Population decline trends among pollinators have become a major global concern in recent years. Many action plans and strategies have been launched to assess the causes and consequences of the global decline in insect pollinators. Road construction presents an increasing threat to pollinators by directly contributing to habitat fragmentation. Additionally, pollinators face risks from road traffic. This study aimed to contribute to our understanding of the impact of traffic on the abundance of insects (due to direct collision) and examine the differences in their presence between minor and major roads, focusing on two groups of pollinators—bees and butterflies. Insects were examined at 24 localities in northern Serbia during three seasons in 2023, along two types of roads (12 minor and 12 major road types) within areas dominated by either agricultural or semi-natural habitats. To measure the direct insect mortality caused by traffic, sticky traps measuring 10cm x 25cm were attached to a car, which was driven along the 1.25km stretch of road in both directions at a constant speed of 60km/h. A total of 476 insect specimens were documented on sticky traps, including only six bees and two butterflies. Hymenoptera, especially parasitoid wasps, were the insects most affected by traffic, accounting for up to 25% of the total number of insects caught on traps. These findings suggest that traffic may have a greater effect on the mortality of smaller insects. Insect counts were 14% higher on sticky traps on minor roads compared to major roads, with 75% of targeted pollinators recorded on minor roads. Our results show that more insects were recorded on minor roads within semi-natural landscapes than on major roads within agricultural landscapes. However, the low number of pollinators on sticky traps suggests that direct traffic does not significantly affect bee and butterfly mortality.

Introduction: Metals are universal constituents of ecosystems and play a significant biologically essential function. Lead (Pb) is a toxic metal that is not required for any physiological function in the body, and it is a severe threat to the nervous system. Nevertheless, the processes through which Lead influences neurotoxicity and neuronal sensitivity, especially for senses, are not fully understood.

Aims and Objectives: Our aim was to establish Drosophila as a potential model organism to study the toxic effects of heavy metals on humans. The larvae of Drosophila melanogaster allowed us to examine how acute Lead exposure induced disruption in the olfactory response.

Methods: The early third instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster were exposed to varying concentrations of Lead, with a control set of larvae not being t treated with Lead. After the exposure, their olfactory response towards ethyl acetate was measured using larval plate assay.

Results and Conclusion: This study showed that Lead treatment led to a dose-dependent reduction in olfactory sensitivity to ethyl acetate odor. More importantly, the response index of the larvae that were exposed to higher concentrations of Lead before was significantly lower than those of the control specimens that had not been exposed to Lead. These findings underscore the detrimental effects of Lead on the olfactory circuitry, indicating potential disruptions in sensory processing pathways. By unraveling the details of the Lead-mediated deficits in olfaction in Drosophila, our study contributes to a better understanding of the neurotoxic effects of heavy metal exposure on sensory function and behaviour across species. Lastly, this study underlines the significance of inquiring into how contaminants in the environment affect sensory processing to ensure that no adverse effects associated with heavy metal pollution extend to humans and wildlife.

Fungus gnats are a group of nematocerans flies of Diptera comprising six families, placed in the superfamily of Sciaroidea. They are considered one of the largest groups of Diptera, with more than 5400 species being known globally. Adult fungus gnats are associated with humid areas, especially moist woodlands. They are usually found in shady and moist habitats such as cavities and root systems of fallen trees, overhanging stream banks, and among the undergrowth of woods. Larvae mostly develop in fungal fruiting bodies or in fungal mycelia in dead wood and soil litter. A few species may develop in myxomycetes, rotten wood, bryophytes, bird’s nests, or caves.

Although the Moroccan fungus gnat's fauna is the best studied in the North African region, our knowledge on this fauna is still moderate. It is represented by 77 species belonging to three families: Bolitophilidae (1 species), Keroplatidae (12 species), and Mycetophilidae (64 species). Drawing from extensive fieldwork conducted across nearly all regions of Morocco between 2013 and 2023, the year 2024 was notable for fungus gnat research, unveiling six new Mycetophilidae species that were previously unknown to science. Additionally, significant contributions were made to the Moroccan and North African fungus gnat fauna, including the new records of one Keroplatidae species and twenty-four Mycetophilidae species.

The discovery of new Mycetophilidae species, coupled with extensive records of species in Morocco and North Africa, highlights the impressive biodiversity and endemism of fungus gnats from this globally known hotspot.

