A new subgenus, Carinotiphia, of the genus Tiphia Fabricius, 1775 (Hymenoptera: Tiphiidae: Tiphiinae) is erected with Tiphia (C.) notialis sp. nov. designated as the type species of Carinotiphia based on the anteriorly transverse keel on T1. The taxonomic descriptions and diagnosis of three new species within the subgenus are presented as follows: Tiphia (Carinotiphia) nigriseta sp. nov., T. (C.) notialis sp. nov., and T. (C.) transversisulcata sp. nov. Detailed morphological illustrations, including high-resolution images of diagnostic characters, are provided to facilitate species identification. The following species are transferred to Carinoand T. (C.) hispanica Dusmet, 1930. Additionally, an original key to all recognized species of Carinotiphia subgen. nov. is proposed. All type specimens of the new species are deposited at Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China (CQNU). Some discussion on the placement of Tiphia (Carinotiphia) is also given.

The wasps of Rhynchium exemplify solitary vespid predators controlling Lepidopteran pests through venom-mediated paralysis, with their venom possessing significant medicinal potential. As dominant models within the species-rich subfamily Eumeninae representing 70% of Vespidae diversity, they provide critical insights into sociality evolution and biocontrol mechanisms. To boost research on Vespidae, we used PacBio long-read, short-read RNA-seq (Illumina) and Hi-C scaffolding technologies to create a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly for Rhynchium brunneum, an important solitary insect. We obtained a 328.90 Mb assembly with a Scaffold N50 size of 15.98 Mb. We detected 96.2% Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologues (BUSCO) in the genome assembly, which contains 51.77% repetitive sequences and has 12,999 protein-coding genes annotated. In R. brunneum, we identified 173 gene expansions and 274 genes that underwent contraction or loss. The high-quality genome of R. brunneum provides a valuable genetic resource for future research in evolution, molecular biology, and applied studies.

The solitary predatory wasp Rhynchium brunneum is an important natural enemy of lepidopteran pests. In the present study, we systematically identified its chemosensory gene families, comprising 11 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), 9 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 147 odorant receptors (ORs), 21 gustatory receptors (GRs) and 28 ionotropic receptors (IRs). Multiple sequence alignment confirmed that OBPs and CSPs contain conserved cysteines motifs. Further alignment analysis revealed that certain genes within the GR family form high similarity clusters (up to 81%) on the same chromosome, indicative of recent tandem duplications. The IR family displays a dispersed similarity gradient (31–87%) and the OR family shows a broader spectrum (18–78%), suggesting a composite history of both recent and ancient duplication events. Phylogenetic and selection pressure analyses indicated that OBPs and CSPs are highly conserved within the Eumeninae, whereas ORs, GRs, and IRs have undergone lineage-specific expansions. All orthologous gene pairs shared with the social wasp Vespa mandarinia are subject to purifying selection (Ka/Ks < 1), consistent with evolutionary constraint. Numerous species-specific genes were also detected. The observed patterns suggest the hypotheses about ecological adaptations such as specific prey pheromones, location of suitable nesting sites, and so on. Resolving these relative contributions will require broader taxon sampling and functional validation assays. These results in the present study provide a genomic resource for chemosensory gene characterization in Vespidae and a foundation for future olfactory-based pest management strategies.

Aedini, the largest tribe within the Culicidae family, includes a large number of taxonomically complex assemblages. Despite decades of extensive research, their phylogeny remains unresolved owing to conflicting signals in traditional classifications and molecular data. In this study, we sequenced and annotated the mitogenomes sequences of 10 species from Aedini. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the mitogenomes from 52 species, we investigated the key features including gene composition, AT-bias, length variation, codon usage bias, and phylogenetic relationships within the tribe. The findings reveal that the mitogenomic characteristics in Aedini are consistent with those of other species within the Culicidae family. However, the traditional genus Aedes displays a highly complex phylogenetic structure. Several genera, especially Armigeres, Haemagogus, and Heizmannia, are phylogenetically embedded within the traditional Aedes clade and form a closely related sister group, which highlighting the limitations of the traditional classification system. This study verified the rationality of elevating many subgenera or groups to genera rank of traditional Aedes, which better reflects Aedini evolutionary history, and provides a robust dataset for future taxonomic research. However, the relationship of its classification still needs to be further explored by adding more representative species.

