Search

More than 75 arboviruses are indigenous to Australia, of which at least 13 are known to cause disease in humans. Alphaviruses are the most common arboviruses, notably including Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses, which contribute a significant public health and economic burden in Australia. Both can cause febrile illness with arthritic symptoms. Each circulates nationally across diverse climates and environments, and has multi-host, multi-vector dynamics. Several medically important flaviviruses also circulate in Australia. Infection with Murray Valley encephalitis or Kunjin viruses is less common but is associated with brain inflammation. Key research priorities for Australian arboviruses aim to understand clinical manifestations, develop timely diagnostics, and identify transmission cycles that permit the maintenance of arboviruses. While these can now be answered for a handful of notifiable alpha- and flaviviruses there are others for which non-human vertebrate hosts and competent arthropod invertebrate vectors are still to be identified and/or whose role in transmission is not well understood. One or more of these 'neglected' arboviruses may be the causative agent of a proportion of the many thousands of fever-related illnesses reported annually in Australia that at present remain undiagnosed. Here, what is known about enzootic cycling of viruses between arthropod vectors and mammalian and avian reservoir hosts is summarised. How and to what extent these interactions influence the epidemiology of arbovirus transmission and infection is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the feeding habits and seasonal changes in invasive masked palm civets (Paguma larvata) in northern Japan, to understand their feeding strategies. Between 2020 and 2022, we collected 98 fecal samples from masked palm civets and analyzed their content. The civets fed mainly on fruits (78 % in terms of the point-frame method) and arthropods (15 %); fruits were consumed throughout the year, but increased in winter when arthropods were not available. The feeding plasticity of masked palm civets, in addition to their physical and behavioral adaptations, enables them to expand their distribution in introduced habitats in temperate regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Birds are a large nutrient vector from marine to terrestrial environments where the increased nutrient input typically results in greater primary production and enhanced microbial activity. Associated invertebrate populations however, show large response variability to bird nutrient subsidies. To explain this variable invertebrate response, we performed a meta-analysis (50 articles ranging from polar to tropical regions) where we compared the effect of bird presence on invertebrate populations between: bird taxa, nesting site selection, bird diet and climate regions. In addition, we quantified how different invertebrate taxa and trophic guilds respond to the presence of birds. Invertebrate abundance was on average > 1000% higher by bird presence, but there was little evidence for any specific bird-taxa effects on invertebrate abundance responses. Birds with a mixed diet increased Coleoptera populations the most. Invertebrate responses to bird presence were largest in polar regions but variation remained high. Not all species within communities responded to bird presence, indicating that nutrient limitation is species-specific or ecosystems are affected in different ways by birds. Furthermore, sampling strategies were inconsistent and may impact effect-sizes. Despite the contrasting nature of the different studies, an overall positive invertebrate abundance response was found in the presence of birds, with larger responses observed in polar regions. Standardized sampling approaches would resolve much of the remaining variability. As natural experiments, bird nests and affected areas are a prime spot to study community assembly rules and address issues of anthropogenic disturbance and climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ticks are blood-sucking ectoparasites that act as vectors for transmission of various pathogens. The purpose of this study was to assess tick-borne bacteria, whether pathogenic or not, in ticks distributed in Korea using 16S rRNA metabarcoding and to confirm the results by PCR. Questing ticks were collected from four provinces in Korea in 2021 using the flagging method. After pooling the DNAs from the 61 tick pools (including 372 ticks), the bacterial 16S rRNA V3–V4 hypervariable region was amplified and sequenced using the MiSeq platform. Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, and the endosymbiont Wolbachia were confirmed by conventional PCR and molecular analysis. In total, 6907 ticks (534 pools) were collected and identified as belonging to five species (Haemaphysalis spp., H. longicornis, H. flava, I. nipponensis, and A. testudinarium). Through 16S rRNA metabarcoding, 240 amplicon sequence variants were identified. The dominant taxa were Rickettsiella and Coxiella. Additionally, pathogenic bacteria such as Rickettsia and Ehrlichia, endosymbiotic bacteria such as Wolbachia and Spiroplasma were identified. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to confirm the presence of Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Bartonella, and Wolbachia in individual ticks. Overall, 352 (65.92%) of 534 pools tested positive for at least one of the screened tick-borne bacteria. Rickettsia was the most prevalent (61.42%), followed by Wolbachia (5.05%). Ehrlichia was detected in 4.86% of tested samples, whereas Bartonella was not detected. In this study, 16S rRNA metabarcoding revealed the presence of Rickettsia, Wolbachia, and Ehrlichia, in that order of abundance, while showing absence of Bartonella. These results were confirmed to exhibit the same trend as that of the conventional PCR. Therefore, large-scale screening studies based on pooling, as applied in this study, will be useful for examining novel or rare pathogens present in various hosts and vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Q fever is a globally distributed, neglected zoonotic disease of conservation and public health importance, caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. Coxiella burnetii normally causes subclinical infections in livestock, but may also cause reproductive pathology and spontaneous abortions in artiodactyl species. One such artiodactyl, the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius), is an increasingly important livestock species in semi‐arid landscapes. Ticks are naturally infected with C. burnetii worldwide and are frequently found on camels in Kenya. In this study, we assessed the relationship between dromedary camels' C. burnetii serostatus and whether the camels were carrying C. burnetii PCR‐positive ticks in Kenya. We hypothesized that there would be a positive association between camel seropositivity and carrying C. burnetii PCR‐positive ticks. Methods and Results: Blood was collected from camels (N = 233) from three herds, and serum was analysed using commercial ELISA antibody test kits. Ticks were collected (N = 4354), divided into pools of the same species from the same camel (N = 397) and tested for C. burnetii and Coxiella‐like endosymbionts. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize seroprevalence by camel demographic and clinical variables. Univariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess relationships between serostatus (outcome) and tick PCR status, camel demographic variables, and camel clinical variables (predictors). Camel C. burnetii seroprevalence was 52%. Across tick pools, the prevalence of C. burnetii was 15% and Coxiella‐like endosymbionts was 27%. Camel seropositivity was significantly associated with the presence of a C. burnetii PCR‐positive tick pool (OR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.4–5.1; p = 0.0045), increasing age class, and increasing total solids. Conclusions: The role of ticks and camels in the epidemiology of Q fever warrants further research to better understand this zoonotic disease that has potential to cause illness and reproductive losses in humans, livestock, and wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ordos Relict Gull National Nature Reserve (Taolimiao-Alashan Nur, TAN) was once the most important breeding place for the Ordos sub-population of relict gulls Ichthyaetus relictus, but there were no more gulls breeding here since the lake dried up in the early 21st century. Since the water diversion started in 2018, five and 35 nests have been recorded breeding here in 2020 and 2021, but the arthropod community in the wetland has not been completely rebuilt. Whether its diversity and biomass can provide sufficient food during the breeding period is the key to the recovery of the relict gull. Here we investigated aquatic arthropods in the TAN and Hotong Qagan Nur (HQN) to compare the food supply and predict the capacity of the reserve after the lake water was restored. The results showed that the arthropod communities are low abundant in two lakes with a total of 16 taxa, but their biomass in TAN was significantly lower than HQN. According to the breeding records of relict gulls in HQN, we roughly estimate that up to 400 relict gulls pairs may be able to breed in TAN. The low availability of food supply during the brooding period might still be a limiting factor for the restoration of the TAN relict gull population in the following years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ticks are blood-sucking ectoparasites that act as vectors for transmission of various pathogens. The purpose of this study was to assess tick-borne bacteria, whether pathogenic or not, in ticks distributed in Korea using 16S rRNA metabarcoding and to confirm the results by PCR. Questing ticks were collected from four provinces in Korea in 2021 using the flagging method. After pooling the DNAs from the 61 tick pools (including 372 ticks), the bacterial 16S rRNA V3–V4 hypervariable region was amplified and sequenced using the MiSeq platform. Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, and the endosymbiont Wolbachia were confirmed by conventional PCR and molecular analysis. In total, 6907 ticks (534 pools) were collected and identified as belonging to five species (Haemaphysalis spp., H. longicornis, H. flava, I. nipponensis, and A. testudinarium). Through 16S rRNA metabarcoding, 240 amplicon sequence variants were identified. The dominant taxa were Rickettsiella and Coxiella. Additionally, pathogenic bacteria such as Rickettsia and Ehrlichia, endosymbiotic bacteria such as Wolbachia and Spiroplasma were identified. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to confirm the presence of Rickettsia, Ehrlichia, Bartonella, and Wolbachia in individual ticks. Overall, 352 (65.92%) of 534 pools tested positive for at least one of the screened tick-borne bacteria. Rickettsia was the most prevalent (61.42%), followed by Wolbachia (5.05%). Ehrlichia was detected in 4.86% of tested samples, whereas Bartonella was not detected. In this study, 16S rRNA metabarcoding revealed the presence of Rickettsia, Wolbachia, and Ehrlichia, in that order of abundance, while showing absence of Bartonella. These results were confirmed to exhibit the same trend as that of the conventional PCR. Therefore, large-scale screening studies based on pooling, as applied in this study, will be useful for examining novel or rare pathogens present in various hosts and vectors.