Tephritid fruit flies are serious agricultural polyphagous pests in tropical and subtropical regions of the world such as Bangladesh, causing economic losses. Zeugodacus cucurbitae causes damage to crops from primordial stages to harvest stage. Flight ability test is a quality control parameter and serves as a key component in sterile insect technique (SIT). In this experiment, we studied the effect of tube diameter and tube colour on the flight ability of laboratory-reared melon fly adults. The pure-line mass rearing of Z. cucurbitae is continuously conducted at the Cytology and Biocontrol Research (CBR) fruit fly laboratory to maintain its quality in different biological parameters for fundamental and advanced research. To test the effect of tube diameter on flight ability, we used two tube diameter treatments, the first being 4.5 cm diameter and the second being 5.5 cm diameter. Tube height was constant (10 cm). Six tubes were set up for each of the two treatments (with 100 pupae in each tube), resulting in a total of 12 tubes with 1200 pupae in total. There was no significant difference between the two tube diameter treatments in percentage fliers (p>0.05, df =1,10 ; F=0.02). To assess whether tube color has an impact on flight ability, we conducted another experiment. A total of 12 tubes (6 black tubes and 6 white tubes) with 100 pupae in each tube were observed, resulting total 1200 pupae. The tube height was same for all tubes (10 cm). There was significant difference in percentage fliers (p<0.05, df =1,10 ; F=9.49) between the two tube color treatments. This study will help to standardize flight ability assessment of Z. cucurbitae and provides baseline data for future research.

Soybean is the main oilseed crop in Argentina, accounting for nearly half of the country's production. The stink bug complex, particularly the southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula), significantly affects soybean yields. Leveraging the natural resistance of plants can be important to reduce insecticide applications. Among soybean’s defenses are protease inhibitors (PIs), which deactivate digestive cysteine proteases in the gut of N. viridula and are induced in pods and seeds by herbivory. While many studies have explored local defense responses to insect damage, less is known about systemic mechanisms that enhance resistance in undamaged seeds. This study evaluated the systemic PI activity of seeds from the same pod of field-grown soybean cv. Williams 82 and stink bug responses to PI levels. Aluminum foil covered two of the three seeds in selected pods to identify the targeted seed. A starved adult stink bug was confined to each pod (excluding controls) within a mesh bag to feed on the uncovered seed. After 24 h, this stink bug and the foil were removed, and a second starved stink bug was introduced. The first seed pierced by this stink bug was recorded. Additionally, the gut protease activity in dissected stink bugs and the PI activity of attacked and unattacked seeds (24 and 72 h) were determined. Herbivory increased PI activity in both attacked and unattacked seeds within the same pod. Stink bugs feeding on these seeds exhibited elevated gut protease activity. Furthermore, choice experiments revealed that N. viridula preferred to feed on unattacked seeds. These findings suggest that soybean plants respond systemically to herbivory by synthesizing PIs, even in undamaged seeds. This systemic response alters feeding preferences of N. viridula by affecting the activity of their gut proteases, highlighting the potential of PIs in pest management strategies.

This study presents a comparative analysis of the insect succession on chicken carrion in both indoor and outdoor habitats, highlighting the influence of environmental conditions on decomposition processes. Insect colonization patterns play a crucial role in the breakdown of organic matter, and understanding these patterns is essential for applications in forensic entomology, particularly in estimating post mortem intervals. This experiment was conducted by placing chicken carcasses in controlled indoor and outdoor environments, ensuring consistent initial conditions across both settings. The insect activity was monitored systematically over a defined period, with observations recorded at regular intervals to track the changes in species composition and abundance.

Key insect species, primarily from Diptera (flies) and Coleoptera (beetles), were identified and documented. Their succession rates and colonization patterns were compared between the two habitats to assess the differences in the decomposition dynamics. The results revealed significant variations in the insect community structure and decomposition rates. The outdoor environments exhibited more rapid and diverse insect colonization, driven by environmental factors such as fluctuating temperatures, higher humidity, and exposure to natural elements like wind and sunlight. In contrast, indoor environments, while they were more sheltered from external influences, showed delayed insect succession and a reduced diversity of species, likely due to limited access and more stable microclimatic conditions.

These findings provide valuable insights into how habitat conditions influence insect-mediated decomposition. These results have important implications for forensic investigations, aiding in more accurate estimations of time since death, and contribute to broader ecological studies on nutrient cycling and decomposition in different environments.

The Southern green stink bug (Nezara viridula) is a cosmopolitan pest that affects crops like soybean (Glycine max), reducing grain yield and quality. Its feeding behavior involves phases such as locating, accepting, and consuming food, which are influenced by nutritional stimuli. This study aimed to optimize bioassays to evaluate soybean damage and the behavior of N. viridula by developing a starvation protocol to standardize experimental conditions. This study also examines how the insect’s nutritional status impacts soybean crops, providing tools for applied ecology and entomology in agroecosystems.

Experiments were conducted in the Biochemistry Laboratory of the Faculty of Agronomy at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) using adult N. viridula differentiated by sex that were fed with fresh soybean pods (Glycine max, cv Williams 82, R6 stage). Different stink bug starvation periods (0, 24, 48, 72 h) were evaluated, and the insects were allowed to feed on pods with different treatments (control, damaged by stink bug and MeJA). In “no-choice” experiments, feeding behaviors were recorded using BORIS software. The digestive protease activity of insect guts was analyzed in pools comprising one male and one female (N=72) with 4–6 replicates per treatment.

