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Pine wilt disease is caused by nematodes transmitted by pine sawyer beetles and is fatal for several pine species. The trees might be destroyed within a few months after being attacked, leads to major ecological and financial losses. In this article, we presented a model of pine wilt disease in the trees considering the interaction between nematodes, transmitting beetles with both asymptomatic and symptomatic pine trees. The disease dynamics is first displayed through a schematic diagram which is then transformed to non-linear coupled integer order ODEs through the law of mass action. The positivity, boundedness and equilibrium points has been analyzed and basic reproduction number is calculated through the next generation technique. Sensitivity analysis is also done for the most sensitive parameters which is also displayed through different figures and tables. The solution of the considered nonlinear fractal-fractal model has been obtained through numerical method via MATLAB software. Some numerical results have been obtained and it has been observed that the fractional model give us the more general results by considering different non-integer orders and the integer order results can be easily recovered. It is also noticed that reducing the interaction among the infected beetles and susceptible trees by killing the main source of the infection i.e., killing beetles can reduce the infection drastically, which are briefly discussed and conclusion has been drawn on the basis of the obtained results. • A mathematical model for the pine wilt disease dynamics is considered. • All the possibilities of interaction of trees and beetles are considered. • Using law of mass action, the physical model is transformed into system of ODEs. • Fractal-Fractional differential operator is applied to integer order ODE system. • Simulation results are obtained by use of a numerical approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Monochamus within the subfamily Lamiinae is the main vector of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus , which causes pine wilt disease and induces substantial economic and ecological losses. Only three complete mitochondrial genomes of the genus Monochamus have been sequenced to date, and no comparative mitochondrial genomic studies of Lamiinae have been conducted. Here, the mitochondrial genomes of two Monochamus species, M. saltuarius and M. urussovi , were newly sequenced and annotated. The composition and order of genes in the mitochondrial genomes of Monochamus species are conserved. All transfer RNAs exhibit the typical clover-leaf secondary structure, with the exception of trnS1. Similar to other longhorn beetles, Lamiinae mitochondrial genomes have an A + T bias. All 13 protein-coding genes have experienced purifying selection, and tandem repeat sequences are abundant in the A + T-rich region. Phylogenetic analyses revealed congruent topologies among trees inferred from the five datasets, with the monophyly of Acanthocinini, Agapanthiini, Batocerini, Dorcaschematini, Pteropliini, and Saperdini receiving high support. The findings of this study enhance our understanding of mitochondrial genome evolution and will provide a basis for future studies of population genetics and phylogenetic investigations in this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forests provide crucial support for ecological communities and play a vital role in human well-being and livelihoods. Protecting forests from the impacts of invasive species is a challenge that spans epistemologies, governmental levels, and academic fields. Yet, sharing new information, existing practices, and challenges among relevant groups has often been limited in Canada and the United States. To address this challenge, we began with a review of all academic and Canadian and US grey literature to reveal major published themes in forest invader research and policy. We refined these through a survey and workshop with participants encompassing Indigenous knowledge holders, government scientists, non-government organization employees, and academic researchers based in Canada and the US. Our deliberations resulted in five organizing themes for research and practitioner action to address species invasions: 1) Overcoming barriers to knowledge sharing, for instance, through the employment of governmental liaisons, 2) Assessing risks and benefits of alternative forms of management, for instance through scenario models of spatial management decisions, 3) Making effective use of new technologies, such as advancements in genomics tools and sentinel plots, 4) Broadening the focus on invasion pathways, especially related to urban forests and the nursery trade, and 5) Considering equity and making space for differing epistemologies, for example through the improved engagement of Indigenous Peoples in forest invader management. We elicited semi-quantitative scores for the importance, uncertainty, feasibility, complexity, and time requirements of tactics aligned with these major themes. We also identified discrepancies in public attention and funding compared to forest experts' priorities, including in the role of the nursery trade as a pathway of secondary invader spread. We illustrate how these themes can inform priorities for management in three important areas of North American biosecurity: solid wood packaging, and emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) and Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) management. This work provides organization to the growing set of tools and outlines priority management tactics for invasive forest pests. • We conducted a survey and workshop with forest experts from Canada and the US. • We developed five themes for research and management action in forest invasions. • One-way communication and overly general strategies have led to past poor management. • Urban forests and tree nursery trade are considered key pathways for future risk. • Scenario models can provide a more explicit case for taking proactive action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate tree inventories are critical for urban forest management but challenging to obtain, as many urban trees are on private property (backyards, etc.) and are excluded from public inventories. Here, we examined the feasibility of tree species identification in a large heterogenous urban area (>850 km2) by using multi-temporal PlanetScope images (3.2 m resolution, multi-spectral) and inventory data from more than 20,000 ground observations within the urban forest of the Greater Chicago area. Our approach achieved an overall classification accuracy of 0.60 and 0.71 for 18 species and ten genera, respectively, but varied from moderate to high for certain species (0.59–0.92) and genera (0.61–0.91). In particular, we identified key host tree species (Fraxinus americana , F. pennsylvanica , and Acer saccharinum) for two damaging invasive insects, emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis) and Asian longhorn beetle (ALB, Anoplophora glabripennis), with over 0.80 accuracies. In addition, we demonstrated that including images from the autumn months (September–November), either for a single-season model or a combined multiple-season model, improved the identification accuracy of temperate deciduous trees. Further, the high classification accuracy of support vector machine (SVM) over random forest (RF) and neural network (NN) approaches suggests that future work might benefit from comparing multiple classification methods to select the approach that maximizes species classification accuracy. Our study demonstrated the potential for applying multi-temporal high-resolution images in urban tree classification, which can be used for urban forest management at a large spatial scale. • Multi-temporal satellite images allow species identification in large urban areas. • Autumn images are important for temperate deciduous trees classification. • Classification accuracy varies among species (0.59–0.92) and genera (0.61 – 0.91). • SVM performs better than RF and NN in urban tree species classification [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The longhorned beetles are key players for the maintenance of biodiversity in the terrestrial ecosystem. As xylophagous cerambycid insects in Coleoptera, the beetles have evolved specialized olfactory and gustatory systems to recognize chemical cues in the surrounding habitats. Despite over 36,000 described species in the Cerambycidae family including a wood-boring pest Pharsalia antennata , only a limited number of them (<1 %) have been characterized regarding their chemical ecology at the molecular level. Here, we surveyed four membrane protein gene families in P. antennata related to chemoreception through transcriptomics, phylogenetics and expression profiling analyses. In total, 144 genes encoding 72 odorant receptors (ORs), 33 gustatory receptors (GRs), 23 ionotropic receptors (IRs), four sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) and 12 ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) were harvested from the transcriptome of multiple tissues including antennae and legs of both sexes. The lineage-specific expansion of PantORs possibly implied a diverse range of host plants in this beetle, supporting this correlation between the host range and olfactory receptor repertoire sizes across cerambycid species. Further phylogenetic analysis revealed that Group 2 was contributed mainly to the large OR gene repertoire in P. antennata , representing 18 genes in Group 2A and eight in Group 2B. On the other hand, some key chemosensory genes were identified by applying a phylogenetics approach, such as PantOR21 close to the 2-phenylethanol receptor in Megacyllene caryae , three carbon dioxide GRs and seven Antennal IRs (A-IRs) clades. We also determined sex- and tissue-specific expression profiles of 69 chemosensory genes, revealing the high expression of most PantORs in antennae. Noticeably, 10 sex-biased genes (six PantORs , three PantIRs and PantSNMP1a) were presented in antennae, five sex-biased PantGRs in legs and 39 sex-biased genes (15 PantORs , 13 PantGRs , eight PantIRs and three PantSNMPs) in abdomens. These