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BACKGROUND: Widespread resistance of insect pests to insecticides and transgenic crops in the field is a significant challenge for sustainable agriculture, and calls for the development of novel alternative strategies to control insect pests. One potential resource for the discovery of novel insecticidal molecules is natural toxins, particularly those derived from the venoms of insect predators. RESULTS: In this study, we identified three insecticidal proteinaceous toxins from the venom glands (VGs) of the predatory stink bug, Arma custos (Hemiptera: Asopinae). Transcriptomic analysis of A. custos VGs revealed 151 potentially secreted VG‐rich venom proteins. Three VG‐rich venom proteins (designated AcVP1 ~ 3) were produced by overexpression in Escherichia coli. Injection of the recombinant proteins into tobacco cutworm (Spodoptera litura) larvae showed that all of the three recombinant proteins caused paralysis, liquefaction and death. Injection of recombinant proteins into rice brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) nymphs showed higher insecticidal activities, among which a trypsin (AcVP2) caused 100% mortality postinjection at 1.27 pmol mg−1 body weight. CONCLUSION: A natural toolkit for the discovery of insecticidal toxins from predatory insects has been revealed by the present study. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This preliminary study aims to shed light on the behaviour of some predatory entomofauna species found in the snail farms of Sardinia. We observed the interactions between snails and their natural predators in laboratory conditions. This approach enabled us to address a significant gap in the scientific literature by investigating whether specific types of shell damage could be characteristic of certain insect families or species. Heliciculture farms are susceptible to significant biotic issues that can impact snail breeding, among them, the entomofauna predation of snails. Predatory insects can cause damage to snail shells during predation, and sometimes, the specific type of damage may be characteristic of certain insect families or species. Under laboratory conditions, we analysed the predatory activity of the species Silpha tristis Illiger, 1798 (Coleoptera: Silphidae), Ocypus olens (Müller, 1764) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), Carabus (Macrothorax) morbillosus constantinus Kraatz, 1899 (Coleoptera: Carabidae), and Lampyris sardiniae Geisthardt, 1987 (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) against the gastropod Cornu aspersum (Müller, 1774) reared on snail farms located in the Sardinian region. The adult and larval stages of each species were tested, except for L. sardiniae, as only the larval stage preys upon snails. This study showed that among all of the species considered, only two insects were able to damage the shell of C. aspersum: C. morbillosus constantinus and O.olens. This may prove valuable in C. aspersum breeding for the recognition of specific lesions, even in the absence of the predator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed cropping with legumes may mitigate negative impacts of maize, Zea mays L. (Poaceae), production on arthropods by providing additional habitat structures and food resources. Still, knowledge about effects of less common legume partner crops for mixed cropping of maize is scarce. Activity density of epigeic predatory arthropods and proxies for ecosystem functions related to biological pest control were assessed on an experimental field. Plots of mixed cropping of maize and sainfoin, Onobrychis viciifolia Scop. (Fabaceae), and respective single plant species (plot size: 6 × 5 m; n = 48) differed in combination of the seed rate of each partner crop and tillage treatment. Using the "rapid ecosystem function assessment" approach in each plot on three occasions, we tested whether the activity density of generalist arthropod predators and their associated ecosystem functions can be promoted by mixed cropping of maize with sainfoin. Our data show that, compared with tilled maize as a pure culture, mixed cropping can increase activity density of generalist arthropod predators and insect predation potential but effects were limited to strip‐tilled cropping systems and partly depended on sampling date. Thus, from an ecological viewpoint, mixed cropping of sainfoin and maize in strip‐till systems offers the possibility to promote predatory insects and their potential for pest regulation. However, this system is inherently more prone to weed occurrence. Competition effects between cropping partners and weeds may reduce yields and hence lead to trade‐offs between enhancement of arthropods and economic viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The sweet potato whitefly is a major global pest in vegetable production. The management of this pest has typically relied heavily on insecticide treatments. Many populations of sweet potato whitefly are now resistant to insecticides. Therefore, alternative means to control this pest are needed. Many predatory insects consume sweet potato whiteflies, so helping lure and attract both predators and the pest to the same location could improve control. This study investigates attractive odors for sweet potato whiteflies and two predator species that could be used to improve sweet potato whitefly pest management. Traditionally, olfaction was thought to play a minor role in the behavioral ecology of the sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). However, recent research is uncovering significant potential for whitefly management based on olfaction. Incorporating chemical attractants with standard whitefly management programs could significantly improve control. The integration of attractants with biological control is exceptionally promising. Therefore, the behavioral response of B. tabaci and two generalist predators to the green leaf volatiles (E)-2-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, and (Z)-3-hexe-1-ol were investigated in Y-tube olfactometers. Three of the four green leaf volatiles resulted in the attraction of female B. tabaci. Blend optimization indicated a two-chemical blend to be the most attractive blend for female B. tabaci. In addition, this blend was attractive to female Macrolophus praeclarus (Distant) but did not elicit a behavioral response from either male or female Delphastus catalinae (Horn). The two-chemical blend of green leaf volatiles could be further developed as a lure to attract B. tabaci and its predator, M. praeclarus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of pathogens and other natural enemies to suppress pest populations is a key component of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. As biocontrol agents may interact synergistically, additively, or antagonistically, it is crucial to assess their interactions for effective pest management. In this study, we investigated the effect of three entomopathogenic fungus (EPF) species—Beauveria bassiana (Bals.‐Criv.) Vuill. CEP 091, Akanthomyces muscarius (Petch) Spatafora, Kepler & B. Shrestha CEP 182, and Cordyceps fumosorosea (Wize) Kepler, B. Shrestha & Spatafora CEP 315 (all Hypocreales)—on the survival, fecundity, and searching behavior of Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae). All three EPF species were found to be pathogenic to O. insidiosus, resulting in a significant decrease in survival compared with the control group. Fecundity remained unaffected by the fungal treatments. No effect of EPF on searching behavior of the predator was found. In relation to the searching behavior, individuals of 2 days post‐infections remained in the food patch longer than individuals of 7 days post‐infections, regardless of treatment. These findings provide valuable insights into the compatibility of EPF and O. insidiosus as combined biocontrol agents for managing whiteflies, aphids, and thrips. Understanding the interactions between EPF and predatory insects is crucial for developing IPM strategies that maximize pest control efficacy. Further studies should explore the long‐term effects of EPF on O. insidiosus populations and their overall impact on pest management in agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial and temporal distribution of food resources influences predatory insects' foraging and dispersal behavior. Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) is a good biological control agent of western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), in the strawberry crop and consumes two‐spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), and pollen as well. Augmentative biological control programs may fail if, following release, predators disperse from the crop. We studied the dispersal of O. insidiosus as a function of pollen availability, density of their main prey WFT, and the presence of the alternative prey TSSM, within and between strawberry plants. We found that O. insidiosus remained on the flowers during the 24 h of the assay. The dispersal of predators to a neighboring flower with thrips was approximately six times greater from a flower without pollen than from a flower with pollen. When TSSM was the only prey available, O. insidiosus colonized the leaves, and its dispersal within the plant was greater. At the plot scale, the predator dispersal from the release plant to other plants also depended on the presence of flowering plants and prey. Our results highlight the importance of flowering plants and pollen availability in enhancing the persistence of O. insidiosus in strawberry plants. Releases of this predator in the strawberry crop should be after the beginning of flowering, even at low WFT densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbivorous insects generally choose host plants that optimize their growth. However, many specialists choose chemically defended host plants that slow their growth, prioritizing protection from natural enemies.Invasive specialist herbivores may have an added advantage in their non‐native range where they lack co‐evolved specialist natural enemies, in addition to being unpalatable to generalist predators.Here, we explore the diet preferences of the invasive yellowmargined leaf beetle, Microtheca ochroloma and those of native natural enemies. We measured M. ochroloma preferences among six Brassica cultivars varying in glucosinolate concentrations.In both field and laboratory experiments, M. ochroloma preferred the relatively less defended host plants, mizuna and Chinese cabbage. M. ochroloma grew quickest on mizuna.Generalist predators also preferred to eat M. ochroloma larvae that had been fed mizuna in choice trials, yet in the field, predatory insects were least commonly found on mizuna, and most commonly found on plants dominated by native herbivores.M. ochroloma consumes plants that increase their susceptibility to predators, but predation pressure in the field appears to be generally low. Our results suggest that invasive specialist herbivores may prioritize growth over protection against natural enemies.Weak top‐down regulation of specialist herbivore invaders might enable them to exploit less‐defended host plants in their novel range that facilitate faster growth and exacerbate crop damage. Invasive pests may be more effectively managed by leveraging plant preferences in the novel host range in trap crop systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I examined 107 shining cuckoos that died accidentally in the northern North Island, New Zealand, during 39 years. Birds arriving on migration in spring were all in adult plumage. Juveniles occurred mainly from January to March. The sex-ratio of adults was 1:1. In several measurements, females were slightly larger than males on average, and adults slightly larger than juveniles. Gonad size suggested readiness for breeding from September to January (inclusive). Ninety-one gizzards held a total of 3754 arthropod food items. Insects (10 orders) made up around 94% of items and just two orders accounted for 79% of food items: caterpillars (larval Lepidoptera, 55%) and beetles (Coleoptera, 24%). 'Spiny' caterpillars made up roughly 8% of total caterpillars. Ladybirds (Coccinellidae) made up 21% of beetles. Shining cuckoos ate small prey, mostly 1–10 mm long (44%) and 11–20 mm long (43%). By eating hairy caterpillars and ladybirds, shining cuckoos exert predatory control on insects that other birds avoid. By gorging (up to 258 insects per stomach) the cuckoo might dampen the impact of herbivorous insects (e.g. caterpillar infestations) on plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea level rise threatens ecosystem function in coastal lakes by increasing salinity and altering community composition. As mobile generalists, fish have considerable influence on the stability of a system by impacting trophic network structure. Understanding their diet across abiotic gradients, including salinity, can show key characteristics of their ecological role, and predator diet shifts may serve as warning signs of food web restructuring. Stomach contents analysis was used to look at the diet of Retropinna retropinna (common smelt) across shallow coastal lakes on Rēkohu (Chatham Island). Smelt diets from 10 lakes (seven freshwater; three salt-influenced) were analysed. Comparisons of salt-influenced and freshwater lakes showed shifts in composition. Smelt in freshwater lakes predominantly consumed herbivorous, omnivorous, or predatory insect larvae while diet in salt-influenced lakes was dominanted by crustacean shredders. Population diet varied somewhat less among salt-influenced lakes than among freshwater lakes, suggesting homogenisation of smelt diet with salinity. Differences in composition and heterogeneity did not translate to consistent differences in total niche width or individual specialisation between freshwater and salt-influenced lakes. Further development of knowledge on biological structure across salinity gradients is essential to understand ecosystem function under future climate scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of supplementary food spray on the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and beneficial insects (predominantly predatory insects) was studied in commercial maize field experiments from 2020 to 2022. The food spray formulation was developed from local ingredients in Vietnam, both with and without neem extract. The sugar-based rice dough product attracted and sustained beneficial insects, significantly reducing fall armyworm populations. Compared to conventional insecticide treatments, the net margin achieved in plots treated with food spray was higher ($3,467) to $3,394 in the conventional insecticide-treated plots demonstrating its economic viability (1 AUD=17.28 VND). Our study observed an average predator-to-prey ratio of 9.2:1 per plant in the food-spray-treated plots, and that was effective in managing the fall armyworm throughout the season. We propose that this ratio can serve as a valuable parameter and decisionmaking tool in food spray-based Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs against fall armyworm in maize fields. Therefore, we suggest that food sprays can be incorporated into IPM strategies to successfully manage fall armyworm infestation in maize crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In recent years, with global warming and climate change, there have been many cases of successful hornet invasions in some areas. The successful invasion of hornets not only has an impact on local human security and economic activities, but also seriously threatens the bee ecosystem, which has attracted the attention of scientists. Therefore, taking some measures to suppress the foraging and expansion of hornets becomes an important subject. Compared with attractant trapping and poison baits, hornet-tracking technology, which tracks hornets to find their nests, is a more efficient and feasible method. This review paper discusses several common hornet-tracking methods, analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of different methods, and provides a theoretical basis for the development of hornet-tracking technology. Hornet is a general term for insects of the genus Vespa (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). Hornets are predatory insects distributed worldwide. They often appear at apiaries in groups to prey on honey bees, and cause incalculable losses in the honey bee industry. In the face of hornet intrusion, tracking a homing hornet to find its nest is the most efficient way to discover and eliminate the hornets around an apiary. Here, five hornet-tracking methods (hornet tag tracking, triangulation, thermal imaging technology, harmonic radar, and radio telemetry) are reviewed. The advantages, disadvantages and feasibility of each method are discussed to improve the strategies for tracking hornets. Therefore, this review provides ideas for the development of hornet-tracking technology and for improving honey bee protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pitaya, Hylocereus spp. (Caryophyllales: Cactaceae) has been one of the new species cultivated in Türkiye in recent years. There are many limiting factors, including pests, diseases and weeds, to decrease the yield and fruit quality in pitaya (dragon fruit) areas in Türkiye. In addition, the pests of pitaya is not fully studied therefore this research has been conducted to determine mealybug species in pitaya greenhouses in Türkiye. The present study aimed to determine mealybug species and its natural enemies (parasitoids, and predator insects) in pitaya greenhouses in Adana, Mersin, and Antalya between 2021 and 2022. According to results of this study, 2 different mealybug species was determined; Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley 1898, Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, 1923 (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in pitaya greenhouses. Moreover one parasitoid (Aenasius arizonensis Girault (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), and two different predatory insects from 2 different orders and 2 different families (Chrysoperla carnea Stephens (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), Nephus includens Kirsch (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were detected within this research. These two invasive mealybug species have wide spectrum host plants and may cause economically important damages to pitaya, if natural enemies cannot work successfully or control strategies do not applied properly in pitaya greenhouses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article investigates the population dynamics of whitefly Bemisia tabaci and its natural enemies on cotton cultivars. The study examines the population of whitefly adults and maximum parasitization of whitefly nymphs in Desi, American and Bt cotton cultivars, as well as its natural enemies, predators like coccinellids and spiders. It evaluates the influence of weather patterns including maximum and minimum temperature and wind velocity on whitefly buildup.