Climate change negatively affects arthropod biodiversity worldwide. Mitigating the resulting arthropod decline is a great challenge. Dwarf shrubs in open areas might buffer microclimatic extremities by reducing the solar radiation reaching the ground and weakening air circulation near the soil surface. Forest steppes are mosaics of forests and grasslands covering a vast area in Eurasia. This heterogeneous ecosystem offers the opportunity to study the effect of small habitat features, i.e. dwarf shrubs, in dry grasslands and compare the fauna of rosemary-leaved willow (Salix rosmarinifolia) shrubs with forest patch interiors, open grasslands and their edges. We hypothesized that the dwarf shrub microhabitat has a wetter and cooler microclimate than open grassland and a different spider community composition than other forest-steppe microhabitats. We recorded microclimatic parameters with data loggers, measured soil moisture with TDR and collected ground-dwelling spiders with pitfall traps. We detected the highest soil moisture (6.26 ± 1.21%, mean ± 95% confidence interval) and air humidity (80.19 ± 3.19%) in forests and the lowest in grasslands (4.36 ± 0.65%; 66.59 ± 2.53%, respectively). The warmest microhabitats were grasslands (23.23 ± 0.51°C), whereas the coolest microhabitats were forests (18.92 ± 0.41°C). The distinct microclimate of dwarf shrubs was cooler (21.46 ± 0.41°C) and moister (5.43 ± 0.53%) than the surrounding semi-desert like grassland. Furthermore, we found a different spider community composition and trait state composition of spiders in forests, edges, grasslands and dwarf shrub microhabitats. Forests (9.90 ± 0.95) and edges (11.44 ± 1.27) hosted a higher species richness than grasslands (7.08 ± 4.27) and dwarf shrubs (5.09 ± 1.33). We collected larger spiders on the edges than in dwarf shrub microhabitats. The dwarf shrubs hosted a different microclimate and spider community composition from the grassland. Climate change in the forest-steppe region is assumed to be driven by a combination of warming and drying. In the coming decades, drought frequency and severity are predicted to increase. Woody vegetation, even dwarf shrubs, creates a thermal and moisture heterogeneity that might aid arthropods in buffering macroclimatic warming through behavioural thermoregulation. Therefore, their presence on grasslands can benefit the conservation of specialised grassland arthropods.