The binary CRISPR/Cas9 system deployed through crosses of transgenic lines facilitates efficient mutagenesis, but its application in non-model insects remains limited by the scarcity of validated species-specific regulatory elements. In the malaria vector Anopheles sinensis, we screened three germline-biased promoters ( Asvasa2, Aszpg, Asnanos) for Cas9 expression, and found that Asvasa2 drove the highest editing efficiency with respect to target site mutagenesis. For gRNA transcription, comparative analysis identified AsU6-1 as the most active of four endogenous U6 promoters. Crossing stable transgenic lines harboring these components yielded F 1 progeny with complete germline editing penetrance at the Aswhite locus, a phenotype inherited in the F 2 generation. Quantitative sequencing of F 1 ovaries confirmed near-saturation (>99%) targeted mutagenesis using the optimal Asvasa2/ AsU6-1 combination, whereas alternative promoters showed markedly lower mutagenesis efficiency. Functional validation through knockout of Asdsx- F, a key sex differentiation regulator, efficiently induced complete female-to-male sexual reversal and sterility. This study provides a foundational genetic toolkit for genome engineering in this vector species, as well as an effective reference for binary transgenic manipulation in non-model insects.

BACKGROUND:Olfactory detection of host odors is fundamental to mosquito host-seeking behavior. Although the olfactory pathways of model species such as Anopheles gambiae have been well characterized, the molecular basis of human odor detection in Anopheles sinensis, an important malaria vector in Asia with opportunistic feeding habits, remains poorly understood. This study systematically investigates the functional role of the odorant-binding protein AsOBP21f in this process. METHODS:AsOBP21f was cloned and characterized using bioinformatics, quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR), and phylogenetic analyses. Recombinant AsOBP21f protein was expressed and purified for fluorescence competitive binding assays with 35 human odorants. Molecular docking was performed to elucidate ligand-binding interactions. Electroantennogram (EAG) recordings and behavioral assays were conducted to evaluate mosquito responses to high-affinity ligands. RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown was used to assess the functional role of AsOBP21f in host-seeking and blood-feeding behavior. RESULTS:AsOBP21f was predominantly expressed in olfactory tissues of mosquito females, including the antennae and proboscis. Its protein exhibited notable selectivity for hydrophobic odor molecules with C10-C15 carbon chains, and had strong binding affinities for methyl tridecanoate, dodecanal, decanal, and pentadecanoic acid. Behavioral experiments further demonstrated dose-dependent effects of these ligands; methyl tridecanoate showed significant attraction, while dodecanal exhibited clear repellency. RNAi-mediated silencing of AsOBP21f significantly reduced the antennal electrophysiological response of mosquito females to host odors and markedly decreased blood-feeding success. CONCLUSIONS:These results highlight the role of AsOBP21f in host-seeking behavior through the detection of human odors, such as methyl tridecanoate, in An. sinensis, providing a potential target for malaria control.

Lagria (Lagria) conasp. nov. is described from Cona City, Xizang, China. Key diagnostic characters include the bicolour elytra, meso- and metatibiae finely serrate in distal half, and the shape of the aedeagus. A checklist of Lagriini from Mêdog County is also presented.

In this study, the genus Cyanotiphia Cameron, 1907 of the subfamily Tiphiinae is newly recorded from China and reviewed. One new species named C. breviclypeola Feng, Chen & Li, sp. nov. from Chongqing (China) is described and illustrated in detail, and C. fenchihuensis (Tsuneki, 1986), comb. nov. (China: Taiwan and Guangdong) is transferred from Tiphia (Punctotiphia). An original key to all the known species of the genus is given.

