Entomotoxicology studies the effect and detection of different xenobiotics in scavenger insects, aiding in the correct estimation of the interval and cause of death. Terbufos (organophosphate) stands out in the forensic field for its association with intoxication cases. However, the methodologies for its detection remain laborious, expensive, and destructive for crime clues, with the need for simpler, accessible, and conservative tools for detection of this compound in the entomological evidence. Thus, this study aims to evaluate (i) Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) as a tool to differentiate larvae collected from negative control carcasses and those treated with terbufos and (ii) the overall sensitivity and specificity of the technique for identifying terbufos exposure in forensic contexts, discussing its applicability in real cases of organophosphate poisoning. For this, Lucilia eximia (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae (n = 120; 30/group), collected from rat carcasses previously treated with 5 (T1), 10 (T2), or 20 (T3) mg/kg of terbufos, as well as from untreated control carcasses (negative control—NC), were used for spectra collection and standardization of classification model. For data analysis, differentiation, and classification, unsupervised (PCA) and supervised (PCA-LDA, GA-LDA, and SPA-LDA) analysis algorithms were used. The PCA showed a tendency of differentiation between the analyzed groups. However, only with the supervised analysis algorithms, spectra from the negative control, T1, T2, and T3 groups were differentiated. The PCA-LDA and SPA-LDA algorithms specially differentiated the T3, T2, and NC groups, reaching an average 85
The fast-growing Eucalyptus is often subjected to significant threats from the invasive gall wasp Ophelimus bipolaris Chen Yao. This study represents the first report of the parasitoid complex associated with O. bipolaris in China. Seven parasitoid species were identified, including three known species, Closterocerus pulcherrimus (Kerrich), C. chamaeleon (Girault), and Eurytoma spinipes Kalina, and four recently described species, Aprostocetus bipolaris Zheng Yefremova, Aprostocetus eucalyptus Zheng Yefremova, Chrysonotomyia ophelimi Zheng Yefremova, and Megastigmus bipolaris Zheng Yefremova. While several of these parasitoid species (e.g., A. bipolaris, A. eucalyptus, C. ophelimi, and M. bipolaris) have recently been described as parasitoids of O. bipolaris, this study provides the first concurrent evaluation of their relative abundance and parasitism performance under field conditions. Their parasitism rates varied, with C. ophelimi being the most effective (33.85
Ants are abundant and diverse in the tropics, nesting in different forest layers and utilizing a wide range of nesting sites, from specialized to opportunistic. To describe the floral interactions of endophagous insects in the Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve (Mexico), samples of Araceae infructescences were collected during an annual cycle at different altitudes. Ten species of Araceae belonging to the genera Dieffenbachia (1), Philodendron (5), Syngonium (3) and Xanthosoma (1) were investigated. A total of 334 infructescences were sampled, of which only 5.1
Phorid flies are a highly diverse group that exhibits multiple parasitic strategies involving ants, bees, and other invertebrates. Although comprehensive reviews are limited, most studies emphasize parasitoid–host interactions, especially within Apocephalus, known as “decapitating flies” because their larvae develop inside ant heads. Some species, such as Pseudohypocera kerteszi (Enderlein, 1912), are economically important due to their negative effects on stingless bee colonies. Chemical ecology plays an important role in understanding these interactions, as compounds like cuticular hydrocarbons and mandibular secretions function as semiochemicals guiding host recognition and influencing parasite behavior. However, studies addressing chemical mechanisms remain relatively limited. This review systematically synthesizes data on parasite–host interactions in Phoridae, integrating behavioral and chemical perspectives. We also conducted an ecological network analysis at the genus level to identify functional roles and interaction patterns among phorids and their hosts. The results highlight a predominance of parasitoid interactions and a strong focus on ant-associated systems, which may reflect research bias. Overall, our findings contribute to a better understanding of the ecological strategies and community-level implications of parasitism in this diverse and behaviorally complex fly family, while also highlighting gaps in current knowledge.
Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz Neiva, 1912) is the main vector of the protozoan Leishmania infantum, the etiologic agent of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) in the American continent. In Brazil, the control of this sand fly species is difficult due to its resistance to chemical insecticides. The present study had the objectives of determining the chemical composition of Piper marginatum essential oil (EO) and to evaluating its ovicidal and larvicidal activity against Lu. longipalpis under laboratory conditions. To achieve this, a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed, and nine concentrations of the EO were tested on eggs and larvae: 0.25
Biological control programs for fruit flies rely on the mass rearing and release of parasitoids to suppress pest populations. The success of this strategy depends on effective quality control, including the assessment of parasitism and insect survival. Conventional methods, such as dissection, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), and adult emergence, are destructive, labor-intensive, and time-consuming. Hyperspectral imaging offers a rapid and non-destructive alternative for evaluating parasitism. Therefore, this study aimed to discriminate Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Tephritidae) pupae parasitized by Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead, 1905) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) using hyperspectral imaging and identifying the most informative spectral ranges and wavelengths for this purpose. Hyperspectral images were acquired from pupae at different developmental stages expressed in degree days (DD), preserving insect viability. Principal component analysis (PCA) and clustering analysis indicated a tendency to separate parasitized from non-parasitized pupae. Spectral profiles showed lower reflectance in the visible region and higher reflectance in the near-infrared (NIR, > 700 nm) for parasitized pupae. Greater spectral variability was also observed throughout development, particularly at 7 and 12 days (135 and 189 DD, respectively), compared with non-parasitized pupae at the same chronological ages (260.1 and 321.3 DD, respectively), which exhibited a more homogeneous spectral pattern. The Random Forest model showed moderate classification performance across all developmental stages, with higher predictive accuracy at later stages. These findings demonstrate the potential of hyperspectral imaging as a non-destructive tool for detecting parasitism and improving quality control in mass-rearing programs for biological control.
Anthropogenic disturbances, such as extensive topsoil removal, pose severe threats to ecosystem integrity, and consequently restoration outcomes depend heavily on biotic interactions that sustain ecosystem functions. Dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) act as bioindicators and ecosystem engineers, notably by mediating secondary seed dispersal and promoting soil bioturbation. We investigated taxonomic and functional attributes of dung beetle communities and quantified seed-removal rates in a severely degraded site (topsoil removal for dam construction) and in an adjacent, less-disturbed reference area within the Brazilian Cerrado. Contrary to our initial predictions, in the degraded site hosted higher species richness (27 vs. 26 species), greater abundance (5371 vs. 1142), and higher functional richness (FRic), whereas functional divergence (FDiv) was greater in the reference area. Community-weighted means (CWMs) for traits associated with excavation and rolling (pronotum volume, front-leg area, and hind-to-front leg length ratio) were significantly elevated in the degraded area, despite a lower mean body mass. Seed-removal rates were also significantly higher in the degraded site. Across the dataset, seed removal correlated positively with FRic, abundance, pronotum volume, front-leg area, and hind/front leg ratio, and negatively with FDiv and body mass; however, these relationships were context-dependent and largely vanished when habitats were analysed separately. Our results indicate that the dung beetle assemblage colonizing the degraded site is dominated by abundant, morphologically specialized species that can sustain high rates of seed removal despite low functional divergence. We discuss implications for restoration: the presence of functionally competent, abundant dung beetles can facilitate secondary seed dispersal in heavily degraded landscapes, but reliance on a few trait-dominant species may render this service vulnerable to further perturbation.
The Edessinae is a Neotropical subfamily of Pentatomidae comprising hundreds of species in 20 genera. The nominal genus Edessa Fabricius, 1803 includes most of this diversity with approximately 350 nominal species, and can be considered a “depot taxon.” Studying small groups of morphologically similar species is an efficient approach to deal with the taxonomic diversity in Edessa and has led to the description of several new genera. The viridula group comprises five species and is characterized by short metasternal processes, wrinkled ventrolateral areas, and pygophore with several unique features. Following the current standards in the taxonomy of Edessinae, we consider these characteristics distinctive enough to propose a new genus to the species included in the viridula group. The new genus is herein described and new combinations for the five species formerly placed in the viridula group are proposed. Additionally, two new species from Argentina are described, and a key to the species of the new genus is given.
Leishmaniases are infectious diseases whose vectors are female sand flies that depend on the blood of vertebrates for egg maturation. In this study, we investigated the sand fly species and DNA from Leishmania spp. This entomological/epidemiological study was conducted in a rural area in Nova Andradina, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. From March 2019 to February 2020, five modified Falcão light traps were installed at night once a month. The collected insects were separated by sex into pools of 10 specimens. A sample was used for species identification via microscopic analysis, and another sample was used to detect the DNA of Leishmania in females via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 42,933 insects were collected, 77.6
The earwig Doru luteipes (Scudder) (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) is recognized as the most frequently encountered predatory insect species in maize agroecosystems across maize-producing regions of Brazil and other South American countries. For over three decades, the earwig has been extensively investigated through both field surveys and controlled laboratory studies aiming at biological control of insect pests. Although augmentative biological control strategies involving the release of D. luteipes have been proposed, the currently available data on its predatory behavior and efficiency remain scarce and scattered, hindering definition of its true potential as a biocontrol agent. In this review, we present a comprehensive synthesis of the current scientific knowledge on the life history of D. luteipes, highlighting studies that indicate the potential of the earwig in regulating populations of insect pests and fungal structures, including photographic records of its predatory activity. In addition, we propose a standardized and replicable rearing protocol for D. luteipes, which involves the use of acrylic straws as oviposition substrates and shelters, corrugated cardboard as a structural refuge, and the provision of a nutritionally adequate artificial diet for both nymphs and adults. The described method indicates to be suitable not only for rearing D. luteipes but also for other species within the order Dermaptera. Finally, we outline key research gaps and propose future directions for experimental and applied investigations targeting this natural enemy species, whose ecological role and full potential as a biological control agent in diverse agricultural systems remain insufficiently explored and understood.
