Bumble bees are vital pollinators playing a major role in enhancing the reproductive success of wild and cultivated plants. This study explores the distributional pattern, taxonomy and food preferences of Bumble bee species collected from Doodhpathri Kashmir-India, an ecologically rich hill station known as the Valley of the Milk. Field surveys documented six Bumble bee species from 4 subgenera referable to 188 examples collected across the various habitats at an elevations of 2400-2810 masl. The results highlight elevational gradation in species distributional pattern and floral preferences, understanding their intricate ecological interactions. These findings enhance our understanding of Himalayan pollinators and emphasize the urgent need for conservation strategies to safeguard Bumble bee and their native floral habitats.
In this study, the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Eurygaster austriaca (Schrank) samples collected from various agrocenoses in Uzbekistan were investigated. Analysis of mtCOI gene revealed nucleotide differences ranging from 0.2% to 1%, indicating genetic closeness and stability among these populations. A phylogenetic tree was constructed which revealed that E. austriaca samples formed a distinct cluster different from E. maura (BS = 100), E. amerinda (BS = 96-97), and E. testudinaria (BS = 79-94). Genetic distance analysis showed low intraspecific divergence within E. austriaca populations (0.0022-0.0139) and significant interspecific differences (e.g., between E. austriaca and E. testudinaria, 0.1250-0.1317). The Ch. fallax sample stood apart from all others, displaying the highest genetic distance (1.0947-1.1824), indicating its affiliation with a separate evolutionary lineage.
A pot culture experiment evaluated the dissipation kinetics and ecological risk of a ready-mix formulation of chlorantraniliprole (9.30%) + lambda-cyhalothrin (4.60%) ZC in sandy loam soil under controlled non flooded conditions. Soil residues (0-10 cm) were monitored up to 90 days using GC-MS/ MS. QuEChERS outperformed MSPD, giving >85% recoveries. Both pesticides dissipated via first-order kinetics (R2 >0.97), with half-lives of 1.65-2.84 days (chlorantraniliprole) and 2.47-4.52 days (lambda-cyhalothrin). Residues persisted up to 60 and 45 days, respectively, depending on dose levels. Initial RQ values for Eisenia fetida (>1) indicated high risk but decreased to <0.1 as residues degraded. Overall, the study reveals rapid dissipation, short-lived ecological risk, and provides essential data for environmental safety evaluation and optimized pesticide application strategies.
The efficacies of granular and spray formulations of chlorpyriphos, cartap hydrochloride, chlorantraniliprole and azadirachtin were tested against Yellow stem borer (YSB), Scirpophaga incertulas (Walk.) and their compatibilities with its egg parasitoids were evaluated during summer 2022 and 2023. Application of chlorantraniliprole 0.4% G resulted in greatest reduction in YSB infestation followed by chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC, cartap hydrochloride 50%SP, chlorpyriphos 20%EC, cartap hydrochloride 4%G, chlorpyriphos 10% G, azadirachtin 1%EC, and azadirachtin 0.15%G. Here the highest BC (benefit: cost) value was recorded in cartap hydrochloride 50% SP (10.19) followed by chlorpyriphos 20%EC (9.55). Consequently, all the spray formulations reduced the Trichogramma sp, Telenomus sp and Tetrastichus sp populations compared to the plots treated with granular formulation. Considering safety to these natural enemies as well as reduction of YSB, chlorantraniliprole 0.4% G recommended first followed by cartaphydrochloride 4%G and azadirachtin 1%EC spray, whereas chlorpyriphos 10%G was least.
The Eastern Rif region of northeastern Morocco has a remarkable diversity of aquatic ecosystems where mosquitoes can breed, including wadis, temporary pools, and coastal wetlands. Field research was conducted at 37 sampling points (18 inland lagoons, 6 coastal lagoons, and 12 temporary pools) throughout the Eastern Rif. Samples were collected intermittently, seasonally, and monthly between 2021 and 2023. A total of nearly 1,600 mosquito larvae belonging to 13 species and four genera (Aedes, Culex, Culiseta, and Uranotaenia) were identified. Culex pipiens was confirmed as the most abundant and widespread species, largely dominating inland lagoons that are often located near inhabited areas. In contrast, species such as Aedes detritus and Aedes caspius showed a marked preference for coastal and brackish ecosystems characterized by high electrical conductivity. This study provides new insights into the ecology of mosquito species, including data on their tolerance to various water parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and conductivity) It also discusses the relationship between Culicidae diversity and the characteristics of their breeding habitats (type of water body, climate, and the level of human impact).
