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Hypoxia not only plays a critical role in multiple disease conditions; it also influences the growth and development of cells, tissues and organs. To identify novel hypoxia-related mechanisms involved in cell and tissue growth, studying a precise hypoxia-sensitive time window can be an effective approach. Drosophila melanogaster has been a useful model organism for studying a variety of conditions, and we focused in this study on the life cycle stages of Drosophila to investigate their hypoxia sensitivity. When normoxia-grown flies were treated with 4% O2 at the pupa stage for 3, 2 and 1 day/s, the eclosion rates were 6.1%, 66.7% and 96.4%, respectively, and, when 4% O2 was kept for the whole pupa stage, this regimen was lethal. Surprisingly, when our hypoxia-adapted flies who normally live in 4% O2 were treated with 4% O2 at the pupa stage, no fly eclosed. Within the pupa stage, the pupae at 2 and 3 days after pupae formation (APF), when treated for 2 days, demonstrated 12.5 ± 8.5% and 23.6 ± 1.6% eclosion, respectively, but this was completely lethal when treated for 3 days. We conclude that pupae, at 2 days APF and for a duration of a minimum of 2 days, were the most sensitive to hypoxia. Our data from our hypoxia-adapted flies clearly indicate that epigenetic factors play a critical role in pupa-stage hypoxia sensitivity.

Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) is a colonizer of cadavers in the Neotropical Region. Nevertheless, data on development for the P. (P.) chrysostoma (e.g., instar duration) and behavioral strategies used by the species for locating and colonizing a corpse are scant. We aimed to explore bionomic and reproductive aspects of the flesh fly P. (P.) chrysostoma, and in this article we: (a) provide quantitative data on the life cycle of P. (P.) chrysostoma; (b) present bionomic measurements (length and weight) of larvae and pupae; (c) describe intrauterine egg and larvae development; and (d) analyze the ovo/larviposition behavior by gravid females. Females showed ovaries with discernible eggs and larvae between 8 and 10 days (x̅ = 23.3 eggs/female). This study reports the first observation of egg deposition, an atypical behavior for the species. The average development time for immature stages was 22.24 h and 21.36 h for 1st and 2nd respectively, and 3rd showed an average development time of 80.47 h. Pupa had the longest duration (x̅ = 295.69 h). A direct increase was observed in weight (P < 0.05) and length (P < 0.05) throughout time. The average survival time of males and females is approximately 30 days. This study expands the knowledge on P. (P.) chrysostoma, such as facultative ovoviviparity under laboratory conditions and the life cycle, which may benefit future studies for accuracy in entomology-based estimation of minimum post-mortem interval (min PMI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcophaga (=Parasarcophaga) (Liopygia) ruficornis (Fabricius, 1794) is a species of medical–veterinary and forensic importance, as its immatures cause myiasis in humans and animals and colonize carcasses and cadavers. Therefore, investigations into the biology and morphology of this species, with a particular focus on pupae that constitute ≥50% of the developmental period for the immatures, are pertinent. Although there are biological and morphological studies of pupae, the intrapuparial development at different temperatures has not yet been analysed. Therefore, the present study aimed to describe how temperature (22, 27 and 32 ± 1°C) affects the development and morphology of S. (L.) ruficornis pupae at 60 ± 10% relative humidity and a 12‐h photoperiod. Ten pupae were collected, euthanized and fixed every 4 h from pupariation until 24 h and every 8 h until the emergence of the first adult. Emergence occurred at 440, 272 and 232 h at 22, 27 and 32°C, with 590, 380 and 330 pupae, respectively. The highest mortality occurred at 32°C. Eight periods were defined, and sex was determined in pharate adult stage; in addition, 40 key morphological characteristics to estimate pupal age were presented. These findings can serve as a basis for studies on the biology and morphology of the pupa of S. (L.) ruficornis, particularly in bionomics, control and forensics, helping researchers and experts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The three-dimensional morphologies of insects, such as spines and horns, have recently garnered attention as an effective system for elucidating the processes underlying dramatic changes in external morphology. Adult leaf beetles of Dactylispa Weise 1897 exhibit sharp spines on their pronotum and elytra, while their pupae lack such features. In order to obtain foundational data for future investigations into the developmental mechanisms governing spine formation, this study assessed variations in spine numbers across ten body regions and in spine size across three body regions in adults of Dactylispa higoniae (Lewis in Ann Mag Nat Hist (Ser. 6) 17:329–343, 1896. https://doi.org/10.1080/00222939608680376) and D. issikii (Chûjô in Bull Umeno Entomol Lab 6:5–13, 1938). As a result, the degree of variation in spine numbers and size was variable among body regions even within single species. However, the number of spines on the pronotal front margin in D. higoniae and the elytral interval 4 in D. issikii was stable. The spine numbers of these two species did not exhibit significant differences between the right and left sides of the body and was not likely to be influenced by sex or elytral length. Furthermore, we observed pronotal and elytral spines that formed inside the pupal cuticle of late-stage pupae of these two species. Our observations suggested neither pronotal nor elytral spines exhibit a formation pattern resembling concentric folded structures, as seen in beetle horns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The purpose of this experiment was to explore the improvement of tussah pupa powder on the deterioration of pork batter emulsion gel by using proteomics, distribution of moisture, rheological properties and surface hydrophobicity. The results showed that the myosin decomposed as the heating temperature increased; as the increase of the addition proportion of tussah pupa powder at each sterilisation temperature point, compared to the control group, the pH of a pork batter emulsified gel showed a significant increased trend (P < 0.05); the low molecular weight proteins or formed oligomers of tussah pupa powder could be used as fillers to participate in the formation process of gel network; the vitellogenin of tussah pupa powder could form a 'skeleton' in the pork batter system; as the sterilisation temperature at 100 °C (30 min) and 110 °C (30 min), the surface hydrophobicity was the largest as the addition amount 2%. In short, the tussah pupae powder could improve the deterioration characteristics of the pork batter emulsified gel by influencing the pH, surface hydrophobicity and the formation of gel network of pork batter system. This research provided theoretical support for improving the process property of the meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entomopathogenic fungi are the most effective control remedy against a wide range of medical and agricultural important pests. The present study aimed to isolate, identify, and assess the virulence of Metarhizium rileyi against Spodoptera litura and Spodoptera frugiperda pupae under soil conditions. The biotechnological methods were used to identify the isolate as M. rileyi. The fungal conidial pathogenicity (2.0 × 107, 2.0 × 108, 2.0 × 109, 2.0 × 1010, and 2.0 × 1011 conidia/mL−1) was tested against prepupae of S. litura and S. frugiperda at 3, 6, 9, and 12 days after treatments. Additionally, the artificial soil‐conidial assay was performed on a nontarget species earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae, using M. rileyi conidia. The present results showed that the M. rileyi caused significant mortality rates in S. litura pupae (61‐90%), and S. litura pupae were more susceptible than S. frugiperda pupae (46%–73%) at 12 day posttreatment. The LC50 and LC90 of M. rileyi against S. litura, were 3.4 × 1014–9.9 × 1017 conidia/mL−1 and 6.6 × 105–4.6 × 1014 conidia/mL−1 in S. frugiperda, respectively. The conidia of M. rileyi did not exhibit any sublethal effect on the adult stage of E. eugeniae, and Artemia salina following a 12‐day treatment period. Moreover, in the histopathological evaluation no discernible harm was observed in the gut tissues of E. eugeniae, including the lumen and epithelial cells, as well as the muscles, setae, nucleus, mitochondria, and coelom. The present findings provide clear evidence that M. rileyi fungal conidia can be used as the foundation for the development of effective bio‐insecticides to combat the pupae of S. litura and S. frugiperda agricultural pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Actin‐related protein 2/3 complex regulates actin polymerization and the formation of branched actin networks. However, the function and evolutionary relationship of this complex subunit 2 (Arpc2) has been poorly understood in insects. RESULTS: To address these issues, we performed comprehensive analysis of Arpc2 in Tribolium castaneum. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Arpc2 was originated from one ancestral gene in animals but evolved independently between vertebrates and insects after species differentiation. T. castaneum Arpc2 has a 906‐bp coding sequence and consists of 4 exons. Arpc2 transcripts were abundantly detected in embryos and pupae but less so in larvae and adults, while it had high expression in the gut, fat body and head but low expression in the epidermis of late‐stage larvae. Knockdown of it at the late larval stage inhibited the pupation and resulted in arrested larvae. Silencing it in 1‐day pupae impaired eclosion, which caused adult wings to fail to close. Injection of Arpc2 dsRNAs into 5‐day pupae made adults have smaller testis and ovary and could not lay eggs. The expression of vitellogenin 1 (Vg1), Vg2 and Vg receptor (VgR) was downregulated after knocking down Arpc2 5 days post‐adult emergence. Arpc2 silencing reduced 20‐hydroxyecdysone titer by affecting the enzymes of its biosynthesis and catabolism but increased juvenile biosynthesis via upregulating JHAMT3 expression. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that Arpc2 is associated with the metamorphosis and reproduction by integrating ecdysone and juvenile hormone metabolism in T. castaneum. This study provides theoretical basis for developing Arpc2 as a potential RNA interference target for pest control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is an aggressive pest species that causes severe economic losses in outbreak regions. Use of FAW natural enemies, particularly native parasitoids, has been suggested as a promising control strategy. Campoletis chlorideae Uchida (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) is a solitary ichneumonid larval endoparasitoid with a broad host range that includes S. frugiperda. However, its parasitism rate, developmental stages, and population dynamics during parasitization of S. frugiperda remain unclear. A field survey was conducted to determine the emergence rate and sex ratio of C. chlorideae, evaluated the biological control performance, and investigated the production potential of it on the individually reared and group-reared S. frugiperda through age-stage, two-sex life tables, respectively. Results: The results showed that C. chlorideae parasitizing individually reared FAW resulted for the parasitoid in a lifetime total fecundity (F) of 301.5 ± 16.4 eggs/female, a net reproduction rate (R0) of 62.03 ± 9.07 adult females/female, an overall life span of females of 28.3 ± 0.52 days, and an intrinsic rate of increase (r) of 0.1946 ± 0.0076 day−1. In contrast, the parameters of F, R0, overall life span of females, and r were 87.71 ± 6.32 pupae/female, 6.02 ± 1.61 adult females/female, 25.21 ± 0.79 days, and 0.0918 ± 0.0148 day−1 in group-reared S. frugiperda. Conclusions: This study suggests that C. chlorideae has a promising biological control potential against S. frugiperda. Future research should focus on developing methods to increase the production of C. chlorideae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bombyx mori is a lepidopteran holometabolous insect with distinct developmental stages: egg, larvae, pupae, and adult. The lepidopteran insect undergoes major modifications in the central nervous system (CNS) so as to adapt to the lifestyle of these distinct stages with specific habitats and functions from voraciously feeding larval stages to flying reproductive adults via dormant pupal stages. Such transitions are linked to transcriptional, epigenetic, and translational complexities. Therefore, studying rhythmic gene expression in CNS of various developmental stages and the effects of antagonists on developmental hormones requires a very stable reference gene (RG). To facilitate rhythmic gene expression studies using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in B. mori and the effect of developmental hormone juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxy ecdysone hormone (20 HE), antagonists Precocene 1 and testosterone, respectively, were used. Eight candidate RGs, namely, Translational initiation factor 3 subunit 4 (TI3S4), Translational initiation factor 3 subunit 5 (TI3S5), Ribosomal protein subunit 7 (RPs7), TATA-binding protein association factor (TAF13), Translational initiation factor 4 A (TI4A), Ribosomal protein (RPL32), Elongation factor 1 (EF1), and Arginine kinase (AK), were assessed in the CNS of B. mori. The postembryonic developmental (PED) stages used were the fifth late larval instar, early pupa, mid pupa, late pupa, and adult. The assessments were done at four different time points, Zeitgeber time (ZT) 0, 6, 12, and 18, to find stability towards 24-h rhythmic expression. RefFinder, geNorm, and Ct value analysis were performed. RefFinder and geNORM studies suggested stability order as TI3S4 > TI3S5 > RPs7, but Ct value evaluation showed stability order as TI3S5 > TI3S4 > RPs7. We therefore demonstrated that TI3S4, TI3S5, and RPs7 can be used as RG in various PED stages in CNS of B. mori (Strain: CB-hybrid, PMÃ--CSR2) towards studies with effects of JH and 20 HE antagonists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of immature stages of the Lycidae family is currently limited. Only approximately 2% of the described species have documented larvae in different instars and pupae, with a focus mainly on the fauna of the Old World. During fieldwork in Hidalgo, Mexico, we collected adult pairs of Neolycus fernandezi Dugès 1878 and Rhyncheros simulans. We kept the adults in laboratory conditions and obtained the eggs and first instar larvae. The comparison of chaetotaxies between N. fernandezi and R. simulans provides useful characters for differentiating genera. Additionally, the morphological characters of the first larval were compared with those described for Lycostomus ferrugineus Fabricius, 1798, L. formosanus Pic, 1937, as well as Calopteron terminale (Say, 1823). These comparisons revealed differences in the shape of the epicranium, relationship between the length of the maxillary palpomere and mala, prementum division, prosternum amplitude, pronotum shape, and abdominal spiracular plate division. The knowledge of the immature stages of two species within the Lycini tribe is significant since the egg and first instar larval of any American species belonging to this tribe have yet to be identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta is a devastating invasive pest that poses a serious threat to tomato crops worldwide. Its extensive global dispersion serves its capacity to adapt to variations in climate conditions. In this context, the pupa is the most resistant stage to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Therefore, indicators of cold resistance were studied in overwintering pupae collected from the field and pupae reared under two constant conditions, high temperature, and long day (25°C, 16:8 L:D and 65±5% RH), and low temperature and short day (15°C, 13:11 L:D and 65±5% RH). The results show that the super cooling point (SCP) significantly decreased in December (-20.5±1.2°C) and January (-20.26±0.78°C) with a decrease in temperature. In the laboratory, the decrease in temperature and photoperiod increased the tolerance of pupae to subzero temperatures. Lethal Temperature 50 (LT50) and LT90 of pupae collected in the field were recorded at -13.70 to -10.23°C and -18.73 to -15.37°C, respectively. A comparison of lethal temperatures with the lowest ambient temperature in December and January indicated that T. absoluta has a high overwintering potential in Karaj, Alborz Province, Iran, and can easily survive cold winters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A common management intervention to support declining wild pollinators is 'pollinator planting'. However, despite years of inclusion in conservation initiatives, global pollinator declines continue.Using the agent‐based model BEE‐STEWARD with two example species, Bombus terrestris (L. 1758) and B. pascuorum (Scopoli, 1763) (Hymenoptera: Apidae), we explore when during the year bumblebee resource demand is the highest and how that relates to seasonal changes in colony composition (numbers of eggs, larvae, pupae and adults). We then examine the impact of two‐week periods of resource scarcity across the year. Finally, we explore how enhancement with early spring‐blooming herbaceous species or trees changes colony survival and queen production.In the United Kingdom, there is a previously under‐appreciated 'hungry gap' for bumblebees in March–April, before the peak flight period, driven by the demands of larvae for protein and thermoregulation in the colony, rather than the number of adult bees.A 2‐week gap in forage availability during this period drives a 50%–87% drop in the production of daughter queens. Adding early‐blooming species in the model had significant, positive, long‐term effects on colony survival probability and daughter queen production.Pollinator‐planting initiatives in both national and international conservation schemes need to include plants that flower up to 1 month before the adults of target social pollinator species are apparent in the field, during the period that larvae dominate the colony. This approach is likely to increase colony survival and queen production, contributing towards halting and reversing global pollinator decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tenebrio molitor gained recognition for its nutritional value for human