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Simple Summary: Many mosquito species not only serve as a nuisance but also pose a threat to public health by transmitting diseases to both humans and animals. We report an updated list of all known mosquito species identified in Arizona to date. It replaces the most recent lists published about 50 years ago. We also report their collection years, methods, areas/locations, feeding preferences, and the diseases they can or may carry or transmit. Arizona is home to many mosquito species, some of which are known vectors of infectious diseases that harm both humans and animals. Here, we provide an overview of the 56 mosquito species that have been identified in the State to date, but also discuss their known feeding preference and the diseases they can (potentially) transmit to humans and animals. This list is unlikely to be complete for several reasons: (i) Arizona's mosquitoes are not systematically surveyed in many areas, (ii) surveillance efforts often target specific species of interest, and (iii) doubts have been raised by one or more scientists about the accuracy of some collection records, which has been noted in this article. There needs to be an integrated and multifaceted surveillance approach that involves entomologists and epidemiologists, but also social scientists, wildlife ecologists, ornithologists, representatives from the agricultural department, and irrigation and drainage districts. This will allow public health officials to (i) monitor changes in current mosquito species diversity and abundance, (ii) monitor the introduction of new or invasive species, (iii) identify locations or specific populations that are more at risk for mosquito-borne diseases, and (iv) effectively guide vector control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiromesifen is an agrochemical used to control sucking insect pests worldwide including Pakistan. Musca domestica is an important pest in both medical and veterinary entomology. It is a vector for many detrimental diseases in humans and animals. In this study, inheritance, and mechanism of resistance to spiromesifen were examined. After 13 rounds of selection with spiromesifen, significant increase (1092.72-fold) in resistance was observed in spiromesifen selected strain of M. domestica (SPIRO-SEL) as compared to susceptible population (SPIRO-SS). Spiromesifen toxicity was evaluated by the feeding bioassay method. Bioassays with synergists piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and S,S,S tributyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF) revealed that LC50 decreased when spiromesifen along DEF applied on SPIRO-SEL compared with spiromesifen alone that might be due to involvement of esterases. The synergistic ratios for synergists PBO and DEF to SPIRO-SEL were 1.36 and 4.36, respectively. No significant difference was observed between LC50 values of F1 and Fˆ1, which is an indication that resistance is not sex-linked. Values for degree of dominance were 0.20 and 0.23 for F1 and Fˆ1, respectively. Our results showed that inheritance of spiromesifen resistance is autosomal, polygenic, and incompletely dominant. Information obtained from these results will be helpful in developing better proactive insecticide resistance management program for M. domestica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In medical, veterinary and forensic entomology, the ease and affordability of image data acquisition have resulted in whole‐image analysis becoming an invaluable approach for species identification. Krawtchouk moment invariants are a classical mathematical transformation that can extract local features from an image, thus allowing subtle species‐specific biological variations to be accentuated for subsequent analyses. We extracted Krawtchouk moment invariant features from binarised wing images of 759 male fly specimens from the Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae and Muscidae families (13 species and a species variant). Subsequently, we trained the Generalized, Unbiased, Interaction Detection and Estimation random forests classifier using linear discriminants derived from these features and inferred the species identity of specimens from the test samples. Fivefold cross‐validation results show a 98.56 ± 0.38% (standard error) mean identification accuracy at the family level and a 91.04 ± 1.33% mean identification accuracy at the species level. The mean F1‐score of 0.89 ± 0.02 reflects good balance of precision and recall properties of the model. The present study consolidates findings from previous small pilot studies of the usefulness of wing venation patterns for inferring species identities. Thus, the stage is set for the development of a mature data analytic ecosystem for routine computer image‐based identification of fly species that are of medical, veterinary and forensic importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Sarcophaga crassipalpis Macquart, 1839 (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) is a flesh fly species of medical, veterinary, and forensic importance. It is often used in the laboratory for several biological studies. In the current research, we investigate its life history under changing temperatures ranging from 15.7 to 31.1 °C, with an average of 24.55 °C, and the relative humidity ranges from 31.4 to 82.8% and at six fixed temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 30, 32, and then 35 °C. Also, pteridine from the head was used to assess adult age grading. Our results revealed that the life history and development rate of S. crassipalpis under changing temperatures were very close to those observed at a fixed temperature of 25 °C. The longest and shortest growing times were found at a low rearing temperature of 15 °C and higher temperature of 32 °C, respectively. The pattern of pteridine increase differed depending on the temperature. By employing a changing temperature model in the current study, we aim to provide information on the life history of S. crassipalpis that will be useful in future research. Flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) are regarded as significant in medical and veterinary entomology, and their development models can be utilized as considerable markers to ascertain the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin). In this research, we explored the growth cycle and larval body length of Sarcophaga crassipalpis Macquart 1839 (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) reared under variable temperatures ranging from 15.7 to 31.1 °C, with an average of 24.55 °C and relative humidity ranges from 31.4 to 82.8% and at six fixed temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 30, 32, and then 35 °C. Moreover, pteridine from the head was used to assess adult age grading. Our results allowed us to provide three development models: the isomorphen chart, the isomegalen chart, and the thermal summation models. The time taken for S. crassipalpis to complete its development from larviposition to adult emergence at constant temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 30, 32, and 35 °C was 1256.3 ± 124.2, 698.6 ± 15.1, 481.8 ± 35.7, 366.0 ± 13.5, and 295.8 ± 20.5 h, respectively, except 35 °C, where all pupae were unable to attain adulthood. They lasted 485.8 ± 5.4 h under variable temperatures. The minimum developmental limit (D0) temperature and the thermal summation constant (K) of S. crassipalpis were 9.31 ± 0.55 °C and 7290.0 ± 388.4 degree