In Tunisia, the Mediterranean fruit fly (or medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), is one of the most damaging insect pests in horticulture. It is primarily managed with the application of organophosphate insecticides, notably malathion. In this work, we investigate the toxicological and biochemical effects of malathion application on C. capitata adults from the Gafsa oasis in south Tunisia. The toxicological study was carried out by a contact test, and the biochemical activities were analyzed via acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, as well as by using catalase (CAT), glutathione S- transferase (GST) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as oxidative stress biomarkers in whole bodies of adult Mediterranean fruit flies. For toxicological effects, the highest concentrations (50 ppm) generated 66.66% of mortality after 24 h of exposure, whereas the lowest concentration (3.125 ppm) achieved 30% of mortality for the same duration. For biochemical activities, malathion application increased MDA content. In addition, results indicated that malathion caused decreased AChE activity, decreased CAT activity, and increased GST activity compared to controls (non-treated flies). We infer that while malathion resistance in C. capitata populations from Gafsa oasis has not yet been described, a marked increase in Glutathione S-transferase levels after exposure of Medfly adults compared to the controls strongly suggests that the oasis' Medfly populations tend to acquire resistance to malathion. Therefore, safer control alternatives should be implemented.

Introduction: Morphological and life-history traits represent characteristics influenced by various environmental factors that can contribute to adaptive variability in many organisms. Temperature is an important environmental factor that drives phenotypic change in different traits in Drosophila (developmental time, fertility, viability, body size, pigmentation, etc.). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of temperature on wing size and shape in two sibling species, Drosophila melanogaster and D. simulans. Methods: Differences in wing size and shape between D. melanogaster and D. simulans flies reared on different thermal regimes were analyzed using a geometric morphometric approach. Both Drosophila species were separately reared on cornmeal–sugar–agar–yeast substrates, at two temperatures (25°C and 19°C), a humidity of 60%, and 12h L–12h D cycle. Wing size and shape were analyzed in 400 individuals (200 individuals per species, i.e., 100 per sex). TpsDig software was used to mark fifteen landmarks per wing picture. The effect of different temperatures on wing shape in both Drosophila species was investigated by Canonical Variate Analysis using the MorphoJ program, while the influence of distinct temperatures on wing centroid size was analyzed in the program CoordGen6. Results: The obtained results indicated that temperature significantly influenced wing shape in males and females in both Drosophila species (p < 0.0001). However, temperature significantly influenced wing centroid size in males and females of D. simulans, which was not the case in its sibling (D. simulans: p = 0.0422; D. melanogaster: p = 0.9994). Conclusion: Based on the results, we can conclude that wing shape is a more variable trait than wing size across temperatures, which could be further related with flying efficiency under different thermal regimes.

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are primary vectors of dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya, with their breeding ecology and environmental adaptability influencing distribution and transmission dynamics. Effective control strategies require targeted larval habitat management, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of breeding patterns.

A longitudinal study (July 2017–April 2020) was conducted in the Ibadan North (urban) and Akinyele (semi-urban) Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ibadan, Nigeria. Aedes eggs were collected using ovitraps, while larvae and pupae were sampled from natural and artificial habitats via the dipping method. Water quality parameters (temperature and dissolved oxygen) were recorded. Immature insects were reared to adulthood and identified using morphological keys.

A total of 4,429 ovitraps were positive, with ovitrap and egg density indices at 82.2% and 51.3%, respectively. Immature Aedes were found in 73.0% of breeding sites, with higher positivity in semi-urban (56.8%) than urban areas (43.2%). Artificial habitats dominated breeding sites (>88%), with disused tyres (13.1%) and plastic containers (12.1%) being the most common. Water temperature was significantly higher in urban areas (28.17°C ± 2.11) than semi-urban areas (27.85°C ± 2.01), while dissolved oxygen was higher in semi-urban sites (4.42 mg/L ± 0.94 vs. 4.08 mg/L ± 1.07). Adult A. aegypti emergence from ovitrap-collected eggs was higher in urban areas, whereas A. aegypti and A. albopictus from dipping-collected larvae were more abundant in semi-urban areas. House, Container, and Breteau indices exceeded WHO transmission thresholds, indicating a high risk of arboviral outbreaks.

The prevalence of artificial breeding sites, especially in semi-urban areas, highlights the need for targeted larval source reduction. Community-based interventions, including proper disposal of water-holding containers, are essential for effective vector control.

