Strong resistance to β‐cyfluthrin in a strain of the beetle Alphitobius diaperinus: a de novo transcriptome analysis
An RNA-Seq approach, enhanced by biochemical analyses, established that one of the main reasons for the high resistance to β-cyfluthrin in anAlphitobius diaperinus strain comes from high basal activities for detoxification enzymes. AbstractThe lesser mealworm,Alphitobius diaperinus, is an invasive tenebrionid beetle and a vector of pathogens. Due to the emergence of insecticide resistance and consequent outbreaks that generate significant phytosanitary and energy costs for poultry farmers, it has become a major insect pest worldwide. To better understand the molecular mechanisms behind this resistance, we studied a strain...
Source: Insect Science - April 18, 2024 Category: Biology Authors: Gwenola Gouesbet, David Renault, St éphane A. P. Derocles, Hervé Colinet Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Disruption of Zfh3 abolishes mulberry ‐specific monophagy in silkworm larvae
In this report, we focused on a transcription factor encoded by theZfh3 gene, which is highly expressed in the silkworm central and peripheral nervous systems, including brain, antenna, and maxilla. To investigate its function,Zfh3 was abrogated using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated protein 9 (Cas9) mutagenesis. SinceZfh3 knockout homozygotes are not viable, we studied feeding behavior in heterozygotes, and found that disruption ofZfh3 affects both gustation and olfaction. Mutant larvae lose preference for mulberry leaves, acquire the ability to consume an expanded range...
Source: Insect Science - April 16, 2024 Category: Biology Authors: Yunlong Zou, Wentao Wu, Tianfu Luo, Yuxia Tang, Hai Hu, Aijun Ye, Lifeng Xu, Fangyin Dai, Xiaoling Tong Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Functional types of long trichoid sensilla responding to sex pheromone components in Plutella xylostella
In this study, 3 sex pheromone components from sex pheromone gland secretions ofP. xylostella female adults were identified as Z11-16:Ald, Z11-16:Ac, and Z11-16:OH in a ratio of 9.4 : 100 : 17 using gas chromatography – mass spectrometry and gas chromatography with electroantennographic detection. Electrophysiological responses of 581 and 385 long trichoid sensilla of male adults and female adults, respectively, to the 3 components were measured by single sensillum recording. Hierarchical clustering analysis sh owed that the long trichoid sensilla were of 6 different types. In the male antennae, 52.32%, 5.51%, and 1.89% ...
Source: Insect Science - April 15, 2024 Category: Biology Authors: Xiao ‐Fei Li, Xing‐Tao Qie, Bao‐Tong Mo, Cai‐Feng Wang, Zeng‐Hua Xing, Jin‐Yu Zhao, Chen‐Zhu Wang, Chi Hao, Li Ma, Xi‐Zhong Yan Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

BmATAD3A mediates mitochondrial ribosomal protein expression to maintain the mitochondrial energy metabolism of the silkworm, Bombyx mori
BmATAD3A knockout could inhibit the synthesis of mitochondrial ribosomal protein, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction that affects the mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibits the expression levels of oxidative phosphorylation subunit complexes  I (BmND4,BmND5), III (BmCYTB), IV (BmCOX2) and V (BmATP6), and reduces ATPase activity. AbstractATAD3A is a mitochondrial membrane protein belonging to the ATPase family that contains the AAA+ domain. It is widely involved in mitochondrial metabolism, protein transport, cell growth, development and other important life processes. It has previously been reported that the deletio...
Source: Insect Science - April 15, 2024 Category: Biology Authors: Zhanqi Dong, Nachuan Liao, Yan Luo, Ya Zhang, Liang Huang, Peng Chen, Cheng Lu, Minhui Pan Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Hymenopteran ‐specific TRPA channel from the Texas leaf cutter ant (Atta texana) is heat and cold activated and expression correlates with environmental temperature
Texas leaf cutter ant (Atta texana) populations have expanded northward and their obligate symbiotic fungus has increased cold tolerance. The ants have exquisitely temperature sensitive antennae; here, we find the antennae express a subset of six transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, including HsTRPA. When expressedin vitro, HsTRPA shows activation by both heat and cooling temperature stimuli, withQ10 values>100 on initial activation. The channel shows minimal activity between 20 and 33 °C, which coincides well with behavioral tests showing the ants prefer 24 °C for fungal growth. AbstractLeaf cutting ants of t...
Source: Insect Science - April 12, 2024 Category: Biology Authors: Julia M. York, Timothy N. Taylor, Sarah LaPotin, Ying Lu, Ulrich Mueller Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Cover Caption
AbstractIn the fascinating realm of insect neuroscience, researchers are achieving remarkable breakthroughs by delving into the complexities of the insect brain, which, despite its minuscule size, showcases an astonishing level of complexity. Utilizing the advanced methodology of single-cell RNA-sequencing, scientists are now able to dissect the brain's intricate cellular architecture at an unprecedented resolution. This sophisticated technique reveals the distinct roles individual cells play in governing behaviors such as learning, memory, and social interactions. Through meticulous mapping of various cell types and their...
Source: Insect Science - April 11, 2024 Category: Biology Tags: CONTENTS Source Type: research