Tropical montane forests (TMFs) harbor exceptional biodiversity, yet canopy insect assemblages remain critically understudied. Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are essential components of forest ecosystems, playing key roles in nutrient cycling and plant interactions. This study provides the first canopy-level assessment of Curculionidae diversity along an elevational gradient (520–1,000 m above sea level) in a southern Ecuadorian TMF using insecticidal fogging. We collected 1,178 individuals representing 223 morphospecies from 28 sampling units across three forest plots. Richness estimators indicated that sampling captured 36–81
Tortoise beetles (Cassidinae s. str., Chrysomelidae, Coleoptera) compose a highly diverse group of insects, with most species found in Neotropical regions, such as the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, one of the most important hotspots in the world. Neotropical cassidines are known to typically display strong host specialization and distinct temporal patterns; however, host plants of most species are still unknown and very few studies have quantitatively investigated their temporal distribution. Here, we present a comprehensive list of tortoise beetle species for Serra do Japi, an Atlantic Forest mountain range, by comparing and combining data from 26 months of field work with data from previous samplings done in the same area. By collecting richness and abundance of adults for 12 consecutive months, as well as monthly mean temperature and precipitation, we also tested the correlation between assemblage and climatic factors. Our final list is composed of 71 cassidines species, with 11 new distribution records for the state of São Paulo and new host plant records for 36 of these species. We also show that the adults of this tortoise beetle assemblage present a seasonal pattern, similar to that of subtropical cassidines, which is significantly influenced by temperature variation, but not by precipitation. Our results highlight the importance of Serra do Japi as a conservation unit and contribute to a better understanding of several ecological aspects of Cassidinae s. str.
Hawaiʻi is subject to disproportionately high rates of biological invasion, including adventive insects. These alien species have been the targets of numerous biological control efforts. The contribution of native species preventing adventives from becoming invasive has received little attention. We analyzed numbers of invasive species utilized by native parasitoids, showing that resident natural enemies infrequently attack alien species, but in some cases, exert significant population control. Purposefully introduced biological control agents likely also contribute to mitigating new invasions. Certain taxa, such as Coleoptera, should be considered priority targets for importation biological control, as they appear highly unlikely to accumulate resident natural enemies.
Pheidole parva Mayr (1865) is a small ubiquitous ant native to the Indomalayan region where it is considered a pest in healthcare facilities. This tramp ant was first reported outside its native range more than 100 years ago in the Seychelles Islands. Since then, it has been found in other areas of the Old World, where it was likely accidentally introduced via trading ships. In the 2000s, this ant was detected in Japan (2001), the Arabian Peninsula (2009), and recently in the Mediterranean island of Cyprus (2023) and Lebanon (2025). Here, we describe its first occurrence in North America, in the state of Florida where both Nearctic and Neotropical realms meet. Our findings are based on recent Pheidole parva specimens collected throughout the state, curated iNaturalist observations, Antweb data, and DNA barcoding based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Among the 26 P. parva specimens analyzed from Florida, we found three different COI haplotypes. Two of them were also found in other introduced areas; however, one of the haplotypes has only been detected in a native population. The three haplotypes were distributed throughout the state with no clear geographical structure, consistent with multiple introductions and broad establishment of this non-native ant in Florida.
Trichodectes canis is a chewing louse considered highly specific to domestic and wild canids. Here, we report the first record of T. canis infesting a domestic cat (Felis catus) in Central America. In April 2025, an adult male cat from a rural community near Juigalpa, Chontales Department of Nicaragua, was brought to a veterinary clinic in critical condition, showing marked lethargy and anorexia. During clinical inspection, multiple chewing lice were observed on the animal's coat. Six specimens (five nymphs and one female) were manually collected and taxonomically identified as T. canis based on diagnostic morphological characters. The cat died a few minutes after admission. The statement of the owner as to the absence of dogs in the household and the recovery of multiple live specimens suggest a possible establishment of the lice on the feline host, rather than a momentary contamination. This finding represents a new host record for T. canis in the Neotropical region and expands knowledge on the distribution and host range of this species.