Introduction: Microbiota communities have been found as entities whose diversity significantly contributed to various dimensions of animal health, including that of humans. Since the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, shares significant proportions of its genes that cause human diseases, it is currently widely used as an important model organism when testing the microbiota composition and its relation to development, physiology, and behavior. Methods: In this work, we focused on adult fly microbiota communities in D. melanogaster strains which had been maintained for over twenty years in different nutritional regimes. Flies were reared under optimal laboratory conditions, on five different diets: standard cornmeal–sugar–agar–yeast medium, as well as substrates prepared with their natural food sources, i.e., apple, banana, tomato, and carrot. Adult fly microbiota communities were characterized by employing 16S rRNA sequencing and additionally corroborated through machine learning-based analysis. Results: The results confirmed the dominance of the phyla Proteobacteria and Firmicutes irrespective of the diet type, while the most abundant families, such as Acetobacteraceae, Lactobacillaceae, Moraxellaceae, Bradyrhizobiaceae, and Leucostonocaceae, varied in community proportions among strains. A high level of distinctiveness among strains was also recorded regarding some other bacterial families of lower abundance. Further, adult fly microbiota communities differed between males and females, which may be related to specific sex-linked host metabolic needs. Conclusion: The aforementioned results indicate connectedness between the diet types, adult fly microbiota, and host phenotype in D. melanogaster, which further opens new opportunities for linking microbiota composition with various aspects of fruit fly biology.

Grasshoppers are an integral part of terrestrial ecosystems, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling and serving as a food source for various predators. This study aimed to compare the diversity of grasshoppers in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary and its surrounding agroecosystem. A total of 35 species of short-horned grasshoppers belonging to 14 genera and five subfamilies were recorded from six locations. The species richness and diversity of grasshoppers were highest in the sanctuary and lowest in the agricultural fields. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H’) and the Simpson index (D) were used to quantify the diversity of grasshoppers in different habitats. The results showed that the grasslands and forests within the sanctuary support a higher diversity of grasshopper species than the agricultural fields. The evenness index (J) suggested that the grasslands have a more uneven distribution. Agroecosystems and forests exhibit distinct management practices, with agroecosystems witnessing intensive anthropogenic activities and forests experiencing minimal human disturbance. This disparity in management regimes has significant implications for the distribution of the grasshopper population. Chituara indica, a dominant species, shows wide distribution across agroecosystems and forests, and has been observed to tolerate pesticide usage. The findings of this study highlight the importance of conserving the natural habitats of the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary and its surrounding agroecosystem to maintain the diversity of short-horned grasshoppers.

Insects are the most diverse group of animals on Earth because they are essential to the functioning of ecosystems and the global economy. These insects are found in almost every habitat across the globe and have a significant influence on agriculture, human health, and natural resources. Insect biodiversity is facing ever-increasing threats. Climate change, the impact of pesticides, deforestation, and urbanization are the main threats to insect biodiversity. Insect decline and biodiversity loss have attracted a lot of attention in recent years, but a lack of comprehensive data, conflicting interests among stakeholders, and insufficient policy guidance hinder progress in preserving their biodiversity. As a result, the conservation of insect diversity is a global concern. According to the Secretariat report of the Convention of Biological Diversity (2020), scientists have officially described and named almost 1 million bug species. This represents only 20% of the estimated total insect population. Insects serve as pollinators, decomposers, and food sources for other animals, among other essential functions in the ecosystem. Insect biodiversity is truly exceptional because of the many different factors that contribute to their incredible diversity. Despite their importance, the majority of insect species are still poorly known and understudied despite their significance. To fully grasp the complexities and importance of insect biodiversity, it is crucial to explore the fascinating ecology of these small creatures and utilize technological advancements like remote sensing and DNA barcoding for efficient insect monitoring.

Soybean looper (Chrysodeixis includens) is a lepidopteran pest primarily found in North and South America. Soybean looper feeds on soybeans, corn, cotton, cereals, and vegetables. The control of soybean looper largely relies on insecticides and transgenic crops, e.g., Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) transgenic soybean expressing Cry1 insecticidal proteins such as Cry1Ac. Activated Bt Cry1 proteins bind to receptor proteins on the extracellular matrix of lepidopteran midgut epithelial cells, mediating oligomerization and subsequently pore formation by membrane insertion, leading to the death of the targeted pest. There is an emerging body of evidence that , in particular, ABC transporters such as ABCC2 act as Bt Cry protein receptors and mediate pore formation. There have been no reports of field resistance against Cry1Ac in soybean looper yet. This study focuses on the annotation, diversity, and role of ABC transporters and other Bt Cry1 protein receptors (such as cadherins, alkaline ,and aminopeptidases) potentially involved in Cry1Ac susceptibility in soybean loopers. Although their roles have not yet been well investigated, soybean looper has two duplicated ABCC2 genes and numerous other ABCC transporters such as ABCC3 that may serve as potential Cry1Ac receptors. Understanding how ABCC transporters influence Cry1Ac susceptibility and resistance is critical for developing strategies to prolong the efficacy of Bt crops and resistance management.

Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae and Muscidae are important components of invertebrates involved in decomposition and nutrient cycling and dispersal. These carrion flies are vectors of gastroenteric pathogens, pollinators, and are valuable as evidence in medicolegal investigations. Despite their importance, carrion fly surveying methods applied in the published literature are inconsistent, varying in bait type, mass, and exposure period, making it difficult to compare results and be certain that representative samples of target communities were captured. This study aimed to determine how species of Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae and Muscidae are attracted to chicken liver-baited traps decaying over time and, therefore, the time required to catch representative samples of carrion flies in the Highveld ecoregion of South Africa. Modified Redtop® bag traps were used and baited with 120g of food-grade chicken liver. Grassland, shrubland and woodland habitats were surveyed with the traps exposed for three, six, nine and twelve days in the spring and winter of 2024. In total, 28 species were trapped. The flies arrived at the traps at different rates between habitat types and seasons. In spring, Chrysomya chloropyga was the most abundant species at traps while in winter, Sarcophaga spp. were most abundant at traps. Species accumulation curves indicated that more than 12 days of bait exposure are required for a representative sample to be obtained across all habitats and seasons sampled thus far. The patterns of arrival of members of Calliphoridae, Muscidae and Sarcophagidae at traps align with studies using other baiting methods. However, this method caught fewer species than studies in the same region using large animal carcasses and fewer Sarcophagidae species compared to using fish carrion.

The present study investigated bacterial pathogens in honey bee colonies, focusing on American Foulbrood diseases and European Foulbrood diseases caused by Paenibacillus larvae and Melissococcus plutonius, respectively. Samples from infected brood, pupa, and combs of Apis mellifera were collected from modern apiaries in Nainital district, Uttarakhand. Three different culture media, i.e., nutrient media, MYPGP media, and KSBHI media, were used to isolate the bacteria under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Morphological, biochemical, and molecular characterizations (16S rRNA sequencing) of 12 selected bacterial isolates were performed, and the obtained sequences were submitted to NCBI GenBank. The isolates were identified as Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus tropicus, Bacillus safensis, Bacillus licheniformis, Pseudomonas hibiscicola, Bacillus haynesii, Delftia tsuruhatensis, Bacillus subtilis, Williamsia serinedens, Carnimonas nigrificans, Pseudomonas parafulva, and Bacillus paralicheniformis. The dominant phyla were Firmicutes (58%), Proteobacteria (34%), and Actinobacteria (8%), with Bacillus spp. being the most prevalent. This study highlights the diverse bacterial community associated with honey bee colonies and their potential role in bee health and disease. The study also revealed that the apiaries in the study area were not affected by the pathogens Paenibacillus larvae and Melissococcus plutonius. These findings contribute to understanding the microbial ecology of honey bees and the impact of bacterial infections on colony health.

The stink bugs Diceraeus furcatus, Piezodorus guildinii, and Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) are major pests of soybean (Glycine max; Fabales: Fabaceae) that feed on developing seeds. In response to herbivory, soybean plants synthesize protease inhibitors (PI) as a key defense mechanism. These inhibitors interact with digestive cysteine proteases in stink bug guts —such as cathepsins— thereby reducing nutrient assimilation. Because herbivory induces cysteine PI in soybean seeds, studying this regulation is important to decrease stink bug damage. Although some information is available on the effects of cysteine PI on N. viridula, little is known about how different stink bug species induce these defenses in field-grown soybean. In this study, we measured cysteine PI activity in soybean seeds following herbivory by D. furcatus, P. guildinii, and N. viridula. We compared cysteine PI activity between damaged and undamaged seeds at 24 and 72 hours post-feeding. We also analyzed cathepsin B and L activities in stink bug guts after feeding on growing seeds, with boiled seeds as controls, and recorded pod piercings to determine feeding behavior. Our results showed that cysteine PI activity increased significantly after herbivory but remained low in undamaged controls. Despite this increased defense, all stink bugs exhibited similar pod-piercing frequencies, approximately 25 piercings per pod. We observed that cathepsin B activity was inhibited in P. guildinii and N. viridula but not in D. furcatus, whereas cathepsin L activity was inhibited in D. furcatus and P. guildinii but not in N. viridula. Our findings reveal species-specific interactions between soybean defenses and stink bug digestive enzymes. Field-grown soybean plants recognize herbivory and induce cysteine PI as a defense strategy, but the efficacy of these inhibitors depends on the pest species. This insight could guide the development of targeted pest management strategies adjusted to specific stink bug species.