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The genus Heteropsectropus Kaszab, 1941 (Tenebrionidae: Blaptinae: Platynotini) is revised to include the following three species: H. aenescens Kaszab, 1941 (type species); H. difficilis Koch, 1954; H. longantennatus Koch, 1954. Four synonymies are proposed: H. difficilis (= H. amaroides Koch, 1954 syn. nov., = H. natalensis Koch, 1954 syn. nov., = H. transvaalensis Koch, 1954 syn. nov.) and H. longantennatus Koch, 1954 (= H. montisdraconis Koch, 1954 syn. nov.). A new genus, Muelleropsectropusgen. nov., is introduced to accommodate Schyzoschelus malaisei Koch, 1954. Additionally, the following synonomies are introduced within Schyzoschelus Koch, 1954: Schyzoschelus dumosicola (= Schyzoschelus dumosicola var. diversipenis Koch, 1954 syn. nov.) and Schyzoschelus simplicipes (= Schyzoschelus simplicipes willowmorensis Koch, 1954 syn. nov.). Diagnostic features and relations between the genera of the Schyzoschelus generic group are discussed and an identification key to the genera and the species of Heteropsectropus is provided. Ovovivipary is reported for H. difficilis and represents the 15th known case of this mode of reproduction for darkling beetles. The first description of pupal morphology for the subtribe Eurynotina is provided as well as that of the first- and later instar larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) is known to induce morphological abnormality in various parts of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, including its wings, antennae, eyes, legs, and reproductive organs. However, little is known about the effects of UV-C on T. castaneum's sugar content and enzyme activity. We investigated the concentrations of glucose and trehalose as well as changes in trehalase activity in different developmental stages following UV-C radiation at different exposure periods (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 min). In addition, the larval mortality and body weight were examined. A reduction in glucose content was recorded in 10-, 15- and 20-day-old larvae and trehalase enzyme activity was recorded in 5- and 10-day-old larvae, whereas an increase in trehalose content was found in adults irradiated with UV-C. In addition, UV-C radiation for 1–64 min caused larval mortality on the first and subsequent days post-irradiation. Moreover, UV-C irradiated larvae exhibited lower body weight, which aligned with the reduction of trehalase activity and glucose content from days 1–6 post-exposure, and the degree of these reductions corresponded to the exposure times. UV-C affected sugar content through the reduction of trehalase activity, and glucose declination may cause mortality in T. castaneum; however, further research is needed to provide a better understanding of the impact of UV-C on sugar metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are used as a sustainable substitute for chemical insecticides and have been recognized as effective biocontrol agents for mitigating insect pest populations. In this study, a naturally-occurring beneficial EPF, Purpureocillium lilacinum CBBS3.12 (Hypocreales: Ophiocordycipitaceae) from a cabbage farm was isolated and identified by combining morphological and molecular (ITS rDNA region) diagnostic characters. Fungal morphological key characters were consistent with the established species description and were subsequently validated through their ITS rDNA sequences, showing high sequence similarities to P. lilacinum isolates from diverse geographical locations, such as Mexico, the USA, Austria, Israel, China, and India. Additionally, the pathogenicity of P. lilacinum CBBS3.12 against the last instar larvae of Zophobas morio (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) was investigated, revealing significant variations in insect mortality based on different fungal concentrations. The highest mortality was recorded at a concentration of 6.0 x 108 spores mL−1, 6 and 12 days post-inoculation. This investigation underscores the promising capabilities of P. lilacinum CBBS3.12 as a biocontrol organism targeting Z. morio. The present study warrants a more comprehensive evaluation of its virulence against diverse agricultural pests and the identification of its active metabolites and compounds to enhance our understanding of its potential application in pest management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various insect taxa are known to modify bone with their mandibles, including members of the orders Dermestidae, Tenebrionidae, Calliphoridae, Tineidae and Termitidae. Dermestidae are one of the most frequently inferred causal agent of bone surface modifications but little neoichnological/actualistic data exists to support such inferences. The primary aims of this investigation were to determine the nature of bone damage caused by the cosmopolitan species Dermestes maculatus and develop an interpretative framework to aid in the identification on modern and fossil and differentiation of associated bone. Four experiments were conducted utilising 79 bones exposed to D. maculatus for a period of 4 months. Five primary modification types were established for D. maculatus including furrows, destruction of bone, boreholes, striae, and three classes of pits. This study has vindicated D. maculatus as a causal agent of reported instances of bone surface modifications in existing archaeological and palaeontological literature, and more focussed studies may find greater application within the forensic sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature and nutrition are two prominent environmental variables influencing insect life from development to reproduction. Here, we assessed various components of fitness (developmental times, survival rates, egg production, and weight gain) of Tribolium confusum fed on wheat, barley or corn flour at 15, 27 and 35°C with a view of understanding its level of susceptibility. The shortest developmental times, the highest survival percentage, egg production, and weight gain were achieved by feeding larvae on wheat flour at 35°C, while the opposite results were attained by feeding larvae on barley or corn flour at 15°C. Interaction of temperature × diet significantly affected the above-mentioned biological features. The correlation between the alterations in the biological features and the main nutrients of the flours tested (total protein, carbohydrate, and lipid contents) is discussed. The results of