Infestations have persisted following a sudden and intense outbreak of the bark beetle Orthotomicus erosus along the Croatian coast, necessitating a continuous battle against this pest. A recommended protective action is the utilization of pheromone traps for population surveillance. Previous monitoring efforts have recorded an exceptionally high capture rate of natural enemies using pheromone traps; these traps inadvertently prevented natural enemies from fulfilling their essential role in controlling bark beetle populations. To address and significantly diminish instances of this unintended capture, our study designed a modification to the Theysohn-type pheromone trap by integrating a metal mesh within the trapping container. An experimental setup was established in Marjan Forest Park, situated on a peninsula bordered by the sea on three sides and partly by the city of Split. For monitoring purposes, unmodified standard pheromone traps were deployed at the onset of a significant O. erosus outbreak in Croatia in 2018. Catch data from 2020 to 2022 show a marked decrease in the bark beetle population, indicating a shift toward a latent phase. In 2022, modified traps were integrated into the existing monitoring setup, consisting of 10 pairs, to evaluate whether modifications to the traps could significantly reduce the capture of the bark beetle's natural enemies, specifically Temnoscheila caerulea, Thanasimus formicarius, and Aulonium ruficorne. The objective is to offer recommendations for forestry practices on employing pheromone traps with minimal disturbance to the ecological equilibrium. Our findings indicate that the modifications to the traps markedly decreased the capture of natural predators, particularly T. caerulea, which was the predominant predatory insect found in the traps. Simultaneously, captures of the target species, all bark beetles in the trap, were marginally reduced. This decrease in the capture rates of the target bark beetle species, O. erosus, is not considered problematic when pheromone traps are utilized primarily for monitoring purposes. The modifications to the traps significantly reduced the capture of common bark beetle predators, thereby facilitating a more balanced strategy in forest protection efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mantodea (praying mantises) is a group of exclusively predatory insects, which, together with nonraptorial blattodeans (cockroaches and termites) and groups exclusively found in the fossil record, form the group Dictyoptera. A central characteristic of Mantodea is the specialization of their first pair of legs as raptorial grasping appendages, but the evolution from walking to raptorial legs is not yet fully understood. Here, we trace the evolution of the raptorial appendages in Dictyoptera through time using a morphometric (morphospaces) approach. We also describe two new mantodean nymphs preserved in amber from the Cretaceous and Eocene, which expand the scarce mantodean fossil record. Blattodean and mantodean appendages appear distinct in morphospace, but several appendages of fossil non‐mantodeans can be considered raptorial, providing a potential transitional link between walking and raptorial morphotypes. Therefore, we discuss potential mantodean affinities for other predatory fossil dictyopterans. We examine changes across extant mantodeans, characterized by a straightening of the tibia especially associated with the rise of the diversification of the Mantidea and discuss whether a thickening of the femur could reflect an early adaptation to cursorial hunting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rickettsia, a group of intracellular bacteria found in eukaryotes, exhibits diverse lifestyles, with some acting as vertebrate pathogens transmitted by arthropod vectors and others serving as maternally transmitted arthropod endosymbionts, some of which manipulate host reproduction for their own benefit. Two phenotypes, namely male-killing and parthenogenesis induction are known as Rickettsia-induced host reproductive manipulations, but it remains unknown whether Rickettsia can induce other types of host manipulation. In this study, we discovered that Rickettsia induced strong cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), in which uninfected females produce no offspring when mated with infected males, in the predatory insect Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera: Miridae). Molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Rickettsia strain was related to Rickettsia bellii, a common insect endosymbiont. Notably, this strain carried plasmid-encoded homologues of the CI-inducing factors (namely cifA-like and cifB-like genes), typically found in Wolbachia, which are well-known CI-inducing endosymbionts. Protein domain prediction revealed that the cifB-like gene encodes PD-(D/E)XK nuclease and deubiquitinase domains, which are responsible for Wolbachia-induced CI, as well as ovarian tumour-like (OTU-like) cysteine protease and ankyrin repeat domains. These findings suggest that Rickettsia and Wolbachia endosymbionts share underlying mechanisms of CI and that CI-inducing ability was acquired by microbes through horizontal plasmid transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a survey of gall-inducing aphids on pistachio trees in Razavi-Khorasan Province, larvae of a parasitic mite were collected inside the galls of Forda hirsuta (Aphididae). The mite was identified as Erythraeus (Erythraeus) pistacicus Haitlinger, Mehrnejad & Šundić based on morphological, and molecular data. This is the first record of this mite from the host aphid, F. hirsuta, and also the third record of the occurrence of the mite in Iran. The survey of possible infections with bacterial symbionts in natural populations of E. (E.) pistacicus from Mashhad and Feizabad localities in northeastern Iran revealed the presence of three bacterial symbionts, Wolbachia, Planomicrobium, and Cardinium at different infection rates (55%, 30%, and 10% respectively), while Arsenophonus, Rickettsia, and Spiroplasma were not detected. Investigating bacterial symbionts in predatory insects/mites provide a valuable framework for better understanding the complex interactions between symbionts and their hosts and will lead to developing more efficacious biocontrol strategies particularly, those seeking to decrease reliance on chemical pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multitrophic interactions are common in nature and play a major role in modulating life‐history traits in predatory insects. The sequestration of chemicals and the transfer of nutrients from one trophic level to a higher trophic level have been reported previously. However, the effect of cannibalism, which is prevalent in the food chain, has not been explored yet. In this study, we hypothesised that the varying nutritional condition of the victim would significantly influence the life‐history traits of adult Menochilus sexmaculatus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). To test this hypothesis, we provided fourth‐instar individuals with first‐instar victims of varying nutritional quality for cannibalism. To create victims of varying nutritional quality, first‐instar victims were fed on high‐quality aphids [Aphis craccivora Koch (Hemiptera: Aphididae)], low‐quality aphids (Aphis nerii Boyer de Fonscolombe) and conspecific eggs. The cannibalistic groups were tested against the control group, in which the fourth instars were provided with their natural prey, A. craccivora. Our results revealed a significant difference in the consumption of prey by the fourth instars between the diet groups, with the control group consuming the most prey. The developmental duration of fourth instars was not significantly influenced by the victims' diet or the amount of victims cannibalised. Furthermore, neither the victims' diet nor the amount of victims cannibalised affected the mating (time to commence mating and copulation duration) and reproductive parameters (egg viability and fecundity) in M. sexmaculatus. Cannibalism here might have compensated for the low‐quality victims, resulting in insignificant effects on the life‐history traits of M. sexmaculatus. Otherwise, given the short duration of the first instars and their potentially limited ability to sequester significant amounts of plant allelochemicals, it is possible that their diet did not affect the development, mating and reproductive attributes of the cannibals. Thus, the use of higher instars as victims may yield substantially different outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects play a crucial role in all ecosystems, and are increasingly exposed to higher in temperature extremes under climate change, which can have substantial effects on their abundances. However, the effects of temperature on changes in abundances or population fitness are filtered through differential responses of life‐history components, such as survival, reproduction, and development, to their environment. Such differential responses, or trade‐offs, have been widely studied in birds and mammals, but