Jauravia pubescens (Fabricius, 1798), a predatory ladybird beetle previously reported from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Odisha, is recorded here for the first time from West Bengal. Specimens were collected from mango (Mangifera indica L.) orchards of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya located at Mondouri, Nadia, West Bengal during a coceinellid diversity survey. The species is identified based on distinct morphological features, including body shape, pubescence, and male genitalia. High-resolution photographs of the adult habitus and genital structures are provided to aid accurate identification. This new record expands the known distribution of J. pubescens in eastern India and contributes to the growing knowledge of coccinellid diversity in agricultural ecosystems. The findings underscore the importance of regional faunistic surveys in documenting biodiversity and support future taxonomic, ecological and conservation-related studies on the genus Jauravia.
In this study, the diversity patterns of moths were investigated within two distinct ecosystems in Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh: the sacred grove of the Mehal Nag Temple and the surrounding rugged terrain. Using light and bait trap methods, variations in species composition, abundance, and richness across different seasons were captured. Collection comprised a total of 210 specimens of 44 moth species, belonging to 44 genera, 12 families, and 7 superfamilies. Among the collected species, 16 were common, 19 were uncommon, and 9 were rare, which indicates the ecological importance of these specific habitats. Diversity indices, such as the Shannon Diversity Index, Shannon Equitability Index, and Pielou’s Evenness Index, revealed remarkable differences in species richness and evenness between two habitats. These results highlight the ecological importance of sacred groves as reservoirs of biodiversity.
Morphological characteristics of Diaspidiotus ostreaeformis (Curtis) on Salix integra in the Fergana Valley were studied. The study focused on determining the key diagnostic and morphometric features of adult females. Microscopic examination and morphometric measurements were conducted. The following morphometrics were determined: body length 0.71-0.75 mm, body width 0.62-0.64 mm, median lobes width 47-51 μm, and anal opening width 9.5-10.5 μm. The pygidium structure revealed a pair of needle- like gland spines between the median lobes. Additionally, one lateral gland comb was observed in the L1-L2 interval and two to three gland combs were recorded in the L2-L3 interval. These morphological features correspond well with diagnostic descriptions reported for this species.
Vietnam lies at the junction of the Indochinese and South Chinese subregions of the Oriental realm. This study examines zoogeographical patterns of two distinct arthropod groups - oribatid mites (Oribatida, Acari) and tachinid flies (Tachinidae, Diptera) - using recent faunistic data. Over 720 oribatid species are recorded in Vietnam, many of them endemic, while more than 500 tachinid species are known, mainly in the subfamily Exoristinae. Its fauna is mainly Oriental but shows contrasting zoogeographic patterns among invertebrates. Oribatida show marked endemism and microhabitat specialization, whereas Tachinidae exhibit broader ecological tolerance. Endemism contrasts strongly: Tachinidae show low levels (13.5%) due to high dispersal and host dependence, while Oribatida exceed one-third, reflecting limited dispersal and habitat specialization. Comparative analysis reveals exceptionally high species diversity in both groups, highlighting Vietnam’s role as a transitional zone between the Palaearctic and Oriental regions. These contrasting patterns underscore Vietnam’s status as a zoogeographical biodiversity hotspot. Together, these findings provide an important basis for zoogeographical assessment and regionalization, while highlighting the need for integrative approaches to conservation and sustainable ecosystem management.
Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are integral components of terrestrial ecosystems, contributing to biological regulation, pollination, and soil bioturbation. Their diversity serves as a valuable indicator of ecosystem functioning. This study examines ant assemblages in northeastern Algeria, focusing on the Edough Massif (Annaba Province). Fieldwork was conducted from 2022 to 2024 using two complementary sampling techniques: manual collection and Barber traps, which were collected twice weekly. The study was conducted from March to July at two ecologically contrasting sites, Seraidi and Treat. 3183 individuals representing 15 species were recorded at Seraidi, while 3,356 individuals belonging to 11 species were documented at Treat. All taxa fell within three subfamilies (Myrmicinae, Formicinae, and Dorylinae), with Myrmicinae dominating both sites. Diversity indices revealed greater richness and overall diversity at Seraidi (H’ = 2.54; E = 0.94), whereas Treat, although less affluent, exhibited slightly higher evenness (H’ = 2.29; E = 0.96). These findings underscore the ecological significance of Edough’s ant communities and highlight the influence of habitat heterogeneity on species composition and community structure.
