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The ichneumonid parasitoid Stenarella insidiator (Smith, 1859) is recorded for the first time from Vietnam based on the specimens collected from Tam Dao National Park in Vinh Phuc province, Na Hang district in Tuyen Quang province, and Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park in Lam Dong province. In addition, the wasp Orancistrocerus aterrimus (de Saussure, 1852) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) is reported as a new host of this parasitoid. The parasitoid is described based on Vietnamese material with information of its overwintering in the wasp nest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaise traps and sweep nets are commonly used to study sawfly faunas, seasonality and communities. Here we analyse a large dataset obtained with these methods in Slovakia and Hungary over the last two and a half decades. The dataset included collections from twenty-one sites, each covering the entire growing season, eleven of which were obtained with the Malaise trap and ten with the sweep net. We conclude that both methods are suitable for faunistic studies of sawflies (Hymenoptera, Symphyta), although they may lead to certain biased results for some Symphyta groups. Special attention should be paid to Siricidae, Orussidae, Xiphidriidae and Cimbicidae, which were only weakly recorded with both methods. Argidae, Blennocampinae, Dolerinae and Tenthredininae were underrepresented in the Malaise trap samples and Allantinae in the sweep net samples. Both methods gave equally good results in measuring species richness in an one-year study. Ideally, they should be used together as they complement each other well. The net method has a great advantage in determining the exact population density. In contrast, the Malaise trap collections were often heavily dominated by only a few species, with males being preferentially trapped. Use of Malasie trap should be preferred for the study of seasonal flight activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spotted‐wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) cause yield losses and important economic impacts in fruits with thin epicarp. In the present study, the combination of powdered sulphur and predators/parasitoids for the control of SWD was analysed. First, the interaction of powered sulphur with Anthocoris nemoralis (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) on infested strawberry fruits and Trichropia drosophilae (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) on SWD pupae was evaluated. Second, exposure of predators/parasitoids to strawberry leaves with powdered sulphur was also assessed. Additionally, sublethal effects of powdered sulphur on T. drosophilae parasitism were examined. The results show powdered sulphur did not interfere with the activity of A. nemoralis and caused a significant reduction in fruit infestation. In contrast, sulphur affected the activity of T. drosophilae, reducing parasitism when the two agents were combined. Direct exposure to powdered sulphur did not cause significant mortality of A. nemoralis and T. drosophilae. Finally, previous exposure to sulphur did not affect T. drosophilae in terms of parasitism rates and sex ratio. Based on the results obtained herein, sulphur and T. drosophilae impacts on different stages of SWD when they are applied separately. However, the effects of sulphur on T. drosophilae should be taken into account in combination control strategies of SWD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population systems in which all three taxa of the Pelophylax esculentus complex coexist are rare and in Serbia can only be found along the Danube. Although several studies describe the diet in populations with only one taxon, there is a lack of data from mixed populations. We studied the diet in mixed populations of edible frogs at three sites for three years. We collected gut contents from 221 adult frogs using the stomach flushing method and identified 1,477 prey items. The diet consisted mainly of insects (88%). For all three taxa, the most frequently consumed prey groups were Hymenoptera (28%), Coleoptera (18%), Lepidoptera (17%) and Diptera (11%). Larger prey (in terms of length and volume) was mainly consumed by P. ridibundus, followed by P. esculentus. The smallest prey were mainly consumed by P. lessonae. However, P. ridibundus consumed fewer prey items than P. lessonae. No significant difference was found between the taxa in the staple diet, while there were differences in the less abundant prey categories, especially between P. ridibundus and P. lessonae. The narrowest trophic niche width was observed in P. lessonae, followed by P. esculentus, and the widest in P. ridibundus. Our results suggest that the diet of the three taxa is diverse and consists of a large number of invertebrate groups. However, the diet was locality-specific, with the dominance of different prey groups in different localities depending on habitat characteristics. These results confirm our expectation that the frogs of the Pelophylax esculentus complex follow an opportunistic foraging strategy, as predicted by optimal foraging theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monotypic genus, Sedma Bouček, 1991, represented by a single species, Sedma dispar Bouček, 1991, is recorded for the first time in the Middle East region. A concise diagnosis, along with illustrations of the relevant characters and comparison with the type specimen, are provided. Its distribution along the southern part of the Western Palearctic into the Middle East is also briefly discussed. The occurrence of other monotypic genera of Pteromalinae with similar distribution patterns in Iran is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Balkan wall lizard (Podarcis tauricus) is a small-sized ground-dwelling species distributed in southeastern Europe and northwestern Anatolia. Although some insights into its diet and food preferences were published, there is still a lack of knowledge of its feeding ecology in parts of its range, especially in Bulgaria. Our results showed that the trophic spectrum of P. tauricus in NW Bulgaria consists of insects and arachnids. At a lower taxonomic level, two orders - Hymenoptera (incl. Formicidae) (24.63%) and Heteroptera (23.19%) have almost equal participation and together represent nearly 50% of the diet, while among other groups, only Orthoptera (13.04%) and Araneae (11.59%) have a significant presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species diversity of family Chalcididae (Hymenoptera) from the islands of Chilika Lake, Odisha, India was studied. Eighteen species under seven genera of Chalcididae were identified with the addition of new distributional records for eight species from Odisha. Distributional data from India and the host details of all the listed species from Chilika Islands were provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caste polymorphs of the ant Camponotus compressus (Fabricius, 1798) are distinct by their morphology and life styles; the two distinct castes are largely nocturnal and rely on their visual sensory system to interpret their temporal niches. The compound eyes of the castes were explored through Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) in order to delineate cast specific organisation and adaptations of the compound eye. The findings reveal that major workers of C. compressus possess a more sophisticated visual system in terms of its morphological features along with optical properties that enhances a better vision, which includes a greater number of ommatidia and high ommatidial density, a higher ommatidial diameter, low inter ommatidial angle and a more efficient pupillary mechanism to counter conditions where ambient light levels are high. This underlines the dependence of scouts (major workers) on visual system and the foragers on olfactory system in the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Zaomma eriococci (Ferrière, 1955) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was obtained through next-generation sequencing, making the first reported complete mitochondrial genome of the genus Zaomma. The mitochondrial genome is 15,648 bp in length and includes 37 classical eukaryotic mitochondrial genes along with an A + T rich region. All 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) initiate with typical ATN codons. Of these, 10 PCG genes terminate with TAA, while three terminate with TAG. Additionally, there are 22 tRNA genes, ranging in size from 62 to 70 bp. The maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed based on 13 PCGs, indicates that Z. eriococci is closely related to Tassonia gloriae. This mitochondrial genome will serve as a valuable molecular resource for species identification, genetic analysis, and comparative genomic studies of Z. eriococci, contributing to the growing collection of mitochondrial genomes within the family Encyrtidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing parasitoids for augmentative biological control frequently depends on the physiological state of the parasitoids and the pest population density at the time of release. Trichogramma chilonis Ishii (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) is commonly used as an egg parasitoid for biological insect pest control via augmentation and field release. A crucial component of mass production programmes is the host's nutritional compatibility. So, the investigations were carried out to study the effect of diet composition of Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on developmental and reproductive parameters of Trichogramma chilonis Ishii. The T. chilonis was reared on Corcyra cephalonica fed on different diets (D1-D7) in the laboratory at 25°C±1°C with 75±5% RH. Based on pooled data of two generations