hours, respectively. The increase in pteridine content exhibited variations across different temperatures. There was quite a considerable distinction in the pteridine contents of male and female S. crassipalpis at 15 °C (p = 0.0075) and 25 °C (p = 0.0213). At 32 °C and variable temperatures, the pteridine content between female and male S. crassipalpis was not statistically divergent. However, temperature and gender remain the main factors influencing the pteridine content in the head of S. crassipalpis. We aim to provide detailed developmental data on S. crassipalpis that can be used as a valuable resource for future research and PMI estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on medical and veterinary entomology (MVE) is especially needed in the Caribbean islands, which are threatened by the burden of several arthropod species due to their tropical climate and environment. Identifying relevant MVE-related scientific activity in these countries and examining the characteristics of its outputs can aid in the analysis of trends, knowledge gaps and decision-making in vector-borne disease research management. This study used bibliometric methods to understand how research in this discipline developed in the insular Caribbean countries during the first two decades of this century. Data were extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection™ and SciELO Citation Index™. During the study period, the region's scientific MVE production grew at a steady rate. Most studies focused on the order Diptera and the family Culicidae. Cuba is the largest regional producer. The predominance and growing trend of international scientific collaboration were observed. These scientific results are scattered and mainly published in journals in the United States and European countries. Recent MVE studies in the insular Caribbean have been promising; it is crucial to ensure knowledge transfer across generations of researchers to generate trained human resources that will allow these studies to continue in each country in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Old World screwworm ( I Chrysomya bezziana i ) (OWS) myiasis was once a serious problem in Middle Eastern countries following the introduction of the pest into the region and the occurrence of disease outbreaks in the 1990s. The present situation of screwworm myiasis in the Middle East was exemplified by the situation in 10 countries for two consecutive years, 2020 and 2021 (Table 1). 7 Hall, M.J.R., Edge, W., Testa, J.M., Adams, Z.J.O. & Ready, P.D. (2001) Old World screwworm fly, Chrysomya bezziana, occurs as two geographical races. [Extracted from the article]

The stagnation of our fight against malaria in recent years, mainly due to the development of mosquito insecticide resistance, argues for the urgent development of new weapons. The dramatic evolution of molecular tools in the last few decades led to a better understanding of parasite–mosquito interactions and coalesced in the development of novel tools namely, mosquito transgenesis and paratransgenesis. Here we provide a historical view of the development of these new tools and point to some remaining challenges for their implementation in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we estimated exposure for Scrub typhus (STG), Typhus (TG) and Spotted fever groups (SFG) rickettsia using serology at a fine scale (a whole sub-district administration level) of local communities in Nan Province, Thailand. Geographical characteristics of the sub-district were divided into two landscape types: lowland agricultural area in an urbanized setting (lowland-urbanized area) and upland agricultural area located close to a protected area of National Park (upland-forested area). This provided an ideal contrast between the two landscapes with low and high levels of human-altered habitats to study in differences in disease ecology. In total, 824 serum samples of participants residing in the eight villages were tested by screening IgG ELISA, and subsequently confirmed by the gold standard IgG Immunofluorescent Assay (IFA). STG and TG IgG positivity were highest with seroprevalence of 9.8% and 9.0%, respectively; whereas SFG positivity rate was lower at 6.9%. Inhabitants from the villages located in upland-forested area demonstrated significantly higher STG exposure, compared to those villages in the lowland-urbanized area (chi-square = 51.97, p < 0.0001). In contrast, TG exposure was significantly higher in those villagers living in lowland-urbanized area (chi-square = 28.26, p < 0.0001). In addition to the effect of landscape types, generalized linear model (GLM) analysis identified socio-demographic parameters, i.e., gender, occupation, age, educational level, domestic animal ownership (dog, cattle and poultry) as influential factors to explain the level of rickettsial exposure (antibody titers) in the communities. Our findings raise the public health awareness of rickettsiosis as a cause of undiagnosed febrile illness in the communities. Author summary: Evidence of human exposures to rickettsial pathogens were reported from a cross-sectional study at a whole sub-district scale of local communities in Nan Province, Thailand. Seroprevalence and level of rickettsial exposures demonstrated differences between the habitat types, ecological aspects and socio-demographic factors. In addition, abundance of domestic animals in the community appeared to be one of significant factors influencing levels of human exposure to rickettsial pathogens. Our findings will benefit the local public health by raising awareness of rickettsial infections as one of potential health concerns in the community. Inclusion of rickettsioses in routine laboratory diagnosis would help to differentiate unknown febrile illness and guide appropriate treatment. Further studies are required, particularly in the fields of disease ecology as well as medical and veterinary entomology, in order to better understand epidemiology and potential zoonotic transmission of these neglected rickettsioses in endemic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ants intercepted by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture in 2018 and 2019 identified as Solenopsis spp., and possibly S. invicta, were submitted to the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service-Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Imported Fire Ant and Household Insects Research Unit for further taxonomic assessment using genetic and chemical methods. The 2018 sample consisted of 1 worker ant, and the 2019 sample consisted of 3 worker ants. Thoraces were used for genetic assessment and gasters were used for venom analyses. It was determined readily from genetic and chemical analyses that the intercepted ants were not S. invicta or S. richteri. Mitochondrial COX1 gene sequences were compared with previously published data from Solenopsis species. The closest match for the 2018 sample was S. xyloni, which is native to the shipment's origin (San Diego, California, USA). The 2 major alkaloids found were characteristic of the S. geminata species group. In addition, the alkaloid ratio closely matched that of S. xyloni. Therefore, the alkaloid analysis of the 2018 intercepted ant concurs with the genetic data that the ant was an S. xyloni worker. The COX1 gene sequences of the 2019 interceptions most closely matched S. geminata. The corresponding venom alkaloid profile also eliminated S. invicta and S. richteri as possibilities. However, 1 major alkaloid was unusual (Fig. 