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During the last decade, the spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, has spread from eastern Asia to the Americas, Europe, and Africa. This fly attacks many species of cultivated and wild fruits with soft, thin skins, where its serrated ovipositor allows it to lay eggs in undamaged fruit. Parasitoids from the native range of D. suzukii may provide sustainable management of this polyphagous pest. Among these parasitoids, host-specificity testing has revealed a lineage of Ganaspis near brasiliensis, referred to in this paper as G1, that appears to be a cryptic species more host-specific to D. suzukii than other parasitoids. Differentiation among cryptic species is critical for introduction and subsequent evaluation of their impact on D. suzukii. Here, we present results on divergence in genomic sequences and architecture and reproductive isolation between lineages of Ganaspis near brasiliensis that appear to be cryptic species. We studied five populations, two from China, two from Japan, and one from Canada, identified as the G1 vs G3 lineages based on differences in cytochrome oxidase l sequences. We assembled and annotated the genomes of these populations and analyzed divergences in sequence and genome architecture between them. We also report results from crosses to test reproductive compatibility between the G3 lineage from China and the G1 lineage from Japan. The combined results on sequence divergence, differences in genome architectures, ortholog divergence, reproductive incompatibility, differences in host ranges and microhabitat preferences, and differences in morphology show that these lineages are different species. Thus, the decision to evaluate the lineages separately and only import and introduce the more host-specific lineage to North America and Europe was appropriate.

Worldwide, both cultivated and wild plants are pollinated by the honey bee, Apis mellifera. Bee numbers are declining as a result of a variety of factors, including increased pesticide use. Cyflumetofen controls pest mites in some plantations pollinated by bees, which may be contaminated with residual sublethal concentrations of this pesticide, in nectar and pollen. We evaluated the effects of a sublethal concentration of a cyflumetofen formulation on the midgut, hypopharyngeal gland, and fat body of A. mellifera workers orally exposed for 72 h or 10 days. The midgut epithelium of treated bees presented digestive cells with cytoplasm vacuoles and some cell fragmentation, indicating autophagy and cell death. After being exposed to the cyflumetofen formulation for 72 h, the midgut showed a higher injury rate than the control bees, but after 10 days, the organs had recovered. In the hypopharyngeal gland of treated bees, the end apparatus was filled with secretion, suggesting that the acaricide interferes with the secretory regulation of this gland. Histochemical tests revealed differences in the treated bees in both exposure periods in the midgut and hypopharyngeal glands. The acaricide caused cytotoxic effects on the midgut digestive cells, with apical protrusions, plasma membrane rupture, and several vacuoles in the cytoplasm, features of cell degeneration. In the hypopharyngeal glands of the treated bees, the secretory cells presented small electron‐dense and large electron‐lucent secretory granules. The fat body cells had no changes in comparison with the control bees. In conclusion, the cyflumetofen formulation at sublethal concentrations causes damage to the midgut and the hypopharyngeal glands of honey bee, which may compromise the functions of these organs and colony fitness. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2455–2465. © 2024 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The life history of the Taiwanese spider wasp Minotocyphus formosanus (Pompilidae: Pepsinae) is reported, including the developmental process of the immature stages. The larva was attached by the spider wasp to the abdomen of the funnel-web spider Macrothele hungae (Mygalomorphae: Macrothelidae). In terms of mode of life, M. formosanus was established as a koinobiont ectoparasitoid. These biological findings are the first reports for not only the species M. formosanus, but also the genus Minotocyphus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the first faunal analysis of the ants (Formicidae) of the Kingdom of Bahrain (Bahrain), an island nation in the Arabian Gulf. We document a total of 35 ant species based on published, unpublished and new specimen records, including 26 presumed native species and nine non-native tramp species. The native fauna was predominantly of Palaearctic origin, with a few Afrotropical species. A new species of the genus Lepisiota Santschi, 1926, L. bahrainensissp. n., is described and illustrated based on the worker caste. Habitat suitability modelling of the ant fauna of Bahrain was generated using a total of 157 recorded points against the panel of 19 bioclimatic factors. We used Maxent software to generate the final map which indicates a significantly high and excellent habitat suitability of species on the northern part of the country and high suitability on the eastern coasts. Our results show that the mean temperature of the driest season is the most effective parameter in modelling the distribution, and we present interpretations of the very low habitat suitability in the extremely arid desert in the southern regions of the main island. Finally, we present ecological and biological remarks and distribution maps for each species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field‐collected specimens were used to obtain nine high‐quality genome assemblies from a total of 10 insect species native to prairies and savannas of central Illinois (USA): Mellilla xanthometata (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), Stenolophus ochropezus (Coleoptera: Carabidae), Forcipata loca (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), Coelinius sp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Thaumatomyia glabra (Diptera: Chloropidae), Brachynemurus abdominalus (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae), Catonia carolina (Hemiptera: Achilidae), Oncometopia orbona (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), Flexamia atlantica (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) and Stictocephala bisonia (Hemiptera: Membracidae). Sequencing library preparation from single specimens was successful despite extremely small DNA yields (<0.1 μg) for some samples. Additional sequencing and assembly workflows were adapted to each sample depending on the initial DNA yield. PacBio circular consensus (CCS/HiFi) or continuous long reads (CLR) libraries were used to sequence DNA fragments up to 50 kb in length, with Illumina sequenced linked‐reads (TellSeq libraries) and Omni‐C libraries used for scaffolding and gap‐filling. Assembled genome sizes ranged from 135 MB to 3.2 GB. The number of assembled scaffolds ranged from 47 to >13,000, with the longest scaffold per assembly ranging from ~23 to 439 Mb. Genome completeness was high, with BUSCO scores ranging from 85.5% completeness for the largest genome (Stictocephala bisonia) to 98.8% completeness for the smallest genome (Coelinius sp.). The unique content was estimated using RepeatMasker and GenomeScope2, which ranged from 50.7% to 75.8% and roughly decreased with increasing genome size. Structural annotation predicted a range of 19,281–72,469 protein models for sequenced species. Sequencing costs per genome at the time ranged from US$3–5k, averaged ~1600 CPU‐hours on a high‐performance cluster and required approximately 14 h of bioinformatics analyses with samples using PacBio HiFi data. Most assemblies would benefit from further manual curation to correct possible scaffold misjoins and translocations suggested by off‐diagonal or depleted signals in Omni‐C contact maps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In this work, we investigate the native parasitoid community colonising galls by an invasive pest: the oriental chestnut gall wasp (OCGW), Dryocosmus kuriphilus (Hymenoptera; Cynipidae). We tried to understand how native parasitoids react after the arrival of the pest (two‐year sampling period) in the province of Zamora (Castilla & León region, N‐W Spain). For this purpose, we collected both, chestnut galls from six stands and oak galls from surrounding oak groves. Our results highlight the response to D. kuriphilus provided by the oak gall wasps that naturally inhabit Quercus pyrenaica. The parasitoid community showed a core assemblage composed of Eurytoma brunniventris, Torymus flavipes and T. sinensis in OCGW galls, and Baryscapus diaphantus, Bootanomyia dorsalis, Eupelmus urozonus, E. brunniventris, Mesopolobus lichtensteini, T. affinis, and T. flavipes in oak galls. We identified the torymid T. flavipes as one of the most common parasitoids of OCGW, in addition to the exotic parasitoid T. sinensis, never officially released in the region but present in the study area. In addition, we intend to know its