T. chilonis had shown significantly highest parasitization of 85.80%, adult emergence percentage 75.00% and sex-ratio 1.62:1 on rice moth eggs obtained from Maize (48.5%) + Sorghum (48.5%) + Groundnut (3%) diet (D5). Trichogramma adult's emergence was observed earlier (3.10 days) on the host's eggs reared on the Bajra (100%) diet (D1). In case of adult longevity, the maximum longevity of 7.70 days was recorded on the host's egg obtained from the D5 diet over the others. These findings may help to improve the developmental and reproductive performance of T. chilonis and an optimized D5 diet may be useful for mass rearing of this egg parasitoid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Chelonus s. str. (Chelonus) Panzer (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Cheloninae) is reviewed with particular focus on species associated with fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Additionally, information on the biology and various mass-rearing techniques of the enumerated species are furnished, underlining their significance in biological control and integrated pest management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementation of augmentative biological control requires estimates of parasitoid dispersal from the release point to determine appropriate release density, spacing, and timing. This study evaluated the movement patterns of Fopius arisanus Sonan (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) parasitoids, which have historically been used to control invasive tephritid fruit flies. The wasps were released from the central point, and dispersal was monitored over time using parasitism in sentinel fruit and trap captures at 40 points radiating out from the center (15–240 m). The releases were conducted 4 times during June, July, September, and November 2006. The data showed that there were large declines in dispersal by distance. Parasitism was greatest closest to the release point, within 30 m. Parasitism was also greatest within the first 24 h of the release. After 1 wk, parasitism decreased from 41% to 1.5% within 30 m. These data correlated strongly with trap capture data, which also showed that parasitoid movement favored the SE region of our release site, roughly corresponding to the overall prevailing winds. Wind speed, relative humidity, and temperature all affected parasitoid movement during our trial, indicating the complex environmental factors that can affect release success. This is the first report of dispersal metrics for F. arisanus. Our findings are in agreement with other similar studies on braconid movement generally and suggest that frequent, high-density releases are most effective since the dispersal of F. arisanus is limited and retention in the environment is low. We discuss our results in the context of international augmentative biological control release programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orchid bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) are exclusively Neotropical insects that occur naturally from Mexico to Argentina. Eufriesea species are the least studied among the five genera because they are often univoltine and active for a few months. Eufriesea brasilianorum is seldom collected and is one of the least-known species. We analyzed the data for this rare and threatened species using Maxent and an ensemble of models to determine distribution hypotheses for E. brasilianorum in Brazil. A small area of high suitability was found in eastern Brazil, including Atlantic Forest remnants. More studies must be developed to validate our predictions for E. brasilianorum. Future validation of the predictions obtained for E. brasilianorum will allow further discussion to list E. brasilianorum as a threatened species in the most recent National Action Plan for Conservation of Pollinator Insects Threatened by Extinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have examined the effect of invasive species on biodiversity in urban environments, however, few of them have investigated the role of native species while turning into invasive pests. In Colombia, Atta cephalotes, a native leaf-cutting ant (LCA), has responded successfully to the conversion of natural ecosystems to agricultural-rural environments and, most recently, to residential and urban development. In this study, we illustrate the incidence and distribution of this native ant species in an environment where animal life must face urban disturbs in the physical environment, resource availability, and ecosystem processes associated with human urbanization in Cali, the third most important city in Colombia. For this, A. cephalotes nests were georeferenced in public green areas located in 12 communes across the city of Cali, southern Colombia. Vegetation and soil cover, urban settings, foraging trails and plants foraged by the ants were recorded. A. cephalotes nests were present in all green areas and, even in human dwellings; the ants harvested both native and introduced plant species. Despite being well adapted to strongly modified urban environments, this ant species appears to be dependent on human-subsidized resources. Given the wide distribution of leaf-cutting ants in Latin America, it is plausible to expect that similar processes are underway in other countries where these ants are found. Hence, this study also proposes to alert the academic and social communities to direct future research towards evaluating both the responses and impacts of these ants in relation to changes in the urban landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Species of Helorus Latreille 1802 are rarely collected endoparasitoids of Chrysopidae larvae (Neuroptera). Previous work on the limits between the European species of this species-poor genus, based on morphology only, has left some uncertainties. Here, we approach these cases and revisit previous taxonomic decisions using freshly collected and museum material. New information: We generated the first large-scale Heloridae DNA barcode dataset, combined these with morphological data in an integrative taxonomic approach, and added information from studying all relevant type material. We found five species, Helorus anomalipes (Panzer, 1798), H. coruscus Haliday, 1857 stat. rev., H. nigripes Förster, 1856, H. ruficornis Förster, 1856, and H. striolatus Cameron, 1906, for which we provide an updated identification key. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitoids, a distinct group of insects, rely on other insects for their offspring's development, depositing their eggs within or atop a host insect, which is then consumed during the juvenile phase. These insects possess a wide array of microbial symbionts, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Unlike the symbionts in herbivorous and blood-feeding insects that supply nutrients, those associated with parasitoids are crucial for the reproduction of the parasitoid, the suppression of the host's immune system, and the alteration of the host's behaviour, including disrupting metamorphosis and affecting the metabolism of fats in herbivorous hosts. Additionally, recent research has shown that interactions between herbivores and parasitoids within plant-associated communities at different trophic levels can be influenced by parasitoid symbionts such polydnaviruses. This suggests that the role of these symbionts is significantly broader than previously understood. This review examines the influence of parasitoid symbionts on both direct and indirect interactions among species and its implications for the dynamics of ecological communities, particularly in terms of evolutionary processes and species interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Given the chemical diversity within stink bugs scent glands, they can be convenient models for bioprospecting novel pest control products. Preliminary behaviour observations indicated that adult Mictis fuscipes stink bugs secrete liquid droplets when defending against Solenopsis invicta fire ants, killing them within minutes. Hence, this study aimed to analyse the chemical composition of the metathoracic scent gland secretions of M. fuscipes adults, as well as assess their biological activities against fire ants. RESULTS: Bioassaying fire ants against secretions of several local stink bugs confirmed that the defensive secretions of two Mictis species are significantly more lethal, where M. fuscipes was the most lethal. Volatiles chromatography analysis indicated the secretions of female and male M. fuscipes stink bugs contains 20 and 26 components, respectively, chiefly hexanoic acid and hexyl hexanoate. Five compounds were consistently present in the secretion of female adults: hexyl hexanoate, hexanoic acid, hexyl acetate, hexyl butyrate, and eugenol. These yielded a strong electrophysiological antennal (EAD) response from S. invicta workers, female alates and males, where hexyl acetate showed the strongest response. The combination of these five compounds proved strongly repellent to S. invicta. When tested singly, hexanoic acid, hexyl butyrate, hexyl hexanoate, and eugenol were repellent to S. invicta, but hexyl acetate seemed slightly attractive. Additionally, the same mixture of five components exhibited strong contact and fumigant toxicity towards S. invicta workers, eugenol being the strongest. CONCLUSION: Defensive chemicals of M. fuscipes exhibit robust biological activity against S. invicta and could inspire the development of biopesticides. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Tenthredo scrophulariae (Figwort Sawfly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Tenthredinidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 233.10 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.96%) is scaffolded into 10 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 26.26 kilobases in length.