Eurypterids—Palaeozoic marine and freshwater arthropods commonly known as sea scorpions—repeatedly evolved to remarkable sizes (over 0.5 m in length) and colonized continental aquatic habitats multiple times. We compiled data on the majority of eurypterid species and explored several previously proposed explanations for the evolution of giant size in the group, including the potential role of habitat, sea surface temperature and dissolved sea surface oxygen levels, using a phylogenetic comparative approach with a new tip-dated tree. There is no compelling evidence that the evolution of giant size was driven by temperature or oxygen levels, nor that it was coupled with the invasion of continental aquatic environments, latitude or local faunal diversity. Eurypterid body size evolution is best characterized by rapid bursts of change that occurred independently of habitat or environmental conditions. Intrinsic factors played a major role in determining the convergent origin of gigantism in eurypterids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic toolkit is now extended to disease vectors. For genetic control methods such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas-based editing and gene drives, promoters with robust and tissue-specific expression are needed. The availability of genomes and machine-learning technologies provides an opportunity to identify promoters in non-model vectors. Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) impose devastating effects on human health and a heavy financial burden. Malaria, Lyme disease, and dengue fever are just a few examples of VBDs that cause severe illnesses. The current strategies to control VBDs consist mainly of environmental modification and chemical use, and to a small extent, genetic approaches. The genetic approaches, including transgenesis/genome modification and gene-drive technologies, provide the basis for developing new tools for VBD prevention by suppressing vector populations or reducing their capacity to transmit pathogens. The regulatory elements such as promoters are required for a robust sex-, tissue-, and stage-specific transgene expression. As discussed in this review, information on the regulatory elements is available for mosquito vectors but is scant for other vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity of vertebrate farm animals like cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and fowls are playing an important role in the economy of farming industry as well as the economy of the state and in turn the economy of country. Therefore to take care of health and hygiene of all farm animals and related stakeholders in this industry becomes important. By considering this, the present survey work was undertaken at small area level for the Helminths (Gut Parasites) like Nematode, Cestode, Trematodes, Protozoans and Ectoparasites (Arthropods) like lice, ticks and mites. The data obtained from this study is important to literate the farm owners, farmers and other stakeholders about health, hygiene and the impact of this on animals as well as on themselves. The data obtained can also help the stakeholders' to take precautionary step to prevent the animals from getting infected with parasites as well as to provide medical help to animals with the help of farmers. For the present study 12 no of villages were selected from Bhadgaon and Pachora Tahasil from North Maharashtra. From these villages farm animals like buffaloes, cattles, goats, sheeps and fowls were studied for their different types of infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fleas, one of the most significant ectoparasites, play a crucial role as vectors in spreading zoonotic diseases globally. The Qinghai Province, as part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, is one of the provinces in China with the largest number of flea species. In this study, we characterized the microbial communities of eighty-five adult fleas, belonging to nineteen species within four families (Ceratophyllidae, Ctenophthalmidae, Leptopsyllidae, and Pulicidae). We identified a total of 1162 unique operational taxonomic units at the genus level, with flea-borne pathogens such as Wolbachia, Bartonella, Rickettsia being the members of top abundant taxa. Except for comparison between Ctenophthalmidae and Leptopsyllidae families, the analyses of both alpha- and beta- diversity indicators suggested that bacterial diversity varied among flea families. This could be attributed to flea phylogeny, which also influenced by their geographical sites and animal hosts. Results of Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) indicated that 29 genera in Ceratophylloidea, 11 genera in Ctenophthalmidae, 15 genera in Leptopsyllidae, and 22 genera in Pulicidae were significantly responsible for explaining the differences among the four flea families (linear discriminant analysis score > 2, P < 0.05). Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States (PICRUSt2) analyses showed that the functional pathways varied significantly across flea families, which was supported by the significant correlation between the functional pathways and the microbial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C‐type lectins (CTLs) are a family of proteins that contain 1 or more carbohydrate‐recognition domains (CRDs) and bind to a broad repertoire of ligands in the presence of calcium ions. CTLs play important roles in innate immune defenses against microorganisms by acting as pattern‐recognition receptors (PRRs) for invading pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. After binding to pathogen‐associated ligands, CTLs mediate immune responses, such as agglutination, phagocytosis, and the activation of phenol oxidase progenitors, thereby clearing pathogens. CTLs are an evolutionarily conserved family found in almost all vertebrates and invertebrates. Medical arthropods can acquire and transmit a range pathogens through various approaches, such as bloodsucking, lancing, and parasitism, thus infecting humans and animals with related diseases, some of which can be life‐threatening. Recent studies have shown that lectins are important components of the arthropod immune system and are essential for the immune responses of arthropods to arthropod‐borne pathogens. This article reviews the current understanding of the structure, function, and signaling pathways involved in CTLs derived from important medical arthropods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthropods are active during the winter in temperate regions. Many use the seasonal snowpack as a buffer against harsh ambient conditions and are active in a refugium known as the subnivium. While the use of the subnivium by arthropods is well established, far less is known about subnivium community composition, abundance, biomass, and diversity and how these characteristics compare with the community in the summer. Understanding subnivium communities is especially important given the observed and anticipated changes in snowpack depth and duration due to the changing climate. We compared subnivium arthropod communities with those active during the summer using pitfall trapping in northern New Hampshire. We found that compositions of ground-active arthropod communities in the subnivium differed from those in the summer. The subnivium arthropod community featured moderate levels of richness and other measures of diversity that tended to be lower than the summer community. More strikingly, the subnivium community was much lower in overall abundance and biomass. Interestingly, some arthropods were dominant in the subnivium but either rare or absent in summer collections. These putative "subnivium specialists" included the spider Cicurina brevis (Emerton 1890) (Araneae: Hahniidae) and 3 rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae): Arpedium cribratum Fauvel, 1878, Lesteva pallipes LeConte, 1863, and Porrhodites inflatus (Hatch, 1957). This study provides a detailed account of the subnivium arthropod community, establishes baseline information on arthropod communities in temperate forests of northeastern North America, and explores the idea of subnivium specialist taxa that are highly active in winter and might be especially vulnerable to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is increasing concern into the decline of insect populations, with corresponding calls for conservation action aimed towards threatened species in particular. However, there is a distinct paucity of knowledge surrounding habitat requirements, microhabitat selection and conservation actions that may be undertaken for the vast majority of invertebrate species.Carabus intricatus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Linnaeus, 1761 is a threatened ancient woodland specialist in the United Kingdom with a highly restricted distribution and is listed as a section 41 species of principal importance in England. Despite this, no empirical systematic evidence exists for even basic habitat requirements.Here, we used a patch‐occupancy modelling framework to determine occupancy and detection parameters for C. intricatus and a sympatric generalist species, C. problematicus, which is a potential competitor.Our models showed that decayed deadwood availability and leaf litter covering (an indicator of the availability of mature broadleaved trees) leads to higher occupancy of C. intricatus, whereas decayed dead wood availability and slug abundance are primary determinants of overall abundance. Additionally, detection models showed that higher humidity substantially increased activity of C. intricatus.For C. problematicus, ground moss coverage and overall deadwood volume most strongly influenced occupancy and abundance, whereas there were no humidity related influences on activity.The results support our general predictions about the specialist–generalist nature of the two species in the United Kingdom and indicate that key characteristics of old‐growth temperate rain forests, particularly the availability of deadwood and high humidity, are central to the conservation of these charismatic carabids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Birds time their life cycle events to favourable windows in environmental conditions. In tropical environments, where photoperiod variation is small, birds show high variability in the timing of life cycle stages, yet these species have been severely underrepresented in phenology research. Here, we investigated temporal patterns in bird life cycles and resource availability in two sites in tropical Africa: Weppa (Nigeria, 7° N) and Elat (Cameroon, 3° N). In these sites we captured common bulbuls (Pycnonotus barbatus), a widespread generalist, and recorded breeding and moult over a 12‐month period. Simultaneously, we surveyed fruiting tree and arthropod abundance. Our aim was to quantify seasonal patterns in moult and breeding in bulbuls at both sites, and link them to fluctuations in local fruit and arthropod abundance and precipitation. Moult was more seasonal than breeding in both sites, and seasonality of both life cycle events was stronger in Nigeria than Cameroon. The peak timing for moult was 1.5 months earlier in Nigeria than Cameroon. Seasonal variation in abundance of fruiting trees and arthropods was different between sites, as were the associations with breeding and moulting. In Nigeria, we found a positive association between moult and arthropod abundance, and a negative one with fruiting tree abundance. In contrast, in Cameroon moult was associated with higher precipitation, while breeding occurred at times with higher fruit abundance. Our results provide evidence that, even in similar habitats separated by four degrees in latitude, seasonal patterns across three trophic levels are variable. Understanding links between environmental conditions and life cycle events can reveal potential vulnerabilities of tropical species, and guide conservation efforts.

More than 75 arboviruses are indigenous to Australia, of which at least 13 are known to cause disease in humans. Alphaviruses are the most common arboviruses, notably including Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses, which contribute a significant public health and economic burden in Australia. Both can cause febrile illness with arthritic symptoms. Each circulates nationally across diverse climates and environments, and has multi-host, multi-vector dynamics. Several medically important flaviviruses also circulate in Australia. Infection with Murray Valley encephalitis or Kunjin viruses is less common but is associated with brain inflammation. Key research priorities for Australian arboviruses aim to understand clinical manifestations, develop timely diagnostics, and identify transmission cycles that permit the maintenance of arboviruses. While these can now be answered for a handful of notifiable alpha- and flaviviruses there are others for which non-human vertebrate hosts and competent arthropod invertebrate vectors are still to be identified and/or whose role in transmission is not well understood. One or more of these ‘neglected’ arboviruses may be the causative agent of a proportion of the many thousands of fever-related illnesses reported annually in Australia that at present remain undiagnosed. Here, what is known about enzootic cycling of viruses between arthropod vectors and mammalian and avian reservoir hosts is summarised. How and to what extent these interactions influence the epidemiology of arbovirus transmission and infection is discussed.

