing ITS, β-tubulin and EF1-α gene. Meanwhile, the fungal isolate was highly pathogenic to eggs of the S. frugiperda, at the highest concentration of 1 × 108 spores/ml, the cumulative egg hatching rate was only 8.33% at 10 days post exposure. After 10 days of exposure to the highest concentration of 1 × 108 spores/ml, the LC50 values for the first–fifth larval instars of S. frugiperda were 8.12 × 104, 1.11 × 105, 5.55 × 105, 3.87 × 106 and 1.43 × 107 spores/ml, respectively. Conclusions: The pathogenicity of M. guizhouense Xct1 to S. frugiperda larvae gradually decreased with increasing the developmental stages. Metarhizium guizhouense Xct1 was more pathogenic to egg and younger larvae of S. frugiperda. This provides a basis for determining the optimal period of control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mountain butterfly Parnassius glacialis is a representative species of the genus Parnassius, which probably originated in the high-altitude Qinhai–Tibet Plateau in the Miocene and later dispersed eastward into relatively low-altitude regions of central to eastern China. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the long-term evolutionary adaptation to heterogeneous environmental conditions of this butterfly species. In this study, we obtained the high-throughput RNA-Seq data from twenty-four adult individuals in eight localities, covering nearly all known distributional areas in China, and firstly identified the diapause-linked gene expression pattern that is likely to correlate with local adaptation in adult P. glacialis populations. Secondly, we found a series of pathways responsible for hormone biosynthesis, energy metabolism and immune defense that also exhibited unique enrichment patterns in each group that are probably related to habitat-specific adaptability. Furthermore, we also identified a suite of duplicated genes (including two transposable elements) that are mostly co-expressed to promote the plastic responses to different environmental conditions. Together, these findings can help us to better understand this species' successful colonization to distinct geographic areas from the western to eastern areas of China, and also provide us with some insights into the evolution of diapause in mountain Parnassius butterfly species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the genus Orthozona Hampson, 1895, O. parallelilineata sp. nov., is described from China. The new species is illustrated with images of adults and genitalia, and it is compared to similar species, O. quadrilineata and Paracolax curvilineata. A distribution map of this new species is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyphantria cunea Drury (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) is a quarantine pest in China that can cause damage to hundreds of plants. As biological control agents, Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus (NPV) and Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bacillales: Bacillaceae) (Bt) are commonly used to inhibit the prevalence of H. cunea. To investigate the role of midgut bacteria in the infection of NPV and Bt in H. cunea , we performed a series of tests, including isolating the dominant culturable bacteria in the midgut, eliminating intestinal bacteria, and respectively inoculating the dominant strains with NPV and Bt for bioassay. Two dominant bacteria, Klebsiella oxytoca Lautrop (Enterobacterales: Enterobacteriaceae) and Enterococcus mundtii Collins (Lactobacillales: Enterococcaceae), in the midgut of H. cunea were identified, and a strain of H. cunea larvae without intestinal bacteria was successfully established. In the bioassays of entomopathogen infection, K. oxytoca showed significant synergistic effects with both NPV and Bt on the death of H. cunea. In contrast, E. mundtii played antagonistic effects. This phenomenon may be attributed to the differences in the physico-chemical properties of the two gut bacteria and the alkaline environment required for NPV and Bt to infect the host. It is worth noting that the enhanced insecticidal activity of K. oxytoca on NPV and Bt provides a reference for future biological control of H. cunea by intestinal bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Swallowtail butterflies are renowned for their extensive morphological diversity, especially their wing color patterns, with around 600 described species. Given their morphological diversity and species richness, as well as their ecological habits, their phytophagous insect lineage is regarded to have evolved successfully. According to the NCBI database, sixty Papilionidae genomes have been reported, of which only two species have been assembled at the chromosome level. Currently, the paucity of high-quality genome data, especially for rarely seen and endemic butterflies, has hampered our knowledge of their evolution and biology at the genome level. Here, we report a chromosome-level genome assembly of Papilio elwesi, a butterfly species endemic to the Chinese mainland. The sequencing, assembly, and annotation of Papilio elwesi in this study enrich the available butterfly genome resources and lay the data foundation for future research. A rarely seen butterfly species, the large swallowtail butterfly Papilio elwesi