Showing papers on "Lepidoptera genitalia published in 2017"
TL;DR: It is suggested that the interactions between management practices adopted and not adopted are driving the rapid evolution of resistance to Bt corn in Brazil, a phenomenon perhaps never seen before in any part of the world.
Abstract: The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is the most important corn pest in South America. Larvae feed mostly on leaves, but also ears when population densities are high. This pest has been historically controlled with insecticide applications, but many cases of resistance have limited their efficacy. Transgenic corn varieties expressing Bacillus thuringiensis proteins (Bt corn) have been a widely adopted alternative to insecticides and, in the past 8 yr, have been the primary technology for fall armyworm control in Brazil. Because transgenic varieties require 10–15 yr to be developed and fall armyworm has quickly evolved resistance to most commercially released Bt corn hybrids, strategies for Bt trait durability are paramount. Most of the Bt corn hybrids lost their ability to control fall armyworm in just 3 yr after their release in Brazil. Here we summarize what is known about Bt resistance in fall armyworm in Brazil, a phenomenon perhaps never seen before in any part of the world. Furthermore, we suggest that the interactions between management practices adopted (or not adopted, e.g., refuge compliance) to delay the evolution of resistance and the ecological and evolutionary characteristics of fall armyworm are driving the rapid evolution of resistance to Bt corn in Brazil. As newer products emerge in the market, careful consideration will be needed to maximize trait durability.
90 citations
TL;DR: A comparative genomic analysis shows the deep conservation of the Z chromosome in Lepidoptera and supports a non-canonical origin of the W chromosome and confirms the extreme stability of well-differentiated sex chromosomes.
Abstract: Moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera) usually have a pair of differentiated WZ sex chromosomes. However, in most lineages outside of the division Ditrysia, as well as in the sister order Trichoptera, females lack a W chromosome. The W is therefore thought to have been acquired secondarily. Here we compare the genomes of three Lepidoptera species (one Dytrisia and two non-Dytrisia) to test three models accounting for the origin of the W: (1) a Z-autosome fusion; (2) a sex chromosome turnover; and (3) a non-canonical mechanism (e.g., through the recruitment of a B chromosome). We show that the gene content of the Z is highly conserved across Lepidoptera (rejecting a sex chromosome turnover) and that very few genes moved onto the Z in the common ancestor of the Ditrysia (arguing against a Z-autosome fusion). Our comparative genomics analysis therefore supports the secondary acquisition of the Lepidoptera W by a non-canonical mechanism, and it confirms the extreme stability of well-differentiated sex chromosomes.
84 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The abstract should not exceed 300 words and should cover the main results and conclusions of the paper and any new names or new combinations proposed in the manuscript should be mentioned.
Abstract: Should not exceed 300 words and should cover the main results and conclusions of the paper. Any new names or new combinations proposed in the manuscript should be mentioned. The abstract should be followed by a list of keywords. Name(s) of author(s). Names of all authors should be written in upper case. The address of each author should be written in italics, each on separate lines. E-mail addresses should be given if available. Tables. Each Table must have a heading. Write «Table» in full both in the text and Table heading. Avoid vertical lines in the Tables. Figures. Should be submitted electronically as separate files, e.g. in .jpeg, .tiff or .eps formats, with resolution not less than 600dpi. The Figures must be numbered consecutively and all figures must be referred to in the text. Write «Figure» in full. The size of the figure must not exceed 210 x 290mm (standard A4). The author should take into consideration that most figures have to be reduced. In line drawings the line thickness should not be less than 0.25mm after reduction, and capital letters should not be smaller than 2.0mm. Choose contrasting patterns and avoid fine tone rasters. Photographs must be of high quality with good contrasts. Maps and morphological illustrations, e.g. pictures of insects, should include a scale bar. Localities. In faunistic papers the names of Norwegian localities should be according to K.A. Økland (1981), Fauna (Oslo) 34, 167–178, and preferably coordinates (e.g. UTM or lat/long) should be added. Dates are written as 19 June 1977 or 19.VI.1977. Example: FN, Gamvik: Mehamn, Vedvikneset, 71.04556°N 27.86177°E, 30 July 1986, 2♂♂1♀, net, leg. G.E.E.Søli, coll. NHMO. References. Citations in the text should be written as Black (1992), (White 1995) or (Black & White 1998). When a paper has more than two authors, it should be referred to as Smith et al. (1990). Multiple references in