possible incidence on non‐target cynipids. We have found an intense connection in the food web with some chalcids that establish interactions with the gall wasp, both in adult instar (emerging from reared galls) and larval (presence of larvae in OCGW gall chambers, identified by dissection). We also describe the flight phenology of D. kuriphilus in our study area (as far as we know, the first one focused in Castilla & León region) and evaluate the overlap between OCGW and native and exotic parasitoids showing a promising role of native guild as biocontrollers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ant genus Temnothorax is one of the most diverse in the Palearctic region, comprising several species with different life histories and uncertain taxonomic backgrounds. Socially parasitic Temnothorax ant species were typically described decades ago, primarily based on traditional morphological traits. In some aspects, these species have come back into the spotlight in recent years, necessitating a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the species of the genus. In this paper, we present a quantitative morphology-based taxonomic revision of the Temnothorax corsicus species group (formerly called Myrmoxenus genus) based on the analysis of 20 continuous morphometric traits collected from 394 worker and 19 traits from 473 gyne individuals belonging to 240 samples. Based on morphometric analyses, we propose junior synonymy for Temnothorax tamarae (Arnol'di, 1968) under T. ravouxi (André, 1896), and T. microcellatus (Soudek, 1925) is revived and is considered a senior synonym of T. menozzii (Finzi, 1924). Detailed descriptions, measurements, distribution, and host usage of all ten species are given. Dichotomous keys to workers, known gynes, and photographs of all species are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mitochondrial genes and nuclear genes cooperate closely to maintain the functions of mitochondria, especially in the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway. However, mitochondrial genes among arthropod lineages have dramatic evolutionary rate differences. Haplodiploid arthropods often show fast-evolving mitochondrial genes. One hypothesis predicts that the small effective population size of haplodiploid species could enhance the effect of genetic drift leading to higher substitution rates in mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Alternatively, positive selection or compensatory changes in nuclear OXPHOS genes could lead to the fast-evolving mitochondrial genes. However, due to the limited number of arthropod genomes, the rates of evolution for nuclear genes in haplodiploid species, besides hymenopterans, are largely unknown. To test these hypotheses, we used data from 76 arthropod genomes, including 5 independently evolved haplodiploid lineages, to estimate the evolutionary rates and patterns of gene family turnover of mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Results: We show that five haplodiploid lineages tested here have fast-evolving mitochondrial genes and fast-evolving nuclear genes related to mitochondrial functions, while nuclear genes not related to mitochondrion showed no significant evolutionary rate differences. Among hymenopterans, bees and ants show faster rates of molecular evolution in mitochondrial genes and mitochondrion-related nuclear genes than sawflies and wasps. With genome data, we also find gene family expansions and contractions in mitochondrion-related genes of bees and ants. Conclusions: Our results reject the small population size hypothesis in haplodiploid species. A combination of positive selection and compensatory changes could lead to the observed patterns in haplodiploid species. The elevated evolutionary rates in OXPHOS complex 2 genes of bees and ants suggest a unique evolutionary history of social hymenopterans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundAimsMethodsResultsConclusionAquatic plants can reproduce through abiotic or biotic pollination. In Cyperaceae anemophily is plesiomorphic, but studies have registered floral visitors in some genera, including Eleocharis. Wind and insects, therefore, can act together in the pollination, characterising ambophily. However, so far there has been no evidence that water could also be a pollen vector in this family.Expand understanding of the pollination mechanisms in Cyperaceae.We analysed the floral biology, pollen to ovule ratio, floral visitors, performed pollen vector exclusion experiments, characterised the floral colour in the models of insect vision and analysed the chemical composition of floral scent of Eleocharis geniculata and E. mutata.Both species have anemophilous attributes. In Eleocharis mutata, wind was an effective pollen vector, increasing the fruit set. Individuals of E. geniculata exposed to water were more likely to produce fruits (p < 0.01). Eight species of insects were recorded as floral visitors of E. mutata, among which an Ephydroidea fly acting as the main pollinator. Flowers of both species had the same scent as the vegetative parts, and were shown to be visible and distinguishable from the background in both Hymenoptera and Diptera vision models.Our results suggest a new pollination strategy (hydrophily in E. geniculata), and another case of ambophily in Cyperaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allometric analysis provides an insight into the function and diversifi cation mechanisms of body parts in organisms. The allometry and variability in size of various body parts of three hymenopteran species, Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard), Anisopteromalus quinarius Gokhman & Baur, and Heterospilus prosopidis Viereck, which are solitary ectoparasitoids of storedproduct insect pests, were studied. The relationship between many of the traits measured and body size is negatively allometric, others were isometric, and none were positively allometric. The two species of Anisopteromalus were less variable in size than H. prosopidis and there were intersexual diff erences in both species of Anisopteromalus. Although the patterns in these diff erences are complex and diffi cult to interpret from an ecological perspective, based on information on their behaviour it is hypothesized that stabilizing selection is associated with the negative allometry of two traits: ovipositor length in at least two species and male leg length in both species of Anisopteromalus. This hypothesis is supported by the lower variability in the size of these body parts compared to other body parts examined in this study, which is typical of traits subject to stabilizing selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite significant advances in alpha level taxonomy in the past few decades, the higher‐level phylogeny of flat wasps (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae) remains poorly explored. Herein we provide the first phylogenomic assessment of the family based on data from ultraconserved elements for 96 species in 61 genera of the family, with material from 29 countries and all biogeographic regions. Dataset cutoffs including ultraconserved element loci recovered for 50 and 70% of terminals resulted in matrices with 1513 and 451 loci, which were analysed in both parsimony and maximum likelihood frameworks. We also provide the first analyses of divergence dating for the family based on the calibration of 12 nodes. All analyses recovered the Bethylidae as a monophyletic group and estimated the origin of the family at around 143 Ma. The results suggest that all extant subfamilies had already diversified by the Late Cretaceous. All topologies suggest that Glenosema and Chilepyris form a clade separate from other Scleroderminae; owing to the morphological distinctiveness of each genus, we propose that they are accommodated in two new subfamilies, Glenoseminae subf. nov. and Chilepyrinae subf. nov. The monotypic sclerodermine genus Galodoxa was consistently recovered within Epyrinae and is transferred to the latter subfamily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects have evolved complex sensory systems that are important for feeding, defence and reproduction. Parasitoid wasps often spend much time and effort in searching for concealed hosts with the help of specialized sensilla. However, the early evolution of such behaviour and sensilla is poorly known. We describe two fossil female wasps, †Tichostephanus kachinensis sp. nov. and †Tichostephanus longus sp. nov., from mid‐Cretaceous Kachin amber. Phylogenetic analyses based on morphological data retrieved †Tichostephanus as deeply nested within Evanioidea and closely related to extant Gasteruptiidae and Evaniidae. Both of these Cretaceous wasps possess features, e.g. coronal tubercles and flexible ovipositor sheaths, that indicate that they might have laid eggs in wood where their larvae possibly parasitized insect larvae. They have a peculiar and unique 'bottle brush' of sensilla close to the apex of their ovipositor sheaths, which has not been observed in any extant parasitoid wasps. These sensilla comprise many