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Simple Summary: Adults of stoneflies have diverse mating behaviors and complex signals for communication, but they are not always able to correctly recognize their mates. With the observations from several provinces of China, we provide the first study on the erroneous mating behaviors of stoneflies from this country. Three different categories of erroneous mating attempts involving 13 species belonging to three stonefly families are reported, and information on their physical competition, the sensorial mechanisms triggering the mating, the conditions favoring the mating mistakes, and the possible consequences of interspecific mating are discussed. Hitting and pushing with the head and abdomen could be the unique method employed in the male–male physical competition. Vibrational signals are considered not a prerequisite for triggering a mating behavior, while vision and/or touch could be a sufficient condition for triggering it, but they are not always efficient for species-specific recognition. Currently, information on the biology of Plecoptera from China is scarce, particularly on mating behavior. In this paper, the existence of mating mistakes (erroneous mating attempts) involving 13 Chinese stonefly species (belonging to nine genera and three families) is reported. These erroneous mating behaviors can be included into three different categories: mating attempts between conspecific males (including the formation of erroneous mating balls), mating attempts between different taxa (including displacement attempts during copulation), and mating-related behaviors with non-living objects. From these behaviors, some aspects of stoneflies during mating, such as the physical competition between males, the sensorial mechanisms implied in triggering a mating behavior, the conditions favoring the mating mistakes, and the possible consequences of interspecific mating in the hybrid production, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The reduviid genus Sycanus Amyot & Serville, 1843, possesses higher aesthetic value and plays a crucial role as a natural enemy in the control of agricultural and forestry pests. However, Sycanus from China has not undergone a comprehensive review for over four decades. Based on both molecular data and morphological evidence, we conducted a systematic review of the 14 Chinese Sycanus species, including a description of three new species. Due to the variability of body coloration and morphological similarity among closely related species, unresolved issues and debates still persist in the taxonomic study of the genus Sycanus from China. In this study, we conducted phylogenetic analyses and species delimitation for Sycanus in China based on a COI DNA barcoding dataset comprising 81 samples. The results revealed that all the samples could be classified into 12 species by integrating molecular analyses with morphological comparison. This paper provides a comprehensive systematic review of the Sycanus species found in China, including descriptions of three new species: S. taiwanensis Zhao & Cai sp. nov., S. flavicorius Li & Cai sp. nov., and S. hainanensis Wang & Cai sp. nov. Furthermore, it is proposed that S. croceovittatus Dohrn, 1859, S. leucomesus Walker, 1873, and S. villicus Stål, 1863, are three synonyms of S. bifidus (Fabricius, 1787); S. bicolor Hsiao, 1979, is a synonym of S. versicolor Dohrn, 1859; and S. hsiaoi Maldonado-Capriles, 1990, is a synonym of S. marginellus Putshkov, 1987. Additionally, brief biological information is provided for two species, S. falleni Stål, 1863, and S. croceus Hsiao, 1979. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study is a case study on the diversity patterns, population aspects, emergence and ecological drivers of the so-far poorly studied water beetle family Scirtidae. Although they can be very abundant in karstic lotic freshwater habitats, there are still insufficient data on their biology and ecology. The family was studied over a period of 15 years in specific lotic habitats of springs and tufa barriers in the karst freshwater ecosystem of Plitvice Lakes NP, Croatia. Scirtidae showed a longitudinal gradient, as the genus Elodes was recorded only in the spring area, while the genus Hydrocyphon was found only in downstream sites with tufa barriers. Their emergence showed a seasonal character, with males dominating earlier in the season and females appearing later. The type of substrate determined their distribution, with a preference for bryophytes. Their abundance and emergence were primarily determined according to the parameters that showed the greatest fluctuations over the 15-year period: water discharge, water temperature and oxygen saturation. Compared to previous results from similar studies on other insect groups, our results clearly show the high potential of the family Scirtidae as indicators of habitat quality. Due to ongoing changes and a decline in biodiversity, science today should rely on long-term species-based ecological studies. We have conducted a long-term ecological dynamics study on the water beetle family Scirtidae, which, although it is very abundant in benthic communities, is still poorly studied. The main objective of this study was to investigate the population aspects (composition, diversity, sex ratio) and ecological aspects (emergence patterns, seasonal dynamics and preferences for environmental factors) of the family Scirtidae over 15 years in Plitvice Lakes NP, Croatia. The study was conducted at three sites and in five different substrate types. A total of three taxa with different distributions were recorded in the study area: Hydrocyphon novaki and H. deflexicollis on the tufa barriers and the Elodes sp. in the spring area. The sex ratio was in favour of males in spring and early summer, while it shifted in favour of females towards