the text are given in chronological orders (Smith 1975, Green 1980, Black & White 1998). All references (but not any that has not been cited in the text) should be listed in alphabetical order at the end of the paper. In English reference lists, Ø is equal to O and Å is equal to Aa. Title of journals should be written in full. See examples below. Dissertations resulting from graduate studies and non-serial proceedings of conferences/symposia are to be treated as books and cited as such. Papers not cited must not be listed in the references. Journal paper: Viitasaari, M. & Vikberg, V. 1985. A checklist of the sawflies (Hymneoptera, Symphyta) of Finland. Notulae Entomologicae 65, 1–17. Book: Oosterbroek, P. 2006. The European Families of the Diptera. Identification, diagnosis, biology. 208 pp. KNNV Publishing, Zeist. Chapter in book: Dennis, R. L. H. & Williams, W. R. 1995. Implications of biogeographical structures for the conservation of European butterflies. Pp. 213–230 in Pullin, A. S. (Ed.), Ecology and conservation of butterflies. Chapman & Hall, London. Internet resources: Author (2010) Title of website, database or other resources, Publisher name and location (if indicated), number of pages (if known). Available from: http://www.xxx.xxx/ (Date of access). Proofs. Each author will receive a proof for checking after the final files are accepted. Reprints. Each author will be given a free e-reprint (PDF high-res.) for personal use (printing a copy for own use or exchange with other researchers, but not for deposition in a library/website/ftp-site for public access). Further information: http://www.entomologi.no/journals/nje/nje.htm Instructions to authors N rw eian Jornal of Etom oogy Spplem nt N .3 2017 Norwegian Journal of Entomology Supplement No. 3 2017 ISSN 2535-2768 (Print) – ISSN 2535-2784 (Online)
49 citations
TL;DR: Though further functional and ecological studies are still necessary to fully understand the role of Lepidoptera saliva on herbivory, here is a review of current trends.
Abstract: Lepidoptera herbivores deposit copious amounts of saliva when feeding. Their saliva is produced by the paired mandibular and labial glands and evidence indicates that it may play an important role in allowing an herbivore to establish on its host plant. Genomic studies of Lepidoptera saliva are beginning to reveal the role of saliva in herbivory. Molecules involved in digestion, detoxification, immunity, defense against plant secondary chemicals, chemoreception and so on have been identified using high throughput genomic tools. These genomic tools have also revealed changes that occur in Lepidoptera saliva when caterpillars feed on different host plants. However, there are other factors either biotic or abiotic (e.g., larval stage, larval health, temperature, water stress, etc.) that might also affect its composition. Though further functional and ecological studies are still necessary to fully understand the role of Lepidoptera saliva on herbivory, here we review current trends.
38 citations
TL;DR: This species is of minor importance in forests, but can cause serious losses in pecan and fruit tree orchards and is a major nuisance in urban parks and homelots where it often completely defoliates ornamental and shade trees.
Abstract: The fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea (Drury) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), is a widespread defoliator that is native throughout the continental United States, as well as southern Canada and northern Mexico. It has been introduced accidentally into many parts of Europe and Asia. Larvae have been recorded from >400 species of forest and shade trees, primarily hardwoods, but also several conifer species in the southern United States. This species is of minor importance in forests, but can cause serious losses in pecan and fruit tree orchards and is a major nuisance in urban parks and homelots where it often completely defoliates ornamental and shade trees. Fall webworm larvae construct conspicuous webs that start at the ends of branches and expand as the larvae grow to incorporate multiple branches. Foliage within webs is completely consumed. Two color races occur throughout the range of this moth, but pure white adults and black-headed larvae predominate in northern regions, whereas spotted adults and red-headed larvae predominate in southern regions. Populations of fall webworm are regulated naturally in its native range by host quality and abundance and by at least 50 species of dipteran and hymenopteran parasitoids and 36 species of predators and parasites. Physical removal, biocontrol, and insecticides are available for management of this moth.
38 citations
TL;DR: The evolution of CPs was highly correlated to the adaptation of insect to environment, and the insight into their evolution and the association between them and insect development is provided.
33 citations
TL;DR: The very low incidence of seed damage suggests that pre-dispersal seed predation by Lepidoptera does not play a major role in regulating plant populations via density-dependent mortality processes outlined by the Janzen-Connell hypothesis.