2) and normally is found only in trace amounts. We suggest the 2019 specimens are an unusual variant of S. geminata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Nkayi district, I X. brasiliensis i flea species was associated with different rodent species whereas in Umzingwane district, all the recorded flea species were associated with only one rodent species, i.e I M. natalensis i . Keywords: flea diversity; Nkayi district; rodent-flea association; rodents and fleas; rodents' diversity; Umzingwane district EN flea diversity Nkayi district rodent-flea association rodents and fleas rodents' diversity Umzingwane district 755 759 5 09/01/21 20210901 NES 210901 INTRODUCTION Co-occurrence data still remain a neglected source of information in modelling species distributions irrespective of the historical importance in community ecology. Flea diversity, Nkayi district, rodent-flea association, rodents and fleas, rodents' diversity, Umzingwane district The role and extent of species diversity for both rodents and fleas and their association especially in plague disease occurrence is of interest given that greater rodent diversity has been attributed to reduce plague disease occurrence in people due to the dilution effect (Vora, 2008). [Extracted from the article]

During the last two decades, the study of forensic entomology has evolved in leaps and bounds. 2 Grzywacz, A., Hall, M.J.R. & Pape, T. (2015) Morphology successfully separates third instar larvae of Muscina. Novel identification tools allow for increased accuracy in identification of new, and classification of current, species that may be of medical, veterinary and forensic importance (Grzywacz et al., [2]; Szpila et al., [7], [6], [8]). [Extracted from the article]

Evidence synthesis and knowledge translation are scientific methodological approaches used across different disciplines for combining results from individual studies, interpreting them based on the body of evidence and with the objective of supporting decision-making. Systematic, rapid, and scoping reviews have a direct application in human health and social care, but also in veterinary medicine, which are areas that can overlap with medical and veterinary entomology. As a scientific field, the objective of medical and veterinary entomology is to identify and quantify the role of insects as transmitters of important arthropod-borne pathogens, thus contributing to the study of human and veterinary issues of public health importance. The main objectives of this review are to introduce to entomologists the most common knowledge translation and synthesis methods described in the literature, to then review the use of systematic, rapid, and scoping reviews applied in the medical and veterinary entomology field, using a systematized review approach. We found 120 relevant articles in the literature addressing topics related to medical and veterinary entomology and using systematic reviews of the literature or other evidence synthesis methods, which is concurrent with the ongoing trend towards the use of these methodologies. The application of unbiased approaches to entomology in general, and to medical and veterinary entomology in particular, will strengthen science- and evidence-based conclusions to be used as a tool for informing policy, decisions, and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successfully preparing for and conducting on-animal ectoparasiticidal evaluations is key in providing accurate results and inferences on product performance. However, the procedures associated with designing sound-reliable research projects while using animal test subjects can become complex. The current manuscript offers insights towards the characterization of different evaluation types highlighting key considerations and potential problematic barriers that may otherwise be overlooked by researchers new to the area of on-animal product evaluation. Furthermore, recommendations on reporting inferences from findings based on various study designs are discussed. The authors of the current manuscript offer these considerations in the hopes of maintaining harmony in future reports used to develop and evaluate on-animal ectoparsiticidal products in the field of veterinary entomology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Veterinary and medical entomologists who are involved in research on pest control often need to perform dose–response bioassays and analyze the results. This article is meant as a beginner's guide for doing this and includes instructions for using the free program R for the analyses. The bioassays and analyses are described using previously unpublished data from bioassays on house flies, Musca domestica Linnaeus (Diptera: Muscidae), but can be used on a wide range of pest species. Flies were exposed topically to beta-cyfluthrin, a pyrethroid, or exposed to spinosad or spinetoram in sugar to encourage consumption. LD50 values for beta-cyfluthrin in a susceptible strain were similar regardless of whether mortality was assessed at 24 or 48 h, consistent with it being a relatively quick-acting insecticide. Based on LC50 values, spinetoram was about twice as toxic as spinosad in a susceptible strain, suggesting a benefit to formulating spinetoram for house fly control, although spinetoram was no more toxic than spinosad for a pyrethroid-resistant strain. Results were consistent with previous reports of spinosad exhibiting little cross-resistance. For both spinosad and spinetoram, LC50 values were not greatly different between the pyrethroid-resistant strain and the susceptible strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Furthermore, the collection of a "gravid" female I L. fortisetosa i from a mouflon in Germany indicates that mouflon can serve as a breeding host for I L. fortisetosa i (Rehbein I et al i ., 2016). However, it appears that only the records for I L. cervi i , I L. fortisetosa i , I L. couturieri i and I L. capreoli i are currently applicable. (2020) to be recorded in Europe, namely I L. arianae i Maa, 1969, I L. capreoli i Rondani, 1878, I L. cervi i (Linnaeus, 1758), I L. couturieri i Séguy, 1935 and I L. fortisetosa i Maa, 1965. In a recently published article entitled "Deer keds on wild ungulates in northern Italy, with a taxonomic key for the identification of I Lipoptena i spp. of Europe" (Salvetti et al., Med. [Extracted from the article]

Surprisingly, I H. longipennis i was described at high prevalence on domestic dogs being walked in municipality parks in cities in central Poland as one of four species of hippoboscids infesting the dogs (Sokól & Galecki, 2017). In a recently published article entitled 'First report of the dog louse fly I Hippobosca longipennis i in Romania' (Mihalca I et al i ., Med. According to observations by dog owners and veterinary practitioners in Germany, I L. fortisetosa i infested dogs exhibited substantial discomfort, itching and irritation (Rehbein I et al i ., 2015), which probably questions the role of dogs as a suitable host. [Extracted from the article]