High biodiversity in the tropics is good for ecosystem services; however, challenges in taxonomy and identification usually come from such high biodiversity. Spiders are no exception to the challenges. Identifying spiders in tropical places like Thailand is difficult and time consuming. To reduce the difficulty of identifying Thai spiders, a data retrieval system for geographical occurrence and photographic identification was conducted to deploy on an online platform, Spiders in Thailand (SIT) via the website “spiderthailand.info”. This allows professional arachnologists and amateur spider lovers to visit and check the geographical distribution of Thai spiders and to quickly access pictures for comparative photographic identification. To facilitate Thai spider identification, there were two parts, the database and the website, which are connected to each other. Data of Thai spiders were extracted from the World Spider Catalog to build a database comprising geographical occurrence and pictures of spider species in Thailand. The database was then linked with the website to display data.The dataset of pictures and illustrations extracted from taxonomic literature of the World Spider Catalog were included in the database for connecting with the online platform, Spiders in Thailand (SIT) via the website “spiderthailand.info” which facilitated access to pictures and illustrations, expediting the identification of Thai spider specimens. Geographical occurrences of Thai spiders consisted of 1419 records belonging to 670 species of 228 genera and 50 families. Amongst those, 461 species from 133 genera of 41 families were distributed only in Thailand. Around Thailand, 756 geographical localities were reported for spider occurrences. From 76 provinces and one additional special administrative area (Bangkok), 58 provinces showed occurrence records of spiders and 18 provinces showed non-occurrence records. Those provinces of non-occurrence records of spiders were Amnat Charoen, Ang Thong, Bueng Kan, Chai Nat, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Nonthaburi, Phayao, Phichit, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Si Sa Ket, Sing Buri, Uthai Thani and Yasothon. Most spiders were reported from Chiang Mai Province.

Pectocaris species are intermediate- to large-sized Cambrian bivalved arthropods. Previous studies have documented Pectocaris exclusively from the Cambrian Series 2 Stage 3 Chengjiang biota in Yu'anshan Formation, Chiungchussu Stage in SW China. In this study, we report Pectocaris paraspatiosa sp. nov., and three other previously known Pectocaris from the Xiazhuang section in Kunming, which belongs to the Hongjingshao Formation and is a later phase within Cambrian Stage 3 than the Yu'anshan Formation. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by the sparsely arranged endopodal endites and the morphologies of the abdomen, telson, and telson processes. We interpret P. paraspatiosa sp. nov. as a filter-feeder and a powerful swimmer adapted to shallow, agitated environments. Comparison among the Pectocaris species reinforces previous views that niche differentiation had been established among the congeneric species based on morphological differentiation. Our study shows the comprehensive occurrences of Pectocaris species outside the Chengjiang biota for the first time. With a review of the shared fossil taxa of Chengjiang and Xiaoshiba biotas, we identify a strong biological connection between the Yu'anshan and Hongjingshao Formations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey was conducted across five different locations in Manipur to identify the important arthropod pests and their natural enemies associated with King Chilli (Capsicum chinense Jacquin) during the year 2018. During the survey, 10 arthropod pests and five natural enemies were found associated with the crop. Among them, six different pests were frequently observed, while four were rarely observed. Cotton aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover) were found to be the most frequently occurring pest in all the five locations, with a maximum mean population of 13.16 aphids per leaf at 50 days after transplanting (DAT), followed by thrips (6.31 thrips/leaf) and whiteflies (3.98 whiteflies/leaf) at 60 and 70 DAT, respectively. However, all five species of predators were frequently encountered during the survey. Among them, the coccinellid beetle (Menochilus sexmaculata Fab.) was recorded as the most frequently observed, with a highest average mean population of 1.75 beetles per plant at 70 DAT, which was closely followed by Coccinella transversalis Fab. (1.70 beetles/plant) at 60 DAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) is a skin- and blood-feeding ectoparasite, infesting salmonids. While feeding, labial gland proteins from the salmon louse may be deposited on the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) skin. Previously characterized labial gland proteins are involved in anti-coagulation and may contribute to inhibiting Atlantic salmon from mounting a sufficient immune response against the ectoparasite. As labial gland proteins seem to be important in the host-parasite interaction, we have, therefore, identified and characterized ten enzymes localized to the labial gland. They are a large group of astacins named L. salmonis labial gland astacin 1-8 (LsLGA 1-8), one serine protease named L. salmonis labial gland serine protease 1 (LsLGSP1), and one apyrase named L. salmonis labial gland apyrase 1 (LsLGAp1). Protein domain predictions showed that LsLGA proteins all have N-terminal ShK domains, which may bind to potassium channels targeting the astacins to its substrate. LsLGA1 and -4 are, in addition, expressed in another gland type, whose secrete also meets the host-parasite interface. This suggests that LsLGA proteins may have an antimicrobial function and may prevent secondary infections in the wounds. LsLGAp1 is predicted to hydrolyze ATP or AMP and is, thereby, suggested to have an immune dampening function. In a knockdown study targeting LsLGSP1, a significant increase in IL-8 and MMP13 at the skin infestation site was seen under LsLGSP1 knockdown salmon louse compared to the control, suggesting that LsLGSP1 may have an anti-inflammatory effect. Moreover, most of the identified labial gland proteins are expressed in mature copepodids prior to host settlement, are not regulated by starvation, and are expressed at similar or higher levels in lice infesting the salmon louse-resistant pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha). This study, thereby, emphasizes the importance of labial gland proteins for host settlement and their immune dampening function. This work can further contribute to anti-salmon louse treatment such as vaccine development, functional feed, or gene-edited salmon louse-resistant Atlantic salmon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Diversity and Microhabitat Association of Spider Fauna in Manas National Park, Assam, India" explores the diversity of spider species in Manas National Park in northeast India. The study was conducted from September 2018 to August 2021 in different habitat types, including woodland, grassland, and riparian habitats. A total of 73 spider species belonging to 47 genera and 16 families were recorded, with the majority of species found in woodland habitats. The study highlights the importance of conservation efforts in the region due to the significant diversity of spider species in the park. [Extracted from the article]

