The moth fauna of southeastern Iran’s protected areas remains largely unexplored. To help fill this gap, moths were sampled in Khabr National Park (Kerman Province) during six periods: September 2022, February and April 2023, October and December 2024, and February 2025. Light traps were used, and identifications were based on external morphology and genitalia characters. In total, 76 species were recorded, comprising three Lasiocampidae, four Sphingidae, 12 Erebidae and 57 Noctuidae. Furthermore, 28 species (two Lasiocampidae, one Sphingidae, five Erebidae and 20 Noctuidae) are reported for the first time from Kerman Province; illustrations of all these provincial new records are provided. One noctuid species, Sesamia christophi, is recorded here for the first time for Iran. Taken together, these findings highlight Khabr National Park as a remarkably rich area for moth diversity and point to the need for continued faunistic surveys in the region.
Several species of mosquitoes from the subfamily Culicinae play a significant role in public health as vectors of arboviruses. Of the over 3000 recorded Culicinae species worldwide, 43 are present in Morocco. Of these, 14 are recognized as potential vectors of viruses such as West Nile (WNV), Zika (ZIKV), yellow fever (YFV), and chikungunya (CHIKV). This study aims to update the distribution of mosquito species in north-eastern Morocco. Larval surveys conducted at 20 sites yielded the collection and identification of 13 species across four genera. Culex was the dominant genus with eight species and the widest distribution. Aedes followed this with three species. The genera Culiseta and Uranotaenia were each represented by a single species. Five of these species are potential arbovirus vectors, and seven are new records for the study region. This updated inventory of the culicid fauna, including new reports and data on ecological distribution, greatly enhances our understanding of the Culicinae community composition in north-eastern Morocco. These results provide a vital basis for assessing arboviral risks and implementing targeted vector control strategies, thereby helping to improve public health measures in the region.
Curculio glandium Marsham (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a serious pest of oak trees in the Zagros Mountains, Iran. In this study, geo-statistical methods were used to simulate spatial distribution models for optimal management. The area of this strait is about 850 hectares; for this study, due to regional conditions, nearly 370 ha were examined. The desired area (Dalab Strait in Ilam province, Iran) was divided into six geographical height classes. For each class, an area of about 60 ha was selected, with 30 trees, and the latitude and longitude were determined. Monthly sampling was conducted on four oak fruits as the sampling unit in 2022 and 2023. In the laboratory, the number of oak fruits infected with the pest was counted. Data were normalized using one of the appropriate data transformation methods (logarithmic or Box-Cox Transformation), the cross-validation method was used to evaluate the efficiency of interpolation methods. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) was used to assess the models; the data were analyzed using GS+ version 5.1 software. The results showed that, in the survey of the spatial distribution of oaks infected with C. glandium, after fitting the data from 12 sampling stages, nine cases were consistent with the spherical model and three with the exponential model. The degree of spatial dependence (C0/C0+C) varied from 0.501 to 0.981 in 2022 and from 0.501 to 0.973 in 2023. In addition, in both years under study, the highest pest density was observed at an altitude of 1540-1600 meters above sea level. According to the maps, population density was higher in the southern location than in other locations, and the northern location had the lowest density. The results of this study showed that using geostatistics enables successful sampling for forest pests, especially the acorn weevil. In the development of pest management systems, early warning and tracking programs are very important. Managing the pest's special place is an effective way to achieve the control operation. The results of this study can be used for optimal monitoring and control of the acorn weevil in oak forests.