comparative studies on insects are largely lacking, limiting our understanding of key mechanisms that may buffer or exacerbate climate‐change effects across insect species. Here, we performed a systematic literature review of the ecological studies of lacewings (Neuroptera), predatory insects that play a crucial role in ecosystem pest regulation, to investigate the impact of temperature on life cycle dynamics across species. We found quantitative information, linking stage‐specific survival, development, and reproduction to temperature variation, for 62 species from 39 locations. We then performed a metanalysis calculating sensitives to temperature across life‐history processes for all publications. We found that developmental times consistently decreased with temperature for all species. Survival and reproduction however showed a weaker response to temperature, and temperature sensitivities varied substantially among species. After controlling for the effect of temperature on life‐history processes, the latter covaried consistently across two main axes of variation related to instar and pupae development, suggesting the presence of life‐history trade‐offs. Our work provides new information that can help generalize life‐history responses of insects to temperature, which can then expand comparative demographic and climate‐change research. We also discuss important remaining knowledge gaps, such as a better assessment of adult survival and diapause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The predatory insects Macrolophus pygmaeus Ramber (Heteroptera: Miridae) and Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter (Heteroptera: Miridae) are important biological control agents used commercially for the control of main pests in greenhouses, such as Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and whiteflies (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae). In this study, we investigated the predation efficacy of young and old females and males of the two mirid bugs, M. pygmaeus and N. tenuis, when feeding on eggs of T. absoluta on tomato leaves. Young females of M. pygmaeus exhibited a higher predation efficiency compared to old ones, whereas males displayed a consistently low efficiency of predation irrespective of their age. Both young females and males of N. tenuis displayed a similarly high predation efficiency, although the old females exhibited a higher efficiency of predation compared to their male counterparts, but lower than the efficacy of the M. pygmaeus individuals. Our findings indicate that the two predatory species have different functional response characteristics to their prey depending mainly on their sex and age which may influence their efficacy as biological control agents. The predatory mirids Macrolophus pygmaeus Ramber (Heteroptera: Miridae) and Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter (Heteroptera: Miridae) are used for the biological control of Tuta absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and other pests in tomato greenhouses. The functional response of 1-day-old (young) and 10-day-old (old) adult females and males of M. pygmaeus and N. tenuis on eggs of T. absoluta was determined on tomato at two temperatures (20 °C and 25 °C) and LD 16:8. Females of M. pygmaeus exhibited higher predation efficiency than males at both tested temperatures. Young M. pygmaeus females had a higher efficiency than old ones, whereas males had a low efficiency irrespective of age. The predation efficiency of N. tenuis was high (but lower than M. pygmaeus) in both young females and males, although old females had a higher efficiency than the respective males. Our results show that the two predatory species have different functional response characteristics to their prey depending mainly on sex and age, which may affect their role as biological control agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Orius laevigatus (Fieber 1860) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) is a commercially used predator against soft-bodied pests in greenhouses. Many researchers have done studies on oviposition preference and hatching rate of O. laevigatus which are essential components for the mass-rearing studies of biocontrol agents. In addition, the effects of succulent plants and their potential to use for mass-rearing of O. laevigatus have not fully examined. This study has been done to determine the most suitable host plant for the oviposition preference of O. laevigatus at laboratory conditons between the year 2021 and 2022. No-choice and choice experiments were conducted for the five different succulent plants (Sedum nussbaumerianum Bitter, Kalanchoe daigremontiana Raym.-Hamet & H.Perrier, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Poelln. (Saxifragales: Crassulaceae), Senecio barbertonicus Klatt. (Asterales: Asteraceae) and Aptenia cordifolia (L.f.) N.E.Br. (Caryophyllales: Aizoaceae) at 25ºC ± 2. %65 ± 10 relative humidity, and 16:8 L: D in climate rooms; According to the results of the No-choice experiment, Kalonchoe blossfeldiana, A. cordifolia, and S. barbertonicus were found the most successful host plant in terms of daily (5.14 ± 0.33, 6.73 ± 0.43, 6.19 ± 0.43) and total laid eggs (74.24 ± 5.70, 61.64 ± 4.51, 84.67 ± 5.50) and hatching ratio (75.01 ± 3.45, 74.40 ± 2.06, 64.26 ± 3.00). Out of these three host plants used for the choice experiment, Kalonchoe blossfeldiana was determined as the most suitable host plant in terms of daily and total laid eggs (3.42 ± 0.38, 33.28 ± 3.98), and hatching rate (22 72.40 ± 2.80 per cent). Consequently, K. blossfeldiana was found to be the most suitable host plant in terms of oviposition and hatching performance for the mas-rearing of O. laevigatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation caused by human activities represent one of the greatest causes of biodiversity loss. However, the effects of habitat loss and fragmentation are not felt equally among species. Here, we examined how habitat loss influenced the diversity and abundance of species from different trophic levels, with different traits, by taking advantage of an inadvertent experiment that created habitat islands from a once continuous forest via the creation of the Thousand Island Lake, a large reservoir in China. On 28 of these islands with more than a 9000‐fold difference in their area (0.12–1154 ha), we sampled plants, herbivorous insects, and predatory insects using effort‐controlled sampling and analyses. This allowed us to discern whether any observed differences in species diversity were due to passive sampling alone or to demographic effects that disproportionately influenced some species relative to others. We found that while most metrics of sampling effort‐controlled diversity increased with island area, the strength of the effect was exacerbated for species in higher trophic levels. When we more explicitly examined differences in species composition among islands, we found that the pairwise difference in species composition among islands was dominated by species turnover but that nestedness increased with differences in island area, indicating that some species are more likely to be absent from smaller islands. Furthermore, by examining trends of several dispersal‐related traits of species, we found that species with lower dispersal propensity tended to be those that were lost from smaller islands, which was observed for herbivorous and predatory insects. Our results emphasize the importance of incorporating within‐patch demographic effects, as well as the taxa and traits of species when understanding the influence of habitat loss on biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant diversity aboveground can exert top‐down pressure on herbivores by attracting predatory insects, while organic soil amendments rich in beneficial microbes can limit herbivores from the bottom‐up by enhancing plant defensive chemistry. Aboveground and belowground forces always operate simultaneously to shape herbivore pressure, but understanding how they interact is a longstanding and persistent challenge.Here, we examine how organic composts mediate the effects of plant diversity across trophic levels, using zucchini plants (Cucurbita pepo) as a study system. Over two field seasons, we manipulated vermicompost treatments in 18 experiments in school gardens that varied in surrounding plant and floral resource diversity and measured responses of insect herbivores and their natural enemies.Vermicompost strengthened a positive relationship between flower richness and foliar‐feeding omnivores, suggesting that robust reservoirs of omnivores at flower‐rich sites mounted stronger responses to compost‐treated host plants.Predators increased with flower richness, but were not affected by vermicompost.Net outcomes of vermicompost and plant diversity were neutral for herbivores.Synthesis and applications. Altogether, our results reveal that bottom‐up factors protecting plants are modified by their environmental context, and may more effectively attract natural enemies in landscapes with diverse floral resources. Therefore, we recommend augmentation of biodiversity aboveground (i.e. floral resources) together with biodiversity belowground (organic soil amendments) to strengthen crop protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Paederus fuscipes belongs to the Coleoptera order, Staphylinidae family, and Paederus