Search

Silverfish (Zygentoma) are an ancient, but poorly studied group of primitively wingless insects. Species definition based on morphology alone is complicated by variations arising from the continuous moulting, even after reaching sexual maturity. In recent studies the use of molecular data has supported the identification of consistent morphological character traits, however only a small fraction of the species have been investigated. Eight species of the large silverfish genus Acrotelsella, collected by the first author from the Cape York Peninsula of northeastern Australia, are described and named as new species. Molecular data (COI and 28S) are presented that reinforces previous suggestions that the genus will eventually need to be split into two.

Silverfish (Zygentoma) are an ancient, but poorly studied group of primitively wingless insects. Species definition based on morphology alone is complicated by variations arising from the continuous moulting, even after reaching sexual maturity. In recent studies the use of molecular data has supported the identification of consistent morphological character traits, however only a small fraction of the species have been investigated. Eight species of the large silverfish genus Acrotelsella, collected by the first author from the Cape York Peninsula of northeastern Australia, are described and named as new species. Molecular data (COI and 28S) are presented that reinforces previous suggestions that the genus will eventually need to be split into two. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new in amber preserved Zygentoma are described, namely Protolepisma tainicum gen. n. sp. n. (Lepismatidae) from the Dominican Republic of Hispaniola Island, and Paleograssiella chiapanicum gen. n. sp. n. (Nicoletiidae) from the Chiapas State of Mexico. Dated at approximately 20–30 MY old, they represent, respectively, the second fossil Lepismatidae known from the Dominican deposits and the first fossil Nicoletiidae (Atelurinae) and only fossil Zygentoma known from Mexico.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant changes in societies across the globe. In many countries in Europe, national lockdowns during the spring of 2020 meant that museums were closed, and maintenance and housekeeping were at a minimum. We compared the insect monitoring data of 15 museums in and around Vienna between the years 2018 and 2022 to see potential effects of the two lockdowns (spring 2020 and winter 2020/21) on insect populations. In Vienna, these changes altered the presence of pests, most notably an increase in silverfish by late spring (March–May 2020). We also found increased numbers of other pest species (notably Tineola bisselliella and Attagenus sp.), though these changes were seen later (June–October 2020). Thylodrias contractus, although found only in one museum, appeared to show decreased numbers during 2020. Storage areas in some of the museums revealed no significant increase in insect catch during the COVID-19 related closures. Since there are rarely visitors in such spaces, the situation did not change much during the closures. Silverfish are shy insects, but they were able to range more freely during the closures in the mostly darkened rooms. The increase of Tineola bisselliella and Attagenus sp. could be a result of reduced cleaning in the first lockdown. In the second lockdown, no significant changes were found. Human activity from staff was much higher compared to the first closure; a second reason could be the time of year, as in the winter period, it is mainly larvae that are active. Increased insect populations remind us that even when museums are unoccupied, they still need monitoring for possible risks from pests. No damage to the objects from the pests was observed in the museums investigated.

Five species of the genus Acrotelsella Silvestri, 1935 are described and locality records reported. The male of Acrotelsella parlevar Smith, 2016 is also described and the distribution of the species expanded to the Australian mainland. Molecular data (COI and 28S) are presented and discussed.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to significant changes in societies across the globe. In many countries in Europe, national lockdowns during the spring of 2020 meant that museums were closed, and maintenance and housekeeping were at a minimum. We compared the insect monitoring data of 15 museums in and around Vienna between the years 2018 and 2022 to see potential effects of the two lockdowns (spring 2020 and winter 2020/21) on insect populations. In Vienna, these changes altered the presence of pests, most notably an increase in silverfish by late spring (March–May 2020). We also found increased numbers of other pest species (notably Tineola bisselliella and Attagenus sp.), though these changes were seen later (June–October 2020). Thylodrias contractus, although found only in one museum, appeared to show decreased numbers during 2020. Storage areas in some of the museums revealed no significant increase in insect catch during the COVID-19 related closures. Since there are rarely visitors in such spaces, the situation did not change much during the closures. Silverfish are shy insects, but they were able to range more freely during the closures in the mostly darkened rooms. The increase of Tineola bisselliella and Attagenus sp. could be a result of reduced cleaning in the first lockdown. In the second lockdown, no significant changes were found. Human activity from staff was much higher compared to the first closure; a second reason could be the time of year, as in the winter period, it is mainly larvae that are active. Increased insect populations remind us that even when museums are unoccupied, they still need monitoring for possible risks from pests. No damage to the objects from the pests was observed in the museums investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemitelsella luismendesi sp. nov. is described from material collected in leaf litter near Marla in South Australia and Subtrinemura epigea sp. nov. is described from a specimen collected at Chester Hill in New South Wales. Molecular data (28S and COI) are presented for both species and the position of H. luismendesi within the genus is discussed.