Along with worldwide urbanization, upheavals in habitat and temperature are major threats for biodiversity. However, due to their interdependence, their relative roles as drivers of animal community composition remain entangled. Here, we investigated how taxonomic and functional compositions of arthropod communities were related to uncorrelated habitat and temperature gradients, and compared landscape (i.e., urbanization, Urban Heat Island (UHI)) to local variables (i.e., vegetation height and cover, near-ground temperature). We sampled 20,499 spiders (137 species) on 36 grasslands in Rennes (northwestern France). Unlike rural areas, urban sites were characterized by short vegetation and intense UHI, hosted species-poor communities, and were composed of small thermophilic species. UHI intensification and local loss of habitat complexity (short and dense vegetation) were associated with declining large and heat-sensitive species. These results highlight the prevalent role of urban warming, rather than land cover change, as an urban filter. Further, we show that landscape-scale UHI, not local temperature, filters species according to their functional attributes. UHI can therefore be considered as a thermal barrier, filtering species according to their physiological capacity to cope with urban thermal conditions. Finally, to counterbalance biotic homogenization, we argue for the importance of implementing complex habitat structures at the local scale within urban green infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vector-borne diseases are a growing burden worldwide. In particular, the risks of allergic reactions to bites are associated with growing arthropod populations in contact with the public. The diversity of allergic reactions associated with host and arthropod factors difficult disease diagnosis, prognosis and prevention. Therefore, arthropod-associated allergies are underdiagnosed and require better surveillance of arthropod populations and disease diagnosis and management. To face these challenges, in this study, we describe five cases to illustrate arthropod-associated allergies with different symptomatology, including alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) associated with anti-alpha-gal IgE antibody titres. Information on symptoms in response to arthropod bites was collected from patients and medical doctors. The five cases included patients bitten by a robber fly and different tick species. Cases were in Spain or U.S.A. Two cases were diagnosed with AGS and one case was diagnosed with anaphylaxis in response to tick bite with high anti-alpha-gal IgE levels. The symptoms in response to arthropod bites vary between different cases. Allergic reactions and symptoms in response to arthropod bites vary in association with host and arthropod factors. Herein we propose recommendations to control allergic symptoms, associated disease risk factors and the way forward to advance in the prevention and control of arthropod-associated allergies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations of the molecular mechanisms behind detection of short, and particularly ultraviolet, wavelengths in arthropods have relied heavily on studies from insects due to the relative ease of heterologous expression of modified opsin proteins in model organisms like Drosophila. However, species outside of the Insecta can provide information on mechanisms for spectral tuning as well as the evolutionary history of pancrustacean visual pigments. Here we investigate the basis of spectral tuning in malacostracan short wavelength sensitive (SWS) opsins using phylogenetic comparative methods. Tuning sites that may be responsible for the difference between ultraviolet (UV) and violet visual pigment absorbance in the Malacostraca are identified, and the idea that an amino acid polymorphism at a single site is responsible for this shift is shown to be unlikely. Instead, we suggest that this change in absorbance is accomplished through multiple amino acid substitutions. On the basis of our findings, we conducted further surveys to identify spectral tuning mechanisms in the order Stomatopoda where duplication of UV opsins has occurred. Ancestral state reconstructions of stomatopod opsins from two main clades provide insight into the amino acid changes that lead to differing absorption by the visual pigments they form, and likely contribute the basis for the wide array of UV spectral sensitivities found in this order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding orchard floor management is critical to organic tree-fruit production systems given its impact on weeds, soil fertility, tree health, and crop yield. Several viable options are available to producers for weed management and promotion of organic fertility, including use of turf and broadleaf alleyway covers and living and nonliving tree-row mulches. While these measures can be effective, little is known about how these strategies influence arthropod pests, which cause fruit injury. Here, we assessed 6 organic orchard floor management strategies for their impact on arthropod abundance and diversity in an organic peach production system in northern Utah from 2010 to 2014, using sweep netting and pitfall collections along with observed peach fruit damage. Generally, we found that alleyway and tree-row treatments had no impact on total arthropod diversity, species richness, or community diversity. However, earwig (Forficula auricularia) abundance was significantly impacted by alleyway and tree-row treatments that resulted in increased fruit injury. Trefoil alleyway treatments consistently increased earwig abundance across life-history stages, while mulch or Alyssum (straw) tree-row treatments harbored more earwigs and, as a result, increased earwig fruit injury. Since earwigs are especially prone to damaging young, developing fruits, it is imperative that more work is done to assess earwig abundances and life-history traits. Our results demonstrate that detrimental arthropods are sensitive to orchard floor management and can further inform integrated pest management approaches that complement sustainability goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classification of the biological diversity on Earth is foundational to all areas of research within the natural sciences. Reliable biological nomenclatural and taxonomic systems facilitate efficient access to information about organisms and their names over time. However, broadly sharing, accessing, delivering, and updating these resources remains a persistent problem. This barrier has been acknowledged by the biodiversity data sharing community, yet concrete efforts to standardize and continually update taxonomic names in a sustainable way remain limited. High diversity groups such as arthropods are especially challenging as available specimen data per number of species is substantially lower than vertebrate or plant groups. The Terrestrial Parasite Tracker Thematic Collections Network project developed a workflow for gathering expert-verified taxonomic names across all available sources, aligning those sources, and publishing a single resource that provides a model for future endeavors to standardize digital specimen identification data. The process involved gathering expert-verified nomenclature lists representing the full taxonomic scope of terrestrial arthropod parasites, documenting issues experienced, and finding potential solutions for reconciliation of taxonomic resources against large data publishers. Although discordance between our expert resources and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility are relatively low, the impact across all taxa affects thousands of names that correspond to hundreds of thousands of specimen records. Here, we demonstrate a mechanism for the delivery and continued maintenance of these taxonomic resources, while highlighting the current state of taxon name curation for biodiversity data sharing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental and anthropogenic factors may significantly affect the diffusion of wild animals, enhancing the interface of human–wildlife interactions and driving the spread of pathogens and vector-borne diseases between animals and humans. However, in the last decade, the involvement of citizens in scientific research (the so-called citizen science approach, henceforth abbreviated as CS) provided a network of large-scale and cost-effective surveillance programmes of wildlife populations and their related arthropod species. Therefore, this review aims to illustrate different methods and tools used in CS studies, by arguing the main advantages and considering the limitations of this approach. The CS approach has proven to be an effective method for establishing density and distribution of several wild animal species, in urban, peri-urban and rural environments, as well a source of information regarding vector–host associations between arthropods and wildlife. Extensive efforts are recommended to motivate citizens to be involved in scientific projects to improve both their and our knowledge of the ecology and diseases of wildlife. Following the One Health paradigm, collaborative and multidisciplinary models for the surveillance of wildlife and related arthropod species should be further developed by harnessing the potentiality of the CS approach.

Exobasidium leaf and fruit spot of blueberry, caused by Exobasidium maculosum, results in significant yield losses if not properly managed. To determine if an arthropod is involved in transmission, we conducted arthropod exclusion and trapping studies at two field sites in Georgia from 2018 to 2020. In each field, 10 pairs of potted trap plants were placed under blueberry bushes for 2 weeks during the known infection window in early spring. In each pair, one potted plant was covered with exclusion nets before being taken to the field, and the other was left uncovered. The covered plants developed significantly fewer leaf spots (mean = 2) than the uncovered plants (mean = 128), indicating that an agent necessary for infection was excluded. To identify possible vectors, a variety of traps were used to collect arthropods in both fields during the known infection window. A total of 181 insects were selected from traps, then crushed and plated on potato dextrose agar to assess for growth of E. maculosum. A species-specific PCR assay was developed and conducted to test for E. maculosum. We recovered E. maculosum from one gall midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and detected it in three additional insects by PCR. One could not be identified, and two were two long-legged flies (Diptera: Dolichopodidae). Bioassays with spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) and brown marmorated stink bugs (Halyomorpha halys) did not show transmission of the disease. Although we did not conclusively identify specific vectors, we provide evidence of vector involvement in transmission of E. maculosum. [Graphic: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Abstract Background For decoding the mechanism of how cells and organs function information on their ultrastructure is essential. High-resolution 3D imaging has revolutionized morphology. Serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) offers non-laborious, automated imaging in 3D of up to ~ 1 mm3 large biological objects at nanometer-scale resolution. For many samples there are obstacles. Quality imaging is often hampered by charging effects, which originate in the nonconductive resin used for embedding. Especially, if the imaged region of interest (ROI) includes the surface of the sample and neighbours the empty resin, which insulates the object. This extra resin also obscures the sample’s morphology, thus making navigation to the ROI difficult. Results Using the example of small arthropods and a fish roe we describe a workflow to prepare samples for SBF-SEM using the minimal resin (MR) embedding method. We show that for imaging of surface structures this simple approach conveniently tackles and solves both of the two major problems—charging and ROI localization—that complicate imaging of SBF-SEM samples embedded in an excess of overlying resin. As the surface ROI is not masked by the resin, samples can be precisely trimmed before they are placed into the imaging chamber. The initial approaching step is fast and easy. No extra trimming inside the microscope is necessary. Importantly, charging is absent or greatly reduced meaning that imaging can be accomplished under good vacuum conditions, typically at the optimal high vacuum. This leads to better resolution, better signal to noise ratio, and faster image acquisition. Conclusions In MR embedded samples charging is minimized and ROI easily targeted. MR embedding does not require any special equipment or skills. It saves effort, microscope time and eventually leads to high quality data. Studies on surface-linked ROIs, or any samples normally surrounded by the excess of resin, would benefit from adopting the technique.