Abstract: We studied a community of frugivorous Lepidoptera in the lowland rainforest of Papua New Guinea. Rearing revealed 122 species represented by 1,720 individuals from 326 woody plant species. Only fruits from 52% (171) of the plant species sampled were attacked. On average, Lepidoptera were reared from 1 in 89 fruits and a kilogram of fruit was attacked by 1.01 individuals. Host specificity of Lepidoptera was notably low: 69% (33) of species attacked plants from >1 family, 8% (4) fed on single family, 6% (3) on single genus and 17% (8) were monophagous. The average kilogram of fruits was infested by 0.81 individual from generalist species (defined here as feeding on >1 plant genus) and 0.07 individual from specialist species (feeding on a single host or congeneric hosts). Lepidoptera preferred smaller fruits with both smaller mesocarp and seeds. Large-seeded fruits with thin mesocarp tended to host specialist species whereas those with thick, fleshy mesocarp were often infested with both specialist and generalist species. The very low incidence of seed damage suggests that pre-dispersal seed predation by Lepidoptera does not play a major role in regulating plant populations via density-dependent mortality processes outlined by the Janzen-Connell hypothesis.
25 citations
TL;DR: The results show that B. macroscopa population levels could reach highest at the temperature of 27℃, and the duration of the pre-adult period, as well as the adult lifespan both for males and females, were shortened by increasing temperatures.
Abstract: The current study investigated the impacts of temperature on the development and reproductivity of the sweet potato leaf folder, Brachmia macroscopa (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in sweet potato leaves under laboratory conditions. We determined developmental time of B. macroscopa larval, pupal, and pre-adult stage at different temperatures. Male and female longevity, male and female lifespan, mortality of immature stages, oviposition period of B. macroscopa were also investigated under six constant temperatures (21°C, 24°C, 27°C, 30°C, 33°C, 36°C), based on age-stage, two-sex life tables. The results revealed that eggs in 36°C were unable to hatch. At temperatures between 21°C -33°C, the duration of the pre-adult period, as well as the adult lifespan both for males and females, were shortened by increasing temperatures. The lowest larval mortality rate (15.33%) occurred at 27°C. The age-stage-specific fecundity rates with the greatest number were, in order, 30°C, 27°C, 21°C, 24°C and 33°C. The results show that B. macroscopa population levels could reach highest at the temperature of 27℃.
22 citations
TL;DR: The results indicate the utility of Cry and Vip3Aa toxins mixtures to control populations of crops and forests insect pests and demonstrate synergistic effect and significantly enhanced the toxicity of the insecticide.
Abstract: Insecticides based on crystalline toxins of Bacillus thuringiensis are very good biological plant protection products. However, the spectrum of activity of some toxins is narrow or resistance among insects has been developed. We tested the insecticidal activity of crystals of the B. thuringiensis MPU B9 strain alone and supplemented with Vip3Aa proteins against important pests: Spodoptera exigua Hubner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), Cydia pomonella L. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and Dendrolimus pini L. (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae). The Cry toxins were more active for D. pini but less active against S. exigua and C. pomonella than Vip3Aa. Supplementation of Cry toxins by small amounts of vegetative insecticidal proteins demonstrated synergistic effect and significantly enhanced the toxicity of the insecticide. The results indicate the utility of Cry and Vip3Aa toxins mixtures to control populations of crops and forests insect pests.
22 citations
TL;DR: Oscheius onirici, a species recently described from a karst cave soil of central Italy, is a new potential bio-control agent on insects and is capable of infecting and killing the sparganothis fruitworm, the brown-banded cockroach, and the cranberry fruitworm under laboratory conditions.
Abstract: In a search for an entomopathogenic nematode to control cranberry insect pests, three Oscheius populations (Rhabditidae) were recovered through the Galleria-bait method from one sample taken in a wild cranberry marsh in Jackson County, Wisconsin, USA. Morphological studies with light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, as well as molecular analyses of the near-full-length small subunit rDNA gene, D2/D3 expansion segments of the large subunit rDNA gene, internal transcribed spacer, and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CoxI) genes revealed this as Oscheius onirici, a species recently described from a karst cave soil of central Italy. The species belongs to the dolichura-group and is characterized by its DNA sequences; hermaphroditic reproduction; and males not found. A Bacillus-like bacterium appears to be associated with this nematode based on our microscopic and SEM observations; however its identity and persistent association with the nematode has not been confirmed. Nonetheless, this nematode is capable of infecting and killing the sparganothis fruitworm Sparganothis sulfureana Clemens (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), the brown-banded cockroach Supella longipalpa Fabricius (Blattodea: Ectobiidae), and the cranberry fruitworm Acrobasis vaccinii Riley (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), under laboratory conditions, and each in less than 72 hr. The mealworm Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), are also susceptible, but take 3.5 and 5.2 days to die, respectively. This species is a new potential bio-control agent on insects.
20 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that antenna is important site for GST-mediated biotransformation and CpomGSTd2 may play a role in the odorant degradation for chemosensory perception.