Background: After Action Reviews (AAR) with a One Health perspective were performed in Slovenia, Italy, Serbia and Greece following a severe West Nile virus (WNV) transmission season in 2018. A protocol combining traditional techniques and organizational process analysis was developed and then implemented in each country. Results: In 2018, response to the unusually intense transmission season of WNV in Slovenia, Italy, Serbia and Greece took place through routine response mechanisms. None of the four countries declared a national or subnational emergency. We found a very strong consensus on the strengths identified in responding to this event. All countries indicated the availability of One Health Plans for surveillance and response; very high laboratory diagnostic capacity in the human, veterinary and entomology sectors and strong inter-sectoral collaboration with strong commitment of engaged institutions as critical in the management of the event. Finally, countries implementing One Health surveillance for WNV (in terms of early warning and early activation of prevention measures) consistently reported a positive impact on their activities, in particular when combining mosquito and bird surveillance with surveillance of cases in humans and equids. Recurring priority areas for improvement included: increasing knowledge on vector-control measures, ensuring the sustainability of vector monitoring and surveillance, and improving capacity to manage media pressure. Conclusions: The AARs presented here demonstrate the benefit of cross-sectoral and cross-disciplinary approaches to preparedness for West Nile virus outbreaks in Europe. In the coming years, priorities include fostering and strengthening arrangements that: enable coordinated One Health surveillance and response during WNV transmission seasons; ensure adequate laboratory capacities; strengthen risk communication; and fund longer-term research to address the knowledge gaps identified in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: After Action Reviews (AAR) with a One Health perspective were performed in Slovenia, Italy, Serbia and Greece following a severe West Nile virus (WNV) transmission season in 2018. A protocol combining traditional techniques and organizational process analysis was developed and then implemented in each country.Results: In 2018, response to the unusually intense transmission season of WNV in Slovenia, Italy, Serbia and Greece took place through routine response mechanisms. None of the four countries declared a national or subnational emergency. We found a very strong consensus on the strengths identified in responding to this event. All countries indicated the availability of One Health Plans for surveillance and response; very high laboratory diagnostic capacity in the human, veterinary and entomology sectors and strong inter-sectoral collaboration with strong commitment of engaged institutions as critical in the management of the event. Finally, countries implementing One Health surveillance for WNV (in terms of early warning and early activation of prevention measures) consistently reported a positive impact on their activities, in particular when combining mosquito and bird surveillance with surveillance of cases in humans and equids. Recurring priority areas for improvement included: increasing knowledge on vector-control measures, ensuring the sustainability of vector monitoring and surveillance, and improving capacity to manage media pressure.Conclusions: The AARs presented here demonstrate the benefit of cross-sectoral and cross-disciplinary approaches to preparedness for West Nile virus outbreaks in Europe. In the coming years, priorities include fostering and strengthening arrangements that: enable coordinated One Health surveillance and response during WNV transmission seasons; ensure adequate laboratory capacities; strengthen risk communication; and fund longer-term research to address the knowledge gaps identified in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report describes the structure, contents and outcomes of the first Annual Entomological Network Meeting organized by VectorNet, a European Network for Medical and Veterinary Entomology, held 10–12 March 2020 in Amersfoort the Netherlands. In this meeting, entomological network members and national public and animal health professionals were introduced to the project, the contracting organizations (EFSA, ECDC) and the members of the VectorNet consortium. The focus of the meeting was on VectorNet networking strategies and the involvement of the entomological network members in risk assessments. An overview of ongoing and planned work was given and discussed. The objectives of the project include consolidating the existing European network, to provide scientific support to both ECDC and EFSA in their risk assessments of vectors and vector‐borne diseases and to update information on the geographic distribution, abundance and seasonality of targeted arthropod vectors in EU/EEA and neighbouring countries. The target vector groups are mosquitoes, ticks, biting midges, sand flies, and a group of 'others', including fleas and lice. VectorNet will contribute to systematic reviews and the integration of existing databases on vector distribution. The creation of a strong connection between medical and veterinary entomologists is an important step towards implementation of the one health paradigm to fight against and prevent the emergence and spread of VBDs to new areas in Europe. Operating on an open data platform, the project welcomes entomologists to contribute data on vector presence and density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of spraying cattle hair with Delcid on the number of midges was studied. The attack of bloodsucking midges decreases the milk productivity of cattle. According to literature data, losses can range from 5.19 to 53.4%. In Russia, synthetic pyrethroids are widely used to protect livestock from midges. Among the drugs in this group, Delcid (4% emulsifiable deltamethrin concentrate) has proven itself effective. The present research aimed to study the effect of spraying cattle hair with Delcid on the number of midges on pastures and the milk productivity of cows. Studies were conducted in livestock farms in the south of the Tyumen region in 2003–2005 and 2008. Cows before pasture were sprayed with 0.001% (by active substance) Delcid water emulsion in medium volume (0.5 l per animal) using the universal horizontal single-pipe spraying booms installed at the pen gate and developed at the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Veterinary Entomology and Arachnology. Midges were counted using an entomological net with removable sacks. The entomological efficiency of treatments was assessed by comparing the number of midges at the test and control pastures. Losses in milk productivity were calculated based on the “Method for determining the harmfulness of insects of the ‘gnat’ type for cattle” developed by the authors of the present research. The research revealed that the loss of milk productivity of cows in the south of the Tyumen region can reach 9.88% in some years. Systematic spraying of the hair of grazing cattle with a 0.001% aqueous Delcid emulsion reduced the total number of midges on the pasture by a factor of 1.7-7 and, accordingly, shortened the period of their mass swarming. This allowed getting additional 0,231 l of milk per day or 1.45% from each cow, thus increasing the profitability of cattle breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the 2019 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and members' day of Amateur Entomologists' Society (AES) which was held at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery in Bristol, England on April 13, 2019. Topics discussed include information regarding acoustic defences of deaf moths and veterinary entomology; information on entomological exhibits which involved stick insects, and moths; and protective coloration used by moths.