this study suggest the value of a strategy for managing T. confusum by exposure to low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beetles (Coleoptera) are a critical component of terrestrial ecosystems filling numerous ecological roles. Soil-dwelling beetles play an important role in pedogenesis through the production of biogenic structures throughout their life cycle. Given their life habits, beetle trace fossils should be abundant in the fossil record and a number of ichnotaxa have been attributed to beetles, yet there is still much to learn about their trace-making techniques and the variety of morphologies of traces they can produce throughout their life cycle. The Tenebrionidae (darkling beetles) is a common, globally distributed group that includes many soil-dwelling species from a variety of environments. The purpose of this project was to gain a better understanding of biogenic structures produced during each life stage of two species of burrowing darkling beetles, Zophobas morio F. and Tenebrio molitor L. Single to multiple specimens of each species were placed in variably sized enclosures filled with massive and layered sediment with and without layers of food. Biogenic structures produced by the two species were similar, but distinct between each life stage and associated with different behaviors. Observed biogenic structures are comparable to Palaeophycus, Planolites, Fictovichnus, Rebuffoichnus, Pallichnus, Taenidium, Skolithos, and Conichnus depending on the life stage. Neoichnological studies such as this can aid in the understanding of biogenic structures in the fossil record. Being able to effectively link continental traces to trace makers will ultimately improve our understanding of the composition of ancient terrestrial ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils (EOs) represent valuable alternatives in handling pest insects in stored grains. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition as well as the repellent, fumigant, and oviposition inhibition activities of the rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) EOs against Ulomoides dermestoides. Ethyl 3-[acetyl(butyl)amino] propanoate (IR3535), an active ingredient in repellent formulations was used as a positive control. The chemical compositions of the EOs were characterized by GC/MS. The EOs major compounds (>10 %) included 1,8-cineole (24.6 %), α-pinene (17.7 %), camphor (12.4 %), and camphene (11.3 %) for rosemary, whereas for citronella, the most abundant components were citronellal (25.3 %), citronellol (17.9 %) and geraniol (11.6 %). The biological action observed was dependent on the concentration used. Both EOs showed 100 %-repellency at the highest tested concentration (16 μL/mL) with RC50 values lower than 2.6 μL/mL after 4 h-exposure. Contact toxicity results showed that all treatments had mortality rates lower than 40 %, while fumigant action did not exceed 25 %. The exposure of adult insects to sublethal concentrations of the two EOs significantly inhibited oviposition at 2 and 4 μL/mL. These data suggest that citronella and rosemary EOs, employing different toxicity mechanisms, could be useful candidates for formulations utilized in the management and pest control in stored products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphostenophanes yunnanus (Zhou, 2020) is widely distributed from central to eastern Yunnan with distinct geographical variations in morphology. Beetles were collected in Manwan Town, and a mitochondrial genome sequence (GenBank accession number MZ298928) of this species was sequenced using the MGI-SEQ 2000 platform, assembled using NOVOPlasty v4.3.1, and characterized. The mitogenome was a circular DNA molecule of 15,690 bp with 64.710% AT content, which comprised 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and one control region. The protein-coding genes showed the typical ATN (Met) and TTG (Met) start codons, except nad1 and cox1 (TTG as start codon), and were terminated by typical TAN stop codons. The maximum-likelihood polygenetic tree was generated using protein sequences of thirteen protein-coding regions of seventeen mitogenomes with mtREV + G + F + I with 1000 replicates under the Bayesian information criterion using MEGA 11, which showed that M. yunnanus was the most closely related to M. sinicus. This study provides essential genetic and molecular data for phylogenetic analyses of the genus Morphostenophanes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) loaded by Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam. were synthesized using the method of high shear homogenization and ultra sound. The lipid phase consisted of percirol ATO5 and campritol 888 (5% w/v). Poloxamer 188 (2.5% w/v) was used as surfactant. Different amount of essential oil (1, 2, 2.5% w/v) were added to SLN. Particle size of solid lipid nanoparticle loaded by essential oil (2.5%) (SLN-EO) was 241.1 nm with poly dispersity index (PDI) of 0.312 and Zeta potential – 22.6 mv. Entrapment efficiency of SLN-EO (2.5%) was 93%. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study showed the spherical particles with the size under 100 nm. Based on the results of fumigant toxicity, the LC50 values of SLN-EO and pure oil against Tribolium castaneum were 30.602 and 68.303 µL. L air−1, respectively. These results demonstrated that SLN-EO had higher toxicity effects on red flour beetles. The comparative assessment of persistence indicated SLN-EO formulation remained effective until 14 days, while the pure oil lost its toxicity after the 8th day of application. Chemical composition of Ziziphoraclinopodioides showed that pulegone (51.78%), 1, 8- cineole (8.95%), p- menthone (7.74%) and piperitenone (5.7%) were the major components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insect growth regulatory effects of the medicinal plant, Withania somnifera (Family: Solanaceae) on the moulting and metamorphosis of economically important stored grain pest, Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) were assessed under laboratory conditions. Seventh instar larvae of the red flour beetle, T. castaneum were topically treated with different doses of root extract of W. somnifera. Treatment with root extract of W. somnifera disrupted growth, development, moulting and metamorphosis in T. castaneum. The results included mortality, prolongation of larval-pupal and pupal-adult ecdysis, ecdysial stasis, development of larval-pupal and