Spiders (Araneae) have a diverse spectrum of morphologies, behaviors, and physiologies. Attempts to understand the genomic-basis of this diversity are often hindered by their large, heterozygous, and AT-rich genomes with high repeat content resulting in highly fragmented, poor-quality assemblies. As a result, the key attributes of spider genomes, including gene family evolution, repeat content, and gene function, remain poorly understood. Here, we used Illumina and Dovetail Chicago technologies to sequence the genome of the long-jawed spider Tetragnatha kauaiensis, producing an assembly distributed along 3,925 scaffolds with an N50 of ∼2 Mb. Using comparative genomics tools, we explore genome evolution across available spider assemblies. Our findings suggest that the previously reported and vast genome size variation in spiders is linked to the different representation and number of transposable elements. Using statistical tools to uncover gene-family level evolution, we find expansions associated with the sensory perception of taste, immunity, and metabolism. In addition, we report strikingly different histories of chemosensory, venom, and silk gene families, with the first two evolving much earlier, affected by the ancestral whole genome duplication in Arachnopulmonata (∼450 Ma) and exhibiting higher numbers. Together, our findings reveal that spider genomes are highly variable and that genomic novelty may have been driven by the burst of an ancient whole genome duplication, followed by gene family and transposable element expansion.

BackgroundBrine shrimp Artemia have an unequalled ability to endure extreme salinity and complete anoxia. This study aims to elucidate its strategies to cope with these stressors.Results and discussionHere, we present the genome of an inbred A. franciscana Kellogg, 1906. We identified 21,828 genes of which, under high salinity, 674 genes and under anoxia, 900 genes were differentially expressed (42%, respectively 30% were annotated). Under high salinity, relevant stress genes and pathways included several Heat Shock Protein and Leaf Embryogenesis Abundant genes, as well as the trehalose metabolism. In addition, based on differential gene expression analysis, it can be hypothesized that a high oxidative stress response and endocytosis/exocytosis are potential salt management strategies, in addition to the expression of major facilitator superfamily genes responsible for transmembrane ion transport. Under anoxia, genes involved in mitochondrial function, mTOR signalling and autophagy were differentially expressed. Both high salt and anoxia enhanced degradation of erroneous proteins and protein chaperoning. Compared with other branchiopod genomes, Artemia had 0.03% contracted and 6% expanded orthogroups, in which 14% of the genes were differentially expressed under high salinity or anoxia. One phospholipase D gene family, shown to be important in plant stress response, was uniquely present in both extremophiles Artemia and the tardigrade Hypsibius dujardini, yet not differentially expressed under the described experimental conditions.ConclusionsA relatively complete genome of Artemia was assembled, annotated and analysed, facilitating research on its extremophile features, and providing a reference sequence for crustacean research.

BackgroundMicrobial eukaryotes are found alongside bacteria and archaea in natural microbial systems, including host-associated microbiomes. While microbial eukaryotes are critical to these communities, they are challenging to study with shotgun sequencing techniques and are therefore often excluded.ResultsHere, we present EukDetect, a bioinformatics method to identify eukaryotes in shotgun metagenomic sequencing data. Our approach uses a database of 521,824 universal marker genes from 241 conserved gene families, which we curated from 3713 fungal, protist, non-vertebrate metazoan, and non-streptophyte archaeplastida genomes and transcriptomes. EukDetect has a broad taxonomic coverage of microbial eukaryotes, performs well on low-abundance and closely related species, and is resilient against bacterial contamination in eukaryotic genomes. Using EukDetect, we describe the spatial distribution of eukaryotes along the human gastrointestinal tract, showing that fungi and protists are present in the lumen and mucosa throughout the large intestine. We discover that there is a succession of eukaryotes that colonize the human gut during the first years of life, mirroring patterns of developmental succession observed in gut bacteria. By comparing DNA and RNA sequencing of paired samples from human stool, we find that many eukaryotes continue active transcription after passage through the gut, though some do not, suggesting they are dormant or nonviable. We analyze metagenomic data from the Baltic Sea and find that eukaryotes differ across locations and salinity gradients. Finally, we observe eukaryotes in Arabidopsis leaf samples, many of which are not identifiable from public protein databases.ConclusionsEukDetect provides an automated and reliable way to characterize eukaryotes in shotgun sequencing datasets from diverse microbiomes. We demonstrate that it enables discoveries that would be missed or clouded by false positives with standard shotgun sequence analysis. EukDetect will greatly advance our understanding of how microbial eukaryotes contribute to microbiomes. Video abstract.

Six new compounds, including a tetralone 1, two xanthones 2 and 3, a flavan derivative 4, and two nor-diterpenoids 7 and 8, accompanied by two known flavan derivatives 5 and 6 and a known olefine acid (9) were isolated from whole bodies of Kronopolites svenhedini (Verhoeff). The structures of the new compounds were determined by 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and other spectroscopic methods, as well as computational methods. Selected compounds were evaluated for their biological properties against a mouse pancreatic cancer cell line and inhibitory effects on iNOS and COX-2 in RAW264.7 cells.

Litter decomposition is key to ecosystem carbon (C) and nutrient cycling, but this process is anticipated to weaken due to projected more extensive and prolonged drought. Yet how litter quality and decomposer community complexity regulate decomposition in response to drought is less understood. Here, in a five-year manipulative drought experiment in a Masson pine forest, leaf litter from four subtropical tree species (Quercus griffithii Hook.f. & Thomson ex Miq., Acacia mangium Willd., Pinus massoniana Lamb., Castanopsis hystrix Miq.) representing different qualities was decomposed for 350 ​d in litterbags of three different mesh sizes (i.e., 0.05, 1, and 5 ​mm), respectively, under natural conditions and a 50% throughfall rain exclusion treatment. Litterbags of increasing mesh sizes discriminate decomposer communities (i.e., microorganisms, microorganisms and mesofauna, microorganisms and meso- and macrofauna) that access the litter and represent an increasing complexity. The amount of litter C and nitrogen (N) loss, and changes in their ratio (C/Nloss), as well as small and medium-sized decomposers including microorganisms, nematodes, and arthropods, were investigated. We found that drought did not affect C and N loss but decreased C/Nloss (i.e., decomposer N use efficiency) of leaf litter irrespective of litter quality and decomposer complexity. However, changes in the C/Nloss and the drought effect on C loss were both dependent on litter quality, while drought and decomposer complexity interactively affected litter C and N loss. Increasing decomposer community complexity enhanced litter decomposition and allowing additional access of meso- and macro-fauna to litterbags mitigated the negative drought effect on the microbial-driven decomposition. Furthermore, both the increased diversity and altered trophic structure of nematode due to drought contributed to the mitigation effects via cascading interactions. Our results show that litter quality and soil decomposer community complexity co-drive the effect of drought on litter decomposition. This experimental finding provides a new insight into the mechanisms controlling forest floor C and nutrient cycling under future global change scenarios.

Salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) is a skin- and blood-feeding ectoparasite, infesting salmonids. While feeding, labial gland proteins from the salmon louse may be deposited on the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) skin. Previously characterized labial gland proteins are involved in anti-coagulation and may contribute to inhibiting Atlantic salmon from mounting a sufficient immune response against the ectoparasite. As labial gland proteins seem to be important in the host–parasite interaction, we have, therefore, identified and characterized ten enzymes localized to the labial gland. They are a large group of astacins named L. salmonis labial gland astacin 1–8 (LsLGA 1–8), one serine protease named L. salmonis labial gland serine protease 1 (LsLGSP1), and one apyrase named L. salmonis labial gland apyrase 1 (LsLGAp1). Protein domain predictions showed that LsLGA proteins all have N-terminal ShK domains, which may bind to potassium channels targeting the astacins to its substrate. LsLGA1 and -4 are, in addition, expressed in another gland type, whose secrete also meets the host–parasite interface. This suggests that LsLGA proteins may have an anti-microbial function and may prevent secondary infections in the wounds. LsLGAp1 is predicted to hydrolyze ATP or AMP and is, thereby, suggested to have an immune dampening function. In a knockdown study targeting LsLGSP1, a significant increase in IL-8 and MMP13 at the skin infestation site was seen under LsLGSP1 knockdown salmon louse compared to the control, suggesting that LsLGSP1 may have an anti-inflammatory effect. Moreover, most of the identified labial gland proteins are expressed in mature copepodids prior to host settlement, are not regulated by starvation, and are expressed at similar or higher levels in lice infesting the salmon louse-resistant pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha). This study, thereby, emphasizes the importance of labial gland proteins for host settlement and their immune dampening function. This work can further contribute to anti-salmon louse treatment such as vaccine development, functional feed, or gene-edited salmon louse-resistant Atlantic salmon.

ABSTRACTMosquito saliva facilitates blood meal acquisition through pharmacologically active compounds that prevent host hemostasis and immune responses. Here, we generated two knockout (KO) mosquito lines by CRISPR/Cas9 to functionally characterize D7L1 and D7L2, two abundantly expressed salivary proteins from the yellow fever mosquito vector Aedes aegypti. The D7s bind and scavenge biogenic amines and eicosanoids involved in hemostasis at the bite site. The absence of D7 proteins in the salivary glands of KO mosquitoes was confirmed by mass spectrometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and fluorescence microscopy of the salivary glands with specific antibodies. D7-KO mosquitoes had longer probing times than parental wildtypes. The differences in probing time were abolished when mutant mice resistant to inflammatory insults were used. These results confirmed the role of D7 proteins as leukotriene scavengers in vivo. We also investigated the role of D7 salivary proteins in Plasmodium gallinaceum infection and transmission. Both KO lines had significantly fewer oocysts per midgut. We hypothesize that the absence of D7 proteins in the midgut of KO mosquitoes might be responsible for creating a harsh environment for the parasite. The information generated by this work highlights the biological functionality of salivary gene products in blood feeding and pathogen infection.IMPORTANCEDuring blood feeding, mosquitoes inject saliva into the host skin, preventing hemostasis and inflammatory responses. D7 proteins are among the most abundant components of the saliva of blood-feeding arthropods. Aedes aegypti, the vector of yellow fever and dengue, expresses two D7 long-form salivary proteins: D7L1 and D7L2. These proteins bind and counteract hemostatic agonists such as biogenic amines and leukotrienes. D7L1 and D7L2 knockout mosquitoes showed prolonged probing times and carried significantly less Plasmodium gallinaceum oocysts per midgut than wild-type mosquitoes. We hypothesize that reingested D7s play a vital role in the midgut microenvironment with important consequences for pathogen infection and transmission.

AbstractObjective Vector-borne diseases are a growing burden worldwide. In particular, the risks of allergic reactions to bites are associated with growing arthropod populations in contact with the public. The diversity of allergic reactions associated with host and arthropod factors difficult disease diagnosis, prognosis and prevention. Therefore, arthropod-associated allergies are underdiagnosed and require better surveillance of arthropod populations and disease diagnosis and management.Methods To face these challenges, in this study, we describe five cases to illustrate arthropod-associated allergies with different symptomatology, including alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) associated with anti-alpha-gal IgE antibody titres. Information on symptoms in response to arthropod bites was collected from patients and medical doctors.Results The five cases included patients bitten by a robber fly and different tick species. Cases were in Spain or U.S.A. Two cases were diagnosed with AGS and one case was diagnosed with anaphylaxis in response to tick bite with high anti-alpha-gal IgE levels. The symptoms in response to arthropod bites vary between different cases.Conclusion Allergic reactions and symptoms in response to arthropod bites vary in association with host and arthropod factors. Herein we propose recommendations to control allergic symptoms, associated disease risk factors and the way forward to advance in the prevention and control of arthropod-associated allergies.