Background: Hymenoptera venom allergy is a public health issue and has an undeniable impact on quality of life. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) has shown long-term efficacy in this severe and potentially lethal allergy. However, no biomarker can predict the effectiveness of this treatment. Objectives: We evaluated the contribution of IgE blocking activity, a functional biomarker carried out in our center using flow cytometry, to predict the efficacy of AIT. Methods: This retrospective study from 1985 to 2022 describes in detail the demographic, clinical, and biological characteristics of patients who benefited from AIT with Hymenoptera venom at the University Hospital of Limoges. The outcome measure used was the presence of anaphylactic reaction (grade I to IV according to Ring and Messmer) in case of a new sting after discontinuation of AIT. Results: Our study, mainly composed of patients allergic to Vespula wasp venom, did not emphasize the interest of IgE blocking activity in the prediction of a relapse after a new sting. However, this inhibition showed a significant correlation with the amount of IgG4 antibodies. Conclusion: There is no biomarker that can help make the decision of stopping AIT. However, low levels of IgE blocking activity may suggest a likelihood of relapse. Serum IgG4, in correlation with IgE blocking activity, could be useful for monitoring treatment response. Additional studies are necessary to gain a thorough understanding of the composition of inhibitory antibodies.

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Tenthredo mesomela (the common green Tenthredo; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Tenthredinidae). The genome sequence is 392.8 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 10 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.6 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl has identified 11,086 protein coding genes.