Leech, 1889 (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae), endemic to the Chinese mainland, has been declared a state-protected animal in China since 2000, but its genome is not yet available. To obtain high-quality genome assembly and annotation, we sequenced the genome and transcriptome of P. elwesi using the PacBio and PromethION platforms, respectively. The final assembled genome was 358.51 Mb, of which 97.59% was anchored to chromosomes (30 autosomes and 1 Z sex chromosome), with a contig/scaffold N50 length of 6.79/12.32 Mb and 99.0% (n = 1367) BUSCO completeness. The genome annotation pointed to 36.82% (131.99 Mb) repetitive elements and 1296 non-coding RNAs in the genome, along with 13,681 protein-coding genes that cover 98.6% (1348) of the BUSCO genes. Among the 11,499 identified gene families, 104 underwent significantly rapid expansions or contractions, and these rapidly expanding families play roles in detoxification and metabolism. Additionally, strong synteny exists between the chromosomes of P. elwesi and P. machaon. The chromosome-level genome of P. elwesi could serve as an important genomic resource for furthering our understanding of butterfly evolution and for more in-depth genomic analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant diversity has been found to increase herbivore diversity, including abundance, species richness and phylogenetic diversity. However, it is yet to be established at which spatial scale these effects are strongest, because host finding and community assembly may be shaped by host diversity both in local habitat patches and at larger scales.Using arthropod herbivore data collected from a large biodiversity and ecosystem function experiment in China (BEF‐China), we analysed how habitat patch (individual study plots) and larger‐scale (surrounding study plots) tree diversity relates to species richness, abundance, functional diversity and phylogenetic diversity of herbivore assemblages on focal plants.Tree diversity of both the focal habitat patch and larger‐scale patch neighbourhood affected herbivore diversity patterns and host plant selection, with the effect being greater for the former. Furthermore, focal and neighbouring trees that are phylogenetically related were found more likely to share similar herbivores.Synthesis. By focusing on tree diversity effects of both the local habitat patch and wider patch neighbourhoods, our findings highlight the importance of considering additional scales to give a more nuanced understanding of the mechanisms underlying herbivore community structure and diversity patterns in species‐rich forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Charitoprepes is revised based on morphological characteristics, and Charitoprepes aciculata sp. nov. is described as new from China. Additionally, the female genitalia of C. lubricosa are described for the first time based on new material. The differences among species of this genus are diagnosed, along with images of adults and their genitalia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Spodoptera litura is an important agricultural pest widely distributed around the world, which can damage numerous crops. Despite its economic importance, research on the population genetics of S. litura has been limited, preventing insight into the spread of the pest. In this study, we conducted a population genetic analysis of 24 populations of S. litura in Southern China using microsatellite markers, demonstrating the information on the genetic diversity and genetic structure of the tested populations. The results will provide pest control management strategies for S. litura in Southern China. Population genetic structure is strongly affected by dispersal events, especially for migratory species. The investigation of population structure is therefore conducive to increasing our understanding of species dispersal. Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important tobacco pest in China causing serious damage to multiple crops. In this study, we explore its dispersal dynamics by clarifying the fine-scale population genetics using 545 S. litura samples collected from tobacco plantations at 24 locations (mainly in Baise, Hechi, and Hezhou, Southern China). We analyzed the genetic diversity, genetic structure, and gene flow of these populations using seven microsatellite loci. Our results revealed high genetic diversity and low population genetic structure among S. litura. The genetic distance was uncorrelated with geographical distance, indicating the complete randomness of dispersal among the local populations. Our results suggest that the movement scope of contemporary S. litura might be much higher than the local-level spatial scale, which will provide a theoretical basis for pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report a new case of gynandromorph moth in the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda. According to the morphology, the gynandromorph moth belongs to bilateral-gynandromorph due to exhibited morphs of female and male on both sides. In addition, the moth has deformed genitalia in both the female and male. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Preventing invasion of the Asian spongy moth (ASM) is a major priority for quarantine agencies in North America and elsewhere due to the significant damage and invasiveness of ASMs. ASMs are native to China and strict quarantine procedures have been implemented to prevent unintentional introductions of ASMs to other countries. As there are many closely related species in Lymantria (Hübner, 1819) that are morphologically similar to ASM, especially at immature stages, it is not always possible to determine accurately with morphology. Molecular techniques for rapid detection are, therefore, becoming an immediate need. The main procedures that have been used to identify ASMs are based on samples that have been under artificial culture for dozens of generations, and the artificial culture of these samples might have resulted in the appearance of genetic features that differ from those of natural populations. Moreover, sampling has only been conducted in a few locations in China; given that high genetic variation has been detected in ASMs from different regions in China in recent years, the current methods used for identifying ASMs are not sufficiently robust. In this study, we provide an updated method based on cytochrome oxidase I to enhance the efficacy of ASM identification. This improved approach permits identifications of ASMs to be made in 2–3 h using as little as 30 pg of genomic DNA. This method could, thus, be used to monitor the spread of ASM in real time and mitigate identification errors. Lymantria dispar (Linnaeus, 1758), which is commonly known as spongy moth, with two subspecies, is found in Asia: Lymantria dispar asiatica and Lymantria dispar japonica, collectively referred to as the Asian spongy moth (ASM). The subspecies Lymantria dispar dispar occurs in Europe and is commonly known as the European spongy moth (ESM). The ASM is on the quarantine list of many countries because it induces greater economic losses than the ESM. Accurate identification is essential to prevent the invasion of ASM into new areas. Although several techniques for identifying ASMs have been developed, the recent discovery of complex patterns of genetic variation among ASMs in China as well as new subspecies in some areas has necessitated the development of new, improved identification techniques, as previously developed techniques are unable to accurately identify ASMs from all regions in China. Here, we demonstrate the efficacy of an improved technique for the identification of the ASM using ASM-specific primers, which were designed based on cytochrome oxidase I sequences from samples obtained from all sites where ASMs have been documented to occur in China. We show that these primers are effective for identifying a single ASM at all life stages and from all ASM populations in China, and the minimum detectable concentration of genomic DNA was 30 pg. The inclusion of other Lymantria samples in our analysis confirmed the high specificity of the primers. Our improved technique allows the spread of ASMs to be monitored in real time and will help mitigate the spread of ASMs to other areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ectropis dentilineata Moore, 1868 has a wide geographic distribution while its genome data are largely unknown. In this study, we collected samples of E. dentilineata from a tea plantation in Guizhou province, China. Illumina sequencing showed that the mitochondrial genome of E. dentilineata is 15,356 bp in length, containing the entire set of 37 mitochondrial genes. Several tRNAs show gene arrangements compared with the ancestral gene order, mainly involving the tRNA cluster (M-I-Q). These data will facilitate a deeper understanding and exploitation of E. dentilineata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), a destructive pest that originated in South and North America, spread to China in early 2019. Controlling this invasive pest requires an understanding of its population structure and migration patterns, yet the invasion genetics of Chinese S. frugiperda is not clear. Here, using the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, triose phosphate isomerase (Tpi) gene and eight microsatellite loci, we investigated genetic structure and genetic diversity of 16 S. frugiperda populations in China. The Tpi locus identified most S. frugiperda populations as the corn-strains, and a few were heterozygous strains. The microsatellite loci revealed that the genetic diversity of this pest in China was lower than that in South America. Furthermore, we found moderate differentiation among the populations, distinct genetic structures between adjacent populations and abundant genetic resources in the S. frugiperda populations from China sampled across 2 years. The survival rate of S. frugiperda was significantly higher when it was fed on corn leaves than on rice leaves, and the larval stage mortality rate was the highest under both treatments. Our results showed that S. frugiperda probably invaded China via multiple independent introductions and careful pesticide control, continuous monitoring and further studies will be needed to minimize its potential future outbreak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cosmopolitan agricultural herbivorous pests are provided with a wide range of potential hosts. Therefore, they have high