Tropical drylands are among the most threatened ecosystems worldwide, and fewer than 10% of tropical dry forests in Hawai'i remain intact. Terrestrial arthropods comprise most of the endemic fauna on many islands, including Hawai'i, where they provide ecosystem services such as pollination, decomposition, and a reliable prey base for predators. The objective of our study was to measure understory arthropod diversity and relative abundances in two common habitat types within dryland Hawai'i—a non-native grassland, dominated by Cenchrus setaceus (fountain grass) with few native shrubs, and a native woodland, dominated by Metrosideros polymorpha ('ōhi'a). We used generalized additive models to examine patterns of understory arthropod dynamics measured monthly or bimonthly in relation to the two habitat types and local climatic variables. We found that temperature and habitat type were significant predictors of the abundance of certain arthropod families and orders. A greater abundance of spiders was in the woodland than grassland habitat, and more beetles and ants (particularly the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile) were in the grassland than woodland habitat. Temperature significantly predicted overall family-level richness and diversity of arthropods as well as Araneae, Heteroptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera abundance. Precipitation significantly predicted Heteroptera abundance. Significant positive associations were found among some arthropod groups, including several arachnid groups and families of Hemiptera. Documentation of insect and other arthropod community dynamics improves our understanding of ecological community function, supporting management of island communities comprised of both native and non-native species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant taxonomic and functional diversity promotes interactions at higher trophic levels, but the contribution of functional diversity effects to multitrophic interactions and ecosystem functioning remains unclear. In agroecosystems, flower strips can be sown to promote biodiversity and associated services, but their plant composition is poorly considered from a functional diversity perspective so as to promote multitrophic interactions.In a field experiment, aphid biological control was compared across contrasting flower strip mixtures, over a 4‐year arable crop rotation. The effects of plants providing food resources, that is nectar and legumes supporting alternative hosts and prey, and the effects of plant species richness and functional dispersion were investigated on the biological control of aphid populations.In general, increases in the percentage of plant cover providing nectar and alternative prey (Fabaceae) to natural enemies increased predator–prey ratios and aphid parasitism and decreased aphid population growth rates. These effects however depended on the crop species.Species richness and the functional dispersion of traits involved in plant–arthropod interactions were of lesser importance, and the directions of their effects were crop‐specific.Synthesis and applications. These findings provide useful insight for designing perennial plant mixtures for creating or restoring habitats supporting aphid regulation. It is not adequate to sow any mixture containing simply flowering plants. Plant mixtures should comprise a large proportion of plant species supporting alternative prey, like legumes, and species producing nectar being easily accessible to natural enemies (corollas with nondeep nectar). To be efficient over a crop rotation, with aphids being present at different seasons, these nectar resources should be provided throughout the year thanks to a diversity of plant flowering periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of global biodiversity declines, surveys of beneficial and antagonistic arthropod diversity as well as the ecological services that they provide are increasingly important in both natural and agro‐ecosystems. Conventional survey methods used to monitor these communities often require extensive taxonomic expertise and are time‐intensive, potentially limiting their application in industries such as agriculture, where arthropods often play a critical role in productivity (e.g. pollinators, pests and predators). Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding of a novel substrate, crop flowers, may offer an accurate and high throughput alternative to aid in the detection of these managed and unmanaged taxa. Here, we compared the arthropod communities detected with eDNA metabarcoding of flowers, from an agricultural species (Persea americana—'Hass' avocado), with two conventional survey techniques: digital video recording (DVR) devices and pan traps. In total, 80 eDNA flower samples, 96 h of DVRs and 48 pan trap samples were collected. Across the three methods, 49 arthropod families were identified, of which 12 were unique to the eDNA dataset. Environmental DNA metabarcoding from flowers revealed potential arthropod pollinators, as well as plant pests and parasites. Alpha diversity levels did not differ across the three survey methods although taxonomic composition varied significantly, with only 12% of arthropod families found to be common across all three methods. eDNA metabarcoding of flowers has the potential to revolutionize the way arthropod communities are monitored in natural and agro‐ecosystems, potentially detecting the response of pollinators and pests to climate change, diseases, habitat loss and other disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hunting profession as an outdoor activity has been done over the years with the attendant risk of exposure to various hazards among which is the acquisition of diseases through arthropod bites. The effect of these biting and stinging vectors cannot be overemphasised considering the results in terms of diseases and risk they pose to hunters. The need for the knowledge assessment of these hunters - an at-risk population is required to help in proper health education for possible control and reduction of risks. A Questionnaire-based risk assessment study was carried out among hunters in Ogun state, Nigeria to determine their exposures to tick and other arthropod bites while hunting. Two hundred and fifty-eight hunters were interviewed 255 (99.0%) male and 3 (1.0%) females on their experiences and practise while hunting. Out of the study population 96.0% reported having been bitten by arthropods during hunting. The arthropods mentioned were mosquitoes (Culicidae) (75%), Ticks (Acarina) (56%), Tsetse flies (Glossina) (40%), Blackflies (Simulium) (30%), Culicoides (Biting midges) (21%), Bees (Aphis) (18%), and Wasps (Vespula vulgaris) (14%). Sleeping overnight in the bush without appropriate shelter was a risk factor associated with a bite in 175 (68%) of respondents. Furthermore, owning hunting dogs, (<0.001); the presence of tick on hunting dogs (<0.001) and on hunted games (0.004) were also mentioned as possible risk factor to bites. Hunters used local herbs as preventive measures against tick and other arthropods bites. This study confirmed that hunters are exposed to tick-and other arthropod bites, which could result in tick- and arthropod-borne infections. There is need to educate hunters on how to prevent tick and arthropod bites while on hunting expedition and further studies are required to assess the status of the hunters for possible arthropod-and/or tick-borne diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invertebrates, including arachnids, are a common taxon in zoological collections. Invertebrate medicine and pathology are emerging subspecialties, but there is limited reference material or published resources describing histologic lesions in arachnids. Histopathology of 26 captive arachnids (20 spiders and 6 scorpions) from institutional collections was reviewed. Most animals were found dead with limited clinical signs. Tissues evaluated included body wall (cuticle and epidermis), skeletal muscle, book lungs, digestive tract (pharynx, esophagus, sucking stomach, midgut tube, midgut diverticula, and stercoral pocket), central and peripheral nervous system, heart, hemolymph vessels and sinuses, Malpighian tubules, coxal glands, and gonads. Inflammation was frequent (24/26, 92%), and seen in multiple organs (18/24, 75%) with the midgut diverticulum most commonly affected (14/24, 58%) followed by the book lungs (13/24 arachnids, 54%), and body wall (8/24 arachnids, 33%). Inflammation comprised hemocyte accumulation, hemocytic coagula, melanization, and nodulation. Infectious agents, including bacteria (11/26, 42%), fungi (10/26, 38%), and parasites (2/26, 8%), were seen within inflammatory aggregates. Coinfection with multiple infectious agents was common (6/24, 25%). No etiologic agent was identified in 7/24 (29%) cases with inflammatory lesions. Lesions suggestive of decreased nutritional status or increased metabolic rate included midgut diverticula atrophy in 11/26 (42%) animals and skeletal muscle atrophy in 6/26 (23%) animals. Atrophic lesions were seen in combination with infection (8/11, 73%), pregnancy (2/11, 18%), male sex (2/11, 18%), or without other lesions (1/11, 9%). Other suspected contributors to death included dysecdysis-associated trauma (2/26, 8%) and uterine intussusception (1/26, 4%). No animals had neoplasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For decoding the mechanism of how cells and organs function information on their ultrastructure is essential. High-resolution 3D imaging has revolutionized morphology. Serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) offers non-laborious, automated imaging in 3D of up to ~ 1 mm3 large biological objects at nanometer-scale resolution. For many samples there are obstacles. Quality imaging is often hampered by charging effects, which originate in the nonconductive resin used for embedding. Especially, if the imaged region of interest (ROI) includes the surface of the sample and neighbours the empty resin, which insulates the object. This extra resin also obscures the sample's morphology, thus making navigation to the ROI difficult. Results: Using the example of small arthropods and a fish roe we describe a workflow to prepare samples for SBF-SEM using the minimal resin (MR) embedding method. We show that for imaging of surface structures this simple approach conveniently tackles and solves both of the two major problems—charging and ROI localization—that complicate imaging of SBF-SEM samples embedded in an excess of overlying resin. As the surface ROI is not masked by the resin, samples can be precisely trimmed before they are placed into the imaging chamber. The initial approaching step is fast and easy. No extra trimming inside the microscope is necessary. Importantly, charging is absent or greatly reduced meaning that imaging can be accomplished under good vacuum conditions, typically at the optimal high vacuum. This leads to better resolution, better signal to noise ratio, and faster image acquisition. Conclusions: In MR embedded samples charging is minimized and ROI easily targeted. MR embedding does not require any special equipment or skills. It saves effort, microscope time and eventually leads to high quality data. Studies on surface-linked ROIs, or any samples normally surrounded by the excess of resin, would benefit from adopting the technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]