Abstract: Abstract In insects, glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are multifunctional enzymes playing an important role in metabolizing a wide range of endogenous and exogenous compounds, including plant secondary compounds, insecticides, and odorant molecules. In this study, we identified 14 GSTs from codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.), which is a worldwide internal pest of tree fruit. The cytosolic GSTs contain the conserved glutathione (GSH)binding domain and substrate-binding domain. The microsomal GSTs are transmembrane proteins containing a conserved motif consisting of 16 amino acids. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed that 10 CpomGSTs were expressed in the antennae. Among them, a novel signal peptide containing GST (CpomGSTd2) was restrictedly expressed in the antennae and the expression levels were significantly higher in male than in female. Phylogenetic analysis shows that CpomGSTd2 shares close relationships with olfactory GSTs of other insects. We prepared the recombinant CpomGSTd2 and determined its GST catalytic property using 1-chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) and reduced GSH as substrates. This protein exhibited high GST catalytic activity within the temperature ranged from 25 to 50 ° C and the optimal pH was 7.0. Our results suggest that antenna is important site for GST-mediated biotransformation and CpomGSTd2 may play a role in the odorant degradation for chemosensory perception.
TL;DR: The sphragis potentially represents one of the clearest examples of mate conflict known and should be investigated to further the understanding of the selective processes at play in an ‘arms race’ between the sexes.
Abstract: Males of many butterfly species secrete long-lasting mating plugs to prevent their mates from copulating with other males, thus ensuring their sperm will fertilize all future eggs laid. Certain species have further developed a greatly enlarged, often spectacular, externalized plug, termed a sphragis. This distinctive structure results from complex adaptations in both male and female genitalia and is qualitatively distinct from the amorphous, internal mating plugs of other species. Intermediate conditions between internal plug and external sphragis are rare. The term sphragis has often been misunderstood in recent years, hence we provide a formal definition based on accepted usage throughout most of the last century. Despite it being a highly apparent trait, neither the incidence nor diversity of the sphragis has been systematically documented. We record a sphragis or related structure in 273 butterfly species, representing 72 species of Papilionidae in 13 genera, and 201 species of Nymphalidae in 9 genera. These figures represent respectively, 13% of Papilionidae, 3% of Nymphalidae, and 1% of known butterfly species. A well-formed sphragis evolved independently in at least five butterfly subfamilies, with a rudimentary structure also occurring in an additional subfamily. The sphragis is probably the plesiomorphic condition in groups such as Parnassius (Papilionidae: Parnassiinae) and many Acraeini (Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae). Some butterflies, such as those belonging to the Parnassius simo group, have apparently lost the structure secondarily. The material cost of producing the sphragis is considerable. It is typically offset by production of a smaller spermatophore, thus reducing the amount of male-derived nutrients donated to the female during mating for use in oogenesis and/or somatic maintenance. The sphragis potentially represents one of the clearest examples of mate conflict known. Investigating its biology should yield testable hypotheses to further our understanding of the selective processes at play in an 'arms race' between the sexes. This paper provides an overview, which will inform future study.
TL;DR: This study is the first to access biological parameters and thermal requirements of T. pretiosum in N. elegantalis eggs and shows the relationship between temperature and development to be understood, the prediction of generation numbers in the field, as well as the best time of parasitoids release.
TL;DR: The results identify a burst of genetic novelty amongst sperm proteins that may be associated with the origin of heteromorphic spermatogenesis in ancestral Lepidoptera and/or the subsequent evolution of this system, suggesting that this transition has had a marked impact on lepidopteran genome evolution.