and/or animal consumption, its utilization as a model species in research studies, and its ability to degrade many types of plastics. However, it is a stored-product pest infesting a wide range of commodities in storages. The impact of temperature on the development of T. molitor was evaluated, taking into account confounding effects of other covariates such as developmental stage and larval instar. The time for larval development was longer at 22.5 °C than at 25 °C, 27.5 °C, and 30 °C. Tenebrio molitor spent most of its lifetime as larva > egg, pupa, since the outcome of our model inference resulted that the estimated probability of longer duration in larvae is approximately 25.5 times higher compared to eggs and pupae, and passed through 26 instars before it became pupa. Duration of larval instars increased significantly up to L22 and then decreased until L26. Among larval instars, L22 exhibited the highest developmental duration while the lowest was recorded for L1. These findings enhance the knowledge about the biology of T. molitor, leading to precise decisions for its successful culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Silkworm (Bombyx moil L.) Pupa protein (SPP) is a high‐quality insect protein and is considered a sustainable alternative source for traditional animal food protein. However, the utilization of SPP is limited because of its low solubility and emulsifying ability. In the present study, the synergistic effect of hydration and pulsed ultrasound on the physicochemical properties of SPP and SPP‐stabilized Pickering emulsions was evaluated. RESULTS: Pulsed ultrasound changed the particle size of SPP and its conformation. As the pulsed ultrasound increased from 0 s to 5 s, the α‐helix and SS contents of SPP decreased, whereas the β‐sheet and SH contents increased, which in turn improved its solubility and amphiphilicity. As a result, the SPP treated by a combination of 12 h of hydration and 3 s of ultrasound exhibited a contact angle of 74.95°, hydrophobicity of 904.83, EAI of 6.66 m2 g−1 and ESI of 190.69 min. Compared with the combination of 1 h of hydration and 5 s of ultrasound, the combination of 12 h of hydration and 3 s of ultrasound exerted more soluble and hydrophobic SPP, whereas the EAI and ESI of the samples were higher. Notably, the ultrasound‐treated SPP can form a stable gel‐like emulsion (oil fraction ranging from 70% to 80%). CONCLUSION: The combination of hydration and ultrasound can effectively improve the physicochemical characteristics of SPP as well as its emulsion stability. Sufficient hydration is a cost‐effective method for facilitating the modification of proteins by ultrasound treatment. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The comparative studies under laboratory conditions have been carried out to investigate the influence of different alternative host plants viz., bael [Aegle marmelos (L.)], curry leaves [Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng.], ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lam.) and lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Burm.f.] on biology and morphometrics of Lemon butterfly, Papilio demoleus (Linn.). The lemon is the most preferred host of P. demoleus used as a controlled experimental host plant. The variations in periods of larval, pupal and rate of emergence into adult have been recorded and found that the lemon was the most preferred host plant on which all the larval stages survived smoothly. The caterpillars when reared on alternative hosts showed an increase in average larval period. The average survival percent of larvae were reported highest on bael leaves, followed by curry leaves and ber leaves. Similar patterns of results were also recorded on the pupal period and rate of emergence with alternative hosts. The morphometric variations in weight, size and colour of caterpillars, pupae and adults were also measured and found in decreasing order of host preferences as lemon>bael>curry>ber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silkworm (Bombyx mori) pupae are popular edible insects with high nutritional and therapeutic value. Currently, there is growing interest in the comprehensive application of silkworm pupae. In this study, peptides that exhibited anti-photoaging activity were obtained from silkworm pupae protein, aiming to investigate the protective effects and potential mechanisms of silkworm pupae peptides (SPPs) on skin photoaging. The results showed that SPPs were composed of 900 short peptides and could effectively alleviate skin photoaging progression. They significantly eliminated excessive production of ROS and MDA; meanwhile, they also renovated the antioxidant enzyme activities. The biomarkers related to collagen synthesis and degradation, including hydroxyproline, interstitial collagenase, and gelatinase, demonstrated that SPPs could suppress collagen degradation. Histopathological results showed that SPPs could reduce the inflammatory infiltrate and the thickness of the dermis and epidermis, as well as increase the collagen bundles and muscle fibers. The histopathological and biochemical results confirmed that SPPs could alleviate photoaging by inhibiting abnormal skin changes, reducing oxidative stress, and immune suppression. Overall, these data prove the protective effects of SPPs against the photoaging process, suggesting their potential as an active ingredient in skin photoaging prevention and therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Galeruca daurica has become a new pest on the Inner Mongolia grasslands since an abrupt outbreak in 2009 caused serious damage. As a pupa indicator during insect metamorphosis, the early response gene of the ecdysone signaling pathway, Broad‐Complex (Br‐C), plays a vital role in the growth and development of insects. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs which mediate various biological activities, but it is unknown whether and how Br‐C is regulated by miRNAs. RESULTS: Temporal expression profiles revealed that miR‐285 and Br‐C basically displayed an opposite trend during larval–adult development, and Br‐C was sharply up‐regulated on the last day of final‐instar larvae while miR‐285 was significantly down‐regulated. Both dual‐luciferase reporter assay and miRNA–mRNA interaction assay indicated that miR‐285 interacts with the coding sequence of Br‐C and represses its expression. Not only overexpression but also downexpression of miR‐285 led to the failure of larval to pupal to adult metamorphosis. In addition, both overexpression of miR‐285 and silence of Br‐C inhibited the expression of Br‐C and other ecdysone signaling pathway genes, including E74, E75, ECR, FTZ‐F1, and HR3. On the contrary, suppressing miR‐285 obtained opposite results. Further experiments showed that 20‐hydroxyecdysone down‐regulated miR‐285 and up‐regulated Br‐C and above‐mentioned genes, whereas juvenile hormone alalogue (JHA) resulted in opposite effects. CONCLUSION: Our results reveal that miR‐285 is involved in mediating the metamorphosis in G. daurica by targeting Br‐C in the ecdysone signaling pathway. miR‐285 and its target Br‐C could be as a potential target for G. daurica management. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Culex pipiens L. is a principal vector of zoonotic arboviruses in Europe, acting in both an amplification role in enzootic transmission between avian hosts and as a bridge vector between avian hosts and mammals. The species consists of two forms which are indistinguishable using morphological methods but possess varying ecological and physiological traits that influence their vector capacity. In this study we validate methods that can be used to extract trace DNA from single pupal exuviae of Cx. pipiens for use in molecular speciation of samples. These DNA extraction methods are compared using measurement of the total yield and successful identification using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Results Genomic DNA was initially extracted from colony-derived individuals using an ethanol precipitation method, two commercially available DNA extraction kits: DNeasy® Blood & Tissue Kit (Qiagen, UK) and Wizard® SV Genomic DNA Purification System (Promega, UK) and a direct real-time PCR method. Time elapsed between eclosion and processing of pupae significantly influenced Cx. pipiens form identification as nucleic acid concentration and PCR amplification success decreased with increased time elapsed. Real-time PCR amplification success, however, was not shown to vary significantly between the three extraction methods, with all methods successfully identifying all samples, but the direct real-time PCR method achieved a lesser amplification success rate of 70% (n = 20 for each treatment). More variable results were produced when field-derived exuviae were used, with no significant difference in real-time PCR amplification success found across the four methods and a lower overall rate of successful identification of 55–80%. Conclusions This study shows that both colony and field derived Cx. pipiens pupal exuviae can be a useful non-invasive source of trace DNA permitting accurate biotype differentiation for at least twenty-four hours post-eclosion. The significance and utility of this technique in ecological and behavioural studies of Cx. pipiens is discussed and recommendations made for use according to experimental scenario.