pupal-adult intermediates and adultoids, eclosion inhibition, reduced pupation and adult emergence. The LC50 value in topical application of root extract of W. somnifera was 0.5850 µg·µL−1 against last instar larvae of T. castaneum. These results are similar to those observed by the application of juvenile hormone analogues and may be due to interference with the normal hormonal mechanism of moulting and metamorphosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study measured within- and cross-taxon congruence in the diversity of epigeal invertebrates (spiders, beetles and millipedes) and woody vegetation sampled at small spatial grains (0.25 ha) across a large area (30 000 km2) within the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve (VBR) in South Africa. Beetle, spider, millipede and woody plant diversity was recorded at 160 point localities in 20 sites stratified across the dominant vegetation types of the VBR. Surrogacy relationships were explored using multiple linear regression (species richness) and Mantel tests (composition), while complementarity was analysed using the species accumulation index (SAI). Very little (< 10%) of the variation in invertebrate species richness was explained by woody vegetation richness alone, but the relationship improved when vegetation type was added to the regression, especially for beetles. Woody vegetation assemblages showed a positive but weak congruence with beetle assemblages, especially Tenebrionidae. Woody vegetation assemblage showed poor congruence for spider communities in general, with the exception of Lycosidae. Although cross-taxonomic congruence was observed between woody vegetation and invertebrate taxa, the relations based on SAI were stronger than expected for Coleoptera (Carabidae, Scarabaeidae and Tenebrionidae), positive but weak for spiders (all families), and weak for millipedes which had several localised endemics. Tests of higher taxonomic categories as surrogates were shown to have much greater potential than cross-taxon surrogacy. Genera in particular are excellent surrogates for species. Tribal- or generic-level determinations can be a cost-efficient approach for regional conservation planning exercises which aim to represent smaller scale variations in invertebrate diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Morphostenophanes is a small arboreal group of darkling beetles that are endemic to the Oriental region. The complete mitochondrial genome of the M. sinicus population from the Manwan Town was first characterized. The mitogenome consisted of a circular DNA molecule of 15,662 bp with a 66.352% AT content. It comprises 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes. The PCGs have a typical ATN (Met) start codon, except for nad1 (TTG as a start codon), and are terminated by typical TAN stop codons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To reveal the effects of Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) on the elytra and hindwing morphology of Tribolium castaneum. Material and methods: Zero-day-old-pupae were irradiated with UV-C at a distance of 35 cm for 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64 min. Changes in wing morphologies were examined using light and scanning electron microscope. Results: UV-C radiation decreased the adult emergence rate and the insect body mass. Morphological changes of the elytra and hindwings in the adults were classified into nine grades. The treated insects had wrinkled and split elytra, and hindwings were not folded properly. Radiation altered the size of elytra, hindwings and wing shape. An analysis of the color intensity indicated that the irradiated beetles had darker elytra. The veins of hindwings became darker, while the membranous area had a lighter color than the control. UV-C radiation also affected the thickness of the elytra. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that UV-C caused deformity of elytra surface and decreased the number of hair sensilla. Conclusions: Results indicate that the elytra and hindwing morphology were altered by UV-C radiation. However, further analysis is required to evaluate the response of T. castaneum to UV-C radiation at the gene level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tribolium confusum is a major pest of grains and grain products. Some legumes hitherto not used as major food are gaining interest due to increase in human population and the need of food and feeds. Susceptibility of fresh and processed Glycine max and Cajanus cajan flours, and white wheat flour (control) to T. confusum was studied towards effective storage techniques and cheap insect diet. Ten copulating pairs of the beetle were introduced into twenty grams of each flour. Number of eggs laid, emerged larvae, pupae, eclosed adults, and duration of development of each stage was used as indices of survival of T. confusum. Proximate composition, saponin; and α-amylase and protease inhibitors determined suitability of flours as insect diet. This work discusses the significance of proximate composition and anti-nutrient properties in fresh and roasted processed flours on the development and survival of T. confusum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unusually heavy infestation of 45 adult females and 100% prevalence of the parasitic podapolipid mite, Podapolipus luzoni, was discovered in a population of the invasive tenebrionid beetle species, Gonocephalum adpressiforme, from Japan. Previously, Podapolipus luzoni was known from a single record from the Philippines from an unidentified tenebrionid beetle. We clarify the host range and distribution of the mite species, including its occurrence on Gonocephalum adpressiforme from the Philippines, and discuss its synonymy with Podapolipus alumniae, collected from the same host species in Hawaii. Diagnostic, light microscopy pictures of Podapolipus luzoni are provided. A 1230-bp fragment of the "barcode" CO1 gene was sequenced to facilitate DNA-based identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer, 1797 is a major pest in poultry production and easily observed in poultry litter. We have determined mitochondrial genome of A. diaperinus collected in Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea. The circular mitogenome of A. diaperinus is 15,511 bp long which is longer than that of Z. atratus but shorter than that of T. obscurus. It includes 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transfer RNAs. The