Abstract: Rapid evolution is a hallmark of reproductive genetic systems and arises through the combined processes of sequence divergence, gene gain and loss, and changes in gene and protein expression. While studies aiming to disentangle the molecular ramifications of these processes are progressing, we still know little about the genetic basis of evolutionary transitions in reproductive systems. Here we conduct the first comparative analysis of sperm proteomes in Lepidoptera, a group that exhibits dichotomous spermatogenesis, in which males produce a functional fertilization-competent sperm (eupyrene) and an incompetent sperm morph lacking nuclear DNA (apyrene). Through the integrated application of evolutionary proteomics and genomics, we characterize the genomic patterns potentially associated with the origination and evolution of this unique spermatogenic process and assess the importance of genetic novelty in Lepidopteran sperm biology. Comparison of the newly characterized Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) sperm proteome to those of the Carolina sphinx moth (Manduca sexta) and the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) demonstrated conservation at the level of protein abundance and post-translational modification within Lepidoptera. In contrast, comparative genomic analyses across insects reveals significant divergence at two levels that differentiate the genetic architecture of sperm in Lepidoptera from other insects. First, a significant reduction in orthology among Monarch sperm genes relative to the remainder of the genome in non-Lepidopteran insect species was observed. Second, a substantial number of sperm proteins were found to be specific to Lepidoptera, in that they lack detectable homology to the genomes of more distantly related insects. Lastly, the functional importance of Lepidoptera specific sperm proteins is broadly supported by their increased abundance relative to proteins conserved across insects. Our results identify a burst of genetic novelty amongst sperm proteins that may be associated with the origin of heteromorphic spermatogenesis in ancestral Lepidoptera and/or the subsequent evolution of this system. This pattern of genomic diversification is distinct from the remainder of the genome and thus suggests that this transition has had a marked impact on lepidopteran genome evolution. The identification of abundant sperm proteins unique to Lepidoptera, including proteins distinct between specific lineages, will accelerate future functional studies aiming to understand the developmental origin of dichotomous spermatogenesis and the functional diversification of the fertilization incompetent apyrene sperm morph.
TL;DR: Habitat age and structural interactions play a significant role in the accumulation of Lepidoptera species but have little importance in determining their identities, which highlights the need to preserve old, large and well‐connected holm oak trees in agricultural landscapes as refuges for specialist insects.
Abstract: The factors governing community assemblages in fragmented habitats remain a challenging topic in ecology, especially in the present context of global change. We studied the colonisation of holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) woodland by specialist Lepidoptera in an afforested savannah-like landscape that has emerged as a result of the abandonment of croplands. We sampled herbivorous caterpillars for 5 years to assess the interplay between tree age and structure (canopy size and connectivity) on Lepidoptera species abundance, richness, diversity and composition.
1336 individuals belonging to 24 species of Lepidoptera were collected. Species abundance, richness and diversity increased in the best connected large trees and in the best connected young ones, probably because of the greater likelihood of colonisation and the existence of colonisation credits, respectively. Although species abundance, richness and diversity varied significantly between years in all trees, there were no effects for tree age, canopy size, or connectivity.
Although tree age and structure had little effect on species composition (alpha and beta diversity), thereby revealing a predominant random effect, the relative abundance of Noctuids and Pyralids was significantly affected by tree age, suggesting that differences in dispersal abilities exist between these families.
These findings suggest that habitat age and structural interactions play a significant role in the accumulation of Lepidoptera species but have little importance in determining their identities. From a conservation point of view, the results highlight the need to preserve old, large and well-connected holm oak trees in agricultural landscapes as refuges for specialist insects.
TL;DR: Using ultra-deep sequencing, newly integrated transposons have been identified within baculovirus genomes, and viral genes present in these sequences have been co-opted by lepidopteran species to confer some protection against pathogens.
Abstract: Transfer of DNA sequences between species regardless of their evolutionary distance is very common in bacteria, but evidence that horizontal gene transfer (HGT) also occurs in multicellular organisms has been accumulating in the past few years. The actual extent of this phenomenon is underestimated due to frequent sequence filtering of "alien" DNA before genome assembly. However, recent studies based on genome sequencing have revealed, and experimentally verified, the presence of foreign DNA sequences in the genetic material of several species of Lepidoptera. Large DNA viruses, such as baculoviruses and the symbiotic viruses of parasitic wasps (bracoviruses), have the potential to mediate these transfers in Lepidoptera. In particular, using ultra-deep sequencing, newly integrated transposons have been identified within baculovirus genomes. Bacterial genes have also been acquired by genomes of Lepidoptera, as in other insects and nematodes. In addition, insertions of bracovirus sequences were present in the genomes of certain moth and butterfly lineages, that were likely corresponding to rearrangements of ancient integrations. The viral genes present in these sequences, sometimes of hymenopteran origin, have been co-opted by lepidopteran species to confer some protection against pathogens.
TL;DR: In this article, a fragment of the cytochrome oxidase subunit II (CO II) mitochondrial gene was used to identify Diatraea spp. from reared conditions and the field.