Black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus)) or BSF are insects that process organic waste, with larvae rich in nutrients and potential as an alternative protein source for food and feed. Astaxanthin, an antioxidant found in plants, algae, and crustaceans, is also assumed to be present in insects like BSF. This study examined the impact of feeding different organic wastes on BSF larval growth and astaxanthin content in its pupae. The experimental design involved four treatments: fruit and vegetable scraps (BS), tofu pulp (AT), rice leftovers (N), and a mix of fruit and vegetable scraps, tofu pulp and rice left-over (C), with animal feed T51 as control. Each treatment was repeated three times. Growth parameters of BSF such as weight, length, and larval characteristics, along with the chemical content of pupae, including astaxanthin, were measured. Pupae were extracted using a triphasic maceration method with n-heptane, ethyl acetate, acetonitrile, butanol-l, and distilled water. Compound identification was done using terpenoid qualitative tests, thin layer chromatography (TLC), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The findings revealed that fruit and vegetable scraps (BS) significantly increased larval body size, with a weight of 0.09 ± 0.04 grams/larvae and a length of 1.49 ± 0.31 cm/larvae. LC-MS analysis detected lutein derivatives, anisodamine, resveratrol derivatives, dehydroarginine, and astaxanthin derivatives with a molecular mass of 597.23 m/z in BSF larvae fed on fruit and vegetable scraps.

Background: Culex pipiens L. is a principal vector of zoonotic arboviruses in Europe, acting in both an amplification role in enzootic transmission between avian hosts and as a bridge vector between avian hosts and mammals. The species consists of two forms which are indistinguishable using morphological methods but possess varying ecological and physiological traits that influence their vector capacity. In this study we validate methods that can be used to extract trace DNA from single pupal exuviae of Cx. pipiens for use in molecular speciation of samples. These DNA extraction methods are compared using measurement of the total yield and successful identification using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Results: Genomic DNA was initially extracted from colony-derived individuals using an ethanol precipitation method, two commercially available DNA extraction kits: DNeasy® Blood & Tissue Kit (Qiagen, UK) and Wizard® SV Genomic DNA Purification System (Promega, UK) and a direct real-time PCR method. Time elapsed between eclosion and processing of pupae significantly influenced Cx. pipiens form identification as nucleic acid concentration and PCR amplification success decreased with increased time elapsed. Real-time PCR amplification success, however, was not shown to vary significantly between the three extraction methods, with all methods successfully identifying all samples, but the direct real-time PCR method achieved a lesser amplification success rate of 70% (n = 20 for each treatment). More variable results were produced when field-derived exuviae were used, with no significant difference in real-time PCR amplification success found across the four methods and a lower overall rate of successful identification of 55–80%. Conclusions: This study shows that both colony and field derived Cx. pipiens pupal exuviae can be a useful non-invasive source of trace DNA permitting accurate biotype differentiation for at least twenty-four hours post-eclosion. The significance and utility of this technique in ecological and behavioural studies of Cx. pipiens is discussed and recommendations made for use according to experimental scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the winter, animals face limited food availability. Many animals enter dormancy to reduce their winter energy expenditure. Most insects spend the winter in diapause, a state of programmed dormancy. It is often assumed that diapausing insects need nutrient stores to fuel their many months of basal metabolism and must grow heavier than their non‐diapause‐programmed counterparts. However, the extent to which food limitation affects body weight during overwintering preparation as well as the likelihood and duration of diapause remains unclear. We limited the duration of the feeding period and thus the total quantity of food available to diapause‐destined larvae of the pupal‐diapausing flesh fly, Sarcophaga crassipalpis, to test how food limitation affects body weight in the context of diapause programming. We also tested the extent to which food deprivation and body weight affect the likelihood and duration of diapause. We hypothesized that diapause‐destined larvae grow more quickly and pupariate at a heavier body weight than non‐diapause larvae. We also hypothesized that body weight is more dramatically reduced by food limitations when a larva is programmed for diapause. Finally, we hypothesized that larvae with lighter body weight (i.e., food limited) are less likely to enter pupal diapause and also stay in diapause for a shorter duration than heavier, well‐fed, individuals. Contrary to our hypotheses that diapausing insects are heavier than their non‐diapausing counterparts, we found diapausing pupae weighed less than non‐diapausing pupae, especially when larvae received limited food. We found light pupae did not abort their diapause program. In both diapausing and non‐diapausing pupae, body weight was positively correlated with simulated winter survival. However, above a weight threshold, body weight no longer affected simulated winter survival in diapausing pupae. Contrary to our predictions and the general consensus in much of the diapause literature, we also found that lighter pupae stayed in diapause longer than heavier pupae. Overall, our results challenge the precept that body weight and diapause are positively associated. The relationship between body weight and diapause is complex and may be affected by the availability of food before and after winter, the availability of high‐quality overwintering sites, and the life history of a particular insect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) is an invasive insect pest that poses a threat to solanaceous crops. In recent years, the occurrences of extremely high temperature have been increasing due to climate change. Therefore, it is important to study the effect of high temperature on the growth and development of T. absoluta. In this study, when the eggs, pupae, and adults of T. absoluta were exposed to high-temperature stress, the pupal stage exhibited the highest sensitivity. This was demonstrated by a significant decrease in emergence rate, longevity, and fecundity. High-temperature stress during the egg stage resulted in a cascading effect, leading to a reduction in the adult longevity. This study provides a new insight for the integrated management of T. absoluta under high temperature. Insect life processes and reproductive behaviors are significantly affected by extremely high temperatures. This study focused on Tuta absoluta, which poses a severe threat to tomato cultivars. The effects of intense heat stress on the growth, development, oviposition, and longevity of T. absoluta were investigated. This investigation encompassed various developmental stages, including eggs, pupae, and adults. This study revealed that egg hatching and pupa emergence rates were significantly reduced at a temperature of 44 °C maintained for 6 h. The longevity of adults that emerged after the egg and pupal stages were exposed to 44 °C for 6 h was significantly reduced compared to the control. Notably, there was no significant variation in adult fecundity after egg-stage exposure to high temperatures. However, all treatments exhibited significantly reduced fecundity compared to the control after exposure to high temperatures during the pupal stage. Adult survival rates after exposure to 40 °C and 44 °C for 3 h were 74.29% and 22.40%, respectively, dramatically less than that of the control, which was 100%. However, no significant differences were noted in terms of longevity and egg production. These results offer a better understanding of the complex interactions between extreme temperatures and the life history traits of T. absoluta, thereby offering valuable insights for implementing management strategies to alleviate its impact on tomato crops in response to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we pioneered an alternative technology for manufacturing subunit influenza hemagglutinin (HA)-based vaccines. This innovative method involves harnessing the pupae of the Lepidoptera Trichoplusia ni (T. ni) as natural biofactories in combination with baculovirus vectors (using CrisBio® technology). We engineered recombinant baculoviruses encoding two versions of the HA protein (trimeric or monomeric) derived from a pandemic avian H7N1 virus A strain (A/chicken/Italy/5093/99). These were then used to infect T. ni pupae, resulting in the production of the desired recombinant antigens. The obtained HA proteins were purified using affinity chromatography, consistently yielding approximately 75 mg/L of insect extract. The vaccine antigen effectively immunized poultry, which were subsequently challenged with a virulent H7N1 avian influenza virus. Following infection, all vaccinated animals survived without displaying any clinical symptoms, while none of the mock-vaccinated control animals survived. The CrisBio®-derived antigens induced high titers of HA-specific antibodies in the vaccinated poultry, demonstrating hemagglutination inhibition activity against avian H7N1 and human H7N9 viruses. These results suggest that the CrisBio® technology platform has the potential to address major industry challenges associated with producing recombinant influenza subunit vaccines, such