carrying capacity, and can cause extremely severe damage in agroecosystems. Understanding the ecological mechanisms of their population dynamics, especially as they relate to large-scale meteorological variations and geographical landscape influences, can help us to reveal how they became such important pests. The oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta, is a typical example of a significant pest distributed on a large scale, which is capable of damaging fruit trees of economic value such as peach, apple, pear, etc. This pest not only occurs in China, but exists on all continents except Antarctica. In order to prevent major pests and diseases, a system of plant protection has been established gradually in peach orchards within the Modern Agro-industry Technology Research System in China (CARS) since 2009. In the system, we collected the monitoring data of G. molesta by using pheromone traps at 17 experimental stations, and then used the corresponding climate data (temperature and precipitation) to explore the link between climate factors using mixed models. The results show that both monthly mean temperature and precipitation had a significant positive correlation with the occurrence of G. molesta. Therefore, global warming with higher levels of precipitation may favor G. molesta, allowing it to outperform other potential pests at the population level in peach orchards, on a large scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ectropis obliqua Prout (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is a serious leaf‐eating pest in tea gardens throughout China, with rich bacterial communities in the larval gut. Few studies have investigated whether these bacteria play an important role in growth, development, and adaptability of E. obliqua. Axenic larval models are a useful tool for the study of interactions between gut bacteria and host insects. At present, artificial diet and antibiotics are typically used to remove larval gut bacteria for study; however, this method may change the natural food of insects and the habitat provided by their host plants, and cannot completely eliminate insect gut bacteria. Therefore, in order to establish an axenic insect feeding model, we first investigated the effects of egg age, different disinfectant concentration, and treatment time on the eggs of E. obliqua through orthogonal experiments. Next, we fed E. obliqua larvae tissue‐cultured tea seedlings under aseptic conditions. Thus, we successfully generated a feeding model of gut axenic larvae in the laboratory. Based on it, we then compared the mortality of axenic and non‐axenic E. obliqua larvae infected with the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuill. These results demonstrated the feasibility of this axenic larval model and that B. bassiana is a broad‐spectrum entomogenous fungus with a toxic effect on E. obliqua. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The tea grey geometrid Ectropis grisescens is a significant insect pest of tea plants in China. Parapanteles hyposidrae and Protapanteles immunis are Ectropis grisescens larval parasitoids. Here, we studied the parasitism performance of these two parasitoid species on different host densities under different temperatures as well as the interference effect of parasitoid density. We found that both parasitoid species, Pa. hyposidrae and Pr. immunis, exhibited a type II functional response towards the tea grey geometrid E. grisescens at four tested temperatures. With increasing the density of E. grisescens larvae, the number of parasitized larvae increased until a maximum was reached. Pr. immunis performed better than Pa. hyposidrae under higher temperatures. The parasitism rate by a single female parasitoid decreased with increasing parasitoid density at different temperatures, resulting in a reduction of searching efficiency. The findings of this study showed that Pr. immunis could be a better effective biocontrol agent than Pa. hyposidrae against the tea grey geometrid. The tea grey geometrid Ectropis grisescens has long been a significant insect pest of tea plants in China. Two parasitoids, Parapanteles hyposidrae and Protapanteles immunis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Microgastrinae), are the most important parasitoids in the larval stage of E. grisescens. Yet, the potential of these two parasitoids for controlling the tea grey geometrid is not known. Here, we studied the parasitism performance of these two parasitoid species on different host densities under different temperatures as well as the interference effect of parasitoid density. The results showed that both parasitoid species, Pa. hyposidrae and Pr. immunis, exhibited a Type II functional response towards the tea grey geometrid E. grisescens at four tested temperatures. With increasing the density of E. grisescens larvae, the number of parasitized larvae increased until a maximum was reached. The highest number of hosts parasitized by Pa. hyposidrae or Pr. immunis reached 14.5 or 14.75 hosts d−1 at 22 °C, respectively. The estimated values of instantaneous searching efficiency (a) and handling time (h) for Pa. hyposidrae or Pr. immunis were 1.420 or 3.621 and 0.04 or 0.053 at 22 °C, respectively. Pr. immunis performed better