Anaplasmosis is an economically devastating disease in cattle that is caused by the rickettsial pathogen Anaplasma marginale. Infected cattle can serve as biological reservoirs for the organism, thus enabling further transmission of the disease to naive individuals via ticks, biting flies and contaminated needles. It is estimated that this disease causes over $300 million in expenses for the U.S. cattle industry annually. As a result, a better understanding of this disease and its prevalence is needed. As part of an ongoing collaborative effort between the University of Arkansas and the Kansas State University (KSU) College of Veterinary Medicine, general surveillance testing of beef cattle herds in Washington county, Arkansas previously indicated a possible 30% positivity rate for A. marginale in 2019. The objective of this study was to utilize both quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) tests to determine the wholeherd prevalence of A. marginale within the University of Arkansas Washington county research herd. In the fall of 2020, the entire fall-calving herd (168, apparently healthy, mature beef cows) was sampled and tested. Both whole blood and serum samples were collected from each animal. qPCR testing was completed on each whole blood sample submitted at the KSU College of Veterinary Medicine, while cELISA testing was completed on each serum sample by the University of Arkansas. Of the68 cows tested, 20 cows tested seropositive, with a % Inhibition of 30 or above (mean = 45%). Confirmatory qPCR testing on all seropositive samples, however, indicated that all cows were negative for active infection with A. marginale. Subsequently, in the spring of 2022, all available cows that had previously tested seropositive for A. marginale were retested using the same protocol as previously described, except that all qPCR testing was completed by University of Arkansas Veterinary Entomology Lab. Of the 17 mature cows still in inventory, that had previously tested seropositive for A. marginale, only 7 were still seropositive with a % inhibition of 30 or above (mean = 39%). However, confirmatory qPCR testing on all 7 seropositive samples indicated that all cows were negative for active infections with A. marginale. Because of its lower cost, compared with qPCR testing, ELISA testing is commonly recommended to and utilized by producers and veterinarians as a first-line diagnostic for individual and herd health evaluation and management. Information gathered by this study indicates that cELISA testing alone may not provide an accurate depiction of actual infection rates within a herd, and that further investigation into possible causes of false positivity are required. As part of this study, additional assays investigating the specificity of the commercial Anaplasmosis cELISA and possible cross-reaction with other endemic rickettsial pathogens will be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The statement does not focus on authorship alone and it allows authors to reflect on and describe the ways that study communities and local researchers were included in the research process. Of these, 37 (97.4%) included at least one LMIC-based author and 34 (89.5%) included an LMIC-based first or last author. [Extracted from the article]

Species of the genus Culicoides ( Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are well known for their importance in the field of medical and veterinary entomology. Culicoides spp. transmit a wide variety of pathogens, primarily viruses that affect animals and humans. In Europe, the most economically important disease transmitted by Culicoides is bluetongue ( BT). Culicoides spp. have been recently involved as primary vectors for Schmallenberg disease. The taxonomy within the subgenus Culicoides has been historically difficult and reorganizations have been proposed regularly. The subgenus Culicoides includes species that are considered to be potential vectors for BT. High morphological intraspecific variability has been attributed to these species. This highlights the apparent presence of previously undetected cryptic species diversity in the subgenus. In the present study, a detailed morphological and molecular study of specimens belonging to Culicoides pulicaris s.l. and specimens resembling a cross between C. pulicaris and Culicoides punctatus revealed the presence of two new species: Culicoides cryptipulicaris and Culicoides quasipulicaris. Females of C. quasipulicaris and males of both species were morphologically distinguished from C. pulicaris ( Linnaeus, 1758), whereas females of C. cryptipulicaris were identified using molecular techniques exclusively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mirids ( Sahlbergella singularis and Distantiella theobroma) are the most important insect pests affecting cocoa production across West Africa. Understanding the population dynamics of mirids is key to their management; however, the current recommended hand-height assessment method is labour intensive. The objective of the study was to compare recently developed mirid sex pheromone trapping and visual hand-height assessment methods as monitoring tools on cocoa farms and to consider implications for a decision support system. Ten farms from the Eastern and Ashanti regions of Ghana were used for the study. Mirid numbers and damage were assessed fortnightly on twenty trees per farm, using both methods, from January 2012 to April 2013. The mirid population increased rapidly in June, reached a peak in September and began to decline in October. There was a significant linear relationship between numbers of mirids sampled to hand-height and mirid damage. High numbers of male mirids were recorded in pheromone traps between January and April 2012 after which there was a gradual decline. There was a significant inverse relationship between numbers of trapped adult mirids and mirids sampled to hand-height (predominantly nymphs). Higher temperatures and lower relative humidities in the first half of the year were associated with fewer mirids at hand-height, but larger numbers of adult males were caught in pheromone traps. The study showed that relying solely on one method is not sufficient to provide accurate information on mirid population dynamics and a combination of the two methods is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Larval house flies, Musca domestica (L.), nutritionally require live bacteria; therefore, all stadia are associated with microbe-rich environments. Larvae live among and ingest bacteria, which are digested via the combined activity of digestive enzymes, lysozyme, and antimicrobial effectors. Some bacteria resist digestion and subsequent proteo-lytic processes that occur during metamorphosis, and are carried trans-stadially. Adult house flies ingest bacteria directly from septic substrates or indirectly via self-grooming. Ingested bacteria also face digestion in adults; nonetheless, some microbes not only survive, but proliferate and exchange genetic material. The interaction between adult flies and bacteria is critical in determining vector potential. If the fly is ineffective at eliminating ingested microbes, they can be disseminated in excreta. Unlike larvae, adult house flies are highly mobile, synanthropic, and gregarious, moving indiscriminately between septic environments and domestic locations. Flies can travel miles