base composition was AT-biased (72.4%). Phylogenetic tree displays that tribe Alphitobiini is clustered with tribes Helopini and Diaperini with enough supportive values of three phylogenetic trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature on efficacy of plant essential oils and their constituents for the management of Tribolium spp. (T. castaneum and T. confusum), instigating infestation of a variety of stored grains and their products is reviewed here. Both species caused significant losses in the diverse food grains and their products through infestation. Essential oils of higher plants showed potential activity in the management of these infestation driven losses. Researchers have found that essential oils and their chemical constituents have significant toxicity against both the species of Tribolium via different modes of action like repellent, insecticidal, ovicidal, larvicidal, pupicidal, ovipositional and feeding deterrent actions. Concerning repellency and in vivo bioassays, few studies have been done with the essential oils against T. confusum, thus, more investigations are required to find the repellent agents against this insect. There are some essential oil-based botanical insecticides which have been proved effective for the protection of food grains from both beetles during storage. These botanical insecticides also exhibited behaviour altering properties against both beetles, thus, reducing the problem of pest resistance which is a problem with conventional insecticides. Therefore, essential oils-based botanical insecticides may be preferred option than conventional insecticides for protecting stored grains and their products against Tribolium infestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is a prominent pest of stored products particularly cereal flour. Since resistance of this pest to common chemical insecticides is well documented, we were examined the synergistic/antagonistic interaction between Satureja hortensis L., Trachyspermum ammi L., Ziziphora tenuior L., Cuminum cyminum L. and Foeniculum vulgare Miller essential oils, ethanolic extracts and powders with Diatomaceous earth (DE) against T. castaneum adults under laboratory conditions at 27 ± 1 °C, 65 ± 5% RH and continuous darkness. We assayed repellency of ethanolic extracts and essential oils of mentioned plants on the pest. Results showed that DE had high toxicity to the pest. Plant essential oils and ethanolic extracts (except ziziphora) synergized the performance of DE. Nevertheless, plant powders elicited antagonistic effects (except ziziphora that exhibited synergistic effect). The most repellent EO and extract was cumin which exhibited mean repellency value on adult insect equivalent to 92.58 and 51.47%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the potential of essential oils (EOs) as plant based pesticides against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (red flour beetle), a cosmopolitan secondary insect pest of stored food products. Different EOs have been reported to date for their contact and fumigant toxicities, repellency and oviposition deterrence, adult emergence inhibition, ovicidal, larvicidal, pupicidal and antifeedant activities against T. castaneum but only limited numbers of them have been commercialized for protection of stored foods from insect pest infestation. Plant EOs exhibit insect growth regulatory activity, working as behavior altering semiochemicals. Such botanicals can be recommended as eco-friendly alternatives in view of frequent development of resistance in pests after application of different synthetic pesticides. EO based pesticides can play promising roles in integrated pest management over the synthetics that have mostly insecticidal approach. In view of their favorable safety profile with mammalian systems, they may be recommended as a biorational strategy in integrated management of infestations and losses of stored food commodities caused by red flour beetle. The article recommends nanoencapsulation technology to enhance the efficacy of EOs against storage insect pests and to overcome the limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptus (Leptus) darvishi Saboori, Hakimitabar & Khademi n. sp. (Acari: Erythraeidae) is described and illustrated from larval stage. It was collected ectoparasitic on undetermined grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Acrididae) and undetermined beetles (Coleoptera: Buprestidae and Tenebrionidae) from the vicinity of Komaijan and Mahallat cities, Markazi Province, the centre of Iran. It belongs to a group of species of Leptus (Leptus) with one palpal femoral seta, two palpal genual setae, more than four setae between coxae II & III, and more than two sternal setae between coxae II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genusGnaptorBrullé, 1983 (Blaptini, Gnaptorina) occurs in southeast Europe as well as in Asiatic regions. As regards its taxonomy, four morphological species have been attributed:Gnaptor boryi,G. prolixus,G. spinimanusandG. medvedevi.Here, we use two different mitochondrial genetic markers (16S and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI)) in order to investigate the relationships between the populations of the speciesG. boryiin Greece, compare them with the current taxonomy and conjecture about its biogeographic history. In total, 29 specimens (28G. boryiand oneG. prolixus) were analyzed using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. Our results clarified the presence of three well-supported lineages: two belongs toG. boryiand one toG. prolixus. The first diversification of these lineages started in the Late Miocene at 9 Mya with the split ofG. prolixusfrom Turkey and the second major split occurred in the Early Pliocene at 3.7 Mya between the two lineages ofG. boryidistributed separately in northern Greece and Peloponnesos. According to Statistical Dispersal – Vicariance Analysis and dispersal-extinction-cladogenesis analysis analyses, vicariance seems to be the biogeographic event responsible for the divergence of the two major lineages ofG. boryi. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article provides information on the Catomus Allard, 1876 genus from Iran. Topics discussed include the taxonomy of beetles of the genus Catomus Allar, 1876 and its species, the key to the Iranian species of the genus Catomus such as lateral margins of pronotum beaded, and the places where each specie is most common.