findings have greatly enhanced our knowledge about the chemical ecology of P. antennata and identify candidate molecular targets for mediating smell and taste of this beetle. [Display omitted] • A total of 72 ORs, 33 GRs, 23 IRs, 4 SNMPs and 12 iGluRs were identified from the transcriptome of Pharsalia antennata. • The phylogeny of four chemosensory membrane proteins was inferred, with a large OR expansion in Group 2. • Expression profiles of 112, 62 and 51 chemosensory genes were characterized using RNA–Seq, RT–PCR and qPCR, respectively. • Sex-biased chemosensory genes in antennae, legs or abdomens were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental adaptability of insects has been a key focus of ecological research. As molecular chaperones, Heat shock proteins (Hsps) play an important role in insect responses to environmental stress. Anoplophora glabripennis is a destructive pest of broad-leaved trees such as poplars. The ability to adapt to low temperature is an important factor for successful colonization of A. glabripennis in new diffusion area. However, the roles of Hsp in the stress responses in A. glabripennis have not been established. In this study, we identified 47 Hsp genes, including 3 Hsp90 , 14 Hsp70 , 9 Hsp60 , and 21 sHsp genes. The Hsp gene family expanded substantially in A. glabripennis. The differences in expression patterns may be related to the type and intensity of stress. Larval overwintering transcriptomes showed that 13 Hsp genes were not induced during overwintering and 21 Hsp genes were involved in the regulation of life activities under non-stress conditions. In a quantitative RT-PCR analysis, AglaHsp90 - 2 responded more quickly under gradient cooling treatments; AglaHsp90 - 2 and AglaHsp90 - 3 were sensitive to treatment at 0 °C for 6 h under instantaneous cooling. Our results provide a theoretical basis for clarifying the molecular mechanism of Hsp genes in A. glabripennis in responsing to environmental stresses. • The Hsp gene family expanded substantially in Anoplophora glabripennis. • Gene and protein structures of Hsps are related to insect environmental adaptability. • Specific Hsp genes are important in response to low temperature stress in insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemoreception through odorant receptors (ORs), ionotropic receptors (IRs) and gustatory receptors (GRs) represents the functions of key proteins in the chemical ecology of insects. Recent studies have identified chemoreceptors in coleopterans, facilitating the evolutionary analysis of not only ORs but also IRs and GRs. Thus, Cerambycidae, Tenebrionidae and Curculionidae have received increased attention. However, knowledge of the chemoreceptors from Scarabaeidae is still limited, particularly for those that are sympatric. Considering the roles of chemoreceptors, this analysis could shed light on evolutionary processes in the context of sympatry. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify and compare the repertoires of ORs, GRs and IRs between two sympatric scarab beetles, Hylamorpha elegans and Brachysternus prasinus. Here, construction of the antennal transcriptomes of both scarab beetle species and analyses of their phylogeny, molecular evolution and relative expression were performed. Thus, 119 new candidate chemoreceptors were identified for the first time, including 17 transcripts for B. prasinus (1 GR, 3 IRs and 13 ORs) and 102 for H. elegans (22 GRs, 14 IRs and 66 ORs). Orthologs between the two scarab beetle species were found, revealing specific expansions as well as absence in some clades. Purifying selection appears to have occurred on H. elegans and B. prasinus ORs. Further efforts will be focused on target identification to characterize kairomone and/or pheromone receptors. [Display omitted] • RNA-seq from two sympatric scarab beetles reveals 119 new candidate chemoreceptors for the first time. • The oligophagous Hylamorpha elegans has six times the amount of chemoreceptors than the monophagous, Brachysternus prasinus. • Orthologues between both scarab beetles show specific Scarabaeidae expansions. • Purifying selection was found to be acting on particular OR lineages of H. elegans and B. prasinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Four pheromone blends and a control were tested at four sites in South Korea. • 309 beetles from 17 cerambycid species were attracted in total. • Eight species showed significant attraction to specific pheromone blends. • The results confirm related cerambycid taxa often share pheromone components. Longhorned beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) are a diverse family of wood-boring insects that provide valuable ecosystem services but also cause significant damage to forests and crops. South Korea is a crucial region for studying Cerambycidae due to the presence of invasive and endemic pests. In this study, we tested four blends of known cerambycid pheromones and a control (isopropanol) as attractants for longhorned beetles in two sites in central Korea and two sites in Jeju Island in southern Korea from April to August 2022. A total of 309 individuals from 17 species were caught, with five species being significantly attracted to a particular pheromone blend. The attraction of species whose pheromones are not known to specific blends provides promising leads that can be used to expedite identification of the actual pheromones for these species. Our results also provide further confirmation that pheromone components are often widely shared among related cerambycid taxa on different continents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An individual-based dispersal model was developed for flying pine sawyers. • This model was parameterized with flight mill and mark-release-recapture data. • According to simulations, beetles could fly on average 63 km in total. • Clear-cut zones of 500 m could not prevent the spread of the pine wood nematode. The number of invasive species is increasing throughout the world. One of the corner stones to successfully control them is to better estimate their dispersal capabilities. For flying insects, dispersal performance is commonly estimated through flight mill and mark-release-recapture experiments. However, each approach has its own bias, over- and under-estimating flying distances respectively. The objective of this study was to develop an individual-based dispersal model to circumvent these drawbacks. The shape of the dispersal kernel was calibrated on distances recorded in flight mill experiments (previously done) and then model parameters were fine-tuned based on mark-release-recapture experiments (presented in this study). The pine sawyer beetle, Monochamus galloprovincialis , was used as case study because it is the European vector of the invasive pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus , recognized as one of the biggest threats to pine forests worldwide. The best fitted model to mark-release-recapture data was parameterized with a mean flying distance of 2000 m per day, which is consistent with flight mill data. It was used to further simulate the dispersal of 100 beetles in non-fragmented pine forests. The cumulative flight distance was 63 km on average at the end of their adult life stage, and the mean dispersal distance as the crow flies was of ca. 13 km. At the end of the maturation period, when most nematodes have been already transmitted to host pines via shoot feeding, about 80% of the insects were located at more than 500 m from the emergence point. These outcomes clearly question the relevance of clear-cut zones of 500 m radius required by the European regulation for the eradication of the invasive nematode. Such dispersal model could be used to support decision-making for eradication programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • We developed a cost-efficient, non-lethal methodology to monitor longicorn beetles. • We identified a diverse longicorn community containing both common and rare species. • Bayesian models allowed for estimating occupancy of rare and low detection species. • Overall, 39 species (95%CI = 30–57 species) were predicted to occur in the study area. • Tree density, deadwood and canopy predicted beetle abundance, diversity and occupancy. Abstract Longicorn beetles are a diverse group of insects that perform critical ecosystem services and are indicators of forest health. Most longicorn species are data deficient, and many are considered at risk. Longicorn beetle monitoring often relies on lethal methods and are time and cost intensive. In this study we investigated the use of generic pheromones in conjunction with species- and Bayesian community-level hierarchical modeling that accounts for imperfect detection, as a rapid tool for monitoring longicorn beetle diversity. Using 50 flight-intercept traps deployed for one month at two sites in a traditionally-maintained landscape in SW Romania, we implemented non-lethal surveys to evaluate the longicorn species abundance and estimate beetle occupancy. We captured and identified 2370 longicorn beetles of 28 species; two species, Phymatodes testaceus and Plagionotus detritus accounted for more than ½ of the captures, and nine species were only captured once. However the most abundant species estimated in our area was Mesosa nebulosa (36–60 individuals per trap location). Using co-occurrence of high and low detection species, as well as habitat associations, we estimated that 39 species (30–57 95% posterior interval) were present at any given site, suggesting that our survey did not capture the full longicorn diversity. Beetle diversity, occurrence and abundance were associated with higher tree density, volume of dead wood and number of stumps, and lower canopy cover. Our methods allowed to discriminate between common species with low detection, and rare species, and are a promising tool for the rapid assessment of longicorn beetle diversity, as well as the conservation status of listed and non-listed species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • We examined salvage logging effects on surface fuels and understory vegetation. • Fine woody surface fuels were greater in salvaged sites than untreated controls. • Salvage logging altered understory