HiveClean® is a miticide with oxalic acid as its main active ingredient, recommended for controlling the Varroa mite (Varroa destructor). This study evaluated the efficacy of this miticide and its side effects on honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies from mid-summer to mid-autumn of 2025 in Karaj, Iran. Sixteen mite-infested colonies were randomly assigned to treatment (n = 8) and control (n = 8) groups. Treatment colonies received HiveClean® three times at seven-day intervals, while control colonies were left untreated. Mite infestation levels were estimated using the alcohol wash method after the treatment period. Efficacy was assessed based on by the change in infestation levels. Side effects on brood and adult bee populations, as well as queen survival, were also monitored. After HiveClean® application, infestation levels in treated colonies changed from 2.25 ± 0.72% to 1.85 ± 0.63%, a difference that was not statistically significant (P > 0.999). The estimated efficacy of HiveClean® was 36.04 ± 23.06%. No significant side effects on colony populations or queen survival were observed. Overall, these results indicate the low efficacy of HiveClean® in controlling Varroa mites under the tested conditions. Further evaluation of this miticide in other seasons and regions is recommended.
To evaluate resistance levels and potential resistance mechanisms to chlorpyrifos and imidacloprid in Trialeurodes vaporariorum, six populations were collected from greenhouse-growing regions of Iran and assessed using leaf-dip bioassays followed by probit analysis of LC50 values and their 95% confidence limits. Compared with the susceptible FR population, the FL population exhibited the highest resistance to chlorpyrifos (15.04-fold) and imidacloprid (13.62-fold). Synergism assays with piperonyl butoxide (PBO), triphenyl phosphate (TPP), and diethyl maleate (DEM) showed that PBO and TPP produced strong synergistic effects against both insecticides in the FL population, whereas DEM showed only limited synergistic effects. Enzyme activity assays corroborated the synergism results, indicating that elevated esterase (EST) and mixed-function oxidase (MFO) activities, but not glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity, were associated with resistance in T. vaporariorum. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) kinetic analysis showed that the Km and Vmax values in the FL population were approximately twofold lower and 2.5-fold higher, respectively, than those in the FR population, suggesting altered AChE kinetic properties. In addition, AChE inhibition assays revealed reduced sensitivity to most inhibitors in the FL population, whereas increased sensitivity to fosthiazate was observed. Overall, the findings suggest that reduced AChE sensitivity, together with elevated EST and MFO activities, may contribute to resistance to chlorpyrifos and imidacloprid in Iranian populations of T. vaporariorum. These findings provide a basis for resistance monitoring and support the development of effective insecticide resistance management strategies.
The genus Duta Nixon, 1922 (Hymenoptera: Platygastroidea, Scelionidae), represented by a single species, D. bicolor Rajmohana, 2014, is first recorded in Western Asia, Iran. The specimens were collected from a desert area in the middle of the easternmost border of Iran, surrounded by native vegetation, including palm groves and tamarisk trees, as well as sub-mountainous terrain. Duta bicolor was originally described from the Oriental region, South India; its known distribution expanded into the Palaearctic as a trans-biogeographical element. This is also the fourth species of Duta from the Palaearctic region. The diagnostic characters are briefly described and illustrated. A preliminary world checklist is also generated to facilitate future revisionary studies on the genus.
Conserving native honeybees is vital for ecosystem stability and food security, yet the impact of changing landscapes on the pollen foraging of the red dwarf honeybee (Apis florea) remains poorly understood. The study investigated how landscape variation influences pollen foraging by Apis florea in West Bengal, examining its pollen resources and collection patterns across agricultural areas and forest edges. We conducted palynological analyses of corbicular pollen loads. The honeybee species exhibited floral constancy and polylecty, collecting a wide variety of pollen types (57 in total). The composition and predominant pollen sources varied between the two landscapes. In agricultural areas, predominant pollen sources were Coriandrum sativum, Cucumis sativus, Cucurbita maxima, Luffa aegyptiaca, and Rhamphospermum nigrum. In contrast, at forest edges, several tree species such as Acacia auriculiformis, Eucalyptus tereticornis, and Terminalia arjuna were dominant, along with some crop species, including Coriandrum sativum and Rhamphospermum nigrum. However, the monthly number and diversity of pollen types did not differ significantly between the two landscapes. Based on diverse characteristics of bee-visited flowers, the honeybee species was considered a generalist forager. In conclusion, the red dwarf honeybee was adapted to diverse habitats. Agricultural land use influenced the botanical composition of pollen collected by honeybees, but did not appear to restrict overall pollen flow to colonies.