Diptera comprises more than 154,000 described species, representing approximately 10–12% of insects. Members have successfully colonized all continents and a wide range of habitats. However, higher-level phylogenetic relationships within Diptera have remained ambiguous. Mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) have been used as valuable molecular markers for resolving phylogenetic issues. To explore the effect of such markers in solving the higher-level phylogenetic relationship of Diptera, we sequenced and annotated the mitogenomes of 25 species, combined with 180 mitogenomes from 33 superfamilies of dipteran insects to conduct a phylogenetic analysis based on the PCGsrRNA and PCGs12rRNA datasets using IQ-TREE under the partition model. The phylogenetic analysis failed to recover the monophyly of the two suborders Nematocera and Brachycera. Two of six infraorders within the Nematocera—Tipulomorpha and Ptychopteromorpha—were monophyletic. The ancestral Deuterophlebiidae were a strongly supported sister group of all remaining Diptera, but Anisopodidae, as the closest relative of Brachycera, received only weak support. Three of four infraorders within Branchycera—Tabanomorpha, Xylophagomorpha, and Stratiomyomorpha—were, respectively, supported as a monophyletic clade, except Muscomorpha due to the strong long-branch attraction between Cecidomyiidae and Nycteribiidae. The inferred infraordinal relationships followed the topology Tabanomorpha + (Xylophagomorpha + (Stratiomyomorpha + Muscomorpha)). However, the proposed topology lacks strong statistical support, suggesting alternative relationships remain plausible. Based on mitogenome data alone, we infer that Diptera originated earlier than the Late Triassic at 223.43 Mya (95% highest posterior density [HPD] 166.60–272.02 Mya) and the earliest brachyeran Diptera originated in the mid-Jurassic (171.61 Mya).

Four new species of the genus Donaciolagria Pic, 1914 are described: Donaciolagria loongi sp. nov., Donaciolagria quanyui sp. nov., Donaciolagria xui sp. nov. from China, and Donaciolagria qiuae sp. nov. from Vietnam. The habitus and the aedeagus of all new species are illustrated. In addition, faunistic data are updated for four known species, Donaciolagria basipes Pic, 1927, Donaciolagria longipennis Pic, 1914, Donaciolagria medvedevi Merkl, 2019 new to China, Donaciolagria evanescens Telnov, 2022 new to Chongqing, China.

The species of the genus Rhynchium Spinola are important natural insect control resources and widespread in the Old World. Due to the various color patterns of several species in China, it is difficulty to accurately classify and identify the genus. We combined their morphology with population genetic differentiation, phylogenetic relationship and geographical distribution to delimitate the species of Rhynchium from China. Within the genus, more than 600 pinned specimens were examined and a total of 37 whole genomes were analyzed, of which 35 were newly sequenced. Firstly, COI sequences, 13 PCGs and 2 rRNAs sequences of the mitochondrial genomes, USCO nucleotide matrix of 90% completeness (USCO90_fna), and USCO amino acid matrix of 90% completeness (USCO90_faa) were extracted from the whole-genome data. Then, genetic distances were calculated using the COI sequences, and ABGD species delimitation analysis identified three valid species. By integrating the four phylogenetic trees inferred from the four datasets and morphological analysis, the specimens of Rhynchium from China were recognized as R. carnaticum (newly recorded), R. quinquecinctum, and R. brunneum; the last is the most widely distributed in China, while the remaining two only occur in Hainan and Yunnan, respectively, markedly different from previous records. Finally, it is interesting that color patterns of the species R. brunneum seem to closely relate to the geographical distribution, embodying two different modes in the South and the North of China, as well as a transitional state in the middle. The roles of the color patterns are still not resolved and their underlying evolutionary mechanisms need further exploration.