regularly arranged plate‐shaped setae, attached in relatively large sockets and with rows of longitudinal ridges. Such specialized sensilla perhaps served to enhance the ability to detect hosts inside wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The now inaccessible amber deposits of the Fushun coalfield (Guchengzi Formation; Ypresian) represent the only diverse record of Paleogene arthropods from northeastern Asia. Among the wealth of inclusions recovered from the mines before they were closed and filled, only five specimens of bees were discovered. Meager as they are, these samples provide an important paleogeographical point of reference for piecing together the fauna of forest-dwelling bees during and after the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum. Three species in two genera are recorded, one species representing a new extinct genus and tribe of Megachilinae related to Glyptapini, Ctenoplectrellini (here including Aspidosmia Brauns), and perhaps Dioxyini, and the other two species comprising a new genus of the eusocial corbiculate tribe Melikertini (Apinae). The early-diverging tribes of Megachilinae—Glyptapini, Ctenoplectrellini, and the new tribe, all possessing a distinct metatibial scopa—are briefly reviewed. Glyptosmia Engel, n. gen., with Glyptosmia hemiaspis Engel, n. sp., is the sole member of Glyptosmiini Engel, n. tribe. Although it somewhat resembles species of the genus Ctenoplectrella Cockerell (from Baltic, Bitterfeld, Oise, and Rovno ambers), Glyptosmia also shares distinctive traits of Glyptapini (areolate propodeum) and even the cleptoparasitic Dioxyini (tuberculate metanotum). The tribe can be distinguished by the bare compound eyes, dense mesosomal punctation, tuberculate metanotum, areolate propodeum, flattened mesoscutellum with a sinuate apical margin, and characteristically thickened metatibial spurs, among other characters. Two species of the corbiculate bee tribe Melikertini are described, both of the genus Thyreomelikertes Engel, n. gen. Thyreomelikertes lacks the facial protuberances found in genera such as Aethemelikertes Engel, Haidomelikertes Engel, Amelikertotes Engel, or Succinapis Engel and is superficially similar to Melissites Engel or Mochlomelikertes Engel, Breitkreuz, and Ohl, with its long, flattened, and trapezoidal mesoscutellum somewhat reminiscent of the latter genus. The genus is also noteworthy for the putatively plesiomorphic retention of relatively developed grooves on the outer surface of the mandible and dense mesosomal pubescence. The two included species, Thyreomelikertes electrosinicus, n. sp., and T. kongi, n. sp., can be distinguished by size and the development of setae on the meso- and metatibiae. All the individuals are morphologically workers, and so, like all other melikertines, Thyreomelikertes was social and, based on the phylogenetic position of the tribe, presumably lived in anchored eusocial colonies. By contrast, G. hemiaspis was likely a free-living solitary species. The species from Fushun amber are described, figured, and compared with other species of Cenozoic and living bees. The mandibular structure of Thyreomelikertes is unique among Melikertini and permits a fuller description of the diversity of structural homologies across corbiculate bee mandibles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first record of the squash and pumpkin bee, Eucera (Peponapis) fervens (Smith 1879) (Hymenoptera: Apidae), is presented for Peru. This species was found in the departments of Apurímac, Ayacucho, Cusco, and Piura, pollinating Cucurbita maxima Duchesne in Lam., C. ficifolia Bouche, and C. pepo L. Additionally, the presence of Eucera (Peponapis) citrullina is reported in the departments of Huancavelica, Ica, Lambayeque, and Lima. This species had previously been recorded in the regions of Lima and Piura. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We review the parasitoid wasp genus Cratichneumon Thomson (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Ichneumoninae) from the Madrean Archipelago of southeastern Arizona and describe 11 new species: C. antichromus Claridge & Helcoski sp. nov., C. arussatus Claridge & Helcoski sp. nov., C. elongatus Claridge & Helcoski sp. nov., C. fossorius Claridge & Helcoski sp. nov., C. igniferus Claridge & Helcoski sp. nov., C. luteus Claridge & Helcoski sp. nov., C. permagnus Claridge & Helcoski sp. nov., C. scabriculus Claridge & Helcoski sp. nov., C. symmixtus Claridge & Helcoski sp. nov., C. tetragonops Claridge & Helcoski sp. nov., and C. warneri Claridge & Helcoski sp. nov. Cratichneumon russatus (Cresson, 1877) syn. nov. is proposed as a junior synonym of C. astutus (Holmgren, 1868). New distribution records are presented for C. arizonensis (Viereck, 1905), C. astutus (Holmgren, 1868), and C. flaschkai Heinrich, 1973, extending their range far into the Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico. Despite the present advances, there are still significant unresolved questions. For instance, the females of 3 species remain unidentified, no biological information is known for any of the species, and our knowledge of the distribution of all species is undoubtedly highly fragmentary. The discovery of so many unknown Cratichneumon species in Arizona highlights the paucity of our knowledge of Ichneumoninae in western North America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stingers, evolved from ovipositors, are an important defense organ for the Apidae, Vespidae, and Formicidae species. However, the molecular mechanism of stinger development remains unclear. Here, we show that the earliest time point for the appearance of stingers in Apis mellifera is at the 1-day-old worker pupal stage based on morphological observations and anatomy from the pre-pupal to adult stages. To discover the genes related to stinger development, we first comprehensively compared the stinger transcriptome at different stages and screened 1282, 186, and 166 highly expressed genes in the stingers of 1- and 5-day-old worker pupae and newly emerged worker bees (NEBs), respectively, then identified 25 DEGs involved in the early stage of stinger development. We found that Dll was a key candidate gene in the early development of A. mellifera stingers by combining analyses of the protein–protein interaction network and spatiotemporal expression patterns. An RNAi experiment showed that about 20% of individuals exhibited tip bending in the piercing parts of their stingers in the Dll-dsRNA-treated group, with the morphology presenting as side–side or front–back tip bending. This indicates that Dll plays a vital role in the early development of A. mellifera stingers. Together, our study provides insight into the molecular mechanism of Hymenoptera stinger development and an inspiration for the molecular breeding of gentle honeybee species with stinger abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing restrictions on commercial toxic baits for controlling leaf‐cutting ants have started a "gold rush" for alternative compounds, with agroecological extracts emerging as a promising option. Here, we tested for the first time the repellent effects of concentrated and diluted ant extracts and cow urine solution on laboratory colonies of Acromyrmex subterraneus (Forel) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The agroecological extracts preparation and application followed the information provided by peasants from the Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra in Brazil who carry out agroecology. First, we applied the agroecological extracts in the middle segment of the upper path of a foraging trail to determine whether they act as a chemical barrier. All agroecological extracts induced the deviation of the foraging flow from the upper path to the lateral path. However, only the concentrated ant extract reduced the leaf delivery rate. Also, we applied the agroecological extracts directly on the leaf disks and conducted a paired selection test. The proportion of transported leaf disks with concentrated ant extract and cow urine solution was lower than that of control disks. We suggest that the observed repellent efficacy of the concentrated ant extract may stem from its content of chemical compounds belonging to the same chemical group as the alarm pheromones found by other Acromyrmex species. As for the cow urine solution, we attribute its repellent effect to the presence of urea. Our findings highlight a significant repellent potential of the concentrated ant extract and cow urine solution for leaf‐cutting ants, which may be applied both on foraging trails and on leaves of cultivated plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the brief and cryptic nature of predatory behavior, sentinel prey has been widely adopted as an indirect way to identify predators and understand trophic interactions. However, sentinel prey presents only static visual cues, potentially biasing toward visually oriented predators while ignoring those that utilize other sensory cues for foraging. Despite this, the effectiveness of sentinel prey has rarely been