between sites, dispersing pathogens and their antibiotic-resistance and virulence genes. Considered together, these aspects of adult fly biology underlie their role in the epidemiology and ecology of infectious diseases. Studies of house fly biology have fortuitously revealed interesting adaptations to their septic lifestyle that can be exploited in future approaches to fly control and human health. Larval dependence on microbes can be integrated in novel control strategies, which alter habitat microflora. In contrast, larvae can be utilized beneficially to clear manure of pathogens before being used as fertilizer. In addition, house fly defense effectors such as antimicrobial pep-tides serve as an untapped resource with the potential to generate novel classes of microbicidal therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blow flies are commonly associated with decomposing material. In most cases, the larvae are found feeding on decomposing vertebrate remains; however, some species have specialized to feed on living tissue or can survive on other alternate resources like feces. Because of their affiliation with such septic environments, these insects have close associations with microbes. Historically, a tremendous amount of research focused on these insects due to their veterinary importance. Within the past 40 yr, efforts have expanded this research to include areas such as systems ecology, forensics, and even wound debridement (maggot) therapy. Initial research efforts examining the relationship between microbes and these insects were hampered by the technology available. However, with the advent of high-throughput sequencing and modern molecular techniques, new avenues of research examining these interactions have opened up. The purpose of this article is to highlight the research exploring the interactions between microbes and blow flies with regards to blow fly biology, the application of such information to benefit humanity, and potential future pathways of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Chile, all necrotic arachnidism is attributed to the Chilean recluse spider Loxosceles laeta ( Nicolet) ( Araneae: Sicariidae). It is predated by the spitting spider Scytodes globula ( Nicolet) ( Araneae: Scytodidae). The biology of each of these species is not well known and it is important to clarify their distributions. The aims of this study are to elucidate the variables involved in the niches of both species based on environmental and human footprint variables, and to construct geographic maps that will be useful in estimating potential distributions and in defining a map of estimated risk for loxoscelism in Chile. Loxosceles laeta was found to be associated with high temperatures and low rates of precipitation, whereas although S. globula was also associated with high temperatures, its distribution was associated with a higher level of precipitation. The main variable associated with the distribution of L. laeta was the human footprint (48.6%), which suggests that this is a highly invasive species. Similarly to other species, the distribution of L. laeta reaches its southern limit at the Los Lagos region in Chile, which coincides with high levels of precipitation and low temperatures. The potential distribution of L. laeta in Chile corresponds to the distribution of cases of loxoscelism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lucilia illustris (Meigen 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is a cosmopolitan species that commonly colonizes carcasses and occasionally acts as parasites of humans or livestock, making it an insect of significant importance in forensic, medical, and veterinary entomology. However, only a few studies have documented the development of L. illustris. Here, we studied the developmental duration and larval body length changes of L. illustris under nine constant temperatures ranging from 15.0 to 35.0°C. Using these results, we generated an isomorphen diagram, thermal summation model, and isomegalen diagram for L. illustris. Simulation equations of the variation in the larval body length with time after hatching and variation in time after hatching with the body length were also obtained. L. illustris could complete its life cycle in 15.0-32.5°C, while its development was incomplete at 35.0°C, where the pupae failed to transform into adults. The development duration was 955.5±16.9, 625.7±16.9, 509.3±18.3, 410.0±17.0, 346.7±12.2, 290.2±6.7, 257.1±8.9, and 234.8±3.2h at 15.0, 17.5, 20.0, 22.5, 25.0, 27.5, 30.0, and 32.5°C, respectively. The developmental threshold temperature and thermal constant were 9.30±0.19°C and 5367.2±98.3°Ch, respectively. These results provide an important basis for the use of L. illustris development-based estimation of the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) in forensic entomology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 39 delusional parasitosis (DP) cases, reported in 20-yr. in Italy, are described. • Most of the DP sufferers were females aged over 50. • Seven cases of psychological contagion within the same family were recorded. • The "Digital pics sign" is described as a modern derivative of the "Matchbox sign". • Cases of harmful behaviours or even suicidal thoughts are described. Delusional parasitosis (DP) is psychiatric disorder characterized by the unshakeable belief of being infested by endo– or ectoparasites, without any evidence of infestations. Hence, DP sufferers often consult medical entomologists or dermatologists, rather than seeking help from a mental health practitioner. Here we present 39 cases of suspected DP occurred in twenty years in two Italian public medical entomology laboratories, to highlight their common features and peculiarities, based on the interviews and material brought to our laboratories. Our results confirmed that DP affects both sexes, but is more frequent in females over the age of 50 years. Cases of psychological contagion, mostly affecting elderly people, were reported within seven family units. Some rare or unique features of DP sufferers involved: the fixed belief to be infested by endoparasites, olfactory hallucinations of unpleasant smell, self-harm to get rid of the imaginary parasite and suicidal thoughts. We suggest the term "Digital pics sign" to describe a modern derivative of the "Matchbox sign", where the DP sufferers showed pictures and videos, in person or sent by email, as proofs of being infested. Medical entomologists, being the most frequently contacted professionals by DP sufferers, may be crucial to raise awareness about this psychological disorder and to encourage a multidisciplinary approach amongst medical professionals and pest control operators. Graphical abstract [Display omitted]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The postmortem interval is related to the age of immature species of flies found on corpses and can be estimated using data available in the literature on the biology of the species. The flesh fly Ravinia belforti is a carrier of enteric pathogens that can affect human and animal health as well as being of forensic importance. As the morphology of many immature Sarcophagidae is unknown, these immature forms must be collected and characterized after the emergence of the adult male. Here we describe and analyze the morphological characteristics of the larvae stages L1, L2, L3 and the puparium