than Pa. hyposidrae under higher temperatures. The parasitism rate by a single female parasitoid decreased with increasing parasitoid density at different temperatures, resulting in a reduction of searching efficiency. The findings of this study showed that Pr.immunis could be a better effective biocontrol agent than Pa. hyposidrae against the tea grey geometrid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new species, Kitanola shilinensis sp. nov., K. eleganta sp. nov., Fignya ravalba sp. nov., and Euphlyctinides pseudolaika sp. nov., are described from southwestern China. Two species are reported new to China, Euphlyctinidis indi Solovyev, 2009 and Limacocera pachycera (Hampson, 1897). The adults and genitalia of all the treated species are illustrated. A checklist for the species belonging to the treated genera is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atrijuglans hetaohei (Yang) (Lepidoptera, Heliodinidae) is a major pest of walnut in China. Larvae feed on the seeds of walnut fruit. Damaged fruits turned black and fallen prematurely. Current management relies upon broad-spectrum of chemical insecticides applied in the late spring or early summer. However, due to missed applications or poor application timing, high levels of A. hetaohei infestation may still occur. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) have been long used for suppressing the soil-dwelling and fruit-boring pest, but few were done on the control of A. hetaohei. The present study was conducted to determine the virulence of seven EPN strains against A. hetaohei under laboratory conditions. Results: Among the seven EPN strains, Steinernema glaseri (Sgib strain) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) had good potentials in the management of A. hetaohei because of the better desiccation tolerance and pathogenicity than other strains. The cocooned and mature larvae of A. hetaohei all could be infected by the nematodes of Sgib strain. Sgib strain had the best efficiency to A. hetaohei under the infection condition of 24 °C and 100 IJs per larva. At 48-h exposure to 24 °C, the highest mortality rate of A. hetaohei treated with Sgib strain was 96.67%. Sgib strain of 100 IJs/larva caused 100% mortality after 72-h post-application. Conclusion: Sgib strain from Steinernematidae was the favorable to control A. hetaohei larvae which inhabit in the soil surface effectively. Sgib strain may be a contribution to the biological control of A. hetaohei in China. Highlights: Steinernema glaseri (Sgib strain) could be used as biocontrol agent for A. hetaohei larvae because of the better anti-desiccation ability and pathogenicity. Sgib strain showed high infectivity to the cocooned larvae as well as the mature larval A. hetaohei. Sgib strain had the optimum infecting effect with 100 IJs per larva at 24 ℃ and still maintained high pathogenicity after spraying into the field for 96 h. The results suggested that some potential for Sgib strain from Steinernematidae as one tool in controlling A.hetaohei larvae, which is the main fruit-boring pest of walnut in China [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The butterfly tribe Tagiadini Mabille, 1878 is a large group of skippers. Although there are a few species which are limited in distribution to some countries in the Oriental or Afrotropical region, the main radiation of the tribe is in China. In the present study, we constructed the first detailed molecular phylogeny of the Chinese species in the tribe based on mitochondrial and nuclear genes, and investigated its history of larval hostplants association. Maximum likelihood phylogeny strongly supports for monophyly of Tagiadini from China and confirms the most recent accepted species in the tribe. The controversial position of some species are presented and discussed. The systematic relationship of larval hostplants and Tagiadini species match well in phylogeny tree. They show conservatism in evolution of larval hostplant use. Moreover, the divergence time estimates and ancestral-area reconstructions provide a detailed description about the historical biogeography of the Tagiadini from China. The Chinese species of the tribe very likely originated from a combined ancestral area between Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains and Southern China region in the late Ecocene and expanded to the other regions. A dispersal-vicariance analysis suggests that dispersal events have played essential roles in the promotion of diversification in this tribe and distribution of extant species, and geological and climatic changes have been important factors driving current distribution patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a destructive, migratory pest that seriously damages corn, sorghum, and other crops. The "insect killer" Pyemotes zhonghuajia (Trombidiformes: Pyemotidae) is an ectoparasitic mite of agricultural and forestry pests in China. To explore the biological control efficiency of P. zhonghuajia on S. frugiperda, we evaluated the parasitic selectivity of P. zhonghuajia on S. frugiperda of different life stages, and distribution of P. zhonghuajia on different body parts of S. frugiperda larvae and pupae, food intake of S. frugiperda larvae affected by P. zhonghuajia