Abstract: Diatraea spp. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) are a group of insects that are agriculture pests in many economically relevant crops such as sugarcane, sorghum, corn and rice. Recognized species for this genus respond differentially to natural enemies used in their biological control, emphasizing the importance of species in a regional approach. Currently, identification is based on the male genitalia. However, the availability of specimens collected from field and subjectivity based on the character recognition can seriously hamper species identification, and therefore result in inadequate pest management. To overcome this, individuals of Diatraea spp. preliminarily classified male genitalia and obtained from reared conditions and the field (both derived from natural populations occurring in Colombia) were analyzed using genitalic morphometry and molecular biology specifically using a fragment of the cytochrome oxidase subunit II (CO II) mitochondrial gene. Although morphometric analysis did not show any overriding results regarding genitalia morphology, the bioinformatics analyses of CO II sequences resulted in an adequate classification of the individuals within the recognized species. It also, revealed that the occurrence of clades associated with geographical distribution may be associated with cryptic species. The latter was also confirmed by a Single-Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) methodology evaluating the same fragment of CO II. This experimental approach allows properly recognizing each species and in consequence is proposed as an effective tool in Diatraea species identification.
TL;DR: The entomopathogenic nematodes of the genus Steinernema and Heterorhabditis and their symbiotic bacteria are effective biological control agents of different insect pests and persist in the soil as non-feeding, third stage infective juveniles which seek, infect and kill susceptible insect hosts within 24-72h.
Abstract: The entomopathogenic nematodes of the genus Steinernema and Heterorhabditis (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae, Heterorhabditidae) and their symbiotic bacteria are effective biological control agents of different insect pests. They persist in the soil as non-feeding, third stage infective juveniles (IJs) which seek, infect and kill susceptible insect hosts within 24-72h. Environmental concern over the consequences of use of chemical pesticides, especially residues in field, ground water contamination, wild life kills and development of insect resistance, pest resurgence and outbreak of secondary pests have compelled for intensive research for safe, eco-friendly alternative methods for insect management. The application of entomopathogenic nematodes in biological control was traditionally used to control soil pests until a few years ago. But the research International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 7 (2017) pp. 2314-2319 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com
TL;DR: The forest tent caterpillar is a widespread defoliator that is native throughout most of the continental United States and Canada south of 61°N latitude and its potential to become more important in a warmer climate warrant greater attention to its population dynamics and control options.
Abstract: The forest tent caterpillar, Malacosoma disstria Hübner (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) is a widespread defoliator that is native throughout most of the continental United States and Canada south of 61°N latitude. Larvae feed on a wide variety of hosts across their geographic range, but local populations perform best on local host species. Defoliation during outbreaks can strip preferred trees of all foliage and cause substantial branch mortality and growth reduction but generally does not cause much tree mortality, at least not directly. Defoliation in recreational areas reduces visitation because migrating caterpillars are viewed as nuisances and defoliated trees as unsightly. The insects, their frass, and associated damage to ornamental trees and shrubs also are nuisances for homeowners. The current importance of the forest tent caterpillar and its potential to become more important in a warmer climate warrant greater attention to its population dynamics and control options. Because 1) outbreaks of this native insect generally cause little long-term damage to forest values, 2) widespread application of insecticides is cost prohibitive, and 3) forests are increasingly valued as reservoirs of biodiversity and multiple ecosystem services, microbial insecticides, such as Bt, spinosad, and baculovirus formulations, are favored over synthetic insecticides for control of this insect when warranted. Other biorational insecticides include azadirachtin (a botanical insecticide) and insecticidal soap. Conventional synthetic insecticides include several pyrethroids (such as bifenthrin and permethrin), organophosphates (such as acephate and malathion), and carbamates (carbaryl), but these have broad nontarget effects that discourage use in forests.
TL;DR: Survival and relative growth rate of the three species were significantly higher at low‐infestation levels when facing either intra‐ or interspecific competition, and the intensity of competition was also temporally plastic among the species and increased as the duration of competition increased.
Abstract: Interactions within and between species sharing the same resources are characterised by competition or facilitation, and can be influenced by factors such as larval numbers and phenotypic plasticity of the interactions. The effect of larval density on the survival and relative growth rate of the stemborers Busseola fusca (Fuller) and Sesamia calamistis Hampson (both Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) were studied, as well as the temporal plasticity of their competitive interactions. These stemborers attack maize crops (Zea mays L.) (Poaceae) in sub‐Saharan Africa. Experiments were conducted in the laboratory under controlled conditions at the optimum development temperature (25 °C) for the three species. Surrogate stems filled with artificial diet were intra‐ and interspecifically infested with larvae of each species. The effect of larval density on competition was studied at low (six larvae) and high (12 larvae) levels of infestation, whereas the temporal plasticity of competition was evaluated at 7, 14, 21, or 28 days after infestation. The two experiments involved single‐ and multi‐species infestation treatments. Larval numbers and wet mass in each artificial stem were recorded in each experiment. Survival and relative growth rate of the three species were significantly higher at low‐infestation levels when facing either intra‐ or interspecific competition. The intensity of competition was also temporally plastic among the species and increased as the duration of competition increased. These results are discussed in terms of general infestations of cereal crops by borers.