the end of autumn. The abundance and emergence of the family were primarily determined by the environmental parameters which showed the greatest fluctuations over a period of 15 years: water temperature, water discharge and oxygen saturation. Our results clearly show that Scirtidae can be used as indicators of stream zonation and habitat quality. Based on the methodology and the results of this study, we conclude that Scirtidae should be used in future monitoring and protection measures in karst freshwater habitats in southeastern Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Colombia currently has 595,722 oil palm-cultivated hectares, but production is declining due to phytophagous insects feeding mainly on the leaves; one of them, Durrantia arcanella, is a recurring pest in the northern palm zone of Colombia, for which we do not have all the essential information. Therefore, it was proposed to determine its biology, foliar consumption rate, population fluctuation, and relationship with climatic variables and to identify its main natural enemies in the department of Cesar. The life cycle under laboratory conditions, including adult longevity, was 48.0 ± 10.1 days, the egg stage lasted 8.0 ± 0.7 days, the larva stage lasted 24.2 ± 6.2 days, the pre-pupa stage lasted 1.5 ± 0.5 days, the pupa stage lasted 7.1 ± 0.9 and the adult had a longevity of 7.2 ± 2.0 days. At the end of the larval period, it was determined that they individually consumed 8.2 ± 5.3 cm2 of leaflets. Correlation was found between D. arcanella population dynamics and climatic factors such as temperature and relative humidity, likewise with natural enemies. Durrantia arcanella is a recurring pest insect of oil palm in Colombia. Because the biology and ecology of D. arcanella are unknown, it was proposed to determine the life cycle and foliar consumption under laboratory conditions. Furthermore, through sequential sampling for two and a half years, its population fluctuation and natural enemies were determined in Agustín Codazzi and El Copey (Cesar, Colombia). Also, temperature, precipitation, and relative humidity were registered. The life cycle of D. arcanella lasted 48.0 ± 10.1 days, the egg 8.0 ± 0.7 days, larva 24.2 ± 6.2 days, pre-pupa 1.5 ± 0.5 days, pupa 7.1 ± 0.9 days, and adult 7.2 ± 2.0 days. The larvae consumed 8.2 ± 5.3 cm2 of leaflets. Correlations were found between the population fluctuation in D. arcanella and the temperature in El Copey (ρ = −0.45; p < 0.0043), relative humidity in Codazzi (ρ = 0.33; p < 0.034), and with the natural control in both locations ((ρ = 0, 61; p < 0.000044) and (ρ = 0.42; p < 0.006)). These results suggest monitoring the pest populations in the second semester of the year and show the importance of promoting native natural enemies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The rare relict species Paracyphoderris erebeus is endemic to the Russian Far East. The primary objectives of this study were (1) to provide the unpublished data on habitat, behaviour and biology of the Amurian grig, (2) to discuss some issues arising from long-term studies of distribution, and (3) to produce ecologo-geographic models of the species distribution over the Far East as the basis to forecast some possible shifts in its distribution. Ecologo-geographic modelling of the P. erebeus distribution in 2021–2060 shows that the species range will be relatively stable. New data on distribution, ecology and biology of the rare extant species Paracyphoderris erebeus of the almost completely ancient family Prophalangopsidae (Orthoptera) are given. This montane species prefers humid areas with relatively low summer temperatures. Habits, mating behaviour and life history of P. erebeus are extremely similar to those of the North American representatives of the genus Cyphoderris. Nowadays, the Amurian grig is known from the Myaochan, Badzhalsky, Dusse-Alin, Bureinsky and Aezop ridges in the Khabarovsk Territory (north of the Amur River) and Bydyr Mountain in the Jewish Autonomous Region of Russia only. The analysis of the predicted distribution of P. erebeus based on the occurrence data reveals that the populations of the species may be more widely distributed over the southern part of the Russian Far East, at least up to 56° N. The ecologo-geographic model of the species distribution over its range is generated using the Maxent 3.4.4 software for the first time. Modelling of the P. erebeus distribution for 2021–2040 and 2041–2060 shows that the position of the species range appears to be relatively stable but a weak decline in the foretold suitability during climate warming may result in a reduction in population sizes and the subsequent fragmentation of the species population system. In this case, the Amurian grig will become a prospective to be included on the IUCN Red List. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The western honey bee (Apis mellifera) is an important ecological pollinator that commercially and economically contributes billions of dollars of free services to our ecosystem. Having the basic knowledge to provide an effective and standardized measure of the trait and check the pollination effectiveness is very important. However, we are still lacking efficient methods that can significantly measure traits. In this study, we checked the morphological structure of hairs on all of the body parts of the western honey bee by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM); furthermore, we also described the slide preparation method to measure hair length, which could also be used for distinct invertebrates. We found two forms of long and short hairs along with five different types of branches. These branches are worthwhile in pollination effectiveness during holding and transporting pollen. The thoracic region is filled with long hairs with maximum branches, which suggests that the thorax in honey bees probably plays a significant role in pollination effectiveness. Bees play a very important role in pollination, especially western honey bees, which contribute upwards of billions of dollars concerning crop pollination. Hairiness plays an important role in pollination success by transporting pollen, and pollen intake, but there is a lack of detailed studies on the morphological mechanisms. The hairiness trait is barely discussed in pollinator trait analysis because of the lack of systematic techniques used to measure hairiness. This paper reports a novel method that is used to measure the hair length of different body parts of a western honey bee through a stereomicroscope equipped with live measurement module software. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to update the knowledge regarding the hair structure of a western honey bee. We explained different types of hairs, hair branches, and their distributions on different body parts, which are discussed in detail. A positive correlation was found between hair length and the number of branches on all body parts. Five types of branches were observed, and these branches vary with different body parts. Our study provides sufficient details about the hair morphology of the western honey bee and a new methodology for measuring hair length. This methodology will improve the knowledge about understanding the pollination efficiency of the western honey bee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: NATURA 2000 species, Paracossulus thrips is one of the locally distributed, least studied moth species and is currently considered an endangered species in several European countries, even though the risk factors and its biology and ecology are not well known. In our study, conducted in Transylvania, Romania, we confirm the host plant as Phlomis tuberosa and describe the habitat type of P. thrips; we also present four new populations and the first DNA barcoding sequences for the species. Our study provides baseline knowledge on the biology and ecology of P.thrips, relevant for conservation, and for establishing management measures. Paracossulus thrips (Lepidoptera, Cossidae) is one of the locally distributed and endangered species. In Europe, it is also one of the few protected moth species, through Annexes II and IV of the Council Directive 92/43/EEC, Annex II of the Bern Convention. To date, little is known about the biology and ecology of this species. Our study was conducted in Transylvania, Romania. Romania hosts some of the strongest populations of the species in the European region. As part of the study, we conducted field observations, vegetation analyses, and genetic analyses. In our paper, we show the habitat types where we encounter P. thrips in Transylvania and confirm Phlomis tuberosa as a host plant. Furthermore, a piece of important information for habitat conservation is given. In this paper, we present the eggs and larvae of P. thrips, the first DNA barcoding sequences, and four new populations of P. thrips in Romania. Our study provides baseline knowledge about the biology and ecology of P. thrips, which is important for conservation and establishing management measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The rusty grain beetle, Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens), is a common pest found worldwide that can adapt to various climates. This insect poses a significant economic threat, making it crucial to understand its biology, ecology, and behavior to develop effective management strategies. To gain insights, a comprehensive review of the existing literature about C. ferrugineus was performed utilizing databases such as Web of Science and Scopus. The review covered publications from 1949 to 2023 and highlighted the global importance of C. ferrugineus through its presence in over 110 countries. The article provides a comprehensive examination of the insect's biology and ecology, highlighting influential factors. A summary of the research performed on the interspecific interaction of C. ferrugineus with other organisms has also been presented. Mathematical models focusing on population dynamics and movement behavior are also presented. Finally, the article outlines the potential directions for future work, aiming to deepen our understanding of C. ferrugineus and aid in the development of improved management strategies. Cryptolestes ferrugineus, the rusty grain beetle, is a cosmopolitan pest that has adapted to cool and warm climates due to its unique biology, ecology, and behavior. The rusty grain beetle is a pest of high economic importance; hence, understanding their biology, ecology, and behavior could be useful in designing effective management strategies. An extensive literature survey was conducted using the databases Web of Science and Scopus. Information on country-wise publications from 1949 to 2023 on C. ferrugineus was provided, and a table illustrating the distribution of C. ferrugineus was also presented to demonstrate the global significance of C. ferrugineus. We overviewed their life stages, morphology, and factors influencing their biology, ecology, and behavior, such as refuge-seeking behavior, flight activity, mating behavior, interspecific interaction with other species, movement, and distribution. Mathematical models focusing on C. ferrugineus population dynamics and movement were also presented. In order to advance our knowledge on C. ferrugineus, the following possible avenues for future research were outlined: application of molecular markers and population genetic approaches to understand their evolutionary history; mechanisms responsible for adaptation and resistance to insecticide; interspecific interaction in storage facilities and wider landscapes; and identification of microbial roles in the ecology, behavior, and control of