of R. belforti by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ten specimens of each stage were analyzed. Larvae of R. belforti follow the typical muscoid vermiform pattern with 12 segments. The anterior region is pointed, while the posterior region is thicker. The spines of the cephalic collar are flattened and with double, triple or quadruple points, different from the spines along the body that only have a single point. In L2, the anterior spiracle is present with a varying number of papillae (16–22), differing from other species. The posterior spiracles are located within the peritreme. The spiracular cavity is internalized in the posterior region, following the pattern that differs Sarcophagidae from other families. L3 features more visible and developed spines around the cephalic collar, getting thicker and denser near to the first thoracic segment. Puparium is similar to other species of Sarcophagidae. This paper presents important data on this family which has both health and forensic importance. Furthermore, R. belforti shows significant differences from other species of Sarcophagidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurement of natural stable isotope signatures of insects has proven to be a useful method in determining their natal origin, feeding strategies and mating behavior, and has spawned a new discipline of insect isotope forensics. However the complexity of measuring isotope signatures using elemental analysis-isotope ratio mass-spectrometry (EA-IRMS) has encountered significant technical barriers, which together with costs, have hindered the advancement and wide spread adoption of this potentially useful approach. In the last decade simpler technologies to measure stable isotope ratios in samples based on laser spectroscopy have been developed. We foresee that these instruments will fuel the advancement and adoption of insect isotope forensics into pest management programs because they are easy to use, more affordable, and complement existing marking tools. However prior to the adoption of these new technologies it is necessary to test their fitness for purpose and explore their limitations. In this paper we set out to test the suitability of using combustion module-cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CM-CRDS) for measuring isotope ratios in an entomological context, covering marking of insects, mating behavior and dietary assessment. We carried out a series of experiments to compare the isotope measurements made with the CM-CRDS with the traditional method of EA-IRMS. Initially we compared measurements of carbon isotope values of a variety of common diet components used in insect rearing, which covered a wide range of carbon isotope values. There was good agreement in the isotope values obtained, using the CM-CRDS and the EA-IRMS with similar accuracy and precision. Secondly we compared the 2 methods to measure carbon isotope values of the common cutworm, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) samples, and again there was good agreement in the values obtained. Thirdly we tested whether the CM-CRDS could be used to determine the paternity of spermataphores, based on the differential isotope signatures of the paternal and maternal moths, as a result of differences in their rearing diets. The CM-CRDS proved to be fit for the purpose of measuring isotope values in the spermataphores of common cutworm and suggested that the CM-CRDS technology would be suitable for these isotope based mating studies in moths if the spermatophores were of sufficient mass. Finally we explored a number of the issues surrounding CM-CRDS and isotope technologies in general, e.g., logistical considerations, economics of operation, sample size, etc. We conclude that CM-CRDS is a suitable instrument for measuring stable isotope carbon signatures in moths, and most probably other sufficiently large insects and that CM-CRDS could be easily used in both operational and research contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular defense against xenobiotic compounds is a main research issue in medical and veterinary entomology, as insecticide/acaricide resistance is a major threat in the control of arthropods. ABC transporters are recognized as a component of the detoxifying mechanism in arthropods. We investigated the possible involvement of ABC transporters in defense to the organophosphate insecticide temephos in the malarial vector Anopheles stephensi . We performed bioassays on larvae of An. stephensi, using insecticide alone and in combination with ABC-transporter inhibitors, to assess synergism between these compounds. Next, we investigated the expression profiles of six ABC transporter genes in larvae exposed to temephos. Surprisingly, neither bioassays nor gene expression analyses provided any evidence for a major role of ABC transporters in defense against temephos in An. stephensi . We thus decided to review existing literature to generate a record of other studies that failed to reveal a role for ABC transporters against particular insecticides/acaricides. A review of the scientific literature led to the recovery of 569 papers about ABC transporters; among these, 50 involved arthropods, and 10 reported negative results. Our study on An. stephensi and accompanying literature review highlight the heterogeneity that exists in ABC transporter involvement in defense/resistance mechanisms in arthropods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood feeding animals face their host's defenses against tissue injury and blood loss while attempting to feed. One adaptation to surmount these barriers involves the evolution of a salivary potion that disarms their host's inflammatory and anti-hemostatic processes. The composition of the peptide moiety of this potion, or sialome (from the Greek sialo = saliva), can be deducted in part by proper interpretation of the blood feeder’ sialotranscriptome. In this work we disclose the sialome of the blood feeding adult female Tabanus bromius . Following assembly of over 75 million Illumina reads (101 nt long) 16,683 contigs were obtained from which 4078 coding sequences were extracted. From these, 320 were assigned as coding for putative secreted proteins. These 320 contigs mapped 85% of the reads. The antigen-5 proteins family was studied in detail, indicating three Tabanus specific clades with and without disintegrin domains, as well as with and without leukotriene binding domains. Defensins were also detailed; a clade of salivary tabanid peptides was found lacking the propeptide domain ending in the KR dipeptide signaling furin cleavage. Novel protein families were also disclosed. Viral transcripts were identified closely matching the Kotonkan virus capsid proteins. Full length Mariner transposases were also identified. A total of 3043 coding sequences and their protein products were deposited in Genbank. Hyperlinked excel spreadsheets containing the coding sequences and their annotation are available at http://exon.niaid.nih.gov/transcriptome/T_bromius/Tbromius-web.xlsx (hyperlinked excel spreadsheet, 11 MB) and http://exon.niaid.nih.gov/transcriptome/T_bromius/Tbromius-SA.zip (Standalone excel with all local links, 360 MB). These sequences provide for a platform from which further proteomic studies may be designed to identify salivary proteins from T. bromius that are of pharmacological interest or used