genus, and has a wide distribution. It is a predatory insect and serves as a predatory natural enemy of agricultural and forestry pests. Additionally, it acts as a vector for Paederus dermatitis in most tropical and subtropical countries worldwide. In this study, we utilized the MaxEnt model and ArcGIS software to predict the current and future suitable habitat distribution of P. fuscipes, considering known distribution information, and climate and environmental factors. The results indicate that high suitability areas for P. fuscipes in China are mainly concentrated in the Shandong Hills, the North China Plain, and the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Plain. Predictions based on future climate change scenarios show a significant decrease in high and low suitability areas while the moderately suitable area increases (except for the SSP2-4.5 scenario in the 2090s). This study promotes the use of P. fuscipes as a biological control agent against other pests and provides essential references for its application in agricultural and forestry pest control. Paederus fuscipes Curtis, 1826, belongs to the Coleoptera order, Staphylinidae family, and Paederus genus (Fabricius, 1775). It has a wide distribution and strong invasive and environmental adaptation capabilities. As a predatory natural enemy of agricultural and forestry pests, understanding its suitable habitat is crucial for the control of other pests. This study, for the first time, uses the MaxEnt model and ArcGIS software, combining known distribution information of P. fuscipes and climate environmental factors to predict the current and future suitable habitat distribution of this insect. The key environmental variables affecting the distribution of P. fuscipes have been identified as mean diurnal range (mean of monthly (max temp-min temp)) (bio2), isothermality (Bio2/Bio7) (*100) (bio3), minimum temperature of the coldest month (bio6), temperature annual range (bio5-bio6) (bio7), mean temperature of the driest quarter (bio9), mean temperature of the coldest quarter (bio11), precipitation of the wettest month (bio13), precipitation of the driest month (bio14), and precipitation seasonality (coefficient of variation) (bio15). The highly suitable areas for P. fuscipes in China are mainly distributed in the hilly regions of Shandong, the North China Plain, and the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Plain, with a total suitable area of 118.96 × 104 km2, accounting for 12.35% of China's total area. According to future climate change scenarios, it is predicted that the area of highly and lowly suitable regions will significantly decrease, while moderately suitable regions will increase (except for the 2090s, SSP2-4.5 scenario). These research findings provide important theoretical support for pest control and ecological conservation applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In the practice of biological control, it is often necessary to store predatory insects for a long period of time. The plant bug Macrolophus pygmaeus is as predatory species, mass-reared and widely used for the biological control of insect and mite pests in greenhouses. The purpose of the current study was to determine which conditions are optimal for the long-term low-temperature storage of this species and how long its nymphs can be stored. We evaluated the impact of different periods of storage (0–120 days) at different temperatures (3, 6, 9, and 12 °C) on third instar nymphs of M. pygmaeus (with or without access to food) on their survival, as well as on adult emergence and female fecundity. When nymphs did not have access to food, their longevity decreased with an increase in temperature during the storage period. At temperature 3 °C, the maximum longevity was about 40 days. However, at 9 °C, the longest longevity of nymphs fed on eggs of the grain moth Sitotroga cerealella was about 150 days. We concluded that third instar nymphs of M. pygmaeus fed with eggs of the grain moth could be stored at 9 °C for 30 days with a moderate (10–20%) decrease in survival and fecundity, whereas survival of starved nymphs decreased by half after 10 days of storage at 3 °C. Long-term storage is an important component of insect mass-rearing systems, prolonging the shelf life of biocontrol agents during a low-demand period or a temporary lack of suitable food. Macrolophus pygmaeus is a predatory heteropteran, mass-reared and widely used for the biological control of arthropod pests in greenhouses. With the aim to determine the optimal conditions and acceptable duration of cold storage, we evaluated the impact of different periods of storage of fed and starved third instar nymphs of M. pygmaeus at different temperatures on nymphal survival, adult emergence, and female fecundity. Four storage temperatures (3, 6, 9, and 12 °C) were tested. The longevity of starved nymphs decreased with an increase in the storage temperature, with a maximum of about 40 days at 3 °C, whereas the longest lifetime of nymphs fed on eggs of the grain moth Sitotroga cerealella (about 150 days) was observed at 9 °C. Further experiments demonstrated that the third instar nymphs of M. pygmaeus fed with eggs of the grain moth can be stored at 9 °C for 30 days, with a moderate (10–20%) decrease in survival and fecundity, whereas the survival of starved nymphs decreased by half after 10 days of storage at 3 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet pepper is a crop that benefits from phytosanitary treatments with low environmental impact, especially the successful control of pests through the introduction of biological control agents in greenhouses. However, predators that naturally occur in these surroundings often enter greenhouses. The precise roles of these natural predators and their interactions with the introduced predatory insects and mites are often unknown. This study investigated the relationships between Nesidiocoris tenuis, which is naturally present, and Amblyseius swirskii and Orius laevigatus, which are two species of generalist predators released for the control of multiple pests. This study was conducted for two years on 13 commercial sweet pepper crops in various types of greenhouses (tunnels and traditional greenhouses) in Sicily. The environmental complexity value (ECV) for each site was estimated based on 18 points detected around the site according to the different habitats that occurred at each coordinate. The results showed that the occurrence of N. tenuis in greenhouses, independently of their typology (tunnel or traditional greenhouse), was mainly promoted by the greater diversification of habitats immediately surrounding the pepper crops (in a circular area with a diameter of 500 mt), with an increase in its density during the crop season. Moreover, N. tenuis–O. laevigatus's co-occurrence in flowers suggested that they were not impacted by each other's presence and that their co-occurrence had a significant effect on pest reduction, although their co-occurrence was density-dependent. As an intraguild predator, N. tenuis competed with O. laevigatus for Frankliniella occidentalis when many predators were present. In addition, N. tenuis also competed with A. swirskii when they both occurred in flowers at a higher density. This study highlights the importance of pepper plant flowers in promoting a higher occurrence of juvenile forms of N. tenuis within flowers. Amblyseius swirskii colonized the plants in 3 weeks, distributing itself almost uniformly over the leaves with a clear control action against not only Bemisia tabaci but also F. occidentalis when present on the flowers. Thus, this concurrent analysis of several commercial pepper sites within the same production area suggests that, even with similar pest control plans, the diverse variability in the presence of natural enemies must be considered when selecting control strategies for pepper crop pests and that N. tenuis, favored by complex surrounding habitats, contributes actively to pest reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Ischnura senegalensis, a beneficial insect predator in the paddy fields, is perilously confronted with the survival challenges posed by insecticide application. In this study, we delved into the toxicity of indoxacarb on the larvae of I. senegalensis. Through behavioral experiments and transcriptome analyses, we uncovered that indoxacarb caused abnormal body movements and locomotory impairments, thereby posing a threat to larval survival. Notably, genes related to muscle function were significantly impacted. While lower concentrations of indoxacarb may be mitigated by the cytochrome P450 gene, higher concentrations significantly diminished the larvae's sensory abilities and hampered toxicity degradation. Our findings highlight the importance of meticulously considering the impact of insecticides on non-target predatory insects before their widespread application. Ischnura senegalensis, which widely spreads in paddy fields, has the potential to be used as a natural predator of insect pests. However, the application of insecticides in the field could pose a threat to the survival of I. senegalensis. Among these pesticides, indoxacarb, an oxadiazine insecticide, is renowned for its broad-spectrum efficacy against numerous insect pests. In this study, we examined the toxicity of indoxacarb towards the larvae of I. senegalensis. Behavioral experiments and transcriptome