The article discusses research which investigated the taxonomic and faunistic characteristics of species belonging to the Cnemeplatia and Philhammus genera from the Arabian Peninsula region. Topics addressed include the initial discovery and identification of the genera, the localities and distribution of Philhammus aharonii in the Middle East, and the diagnostic character of the Philhammus villiersi examined.

Certain compounds of plants, essential oils, with insecticidal properties have been considered as alternatives to chemical pesticides for pest control in recent years. In this study, the synergistic effect of diethyl maleate (DEM) on the toxicity ofCitrus reticulataBlanco (Rutaceae) peel essential oil against a stored-product insect pest, i.e. red flour beetle,Tribolium castaneumHerbst (Tenebrionidae) adults was studied. DEM [one part], combined with acetone [two parts], was applied onT. castaneumadults. Five concentrations of essential oil fromC. reticulatawere tested. Three replicates and 30 adult insects/replicate/each concentration were used. LC50values after 24 and 48 h of exposure were 33.8 and 28.2 μl/l air, respectively. Combination of the essential oil fromC. reticulatawith the synergist DEM after 24 and 48 h of exposure decreased the corresponding LC50values to 18.1 and 12.2 μl/l air, respectively. These results revealed that DEM can considerably improve the potency of essential oil fromC. reticulataand maybe applied successfully in the stored-product pest control programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The protection of new cork oak plantations against the larvae of the beetleSphodroxia maroccana(Melolonthidae), which destroy the roots of newly planted trees, was provided for many years in the forest of Mamora in Morocco by the use of carbosulfan, usually formulated as dry granules for direct incorporation into the soil at planting. Ecotoxicological tests were conducted in the laboratory onS. maroccanaand on two non-target beetle species, namelyPachychila obtusecostataandPimelia platynota(Tenebrionidae), to measure the acute effects of carbosulfan and evaluate the potential risk associated with inappropriate practices. The mortality was measured at both 4 d and 7 d after ingestion of a known quantity of carbosulfan. The recommended dose by the manufacturer was exceeded by at least four-fold in the Mamora Forest, with obvious environmental risks. Risks were identified for wildlife when the pesticide is misused and spread on the soil around the plants. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Development of multicellular organisms depends on patterning and growth mechanisms encoded in the genome, but also on the physical properties and mechanical interactions of the constituent cells that interpret these genetic cues. This fundamental biological problem requires integrated studies at multiple levels of biological organization: from genes, to cell behaviors, to tissue morphogenesis. We have recently combined functional genetics with live imaging approaches in embryos of the insect Tribolium castaneum, in order to understand their remarkable transformation from a uniform single-layered blastoderm into a condensed multi-layered embryo covered by extensive extra-embryonic tissues. We first developed a quick and reliable methodology to fluorescently label various cell components in entire Tribolium embryos. Live imaging of labeled embryos at single cell resolution provided detailed descriptions of cell behaviors and tissue movements during normal embryogenesis. We then compared cell and tissue dynamics between wild-type and genetically perturbed embryos that exhibited altered relative proportions of constituent tissues. This systematic comparison led to a qualitative model of the molecular, cellular and tissue interactions that orchestrate the observed epithelial rearrangements. We expect this work to establish the Tribolium embryo as a powerful and attractive model system for biologists and biophysicists interested in the molecular, cellular and mechanical control of tissue morphogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study of the genera Cneocnemis Gebien and Cenoscelis Wollaston in Saudi Arabia. It describes in detail the specimens studied and discusses the diagnosis for each. It also discusses the probable reason for these genera's habitation of Saudi Arabia. A map showing the distribution of the genera Cneocnemis, Cenoscelis and Ulama in the Old World is presented.

Promethis valgipes valgipes (Marseul) is one of the important fungus-eating beetle distributed in central China, Korea, and Japan. Beetles were obtained from Pizhou City and the species’ mitochondrial genome was characterized (GenBank accession number MW201671). The mitogenome consists of a circular DNA molecule of 15,801 bp, with 68.51% AT content. It comprises 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes. The PCGs have typical ATN (Met) start codons, except nad1 (TTG as start codon), and are terminated by typical TAN stop codons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which confirmed the presence of a new genus of Boromorphus (B.) saudicus beetle in Saudi Arabia. It notes that the B. saudicus species was discovered in 2012 by beating Acacia trees and using pitfall traps. The article describes the B. saudicus's morphological features including body length, color, and head size in comparison to other species such as the B. aegyptiacus from Egypt, B. armeniacus from Armenia, sand B. libanicus from Lebanon.