Five species of the genus Acrotelsella Silvestri, 1935 are described and locality records reported. The male of Acrotelsella parlevar Smith, 2016 is also described and the distribution of the species expanded to the Australian mainland. Molecular data (COI and 28S) are presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 spread globally and, as there was little immunity, quarantine, isolation, and social distancing became widely practiced. As people were restricted to their homes in many countries, public venues, such as museums, galleries, and historic houses, were typically closed. This allowed insect abundance, under changed conditions, to be explored using traps from the Technical Museum, Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Museum, and Weltmuseum in Vienna. The trap contents reveal an increase in Lepisma saccharinum, the common silverfish, as well as in the Zygentoma Ctenolepisma longicaudatum and C. calvum at some museums. Other insects such as Tineola bisselliella, Anthrenus verbasci, and Attagenus smirnovi, though found in reasonable numbers, did not increase. Museum interiors were likely a little cooler and drier during lockdown, but this difference is too small to explain the increased silverfish activity. The larger rooms were certainly quieter, which allowed insects freedom to range more widely. Nevertheless, museums did not observe increased damage to collections from the larger numbers. The infestations during the closures suggest a need for low level cleaning and regular inspections, with an initial focus examining those areas frequented by insects in the past.

This article is a short story involving migrant memories and inter-species triggers. The night inspires a series of recollections among the protagonists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemitelsella luismendesi sp. nov. is described from material collected in leaf litter near Marla in South Australia and Subtrinemura epigea sp. nov. is described from a specimen collected at Chester Hill in New South Wales. Molecular data (28S and COI) are presented for both species and the position of H. luismendesi within the genus is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 spread globally and, as there was little immunity, quarantine, isolation, and social distancing became widely practiced. As people were restricted to their homes in many countries, public venues, such as museums, galleries, and historic houses, were typically closed. This allowed insect abundance, under changed conditions, to be explored using traps from the Technical Museum, Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Museum, and Weltmuseum in Vienna. The trap contents reveal an increase in Lepisma saccharinum, the common silverfish, as well as in the Zygentoma Ctenolepisma longicaudatum and C. calvum at some museums. Other insects such as Tineola bisselliella, Anthrenus verbasci, and Attagenus smirnovi, though found in reasonable numbers, did not increase. Museum interiors were likely a little cooler and drier during lockdown, but this difference is too small to explain the increased silverfish activity. The larger rooms were certainly quieter, which allowed insects freedom to range more widely. Nevertheless, museums did not observe increased damage to collections from the larger numbers. The infestations during the closures suggest a need for low level cleaning and regular inspections, with an initial focus examining those areas frequented by insects in the past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The silverfish Neoasterolepisma foreli belongs to the family Lepismatidae within Zygentoma and is well known for the peculiar habit of living in strict association with ant nests (myrmecophily). In this study, we describe its mitochondrial genome, a circular molecule of 15,398 bp including the canonical 13 PCGs, 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, as well as a 403 bp AT-rich region. A phylomitogenomic analysis of the new sequence, alongside basal hexapod mtDNAs, confirmed the monophyly of all orders, with some uncertainty over the position of the enigmatic Tricholepidion gertschi that would make Zygentoma paraphyletic. Neoasterolepisma foreli is recovered in a basal position within family Lepismatidae, at odd with our current understanding of the group that would, in turn, suggest a closer relationship with the genus Lepisma (Mendes, ).