as immunological markers of host exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has a long history of rice cultivation, incorporating several cultural practices known to influence damage by insect pests. Transgenic Bt rice expresses lepidopteran-specific insecticidal proteins that primarily target lepidopteran insect pests. However, the effectiveness of Bt rice against target insect pests under different cultural regimes has not been evaluated. In this study, the effectiveness of Bt rice lines against rice leaffolder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis ( Guenée) ( Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), and striped stem borer, Chilo suppressalis Walker ( Lepidoptera: Crambidae), was evaluated under various transplanting densities, crop establishment methods, and planting times. The results showed that Bt rice lines (T2A-1 and T1C-19, containing Cry2A and Cry1C, respectively) could prevent damage by these target pests under a range of cultural practices. Injury by C. medinalis or C. suppressalis on rice did not differ with the rice lines under various transplanting densities. Direct-seeded non-Bt rice MH63 suffered heavier injury by C. medinalis and C. suppressalis than it did with transplanting, whereas injury to the two Bt rice lines did not differ with planting methods. Planting time significantly affected injury by C. medinalis or C. suppressalis on non-Bt rice, whereas injury to Bt rice lines did not differ with planting time. These results suggest that transplanting density, planting method, and planting time did not significantly affect the resistance of two Bt rice lines, due to their high insecticidal activity against target insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cochliomyia macellaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is known as the secondary screwworm because it causes secondary or facultative myiasis when the larvae feed on necrotic tissues. This fly has a significant medical and veterinary importance since it has been reported to transport eggs of Dermatobia hominis (human botfly), which can cause significant economic losses to livestock. Since this screwworm has been collected colonizing both pig carcasses and human cadavers, it is considered one of the most important species for forensic entomology studies. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) gives detailed information on the morphological characteristics which can help identify the immature forms of the flies. The aim of this study was to describe and analyze the morphological characteristics of the eggs, all the larval instars, and the puparia of Cochliomyia macellaria using SEM. The egg is ellipsoid and the dorsal surface is concave. The islands inside the median area had no anastomosis, but some perforations could be observed. From the second larval instar onwards, besides the intersegmental spines, other bands of spines were observed at the abdominal segments. Two spiracular openings were visible on the first and second larval instars, which were not expected. These characteristics are specific to Cochliomyia genus. The number and the general aspect of the spine tips in the cephalic region, the intersegmental bands on the abdomen, and the number of the spiracular openings could together help identify C. macellaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Lucilia cuprina is mechanical vector of pathogens and causes myiasis in humans and animals. [•] This fly is related to forensic entomology and it is the dominant during decomposition stage. [•] The larval body of all muscoids is very similar, so the description is important. [•] At Brazilian L. cuprina species, the number of spiracular openings observed was 6 or 7. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: The prestomal teeth are structures on the mouthparts of some fly species that rasp surfaces to expose liquids for ingestion. Here, we investigated the material properties of prestomal teeth, including their hardness, elastic modulus, the extent of sclerotization, and elemental composition, and combined these results with morphology to determine their relationship to fly feeding habits. The results indicated that the prestomal teeth are heavily sclerotized and have hardness and elastic modulus values similar to the polymer polycarbonate. Although the presence of inorganic elements contributes to a harder cuticle in other insect species, the fly species studied here had only low concentrations of inorganic elements. We found evidence that the material properties and morphology of prestomal teeth relate to feeding habits, not phylogeny. In particular, flies that pierce tissues for liquids have larger prestomal teeth relative to their mouthpart sizes when compared to species that generally feed on exposed liquids. Flies are one of the most successful groups of organisms and their success likely relates to their ability to feed on a large array of nutritional liquids. Given their importance in ecology systems and relevance to medical and veterinary entomology, the functional morphology of fly mouthparts warrants additional studies. Prestomal teeth are cuticular projections on the mouthparts of some fly species that rasp surfaces when feeding. Although prestomal teeth morphology has been reported for several fly species, their material properties have not been investigated. Here we report the morphology, elemental composition, extent of sclerotization, hardness, and elastic modulus of prestomal teeth and relate these findings to feeding habits. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that species categorized as flower visitors have a large labellum with numerous pseudotracheae and lack prestomal teeth, generalist species have these same features but with prestomal teeth, and specialist species that feed on blood or other insects have a smaller labellum with few or no pseudotracheae and relatively large prestomal teeth. Confocal microscopy revealed that prestomal teeth are heavily sclerotized and the labellum contains resilin, an elastomeric protein. Hardness and elastic modulus were explored with nanoindentation and showed that the insectivorous Scathophaga stercoraria had the hardest prestomal teeth and the highest modulus. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy revealed that prestomal teeth had low concentrations of inorganic elements, suggesting that hardness might be partially supplemented by inorganic elements. Our findings indicate that prestomal teeth morphology and material properties relate more to feeding habits than to phylogeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work is to study the influence of larval density on some aspects of the population ecology and survival of Chrysomya megacephala, analyzing demographic aspects of adults kept under experimental conditions. positive effect of density on survival and pre-ovipostion period was observed, while there was no simultaneous influence of density in sex ratio. The results showed that the demographic parameter for life expectancy at intrinsic growth rate (e0), total fecundity (TF), net fecundity (NF) and men reproductive age (T) increased with increasing the density of population larvae. Other population parameters such as the intrinsic growth rate (r), the finite growth rate (?) and the time to double population (DT) were also calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]