Insects are a main component of a stable ecosystem and influence crop production. Pollinators, in particular, by regulating pollination between flowers, shape and secure plant communities around crop fields. They are also essential for food provisioning by sustaining the pollination of crops. Studies in recent decades have been covering the mixture of effects various factors have on pollinators. However, there is still a gap in understanding how different taxa in pollinator guilds respond to these pressures and how is network structure affected by it. Therefore, here we tried to further uncover the complex relationship between habitat suitability and pollinator biodiversity in an agro-riparian matrix. Using bipartite network analysis and geographical information systems (GIS) in four sites with different land cover configuration, we assessed faunal and floral diversity, land cover differences and network metrics. Hymenoptera were responsible for most of the visits, while also exhibiting higher levels of richness across sites. Lepidoptera on the other hand, were the order less represented. Overall, tillage intensity and Arundo donax were determinant in differences in the number of visits for both orders, with Diptera and Coleoptera being less affected. However, results regarding visitation rates reported tillage’s higher explanatory power, in comparison with A. donax. Intensive sites showed significantly higher levels of nestedness and lower specialization and diversity across taxa. The results suggest that intensive agriculture and exotic species infestation can impact pollinator taxa differently, thus influencing network structure. By scoping network metrics, we can better determine what species are more affected by agricultural expansion, assess ecosystem resilience and consequently, determine appropriate conservation measures to maintain stable plant-pollinator networks.

We present a genome assembly from an individual male cephid sawfly, Cephus spinipes (Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Cephidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 238.60 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 10 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 21.43 kilobases in length.

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Hyposoter dolosus (ichneumonid wasp; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Ichneumonidae). The genome sequence spans 222.70 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 12 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 27.89 kilobases in length.

Abstract 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.