as enhancing production yields, scalability, and the speed of development, facilitating the global deployment of highly effective influenza vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus L., in western North America are undergoing a seemingly volatile shift in seasonal population dynamics which includes novel winter-breeding on non-native milkweed in urban areas of northern California. The survival, viability and outcome of monarch pupae in the wild was evaluated for the first time by regular monitoring of a cohort of 104 pupae in a San Francisco managed urban landscape during the winter of 2021/22. Seventeen pupae were destroyed by landscaping activities. Almost half (49.4%) of the remaining pupae eclosed, with ∼ 70% likely infected with varying levels of the protozoan parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE). A third of the pupae (32.2%) died of unknown causes, while the remainder (18.4%) disappeared, presumed predated. Two monarchs were killed while eclosing, by European paper wasps, Polistes dominula (Christ, 1791). Microscopic examination of pupal exuviae for spores of OE appeared to be a satisfactory proxy for microscopic examination of butterfly abdomens, in determining the presence/absence of infection. The developing importance of winter breeding in western monarch ecology necessitates modifications to conservation guidelines that enhance the survival of immature stages, acknowledging the role of non-native milkweeds while minimizing parasite infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the characteristics of the adult eclosion rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster is that adult emergence time differs greatly between the first and second eclosion days. The emergence time is in the middle of the light period on the first eclosion day, but immediately after light‐on on the second day. We hypothesized that incomplete entrainment of the endogenous pacemaker to the light–dark (LD) cycle is responsible for the daily variation. Due to the very short pupal period of this species, adult emergence may occur before complete synchronization of the pacemaker with the external cycle on the first eclosion day. Therefore, the peak time on the first eclosion day may differ significantly from that on the second day. To verify this hypothesis, using pupae that had pupariated within 24 h, the time difference between the first and second peaks was compared in LD 12:12 or constant darkness at five different temperatures from 30 to 15°C. In both light regimes, the time difference decreased with decreasing temperature and extended pupal duration. The interval between the eclosion peaks approached 24 h, supporting this hypothesis. These results can be interpreted by using a two‐oscillator model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pine wood nematode (PWN) uses several Monochamus species as vehicles, through a temporary hitchhiking process known as phoresy, enabling it to access new host plant resources. Monochamus saltuarius acts as a new and major vector of the PWN in Northeastern China, showing lower PWN carrying capacity and a shorter transmission cycle compared to established vectors. The apparently altered symbiotic relationship offers an interesting area for researching the costs and adaptions involved in nematode–beetle, a specialized phoresy. We analyzed the response and fitness costs of M. saltuarius through physiological measurements and transcriptomics. The PWN exerted adverse repercussions on the growth and development of M. saltuarius. The PWN accelerated larval development into pupae, while beetle adults carrying the PWN exhibited an elevated abnormality rate and mortality, and reduced starvation resistance. During the pupal stage, the expression of growth-related genes, including ecdysone-inducible genes (E74EA), cuticle proteins, and chitin genes (CHTs), markedly increased. Meanwhile, the induced immune response, mainly by the IMD and Toll signaling pathways, could be a contributing factor to adult abnormality and mortality. Adult gonads and trachea exhibited enrichment in pathways related to fatty acid elongation, biosynthesis, and metabolism. FASN, ELOVL, and SCD possibly contributed to resistance against PWN. Our research indicated that phoretic interactions between vector beetles and PWN vary throughout the vector's lifespan, particularly before and after entry into the trachea. This study highlighted the fitness costs of immunity and metabolism on the vector beetle, indicating the adaptation mechanisms and evolutionary trade-offs to PWN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on observations of the second generation of the butterfly species Papilio machaon L. in the Norfolk Broads. Topics include the general description of the British subspecies britannicus Seitz of Papilio machaon L., which is typically described as partially bivoltine, with adults usually flying from mid-May to early July.

The system of gulcosinoalte sulfatase–sulfatase‐modifying factors (Sumfs) in herbivorous insects fulfils an essential function in defending host plant glucosinolates (GLSs)—the compounds of cruciferous plants—by swiftly desulfurising them. Previously, eight HaSulfs and one HaSumf1 were identified in Helicoverpa armigera. GLSs have a significant impact on the growth and development of H. armigera larvae. They can induce the expression of HaSulf in the midgut of H. armigera at both gene and protein levels. In the present study, we utilised RNAi technology to silence the HaSumf1 gene and explored its potential impact on the growth, development, and adaptation of GLSs. The sequence analysis has indicated that the HaSumf1 gene in H. armigera shares a high degree of sequence identity with other insect genes and is expressed at its highest level in the fifth‐instar phase. Additionally, the qRT‐PCR results reveal that the expression of HaSumf1 was upregulated by 1.26 and 0.07 times in third‐instar and 1.65 and 0.19 times in fifth‐instar when fed with 0.004% and 0.04% GLS, respectively. The effectiveness of dsSumf1 silencing was observed in both third‐ and fifth‐instar stages, with silencing rates of 65.5%–88.9% and 61.3%–74.6%, respectively (p < 0.05). The findings of the bioassay indicate that H. armigera's body weight at fifth‐instar significantly increased after treatment with 0.004% GLS and 0.04% GLS, while the larval survival rate, pupation rate, and pupa weight decreased. Notably, when feeding dsRNA‐encapsulated carbon quantum dots (CQD‐dsRNA), this trend was significantly strengthened (p < 0.05). Taken together, these findings provide evidence supporting HaSumf1's conservation involvement in the adaptation of host plant GLSs during lepidopteran insect evolution. Therefore, it plays a critical role in the growth and development of H. armigera, offering molecular targets for developing novel pesticides and targeted control measures against this vital pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diapause is a peculiar sleep of insects in which the animal's motor activity completely ceases. During this period, insects become a good target for parasitoids, freely attacking them with their mobile ovipositors. We found that the parasitic wasp, Eupelmus messene (Hymenoptera, Eupelmidae, Cynipidae), stirs the internal contents of the diapausing host pupa of Aulacidea hieracii (Bouché, 1834) with its long and flexible ovipositor "making a shake" inside the pupa. However, the attacked pupae stay morphologically indistinguishable from healthy diapausing ones for several months. Using non-invasive Raman spectroscopy (RS), we, for the first time, studied the molecular composition of live diapausing and parasitized A. hieracii pupae. As a result of the study, we discovered alterations in the content and distribution of carotenoids, lipids, and proteins in the attacked pupae compared to the live intact diapausing pupae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The concentration of larval black flies in well-defined aquatic habitats makes knowledge of the breeding sites critical for the efficient management of pest species. Black flies can achieve pest status either as generalists by developing in many types of streams and rivers or as specialists by developing in one or a few types of flowing water, such as large rivers. These two developmental strategies are evident in pest and vector species of the Simulium (Gomphostilbia) varicorne species group in Thailand. Simulium chumpornense is a habitat generalist, whereas S. khelangense is a habitat specialist, developing in the large Mekong River, where we discovered its immature stages. The first descriptions of the larva and pupa of S. khelangense, along with mitochondrial and nuclear genetic markers, allow accurate identification and comparisons with structurally similar species in the S. varicorne species group, thus aiding the ability to monitor the pest and vector status of black flies in Southeast Asia. Two species of black flies (Simuliidae) in Thailand, Simulium chumpornense Takaoka and Kuvangkadilok, 2000, and S. khelangense Takaoka, Srisuka & Saeung, 2022, are potent vectors of avian blood protozoa of the genera Leucocytozoon and Trypanosoma and are pests of domestic avian species. Although the adults are abundant throughout Thailand, information on their breeding habitats is limited, and the immature stages of S. khelangense are unknown. We collected the larvae and pupae of S. khelangense from the Mekong River, the first-ever record of Simuliidae from this large continental river. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I and internal transcribed spacer 2 were used to associate the larvae and pupae with known adults. Both genetic markers strongly supported their identity as S. khelangense. The larvae and pupa of S. khelangense are described. The pupal gill filaments, larval abdominal protuberances, and setae distinguish this species from other members of the S. varicorne species group. The immature stages of S. chumpornense inhabit a wide variety of flowing waters, from small streams (3 m wide) to enormous continental rivers (400 m wide); thus, S. chumpornense is a habitat generalist. In contrast, S. khelangense was found only in the large Mekong River and is, therefore, a habitat specialist. Both species can exploit their principal habitats and produce abundant adult populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The silkworm has fascinated people all around the world for centuries due to numerous applications of by-products resulting from its metamorphosis. A decline has been noticed due to industrialization and some disease concerns; however, several reasons strengthen compelling arguments for keeping up this species. The most prevalent nutrients identified along silkworm rearing, from mulberry leaves up to larvae, pupae, and silk, are proteins. The biological value of protein is based on amino acids. The presence of other nutrients, especially fatty acids (n-3 family), vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols, along with the profile in amino acids, which are taken from mulberry leaves and metabolized by larvae and then transferred to pupae, strengthen the conviction according to which silkworm by-products have a great nutritional potential that is either comparable with fish meal or better than other aquaculture-specific feedstuffs. This paper aims to present deep knowledge about amino acids (classification, metabolism, occurrence, mechanisms, and potential functions) for silkworms and fish to further understand these species. The silkworm Bombyx mori, the second most varied group of insects, is a fascinating insect that belongs to the Lepidoptera species. We aimed to deepen our knowledge about the composition and significance of amino acids (AA) from the sericulture chain to fish. AAs are the most prevalent molecules throughout the growth process of silkworms. We described AAs classification, occurrence, metabolism, and functions. Online datasets revealed that the essential AAs (EAA) level in fish meal and silkworm pupae (SWP) is comparable. SWP have a high content of methionine and lysine, which are the principal limiting AAs in fish diets, indicating that SWP have nutritional potential to be added to fish diets. Additionally, an overview of the data analyzed displays that SWP have a higher protein efficiency ratio than fish meal, the classical protein-rich source (>1.19 times), and compared to soybean meal, the second-most preferred source of protein in aquaculture (>2.08 times), indicating that SWP can be considered effective for animal feeding. In this study, we provide an overview of the current knowledge concerning AAs, paying special emphasis to EAAs and explaining, to some extent, certain mechanisms and functions of these compounds, from mulberry leaves to larvae–pupae and fish diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xylotrechus rusticus is one of the major forest trunk borers in China, causing a significant threat to afforestation and forestry engineering construction. Controlling X. rusticus is challenging because of its hidden life habit. The use of natural enemies against X. rusticus is an important strategy for controlling Cerambycidae pests. This is the first study to investigate the effectiveness of Dastarcus helophoroides as a biological control against X. rusticus under indoor and outdoor environments. The expression patterns of CYP6BK3 and CYP6BQ13 genes in various tissues and at different development stages were analyzed to clarify their role in the development of D. helophoroides. The results showed that the parasitism rate of D. helophoroides was the higher when their eggs were released on the larvae of X. rusticus L. indoors. Furthermore, the parasitism rate of D. helophoroides was the highest (86.67%) when their eggs were released on the larvae of X. rusticus in the ratio of 1:100 (host: D. helophoroides) under artificial wood segment simulation. The average parasitism rates of D. helophoroides eggs and adults on the exposed wood segment of the Cerambycidae were 81.83% and 83.29%, respectively. Indoor release of Scleroderma guani increased their parasitic rate on the aged larvae and pupae of X. rusticus. qPCR analysis of CYP450 gene expression showed that CYP6BK3 and CYP6BQ13 genes were expressed at all development stages of D. helophoroides; however, their expression levels were higher in adults than in the larvae. Notably, CYP6BK3 expression was the highest in the adipose tissue, whereas CYP6BQ13 was the highest in the hindgut tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is necessary to distinguish between male and female Tuta absoluta pupae in continued research regarding this pest species. Male and female pupae can be distinguished based on the following morphological characters: the genital opening is located in central portion of the 9th abdominal segment in males but at the junction of the 9th abdominal segment and the posterior margin of the 8th abdominal segment in females; the posterior margin of the 8th abdominal segment is almost straight in males, while its central margin is inwardly curved in females. In addition, the posterior margin of the 9th abdominal segment is clear in males, but is rudimentary or almost invisible in females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bartonella melophagi and Trypanosoma melophagium are intracellular bacteria and blood protozoan parasites, respectively, that can be transmitted by Melophagus ovinus and pose risks to human and animal health. Eight pupae and 214 M. ovinus were collected from three sampling sites in southern Xinjiang, China, between March 2019 and June 2023. The morphological characteristics and 18S rRNA sequences were used to identify M. ovinus. The gltA gene was used to detect B. melophagi and the 18S rRNA gene was used to detect T. melophagium in all samples. The DNA of B. melophagi was detected in 214 (100.00%, 214/214) samples and the DNA of T. melophagium was detected in 101 (47.20%, 101/214) samples using PCR and sequencing. Eight pupae produced two different outcomes: B. melophagi was positive and T. melophagium was negative. This study presents conclusive evidence for the presence of B. melophagi and T. melophagium in M. ovinus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of T. melophagium in M. ovinus in China. These findings offer a significant reference for the advancement of the knowledge and prevention of M. ovinus, B. melophagi, and T. melophagium in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investment in defence may not be uniformly beneficial across an organism's lifespan. Risk, and therefore potential payoff of defence, may change with age and behaviour, but for colony‐living organisms, it may also change with colony size and reproductive stage.The acorn ant Temnothorax longispinosus uses venom to defend against socially parasitic ants that raid their nests to steal brood. We investigated the idea that T. longispinosus adjust their venom allocation in accordance with raid risk. We tested the predictions that T. longispinosus ants should produce more venom when raids are most likely to occur and during the parts of the nest reproductive cycle when the potential fitness loss per raid is highest. We also asked whether venom volume varies between nurses and foragers within a colony, which have different potential risk levels, and whether this difference increases with colony size.We found that workers had more venom in the summer, both before and during the period when raids occur, than in the fall when pupae were no longer present in nests. Workers engaging in nursing behaviours had more venom as the pupa to worker ratio in the nest increased, indicating that nurses invest more in venom as the relative number of pupae requiring defence increases. In addition, the difference in venom volume between nurses and foragers grew with colony size.These results provide observational support for the hypothesis that individuals vary their investment in venom over their colony's development in conjunction with the risk of social parasitism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This feasibility study reports on the development and initial evaluation of a novel online intervention for helping professionals (HPs; i.e. mental health professionals, chaplains, clergy) designed to (a) address occupational hazards, such as burnout and vicarious traumatization, and (b) promote well-being and flourishing at work. In contrast with competency and self-care focused models, the CHRYSALIS (Catalyzing Helping Professionals' Resilience, VitalitY, Spirituality, Authentic Living, and Inner Strength) intervention centers the self of the provider, explores cultural and spiritual contexts, and attends to systemic challenges. As part of a larger randomized controlled trial evaluating two program formats, the group format entails eight online sessions exploring strengths that can promote well-being, including processing, relational, vitalizing, orienting, and agentic capacities. To pilot test this framework and establish proof of concept, this study analyzed data from 41 HPs who had been randomly assigned to the group condition and completed surveys at four time points. Quantitative results indicated significant reductions in vicarious traumatization and burnout as well as increased well-being and meaning in work. Qualitative results suggest the intervention fostered relational support, cultivated new perspectives, and increased engagement with strengths, positively impacting participants' work and navigation of caregiving systems. Feedback about cohesion and group dynamic challenges in an online format informed further program development. This study provides