TL;DR: Scanning electron microscopy was used to determine the typology, morphology, number, and distribution of sensilla on the antennae, maxillary palps, galeas, and labial palps of these five species.
Abstract: Most species in the family Cossidae can migrate from one host to a new one in later larval instars, which is different from other bark- and wood-boring insects. In this study, we selected Eogystia ...
TL;DR: Phylogenetic analyses showed that A. convolvuli belongs to the family Sphingidae, and the codon distributions of the 13 PCGs revealed that Asn, Ile, Leu2, Lys, Phe, and Tyr were the most frequently used codon families.
Abstract: In the present study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Agrius convolvuli (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) and compared it with previously sequenced mitogenomes of lepidoptera...
TL;DR: This new approach supports the existence of five rather than two species in Europe: Phtheochroa schawerdae (Rebel, 1908) comb.
Abstract: Allopatric alpine populations of Phtheochroa frigidana s. lat. (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) are reviewed. In addition to traditional diagnostic characters of external morphology, the genitalia structures of everted vesicae in male genitalia and DNA barcodes are analysed. This new approach supports the existence of five rather than two species in Europe: Phtheochroa schawerdae (Rebel, 1908) comb. nov. (Dinaric Mts, Rila Mts, Pirin Mts) = P. drenowskyi (Rebel, 1916) syn. nov.; P. alpinana sp. nov. (SW Alps); P. apenninana sp. nov. (Apennines); P. frigidana (Guenee, 1845) stat. rev. (Pyrenees) = P. flavidana (Guenee, 1845) = P. sulphurana (Guenee, 1845) = P. andorrana (Milliere, 1865); P. cantabriana sp. nov. (Cantabrian Mts). In order to stabilize the nomenclature, a neotype for Eupoecilia frigidana is designated.
20 Nov 2017
TL;DR: War die Idee einer Gattungsmonografie durch den herausragenden Zygaenenspezialisten Clas M. Naumann bereits vor dessen Pensionierung angedacht, konnte die Arbeit als Folge seines frühzeitigen Todes leider nicht in Angriff genommen werden.
Abstract: Wer kennt sie nicht, die „Blutströpfchen“ oder „Widderchen“ und wer hat nicht schon an einem heissen Sommernachmittag auf einer Blumenwiese ihren bekanntesten Vertreter, das „Gemeine Blutströpfchen“ Zygaena filipendulae (Linnaeus, 1758) mit seiner auffälligen rot-schwarzen Flügelzeichnung auf einer lilafarbenen Knautienblüte bei der Nektaraufnahme beobachtet? Seit der vermutlich ersten bildlichen Darstellung einer Zygaenenart [Zygaena lavandulae (Esper, 1783)] vor rund 700 Jahren hat die Gattung Zygaena nichts an Attraktivität eingebüsst und ist mittlerweile zu einem Forschungsgebiet par exellence aufgerückt, was durch eine heute kaum mehr überblickbare Anzahl von Publikationen belegt wird. War die Idee einer Gattungsmonografie durch den herausragenden Zygaenenspezialisten Clas M. Naumann (1939-2004) bereits vor dessen Pensionierung angedacht, konnte die Arbeit als Folge seines frühzeitigen Todes leider nicht in Angriff genommen werden. Dies blieb den beiden langjährigen Mitstreitern Axel F. Hofmann und W. Gerald Tremewan (1931-2016) vorbehalten. Deren Vision einer „Natural history of burnet moths“ entstand 1989 im Hohen Atlas Marokkos bei einer Flasche „Vin Rosé de Meknès“, als die beiden nach dem Nachtessen auf einen erfolgreichen Tag zurückblickten. Mit der Veröffentlichung des ersten Bandes des dreiteiligen Werkes ist die Vision nun Wirklichkeit geworden. Dazwischen liegt eine Spanne arbeitsreicher Jahre ausgefüllt mit der Sichtung und Auswertung früherer Vorarbeiten, unzähligen Exkursionen und Received 7 November 2017 Accepted 10 November 2017 Published 20 November 2017
TL;DR: An in-depth analysis of the mechanism of uptake in the cells revealed superior amounts of FITC-SSA at the membrane of CF-203 cells compared to Sf9 cells, while a similar small amount of SSA was internalized in both cell lines.