Anthophilous insects are of key importance for onion reproduction due to the protandrous nature of flowers, related to inbreeding avoidance. We documented the diversity of floral visiting insects on onion flowers at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, during 2019-21. The pollinator community is composed of thirty hymenopteran species, sixteen dipteran species, eight lepidopteran species, four hemipteran species, and one species from Coleoptera. From these, Hymenoptera and Diptera contributed >75% of the floral visitors. The majority of the floral visits by the anthophilous insects were for collecting nectar (81.59%) followed by nectar as well as pollen foraging (9.97%) and only pollen (8.44%). The proportion of stigma contact did not depend on the body size of the floral visitor. However, stigma contact depends on whether floral visitors collected nectar or pollen and also on the head width of the floral visitor. The present study helps to understand the pollination efficiency of pollination candidates for onion. Further, there is a need to study the pollen harvest and effective stigmatic pollen deposition by the floral visitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbivore-induced plant organic volatiles (HIPVs) have recently been studied to improve biological pest control. In contrast, the effects of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are not induced by herbivory (non-HIPVs) have received less attention. The latter are essential in the first stages of crop colonization by entomophagous insects (predators and parasitoids) used in biological pest control programs. Furthermore, the effects on entomophagous insects of different cultivars of a cultivated botanical species have not been studied. The aim of this work was to study the different non-HIPVs found in 10 tomato cultivars used in tomato greenhouses on two entomophages: the egg parasitoid Trichogramma achaeae (Hymenoptera, Trichogrammatidae) and the zoo-phytophagous predator Nesidiocoris tenuis (Hemiptera, Miridae). The results indicate that although there is considerable quantitative and qualitative variation in the emission of VOCs in the 10 tomato cultivars analysed, this variability made it difficult to determine the influence of the volatiles on the attraction of the predatory species N. tenuis, with only one cultivar (Rebelion) exhibiting a significantly higher attractiveness than the rest of the cultivars. For the parasitoid T. achaeae, these same volatiles had a significant effect (in part) on parasitoid behaviour. However, this attraction was not reflected in the discriminant analysis, at least for the volatiles analysed. The analysis showed four groups of well-differentiated cultivars, according to the non-HIPV composition, and this bore no relation to the levels of attractiveness registered in the different cultivars, with the exception again of the Rebelion cultivar, which seems not to be very attractive for the parasitoid and its parasitism activity. The implications of non-herbivore-induced (non-HPV) VOCs in the biological control of greenhouse pest species are described and discussed.

Nina Hein,1 Conner Callaway,2 Devin Ford,2 John C Carlson1 1Ochsner Health System, Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, New Orleans, LA, USA; 2Tulane University, School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USACorrespondence: John C Carlson, Department of Pediatrics, Ochsner Health System, 1315 Jefferson Hwy, New Orleans, LA, 20121, USA, Tel +1-504-842-3900, Fax +1-504-842-5848, Email john.carlson@ochsner.org

Abstract Automated cameras (including camera traps) are an established observation tool, allowing, for example the identification of behaviours and monitoring without harming organisms. However, limitations including imperfect detection, insufficient data storage and power supply restrict the use of camera traps, making inexpensive and customizable solutions desirable. We describe a camera system and evaluation toolset based on Raspberry Pi computers and YOLOv5 that can overcome those shortcomings with its modular properties. We facilitate the set‐up and modification for researchers via detailed step‐by‐step guides. A customized camera system prototype was constructed to monitor fast‐moving organisms on a continuous schedule. For testing and benchmarking, we recorded mason bees (Osmia cornuta) approaching nesting aids on 20 sites. To efficiently process the extensive video material, we developed an evaluation toolset utilizing the convolutional neural network YOLOv5 to detect bees in the videos. In the field test, the camera system performed reliably for more than a week (2 h per day) under varying weather conditions. YOLOv5 detected and classified bees with only 775 original training images. Overall detection reliability varied depending on camera perspective, site and weather conditions, but a high average detection precision (78%) was achieved, which was confirmed by a human observer (80% of algorithm‐based detections confirmed). The customized camera system mitigates several disadvantages of commercial camera traps by using interchangeable components and incorporates all major requirements a researcher has for working in the field including moderate costs, easy assembly and an external energy source. We provide detailed user guides to bridge the gap between ecology, computer science and engineering.