Purpose: There is considerable concern about potential effects associated with exposure to magnetic fields on organisms. Therefore, duration of pupa-adult development and motor behaviour of adults were analyzed in Tenebrio obscursus and T. molitor after exposure to static magnetic field (50 mT). Material and methods: The experimental groups were: Control (kept 5 m from the magnets), groups which pupae and adults were placed closer to the North pole, or closer to the South pole of magnetic dipole. The pupae were exposed to the magnetic field until the moment of adult eclosion. The pupa-adult development dynamics were recorded daily. Subsequently, behaviour (distance travelled, average speed and immobility) of adults exposed to the magnetic field was monitored in a circular open field arena. Results: Static magnetic field did not affect pupa-adult developmental dynamic of examined Tenebrio species. Exposure to magnetic field did not significantly change motor behaviour of T. obscurus adults. The changes in the motor behaviour of T. molitor induced by static magnetic field were opposite in two experimental groups developed closer to the North pole or closer to the South pole of magnetic dipole. Conclusion: Static magnetic field (50 mT) did not affect on pupa-adult development dynamic of two examined Tenebrio species, but modulated their motor behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pine plantations are thought to negatively impact species diversity and to irreversibly modify arid zones. However, some studies have suggested that through the application of appropriate management practices, the negative impacts of plantations may be reduced. Our aim was to study the effects of early pruning and thinning on the ground-dwelling insects found in pine tree plantations in Patagonia. We compared the abundance, species richness and composition of the beetle and ant assemblages within 16-year-old pine stands (n = 10) subjected to early pruning and thinning (i.e. before canopy closure) against a steppe habitat exposed to sheep grazing (‘control’, n = 10). To sample ground-dwelling insects, we deployed nine pitfall traps per plot (100 m2) for a 10-day period. Vegetation cover and plant species richness were significantly lower in the plantations than in the steppe. We found that beetle species richness was reduced in the managed plantations in comparison to the steppe but abundance was higher. In turn, species composition in the plantations was different from that of the controls. Ant species richness was similar among habitats but abundance was lower in the plantations. We conclude that, contrary to our expectations, management practices that lead to sparse plantations at early stages in the production cycle, do not offer a significant advantage in terms of reducing the impact of pines on ground-dwelling insects of Patagonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This two-year study explores the community structure and temporal dynamics of carabid and tenebrionid beetles in five eastern Mediterranean juniper maquis formations in relation to successional stage. Based on vegetation cover, density and soil pH, the successional stage in two of the sites (Crete, Cyprus) was an earlier state compared with the other three (Attiki, Naxos, Samos), as a result of intense goat grazing. Diversity indices and abundance distributions were compared using morphoecological surrogates of the taxa. Temporal dynamics were regulated more by cumulative species richness than by sharp phenological patterns. The higher values of niche pre-emption parameter and species turnover imply better adaptation of endemic tenebrionids to the rapid change of environmental conditions, compared with carabids. Significantly lower abundance and biomass, and higher evenness and temporal turnover for both families in Crete and Cyprus are ascribed to the reversed course of succession caused by overgrazing. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article reports on the study about a new species of the beetle genus Phaleria found in Dhofar, Oman. Called Phaleria anjae sp. n., the new species is an addition to the reportedly more than 60 species of the beetle which are native to the beaches and marine dunes of all continents except Australia and Antarctic. The study presented a distribution map of the new species and other known Arabian species of the genus Phaleria prolixa.

A systematic classification of Namib Desert darkling beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) based on morphological characters is complicated as strong selection pressures exerted by desert conditions have led to a suite of convergent morphological characteristics. Here we present a first and preliminary insight into the relationships within the tribes Zophosini, Eurychorini and Adesmiini using molecular methods. We analysed partial sequences of the mitochondrial genes cytochrome oxidase II and cytochrome b of 16 individuals comprising 12 species. Minimum Evolution, Maximum Parsimony, Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian inference were applied for analysing sequence data. The genus Pimelia was used as outgroup and for calibrating divergence time estimates. Overall, results supported phylogenies constructed on morphological characters. The proposed monophyly of the artificially defined tribe Zophosini did receive sufficient support. Speciation events in Namibian darkling beetles likely occurred during periods of aridification about 35 Mya, 16 Mya and 5-10 Mya. Those periods could be related to geological events and climate change due to the glaciation of Antarctica and the development of the Benguela current. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial genome of the desert darkling beetleAsbolus verrucosus(LeConte, 1851) was sequenced using paired-end technology to an average depth of 42,111× and assembled using De Bruijn graph-based methods. The genome is 15,828 bp in length and conforms to the basal arthropod mitochondrial gene composition with the same gene orders and orientations as other darkling beetle mitochondria. This arrangement includes a control region, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes and 13 protein-coding genes. The main coding strand is probably replicated as the lagging strand (GC skew of −0.36 and AT skew of +0.19). Phylogenomics analyses are consistent with taxonomic classifications and indicate thatTenebrio molitoris the closest relative that has a completely sequenced mitochondrial genome available for analysis. This is the first fully assembled mitogenome sequence for a darkling beetle in the subfamily Pimeliinae and will be useful for population studies on members of this ecologically important group of beetles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) ofTribolium castaneum(Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) was determined to be 15,883 bp (GenBank accession No. KM009121), which contains 22tRNAgenes, 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2rRNAgenes and a major non-coding A + T-rich region. It has the typical gene organization and order of mitogenomes from ancestral insects. The nucleotide composition was also biased toward A + T nucleotides (71.72%) and the AT skew of this mitogenome was slightly positive. All of the 22tRNAgenes displayed a typical clover-leaf structure, with the exception oftrnS1(AGN). Thirteen PCGs were initiated by ATN codons, except for cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene which was initiated by AAT. Eight of the 13 PCGs harbor the incomplete termination codon by T or TA. The A + T-rich region of the mitogenome was 1237 bp in length and the A + T content was 82.30%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study that examines the collection of Tenebrionidae in Syria and the western Palaearctic genus Erodus Fabricius. Study shows that fore tibia's shape has been unique within the subgenus Dirosis. Hence, it is noted that this shape is similar to the fore tibia of Erodius reichei curvipes Kaszab.