Abstract: The fungal lectin purified from Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, further referred to as Sclerotinia sclerotiorum agglutinin or SSA, possesses insecticidal activity against important pest insects such as pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum). This paper aims at a better understanding of its activity at cellular level. Therefore, different insect cell lines were treated with SSA. These cell lines were derived from different tissues and represent the three major orders of insects important in agriculture: CF-203 (midgut Choristoneura fumiferana, Lepidoptera), GUTAW1 (midgut, Helicoverpa zea, Lepidoptera), High5 cells (ovary, Trichoplusia ni, Lepidoptera), Sf9 (ovary cells from Spodoptera frugiperda, Lepidoptera), S2 (hemocyte, Drosophila melanogaster, Diptera), and TcA (whole body, Tribolium castaneum, Coleoptera). Although the sensitivity to SSA differs between the cell lines, SSA clearly showed toxicity in all six cell lines with median effect concentrations (EC50) ranging between 9 and 42 μg/ml. An in-depth analysis of the mechanism of uptake in the cells revealed superior amounts of FITC-SSA at the membrane of CF-203 cells compared to Sf9 cells, while a similar small amount of SSA was internalized in both cell lines. Pre-incubation with the clathrin-mediated endocytosis inhibitor phenylarsine oxide inhibited the internalization of SSA into the CF-203 and Sf9 cells with a respective reduction of 6- and 1.7-fold. The data are discussed in relation to the importance of cellular uptake mechanism for SSA binding and cytotoxicity.
TL;DR: The sequenced mitochondrial genome of the wild silkmoth, Saturnia boisduvalii, found that the composition and arrangement of genes are typical of the majority of Lepidoptera, and the genome is biased toward A/T nucleotides, as previously reported.
Abstract: We sequenced mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the wild silkmoth, Saturnia boisduvalii (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), which occurs in mainland Korea, and compared it with other species in Bombycoidea to characterize the genomic evolution of the superfamily. We found that the composition and arrangement of genes in the 15,257-bp S. boisduvalii genome are typical of the majority of Lepidoptera, and the genome is biased toward A/T nucleotides, as previously reported. Comparison of individual gene divergence among bombycoid species showed that ND6 was most variable (p-distance = 0.21), whereas COI and COII were most conserved, indicating that of all the protein-coding genes (PCGs) ND6 appear to have evolved most rapidly. Thus, other PCGs beside COI are potential alternative markers, where scrutinized discrimination among species is required.
TL;DR: This naturally occurring plant extracts could be useful for managing the Helicoverpa armigera population through antifeedant activity monitoring.
Abstract: Plant based pesticides are known as phytopesticides. Phytopesticide formulations offer a more eco-friendly approach to Insect Pest Management than chemical pesticides. The biological compounds present in these formulations have several biological activities against insect pests. In the present work, an attempt has been made to study the antifeedant activity of Gliricidia sepium leaf extracts using three solvents, i.e; petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol against third instar larvae of Helicoverpa armigera. All extracts exhibited as significant antifeedant activity at LC50. Methanol extract deterred feeding potential of the insect larvae by 62.38% at 1000 ppm, followed by ethyl acetate (46.67%) and petroleum ether (40.37%). Hence this naturally occurring plant extracts could be useful for managing the Helicoverpa armigera population.
29 Nov 2017
TL;DR: It is established that all previous records of Barsines spilosomoides for eastern Himalaya belong to females of Barsine defecta Walker, 1854, and records of B. defecta from Thailand and Vietnam belong to Barsine gratissima (de Joannis, 1930), comb.
Abstract: It is established that all previous records of Barsine spilosomoides for eastern Himalaya belong to females of Barsine defecta Walker, 1854, and records of B. defecta from Thailand and Vietnam belong to Barsine gratissima (de Joannis, 1930), comb. n. The new synonymy is established: B. defecta defecta Walker, 1854 = Lyclene indistincta Moore, 1878, syn. n., = Miltochrista magna Hampson, 1894, syn. n. Two new subspecies are described: B. defecta rubella Volynkin et Černý, subsp. n. (China: Yunnan) and B. gratissima versicolor Volynkin et Černý, subsp. n. (Thailand and Laos). Miltochrista spilosomoides (Moore, 1878) is transferred here to the genus Barsine; moreover, B. linga spilosomoides (Moore, 1878), comb. et stat. n. is considered only as a subspecies of Barsine linga Moore, 1859. Barsine kulingensis (Daniel, 1952), comb. et stat. n., previously treated as a subspecies of Miltochrista spilosomoides, is upgraded here to the species level. The species status of Barsine gilveola (Daniel, 1952), comb. n. is confirmed. The lectotype of Miltochrista magna Hampson, 1894 is designated. The male and female genitalia of B. gratissima and B. linga spilosomoides are illustrated for the first time. Diagnoses for all included in paper species are given.