The Mediterranean Region represents a biodiversity hotspot with a high rate of endemism. In its western part, Corsica Island is notable in terms of biodiversity due to its large surface and its large range of habitats from seaside to alpine biotopes. Amongst diverse groups, insects, notably the main orders of pollinators composed of Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera and Lepidoptera, represent a good part of the insular richness.Our sampling effort focused on the insects from these four orders visiting flowers in a characteristic thermo-Mediterranean vegetation. Our database is an insight into the Corsican floral visitor biodiversity from three sites separated by a few kilometres in the region of Ajaccio during 13 months over two successive years. In total, 4012 specimens were sampled and 252 species or morpho-species identified from 133 genera and 47 families. Beetles were by far the most abundant order representing about 54% of the sampled specimens. The most diverse order was the Hymenoptera representing 39% of the species. Our continuous survey showed that these orders are temporally dynamic both between years and between seasons in terms of abundance and diversity.

Tunisian species belonging to Philanthus Fabricius, 1790, Philanthinus de Beaumont, 1949 and Pseudoscolia Radoszkowski, 1876 genera except Philanthus minor Kohl, 1891 and Philanthus soikai de Beaumont, 1961 are morphologically described and a key for their identification is provided. Morphological characters are illustrated by digital photos and map of distribution in Tunisia of each species is given.

Abstract Background The ageing process is a multifaceted phenomenon marked by the gradual deterioration of cellular and organismal functions, accompanied by an elevated susceptibility to diseases. The intricate interplay between genetic and environmental factors complicates research, particularly in complex mammalian models. In this context, simple invertebrate organisms have been pivotal, but the current models lack detectable DNA methylation limiting the exploration of this critical epigenetic ageing mechanism. This study introduces Nasonia vitripennis, the jewel wasp, as an innovative invertebrate model for investigating the epigenetics of ageing. Leveraging its advantages as a model organism and possessing a functional DNA methylation system, Nasonia emerges as a valuable addition to ageing research. Results Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing unveiled dynamic alterations in DNA methylation, with differentially methylated CpGs between distinct time points in both male and female wasps. These changes were associated with numerous genes, enriching for functions related to telomere maintenance, histone methylation, and mRNA catabolic processes. Additionally, other CpGs were found to be variably methylated at each timepoint. Sex-specific effects on epigenetic entropy were observed, indicating differential patterns in the loss of epigenetic stability over time. Constructing an epigenetic clock containing 19 CpGs revealed a robust correlation between epigenetic age and chronological age. Conclusions Nasonia vitripennis emerges as a promising model for investigating the epigenetics of ageing, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of DNA methylation and their implications for age-related processes. This research not only expands the repertoire of ageing models but also opens avenues for deeper exploration of epigenetic mechanisms in the context of ageing.

Abstract Background The poly-sensitization to Hymenoptera venom makes it difficult to select genuine allergens for immunotherapy and increases patients’ costs. The objective of this study was to determine the culprit allergen in dual or triple-sensitized patients to three Hymenoptera venoms through molecular diagnosis and evaluating the results of incorporating the molecular diagnosis with skin tests. Methods Thirty-two patients with anaphylactic reactions and dual or triple-sensitization to Hymenoptera venoms in skin tests entered this study. IgE-sensitization to whole extracts and molecules of Apis mellifera (Api m), Vespula vulgaris (Ves v), and Polistes dominulus (Pol d) was evaluated utilizing ALEX or ImmunoCAP. Results Twenty-nine patients (90.6%) were male. IgE-sensitization to at least one of the allergenic molecules related to Apis mellifera, Vespula vulgaris, and Polistes dominulus was seen in 59.4, 53.1, and 21.9%, respectively. Among 32 patients, 14 (43.8) and 8 (25%), were mono-sensitized to Api m and Ves v components in ALEX, respectively. Double sensitization to Hymenoptera was identified in 18.8% of patients in ALEX. Api m 1+/Api m 2−/Api m 10− and Ves v 1+/Ves v 5+ demonstrated the most prevalent sensitizations patterns in our patients. Conclusions The molecular diagnosis of IgE-sensitization to Hymenoptera venoms can be valuable, especially in patients who show dual or triple-sensitization in skin tests, as the ALEX results revealed mono and double-sensitization to Hymenoptera venoms in 22 and 6 patients, respectively. Regarding the high cost and adverse reactions of venom immunotherapy, especially for two or three venoms, incorporating the molecular diagnosis alongside skin tests for accurate diagnosis of the culprit venom could help decrease costs for patients.