C. ferrugineus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The boll weevil is a key pest of cotton in Central and South America. Its thermal requirements, development time, oviposition, survival, adult longevity, and sex ratio were determined under laboratory conditions, and the data were used to construct a fertility life table. Based on the results and a GIS (Geographic Information System), the R0 was estimated for different Brazilian regions and represented on a map. This information can be useful for developing strategies to manage the pest in cotton crops. The boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boh., is the most important cotton pest in Central and South America. The biological characteristics and thermal requirements of boll weevils reared on an artificial diet were assessed at seven constant temperatures (18, 20, 22, 25, 28, 30, and 32 ± 1 °C) under laboratory conditions. These data were used to determine the ecological zoning for the pest in Brazil. The development time; oviposition period; the number of eggs produced; survival of eggs, larvae, and pupae; adult longevity; and sex ratio were recorded, and additional life table parameters were calculated. The total development duration ranged from 16.1 (32 °C) to 46.2 (18 °C) days. Temperature significantly affected the number of eggs laid per female (fecundity), with the highest number of eggs observed at 25 °C (251 ± 15.8). The parameters from the fertility life table indicated the greatest population growth at 25 °C and 28 °C. The net reproductive rate (R0) at these temperatures was 22.25 times higher than at 18 °C. Based on R0 and temperature, an ecological zoning of the pest was developed for Brazil. Brazilian regions with mean temperatures above 20 °C and below 30 °C are most favorable for the population growth of the boll weevil. The most suitable crop areas were found to be the north, midwest, and part of the northeast region, although the weevil can occur throughout Brazil if the host plants are available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Controlling the brown marmorated stink bug without chemical insecticides is challenging. The sterile insect technique, based on use of irradiated sterile males to reduce fertility of wild females, is a valid method in area-wide pest management. This work complements previous investigations that were carried out by treating newly emerged males at lower irradiation doses. In this study, high irradiation doses (32 and 40 Gy) were applied, using a linear accelerator, to a colony of wild overwintering adults collected in large numbers in the field during the aggregation phase before the winter diapause. A sterility level of 95% was reached with a minimum 32 Gy X-ray irradiation dose and without significant impacts on other physiological parameters, such as fecundity and longevity. The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, is a pentatomid bug of Eastern Asian origin that became an economically relevant pest in the Eurasian and American continents. Management of this species is limited to use of chemical insecticides: an inefficient method due to the strong adaptability of the target pest. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is potentially a valid tactic in the search for nontoxic alternatives. In this work, we investigated the suitability of mass-trapped overwintering males, collected during the aggregation phase before the winter diapause, for their release as competitive sterile males in an SIT programme. Differently from previous studies, irradiation was applied with a linear accelerator device that produced high-energy photons. Following a similar scientific protocol with newly emerged irradiated males, the effects of X-ray irradiation on physiological parameters (longevity, fecundity and fertility) were assessed. In addition, behavioural bioassays were carried out in no-choice conditions to evaluate if irradiation interferes with mating processes. The results are very encouraging; the effects of the irradiation at 32 Gy did not differ from the controls in the longevity or fecundity of the exposed overwintering adults. The hatching rate of the eggs laid by the fertile females that had mated with the irradiated males was less than 5%. The results of behavioural bioassays showed that the irradiation did not cause a significant impact on the quality of the sterile males. More research is warranted to evaluate the mating competitiveness of sterile males in semi-field and field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The taxonomic status of O. smreczynskii Cmol., 1968 as a valid species was finally confirmed on the basis of the results of molecular, morphological and anatomical studies. An urban species, with a distribution closely associated with human activities, this weevil is regarded as a pest of gardens and ornamental plants. The set of characters used for its identification is provided. The structure of the female genitalia turned out to be useful for differentiating the sister species O. smreczynskii and O. rotundus. The entire life cycle, morphology of immatures and phenology of O. smreczynskii were examined in detail both in the laboratory and in the field. Host plants are listed and the unique feeding signs of O. smreczynskii are illustrated. The revised distributions of O. smreczynskii and O. rotundus show that the bisexual O. rotundus is being displaced by the parthenogenetic O. smreczynskii. The hypothetical origin of O. smreczynskii given here is based on the natural distribution of its host plants. The mature larva and pupa of Otiorhynchus smreczynskii are described and illustrated with complete chaetotaxy for the first time. Five larval instars and the factors for larval growth are determined, and the larval development of this species is comprehensively described. In order to confirm species affiliation, selected larvae were