plant community composition and cover. Abstract Recent, widespread spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis) outbreaks have driven extensive tree mortality across western North America. Post-disturbance forest management often includes salvage logging to capture economic value of dead timber, reduce fire hazard, and meet other social or ecological objectives. Little is known about effects of salvage logging on surface fuel loads or plant understory communities in Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii)-dominated forests. We sampled fine and coarse woody debris, ground cover, and plant species composition along transects in spruce-beetle impacted stands in southwestern Colorado, USA. Twenty stands had been subject to clearcut 1–2 years prior to sampling; 32 stands were unlogged controls. Salvage logged stands exhibited altered surface fuels, ground cover, plant species cover, and community composition. Salvage increased 1-, 10-, and 100-hr fuels, and cover by bare ground and woody debris; cover by litter and cryptogams was reduced. Understory plant cover was reduced in salvaged stands, primarily due to losses of shrub cover. We found no difference in species diversity or richness between treated stands and controls. Salvage logging also drove shifts in plant community composition. Mean cover by non-native species was low, and not different, between control and salvage stands. Our study characterizes short-term effects that will undoubtedly change substantially over longer periods, in particular due to anticipated tree seedling growth and movement of standing dead wood from the canopy to the surface. In the near term, abundant fine woody surface fuels at salvage sites could influence the likelihood and rate of spread of surface fires, though over time we expect surface fuels in untreated stands to increase to comparable or greater levels than in salvaged stands. Differences in vascular plant cover and composition imparted by salvage harvests is also expected to change over time, though whether treated and untreated communities diverge or converge is not known. As such, we recommend that salvage harvest effects be monitored over extended time frames in order to detect longer-term trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psacothea hilaris is an important wood boring beetle that causes significant ecological and economic damage. The mouthparts of P. hilaris contain feeding and sensory structures that play important roles in many behaviors. The study of their functional morphologies provides insight into feeding and sensory mechanisms. The fine structures of the mouthparts and the sensilla of both sexes were observed by scanning electron microscopy, with special attention to quantitative comparisons. The general structures of the mouthparts are similar in males and females. However, the maxillary and labial palps of females are more well-developed than those of males. Six types of sensilla were found in both sexes: sensilla basiconca, sensilla trichodea, sensilla chaetica, sensilla digitiformia, sensilla coeloconica, and sensilla palmata. This was the first attempt to describe the sensilla on the epipharynx and ligula of Cerambycidae. There were differences in the number of sensilla of males and females, especially on the mandibles, maxillary and labial palps. However, not all types of sensilla have a greater number in females compared to males. The results provide basic information on the gustatory sensation mechanism of Cerambycidae. • The mouthpart structure of adult Psacothea hilaris is described in detail. • Sensilla differences of male and female mouthparts are compared. • The sensory function and feeding mechanism of P. hilaris are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Upon removal of maple species from the overstory, forest composition shifted to oak-pine and oak-hickory dominance, a forest type that is common to this area. • Red maple saplings and seedlings were present in high numbers, indicating that the species was returning to the regeneration layer. • The herbaceous plant and shrub layer remained largely species native to the area and invasive plant species did not occur in high numbers, indicating treatment and forest type did not impact the presence of invasive plant species. • Forests are recovering post-management as expected for temperate forests in this region. The United States has been experiencing an influx of nonnative pests due to increased globalization, and these pests have the potential to permanently alter the composition, structure, and function of forests. Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) is an invasive pest detected in Worcester, MA in 2008, where it invaded both urban and natural forested areas. As a part of the eradication measures (full host removals, herbicide treatments, and stump grinding), all host tree species, primarily Acer spp. were removed to prevent the spread of ALB. While these eradication measures successfully eliminate ALB, little is known about their effects on forest structural and compositional conditions and recovery over time. To address this, we examined forest compositional and structural development following eradication treatments and in adjacent unimpacted forested areas. Overall, our results indicated forest recovery followed similar pathways documented after natural disturbances in southern New England forests. There was little difference among eradication treatments in terms of the resultant forest composition and structure. Overall, forest types shifted to primarily oak-hickory or pine dominance following the removal of all Acer spp. Notably, maple species were present in high numbers in the regeneration layer regardless of treatment, followed by other early colonizing species. Red maple (Acer rubrum) was the most abundant sapling and seedling species and stump sprouting occurred at 60% of sites but was absent in untreated areas. These results suggest that ALB management does not drastically alter forest compositional dynamics in these mixed species forests in the short term, despite significant reductions in the abundance of mature host species through eradication treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insect cuticle serves a multitude of purposes, including: mechanical and thermal protection, water-repelling, acoustic signal absorption and coloration. The influence of cuticular structures on infrared radiation exchange and thermal balance is still largely unexplored. Here we report on the micro- and nanostructured setae covering the elytra of the longicorn beetle Rosalia alpina (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) that help the insect to survive in hot, summer environments. In the visible part of the spectrum, scale-like setae, covering the black patches of the elytra, efficiently absorb light due to the radiation trap effect. In the infrared part of the spectrum, setae of the whole elytra significantly contribute to the radiative heat exchange. From the biological point of view, insect elytra facilitate camouflage, enable rapid heating to the optimum body temperature and prevent overheating by emitting excess thermal energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The racemate and the enantiomers of ( E )- cis -6,7-epoxy-2-nonenal, the male pheromone of Aromia bungii , were synthesized by olefin cross metathesis between crotonaldehyde and (±)-, (+)- and (−)- cis -3,4-epoxy-7-octene. The epoxide was prepared by the Grignard coupling between allylmagnesium bromide and (±)-, (+)- and (−)- cis -2,3-epoxypentyl triflate. (±)- cis -2,3-Epoxy-1-pentanol was prepared by MCPBA epoxidation of ( Z )-2-penten-1-ol, while its enantiomers were synthesized by the Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation of the allylic alcohol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saproxylic insects depend on deadwood for larval development, and a certain degree of specialization may be involved in their choice of host plants and/or wood in a particular stage of degradation. The plant species chosen for oviposition in turn act as an environmental pressure on the head morphology of larvae and it is expected that head shape plasticity varies directly with the number of woody plant species used for larval development in each insect species. We analyzed head shape variation in saproxylic beetles with respect to host plant species, maximum time of larval emergence and season of the year when insects colonized branches. Generalist species in the use of host plants showed significant variation in head shape and size. Time of emergence and season did not appear to affect head shape, although season was a determinant factor of abundance and possibly head size variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The red-necked longhorn beetle larva spends pupal stages in a chamber in host trees. • Immature larva accumulates Ca2+ in the Malpighian tubules by feeding on wood tissue. • Ca2+ is stored in regions proximal to the gut, within the hind two of the six tubules. • Mature larva forms the pupal chamber with a calcareous entrance-lid in the xylem. • Ca2+ storage in the tubules disappeared in larvae upon completion of pupal chamber. Cerambycid beetles form a chamber to spend their pupal stages in various forms according to the species. The red-necked longhorn beetle Aromia bungii (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), which is an invasive pest that severely damages Rosaceae trees, makes a pupal chamber at the end of a tunnel deep in the xylem. Beetle larvae and the closely related species form a calcareous lid at the entrance of a pupal chamber. Previous studies on the closely related species conducted more than a century ago suggested that Malpighian tubules (MTs) play a vital role in calcium carbonate accumulation. However, the association between this Ca2+ accumulation and pupal chamber lid formation utilizing the possible calcium compounds stored in MTs have not yet been demonstrated. First, we artificially reared A. bungii larvae from eggs in host branches for 100 days and identified the larval developmental status and pupal chamber formation, using X-ray computed tomography. Second, we collected larvae from the branches and observed