Currently, 44 psyllid species are known to be associated with Hippophae rhamnoides worldwide. Despite this diversity, only Cacopsylla nasuta (Förster, 1848) has previously been recorded from Iran. Cacopsylla zetterstedti (Thomson, 1877) is reported here for the first time from Iran. In addition, an updated list of all psyllid species associated with H. rhamnoides is provided, along with an identification key for the species occurring in Iran. A geometric morphometric analysis of the forewing was conducted to examine diagnostic differences between the two studied species. This new record substantially expands the known distribution of C. zetterstedti in Asia.
In a survey of oribatid mites (Oribatida) associated with citrus orchards in Bushehr Province (southwestern Iran), soil and litter samples were collected from seven localities in Dashtestan, Tangestan, Dashti and Jam counties between October 2021 and July 2022. A total of 27 species belonging to 22 genera and 16 families were collected and identified. Among them, the genus Annectacarus Grandjean, 1950 (Lohmanniidae), the species Peloptulus (P.) reticulatus Mihelčič, 1957 (Phenopelopidae), and Neoppia cf. minuta Bhattacharya & Banerjee, 1981 (Oppiidae) are recorded for the first time from Iran. Galumnidae, Oppiidae, and Lohmanniidae (each with three genera), as well as the families Scheloribatidae, Epilohmanniidae, and Euphthiracaridae (each with two species), showed the highest total identified species in the citrus orchards of the province. All recorded species are new records for Bushehr Province. Prior to the present study, no information was available on the oribatid mite fauna associated with citrus orchards in southwestern Iran.
The family Heleomyzidae (Diptera), with 720 known species, is a small family widely distributed worldwide but more abundant in the cooler temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. In warmer areas, they are active mostly in autumn and winter or in caves. In this study, Heteromyza atricornis Meigen, 1830, as a cavernicolous species, is reported for the first time from Iran (West Azarbaijan Province, Mahabad-Bukan road, Sahoolan cave). The study presents the morphological and diagnostic characters of the species, accompanied by supporting photographs.
The saw-toothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (Col., Silvanidae), is a major pest causing significant infestation in stored dried and semi-dried date fruits. This study explored the insecticidal potential of plant derived essential oils and powders against O. surinamensis. Dates were collected from the local market, and O. surinamensis were reared on dates in plastic boxes. Beetles raised on dates in plastic containers were exposed to six essential oils- Turpentine, Eucalyptus, Black Seed, Rosemary, Radish Seed, and Wheat seed through space fumigation. The essential oils were applied at concentrations of 6, 12, 18, and 24 µl/L for durations of 24, 48, and 72 hours. Turpentine oil exhibited the highest toxicity, with LC50 values of 24.020, 28.236, and 32.720 ppm after 24, 48, and 72 hours of exposure, respectively. Additionally, five plant powders (neem, eucalyptus, tamarind, lemon grass, and moringa) were tested against O. surinamensis. Neem powder caused the highest mortality rates, showing significant differences compared to other powders at all exposure intervals (24, 48, 72 hours). The results demonstrate that Turpentine oil and Neem powder are highly effective against O. surinamensis and represent potential candidates for integrated pest management (IPM) in stored dates. Further research is required to optimize application methods and dosages, assess long term impacts and resistance potential, conduct facility scale trials, and perform economic analyses to determine the practicality and efficiency of these natural pesticides.
During field surveys of eriophyoid mites in Northeast of Iran (Razavi Khorasan province) in 2023, one new species belonging to the tribe Anthocoptini (Acari: Eriophyoidea: Eriophyidae: Phyllocoptinae) was discovered, described and illustrated herein. It is Heterotergum dargazii sp. nov. associated with Teucrium polium L. (Lamiaceae). No visible symptom was observed in host plant. Up to now, no species of the genus Heterotergum have been reported on Lamiaceae plants worldwide. The new species was compared with all Heterotergum species that was morphologically more similar to Heterotergum munduleae Meyer, 1992 and Heterotergum sariensis Ranjbar-Varandi, Haddad Irani-Nejad et Lotfollahi, 2022.
The cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Col., Chrysomelidae), is one of the most serious pests of legume crops worldwide, affecting both yield and quality. Humans have traditionally relied on chemical pesticides for control, which are hazardous to human health and the environment. Another sustainable means of pest management is through the use of plant essential oils. This study aimed to chemically characterize and evaluate the fumigation toxicity of essential oils from lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and spearmint (Mentha spicata) on cowpea weevil mortality and biological parameters. The main constituents of spearmint oil, as revealed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, were carvone (76.42%), menthol (3.29%), eucalyptol (3.27%), and D-limonene (3.12%). In comparison, the main constituents of lavender oil were linalool (38.01%), linalyl acetate (21.27%), eucalyptol (9.6%), camphor (8.07%), and lavandulol (5.11%). The oils were found to have LC50 values of 5.27 µL/L air (against males) and 10.12 µL/L air (against females) for lavender, and 9.45 µL/L air (against males) and 17.36 µL/L air (against females) for spearmint. Also, the effect of the two essential oils on the biological parameters of the insect was assessed after exposure to LC30 concentrations. The LC30 application lowered egg deposition, extended larval duration, reduced hatching success, and shortened the lifespan of both sexes of weevils. According to these findings, lavender essential oil particularly holds promise as a management option for the cowpea weevil in integrated pest management (IPM) programs.
This study aimed to predict the spatial distribution of the tomato fruitworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Lep., Noctuidae), using an artificial neural network optimized with ant and artificial honeybee colony algorithms. Data on the population density of this pest were collected in a 2000 m2 tomato field located at the following geographical coordinates: 38S, 693942E, and 3800263N. In these models, latitude and longitude variables were used as input variables, and population changes in the tomato fruitworm larvae of different ages were used as output variables. The network used was a multilayer perceptron optimized using two metaheuristic algorithms. To evaluate the accuracy of the neural networks used to predict the spatial distribution of this pest, an average comparison was made between the spatially predicted values by the optimized neural network and their actual values. A comparison of the means showed no significant difference between the actual and predicted spatial datasets in the training and testing phases. A coefficient of determination of 0.9987 indicated that the neural network optimized with the artificial honey bee colony algorithm achieved a higher accuracy than the ant colony algorithm, with a coefficient of determination of 0.9911 for predicting the density of H. armigera moths. In addition, neural network-generated maps, optimized using both metaheuristic algorithms, showed that the pest's spatial distribution was cumulative
The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, is a key pest in many citrus-growing regions and transmits the pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the causal agent of citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening disease, in a propagative manner. This disease, which spreads rapidly, has been reported in citrus-growing areas of southern Iran and is considered a serious threat to citrus production in Iran and globally. Despite extensive research on various control strategies for this pest, information about the interactions between the pathogen, endosymbiotic bacteria, and the vector remains unavailable. In the present study, some bacterial endosymbionts of D. citri were identified using culture-dependent methods from adult insects collected from Jahrom and Rudan cities in Iran. Cultivation on different growth media led to the identification of four bacterial genera, including Burkholderia sp., Bacillus sp., Enterococcus sp., and Staphylococcus sp.; Their potential use in managing this vector aimed at reducing or eliminating pathogen acquisition and transmission efficiency are discussed and warrants further investigation.
Honey bee venom is a protein-rich secretion whose biochemical properties can be altered when exposed to ionizing radiation. Controlled irradiation has been proposed as a method for reducing allergenicity and improving handling while maintaining core biological characteristics. This study examined how moderate gamma irradiation (4 and 6 kGy) affects total protein concentration and the activities of six enzymatic components phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂), hyaluronidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), acid phosphatase (ACP), phosphodiesterase (PDE), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in venom from Apis mellifera lamarckii. Protein quantification and native PAGE demonstrated a dose–response pattern, with minimal alterations at 4 kGy and more evident reduction at 6 kGy. Enzyme assays revealed a clear biphasic response: activities increased at 4 kGy but declined at 6 kGy. These findings indicate that moderate irradiation can modulate the biochemical activity of venom enzymes in a dose-dependent manner.