subjected to genetic analysis (mtCOI). Host plants and unique feeding signs of some Entiminae species are presented, and all available data on development are documented and interpreted. Additionally, the morphometry of 78 specimens (48 of O. smreczynskii and 30 of O. rotundus) was examined in order to verify the usefulness of morphological features in distinguishing both species. The female genitalia of both species are illustrated, described and compared with each other for the first time. Finally, the updated distribution of O. smreczynskii is given, and a possible origin of O. smreczynskii and O. rotundus is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Tephritid fruit flies are widely distributed around the world and lay eggs in fruits and vegetables, resulting in rotting and economic losses. To limit economic loss caused by these flies, we reviewed and summarized three decades of literature on 10 important fly species occurring in China. We summarized the biology, ecology and integrated control methods to help researchers, quarantine officials and even hobbyists obtain more basic knowledge and a more innovative outlook. Tephritid fruit flies are notoriously known for causing immense economic losses due to their infestation of many types of commercial fruits and vegetables in China. These flies are expanding, causing serious damage, and we summarized references from the last three decades regarding biological parameters, ecological performance and integrated pest management. There are 10 species of tephritid fruit flies mentioned at a relatively high frequency in China, and a detailed description and discussion in this comprehensive review were provided through contrast and condensation, including economics, distribution, identification, hosts, damage, life history, oviposition preference, interspecific competition and integrated management, in anticipation of providing effective strategies or bases for the subsequent development of new research areas and improvement of integrated management systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1915; 250: 1-39 93 Shields V.D.C., Broomell B.P., Salako J.O.B. Host selection and acceptability of selected tree species by gypsy moth larvae, Lymantria dispar (L.). J. Pest Sci. 2000; 73: 125-126 237 Zúbrik M., Hajek A., Pilarska D., Spilda I., Georgiev G., Hrasovec B., Hirka A., Goertz D., Hoch G., Barta M. The potential for Entomophaga maimaiga to regulate gypsy moth Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) in Europe. 1956; 21: 148-157 78 Gray D.R., Ravlin F.W., Régnière J., Logan J.A. Further advances toward a model of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar (L.)) egg phenology: Respiration rates and thermal responsiveness during diapause, and age-dependent developmental rates in postdiapause. 1993 110 Miller J.C., Hanson P.E. Laboratory studies on development of gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), larvae on foliage of gymnosperms. 1984 288 Liebhold A.M., Elkinton J.S., Wallner W.E. Effect of burlap bands on between-tree movement of late-instar gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera:Lymantriidae). [Extracted from the article]

Simple Summary: Although native to northeastern Mexico and southern Texas, the hibiscus bud weevil (HBW), Anthonomus testaceosquamosus Linell 1897, was recently discovered infesting hibiscus in south Florida in 2017. During outbreak events, HBW feeding on hibiscus buds has been found to significantly affect the marketability of the crop. Therefore, it is vital that an integrated pest management (IPM) program be developed for this pest in order to mitigate the economic loss to the hibiscus industry of south Florida. However, a comprehensive understanding of the HBW's biology is critical to the development of such a program. In this study, we sought to determine how temperature and diet affect the life history of the HBW. Four temperatures were tested 10, 15, 27 and 34 °C. Life cycle completion was found to only occur at 27 °C, but weevils developed equally as fast on hibiscus buds as on an artificial diet. Adult HBW could survive solely on pollen, but reproduction did not occur. Without water at 27 °C, HBW survived for ≈15 days; survival times reached nearly 30 days when water was accessible. Our results suggest that if left unmanaged, the HBW may cause significant economic damage to the hibiscus industry. We provide a foundation for future research endeavors that aim to better manage this weevil in south Florida. Originating in northeastern Mexico and southern Texas, the hibiscus bud weevil (HBW), Anthonomus testaceosquamosus Linell 1897, was discovered infesting China rose hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.) in south Florida in May 2017. Although the biologies of the congeneric boll weevil, A. grandis Boheman 1843, and pepper weevil, A. eugenii Cano 1894 are well documented, no data are available regarding the biology of HBW. Here, we present a comprehensive study on the biology of this pest when reared at 10, 15, 27 and 34 °C and on different food sources. This weevil has three larval instars and its life cycle was completed only at 27 ± 1 °C. Weevil development was similar on an artificial diet when compared with a diet of hibiscus buds. Adult HBW could survive solely on pollen, but reproduction did not occur. Without water, HBW survived for ≈15 days; survival times reached nearly 30 days when water was accessible. Our results suggest that if left unmanaged, HBW has the potential to cause significant economic damage to the hibiscus industry. Given that a comprehensive understanding of a pest's biology is critical for development of effective integrated pest management, our results provide a foundation for future research endeavors to mitigate the impact of this weevil in south Florida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]