the internal organs by direct dissection under a microscope. Finally, we analyzed the elemental distribution, particularly calcium, in the larval gut with MTs, using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence. The results suggest that immature larvae of A. bungii can accumulate Ca2+ in the MTs through wood tunneling and feeding activities. Ca2+ was stored at the proximal regions in two of the six MTs located posteriorly in the body. Additionally, larvae that formed a calcareous lid at the entrance of pupal chambers in the branches did not store Ca2+ in the MTs, suggesting that the larvae of A. bungii used the stored Ca2+ in their MTs for lid formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• It has been detected a deterioration of cork quality in the sampled stands. • Cerambycidae and Coroebus undatus are prevalent in the sampled stands. • Stands with good growing state showed a higher presence of Coroebus undatus. • It is advisable to extend the stripping cycle duration for obtaining good cork. • The same trees should be monitored in each consecutive cork sampling plan. Good knowledge of the factors that influence cork quality and the health of forests is essential when making decisions regarding the management of productive cork oak forests. The quality of cork planks depends on: plank thickness, plank porosity and the presence of anomalies. So far, no studies have evaluated cork quality based on cork anomalies, partly due to the difficulty of obtaining adequate data. In 1985, it was developed the first Cork Quality Field Assessment Plan (CQFAP) to provide information about the quality of harvested cork by collecting data of very high quality. This work analyzes the anomalies present in 2049 cork sampling units collected from ten stands under the CQFAP for the period 1986–2012 in three consecutive cork stripping cycles. Data on diseases, pests and stripping damages are also analyzed in the 654 trees where cork sampling units were collected in the third stripping cycle. Additionally, mean monthly temperature and precipitation values for the 35 years covering the three stripping periods were calculated. A progressive deterioration of cork quality was observed in the sampled cork oak stands. It was found a positive relationship between cork thickness and temperature indicating that the cork growing period could be extended when temperatures are moderate. Sampled cork oaks were more affected by Cerambycidae attacks and Coraebus undatus indicating their prevalent nature. The presence of Coraebus undatus were higher in stands with good health status. The studied diseases were Biscogniauxia mediterranea , Phytophthora sp. and fungi of the family Botryosphaeriaceae , finding a not previously reported correlation between the presence of Crematogaster scutellaris and the three studied diseases. Stripping damages increase with smaller cork thickness but climate is not a decisive factor for a proper stripping. Although having room for improvement, the CQFAP is proving to be an effective tool for assessing the quality of cork, the health status of cork oak forests and the evolution of these forests over time. The information provided could be also used to identify places worthy of further studying. The main recommendation for improving the CQFAP would be to monitor the same trees in each consecutive sampling for properly monitoring cork thickness and the presence of defects to be used as a proxy for tree health. Regarding forest management, the main recommendations would be to extend the length of stripping cycles to enhance cork production, and to use the new tools and systems for cork stripping to reduce damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oncideres albomarginata chamela (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) is a stem-boring beetle that girdles branches of Spondias purpurea (Anacardiaceae) for oviposition. Many beetles opportunistically oviposit in these branches and larvae create cavities that are abandoned when the adults emerge. Our objective was to evaluate the role of wood-boring beetles in promoting ant nest cavities mediated by a twig-girdler engineer. We collected 120 abandoned branches that had been detached by O. albomarginata chamela , in a tropical dry forest, in Jalisco, Mexico. Sixty abandoned branches were placed in trees from February to April, and another sixty from August to October 2016. In order to test the effects of nest characteristics on ant species, we measured the diameter of each branch and the diameter of the ant nest entrance as explanatory variables, whereas the size of ant species was used as response variable. We found 49 nests of arboreal ants from 14 species. The body size of the ants nesting in the abandoned branches was positively correlated with the diameter of the nest entrance. Ants used abandoned branches mainly as polydomic nests. Our result confirms that ants partitioning resources according to the size of entrance holes made by wood-boring beetles in dead wood. Polydomic nests have been reported as a strategy to promote the colonization of new nesting sites and the reduction of intraspecific competition. We conclude that the ecosystem engineering carried out by the twig-girdler O. albomarginata chamela had extended effects on the arboreal ant community, that takes advantage of the cavities abandoned by wood-boring beetles for nesting, especially for polydomic nests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect guts harbor diverse microbial assemblages that can be influenced by multiple factors, including gut physiology and interactions by the host with its environment. The Asian longhorned beetle ( A. glabripennis ; Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) is an invasive tree–killing insect that harbors a diverse consortium of fungal and bacterial gut associates that provision nutrients and facilitate lignocellulose digestion. The physicochemical conditions of the A. glabripennis gut and how these conditions may influence the microbial composition across gut regions are unknown. In this study, we used microsensors to measure in situ oxygen concentrations, pH, and redox potential along the length of the A. glabripennis larval gut from two North American populations. We then analyzed and compared bacterial and fungal gut communities of A. glabripennis within individual hosts along the length of the gut using 16S and ITS1 amplicon sequencing. The A. glabripennis midgut lumen was relatively anoxic (<0.01 kPa) with a pH gradient from 5.5 to 9, moving anterior to posterior. Redox potential was higher in the anterior midgut relative to posterior regions. No differences in physicochemistry were measured between the two populations of the beetle, but the two populations harbored different communities of bacteria and fungi. However, microbial composition of the A. glabripennis gut microbiota did not differ among gut regions despite physicochemical differences. Unlike other insect systems that have distinct gut compartmentalization and corresponding microbial assemblages, the A. glabripennis gut lacks dramatic morphological modifications, which may explain why discrete microbial community structures were not found along the digestive system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stem borer insects are one of the most important pest groups of Amaranthus crops on a global scale. In this study, we evaluated the magnitude of borer herbivory in five cultivars of Amaranthus experimentally in La Pampa, Argentina, during two growing seasons. We tested the effect of several plant attributes of five cultivars of Amaranthus on the herbivory caused by three stem borer species. In turn, we evaluated the effect of cultivar and plant density (both as factors modifying the thickness of the stems) and the effect of cultivar and planting time (both as factors modifying the length of the life cycle of the plants) on the herbivory caused by the stem borers in two cultivars of Amaranthus hypochondriacus . We report a wide variation in the susceptibility of the cultivars to stem borer herbivory and discuss the effects of the plant features investigated. Phenological and morphological features of the stems (especially the diameter) influenced the selectivity of host plants by the adult females. The management practices tested here, including plant density and sowing date manipulations, modified plant structure and consequently influenced the damage by stem borers. High density sown plants presented thinner stems and suffered reduced damage by borers than plants sown at low density, whereas delayed sown plants had thinner stems and were less attacked by borer insects than earlier sown plants. The implementation of these cultural practices seems to be a promising alternative for the management of borer species, to which Amaranthus is particularly vulnerable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new cerambycid beetle ( Qitianniu zhihaoi gen. et. sp. nov.) is described on the basis of a single specimen embedded in Cretaceous Burmese amber (ca. 99 Ma). Unusual characteristics are hairy antennae and large lateral eyes, a pronotum with lateral margin, and sinuate protibiae. Based on a phylogenetic analysis, the systematic position of Qitianniu is still uncertain and we provisionally place it as Cerambycidae incertae sedis . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of 3-hydroxy-2-hexanone and 2,3-hexanediol, two components of the aggregation pheromone of several cerambycid species, is disclosed in here. Starting from 2-hexanone, through an α-hydroxylation using (diacetoxyiodo)benzene, 3-hydroxy-2-hexanone is obtained in good yield. Further reduction of this compound, gives 2,3-hexanediol in excellent yield. A study of the α-hydroxylation reaction of several alkylketones using an hypervalent iodine reagent is also disclosed in here. The synthesis of optically active compounds ( R )- and ( S )-3-hydroxy-2-hexanone was achieved starting from 2-hexanone with nitrosobenzene and l - and d -proline respectively, in several reaction media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dastarcus helophoroides , a predatory natural enemy of longhorned beetles, has a relatively longer lifespan compared to other insects. To determine the potential physiological roles of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) in longevity and aging of D. helophoroides , analyses including molecular information, bioinformatics research, phylogenetic relationship and expression patterns were combined for investigation. Four D.hSODs were classified into three groups: one cytoplasmic Cu/Zn-SOD, two extracellular Cu/Zn–SOD and one Mn–SOD, were identified and characterized by multiple alignments. All D.hSODs were highly homologous to SODs of Tribolium castaneum , and closely clustered together with SOD genes from insects in phylogenetic analyses. Comparison of the D.hSODs expression in different tissues, stages and age groups showed that the SOD transcripts could be detected in all examined specimens. The expression of D.hSODs revealed tissue-specificity with relatively high levels in the male reproductive system and head and low levels in female reproductive systems and midgut. Expression analyses of D.hSODs in different development stages demonstrated that D.hSOD1 and D.hSOD2 increased in 2nd and 5th instar larvae, whereas two extracellular Cu/Zn–SOD genes (D.hSOD3–a and D.hSOD3–b) were much more expressed in newly emerged adults. The expression fluctuations of D.hSODs during aging seemed to be less significant than during development, and exhibited relatively stable expression with an initial decline and then increased in older groups. The relatively stable and increased expression of D.hSODs may indicate a strong ability of SODs to eliminate oxidative damage products accumulated during aging and possibly retard aging. The research provides molecular biology and in vivo expression levels for future analysis of the SOD family in D. helophoroides and other insects, and provides a basis for further study about the SOD genes contribution on longevity of D. helophoroides . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The article provides information on the record of Phymatodes murzini in the Far East of Russia. This species was described from North Korea (Tokson). Later, beetles of genus Phymatodes , identified as Ph. murzini , were also found in South Korea (Gyeonggi-do) on wine grapes (Vitis vinifera). As a result of our studies, a new host plant of Ph. murzini , the Amur grape (Vitis amurensis), was identified. The potential damage caused by this longhorn beetle to Amur grape actively cultivated in China and other countries, is discussed. Also, the article provides a comparative description of a reliably identified female of Ph. murzini and photographs of male genitalia and ovipositor of this species, which have not been present in the scientific literature up to date. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Phymatodes murzini (Cerambycidae) – new potential pest of Amur grape (Vitis amurensis)? • Phymatodes murzini (Cerambycidae) loses the endemic status on the Korean Peninsula. • Phymatodes murzini (Cerambycidae) was first reported in the coleopterofauna of Russia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In historical wooden structures degradation due to insect attacks is common. • A software routine is presented to quantify degradation depth by drilling resistance. • The routine was optimized and verified on wooden beams with satisfactory results. • Drilling profiles were informative with degradation by cerambycids, but not with anobiid attacks. The assessment of insect degradation on the surface of timber elements is a key point in evaluating the safety of wooden buildings. The depth and the degree of the insect attack are necessary data to determine the resistant section of the load-bearing elements. To the aim, the resistance drilling is applied as non-destructive technique in the on-site inspection. Here, a routine is proposed and verified to automatically process the resistance data and to identify the presence of insect decay. Twelve wooden beams disassembled from an old timber structure were used as experimental material: five to optimize the routine and seven to verify the output after the optimization. In total, 78 % of the measurements showed an error of less than 5 mm and 86 % less than 10 mm when compared to the determination made by an expert operator on the same drilling profiles. Comparing the non-destructive measurements with the cross-sections cut from the beams, the profiles seemed very informative when the degradation was caused by cerambycids, but less so with anobiid attacks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PWD occurrence possibility was evaluated by MaxEnt based on five-year records. • Climatic suitability of insect vectors was predicted by using CLIMEX model. • Potential risk of PWD was evaluated with an ensemble of PWD and insect vectors. • PWD was predicted to occur in low-altitude areas around the existing records. • PWD was expected to be disperse by insect vectors throughout the country. Pine wilt disease (PWD), caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus , a pine wilt nematode (PWN), is one of the most serious forest diseases of the genus Pinus and a nationwide concern in South Korea. It is spread by vectors of the sawyer beetles, genus of long-horned beetles, and it rapidly kills the host plant, resulting in economic and ecological losses. Therefore, developing an early monitoring system using spatial evaluation to minimize PWD dispersion is necessary. In this study, we predicted the distribution of PWD and of its insect vectors using a spatial ensemble model with MaxEnt and CLIMEX. High-risk areas were mostly concentrated around low-altitude and current occurrence areas. The risk of PWD under future climatic change scenarios is significantly reduced. However, PWD is expected to be distributed in most of South Korea by insect vectors, suggesting a continuous damage from PWD without an appropriate control strategy of its insect vectors. This study provides fundamental data for efficiently establishing a monitoring strategy under limited resources by proposing areas to focus in advance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current management practices for Analeptes trifasciata Fabricius (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) on cashew are cultural, however, these are largely inadequate. Thus compelling the indiscriminate application of unapproved chemicals for its control in Nigeria. As part of a coordinated research effort to develop and integrate a diverse array of control options, we screened the effects of imidacloprid, dimethoate, chlorpyrifos, thiamethoxam and cypermethrin on A. trifasciata management on cashew by laboratory and field trials carried out in 2018 and 2019. The marginal rate of return for each insecticide was calculated to determine the cost-benefit ratio. In the laboratory toxicity trial, all the insecticides showed a dose dependent effect and caused significantly higher insect mortality compared to the control. Thiamethoxam 25WG significantly reduced A. trifasciata populations, improved yield and recorded stable marginal returns of 6.24% and 8.52% in the first and second year respectively. The findings and implications of this study will prove useful as a part of an integrated management system for A. trifasciata. • Five insecticides tested on Analeptes trifasciata showed a dose dependent effect. • Average cashew yield/treated tree was between 7.29 and 24.04 kg. • Application of thiamethoxam reduced pest incidence and sustained yield. • Thiamethoxam treated plots recorded stable returns for the 2-year period. • Analeptes trifasciata is a major driver of yield loss in cashew. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The first complete mitogenome from the genus Trachylophus was determined by next-generation sequencing. • All available mitogenome of Cerambycinae were comparative and analysis to understand of their evolution patterns. • The phylogenetic relationship of Cerambycinae was explored by all available mitogenome obtained from GenBank. Complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) have long been proved as reliable markers for phylogenetic reconstruction among diverse animal groups, especially benefited from recent rapid development of sequencing techniques. However, the mitogenomes of many important clades remain poorly represented, which restricted the understanding of macroscale evolutionary history of these groups. Here, we sequenced and characterized the complete mitogenome of Trachylophus sinensis , a type species of the Trachylophus genus, which also represents the first sequenced mitogenome in this genus. The complete circular mitogenome was 15,746 bp in length, containing 37 typical genes and one noncoding AT-rich control region. The nucleotide composition of the mitogenome was highly A + T biased, accounting for 70.07 % of the whole mitogenome with a slightly positive AT skewness (0.106). The 13 Protein coding genes (PCGs) used ATN as their start codons, except nad1 which used TTG. All tRNA genes were predicted with a characteristic cloverleaf secondary structure except trnS1(AGN) , whose dihydrouridine (DHU) arm was replaced by a simple loop. Phylogenetic analyses recovered Cerambycinae as a monophyletic group with high node supports and the sister relationship between T. sinensis and Nadezhdiella cantori. However, we found that deeper nodes showed not strong support, which may be caused by limited taxa sampling in our study. More mitogenomes should be sequenced representing various taxonomic levels, especially closely related species, which will enhance our understanding of phylogenetic relationships among Cerambycinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rates of terrestrial wood decomposition are known to vary widely depending on regional and local climatic conditions, substrate characteristics and the organisms involved but the influence of many factors remain poorly quantified. We sought to determine how bark and insects contribute to decomposition in a southeastern U.S. forest. Open-topped stainless steel pans with screened bottoms were used to prevent subterranean termite (Rhinotermitidae: Reticulitermes spp.) colonization from “protected” logs. After a 20-month study period, we compared mass loss and lignin content between these and logs assigned to “unprotected” treatments