Laboratory bioassay was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of native fungal isolates against cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora (Hemiptera: Aphididae). One isolate of Lecanicillium psalliotae (MB-APKU-01) and two isolates of Purpureocillium lilacinum (MB-CYRM-01, MB-MLSY-01) were tested. The highest mortality (100%) was recorded for L. psalliotae (MB-APKU-01) at 1 x 109 spores/ ml, followed by the same isolate at 1 x 108 spores/ ml (93.33%). The next best isolate was P. lilacinum (MB-MLSY-01) with mortality of 86.29% at 1 x 109 spores/ml. Dose and mortality studies with L. psalliotae (MB-APKU-01) showed an LC50 value of 1.3×105 spores/ ml and an LT50 value of 4.73 days at a dose of 1 x 108 spores/ml. Among all the isolates, L. psalliotae (MB-APKU-01) was proven as the best fungal isolate for the management of A. craccivora.
The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of seasonal variation on growth, development, cocoon traits, and silk quality in mulberry silkworms (Bombyx mori L.). Larvae were reared under control and three different seasonal conditions: summer, monsoon, and winter. The total larval duration ranged from 24.1± 0.5 days during the monsoon season to 28.3± 0.7 days in winter. The final larval weight ranged from 3.21± 0.09 g during winter to 3.89± 0.12 g in the monsoon season. Cocoons harvested during the monsoon season had the highest weight (1.78± 0.06 g) and shell ratio (23.0± 0.7%), with the longest silk filaments of 940± 32 m with the finest denier of 2.41± 0.06 and the lowest renditta of 6.9± 0.2. Winter delayed the development of larvae, reduced the survival to 78.4± 2.5%, had a lower weight of cocoons, and was associated with coarser silk.
This study evaluated the biocontrol potential of the parasitoid Cotesia sesamae (Cameron) on jujube blue butterfly, Tarucus rosacea (Austaut), under field and laboratory conditions in Iraq, from September 2023 to May 2024. Field surveys recorded natural parasitism rate of 85.7% (±5.2). A strong density-dependent relationship was observed (R2 = 0.9276). Laboratory studies revealed a clear host stage preference, with the highest parasitism occurring in the fourth larval instar. Functional response analysis indicated that a Holling Type III model best described the parasitoid’s behaviour, with an adaptive attack rate of 0.139 and a handling time of 0.043, demonstrating efficient host searching and adaptive foraging. These results strongly support the incorporation of C. sesamae in a biocontrol based IPM program.
Field studies were conducted during kharif 2024 and 2025 at the Vegetable Research Farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, to assess the population dynamics of fruit flies in bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) in relation to weather parameters. Weekly mean incidence was recorded from cue-lure based Rakshak traps. Two species, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (coquillett) and Z. tau Walker, were observed throughout the cropping period. The activity of Z. cucurbitae commenced from the 30th SMW and remained predominant throughout the observation period, showing relatively higher abundance between the 30th and 40th SMW, whereas Z. tau occurred in comparatively lower numbers. Correlation analysis based on pooled data indicated that maximum temperature exhibited a significant positive association with Z. cucurbitae (r = 0.75**), while minimum temperature also showed a positive relationship (r = 0.55*). In contrast, rainfall showed a weak negative association (r = −0.05) with Z. cucurbitae. Weather parameters showed comparatively weaker relationships with Z. tau, although rainfall exhibited a positive association (r = 0.56*). Multiple regression analysis further revealed that meteorological variables explained a higher proportion of variation in Z. cucurbitae (R² = 0.79) compared to Z. tau (R² = 0.53), indicating that temperature played a dominant role in regulating fruit fly abundance in the bitter gourd ecosystem. The study highlights inter-annual variability in climatic influence and indicates greater temperature responsiveness of Z. cucurbitae under bitter gourd ecosystem, which may aid in developing timely management strategies.