This article presents a faunistic survey of digger wasps of the genus Stizus Latreille, 1802 (Hymenoptera, Bembicidae) in Uzbekistan. Field research was conducted from 2021 to 2024 across various regions of the country. In total, 222 specimens representing 10 species of Stizus were documented. Stizus eximius F. Morawitz, 1894, is recorded for the first time in the digger wasp fauna of Uzbekistan. This species was collected on plants of the genus Tamarix L., 1753 in natural areas surrounding lakes. Among the collected material, Stizus ruficornis (J. Forster, 1771) (136 specimens, 61.26%) and S. rufiventris Radoszkowski, 1877 (33 specimens, 14.86%) were the most abundant and were widely distributed across all surveyed areas. All recorded species were documented for the first time within the territory of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. The diversity and distribution of Stizus species were compared with the fauna of neighboring Central Asian countries
Eremiothrips Priesner is considered a phytophagous genus, with most of its species documented primarily from the southern Mediterranean regions. In this paper, Eremiothrips negevi Ben-David, 2017 Syn. n. is considered as a junior synonym of Eremiothrips manolachei (Knechtel, 1955) after examination of materials in Senckenberg Museum, Frankfurt, Germany. A checklist is provided of the 22 species now included in Eremiothrips, accompany with their distributions. The pest status as well as wing polymorphism of the species in the genus is discussed briefl
Using of biological control agents, especially parasitoids, within the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs is increasingly expanding. Several factors can influence the effectiveness of parasitoids, the most important of which is the type and availability of suitable host. In this study, the impact of two host species Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on the energy budget and biological performance of Habrobracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was investigated. The results revealed that the levels of protein, lipid, carbohydrate, and glycogen in various life stages of the parasitoid differed significantly depending on the host species. Parasitoids reared on E. kuehniella exhibited higher protein and lipid content, faster development, and a longer lifespan. In contrast, those reared on P. interpunctella showed higher carbohydrate and glycogen levels. Host species also had a significant effect on the biological parameters of the parasitoid. Specifically, intrinsic rate of increase (r), net reproductive rate (R₀), gross reproductive rate (GRR), finite rate of increase (λ), and fecundity were all higher in parasitoids reared on E. kuehniella, indicating greater reproductive potential. Additionally, the pre-adult developmental period, including the larval and pupal stages, was longer in parasitoids fed on P. interpunctella. Based on these findings, E. kuehniella was identified as a more suitable host for H. hebetor, as it enhanced reproductive performance, reduced generation time, and increased the population growth rate. These results suggest that E. kuehniella is an appropriate host for the mass rearing of H. hebetor in biological control programs targeting stored-product pests.
Despite previous studies on necrophagous flies in Iran, the diversity and distribution of Sarcophagidae species in the country’s western regions remain underreported. This study examines Sarcophagidae in Kermanshah city, western Iran, in 2018 through morphological and molecular analysis of 142 male flesh fly specimens. Eight Sarcophaga species were identified, all representing new provincial records. Sarcophaga variegata was the most prevalent species. In contrast, Sarcophaga flagellifera and Wohlfahrtia nuba were rare. Notably, Sarcophaga (Helicophagella) bellae was documented for the first time in Iran, with its presence confirmed by morphological examination and mtDNA-COI DNA barcoding. Phylogenetic analysis placed S. bellae within a distinct clade alongside Sarcophaga noverca, Sarcophaga rosellei, and Sarcophaga agnata, highlighting its close relationship with other Helicophagella subgenus. The addition of S. bellae provides a medically important species for Iran’s insect fauna, as its potential to cause myiasis and aid in forensic entomology investigations. This study broadens our understanding of Sarcophagidae diversity in western Iran, contributing a valuable baseline for forensic entomology and underscoring the importance of faunistic surveys in previously unexplored regions.