that permitted termite colonization. The experiment was repeated for 1) logs from which bark had or had not been initially removed and 2) logs with sealed or unsealed ends. Logs with bark lost significantly (∼2.4-fold) more mass than those without bark, likely due to the moisture-conserving properties of bark. Logs with unsealed ends lost significantly more mass than those with sealed ends. There was no significant difference in mass loss between protected and unprotected logs but logs with visible termite activity lost significantly more mass than those without termite damage. Few differences in lignin content were detected in this study but when logs with bark were analyzed separately, those with visible damage from long-horned beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) had lower lignin content than those without cerambycid activity. This suggests that cerambycids may promote decomposition indirectly through interactions with fungi or other organisms capable of degrading lignin. Our results suggest that insects can have significant direct and indirect effects on wood decomposition and clearly demonstrate the importance of bark in determining wood decay rates and insect activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystem engineering by insect herbivores occurs as the result of structural modification of plants manipulated by insects. However, only few studies have evaluated the effect of these modifications on the plant responses induced by stem-borers that act as ecosystem engineers. In this study, we evaluated the responses induced by the herbivory of the twig-girdler beetle Oncideres albomarginata chamela (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) on its host plant Spondias purpurea (Anacardiaceae), and its relationship with the ecosystem engineering process carried out by this stem-borer. Our results demonstrated that O. albomarginata chamela branch removal induced the development of lateral branches increasing the resources needed for the development of future insect generations, of its own offspring and of many other insect species. Detached branches represent habitats with high content of nitrogen and phosphorous, which eventually can be incorporated into the ecosystem, increasing nutrient cycling efficiency. Consequently, branch removal and the subsequent plant tissue regeneration induced by O. albomarginata chamela represent key mechanisms underlying the ecosystem engineering process carried out by this stem-borer, which enhances arthropod diversity in the ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longhorn wood-boring beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) use olfactory cues to find mates and hosts for oviposition. Tetropium fuscum (Fabr.) is an invasive longhorned wood-boring beetle originating from Europe that has been established in Nova Scotia, Canada, since at least 1990. This study used single sensillum recordings (SSR) to determine the response of olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) in the antennal sensilla of male and female T. fuscum to different kinds of olfactory cues, namely host volatiles, non-host volatiles, the aggregation pheromone of T. fuscum (fuscumol), and an aggregation pheromone emitted by other species of longhorn beetles (3-hydroxyhexan-2-one). Each compound had been previously shown to elicit antennal activity in T. fuscum using electroantennography or had been shown to elicit behavioral activity in T. fuscum or other cerambycids. There have been very few SSR studies done on cerambycids, and ours is the first to compare response profiles of pheromone components as well as host and non-host volatiles. Based on SSR studies with other insects, we predicted we would find ORNs that responded to the pheromone alone (pheromone-specialists), as well as ORNs that responded only to host or non-host volatiles, i.e., separation of olfactory cue perception at the ORN level. Also, because male T. fuscum emerge earlier than females and are the pheromone-emitting sex, we predicted that the number of pheromone-sensitive ORNs would be greater in females than males. We found 140 ORNs housed within 97 sensilla that responded to at least one of the 13 compounds. Fuscumol-specific ORNs made up 15% (21/140) of all recordings, but contrary to our prediction, an additional 22 ORNs (16%) responded to fuscumol plus at least one other compound; in total, fuscumol elicited a response from 43/140 (31%) of ORNs with fuscumol-specific ORNs accounting for half of these. Thus, our prediction that pheromone reception would be segregated on specialist ORNs was only partially supported. Our prediction that females would have more ORNs that responded to fuscumol than would males was also not supported, as there was no difference. The stressed-host volatile linalool elicited the most responses of any compound tested, 43% of all recordings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hyperspectral reflectances of the needles indicated the infection stages. • The green, red-edge, and short-wave infrared bands were sensitive to PWD. • Chlorophyll and moisture content decreased during the infection. • Spectral changes and physiological changes were small at the early stage. Pine wilt disease (PWD) is a very destructive forest disease that causes the mortality of pine. The infected trees usually die within three months, and the disease spreads fast with the long-horned beetle as the medium if the infected trees are not removed from the forest in time. Therefore, detecting the infected trees at different infection stage, especially the early infection, is crucial for preventing PWD spread. This study aims to exhibit the spectral differences of the pine needles between healthy pines and infected pines at different infection stages and reveal the diagnostic spectral bands for classifying the different infected stage trees. We collected needle samples from healthy, early-, middle-, late-stage infected trees in a Japanese pine (Pinus densiflora) forest and a Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) forest in northern China to explore the spectral and biochemical properties differences of these four classes, and selected the sensitive bands combining competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) and successive projections algorithm (SPA). The selected bands were used for the four infection stages classification by linear discriminant analysis (LDA) algorithm. The results show that Chlorophyll a , chlorophyll b , carotenoids, and moisture content decreases with the aggravation of infection. The green (510–530 nm), red-edge (680–760 nm), and short-wave infrared (1400–1420 nm and 1925–1965 nm) bands are the sensitive bands, and the overall accuracy is 77 % and 78 % for the Japanese pine and Korean pine respectively when using these bands for classifying healthy, early-, middle-, late-stage infected trees. The results demonstrate that physiological parameters including Chlorophyll a , chlorophyll b , carotenoids, and moisture content can be used as the diagnostic parameters of PWD, and the selected sensitive spectral bands are feasible for detecting the stress symptoms of the Japanese pine and Korean pine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorophorus caragana Xie & Wang is a destructive wood-boring beetle that damages Caragana spp. bushes and is distributed in desert areas in north-west China. Using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, we observed the morphology and ultrastructure of antennal and posterior abdominal sensilla in C. caragana females, to discuss the putative functions of these sensilla in host location and oviposition behaviors. In total, seven types (24 subtypes) of sensilla were located on the antenna and posterior abdomen. On the antenna, there were Böhm's bristles (BB.); four subtypes of sensilla chaetica (Ch.1–Ch.4) characterized by non-porous surfaces and sensillum-lymph cavities without dendrites; two subtypes of sensilla trichodea (Tr.1 and Tr.2) with a tip pore and dendrites surrounded by dendritic sheaths; dome-shaped sensilla (Dom.) emerging from a deep cavity with one tip pore; four subtypes of sensilla basiconica (Ba.1–Ba.4) and one type of sensilla auricillica (Au.) with a porous cuticular surface and dendrites in the sensillum-lymph cavity; and one type of sensilla styloconica (Sty.) with grooves on the cuticular wall. On the posterior abdomen, there were four subtypes of sensilla chaetica (Ch.5–Ch.8); three subtypes of sensilla trichodea (Tr.3–Tr.5); and three subtypes of sensilla basiconica (Ba.5–Ba.7; Ba.5 had no groove in the cuticular wall, Ba.6 had one tip pore, and Ba.7 was located in a cuticular cavity). The antennal sensilla were believed to be mechanosensitive, chemosensitive, and sensitive to humidity and temperature, and to play roles in mating, host location and oviposition. The abdominal sensilla are believed to be related to oviposition behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood packing materials (WPM) are important vectors of invasive xylophagous insects and pathogenic and decomposer wood fungi. The International Plant Protection Convention introduced the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM No. 15) to regulate the development of treatments to sanitize WPM and prevent the introduction and movement of forest pests. Dielectric heating (e.g., microwave irradiation) has recently been included as an accepted treatment. In this study, the efficacy of microwave irradiation was tested on Monochamus scutellatus larvae and on four different pathogenic fungi, Gremmeniella abietina , Heterobasidion annosum , Chondrostereum purpureum , and Mycosphaerella populorum , five species of economic significance in Québec, in both jack pine and trembling aspen. We explored different temperature/time combinations on each species in order to accumulate data on the treatment. We irradiated M. scutellatus larvae at 56, 61, and 66 °C for 1–3 min and the four fungal species at 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, and 90 °C for 0.5, 1, or 2 min. Fungi were tested at a wider range of temperatures to account for possible higher variation of resistance between species. We obtained 100% mortality in larvae treated at 56 °C