The sensitivity analysis of linear matrix population models is well-developed, but no comparable approach exists for the nonlinear models appropriate for density-dependent populations. This paper presents such an approach, using matrix differential calculus to obtain the derivatives of equilibria and cycles with respect to arbitrary demographic parameters. The method readily calculates the sensitivity and elasticity of the population vector or of weighted densities, ratios of age classes or stages, proportional structures or temporal means and variances calculated from the population vector. Examples are presented using data on flour beetles of the genus Tribolium. An attempt is made to extend the approach to the sensitivity of averages over strange attractors, but the resulting calculations fail to converge, apparently due to a positive Lyapunov exponent for the sensitivity equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New records on Tenebrionidae from four island groups of the southern Aegean (Santorini, Astypalaia, Nisyros and Kalymnos, with their satellite islets - 26 islands in total) allowed investigation of the biogeography of the taxon in the area. All tenebrionid records from small islets are new, with the exception of those from Pserimos and the satellite islets of Santorini. Chorological and nestedness analyses, species-area relationships and various measures of faunal similarity based on binary and quantitative data matrices were applied in order to explore biogeographic patterns. The Anatolian and east Mediterranean faunal elements dominate on the island groups of Kalymnos and Nisyros, with a considerable decrease on Astypalaia and Santorini, where circum-Mediterranean elements prevail. Analyses of faunal similarities clustered together the well defined island groups of Santorini and Astypalaia, while Kalymnos and Nisyros groups were clustered together rather vaguely. Astypalaia and Santorini were also the most nested island groups in the studied area. The biogeographic position of Astypalaia within the central Aegean islands is well supported by the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The morphometric characteristics of A1 and A2 protocerebral neurosecretory neurons (cell and nuclei size, number of nucleoli in the nuclei); corpora allata size, nuclei size, cell number, were investigated in the pupae of yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor (L.), exposed to a strong static magnetic field of 320 mT maximum induction (10,000 times higher than the Earth's). Materials and methods: The experimental groups of Tenebrio molitor pupae were: A control group exposed only to natural magnetic field and sacrificed at the eighth day of pupal development (C); and pupae kept in a strong static magnetic field for eight days and then sacrificed (MF). Serial brain cross-sections were stained using the Alcian Blue Floxin technique. All the parameters were analyzed and measurements were performed using an image processing and analysis system (Leica, Cambridge, UK) linked to a Leica DMLB light microscope (program is QWin - Leica's Quantimet Windows-based image analysis tool kit). Results: The values of morphometric parameters of neurosecretory neurons and corpora allata were significantly increased after exposure of the pupae to the strong magnetic field. Conclusions: The strong magnetic field influence characteristics of protocerebral neurosecretory neurons and corpora allata in the late Tenebrio molitor pupae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinosad is a new bacterial-based insecticide, which is registered for used in several crops. However, most available experimental data are for liquid formulations, while very little is know about applying spinosad as a dust. The effectiveness of spinosad dust formulation (0.125% a.i.) against stored-product insects was assessed on different commodities. The insects were the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), the lesser grain-borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and the saw-toothed weevil, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.). The spinosad dust was tested at the label rate of 1 mg (a.i.)/kg. The 7-day adult mortality of R. dominica, S. oryzae, and O. surinamensis, exposed to spinosad, was ≥90% on maize, wheat, and sorghum. Rhyzopertha dominica was the most susceptible of the three species tested. Progeny production of all three species was significantly lower on spinosad-treated grains than on untreated grains. Mortality of T. castaneum adults was <13% on spinosad-treated maize and sorghum, and 65% on treated wheat, but progeny production was significantly lower on all three grains in comparison with the untreated ones. Based on these results, spinosad dust could be used as an effective alternative to traditional grain protectants, but its insecticidal effect is influenced by several factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical factors affecting the infestation of individual loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) nests by Muscidae and Pimelia sp. were determined in the 2002 and 2003 hatching seasons on Dalaman Beach, Turkey. The data were collected from the middle of July to the middle of September in both years. The most significant factor, by t-test, for Pimelia sp., was the distance of the nest from vegetation (P<0.001), and the most significant factor for Muscidae was the depth from the surface to the egg chamber (P<0.001). The distances of nests from vegetation were found to be significant factors for both Pimelia sp. and Muscidae. For conservation, it should be noted that the relocation of nests from the water's edge to further inland or to a hatchery site closer to vegetation may increase insect infestation and reduce hatching success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The latitudinal pattern of tenebrionid (Coleoptera Tenebrionidae) biodiversity on the Aegean Islands (Greece) was analysed. To remove the obvious influence of area on species richness, several species–area relationships, including power, exponential, negative exponential, logistic, Gompertz, Weibull, Lomolino, and He–Legendre functions, were applied. Residuals were retained as measures of species richness corrected for area. The power function model appeared to be the