tested. In this study, we focused on the weaver ant Oecophylla smaragdina Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), a keystone predator widespread in the Asian and Australian tropics. As this species has large eyes and is known to visually navigate in its arboreal habitats, we hypothesized that it relies on visual cues to forage and that its predatory behavior will be captured by caterpillar‐shaped sentinel prey. Ants were collected as colonies, and preference trials on baits were conducted using combinations of olfactory and static visual cues, including the caterpillar shape. Surprisingly, O. smaragdina showed little or no preference for baits in the absence of olfactory cues and did not differentiate the shapes of baits regardless of olfactory cues. Our results indicate that O. smaragdina is likely to make predatory decisions based primarily on olfactory cues, whereas visual cues might be used for other behaviors. Furthermore, O. smaragdina is likely to be left out by the predation studies using sentinel prey models, which is particularly alarming considering the dominant role of this species in the trophic interactions of tropical rainforests. Our study demonstrates that morphological characteristics, arboreal habitats, and visually oriented behavior do not necessarily suggest the use of static visual cues for predatory decisions. We suggest that sentinel prey models should not be used alone when the dominant predators are unlikely to use visual cues to make predatory decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichogramma spp. wasps are egg parasitoids with a long history of mass rearing for augmentation biocontrol programs in field crop and orchard landscapes. Supplementary nutrition can improve the longevity, fecundity, and biocontrol efficacy of parasitoids. To improve the production efficiency and parasitism performance of Trichogramma dendrolimi Matsumura (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), the present study screened and examined the potential supplementary nutrients for this biological control agent. Dietary supplementation with a 10% sucrose solution significantly increased wasp longevity and parasitism potential of T. dendrolimi on host eggs, but provision of pollen did not provide additional benefits. Laboratory and greenhouse cage tests demonstrated that wasp access to soybean aphid Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphididae) honeydew, comprised primarily of melezitose and trehalose, improved T. dendrolimi longevity and parasitism. In conclusion, provision of a 10% sucrose solution to adult wasps will enhance the mass-rearing efficiency of T. dendrolimi ; furthermore, field release of T. dendrolimi by plant vectors bearing honeydew-producing aphids holds promise for improving the biocontrol efficacy of T. dendrolimi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The predatory gall midge, Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani), and tobacco aphid cocoon wasp, Aphidius gifuensis Ashmead, are important natural enemies of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). Predation by A. aphidimyza and A. gifuensis can regulate M. persicae ; however, how interspecific interference competition affects their foraging efficiency is unknown. Here, we investigated the consumption and parasitization abilities of A. aphidimyza 3rd instar larva and A. gifuensis adults under various conditions. Consumption of parasitized aphids by A. aphidimyza 3rd instar larvae was significantly lower than that of nonparasitized controls, with a substantial increase in handling time. The presence of A. gifuensis adults did not significantly affect the predation capacity of A. aphidimyza larvae. Relative to controls, A. aphidimyza larvae predation trace (PT) and imago activity significantly decreased A. gifuensis parasitism rates at different aphid densities. Further, A. aphidimyza larvae PT increased the A. gifuensis handling time of M. persicae , whereas the presence of A. aphidimyza adults had the opposite effect. Coexistence with heterospecific natural enemies reduced the parasitic capacity of A. gifuensis , whereas A. aphidimyza larvae predation capability was influenced to a lesser extent. Our results demonstrate that intraguild interactions strongly influence the predatory and parasitic efficacy of A. aphidimyza and A. gifuensis , although the effect on A. gifuensis was more pronounced. For effective biological control of M. persicae using A. aphidimyza and A. gifuensis , we recommend releasing A. aphidimyza first to mitigate intraguild predation and enhance the overall success of the pest control program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aprostocetus hagenowii (Ratzeburg) is a parasitoid wasp that parasitizes the oothecae of peridomestic pest cockroaches. A. hagenowii has been used in integrated pest management (IPM) programs for cockroach control but little is known about how this parasitoid responds to the insecticides commonly used for cockroach management. Five insecticidal gel bait products containing indoxacarb, clothianidin, fipronil, dinotefuran, or abamectin B1 were tested for their toxicity towards A. hagenowii and the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana (L.; Blattodea: Blattidae), a host of A. hagenowii and a common pest. All baits were tested as fresh and 1-d aged deposits. Indoxacarb was the only active ingredient that did not cause significant (P  < 0.05) A. hagenowii mortality compared to the control in both the fresh and aged gel experiments (Median survival time [MST]s: 168 h fresh, 72 h aged). Clothianidin caused the lowest A. hagenowii MSTs across experiments (24 h, fresh and aged). All baits caused significant P. americana mortality as fresh and 1-d aged deposits (P  < 0.05). Indoxacarb appears most compatible with A. hagenowii in cockroach IPM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the biology and ecology of parasitoids can have direct implications for their evaluation as biological control agents, as well as for the development and implementation of mass-rearing techniques. Nonetheless, our current knowledge of the possible influence of lateralized displays (i.e. the asymmetric expression of cognitive functions) on their reproductive behavior is scarce. Herein, we characterized the behavioral elements involved in courtship, and quantified the durations of 2 important aphid parasitoids, Aphidius ervi Haliday and Aphidius matricariae Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae). We quantified the main indicators of copulation and examined the occurrence of lateralized traits at population level. Results indicated that A. matricariae exhibited longer durations of wing fanning, antennal tapping, pre-copula and copula phases compared to A. ervi. Postcopulatory behavior was observed only in A. matricariae. Unlike other parasitoid species, the duration of wing fanning, chasing, and antennal tapping did not affect the success of the mating of male A. ervi and A. matricariae. Both species exhibited a right-biased female kicking behavior at the population level during the pre-copula. Our study provides insights into the fundamental biology of aphidiine parasitoids and reports the presence of population-level lateralized mating displays, which can serve as useful benchmarks to evaluate the quality of mass-rearing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of the brown stink bug, Euschistus heros Fabricius (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), which is one of the main pests in soybean crops in Brazil, based on applied biological control programs, depends on detailed knowledge of the biological, behavioral parameters and capacity dispersion of control agents in agroecosystems. Only after approval of the reference forecast by the Ministry of Agriculture, livestock and supply for registration, a mandatory process in Brazil, is it possible to commercialize the biological agent. From this stage onwards, it is expected that studies will improve the optimization of technological packages to guarantee the efficiency and suitability of a macrobiological agent. This is the case of the egg parasitoid of pentatomids, Telenomus podisi Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae). As a consequence of the use without technical and successive positioning of chemical insecticides to control stink bugs in soybean crops, the evolution of resistant populations of this pest may occur in Brazil. Therefore, the mass release of T. podisi in large areas has been seen as a promising and relevant management technique for reducing stink bugs, as well as being a strategy for managing resistance. In this context, concepts and studies on bioecological aspects, parameters inherent to the development of a quality control for mass rearing, dispersion, and mass release of T. podisi inside integrated soybean pest management programs were explored. The knowledge contained in the literature specifically on the use of T. podisi in the field is still relatively scarce. However, it provides solid bases for the development of more assertive research in