analyses were conducted under indoxacarb treatments. Results revealed that indoxacarb induced abnormal body gestures and significant locomotory impairments, which could ultimately reduce the survival rate of the larvae in their natural habitat. Moreover, transcriptome analyses indicated that genes related to muscle function were significantly affected. Interestingly, at lower concentrations of indoxacarb (0.004 mg/L), the larvae seem to detoxify the indoxacarb with the aid of the cytochrome P450 gene. However, under higher concentrations (0.4 mg/L), the sensory abilities of the larvae were significantly diminished, and they were unable to degrade the toxicity of indoxacarb. Our study underscores the importance of carefully evaluating the impact of insecticides on non-target predatory insects before their widespread application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani) is an important predatory insect, primarily preying on aphids. The effective control of diapause in A. aphidimyza is a crucial practical issue in the field of biological pest control and large-scale artificial insect breeding. Previous research has shown that, in the European strain of A. aphidimyza, diapause occurs during the larval stage in the cocoon, it has a day-long response, and it enters diapause when the day length decreases. In this study, we evaluated the effects of photoperiod and temperature on the incidence of diapause in A. aphidimyza. We found that the diapause occurs in the cocooning larvae stage, and the highest diapause rate was recorded at under 15 °C and 10L:14D photoperiod conditions. Transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the glucose metabolism pathway. The aphidophagous gall midge, Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a dominant natural enemy of aphids, has been used as a biological control agent in many countries to control aphids in greenhouses. To identify key factors that induce diapause in A. aphidimyza, we evaluated the effects of photoperiod and temperature on the incidence of diapause in A. aphidimyza under laboratory conditions. The results showed that temperature and photoperiod had significant impacts on development and diapause in A. aphidimyza. Low temperatures and a short photoperiod inhibited development, while high temperatures and a long photoperiod promoted development. Temperatures above 20 °C and a photoperiod greater than 14 h prevented diapause in A. aphidimyza. However, the highest diapause rate was recorded at under 15 °C and 10L:14D photoperiod conditions. At 15 °C, the first to third larvae were sensitive to a short photoperiod at any stage, and a short photoperiod had a cumulative effect on diapause induction. The longer the larvae received short light exposure, the higher the diapause rate appeared to be. Transcriptome sequencing analysis at different stages of diapause showed that differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the glucose metabolism pathway. Physiological and biochemical analyses showed that diapausing A. aphidimyza reduced water content; accumulated glycogen, trehalose, sorbitol, and triglycerides; and gradually reduced trehalose and triglyceride contents in the body with the extension of diapause time. Glycogen may be used as a source of energy, but sorbitol is usually used as a cryoprotectant. This study provided results on aspects of diapause in A. aphidimyza, providing data and theoretical support for promoting its commercial breeding and in-depth research on the molecular mechanisms underlying diapause regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exposure to arsenic and mercury in various insect trophic guilds from two mercury mining sites in Mexico was assessed. The two study sites were La Laja (LL) and La Soledad (LS) mines. Additionally, a reference site (LSR) was evaluated for LS. The terrestrial ecosystem was studied at LL, whereas both the terrestrial ecosystem and a stream called El Cedral (EC) were assessed at LS. The study sites are situated in the Biosphere Reserve Sierra Gorda (BRSG). Mercury vapor concentrations were measured with a portable analyzer, and concentrations of arsenic and mercury in environmental and biological samples were determined through atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Both pollutants were detected in all terrestrial ecosystem components (soil, air, leaves, flowers, and insects) from the two mines. The insect trophic guilds exposed included pollinivores, rhizophages, predators, coprophages, and necrophages. In LS, insects accumulated arsenic at levels 29 to 80 times higher than those found in specimens from LSR, and 10 to 46 times higher than those from LL. Similarly, mercury exposure in LS was 13 to 62 times higher than LSR, and 15 to 54 times higher than in LL. The analysis of insect exposure routes indicated potential exposure through air, soil, leaves, flowers, animal prey, carrion, and excrement. Water and sediment from EC exhibited high levels of arsenic and mercury compared to reference values, and predatory aquatic insects were exposed to both pollutants. In conclusion, insects from mercury mining sites in the BRSG are at risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme global warming and environmental changes associated with the Toarcian (Lower Jurassic) Oceanic Anoxic Event (T-OAE, ~183 Mya) profoundly impacted marine organisms and terrestrial plants. Despite the exceptionally elevated abundances of fossil insects from strata of this age, only assemblages from Germany and Luxembourg have been studied in detail. Here, we focus on the insect assemblage found in strata recording the T-OAE at Alderton Hill, Gloucestershire, UK, where <15% of specimens have previously been described. We located all known fossil insects (n = 370) from Alderton Hill, and used these to create the first comprehensive taxonomic and taphonomic analysis of the entire assemblage. We show that a diverse palaeoentomofaunal assemblage is preserved, comprising 12 orders, 21 families, 23 genera and 21 species. Fossil disarticulation is consistent with insect decay studies. The number of orders is comparable with present-day assemblages from similar latitudes (30°–40°N), including the Azores, and suggests that the palaeoentomofauna reflects a life assemblage. At Alderton, Hemiptera, Coleoptera and Orthoptera are the commonest (56.1%) orders. The high abundance of Hemiptera (22.1%) and Orthoptera (13.4%) indicates well-vegetated islands, while floral changes related to the T-OAE may be responsible for hemipteran diversification. Predatory insects are relatively abundant (~10% of the total assemblage) and we hypothesise that the co-occurrence of fish and insects within the T-OAE represents a jubilee-like event. The marginally higher proportion of sclerotised taxa compared to present-day insect assemblages possibly indicates adaptation to environmental conditions or taphonomic bias. The coeval palaeoentomofauna from Strawberry Bank, Somerset is less diverse (9 orders, 12 families, 6 genera, 3 species) and is taphonomically biased. The Alderton Hill palaeoentomofauna is interpreted to be the best-preserved and most representative insect assemblage from Toarcian strata in the UK. This study provides an essential first step towards understanding the likely influence of the T-OAE on insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chrysoperla carnea is an important insect predator which globally have significant role in integrated pest management. The experiment was investigated the biology and life table parameters of predator on four natural preys (namely: Aphis gossypii, A. durantae, Brevicoryne brassicae and Ferrisia virgata) under laboratory conditions. The life table data of predator was analyzed according to the age-stage, two-sex life table method 2023. The results indicated the effect of tested preys on biology of C. carnea. On F. virgata, the development of predatory females and males was recorded the longest one. The longest oviposition period of predator was recorded on A. durantae and B. brassicae. The predatory insect gave the highest reproduction rate when fed on all three tested aphids. Life expectancy for female stage was recorded maximum of (71.0 days) on B. brassicae. This study indicated to ability of predator to overcome on the tested prey which attack several economic vegetable crops and ornamental plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological control is a key component of Integrated Pest Management, however, the use of green lacewings as a biocontrol agent has not received much attention in Pakistan, although Chrysoperla carnea, a generalist predator against a variety of soft-sucking pests, has received much attention in Pakistan. Predatory insects always come out on top when it comes to biological pest control. In addition to minimizing losses caused by pests, applying biocontrol agents helps reduce the ecosystem from being affected by excessive chemical use. The present study proposes a new combination and confirms the newly recorded potential predatory species of green lacewings, Apertochrysa smitzi (Navas, 1914) comb. nov., found in Pakistan, belongs to the Apertochrysa venosa group based on male genitalia having gonocristae, which is only present in the A. venosa group. The diagnostic features of adult, as well as the photographs of dorsal habitus and genitalia, both male and female wings, and the complete life