density, and field population dynamics of S. frugiperda in relation to the releasing population density of P. zhonghuajia. We found that P. zhonghuajia preferred 4th- to sixth-instar larvae and pupae of S. frugiperda for parasitism, and the ventral part of abdominal segments of fourth-instar larvae and the ventral part of pupal thorax for feeding. Freezing of S. frugiperda 4th instar larvae and pupae had little effect on the distribution of P. zhonghuajia on the surface of these two host stages. The parasitism of P. zhonghuajia regardless of mite population size (i.e., 5, 10, or 20 mites) could significantly decrease the cumulative food intake of fifth-instar larvae of S. frugiperda. Releasing two and three boxes (50,000 mites/box) of P. zhonghuajia significantly suppressed the field population of S. frugiperda on sorghum plants/25 m2 within 7 days. Our results show that P. zhonghuajia may be a potential biological control agent and can be used for biological control of S. frugiperda in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glyphodes pyloalis (Lepidoptera, Crambidae) is an important pest of mulberry trees in China, and current methods for accurate population monitoring and control of this pest are lacking. The sex pheromone of G. pyloalis in China was re‐identified as E10, E12, Z14‐hexadecenyl acetate (E10E12Z14‐16:Ac) and tentatively E10, E12, E14‐hexadecenyl acetate (E10E12E14‐16:Ac). The emergence began 2 h before the dark period, and the peak emergence was 3 h into scotophase. Analysing the female moth's age from 1–9 days revealed that the titre of sex pheromone E10E12Z14‐16:Ac and E10E12E14‐16:Ac did not change statistically, and the ratio remained constant at 7.19 ± 1.12. The titre of pheromone had a significant circadian rhythm, increasing at 2 h after darkness, peaking at 6–8 h before decreasing, but it was still detected after 4 h into photophase. Mating of G. pyloalis occurred mainly at night, with the highest rate during 3 h into scotophase, which was earlier than the temporal pattern of pheromone titres. 18.1% of unfed moths mated immediately after eclosion during the scotophase. This was lower than what is seen in 1–3‐day‐old moths but similar to 4‐day‐old moth. Mating can occur on the same day after emergence, primarily within 1–4 days. Female moths can release pheromone again 48 h after mating, but the ratio of E10E12Z14‐16:Ac and E10E12E14‐16:Ac was reduced to 5.1 ± 0.73. The trapping of male moths in the field showed a significant circadian rhythm, but significant differences in pheromone trapping in Sichuan Gongxian, Zhejiang Chun'an and Haining, and Jiangsu Wujiang were observed. At the same location, the circadian rhythm of moth trapping showed differences between generations. The trapping of the overwintering generation occurred mostly in the early period of scotophase, while other generations were caught slightly later. Our results contribute to effective pheromone trapping for monitoring and mass trapping to better control G. pyloalis populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) is an important grain storage pest in China that is distributed in almost every province and that has caused huge economic losses. In this study, we adjusted the biological parameters of the Indian grain borer and then used the CLIMEX model to predict the detailed potential distribution of P. interpunctella in China under current and future conditions. Under historical climatic conditions, the central, northeastern, and southern regions of China are highly suitable habitats for it. Because of temperature change in the future climate, suitable habitats will increase in the eastern part of Qinghai and will decrease in the mid-eastern, northeastern, and southeastern parts of China. This study provides important information for controlling the further spread of the Indian corn borer in China. The Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a notorious stored-grain pest that can be found in most parts of China. The corpses, excretions, and other secretions of P. interpunctella larvae cause serious grain pollution, seriously affecting the nutritional and economic value of stored grain in China. To elucidate the potential distribution of P. interpunctella in China, we used the CLIMEX 4.0 model to project the potential distribution of the pest using historical climate data (1960–1990) and estimated future climate data (2030, 2050, and 2070). Under the historical climate situation, P. interpunctella was distributed in most areas of China, and its highly favorable habitats account for 48.14% of its total potential distribution. Because of temperature change in the future climate, suitable habitats will increase in the eastern part of Qinghai and will decrease in the mid-eastern, northeastern, and southeastern parts of China. Under these scenarios, the area of this pest's highly favorable habitat will be reduced by 1.24 million km2, and its proportion will decrease to about 28.48%. These predicted outcomes will help to distinguish the impact of climate change on the potential distribution of P. interpunctella, thereby providing important information to design early forecasting and strategies to prevent pest harm to stored grain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]