the near future and highlights gaps that need attention and clarification in the optimization of mass releases of egg parasitoids in widely cultivated crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of convergent phenotypes is of major interest in biology because of their omnipresence and ability to inform the study of evolutionary novelty and constraint. Convergent phenotypes can be combinations of traits that evolve concertedly, called syndromes, and these can be shaped by a common environmental pressure. Parasitoid wasps which use a wide variety of arthropod hosts have also repeatedly and convergently switched host use across their evolutionary history. They thus represent a natural laboratory for the evolution of trait syndromes that are associated with parasitism of specific hosts and host substrates. In this study, we tested the evolution of co-evolving characters in the highly diverse family Ichneumonidae associated with ovipositing in a specific and well-defined substrate: wood. Using a newly constructed phylogeny and an existing morphological dataset, we identified six traits correlated with the wood-boring lifestyle that demonstrate convergent evolution. At least one trait, the presence of teeth on the ovipositor, typically preceded the evolution of other traits and possibly the switch to parasitism of wood-boring hosts. For each trait, we provide a historical review of their associations with wood-boring parasitoids, reevaluate the function of some characters, and suggest future coding improvements. Overall, we demonstrate the convergent evolution of multiple traits associated with parasitism of woodboring hosts and propose a syndrome in a hyper diverse lineage of parasitoid wasps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communication is essential for social organisms. In eusocial insects, olfaction facilitates communication and recognition between nestmates. The study of certain model organisms has led to the hypothesis that odorant receptors are expanded in eusocial Hymenoptera. This has become a widely mentioned idea in the literature, albeit with conflicting reports, and has not been tested with a broad comparative analysis. Here we combined existing genomic and new neuroanatomical data, including from an approximately 100 Myr old fossil ant, across a phylogenetically broad sample of hymenopteran lineages. We find no evidence that variation in the size and evolutionary tempo of odorant receptor repertoires is related to eusociality. Post hoc exploration of our data hinted at loss of flight as a possible factor shaping some of the variation in OR repertoires in Hymenoptera. Nevertheless, our analyses revealed a complex pattern of evolutionary variation, and raise new questions about the ecological, behavioural and social factors that shape olfactory abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Main Location Taxon Methods Results Conclusions Animals not only forage for abundant and nearby resources, but their diets can also be influenced by abiotic and geographic factors. This often results in non‐random interactions among species. We investigate how seed density, distance from nest, abiotic (e.g., climate stability, temperature, precipitation) and geographic factors (e.g., latitude, elevation and continental hemisphere) influence the removal of food items (i.e., seeds and dead arthropods) by Pogonomyrmex species.South and North America, from Patagonia to the Rocky Mountains.Genus Pogonomyrmex (Formicidae: Hymenoptera).Conducting standardised experiments, we performed a seed removal experiment and an assessment of the items retrieved by ant workers of 160 nests from eight Pogonomyrmex spp. at 16 sites extending the American continent.Pogonomyrmex ants native to North America removed more seeds than their South American counterpart. In general, results align with optimal foraging theory, indicating a higher probability of seed removal near ant nests. High climate stability correlated with lower seed predation rates, emphasising seed consumption's significance in historically arid environments. Increased precipitation and temperature led to reduced removal of food resources, suggesting reduced water availability and lower mean temperatures increases the consumption of seeds by harvester ants.Overall, Pogonomyrmex ants' food resource use is influenced by a combination of factors such as region, distance from the nest and climate. This study underscores harvester ants' potential impact on plant distribution over large spatial scales consuming seeds from the immediate proximity of their nest and preventing establishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a new and unusual myrmecophilous behaviour displayed by the darkling beetle, Scaurus uncinus (Forster, 1771) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), accessing nests of the harvester ant, Messor barbarus (Linnaeus, 1767) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in southeast Spain. The beetles enter the interior of the ant nests using a relatively primitive strategy based only on brute force, which we name "brute force entries". To understand the significance of this behaviour, we have studied the interactions of these two species in the field and in the laboratory during six years. Our observations confirm that specimens of S. uncinus expend a considerable eff ort to enter the ant nests, despite the ants fiercely attacking them, to the extent that the beetles lose legs and antennae through the process. We describe and discuss this behaviour, and identify hypotheses about its development and significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The vine mealybug Planococcus ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a cosmopolitan species that causes economic damage to grapevines, especially in Mediterranean countries, South Africa, North and South America and Europe. In this study, the co-parasitization effect of Anagyrus pseudococci (Girault) and Coccidoxenoides perminutus Girault (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) on the vine mealybug Planococcus ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and their intrinsic interspecific larval competition were investigated under laboratory conditions. Results: In non-choice experiments, the highest parasitism value (11.75 ± 0.87) was obtained on 2nd instar mealybug nymphs in containers with only C. perminutus, while the highest parasitism value (11.20 ± 0.59) in choice experiments was obtained on female mealybugs in containers with both parasitoids. It was determined that C. perminutus parasitized the 1st, 2nd and 3rd nymph stages, while A. pseudococci parasitized the 2nd, 3rd nymph and female stages of vine mealybug. These mean that mealybug populations can be controlled more effectively by parasitizing all mealybug stages in the environment when parasitoids are together. In intrinsic interspecific larval competition experiments on the mealybugs 2nd and 3rd nymph stages, where both parasitoids can parasitize, it was determined that C. perminutus generally won the competition, even though A. pseudococci had a three-day parasitism priority. The highest A. pseudococci emergence rate in competition trials occurred on 2nd instar mealybug nymphs when A. pseudococci had 72 h parasitism priority (36.09%). In addition, head capsule width and tibia lengths of A. pseudococci and C. perminutus adults obtained from intrinsic interspecific larval competition were measured, and it was determined that the head capsule width and tibia length of adult parasitoids generally increased as the host period progressed. In addition, it has been determined that there may be some differences in the measured characteristics of the adult parasitoids obtained due to intrinsic interspecific competition compared to the control. Conclusions: Using these two parasitoids together in the biological control of vine mealybugs will allow parasitizing all mealybug nymph stages and females in the environment and provide more effective pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Maternally-inherited symbionts can induce pre-mating and/or post-mating reproductive isolation between sympatric host lineages, and speciation, by modifying host reproductive phenotypes. The large parasitoid wasp genus Cotesia (Braconidae) includes a diversity of cryptic species, each specialized in parasitizing one to few related Lepidoptera host species. Here, we characterized the infection status of an assemblage of 21 Cotesia species from 15 countries by several microbial symbionts, as a first step toward investigating whether symbionts may provide a barrier to gene flow between these parasitoid host lineages. Results: The symbiotic microbes Arsenophonus, Cardinium, Microsporidium and Spiroplasma were not detected in the Cotesia wasps. However, the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia was present in at least eight Cotesia species, and hence we concentrated on it upon screening additional DNA extracts and SRAs from NCBI. Some of the closely related Cotesia species carry similar Wolbachia strains, but most Wolbachia strains showed