Abstract Few studies have investigated the relative contribution of specific nutrients to momentary and season-long foraging responses by ants. Using western carpenter ants, Camponotus modoc, and European fire ants, Myrmica rubra, as model species, we: (1) tested preferential consumption of various macro- and micro-nutrients; (2) compared consumption of preferred macro-nutrients; (3) investigated seasonal shifts (late May to mid-September) in nutrient preferences; and (4) tested whether nutrient preferences of C. modoc and M. rubra pertain to black garden ants, Lasius niger, and thatching ants, Formica aserva. In laboratory and field experiments, we measured nutrient consumption by weighing Eppendorf tubes containing aqueous nutrient solutions before and after feeding by ants. Laboratory colonies of C. modoc favored nitrogenous urea and essential amino acids (EAAs), whereas M. rubra colonies favored sucrose. Field colonies of C. modoc and M. rubra preferentially consumed EAAs and sucrose, respectively, with no sustained shift in preferred macro-nutrient over the course of the foraging season. The presence of a less preferred macro-nutrient in a nutrient blend did not diminish the blend’s ‘appeal’ to foraging ants. Sucrose and EAAs singly and in combination were equally consumed by L. niger, whereas F. aserva preferred EAAs. Baits containing both sucrose and EAAs were consistently consumed by the ants studied in this project and should be considered for pest ant control.

Bees are important actors in terrestrial ecosystems and are recognised for their prominent role as pollinators. In the Iberian Peninsula, approximately 1,100 bee species are known, with nearly 100 of these species being endemic to the Peninsula. A reference collection of DNA barcodes, based on morphologically identified bee specimens, representing 514 Iberian species, was constructed. The "InBIO Barcoding Initiative Database: DNA Barcodes of Iberian bees" dataset contains records of 1,059 sequenced specimens. The species of this dataset correspond to about 47% of Iberian bee species diversity and 21% of endemic species diversity. For peninsular Portugal only, the corresponding coverage is 71% and 50%. Specimens were collected between 2014 and 2022 and are deposited in the research collection of Thomas Wood (Naturalis Biodiversity Center, The Netherlands), in the FLOWer Lab collection at the University of Coimbra (Portugal), in the Andreia Penado collection at the Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto (MHNC-UP) (Portugal) and in the InBIO Barcoding Initiative (IBI) reference collection (Vairão, Portugal).Of the 514 species sequenced, 75 species from five different families are new additions to the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) and 112 new BINs were added. Whilst the majority of species were assigned to a single BIN (94.9%), 27 nominal species were assigned to multiple BINs. Although the placement into multiple BINs may simply reflect genetic diversity and variation, it likely also represents currently unrecognised species-level diversity across diverse taxa, such as Amegilla albigena Lepeletier, 1841, Andrena russula Lepeletier, 1841, Lasioglossum leucozonium (Schrank, 1781), Nomada femoralis Morawitz, 1869 and Sphecodes alternatus Smith, 1853. Further species pairs of Colletes, Hylaeus and Nomada were placed into the same BINs, emphasising the need for integrative taxonomy within Iberia and across the Mediterranean Basin more broadly. These data substantially contribute to our understanding of bee genetic diversity and DNA barcodes in Iberia and provide an important baseline for ongoing taxonomic revisions in the West Palaearctic biogeographical region.