Large animals such as sea birds and marine mammals can transport limiting nutrients between different regions of the ocean, thereby stimulating and enhancing productivity. In Antarctica this process is influenced by formation and breakup of sea ice and its influence on the feeding behaviour of predators and their prey. We used analyses of bioactive metals (for example, Fe, Co, Mn), macronutrients (for example, N) and stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) in the excreta of Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae) and emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri) as well as Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) from multiple sites, among multiple years (2012–2014) to resolve how changes in sea ice dynamics, as indicated by MODIS satellite images, were coincident with prey switching and likely changes in nutrient fluxes between the offshore pelagic and coastal zones. We also sampled excreta of the south polar skua (Stercorarius maccormicki), which preys on penguins and scavenges the remains of both penguins and seals. We found strong coincidence of isotopic evidence for prey switching, between euphausiids (Euphausia superba and E. crystallorophias) and pelagic/cryopelagic fishes (for example, Pleuragramma antarcticum) in penguins, and between pelagic/cryopelagic fishes and Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) in Weddell seals, with changes in sea ice cover among years. Further, prey switching was strongly linked to changes in the concentrations of nutrients (Fe and N) deposited in coastal environments by both penguins and seals. Our findings have important implications for understanding how the roles of large animals in supporting coastal productivity may shift with environmental conditions in polar ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The grey silverfish Ctenolepisma longicaudatum is a new and serious pest spreading rapidly across Europe. Compared to the silverfish Lepisma saccharinum, it does not depend on relative humidity above 70% and thrives also in new museum buildings, modern storage depositories, apartments, and office buildings. Especially collections of graphic art, modern art on paper, photographs, but also archives and libraries are increasingly affected by this pest. Damage of paper objects has been reported by different authors and institutions across Europe. As these animals live in inaccessible cracks and crevices inside the buildings, we investigated the spread of microorganisms on living grey silverfish, to show a potential additional threat posed by this pest. In 8 locations in Austria living animals were collected with traps and placed for 10 min on agar plates which were incubated for 2 weeks. After incubation of 50 agar plates, between 2 and 20 colonies of fungi were growing on each plate. The most dominant fungal genera were Cladosporium (Cladosporium cladosporioides clade) and Penicillium (Penicillium glabrum, Penicillium decumbens); also, species of the genera Aspergillus, Alternaria, Botrytis, Bartalinia, Byssochlamis, Chaetomium and Mycothypha were found. The diversity of fungi reflects the common fungal community of museums and archives. The spores and mycelial fragments of the fungi are obviously travelling on the legs and bodies of the silverfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synanthropic invasive silverfish, Ctenolepisma longicaudatum, has been recently reported to cause nuisance in the indoor environment in many European countries. To get more details on the species distribution, the species occurrence was monitored by the authors in the countries where establishment of C. longicaudatum has been revealed in the last years. In Czechia, 20 findings from 14 municipalities in eight regions were recorded within the last three years. In the United Kingdom, 49 cases, including the first occurrence in Scotland, were recorded. Five cases were recorded for the Republic of Ireland. Domestic settings were the main habitat in the study countries (50.0% for the Czechia and Ireland and 36.8% for the United Kingdom). Regarding C. longicaudatum control, the standard silverfish strategy fails, and the use of insecticidal baits complemented by dust insecticides was suggested as the most promising approach. To reveal presence of C. longicaudatum in Europe, the search of literature, social platforms and databases on invasive species was conducted. According to these sources, the species is known from majority of European countries, when the high increase of records in recent decade was detected.

The insect odorant receptor (Or) gene family is among the largest multigene families in insect genomes, but its evolutionary origin and mode of expansion is still a matter of debate. We performed transcriptomic surveys of two wingless insect species, the silverfish Lepisma saccharina and Tricholepidion gertschi, and identified multiple Or gene family members in both species. A phylogenetic analysis suggests that the silverfish Ors do not fall into the clade comprised of more derived flying insect ligand-binding Ors, but, along with bristletail, firebrat and some mayfly Ors, are consistently resolved as a distinct set of genes that may constitute an evolutionary intermediate between gustatory receptors and the more derived Ors of flying insects. We propose to consider these “primitive Ors” separately from higher insect Ors until their cellular expression patterns and function are resolved and suggest a multistep evolutionary scenario ultimately leading to the highly sensitive, rapidly evolving and physiologically diverse Or gene family observed in higher insects.