Quantitative studies on pollinator communities along elevational gradients in Indian Himalayan agroecosystems are scarce. This study explored these communities in apple and apricot orchards across a 1200 m gradient in Doda District. Pollinator abundance declined by 76% and richness by 67% from the lowest to highest site. Elevation explained 94.7% of Shannon diversity variance (F1 ,4 = 71.8, p < 0.001). Community composition shifted significantly (PERMANOVA, p = 0.002), with Apidae declining and Halictidae becoming dominant at high elevations (χ² = 45.2, p < 0.001). In a controlled comparison, crop identity also shaped assemblages. This elevational filtering, likely temperature-mediated, drives dramatic community disassembly. The shift to a Halictidae-dominated fauna signals potential functional change, underscoring the need for elevation-specific conservation strategies.
This research concentrated on Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) diversity in Sastha Falls, located in the south region of the Western Ghats, between October 2024 and March 2025. In total, 1079 specimens, belonging to 16 genera, 7 families, and 3 orders, were collected. Among the three orders, Ephemeroptera exhibited the highest diversity, and Trichoptera exhibited the lowest diversity. The most prevalent species overall were Labiobaetis freitagi and Choroterpes nambiyarensis, suggesting a broad range of tolerance to different physicochemical parameters. According to Shannon and Simpson’s indices, the highest diversity was observed in October and December (2024) due to the highest rainfall and the lowest in the summer month of March (2025) due to low rainfall and increased tourist visits lead to more human activities like bathing and washing. The main environmental parameters affecting the EPT structure were found to be dissolved oxygen, pH, water flow, air temperature, and water temperature, according to Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA).
This study aims to investigate the diversity and visitation rates of anthophilous insects on Rubus ellipticus, a medicinal shrub native to Western Himalaya. Field observations were conducted during flowering season (March-April 2025) at the Himalayan Botanical Garden, Nainital. A total of 475 insect individuals representing ten species across six families and three orders were documented. The order Hymenoptera showed the highest species richness and abundance, with Apis cerana recorded as the dominant floral visitor. Diversity indices, including Shannon-Wiener (2.08) and Simpson’s Index (0.853), indicated the presence of diverse and stable anthophilous insect community. Visitation rate analysis highlighted Apis cerana, Eristalinus taeniops and Heliophorus sena as the most frequent visitors. The findings highlight R. ellipticus as an important floral resource for diverse pollinators.
The present study investigated the vector potentiality of biting muscid flies (S. calcitrans and H. irritans) in transmission of Anaplasma marginale from various cattle farms located in the Southern districts of Karnataka during the pre and post monsoon seasons. A total of 282 flies and 45 blood samples were collected from nine cattle farms. The genomic DNA from the flies and blood samples were analysed by PCR for the amplification of 753 bp size DNA fragment specific for A. marginale by targeting msp4 gene. In a total of nine cattle farms, the S. calcitrans and H. irritans fly DNA samples collected from four and three farms showed the positive amplification for A. marginale infection, respectively. Out of 45 blood DNA analysed, 30 (66.6%) samples amplified the specific DNA fragment indicating the continuous circulation of infection and the possible role of these flies in mechanical transmission of anaplasmosis in the cattle herds.
Within the order Thysanoptera, the family Aeolothripidae is regarded as the third largest family after Thripidae and Phlaeothripidae. More than half of the aeolothripid species are classified under genus Aeolothrips Haliday, 1836. Majority species of the genus Aeolothrips consume floral tissues and some of them are facultative predators on thrips and mites. This study explores this genus along with some new characters of its Aeolothrips species have been provided with recent key of Egyptian species.
A greenhouse survey conducted in Andijan City, Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan (40.7883463° N, 72.3080521° E; 406 masl) on 7 April 2025 revealed the first record of Chrysomphalus dictyospermi (Morgan) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae). Forty adult female specimens were collected from four host plant species- Phoenix roebelenii, Laurus sp., Citrus limon, and Ficus sp.- all of which were infested. Permanent slide-mounted preparations were examined under polarized light microscopy (40 -400x). Species identification was confirmed following combination of pygidial characters: three pairs of lobes; non-bifurcated, clavate or lanceolate anterior plate apices; five pairs of paraphyses with the second pair not reaching the anal opening; absence of dorsal prepygidial duct clusters; and 7-7 perivulvar pores in the anterior and lateral groups and 3-4 in the posterior group. Among the recorded hosts, Phoenix roebelenii, Laurus sp., and Ficus sp. represent new host plant records for Uzbekistan. The findings highlight the need for enhanced phytosanitary monitoring of imported ornamental plants in the Fergana Valley.