Background: The polyphagous alien invasive pest, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), invaded Africa and has so far spread across the continent, causing devastating impacts on maize production. In Egypt, the management of the pest by maize growers has been characterized by the application of broad-spectrum synthetic chemical insecticides, a strategy which is associated with various detrimental effects on the environment and human health. To mitigate the overreliance and excessive use of those synthetic chemicals, biological control using egg parasitoids species provides an ecologically friendly and sustainable management strategy. In that regard, this study had the objective of identifying the natural existing egg parasitoids, which could be effectively used in augmentative biocontrol of the pest in Egypt. Results: For the first time in Egypt, natural occurrence and parasitism of Telenomus remus Nixon, 1937 (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) on S. frugiperda egg masses was recorded. Infested maize farms in Qena Governorate, Egypt, were surveyed, and S. frugiperda egg masses were collected and incubated in the laboratory. Emerging parasitoids' wasps were grouped based on their morphological similarities. Natural parasitism of the egg parasitoids (Telenomus sp.) was computed from the parasitized field collected egg masses. In addition, to confirm the laboratory parasitism and suitability of the parasitoid, Telenomus sp. to develop on S. frugiperda, the parasitoid was reared on S. frugiperda egg masses for three generations under laboratory conditions. Moreover, both morphological and molecular identifications were conducted. The recovered parasitoid samples from the field S. frugiperda egg masses were Telenomus remus (Nixon) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae). Moreover, the average field parasitism level by T. remus on S. frugiperda was 15.9%, while under laboratory conditions, the parasitism was 63.5%. Conclusions: The natural occurrence of T. remus in Egypt and its association with S. frugiperda is an important finding upon which augmentative biocontrol strategy can be leveraged on to sustainably manage the pest populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of Rhogadopsis Brèthes, 1913 (R. clausulata sp. nov., R. obliqoides sp. nov. and R. setosipunctata sp. nov.) are described and illustrated. Rhogadopsis unicarinata (Fischer, 1959) is a new combination and a new synonym of R. mediocarinata (Fischer, 1963), syn. nov. An identification key to the species of Rhogadopsis known from South Korea is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comprehensive revision of the genus Protoleptops Heinrich, 1967. We describe a new species, P. nyeupe Dal Pos & Di Giovanni, sp. nov., from Burundi, marking the first documented occurrence of an Ichneumoninae species in the country. Additionally, we provide the first diagnostic description of the female P. farquharsoni Heinrich, 1967 and report a new occurrence of this species in KwaZulu-Natal. Furthermore, we document P. magnificus for Mpumalanga (South Africa) and P. angolae Heinrich, 1967 in Uganda, thereby extending the known range of the latter into East Africa. A detailed catalogue of all species within the genus Protoleptops is also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four species of the cosmopolitan genus Asaphes Walker, 1834 (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Asaphesinae, family incerta sedis) are recorded from Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China, bringing the number of known species in China to eight. In addition to Asaphes suspensus (Nees ab Esenbeck), 1834 and A. vulgaris Walker, 1834, A. fuyunis Li & Zhang, sp. nov. is newly described based on females and A. californicus Girault, 1917, previously known only from North and South America, is newly recorded from China. These four species are differentiated using an integrative taxonomic approach that includes COI barcode data and morphometrics, and are illustrated using macrophotography. Additionally, the 13 described world species of Asaphes are tabulated and females of the eight recognized Chinese species are keyed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Efficacy of parasitic wasps from the genus Trichogramma to attack the eggs of numerous important pests in various agricultural crops makes them one of the most prevalent biocontrol agents. In Trichogramma, the pre-pupal stage can survive during the cold season in a dormant state (diapause or quiescence). The optimal conditions for the induction of this pause of development during mass rearing to store the parasitoid for a long time in good quality depend on the species. In the present study, four factors [the incubation periods (24 and 48 h), diapause induction temperatures (9 and 11 °C), durations of the diapause induction (from 0 to 6 weeks), and the periods of storage (from 0 to 6 months)], were experimented to force Trichogramma evanescens Westwood, reared on Sitotroga cerealella, to enter diapause or quiescence and estimating their impacts on the efficacy of stored parasitoid. Results: Results confirmed that the life parameters of T. evanescens as the percentage of adult emergence, female percentage, rates of wing deformation of emerged adults, and fecundity of emerged females were significantly affected by all experimented factors. The pre-storage treatments made it possible to store the parasitoid for at least 2 months at 3 °C, with no much changes in their fitness, the emergence rate of adults reached more than 80%, and the egg-laying efficacy of females reached more than 42 eggs per emerged female, when diapause induction treatments were applied for 5 weeks at 11 °C after 24 h of incubation. Furthermore, there is the possibility of storage for 6 months with an acceptable level of parasitoid's quality, when diapause induction treatments were applied for 5 weeks at 9 °C after 24 h of incubation, the emergence rate reached 70%, and the number of eggs per female was 52 eggs, while no emergence of adult insects was recorded after 3 months of cold storage without diapause induction treatments. Conclusion: Two storage programs were reached for T. evanescens (depending on the adult emergence rate and fecundity of emerged females). There is a long-term storage (6 months), when diapause was induced at a low temperature (9 °C) after 24 h of incubation. Short-term storage (from 2 to 4 months), when quiescence was induced under a higher temperature of 11 °C after both 24 and 48 h of incubation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Laelius Ashmead, 1893 (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae) is a cosmopolitan bethylid genus with 68 valid species distributed across most zoogeographic regions worldwide. This taxonomic study on Korean species of Laelius has led to the description of four new species, namely L. afores sp. nov., L. atratus sp. nov., L. sulcatus sp. nov., and L. tricuspis sp. nov. Additionally, illustrations of the diagnostic characteristics of each species are provided, along with an updated key for 11 Laelius species from the Eastern Palaearctic region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]