The silverfish Neoasterolepisma foreli belongs to the family Lepismatidae within Zygentoma and is well known for the peculiar habit of living in strict association with ant nests (myrmecophily). In this study, we describe its mitochondrial genome, a circular molecule of 15,398 bp including the canonical 13 PCGs, 22 tRNAs, 2 rRNAs, as well as a 403 bp AT-rich region. A phylomitogenomic analysis of the new sequence, alongside basal hexapod mtDNAs, confirmed the monophyly of all orders, with some uncertainty over the position of the enigmatic Tricholepidion gertschi that would make Zygentoma paraphyletic. Neoasterolepisma foreli is recovered in a basal position within family Lepismatidae, at odd with our current understanding of the group that would, in turn, suggest a closer relationship with the genus Lepisma (Mendes, 1991). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silverfish is a common name used to refer to many species in the order Zygentoma. The Entomological Society of America designates the term silverfish as the official common name to only one species, however: Lepisma saccharina Linnaeus. Lepisma saccharina is a pest in urban settings. It is a voracious feeder on materials high in starches, glue, and cellulose such as paper. Lepisma saccharina is a common pest in libraries and museums where paper books and labels are abundant. It can also be found outdoors under rocks, leaf litter, in caves, and in ant nests. Includes: Introduction - Distribution - Description - Life Stages and Biology - Hosts - Economic Importance - Survey and Detection - Management - Selected References. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in1211 Also published at http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/URBAN/silverfish.HTM

The blind Mexican tetra fish, Astyanax mexicanus, has become the most influential model for research of cave adapted organisms. Many authors assume that the Sierra de Guatemala populations and the Sierra de El Abra populations are derived from two independent colonizations. This assumption arises in part from biogeography. The 100 m high, 100 m wide Servilleta Canyon of the Boquillas River separates both mountain ranges and is an apparent barrier for troglobite dispersion. Anelpistina quinterensis (Nicoletiidae, Zygentoma, Insecta) is one of the most troglomorphic nicoletiid silverfish insects ever described. 16S rRNA sequences support that this species migrated underground to reach both mountain ranges within less than 12,000 years. Furthermore, literature shows a plethora of aquatic and terrestrial cave restricted species that inhabit both mountain ranges. Thus, the Servilleta canyon has not been an effective biological barrier that prevented underground migration of troglobites between the Sierra de Guatemala and the Sierra de El Abra. The Boquillas River has changed its course throughout time. Caves that in the past connected the two Sierras were only recently geologically truncated by the erosion of the new river course. It is likely that, with the geological changes of the area and throughout the 2-8 million years of evolutionary history of cave Astyanax, there have been opportunities to migrate across the Servilleta canyon.

Since the publication of Mendes in 2002, there has been no update on the state of knowledge about Microcoryphia and Zygentoma. The organizers of the 9th International Seminar on Apterygota provided us the opportunity to review the knowledge of these orders, which are better known for their taxonomy (although many regions of the world remain unexplored) than for other aspects. Fortunately, the number of scientists interested in aspects other than taxonomy, such as biology, ecology, ethology, ultrastructure, molecular data, etc., has increased and now valuable contributions exist on all these facets. Our review includes the recent knowledge on all these topics as well as an extensive reference list for these aspects, but with a reduced number of taxonomic references.