Carboxylesterases (CCEs) have been demonstrated to be involved in pyrethroid resistance in insect species. This study aims to investigate CCE-mediated resistance mechanisms in Anopheles sinensis, a major malaria vector. Through comparative transcriptomics of a deltamethrin-resistant strain (CQ-LR) versus susceptible strain (WX-LS) of An. sinensis, we identified differentially expressed CCE genes across five developmental stages, five tissues, and three time points post-blood-meal. Four candidate genes (AsAe9, AsAe10, AsAce2, AsUn5) showed significantly upregulated expression. Subsequent qRT-PCR validation across four field-derived resistant strains (WX-LR, AH-LR, YH-LR, CQ-LR) and the susceptible strain confirmed significant upregulation of AsAe9, AsAe10, AsAce1, AsAce2, and AsBe4 in more than two resistant populations. RNAi-based functional validation showed that silencing AsAe10 or AsBe4 in the WX-LR strain significantly decreased knockdown time and raised 24 h mortality upon diagnostic deltamethrin exposure, with AsAe10 silencing having the strongest effect. This study identifies CCE genes involved in deltamethrin resistance in An. sinensis, providing valuable insights into the resistance mechanisms of pyrethroid and a theoretical basis for mosquito resistance management.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.12.010.].

In this paper one new species, namely Polistes (Polistella) motuoensis Xiao, Chen & Li, sp. nov., from Xizang (China) is described and illustrated in detail. In addition, the following nine species, P. (P.) adsimilis Nguyen & Carpenter, 2016, P. (P.) brunetus Nguyen & Kojima, 2014, P. (P.) caobangensis Nguyen, 2020, P. (P.) communalis Nguyen, Vu & Carpenter, 2017, P. (P.) curcipunctum Nguyen, Kojima & Saito, 2011, P. (P.) dawnae Dover & Rao, 1922, P. (P.) delhiensis Das & Gupta, 1989, P. (P.) horrendus Gusenleitner, 2006, and P. (P.) tenebris Nguyen & Lee, 2017 are newly recorded from China. An updated key to the Chinese species of the subgenus Polistella is provided.

Phyllotreta striolata (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is one of the most damaging pests affecting vegetables. This pest feeds on the leaves and roots of Brassicaceae plants during their adult and larval stages, respectively, resulting in substantial economic losses. The laboratory-rearing methods for P. striolata and its life-history parameters have not been fully studied. This study developed a laboratory method for the generational rearing of P. striolata, including techniques for egg collection and rearing immature individuals, which allows for the continuous observation and collection of individuals at various developmental stages. This method established five F1 populations and three consecutive generations of P. striolata from various field-collected parent populations. During the rearing process, developmental durations and survival rates at four stages of P. striolata were acquired, confirming the method’s effectiveness. The female ratio, tibia length of the hind leg, and fluctuating asymmetry of adults in three of the five F1 populations were measured to assess P. striolata’s adaptability to the rearing conditions. The established laboratory-rearing method and life-history parameters of P. striolata could potentially contribute to research in its ecology, population dynamics prediction, and pest management.

Genetic modification via gene editing has become a widely adopted and demonstrably effective method in functional gene research within entomology. However, the optimal efficiency and simplicity of delivering exogenous guide RNA-clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein 9 complexes into target tissues are crucial for successful gene editing. The Receptor-Mediated Ovary Transduction of Cargo (ReMOT) strategy, which simplifies the delivery process, target-site selection, technical requirements, and delivery cost compared with embryonic microinjection, enabling efficient editing at the germline level, is gaining increasing attention. Although the feasibility and advantages of this technique have been demonstrated in various insect species, further optimization of operational details and the overcoming of further bottlenecks are still required. This review focuses on advances in developing ReMOT as a valuable technology, exploring its applicability, rationale for selecting the ovary as a delivery target site, factors influencing its efficiency, and improvement recommendations. The versatility and effectiveness of ReMOT make it a promising method for researchers looking to make precise genetic modifications with greater ease and efficiency.