patterns of horizontal transfer between phylogenetically distant host lineages. Conclusions: The lack of co-phylogenetic signal between Wolbachia and Cotesia suggests that the symbiont and hosts have not coevolved to an extent that would drive species divergence between the Cotesia host lineages. However, as the most common facultative symbiont of Cotesia species, Wolbachia may still function as a key-player in the biology of the parasitoid wasps. Its precise role in the evolution of this complex clade of cryptic species remains to be experimentally investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flower colour polymorphisms are uncommon but widespread among angiosperms and can be maintained by a variety of balancing selection mechanisms. Anemone palmata is mostly yellow‐flowered, but white‐flowered plants coexist in some populations. We analysed the distribution of colour morphs of A. palmata across its range. We also characterised their colours and compared their vegetative and sexual reproductive traits, pollinator attention and fitness. The range of A. palmata is limited to the Western Mediterranean, while white‐flowered plants are restricted to Portugal and SW Spain, where they occur at low proportions. Yellow flowers have a characteristic UV pattern, with a UV‐absorbing centre and UV‐reflecting periphery, which is absent in the white morph. Colour features of both morphs were highly delineated, making it easy for pollinators to distinguish them. Both morphs were protogynous, with the same duration of sexual stages, and the main floral traits related to pollinator attraction, apart from flower colour, were similar. Hymenoptera and Diptera were the main pollinators, showing preference for the yellow morph, clear partitioning of pollinator groups between the two colour morphs and a marked constancy to flower colour during foraging. Both morphs combined clonal propagation with sexual reproduction, but sexual reproductive potential was lower in white‐flowered plants. Finally, female fitness was higher in the yellow morph. Pollinator partitioning and colour constancy could maintain this polymorphism, despite the lower visitation rate and fitness of white‐flowered plants, which could facilitate their clonal propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-five species were collected from Vashlovani National Park in Sakartvelo (Georgia). Megalodontes eversmanni (Freymuth, 1870), Aprosthema freyi (Forsius, 1921), Sterictiphora furcata (Villers, 1789), Tenthredo aulica Enslin, 1912, Tenthredo dissidua (Konow, 1899) and Tenthredo longipes (Konow, 1886) are new records for the country. Male genitalia of Pristiphora araratensis Haris, 2006 is figured and separated from its relatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anisopteromalus calandrae (Howard) and Theocolax elegans (Westwood) have been recorded as parasitoids of the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky), and were collected from maize (Zea mays L.) in the Huasteca Hidalguense. Both species of parasitoids are new records for Hidalgo, and to our knowledge, this is the first report of the association of T. elegans with S. zeamais in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to examine of the subfamily Tersilochinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) in Türkiye. The Tersilochinae, one of the 47 subfamilies are a worldwide subfamily of the parasitoid wasp family Ichneumonidae. This subfamily, are koinobiont endoparasitoids of Coleoptera larvae, (although Symphyta larvae are recorded as hosts of one genus). Hosts include Curculionidae and Chrysomelidae so Tersilochinae are used for biological control. Tersilochinae species constituting the study were collected from parts of Türkiye between 1995-2022. At the same time, the study also added before 1995 literature information. 42 species from genera of Aneuclis, Barycnemis, Diaparsis (Diaparsis), Diaparsis (Nanodiaparsis), Gelanes, Heterocola (Heterocola), Heterocola (Heterocoloides), Phradis, Probles (Euporizon), Probles (Microdiaparpis), Probles (Probles), Tersilochus (Gonolochus) and Tersilochus (Tersilochus) have been identified from Türkiye so far. The study consist of 217 samples. Among these species, Heterocola (Heterocola) longipalpis Kolarov & Beyarslan is endemic for Türkiye at now. With this, Heterocola (Heterocola) nigrotibialis Horstmann and Kolarov, Tersilochus (Gonolochus) rugulosus Horstmann, Tersilochus (Gonolochus) nitens Horstmann & Kolarov and Tersilochus (Tersilochus) cognatus Holmgren are rare species for Türkiye. Again, Probles (Microdiaparpis) Horstmann is dense in terms of number samples, Phradis Förster and Tersilochus (Tersilochus) Holmgren are dense in terms of number species. Among the species determined, Probles (Microdiaparpis) anatolicus Horstmann, Aneuclis incidens (Thomson) and Barycnemis harpura (Schrank) were recorded the most abundant species in research areas. In addition to all this, species composition has created for each species and new location information of this subfamily has been added. Bingöl (Karlıova) provinces is the new locality for this subfamily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent changes to the generic classification of Megachilini necessitate several nomenclatural changes for species of the tribe. Four specific epithets were considered junior homonyms in a retrograde classification of Megachile Latreille and were therefore renamed. These epithets are resurrected as they are no longer congeneric with their senior homonyms (ICZN: Art. 59.4), and their former replacements are now considered junior synonyms: Callomegachile (Callomegachile) elegans (Cheesman) (= Chalicodoma (Callomegachile) cheesmanae Michener, new synonymy), Callomegachile (Callomegachile) gigas (Wu) (= Megachile (Callomegachile) parornata Chatthanabun, Warrit, and Ascher, new synonymy), Chelostomoides (Chelostomoides) pedalis Raw (= Megachile (Chelostomoides) rawi Engel, new synonymy), Megachile (Creightonella) aurantiaca Rebmann (= Megachile (Creightonella) taftanica Engel, new synonymy). In addition, four replacement names (nomina nova) are established: Megachile (Chelostomoda) zyzzyx Engel (for Megachile (Chelostomoda) indica (Gupta)), M. (Eurymella) bakololo Engel (for Megachile (Eurymella) zambesica Pasteels), Coelioxys silaneg Engel (for Coelioxys genalis Pasteels), and Coelioxys qi Engel (for Coelioxys brevicaudatus Friese). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of bumblebees (Bombus) has been widely used for phylogenetic studies, but its evolution is still underexplored. Here we report a comprehensive analysis of 60 bumblebee mitogenomes, including 40 newly assembled ones, to investigate bumblebee mtDNA structure, composition, and informativeness under a phylogenetic framework. Our mtDNA dataset supports the monophyly of Bombus and its subgenera, although we found a high degree of tree discordance in deeper nodes when using different inference methods or matrix composition. Concerning mitogenome structure, our results show that tRNA genes were often rearranged, with unique rearrangements indicating shared ancestry across bumblebee subgenera, illustrating their potential for subgeneric classification. Our results also challenge the notion that faster evolving mtDNA exhibits higher gene rearrangement rates. Finally, we explicitly assessed shifts in selection constraints of mtDNA genes in obligate social parasites of subgenus Psithyrus and found that their mtDNA evolved under relaxed selective constraints. Our findings show the utility of mtDNA in providing insights into bumblebee phylogenetics, evolution, and genome trait diversification. We also highlight the potential for comparative mitogenomics to uncover previously unknown aspects of bumblebee evolution, offering exciting opportunities for future research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Ants are highly adaptable insects that thrive in a variety of climates and habitats worldwide. This study examines how climate and habitat influence the morphological traits of the ant species Camponotus japonicus across 22 sites in mainland China. These sites represent three climate zones and three habitat types. Our analysis shows that both climate and habitat significantly shape the ants' morphological traits. Specifically, ants in mid-temperate farmlands exhibit more constrained morphological traits, while those in sparse woodlands show greater variation. Urban parks present a stable environment with less morphological variation. Temperature, precipitation, humidity, and altitude were found to be closely linked to these morphological traits. This research enhances our understanding of how ants adapt to environmental changes through morphological variation and underscores their critical ecological roles in various ecosystems. Ants are a highly adaptable group of insects that have globally established themselves in diverse climates and habitats. This study investigates the influence of climate and habitat on the morphological traits of Camponotus japonicus across 22 sites in mainland China. These sites span three climate zones (mid-temperate, warm temperate, and subtropical) and three habitat types (urban parks, farmlands, and sparse woodlands). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determine the principal axis of morphological variation, while hypervolume analysis and centroid distance calculation were used to verify the environmental filtering hypothesis and the optimal transfer hypothesis. The results support both hypotheses showing that climate and habitat significantly affect the morphological space of C. japonicus workers. In particular, the morphological space is more constrained in mid-temperate farmlands, while workers in sparse woodlands exhibit greater morphological variation. In contrast, urban parks are characterized by higher stability and reduced morphological differences. Additionally, robust regression analysis reveals that environmental factors such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, and altitude are closely linked to the morphological traits of the workers. Understanding how ant morphology responds to external environmental changes enhances our understanding of their adaptability and their essential ecological roles across various ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Ants are a widespread and highly abundant group of animals in almost all terrestrial ecosystems. Nesting sites are important for ants, as the nest protects them against predators and can ensure optimal conditions for the brood development. We studied the nest site selection by Temnothorax crassispinus ant colonies, which typically inhabit empty acorns. During this study, we used artificial nest sites with slits in the nest wall, mimicking the cracks in acorns under natural conditions. We found that the ant colonies preferred artificial nest sites without these slits. The absence of cracks in acorns could be an indication of the durability of potential nest sites; thus, we propose that choosing acorns without such damage could be beneficial for the ant colonies. For ants, nests provide a refuge against predators and protection from environmental factors. Thus, choosing a good nest site is important for an ant colony, but nest sites are limited resources. Ants of the genus Temnothorax inhabit small cavities in, e.g., acorns, twigs and under rocks. Earlier, it was shown that the ants are able to choose a superior site. In this study, using binary choice tests, we studied the nest site selection by Temnothorax crassispinus ant colonies that typically inhabit empty acorns. For this purpose, we used artificial nest sites without and with an additional slit in the nest wall, mimicking the cracks in potential nest sites under natural conditions. We found that the ant colonies preferred artificial nest sites without these slits. However, no difference in the number of colonies inhabited nest sites with a slit vs. those without a slit was found when the slits were closed using transparent food foil, which prevented the air flow while keeping an inflow of light. What is more, additional light through the hole in the red filter covering the artificial nest sites had no influence on the nest site selection. The results of this study suggest that the air flow through a slit in the nest site wall, rather than additional light, influences the nest site selection. The absence of cracks, e.g., in acorns, could be an indication of the durability of potential nest sites. Thus, choosing a cavity without such damage could be beneficial for the ant colonies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In June 2023 several primary nests of the Asian hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax Buysson, 1905 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) were found in Landen, a municipality in the province of Flemish Brabant. Later, during October and November, secondary nests were found 300 m from the primary nests, the larvae and pupae of which were examined microscopically. A part of their anatomical structure, in particular the head, is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Repeatable macroevolutionary patterns provide hope for rules in biology, especially when we can decipher the underlying mechanisms. Here we synthesize natural history, genetic adaptations, and toxin sequestration in herbivorous insects that specialize on plants with cardiac glycoside defenses. Work on the monarch butterfly provided a model for evolution of the "sequestering specialist syndrome," where specific amino acid substitutions in the insect's Na+/K+-ATPase are associated with (1) high toxin resistance (target site insensitivity [TSI]), (2) sequestration of toxins, and (3) aposematic coloration. We evaluate convergence for these traits within and between Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, and Orthoptera, encompassing hundreds of toxin-adapted species. Using new and existing data on ∼28 origins of specialization, we show that the monarch model evolved independently in five taxonomic orders (but not Diptera). An additional syndrome occurs in five orders (all but Hymenoptera): aposematic sequesterers with modest to medium TSI. Indeed, all sequestering species were aposematic, and all but one had at least modest TSI. Additionally, several species were aposematic nonsequesterers (potential Batesian mimics), and this combination evolved in species with a range of TSI levels. Finally, we identified some biases among these strategies within taxonomic orders. Biodiversity in this microcosm of life evolved repeatedly with a high degree of similarity across six taxonomic orders, yet we identified alternative trait combinations as well as lineage-specific outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity data platforms including databases, websites and data repositories underpin conservation efforts by collecting spatiotemporal data of discovered native and alien species and maps of their distributions. Chalcid wasps (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea) are one of the most diverse insect groups estimated to include half a million species. Being mostly parasitoids of other arthropods, they have been successfully used as biological control agents against serious agricultural pests worldwide. In Cyprus, only 124 species of chalcid wasps have been recorded, with 53 species being alien to the island. Their true biodiversity is predicted to be much larger because the island is both under-sampled and under-researched. A number of biodiversity data platforms focusing on the biodiversity of Cyprus are currently online; however, an online platform dedicated on the chalcid wasps of Cyprus is lacking. In the framework of the Darwin Plus Fellowship (DPLUS202) "Species richness and biological invasions of Chalcid wasps in Akrotiri Peninsula", the "Chalcid wasps of Cyprus" website (https://sites.google.com/view/chalcidwaspscyprus) is presented. This online, dynamic database aims to: (1) raise public awareness regarding a rather neglected and yet ecologically important insect group, (2) provide data on the morphology, ecology and biodiversity of Chalcidoidea on Cyprus, as well as (3) promote conservation needs by setting a baseline for the future assessment of both native and alien chalcid wasp species. This online platform will be regularly revised in order to provide an up-to-date, user-friendly digital environment to the scientific community, policy-makers and citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of galled capsules of Papaver rhoeas (field poppy) induced by Aylax minor, but showing marked distortion atypical for this species, are discussed in relation to historical records and recent studies. A.minor is shown to be able to induce two types of galls, one markedly distorting the capsule and the other causing no such outward sign. Such outwardly distorted capsules may be liable to misidentification and attributed to Aylax papaveris, especially when records are based on digital images. A key to distinguishing the different galled capsule forms is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Asian or yellow-legged hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax has been accidentally introduced into several European countries. This invasive species has an impact on entomofauna and plant biodiversity through reduction of pollinators as well as affects apiculture. We present the first record of the species in the Czech Republic, notes associated with this record, its COI barcode, and modelled potential distribution. A specimen of Vespa velutina nigrithorax was recorded in October 2023 in Pilsen city (West Bohemia, Czech Republic). The nest was traced by observing released individuals, detected on Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), and removed. The COI barcode confirmed the European origin of this nest. The species either followed natural routes from Bavaria (Germany) or was introduced by transportation. A species distribution model (Maxent) trained on European distribution showed that the western Czech Republic is more suitable for the species than its eastern parts, as the species likely prefers lower continentality. During 