for 2 min and at 61 °C for 1 min. The fungi species were much more resistant to the treatment. G. abietina was eliminated at 75 °C/0.5 min, H. annosum at 90 °C/1 min, M. populorum at 90 °C/2 min, and C. purpureum was still present at the highest temperature/time combination used. We demonstrated the capacity of microwave irradiation to kill the larvae with similar parameters as IPPC guidelines (60 °C for 1 min), though lethal temperatures for the fungi were very high. As the current ISPM No. 15 standard for microwave irradiation was insufficient to kill all tested fungal species, more work should be done on determining optimal combinations for the greatest number of species. Future studies should test a wider range of treatment times and expand trials to include more insect and fungal species to determine which temperature/time combination will allow us to keep both values as low as possible while assuring complete prevention of adult insect emergence and fungal re-growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Aegosoma Audinet-Serville, 1832, is reviewed. The subspecies A. sinica legrandi is moved to the reconfirmed valid species A. hainanensis ; a new species of the genus from South Vietnam is described; and an identification key for all known members is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To study the influence of a static magnetic field (SMF, 2 mT) and extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF MF, 50 Hz, 2 mT) on the neuronal population activity, the experiments were performed on adult longhorn beetles Morimus funereus (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae). Based on a wavelet analysis of the local field potentials (LFPs), our study showed for the first time that the effects of prolonged and repeated exposure to the ELF MF on the LFPs were irreversible within investigated time frame. The relative wavelet energy (RWE) of 4–8 Hz frequency band was significantly increased after sine ELF MF (SnMF)/square ELF MF (SqMF) in comparison to the control value. The RWE of slower oscillations (1–2 Hz) was significantly decreased after the repeated exposures to either SnMF or SqMF. The SqMF induced decreasing of the faster waves in the range of 64–128 Hz. However, we did not prove with presented methods that exposure to the SMF for 5 min produces any effects on the neuronal population activity. This study has proved the wavelet transform as a valuable tool for measuring the effects of SMF and ELF MF on the neuronal population activity in M. funereus antennal lobe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Buprestid and cerambycid woodboring beetles are ubiquitous in post-fire Douglas-fir forests. • Highest rates of infestation occur in forests with moderate levels of scorch. • Woodborer infestation likelihood is driven by tree size and degree of fire injury. • Infestation is more likely in large than small trees with equal levels of fire injury. • Subcortical woodboring beetles kill trees which may otherwise survive fires. Warming temperatures and changing weather patterns are causing more frequent and severe disturbances in western North American forests. The increasing length and severity of recent wildfire seasons have annually caused widespread injury to millions of trees, facilitating the subsequent outbreak of various subcortical insect species that infest damaged hosts. The subcortical woodboring beetle assemblage (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae and Buprestidae) comprises insects that feed primarily within the phloem and sapwood of defensively compromised trees, often causing severe degradation of high value stands slated for post-fire salvage logging. We studied three 2017 fire complexes within mature Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) forests in southern British Columbia to investigate the post-fire infestation patterns of woodborers. We observed the highest levels of woodborer infestation in forests with moderate to high levels of fire injury, rather than in extremely burnt stands with greater tree mortality. We also found that woodborer infestation likelihood could be predicted from a combination of tree height and fire injury for individual trees. In addition, infestation was more likely in large (>13.1 m tall) rather than small trees (<13 m tall) with the same levels of fire injury. We conclude that the woodboring beetle assemblage present in dry interior Douglas-fir forests is more aggressive and ubiquitous than previously observed, and these insects actively attack and kill living trees that may otherwise survive after fires with both economic and ecological ramifications. Economically, post-fire salvage may be more effective in preventing woodborer population build-up and timber degradation by targeting moderately scorched stands immediately after wildfire. Ecologically, woodborer impacts to trees that would otherwise survive may compromise their biological legacy and impair the diversity and composition of future Douglas-fir stands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Xylophagous insects have evolved to thrive in a highly challenging environment. For example, wood-boring beetles from the family Cerambycidae feed exclusively on woody tissues, and to efficiently access the nutrients present in this sub-optimal environment, they have to cope with the lignocellulose barrier. Whereas microbes of the insect's gut flora were hypothesized to be responsible for the degradation of lignin, the beetle itself depends heavily on the secretion of a range of enzymes, known as plant cell wall degrading enzymes (PCWDEs), to efficiently digest both hemicellulose and cellulose networks. Here we sequenced the larval gut transcriptome of the Mulberry longhorn beetle, Apriona japonica (Cerambycidae, Lamiinae), in order to investigate the arsenal of putative PCWDEs secreted by this species. We combined our transcriptome with all available sequencing data derived from other cerambycid beetles in order to analyze and get insight into the evolutionary history of the corresponding gene families. Finally, we heterologously expressed and functionally characterized the A. japonica PCWDEs we identified from the transcriptome. Together with a range of endo-β-1,4-glucanases, we describe here for the first time the presence in a species of Cerambycidae of (i) a xylanase member of the subfamily 2 of glycoside hydrolase family 5 (GH5 subfamily 2), as well as (ii) an exopolygalacturonase from family GH28. Our analyses greatly contribute to a better understanding of the digestion physiology of this important group of insects, many of which are major pests of forestry worldwide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) (Anoplophora glabripennis) is an invasive insect pest that has established populations in Worcester County, Massachusetts as of 2008. ALB predominantly targets red maple (Acer rubrum), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), which are prominent in New England hardwood forests, and Norway maple (Acer platanoides), which was planted in built environments as street trees in response to severe weather and invasive insect and pathogen disturbances. Mahalanobis Typicality models related presence locations of ALB presence-only locations in Worcester County towns from 2008 to 2012 to biotic, abiotic, and anthropogenic variables to predict the potential distribution of ALB and to determine locations most characteristic of infestation. k-fold cross-validation and a continuous Boyce Index were employed to validate model performance and to identify threshold values at which continuous models of typicality could be reclassified into categorical maps. Distance-to-roads (r 2 = 0.19) and probability of maple presence (r 2 = 0.13) were the most important predictor variables in the ALB model. Locations that were most consistently susceptible to ALB infestation had significant high maple presence (p < 0.001) and significant low distance-to-roads (p < 0.001) compared to the whole study area, suggesting that ALB in Worcester County, MA, prefers maple-dominant edge habitats at the current stage of invasion. The localized ALB potential distribution model was consistently accurate (Boyce Continuous Index = 0.84) despite the lack of absence locations and incomplete knowledge of ALB niche breadth in both native and invaded ranges. The results from this study could be used as a baseline for effective adaptive management policies that could help prioritize the need for early detection/eradication measures and address the potential ecological and social ramifications of the current ALB outbreak in Worcester County. It is hoped that the model employed could be further tested for future outbreaks as they are discovered in the USA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An unknown larva of enormous size was found from Carpinus laxiflora in the Gwangneung forest and identified by using a barcode gene. It was a larva of Callipogon relictus Semenov, a natural monument of Korea, at an undetermined instar. Based on the result, we provide the larval morphological description of this particular instar, with the illustrations and biometric measurement data of diagnostic characters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The influence of diet composition – two substrates, wheat bran and sawdust – on isoform expression of digestive enzymes (cellulase, amylase and peptidase) in the midgut of Morimus funereus larvae was examined. Their impact on larval development was demonstrated by measuring the increase of larval weight during development and by analysis of digestive enzymes zymographic profiles, where the expression of cellulase isoforms from M. funereus larvae midgut has been examined for the first time in this study. Larvae reared on wheat bran had higher body weight between day 60 and day 100 than larvae reared on sawdust; however, both groups achieved similar body weight after day 110. Wheat bran as substrate induced different cellulase and amylase isoforms. Oak sawdust in substrate acted as inducer of peptidases. The highest cellulase activity and the greatest isoform variability were detected in the midgut extracts of larvae reared on wheat bran. From our results it can be assumed that M. funereus endocellulase, amylase and peptidase are secreted in the anterior midgut, and their concentration gradually decreases towards the hindgut. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Celosterna pollinosa sulfurea and Phosphorus virescens are longhorn beetles which both have a sulphur-yellow pigmentary coloration and, more surprisingly, a yellow-green fluorescence coloration. In this study, we used a refined experimental examination to characterize the angular distribution of light and unveiled a different behavior between these reflection and emission processes. A key feature of these observations is the peculiar architecture of the scales (a three-dimensional photonic structure), which acts differently on each phenomenon. For reflection, this architecture can be viewed as a scattering device, while, for emission, it can be viewed as a waveguide. These effects were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) diagrams and spectrophotometric measurements. Collection and analysis of data at every emergence direction was found to be crucial when studying optical properties in materials with spatial changes in composition at the scale of the light wavelength. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Presence-only models can aid conservation and management of threatened, elusive species. We developed a Maxent model for the rare cerambycid beetle Rosalia longicorn Rosalia alpina L. in Italy and neighbouring regions and identified the variables best explaining the species’ occurrence on a large scale. Once successfully validated, we used the model to (a) evaluate the current degree of fragmentation of R. alpina range in Italy; and (b) quantify the amount of the Italian territory with the highest probability of beetle presence within the existing national conservation areas (Natura 2000 network, parks and reserves). Low (<0.5) probability scores of R. alpina presence corresponded to 89% of the total area considered, whereas high scores (>0.9) covered only 2.5%. R. alpina was predicted to occur mostly in broadleaved deciduous forest at 1000–1700m a.s.l. with warm maximum spring temperatures and May and November precipitation >80mm. We found a high degree of fragmentation; gaps were mainly covered with farmland or other unsuitable habitat. Over 52% of potential habitat is unprotected. While the Natura 2000 network protects 42% of potential habitat, parks and reserve covers less than 29%. To preserve R. alpina, we urge to create, or restore, forest corridors to bridge the otherwise impermeable gaps our model detected and grant protection to the still largely unprotected area of the Italian territory e.g. by including it in further Natura 2000 sites. Models such as ours may also help focus field surveys in selected areas to save resources and increase survey success. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A wood preservative based on tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), and boric acid (BA) in volume ratio TEOS/APTES 1:1 and in molar ratio APTES/BA 50:1 was applied to wood by the sol–gel process. Standard EN 113 and mini wood block tests were carried out to determine the effectiveness against fungal decay. The same formulation applied by immersion was tested against larvae of the wood-borer insect Hylotrupes bajulus. This formulation showed good efficacy against Coniophora puteana, Poria placenta, and Trametes versicolor, even after a leaching procedure. It was also effective against the coleopter H. Bajulus. Different molar ratios of APTES/BA—2.5:1, 5:1, and 10:1—were tested with a leaching procedure in accordance with EN 84 to determine the best fixation of boric acid into the wood. The ratio APTES/BA 5:1 was found to be the most effective for fixing boron into wood. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study reports on structural characteristics of hyperactive antifreeze proteins (AFPs) from two species of longhorn beetles. In Rhagium mordax, eight unique mRNAs coding for five different mature AFPs were identified from cold-hardy individuals. These AFPs are apparently homologues to a previously characterized AFP from the closely related species Rhagium inquisitor, and consist of six identifiable repeats of a putative ice binding motif TxTxTxT spaced irregularly apart by segments varying in length from 13 to 20 residues. Circular dichroism spectra show that the AFPs from both species have a high content of β-sheet and low levels of α-helix and random coil. Theoretical predictions of residue-specific secondary structure locate these β-sheets within the putative ice-binding motifs and the central parts of the segments separating them, consistent with an overall β-helical structure with the ice-binding motifs stacked in a β-sheet on one side of the coil. Molecular dynamics models based on these findings show that these AFPs would be energetically stable in a β-helical conformation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Wood feeding insects depends heavily on the secretion of a combination of cellulases, mainly endoglucanases and other glucanases such as exoglucanases and xylanases, for efficient digestion of the cellulosic materials. To date, although a high number of endoglucanases have been found in xytophagous insects, little is known about exoglucanases encoded in the genome of these insects. Here we report the identification and isolation of an exoglucanase, designated as AmCel-5B, from the white spotted longhorn beetle, Anoplophora malasiaca. The optimal condition of enzymatic activity was found to be 50 °C and pH 4.0. Interestingly, this enzyme is not only exhibited exo-β-glucanase activity, but also with obvious endo-β-glucanase activity. Furthermore, this enzyme is unique in that, although it recognizes Avicel, evidenced as an exo-β-glucanase, it cannot recognize oligosaccharides smaller than cellohexaose. This may explain why longhorn beetle can well digest hard “living” wood, which contains primarily rigid long fibers. Although it is known that metal ions can enhance the activity of some cellulases, we further demonstrated that reducing agent could work synergistically with metal ions for significant activity enhancement of AmCel-5B. The discovery and investigation of an insect exoglucanase should lead to a greater understanding of the mechanism for efficient digestion of cellulosic materials by wood feeding insects, as well as facilitate their potential applications in the production of bioenergy and biomaterials from lignocellulosic biomass in the future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study investigated the potential of a fluorescein-5 isothiocyanate conjugated-chitin-binding domain (FITC-CBD) probe to detect chitinous materials in the peritrophic membrane (PM) structure of the Japanese pine sawyer beetle, Monochamus alternatus. Results through direct observations indicated that the fluorescent probe specifically bound to chitin, and specifically labeled the chitinous materials in the PM. Applying the probe was easy, as fluorescence was stable, and the excitation maximum of the structures stained with the probe was within a range covered by most existing fluorescence microscopes. These advantages make fluorescence staining an easy method of choice for specifically visualizing the chitin-rich internal structures of insects. Additionally, this simple approach might have the added advantage of revealing chitinolysis events in vivo and in vitro. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Odorant receptors (Ors) are a unique family of ligand-gated ion channels and the primary mechanism by which insects detect volatile chemicals. Here, we describe 57 putative Ors sequenced from an antennal transcriptome of the cerambycid beetle Megacyllene caryae (Gahan). The male beetles produce a pheromone blend of nine compovnents, and we functionally characterized Ors tuned to three of these chemicals: receptor McOr3 is sensitive to (S)-2-methyl-1-butanol; McOr20 is sensitive to (2S,3R)-2,3-hexanediol; and McOr5 is sensitive to 2-phenylethanol. McOr3 and McOr20 are also sensitive to structurally-related chemicals that are pheromones of other cerambycid beetles, suggesting that orthologous receptors may be present across many cerambycid species. These Ors are the first to be functionally characterized from any species of beetle and lay the groundwork for understanding the evolution of pheromones within the Cerambycidae. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Urban areas are species-rich ecosystems. The question remains, however, whether urban species constitute a unique community, and thus add value to landscape biodiversity, or whether they are just a mixture of species from surrounding ecosystems. In this study, the occurrence and abundance of arthropods were analysed according to trophic guilds (Cerambycidae and Buprestidae as xylophagous species, Apiformes as pollinators, Neuroptera as flying predators, Araneae and Carabidae as surface-dwelling predators) in urban, agricultural and forest ecosystems in Switzerland. To assess the likely origin of arthropod fauna in Swiss cities, we identified character species (regular and constant occurrence) for ecosystems and performed ordination and cluster analyses. In total, we studied 10,034 specimens from 497 species and found that 13% of all species and 10% of the character species were predominately found in the urban ecosystems. Community analyses showed that the three ecosystems harbour distinct species assemblages. While communities at forest sites are quite dissimilar from those at urban and agricultural sites, these latter share more than one third of all character species, which indicates either that agricultural areas function as source habitats for urban communities or that agricultural species have survived urbanisation in situ. Overall, our study identified a distinct urban arthropod community that enriches landscape (gamma) diversity in Switzerland. Urban sites may provide novel habitats for species of former extensive agriculture, or species otherwise not, or scarcely, occurring in the region. The present study illuminates the value of urban arthropods for overall biodiversity which should be incorporated in planning decisions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]