stages of A smitzi are provided. We reared the larvae and adults of A smitzi on the larval and nymphal stages of Sitotroga cerealella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and Pyrilla perpusilla (Hemiptera: Lophopidae), respectively, under controlled conditions. Apertochrysa smitzi is active most of the year and collected from sugarcane, wheat, and cotton crops from February to March, September and October. Both the larval stages and adults of A. smitzi were reared and released as a pest management tactic against various harmful sucking sugarcane insects for the first time in the Sindh province of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants and herbivorous insects as well as their natural enemies, such as predatory and parasitoid insects, are united by intricate relationships. During the long period of co-evolution with insects, plants developed a wide diversity of features to defence against herbivores and to attract pollinators and herbivores' natural enemies. The chemical basis of insect-plant interactions is established and many examples are studied, where feeding and oviposition site selection of phytophagous insects are dependent on the plant's secondary chemistry. However, often overlooked mechanical interactions between insects and plants can be rather crucial. In the context of mechanoecology, the evolution of plant surfaces and insect adhesive pads is an interesting example of competition between insect attachment systems and plant anti-attachment surfaces. The present review is focused on mechanical insect-plant interactions of some important pest species, such as the polyphagous Southern Green Stinkbug Nezara viridula and two frugivorous pest species, the polyphagous Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata and the monophagous olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae. Their ability to attach to plant surfaces characterised by different features such as waxes and trichomes is discussed. Some attention is paid also to Coccinellidae, whose interaction with plant leaf surfaces is substantial across all developmental stages in both phytophagous and predatory species that feed on herbivorous insects. Finally, the role of different kinds of anti-adhesive nanomaterials is discussed. They can reduce the attachment ability of insect pests to natural and artificial surfaces, potentially representing environmental friendly alternative methods to reduce insect pest impact in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The succession and seasonal incidence of insect pests and predatory fauna in black gram were studied in a field experiment at the Agronomy farm, Anand Agricultural University, Anand during kharif 2019 and 2020. The results revealed nine species of insects (7 pests and 2 predators) from seedling to pod maturity stage. Besides, the peak incidence of whitefly, jassid, flower thrips, tobacco caterpillar, Bihar hairy caterpillar, and spiders were observed during 37th standard meteorological week (SMW); with spotted pod borer and coccinellids, maximum incidence was observed during 38th SMW, and the green stink bug during 35th SMW. Correlation coefficients revealed that tobacco caterpillar had a significant positive correlation with minimum temperature, morning RH and evening vapour pressure; and the incidence of spotted pod borer showed a significant negative correlation with bright sunshine hours and rainfall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Protection & Pathology is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Simple Summary: Chrysoperla nipponensis (Okamoto) is an important predatory insect, primarily preying on various agricultural pests such as aphids. The green lacewing exhibits facultative diapause, which is primarily influenced by the photoperiod. Although previous research has shown the physiological phenotypic responses of diapause-sensitive and pre-diapause periods to photoperiods in C. nipponensis, the corresponding regulatory mechanisms underlying its diapause remain somewhat unclear. In this study, transcriptome sequencing was performed to explore the molecular basis for diapause, and dsRNA-mediated knockdown was used to elucidate the role of juvenile hormone acid methyltransferase 1 (Jhamt1) in regulating diapause in C. nipponensis. Our findings not only provide insights into the transcriptional regulation processes of genes within diapause-sensitive and pre-diapause periods but also unveil the key genes responsible for regulating diapause in C. nipponensis during the pre-diapause phase. Chrysoperla nipponensis (Okamoto) displays typical adult reproductive diapause under short photoperiods; however, our understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying photoperiod-sensitive reproduction remains limited. In this study, we performed transcriptome profiling of four treatments (the diapause-sensitive stage and pre-diapause phase under long and short photoperiods) of C. nipponensis using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). A total of 71,654 unigenes were obtained from the samples. Enrichment analysis showed that fatty acid metabolism-related pathways were altered under a short photoperiod. Moreover, β-oxidation-related gene expression was active during the diapause-sensitive period under a short photoperiod. The knockdown of juvenile hormone acid methyltransferase 1 (Jhamt1) prolonged the pre-oviposition period but did not affect the reproductive ability of female individuals in C. nipponensis. These findings provided us with a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms of photoperiod-sensitive diapause and show that groundwork is crucial for bolstering the long-term storage and biocontrol potential of C. nipponensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predation presents specific behavioral characteristics for each species, and the interaction between prey and predator influences the structuring of the food web. Concerning insects, predation can be affected in different ways, such as exposure to chemical stressors, e.g., pesticides. Therefore, analyses were carried out of the effects of exposure to insecticide fipronil and the herbicide 2,4-D on predation, parameters of food selectivity, and the swimming behavior of two neotropical predatory aquatic insects of the families Belostomatidae (giant water bugs) and larvae of Libellulidae (dragonfly). These predatory insects were exposed for 24 h to a commercial formulation of the chlorophenoxy herbicide, 2,4-D at nominal concentrations of 200, 300, 700, and 1400 μg L−1, and to a commercial formulation of the phenylpyrazole insecticide, fipronil at nominal concentrations of 10, 70, 140, and 250 µg L−1. In a control treatment, the insects were placed in clean, unspiked water. At the end of the exposure, the maximum swimming speed of the predators was evaluated. Afterward, the predators were placed in clean water in a shared environment for 24 h with several prey species, including the cladoceran Ceriodaphnia silvestrii, larvae of the insect Chironomus sancticaroli, the amphipod Hyalella meinerti, the ostracod Strandesia trispinosa, and the oligochaete Allonais inaequalis for 24 h. After this period, the consumed prey was counted. The results reveal that predators from both families changed prey consumption compared with organisms from the control treatment, marked by a decrease after exposure to fipronil and an increase in consumption caused by 2,4-D. In addition, there were changes in the food preferences of both predators, especially when exposed to the insecticide. Exposure to fipronil decreased the swimming speed of Belostomatidae individuals, possibly due to its neurotoxic effect. Exposure to the insecticide and the herbicide altered prey intake by predators, which could negatively influence the complex prey–predator relationship and the functioning of aquatic ecosystems in contaminated areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population fluctuations of Aphis gossypii, Chloridea virescens, Anthonomus vestitus, Dysdercus peruvianus and Pectinophora gossypiella, besides their natural enemies were studied during the entire phenological period of a Tangüis cotton crop at La Molina (Lima), using three sampling techniques: direct plant evaluation, plant shake falls and pitfall traps. A. gossypii was the most abundant pest, being more important in the vegetative development, followed by D. peruvianus and P. gossypiella, both with greater importance in the fructification stage. Predatory insects and spiders were recorded during the whole crop period, where the most frequent were, in predatory insects Hippodamia convergens, Hyalochloria denticornis and Rhinacloa forticornis, and in spiders Misumenops sp. morpho 1, Zelotes laetus and Theridion volubile. Parasitoidism was low or scarce in most of the pests, highlighting Lysiphlebus testaceipes as A. gossypii parasitoid due to its abundance in the vegetative development of the cotton field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the genus Amerohelea Grogan & Wirth (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), Amerohelea robusta sp. nov., collected at light in the Amazon area of Peru is described and photographed. This new species, known only by males, is compared with Amerohelea xerophila Gaddi, Spinelli & Grogan from arid zones of Argentina. The later species mainly differs by the distinctly shorter distal portion of parameres, the Y-shaped aedeagus with basal arm recurved more than 90°, and the eyes broadly separated. Besides, Amerohelea fasciata Grogan & Wirth and Amerohelea galindoi Grogan & Wirth are firstly recorded from Peru. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global use of pesticides, exceeding 4 million tons annually, poses substantial threats to public health and the environment. Numerous studies emphasize the correlation between pesticide exposure, genotoxicity, and neurobehavioral effects, which particularly impact children and agricultural workers. Recent research underscores the health risks associated with moderately toxic pesticides like chlorpyrifos. Chlorpyrifos contamination in crops, a result of extensive pesticide use since the 1960s, raises significant concerns regarding human health and the environment. Given its potential atmospheric volatilization from crops, alternative detection methods are imperative. This study employs gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) in MS/MS mode, focusing on detecting chlorpyrifos in Chilean lettuce, using insects as indicators. Two extraction methods, micro-QuEChERS and HEADSPACE-SPME, were compared, with HEADSPACE-SPME demonstrating superior sensitivity (6.77 ng/mg per sample vs. 3.99 ng/mg per sample) and offering time- and solvent-saving advantages. Additionally, HEADSPACE-SPME preserves samples for future research, enhancing its utility. The study confirms the presence of pesticide residues in insects from lettuce crops, with 52.3% displaying chlorpyrifos when the SPME method was used. Predatory and parasitoid insect families like Braconidae and Ichneumonidae show high pesticide loads. The findings of this study emphasize the widespread contamination of chlorpyrifos in lettuce crop insects and highlight the efficacy of SPME for detection, suggesting its broader applicability for evaluating pesticide residues in horticultural systems. This optimized method holds promise for advancing chlorpyrifos contamination detection in agroecosystems, contributing to environmental monitoring and food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Garden plants provide habitat for pests as well as the predatory insects that eat them. In rural agriculture, structurally complex vegetation that includes diverse plant species can help attract predators and enhance pest control, while dense plantings of a single plant species are often associated with pest outbreaks. However, the vegetation composition that best supports predators and pest control in urban agriculture is not yet fully understood. In this study, we measured vegetation cover, diversity, and connectivity (distance between plants) in community garden plots to better understand how vegetation complexity influences the abundance and diversity of pest and predator species and pest control. Gardens with more vegetation cover had the most abundant and diverse predators, while gardens with more diverse vegetation had fewer predators. Further, gardens with abundant predators had higher pest control, whereas gardens with more predator species had lower pest control, possibly due to antagonistic interactions between competing predator species. Our results suggest that gardens with high vegetation cover can help support more predators, which can promote higher pest control. However, pest control benefits may be limited in gardens with diverse and antagonistic predator communities. In urban community gardens, cultivated vegetation provides variable levels of habitat complexity, which can suppress pests by promoting predator diversity and improving pest control. In this study, we examine three components of the structural complexity of garden vegetation (cover, diversity, and connectivity) to investigate whether higher garden vegetation complexity leads to fewer herbivores, more predators, and higher predation. We worked in eight community gardens where we quantified vegetation complexity, sampled the arthropod community, and measured predation on corn earworm eggs. We found that plots with high vegetation cover supported higher species richness and greater abundance of predatory insects. High vegetation cover also supported a greater abundance and species richness of spiders. In contrast, high vegetation diversity was negatively associated with predator abundance. While high predator abundance was positively associated with egg predation, greater predator species richness had a negative impact on egg predation, suggesting that antagonism between predators may limit biological control. Community gardeners may thus manipulate vegetation cover and diversity to promote higher predator abundance and diversity in their plots. However, the species composition of predators and the prevalence of interspecific antagonism may ultimately determine subsequent impacts on biological pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Damsel bugs (Hemiptera, Nabidae) are predatory insects belonging to the order of Hemiptera. During the spring-summer of 2021-2022, nabid specimens were collected from Guilan province and adjacent areas. In this study, three species (four subspecies) belonging to two genera were collected and identified: Himacerus mirmicoides (O.Costa, 1834); Nabis viridulus Spinola, 1837; Nabis pseudoferus pseudoferus Remane, 1949 and Nabis pseudoferus orientarius Remane, 1962, furthermore, four species (four subspecies) belonging to two genera were examined from the insect collection of the Natural History Museum of the University of Guilan (UGNHM) including Himacerus major (A.Costa, 1842); Nabis pseudoferus transcaspicus Remane, 1962; Nabis punctatus punctatus A.Costa, 1847 and Nabis capsiformis Germar, 1838. In this paper, based on the morphological characteristics and genitalia of males, brief diagnostic descriptions, illustrated identification key and digital images of species habitus were provided to facilitate the identification of Nabidae of Guilan province and its adjacent areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Research in Agricultural Sciences is the property of Ataturk University Coordinatorship of Scientific Journals and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Caldasia is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Many field studies have reported that natural habitats in the agricultural landscape are associated with increased predator abundance and/or decreased crop pest load. However, recently published meta-analyses have found mixed results, with natural habitats being associated with increased pest loads as often as decreased loads. We investigate possible reasons for these conflicting results using a mechanistic model that simulates the dynamics of a generalist, omnivorous predatory bug and a plant bug pest in a landscape consisting of a 1 km2 annual field crop monoculture bisected by a 60 m wide natural habitat strip. The model simulates the movement of adult predators in the landscape via both trivial movement and long-distance dispersal, along with the movement of energy and egg reserves carried by those predators. We simulate multiple scenarios varying the presence or absence of floral resources and alternate prey in the natural habitat and crop, and the presence or absence of overwintering refuges for the predator and pest insect in the natural habitat. Food resources provided to the predator by the natural habitat did not enhance natural control in adjacent crops. When the natural habitat served as an overwintering refuge for predators, natural control of pests was enhanced if food resources were available in the crop for those predators. Availability of alternate prey was more important to the predator than floral resources. Early-season crop pest loads were always increased when pest insects overwintered in the natural habitat, however early-season availability of pest insects enhanced natural control across the whole-season. Overall, crop pest loads were highly variable across simulation scenarios, reproducing the conflicting results from field research.

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

Anurans have diverse reproductive modes, and some species of the austral forests of Patagonia have become specialized in terrestrial reproduction. Batrachyla taeniata is one of these species: it inhabits wetlands, lays its eggs during late summer and fall in terrestrial conditions, and has overwintering tadpoles. We studied a population of B. taeniata that breeds in wet meadows surrounded by native Patagonian forest and described its life cycle parameters (breeding phenology, egg development, and coexistence with other anurans) over two different years with contrasting hydroperiods. We also analyzed the effect of predatory insects on tadpole survival. Embryo development occurred in wet soil, which may be exposed to the sun or not, and took from 48 to 63 days to hatch. Free-swimming larvae overwintered in the wetland and coexisted in spring with pond-breeding anurans that varied in composition and abundance according to the wetland hydroperiod. The survivorship of B. taeniata tadpoles was significantly greater than that of P. thaul tadpoles when both were exposed to a free belostomatid predator. We consider that the terrestrial reproductive mode and life cycle of B. taeniata enable this species to survive in the variable biotic conditions determined by hydroperiod length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]