2024, Vespa velutina nigrithorax was also recorded in Hrádek u Rokycan (West Bohemia, Czech Republic). Recently, these records represented an isolated occurrence in the Czech Republic; however further expansion of this invasive species is expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chalcidid wasps are a diverse group of insects belonging to the order Hymenoptera and family Chalcididae. They are natural biocontrol agents for many agricultural and forestry pests. The present study was undertaken from 2021 to 2023. The objective of this study was to document the Chalcididae diversity from the Chhattisgarh region. Based on this study, the first checklist of chalcidid wasps from Chhattisgarh state is prepared. In total, 71 species of chalcidid wasps were collected from 11 genera falling under four subfamilies. The chalcidid wasps identified belonged to the subfamilies, Chalcidinae, Dirhininae, Epitraninae and Haltichellinae of which, subfamily Haltichellinae was found to be most predominant. The results of this preliminary study shed light on the hidden biodiversity of chalcidid wasps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, motivated by widespread declines in wild bees, ecologists have prioritized learning about patterns of wild bee communities across the landscape at the expense of learning about the population‐level mechanisms driving those patterns. In this essay, we seek to revitalize the tradition of studying wild bee populations in a way that both contributes key knowledge for bee conservation and builds a strong conceptual understanding of the processes underpinning bee populations. We address two widespread concerns about investing in population‐level research. First, that population‐level studies are too conceptually narrow to provide broad inference. If population‐level studies are couched in general ecological theory, then findings from a single species can be generalized to many. We highlight how wild bees would make excellent candidates for exploring five areas of general ideas in population ecology, including nutritional ecology, drivers of vital rates, phenology and voltinism, habitat selection, and movement. Second, we address the concern that methods for studying bees at the population level are too difficult to implement. Methods for conducting population‐level studies of bees—specifically, identifying living bees in the field and studying individuals throughout their life cycles—are feasible to implement at the scales appropriate for answering population‐level questions, for example, a few species at a few sites. To facilitate adoption of these ideas, we developed an online field guide (www.watchingbees.com) and a detailed methods manual. More generally, we emphasize the value of linking data‐rich pattern‐oriented approaches in ecology with an understanding of the basic biology and mechanisms that generate those patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of visit of pollinator insect(Chalicodoma cincta) on the production of Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris, Rose variety), were studied at Sarh in September 2021 and 2022. The experiments were made on four treatments. The activity behavior of Chalicodoma cincta on the flower were appreciated to determinate is impact on the yield. Results indicate that among seven insect species recorded on flowers, C. cincta ranked first (31.41%) and harvested nectar. Throughout the importance of the flower visit, this insect provoked a significant increase of the podding rate (30.45 %), the mean number of seeds per pod (22.42 %) and the percentage of normal seeds (32.81%). The conservation and installation of C. cincta nests close the plantation fields is recommended to improve pod production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Mitochondrial genes and nuclear genes cooperate closely to maintain the functions of mitochondria, especially in the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway. However, mitochondrial genes among arthropod lineages have dramatic evolutionary rate differences. Haplodiploid arthropods often show fast-evolving mitochondrial genes. One hypothesis predicts that the small effective population size of haplodiploid species could enhance the effect of genetic drift leading to higher substitution rates in mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Alternatively, positive selection or compensatory changes in nuclear OXPHOS genes could lead to the fast-evolving mitochondrial genes. However, due to the limited number of arthropod genomes, the rates of evolution for nuclear genes in haplodiploid species, besides hymenopterans, are largely unknown. To test these hypotheses, we used data from 76 arthropod genomes, including 5 independently evolved haplodiploid lineages, to estimate the evolutionary rates and patterns of gene family turnover of mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Results We show that five haplodiploid lineages tested here have fast-evolving mitochondrial genes and fast-evolving nuclear genes related to mitochondrial functions, while nuclear genes not related to mitochondrion showed no significant evolutionary rate differences. Among hymenopterans, bees and ants show faster rates of molecular evolution in mitochondrial genes and mitochondrion-related nuclear genes than sawflies and wasps. With genome data, we also find gene family expansions and contractions in mitochondrion-related genes of bees and ants. Conclusions Our results reject the small population size hypothesis in haplodiploid species. A combination of positive selection and compensatory changes could lead to the observed patterns in haplodiploid species. The elevated evolutionary rates in OXPHOS complex 2 genes of bees and ants suggest a unique evolutionary history of social hymenopterans.

Abstract Background Studying insect succession on carcasses is important in estimating the postmortem interval. This study aims to identify the decomposition stages of decomposing rabbit carcasses and to find out the relationship between seasonal variations and abundance of insects colonizing rabbit carcasses at El-Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Methods Three domestic rabbits (weighing 1300 g each) were killed by a sharp knife. The carcasses were exposed to the sun, left to decompose and inspected twice daily at 6-h intervals to collect insects. Maggots were collected and reared. Results The rabbit carcasses underwent four decomposition stages: fresh, bloat, decay and dry stages. The identified families and their respective collected species included three dipteran families: Calliphoridae (Lucilia sericata, Chrysomya megacephala, and Chrysomya albiceps), Sarcophagidae (Sarcophaga argyrostoma) and Muscidae (Musca domestica and Synthesiomyia nudiseta), three coleopteran families. Histeridae (Saprinus semistriatus), Cleridae (Necrobia rufipes) and Dermestidae (Dermestes frischii and Attagenus gloriosus) and three hymenopteran families: Chalcididae (Brachymeria femorata), Vespidae (Vespa orientalis) and Formicidae (Monomorium sp.). Carrion fauna was dominated by dipteran and coleopteran species, with calliphorid and sarcophagid flies found to play a significant role in carrion consumption process. Conclusion The succession pattern and decomposition rate were season dependent. The information collected may help establish the basic database for entomological forensic investigations in the future. Graphical abstract

Abstract Background Maternally-inherited symbionts can induce pre-mating and/or post-mating reproductive isolation between sympatric host lineages, and speciation, by modifying host reproductive phenotypes. The large parasitoid wasp genus Cotesia (Braconidae) includes a diversity of cryptic species, each specialized in parasitizing one to few related Lepidoptera host species. Here, we characterized the infection status of an assemblage of 21 Cotesia species from 15 countries by several microbial symbionts, as a first step toward investigating whether symbionts may provide a barrier to gene flow between these parasitoid host lineages. Results The symbiotic microbes Arsenophonus, Cardinium, Microsporidium and Spiroplasma were not detected in the Cotesia wasps. However, the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia was present in at least eight Cotesia species, and hence we concentrated on it upon screening additional DNA extracts and SRAs from NCBI. Some of the closely related Cotesia species carry similar Wolbachia strains, but most Wolbachia strains showed patterns of horizontal transfer between phylogenetically distant host lineages. Conclusions The lack of co-phylogenetic signal between Wolbachia and Cotesia suggests that the symbiont and hosts have not coevolved to an extent that would drive species divergence between the Cotesia host lineages. However, as the most common facultative symbiont of Cotesia species, Wolbachia may still function as a key-player in the biology of the parasitoid wasps. Its precise role in the evolution of this complex clade of cryptic species remains to be experimentally investigated.