most convenient one. Species richness was not statistically related to latitude. However, when the confounding effect of area was removed, tenebrionid species richness and levels of endemism increased significantly at lower latitudes. This latitudinal pattern can be explained both as a consequence of increasing mean annual temperatures at lower latitudes (favouring thermophilic species) and as a reflection of the role in speciation played by southern areas during Tertiary land evolution and Pleistocene eco‐geographic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activity of large dorsomedial protocerebral A2' neurosecretory neurons were investigated in late pupae of Tenebrio molitor L, which were exposed to a static magnetic field of 320mT. Experimental groups were C: the control group which was kept at 5meters from the magnet; CMF: pupae which were reared in control conditions and sacrificed on the eighth day of pupal stage (parents were kept in a magnetic field); and MF: pupae kept in a permanent magnetic field for eight days. Our results indicate the effects of a static magnetic field on the cytological characteristics and activity of large A2' neurosecretory neurons of Tenebrio molitor pupae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seed and leaf powders of Khaya senegalensis were used for the control of Tribolium casteneum on sorghum grains of variety SAMSORG-17. The K. senegalensis seed powder at 5, 10 and 20 g performed better than the leaf powder in ensuring adult mortality of T. casteneum at 24, 48 and 72 h. These also suppressed F 1 progeny emergence and prevented percentage grain damage significantly better than the leaf powder. The leaf powder was however better than the control. The seed powder was as good as the standard check (Actellic dust) at all levels. The presence of oil in the seed powder is believed to be responsible for its effectiveness in the control of T. casteneum . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial genome of Blaps rynchopetera Fairmaire (GenBank accession number MN267802) from Dali city consists of a circular DNA molecule of 16,766 bp (with 72.01% A + T content), which is longer than that of the mitogenome of B. rynchopetera from Kunming. The mitogenome comprises 13 protein-coding, 22 tRNA, and 2 rDNA genes. The protein-coding genes have typical ATN (Met) initiation codons, and are terminated by typical TAN stop codons. A phylogenetic tree generated by the neighbour-joining method showed that B. rynchopetera is closely related to Platydema sp. PLA01, which has the potential for medicinal development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mealworms are the most common edible insect and feed additives in poultry, livestock, and aquaculture production. In the present study, the complete mitochondrial genome of dark mealworm Tenebrio obscurus (Zunyi population) was sequenced and annotated. The 15,509 bp circular mitogenome contains a conserved set of 37 mitochondrial genes including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and an A + T-rich region. The gene order is identical to the typical insect gene arrangement. Great differences were found in A + T-rich regions between Zunyi population and Guiyang population including large deletion and substitution. Phylogenetic analysis showed that T. obscurus clustered within Tenebrionoidea and was closely related to Tenebrio molitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blaps rhynchopetera is a species of folk medicinal beetle that has been used for a long time in Southwest China. The complete mitogenome of the beetle (GenBank accession number MK854717) is 16,149 bp in size, including 13 protein-coding, 22 transfer RNAs, two ribosomal RNAs genes, and a noncoding D-loop region. The D-loop of 1255 bp length is located between rRNA-S and tRNAIle. The overall base composition of B. rhynchopetera is 41.58% for A, 10.31% for G, 31.77% for T, and 16.34% for C, with a high AT bias of 73.35%. The present data could contribute to detailed phylogeographic analysis of this valuable medicinal insect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to study the origin and the biogeographical relationships of the tenebrionid beetle (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae) fauna of the island of Thasos, with reference to the other Aegean Islands. A total of 32 Aegean Islands and 170 taxa (species and subspecies), 23 of which occur on Thasos, were included in this study. Nine tenebrionid species are here reported for the first time from Thasos, including the first records of Platydema europaeum and Nalassus plebejus from the Aegean Islands. Several models (linear, exponential, power, logistic, Gompertz, Weibull and Lomolino functions) were used to test the species–area relationship. The power function appeared to be the most appropriate model and the parameters of the curve suggest a possible relict character for this fauna. The proportion of Balkan taxa on the islands sharply decreases from west to east, whereas the Anatolian taxa follow an opposite trend. Multi-dimensional scaling, Parsimony Analysis of Endemicity and discriminant function analysis revealed a clear faunal discontinuity between the western and central Aegean Islands on one side, and the islands close to the Anatolian coast on the other. This discontinuity, consistent with the persistence (from Messinian to Pleistocene) of a sea barrier between these two groups of islands, strongly supports the importance of Pleistocene island configurations in determining present distributional patterns. The comparative richness of the tenebrionid fauna on Thasos is enhanced by the proximity of the island to the mainland and the diversity of its surviving habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three species of Steinernema, S. carpocapsae, S. feltiae, and S. scapterisci consisting of 12 different strains, were tested for their infectivity towards adults of the litter beetle Alphitobius diaperinus . Of the five most promising nematode strains, LC 50 values ranged from 1.5 to 77.0 nematodes per host in the filter paper assays. Assays in poultry litter material revealed LC 50 values to be 5.8 and 14.6 nematodes per host for the Mexican S. carpocapsae strain and Pye S. feltiae strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]