initial support for the feasibility and efficacy of the group format of the CHRYSALIS intervention as a creative means to address HPs' risk for occupational hazards and promote holistic formation in a relational context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate species identification is the first step in biological research. The configuration of the pupal gill filaments (e.g., the number of filaments and their branching form) is one of the most basic source of characters used in the discrimination of species in Simuliidae taxonomy. However, the use of these characters is not always sufficient for identification, especially for the separation of cryptic species such as in the Simulium ornatum species-group. In this study, the reliability of pupal gill filaments as a morphotaxonomic character in the identification of four species of the S. ornatum species-group (Simulium ornatum Meigen, 1818; S. intermedium Roubaud, 1906; S. kiritshenkoi Rubtsov, 1940 and S. ornatum sp.) was tested by using geometric morphometric analysis. Geometric morphometry was applied for the first time to the pupal stage of the family Simuliidae. A total of 196 pupae representing the S. ornatum species-group were used. Eighteen landmarks were determined by tpsDIG 2.32 analysis to reflect the length and width measurements of filament common stems for pupae, which are thought to differ among target species. As a result of the geometric morphometric analysis made with the Tps program series Morpheus and NTSYS Programs, the pupal gill filaments were found to be insufficient for distinguishing the evaluated species in this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preliminary survey on the current status of pebrine disease in Magadi taluk of Mysore seed area was conducted from November 2022 to April 2023. The results revealed that the disease incidence in pupae and mother moths samples collected from two Governament Model Grainages (Magadi and Kudur) was found to be on par with 6.66 per cent. However, the DFLs collected from both the grainages had no incidence of pebrine. The overall per cent mean pebrine disease incidence in two Government Model Grainages (Magadi and Kudur) in Magadi taluk of Mysore seed area was 4.44. On microscopic examination of each of the thirty samples collected from Mathikere and Koramangala CRCs no pebrine spores were detected, indicating no pebrine incidence in Mattikere and Koramangala CRCs of Magadi taluk in Mysore seed area. The pebrine disease incidence in late age silkworms collected from Soluru, Kudur and Kalya hoblies in farmer's field was 12.00, 8.00 and 8.00 per cent, respectively. The presence of pebrine in silkworm excreta collected from Soluru, Kudur and Kalya hoblies from farmer's field was 8.00, 4.00 and 4.00 per cent, respectively. The overall average disease incidence covering the three different hoblies including 15 villages surveyed in Magadi taluk of Mysore seed area was 9.33 per cent in late age silkworms and 5.33 per cent in silkworm excreta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serratiopeptidase, a bacterial metalloprotease known for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, can be produced through fermentation with S. marcescens. This study aimed to identify key factors related to nutrient composition and physicochemical conditions for production in Erlenmeyer flasks and to scale up the mixture to a bioreactor to obtain the maximum proteolytic activity. A Plackett–Burman design was used to determine whether the presence of silkworm pupae (at 1.5%) was a significant parameter for serratiopeptidase production. Along with the variables pH, temperature, and time, they were optimized using a Taguchi experimental design, resulting in values of 7, 25 °C, and 36 h, respectively. Scaling up with a kLa of 25.45 ± 3.12 h−1 showed the highest serratiopeptidase production at 24 h. A factorial design was used for ultrafiltration, resulting in an LMH (liters per square meter per hour) of 960 L/m2h, a TMP (transmembrane pressure) of 15 psi, and a concentration factor of five, with a specific activity of 24,325.81 ± 1515.69 U/mg. Afterward, the retentate was purified using strong anion exchange chromatography and ultrafiltration, yielding a 19.94 ± 3.07% recovery and a purification factor of 1.59 ± 0.31. In conclusion, waste from the sericulture industry can be used for serratiopeptidase production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caterpillars of Tineidae moths mainly feed on keratin sources and require moisture and warm temperature for emergence. The presence of Tineidae moth caterpillars, pupae, and adults in regurgitated pellets of harriers, diurnal migratory raptors wintering in India, suggests a potential dietary association and highlights the importance of considering associated organisms in raptor diet estimation studies. The caterpillars preferred rodent hairs present in the pellets over feather and arthropod remains. This is the first record of Tineidae moths on the pellets of harriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigenetic changes in sexually reproducing animals may be transmitted usually only through a few generations. Here we discovered a case where epigenetic change lasts 40 generations. This epigenetic phenomenon occurs in the short antennae (sa) mutation of the flour moth (Ephestia kuehniella). We demonstrate that is probably determined by a small RNA (e.g., piRNA, miRNA, tsRNA) and transmitted in this way to subsequent generations through the male and female gametes. The observed epigenetic change cancels sa mutation and creates a wild phenotype (a moth that appears to have no mutation). It persists for many generations (40 recorded). This epigenetic transgenerational effect (suppression homozygous mutation for short antennae) in the flour moth is induced by changes during ontogenetic development, such as increased temperature on pupae development, food, different salts in food, or injection of RNA from the sperm of already affected individuals into the eggs. The epigenetic effect may occasionally disappear in some individuals and/or progeny of a pair in the generation chain in which the effect transfers. We consider that the survival of RNA over many generations has adaptive consequences. It is mainly a response to environmental change that is transmitted to offspring via RNA. In this study, we test an interesting epigenetic effect with an unexpected length after 40 generations and test what is its cause. Such transfer of RNA to subsequent generations may have a greater evolutionary significance than previously thought. Based on some analogies, we also discuss of the connection with the SIR2 gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se reporta por primera vez a Tromatobia sp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) asociada con Neoscona oaxacensis (Araneae: Araneidae), araña que exhibe cuidados maternos prolongados de sus sacos de huevos u ovisacos, en Toluca, Estado de México. El ichneumónido infestó 24% de los ovisacos individuales. No se documentó la presencia de huevos del ichneumónido en los ovisacos infestados. Las larvas de Tromatobia sp. consumieron la totalidad de los huevos de N. oaxacensis y próximas a pupar construyeron cocones individuales, colocándolos uno al lado del otro. Por cada ovisaco individual infestado de N. oaxacensis se encontraron dos a tres pupas y/o adultos de Tromatobia sp. Los adultos abandonaron el interior de los cocones a través de orificios de 2 mm de diámetro. Este estudio representa la primera interacción trófica que ocurre entre Tromatobia sp. y la araña Neoscona oaxacensis en México. Tromatobia sp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) is reported for the first time associated with Neoscona oaxacensis (Araneae: Araneidae), a spider that exhibits prolonged maternal care of its egg sacs or ovisacs, in Toluca, State of Mexico. The ichneumonid infested 24% of individual ovisacs. The presence of ichneumonid eggs was not documented in the infested ovisacs. Larvae of Tromatobia sp. consumed all the eggs of N. oaxacensis and, close to pupating, built individual cocoons, placing them side by side. For each individual ovisac infested of N. oaxacensis, two to three pupae and/or adults were counted. Adults left the interior of the cocoons through 2 mm diameter holes. This study represents the first trophic interaction occurring between Tromatobia sp. and N. oaxacensis in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Split-banded owl-butterfly, Opsiphanes fabricii fabricii (Boisduval 1870) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae), is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Mexico and Central America. Larvae of the species feed on leaflets of oil palm, Elaeis guineensis Jacq. (Arecaceae). Conura maculata (Fabricius) and Conura immaculata (Cresson) were parasitoids of O. fabricii fabricii pupae at two oil palm plantations at Tabasco, Mexico. These new records broaden the host range and geographic distribution of both parasitoids in the Neotropical region. Parasitism rates by C. maculata ranged from 18.2% (Ejido Montaña, Jalapa) to 55.1% (Ejido Ceiba, Tacotalpa). The number of pupae collected from O. fabricii fabricii were significantly correlated with the number of pupae parasitized by C. maculata (Ejido Ceiba: r = 0.91; Ejido Montaña: r = 0.87). Parasitism rates of by C. immaculata ranged from 0% (Ejido Montaña) to 6.8% (Ejido Ceiba). We believe parasitic activity by both Conura spp. contribute to maintaining relatively low abundance of O. fabricii fabricii. Factors that promote parasitic activity at oil palm plantations and need for more knowledge of trophic interactions of defoliating insects, parasitoids, and hyperparasitoids in the oil palm agroecosystem of the region are discussed. La mariposa búho de bandas divididas, Opsiphanes fabricii fabricii (Boisduval 1870) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae), es una especie que se encuentra en áreas tropicales y subtropicales de México y Centroamérica. Las larvas se alimentan de los folíolos de la palma de aceite, Elaeis guineensis Jacq. (Arecaceae). Conura maculata (Fabricius) y Conura immaculata (Cresson) fueron encontradas como parasitoides de pupas de O. fabricii fabricii en dos plantaciones de palma de aceite en Tabasco, México. Estos nuevos registros amplían el rango de hospedantes y la distribución geográfica de ambos parasitoides en la región Neotropical. Las tasas de parasitismo de C. maculata oscilaron entre 18.2% (Ejido Montaña, Jalapa) y 55.1% (Ejido Ceiba, Tacotalpa). Hubo una correlación significativa entre el número de pupas recolectadas de O. fabricii fabricii y el número de pupas parasitadas por C. maculata (Ejido Ceiba: r = 0.91; Ejido Montaña: r = 0.87). Las tasas de parasitismo de C. immaculata oscilaron entre 0% (Ejido Montaña) y 6.8% (Ejido Ceiba). Creemos que la actividad parasítica de ambas especies de Conura contribuyen a mantener relativamente bajas las densidades de población de O. fabricii fabricii. Se discuten los factores que promueven esta actividad parasítica en las plantaciones de palma de aceite y la necesidad de profundizar en el conocimiento de las interacciones tróficas de insectos defoliadores, parasitoides, e hiperparasitoides en el agroecosistema palma de aceite de la región. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated the biological control of seed extracts and chemical compounds of physic nut, Jatropha curcas through insecticidal and insectistatic activity against the armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that major constituents of the hexanic extract were oleic (40.3% 2 µL extract / 10 ml solvent (v/v)), linoleic (27.3%), and palmitic (15.8%) fatty acids, while the major constituents of the acetonic extract were oleic (47.6%), linoleic (32.8%), and palmitic (14.3%) acids. In an ingestion bioassay with neonate S. frugiperda, the extracts were evaluated at six concentrations (0, 100, 250,1,000, 2,500, and 5,000 ppm). The fatty acid extracts induced a positive relationship where the higher the concentration, the greater the effect on larval and pupal weight, the development of the larvae and pupae, and larval and pupal mortality. Hexanic and acetonic extracts at 5,000 ppm caused 100% larval mortality. The oleic and linoleic fatty acids were further evaluated at (0, 100, 160, 400, 600 and 1,000 ppm). Oleic acid at 600 ppm reduced the weights of the larvae and pupae, as well as increased the mortality of the pupa, while the linoleic acid at 400 ppm reduced the weight larvae and increased mortality larval and pupal. The values of lethal concentrations fifty and ninety (LC50-LC90) of oleic and linoleic acid were 125 - 624 ppm and 199 - 630 ppm, respectively. Extracts and fatty acids from the seeds of J. curcas can be explored as useful alternatives for the control of S. frugiperda. Se evaluó el control biológico de extractos de semillas y compuestos químicos de Jatropha curcas a través de su actividad insecticida e insectistática contra el gusano cogollero, Spodoptera frugiperda. El análisis de cromatografía de gasesespectrometría de masas mostró que los principales constituyentes del extracto hexánico eran ácidos grasos oleico (40.3% de extracto de 2 µl/10 ml de disolvente (v/v)), linoleico (27.3%) y palmítico (15.8%), mientras que los principales constituyentes del extracto acetónico fueron los ácidos: oleico (47.6%), linoleico (32.8%) y palmítico (14.3%). En un bioensayo de ingestión con larvas recién nacidas S. frugiperda, los extractos se evaluaron a seis concentraciones (0, 100, 250, 1,000, 2,500 y 5,000 ppm). Los extractos de ácidos grasos indujeron una relación positiva donde a mayor concentración, mayor efecto sobre el peso larval y pupal, el desarrollo de larvas y pupas, y la mortalidad larval y pupal. Los extractos hexánico y acetónico a 5,000 ppm causaron 100% de mortalidad larval. Los ácidos grasos oleico y linoleico se evaluaron adicionalmente (0, 100, 160, 400, 600 y 1,000 ppm). El ácido oleico a 600 ppm redujo el peso de las larvas y pupas, así como aumentó la mortalidad de las pupas, mientras que el ácido linoleico a 400 ppm redujo el peso de las larvas y aumentó la mortalidad de larvas y pupas. Los valores de concentraciones letales cincuenta y noventa (LC50-LC90) de ácido oleico y linoleico fueron 125 - 624 ppm y 199 - 630 ppm, respectivamente. Los extractos y ácidos grasos de las semillas de J. curcas pueden explorarse como alternativas útiles para el control de S. frugiperda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pupal colour of many butterflies is plastic, being green or brown depending on the environment in which they develop. In most species with pupal colour plasticity (PCP), larvae that pupate on leaves tend to develop into green pupae whereas those that pupate off‐leaf (e.g., on the stem or soil) tend to become brown. This correlation between background and pupal colour has been hypothesized to protect the butterflies against predation by allowing them to match their background, although experimental evidence is scarce. Furthermore, not all butterflies exhibit PCP, and the extent to which substrate choice influences PCP remains unclear. We use a comparative approach involving multiple, closely related species varying in the degree of PCP to test predictions related to the correlation between pupal colour and pupation substrate. We studied PCP in response to larval density in five common satyrine species (Nymphalidae), two dimorphic and three monomorphic. As predicted, species with monomorphic green pupae preferred to pupate on leaves whereas those with monomorphic brown pupae preferred off‐leaf substrates. In species with dimorphic pupae, pupal colour correlated with pupation substrate. We also predicted that higher larval density induces a greater proportion of off‐leaf pupation in the dimorphic species, but not in the monomorphic species. However, this prediction was not supported. Overall, we found a strong across‐species correlation between pupation substrate choice and pupal colour plasticity, and our results support the idea that pupal colour plasticity can be an adaptation against predation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our understanding on the interplay between gene functionality and gene arrangement at different chromosome scales relies on a few Diptera and the honeybee, species with quality reference genome assemblies, accurate gene annotations, and abundant transcriptome data. Using recently generated 'omic resources in the monarch butterfly Danaus plexippus , a species with many more and smaller chromosomes relative to Drosophila species and the honeybee, we examined the organization of genes preferentially expressed at broadly defined developmental stages (larva, pupa, adult males, and adult females) at both fine and whole-chromosome scales. We found that developmental stage–regulated genes do not form more clusters, but do form larger clusters, than expected by chance, a pattern consistent across the gene categories examined. Notably, out of the 30 chromosomes in the monarch genome, 12 of them, plus the fraction of the chromosome Z that corresponds to the ancestral Z in other Lepidoptera, were found enriched for developmental stage–regulated genes. These two levels of nonrandom gene organization are not independent as enriched chromosomes for developmental stage–regulated genes tend to harbor disproportionately large clusters of these genes. Further, although paralogous genes were overrepresented in gene clusters, their presence is not enough to explain two-thirds of the documented cases of whole-chromosome enrichment. The composition of the largest clusters often included paralogs from more than one multigene family as well as unrelated single-copy genes. Our results reveal intriguing patterns at the whole-chromosome scale in D. plexippus while shedding light on the interplay between gene expression and chromosome organization beyond Diptera and Hymenoptera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although several aspects like diapause determining factors, population structure, reproductive physiology, and genetics of diapause have been investigated, there is no clarity on carbohydrate energetics during larval diapause in Chilo partellus (Swinhoe). Present studies revealed significant variation between the nondiapausing and diapausing C. partellus for total carbohydrates, glycogen, sorbitol, and trehalose contents in different body parts, life stages, and for body parts × life stages interaction. Total carbohydrate content started declining, while sorbitol and trehalose increased in all the body parts as the C. partellus larvae progressed from prediapausing to diapausing state. However, glycogen content spiked in all the body parts at prediapausing stage, which then declined during diapause. Among the body parts, total carbohydrate content was significantly greater in the hemolymph as compared to other body parts of both larvae and pupae of C. partellus. Glycogen content was significantly greater in the larval fat bodies and pupal hemolymph as compared to their other body parts. In diapausing larvae, sorbitol and trehalose were greater in the integument than in other body parts. Furthermore, there was spike in trehalose and decrease in sorbitol in all the body parts of pupae from diapausing than those from nondiapausing larvae. These findings suggest that the diapause alterate and/or fluctuate major carbohydrates in different body parts of both larvae and pupae of C. partellus. This information will be helpful in better understanding the diapause energetics and overwintering metabolic cryoprotection in insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]