Our results suggested that N. viridula at 24 h of starvation increased selectivity among pod treatments. To evaluate plant damage, 48–72 h starvation periods are more suitable, as the response time of the stink bugs remains consistent regardless of their initial state. In general, the insects become less selective after prolonged periods without food, aligning with findings by Matthews and Matthews (2009). These insights help to optimize experimental protocols for behavior and damage studies in crops.

In roses, the presence of insects varies with flower color, potentially affecting the species diversity, pest dynamics, and plant health. This study examined the variation in insect abundance across five differently colored roses—red, white, pink, pink-white, and yellow—grown in Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from July 2019 to April 2020. The sampling process involved periodic field surveys and systematic collection of insects from the flower petals, leaves, and stems, conducted weekly using manual collection techniques and insect nets, followed by species identification in the laboratory. A total of 2,530 insect individuals belonging to 29 species from 7 insect orders were recorded. The presence of insects varied significantly across flower colors, with white roses exhibiting the highest number of insects (32.5%), while red roses had the lowest (12.8%). Among the identified insect orders, Thysanoptera (thrips) were the most abundant, comprising 38.2% of all insect individuals, followed by Hemiptera and Lepidoptera. Additionally, the species diversity was highest in yellow roses, which hosted 15 of the 29 identified species, whereas pink-white roses had the lowest diversity, with only 9 species. Furthermore, sap-sucking insects such as aphids and thrips were significantly more prevalent on white and pink roses (54.3% combined), whereas Lepidoptera larvae were most frequently found on red roses, comprising 24.7% of all insect occurrences in roses of this color. This study is valuable, as it highlights how insect species vary across rose colors, helping farmers select varieties that attract fewer pests, potentially improving plant health. While the mechanisms remain unclear, these findings suggest that insect occurrence may be influenced by visual attraction, chemical cues, or plant traits. Further research could clarify how color impacts insect activity, leading to more effective, targeted pest management strategies and reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides in rose cultivation.

Bees are considered the most important group of pollinators, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem stability. A worldwide decline in the diversity of wild bees underlines the urgent need for their conservation. Addressing this challenge in Europe, there begins the development and implementation of effective monitoring strategies (European Pollinator Monitoring Scheme - EUPoMS). Together with transect walks, pan traps were initially used but recently excluded from the EUPoMS core scheme for financial reasons. However, as a survey method, pan traps offer several advantages for monitoring pollinators. In line with global needs, the monitoring of wild bees was conducted in semi-natural grassland and forest fragments in Serbia’s northern province, by using these two methods. The data from nine sampling sites, collected during 2022 and 2023, were used to evaluate the effectiveness of these two monitoring methods, as well as the effectiveness of three different colors (yellow, white and blue) of the pan traps in recording species richness. A total of 199 wild bee species were recorded: 109 during transect walks (55%), 25 caught in pan traps (12%) and 65 species detected using both methods (33%). This suggests that, although the transect walk was more efficient in recording species richness of wild bees, colored pan traps should not be overlooked but used as complementary method in order to provide more complete data. Most species were captured in blue pan traps (64), followed by white (52) and yellow traps (36). The correlation between flower cover and the number of wild bee species caught in pan traps was -0.3 (p = 0.052). This indicates that when floral cover increases, the number of species caught in traps tends to decrease. However, the connection is weak, suggesting that there are probably more factors that altogether affect the effectiveness of pan traps.

Big-bellied glandular bush-cricket Bradyporus (Callimenus) macrogaster macrogaster (Lefebvre, 1831) is a rare species with severely fragmented populations. It has “Endangered” status on the IUCN Red List and is “Critically Endangered” on the Bulgarian Red Data Book and the European Red List of Orthoptera.

In the period 2021–2023, we set 252 pitfall traps in 42 sampling areas in Western Bulgaria. In four areas we recorded Bradyporus macrogaster. Three of the locations are within the Tri Ushi mountain (near the villages of Bezden, Ponor and Aldomirovtsi). The fourth area is near Breste village, and represents the first locality of this species for Northwestern Bulgaria. The species was previously found there by N. Kodzhabashev in 1989 and 1995, but was not published. This new locality represents a local karst steppe refugium on the edge of the Iskar River Gorge. The river is the only natural ecological corridor crossing the Stara Planina range and contributes to the presence of typical steppe species (Carabus hungaricus, Carabus bessarabicus, common spadefoot toad) in the periphery of the Sofia Basin, the southernmost area from the entire Eurasian steppe biome.

For the first time, the long collection period and the abundant material allow for the establishment of phenological features of Bradyporus macrogaster, its sizes during different instars and of imagoes, and specific diapauses during the year. We also mapped a significant part of steppe bioindicator biota and accompanying species in studied localities.

The localities of the species fall into two Natura 2000 Areas, but the protection of the stenobiont steppe species requires the imposition of highly restrictive conservation measures. Protecting rare species such as the Bradyporus macrogaster is only possible by consolidating the conservation efforts of the entire European community and developing a common strategy for immediate conservation measures that will guarantee the complete integrity of steppe habitats and biota.