GenusMegaodynerusGusenleitner, 2012 Megaodynerus Gusenleitner, 2012: 1048; Bai et al. 2021: 388. Type species. Megaodynerus maximus Gusenleitner, 2012, by subsequent designation of Gusenleitner 2013: 127. Diagnosis. This genus is notable for its large size, such as female 16.2–18.0 mm and male 10.5–11.4 mm (Figs 2, 3) (fig. 7 in Gusenleitner 2012; fig. 77 in Bai et al. 2021). It is related to the genus Symmorphus (Bai et al. 2021), sharing with the latter by elongate body (Figs 2, 3), mesoscutum posteriorly with two deep longitudinal furrows (Fig. 8), and dorsal surface of T 1 with a longitudinal furrow medially (Fig. 11). The clypeus of both female and male resembles that of genus Orancistrocerus with a broad clypeus, apex wider than the distance between the inner margins of two antennal sockets (Figs 4, 7). The genus can be separated from the related genus by the following character combination: large body, T 1 (Fig. 11) elongate, slightly wider than long (about 1.3 times) and obviously narrower than T 2, anteriorly without transverse raised carina, the transition between anterior and dorsal surfaces round, S 1 with fine striae at narrow part, and A 13 of male recurved, forming a hook-like structure (Fig. 9). Distribution. China (Fujian, Hunan and Anhui) and Laos (Fig. 1).

The little-known subgenus Lagria (Lagriella) Borchmann, 1916 is characterized by pronounced sexual dimorphism, notably manifested in apterous females. In this paper, the Asian species of Lagria (Lagriella) are reviewed, including three known species, Lagria (Lagriella) bimarginata Fairmaire, 1896, L. (Lagriella) andrewesi Borchmann, 1916, L. (Lagriella) mima Borchmann, 1916, and the newly described L. (Lagriella) cordata sp. nov. from Guangxi, Guizhou, Hong Kong, Hunan, China. The new species represents the first record of the subgenus in China. Lectotypes are designated for L. (Lagriella) andrewesi and L. (Lagriella) mima. Habitus images, key diagnostic characters, ecological habitats of the new species, and type habitus of three known Asian species are documented. An identification key to the four Asian species is also provided.

Tuberstira pennis gen. et sp. nov., a new genus and species within the tribe Lagriini, subtribe Statirina, is described from Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan and Hainan, China. The genus is readily distinguished from all known Lagriini genera by: large eyes, nearly contiguous on the ventral surface; centrally elevated pronotal disc; corrugated elytra, with setigerous tubercles in intervals; coarsely punctate femora; and transversely expanded aedeagal apex in lateral view. The habitus, male genitalia, female genital tube, ovipositor and key diagnostic features are illustrated.

The injection-dry application technique is a proactive technique to prevent Pine wilt disease. The study selected Zhongxian, Banan, Beibei District Jinyun Mountain National Nature Reserve, Wulong, Liangping, Hechuan six districts and counties (units) of the big (ancient) Pine (Pinus massoniana) as the research object, the use of injection of dry application method to clarify the prevention of Pine wilt disease by 2.3% Emamectin Benzoate and 5% abamectin, the use of high performance liquid chromatography determination of the injection of dry application of 180d and High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the residue of Emamectin Benzoate in Pinus sylvestris after 180d and 360d of dry application. The results showed that Emamectin Benzoate and abamectin injection dry application of six districts and counties (units) of Zhongxian, Banan, Beibei District Jinyun Mountain National Nature Reserve, Wulong, Liangping, Hechuan, large (ancient) Pine wilt disease prevention and control effect is significant, the prevention effect of the consecutive 2a have reached more than 99%; In addition, the establishment of the pony pine in the Emamectin Benzoate and abamectin residue detection method, the side branch in the Emamectin Benzoate and abamectin In addition, a method was established to detect the residues of Emamectin Benzoate and abamectin in Pinus sylvestris, and the recoveries of Emamectin Benzoate and abamectin in the lateral branches exceeded 80%, and the analytical methods of Emamectin Benzoate and abamectin met the requirements of residue detection; the highest residue concentrations of Emamectin Benzoate and abamectin in the lateral branches of Pinus sylvestris were 2.93±1.63mg kg-1 and 2.93±0.69mg kg-1, respectively, 180d after injection drying. In the second year, the residue concentrations decreased, and the highest concentrations were more than 1.93±1.4 mg kg-1 and 0.71±0.49 mg kg-1 in the lateral branches of pine trees injected with mevinphos and abamectin, respectively.