The purpose of this application, under Articles 78.1, 78.2.3 and 80.2 of the Code, is to resolve an ongoing issue involving the gender of the name of the silverfish genus Lepisma Linnaeus, 1758 and other generic names derived from Lepisma. Under Direction 71 issued by the Commission in 1957, Lepisma is deemed to be of feminine gender despite being etymologically neuter. Unfortunately, Direction 71 did not explicitly advise on the treatment of genus-group names derived from Lepisma, all of which are neuter under Article 30.1.2 of the Code but nonetheless have generally been treated as feminine. Under Article 29.5 of the Code, prevailing use of the family name LEPISMATIDAE so spelled is not affected by the generic-level gender problem, but the scope of the gender-related confusion extends to almost half of the generic and specific names in the family LEPISMATIDAE Latreille, 1802, including such cosmopolitan peridomestic pests as Lepisma saccharine Linnaeus, 1758 and Ctenolepisma longicaudata Escherich, 1905. Three possible resolutions are proposed: that the Commission confirm that Direction 71 stands and the gender of Lepisma is feminine and also cither (1) confirm that under Article 30.1.2 of the Code all generic names derived from Lepisma are of neuter gender, thereby filling the gap in Direction 71, or (2) rule under the plenary power that all generic names derived from Lepisma are of feminine gender, thereby endorsing current usage; or (3) that the Commission use their plenary power to rescind Direction 71 such that Lepisma assumes its etymologically correct neuter gender, while also confirming that under Article 30.1.2 of the Code all genera with names derived from Lepisma are of neuter, not feminine, gender. Reasons are given for preferring the third option, despite the resulting need to emend at least 129 species-group names in the genera involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early life stages of the Antarctic silverfish ( Pleuragramma antarctica), an important prey species for higher predators in the Southern Ocean ecosystem, dominate the larval fish assemblages of the Bransfield Strait, one of the most important areas for larval retention off the Antarctic Peninsula. Nevertheless, the spatial location of areas where they were spawned and the timing of larval hatching remain unknown. By linking Lagrangian particle tracking simulations with age data obtained using otolith microincrements from fish caught north of Joinville Island in a pelagic survey, we estimated the distribution of hatch dates and subsequent growth rates of silverfish reaching the Bransfield Strait, and predicted the areas where they were spawned. Larval hatching peaked during the last week of December, and the inner shelf and shelf break, east of the Larsen Ice shelf, were the dominant areas predicted to contribute to larval assemblages in the Bransfield Strait. Over simulated periods of 600-630 days, 35-40% of particles remained within the Bransfield Strait, suggesting an important source of supply to higher predators feeding off the northern Antarctic Peninsula. The daily growth rate at the mean size of 22.3 mm was 0.18 mm, corresponding to a daily change in size of approximately 0.82% standard length ( SL), and large variability in growth rate suggested a wide range of environmental conditions experienced during the period of advection from the spawning areas. These results provide spatial predictions that can be tested empirically in future studies, using the simulated trajectories to inform sampling design and spatial coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Anelpistina (Insecta: Zygentoma) are described. They are the first nicoletiid insects of the subfamily Cubacubaninae from the Yucatan Peninsula, México. Morphology and preliminary sequence data of the 16S rRNA support their relatedness to species from the State of Chiapas in southeastern México. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anelpistina nubigena, new species (Insecta: Zygentoma: Nicoletiidae) is described from the ecotourism center of Las Nubes, in the Selva Lacandona rainforest of Chiapas, Mexico. Sequencing of 16S rRNA of specimens collected from the area revealed that at least one additional sympatric species of Anelpistina inhabits this same locality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient self-selection represents an important behaviour that has been measured across many taxa. Despite the amount of research on this phenomenon, few studies report the evaluation of the effects of environmental variables such as temperature on nutrient selection by animals. In the present study, the nutrient selections of the silverfish Lepisma saccharina L. are measured across a range of temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 °C) using feeding arenas with three nutrient choices: carbohydrate (sucrose), protein (casein) and fat (lard). An overall preference for carbohydrates is shown across the range of temperatures, followed by protein, and then fat. However, the proportional consumption of each dietary component changes with temperature; the proportional carbohydrate consumption decreases dramatically with increasing temperature (>94% of the diet at 15 °C but <58% at 30 °C), whereas the proportional protein and lipid consumption increases with increasing temperature up to 30 °C. Changes in nutrient selection with temperature may be related to the dietary requirements of the insect at different temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Firebrat was more affected by temperature than silverfish . [•] Adult (>7mg) was more affected by temperature than immature (<7mg) . [•] RQs indicated a change in metabolic substrate with temperature for both species. [•] Thysanuran was lower than other previously reported arthropods, except ticks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Commercial baits containing boric acid, hydramethynon, and indoxacarb were tested against the firebrat, Thermobia domestica (Packard), and silverfish, Lepisma saccharina L. (both Zygentoma: Lepismatidae), under laboratory conditions. Three boric acid baits were consumed in significantly smaller amounts than untreated control food and did not effectively control either species. Baits containing hyclramethylnon and indoxacarb were consumed in greater amounts than boric acid baits, but were relatively ineffective, with LTso values >9 d. Presence or absence of competitive untreated food did not consistently affect bait efficacy. A ground oat matrix was used to evaluate the potential effectiveness of abamectin, chlorfenapyr, dinotefuran, fipronil, hydramethyl- non, metaflumizone, and novaluron baits. The most effective compound was chlorfenapyr. At 0.05 and 0.20% (wt:wt) rates, chlorfenapyr baits produced LT50 values, for both species, ranging from 2 to 4 d. All other compounds had LT50 values >7 d. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of silverfish of the genus Metrinura Mendes are described from the Undara lava flow region, Queensland, Australia. Metrinura subtropica sp. nov. was collected in caves and Metrinura tropica sp. nov. from under rocks or logs. A key to all species in the genus is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]