The oriental fruit fly is a global invasive pest that damages a wide range of fruits and vegetables. The sucrose content of host plants consumed during the larval stage has important influence on adult phenotypic traits. In this study, three sucrose concentration levels were established in the larval artificial diet to examine their effects on adult phenotypic traits and gut microbiota. The results showed that low-sucrose diet (3
The South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a devastating invasive pest of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). To evaluate candidate female-oriented semiochemicals, we examined the electroantennogram (EAG) activity of ten tomato-associated volatiles selected from previous reports. The compound 1-nonanol was selected as a candidate based on its relatively strong EAG activity and was subsequently assessed for its effects on olfaction, orientation, and oviposition. These findings indicate that 1-nonanol elicits female-biased attraction and stimulates oviposition under laboratory conditions. However, its ecological relevance within natural tomato volatile blends and its field performance require further validation before it can be developed as a female-oriented IPM component.
Understanding the environmental context of insect outbreaks is crucial, particularly for pest species with significant impact on human health. The ashen moth Hylesia metabus is a generalist Lepidoptera, of which the females have urticating scales (setae) that cause severe dermatological reactions, and its outbreaks thus pose serious public health challenges along the coastal regions of Venezuela and French Guiana. Despite the species’ broad distribution throughout northern South America, outbreaks remain unpredictable and localized. Here, we explored factors that correlate with the spatial distribution of outbreaks by investigating 13 sites in French Guiana. We assessed forest structure, tree species composition, canopy cover, and avian predation rates in the field. Additionally, we performed species distribution modeling to explore the effect of climate. Outbreak-prone sites were associated with overall low tree densities, limited daily temperature variation, pronounced seasonal changes between the dry and rain seasons, and, surprisingly, higher avian predation rates which may be more indicative of favorable landscape structure. These conditions are more prevalent along the coast of French Guiana, contrasting sharply with the stable and diverse inland rainforest ecosystems where outbreaks are rarely reported. These findings highlight habitat features consistently associated with outbreaks and provide a first step toward identifying ecological conditions that may influence outbreak propensity and can inform future monitoring strategies under changing environmental conditions.
Historically, studies have sought to identify host-specific factors in host-microbe interactions as a means of understanding evolutionary success. The genus Atta, comprising leaf-cutter ants, is native to the southern Neotropics and obligately mutualistic with cultivated fungi. It hosts a remarkably diverse range of bacterial communities, yet this variability remains poorly understood. Using high-throughput amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes of the whole worker, we showed significant difference between the bacterial communities among 4 dominant Atta species: Atta sexdens (Linnaeus), Atta laevigata (Smith), Atta capiguara (Gonçalves), and Atta bisphaerica (Forel). We also discovered significant differences in bacterial communities from laboratory conditions, pesticide treatment, and the fungal garden symbiont of Atta sexdens. Surprisingly, bacterial communities of Atta sexdens kept in the laboratory were not significantly different from pesticide-treated Atta sexdens, laying the groundwork for potential refinement of standard research methods.
The Tephritidae family comprises agriculturally important insect pests that cause significant economic losses worldwide. Interest in eco-friendly pest control methods is growing, and novel strategies involving symbiotic microorganisms are under investigation. Strategies involving the bacterium Wolbachia have been proposed for managing pest insects and disease vectors. However, they have not yet been used for tephritid pest control. The aim of this study was to detect and characterize Wolbachia strains in tephritid flies from Argentina that could be proposed for use in area-wide programs applying the incompatible insect technique. We also aimed to identify and analyze Wolbachia strains in little-studied species of no economic importance. Infested fruits were collected from different localities in two provinces of Argentina. Adults were identified and the presence of Wolbachia strains was evaluated using the wsp surface protein primer. Genotyping was performed through multilocus sequence typing (MLST). When multiple infections were suspected, the obtained amplification products were cloned into P-GEN. Two new Wolbachia hosts were identified, Rhagoletis blanchardi Aczél and Rhagoletotrypeta pastranai Aczél from Tucumán. Interestingly, we found a multiple infection by Wolbachia in R. pastranai, detecting three different strains. The Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) strains were similar to haplotypes previously described in Argentina. Our results provide the first records of Wolbachia strains in new tephritid hosts from Argentina. The phenotypic effects of these strains on their hosts should be further investigated to evaluate their potential for Wolbachia-based control strategies.