Issue Information
(Source: Insect Science)
Source: Insect Science - April 11, 2024 Category: Biology Tags: ISSUE INFORMATION Source Type: research

A review on recent taxonomic updates of gut bacteria associated with social bees, with a curated genomic reference database
Social corbiculate bees harbor relatively simple microbial communities at the phylotypes level, however, genetic diversification is prevalent below phylotypes, i.e. at the species or strain level. Additionally, the genetic diversity and gene repertoires of bacterial isolates vary substantial between host species. This diverse gut microbiota exerts multifaceted effects on the host, such as diet digestion, nutrient provision, pathogen resistance, immune modulation, endocrine signaling, among others. In particular, the gut microbiota is primarily responsible for the digestion and fermentation of dietary carbohydrates, includi...
Source: Insect Science - April 10, 2024 Category: Biology Authors: Chengfeng Yang, Jiawei Hu, Qinzhi Su, Zijing Zhang, Yating Du, Jieni Wang, Huihui Sun, Benfeng Han, Junbo Tang, Lizhen Guo, Hu Li, Wanzhi Cai, Hao Zheng, Xin Zhou, Xue Zhang Tags: REVIEW Source Type: research

Accessory gland protein regulates pairing process and oviposition in the subterranean termite Reticulitermes chinensis after swarming
Accessory gland protein (ACP) experiences significant changes in succinylation and acetylation levels after termite swarming. We have discovered that ACP can regulate the termite pairing process through succinylation and acetylation modification. Bioinformatics analysis shows that impact of ACP on termite pairing process and oviposition is achieved through mediating a part of the β-alanine metabolism pathway. AbstractSwarming and pairing behaviors are significant to population dispersal of termites. Tandem running is a key process in pairing behavior of dealates to find a mate. Succinylation can lead to significant change...
Source: Insect Science - April 5, 2024 Category: Biology Authors: Yutong Liu, Fei Zhang, Ali Hassan, Xuguo Zhou, Qiuying Huang Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Systematic analysis of innate immune ‐related genes in the silkworm: Application to antiviral research
This study contributes to the broader understanding of insect immune responses and opens up new avenues for future investigations in the domain of host –pathogen interactions. (Source: Insect Science)
Source: Insect Science - April 4, 2024 Category: Biology Authors: Junming Xia, Ruoxuan Peng, Shigang Fei, Mian Muhammad Awais, Wenxuan Lai, Yigui Huang, Hailin Wu, Yue Yu, Lingying Liang, Luc Swevers, Jingchen Sun, Min Feng Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

A comprehensive framework for the delimitation of species within the Bemisia tabaci cryptic complex, a global pest ‐species group
The performance of molecular phylogenetic trees derived from complete mitogenomes, single-copy nuclear genes, genome-represented single nucleotide polymorphisms, geographical range, and host plants was assessed in the classification ofBemisia tabaci species, as determined by reproductive compatibility datasets. Ultimately, a model is proposed for comprehending and disentangling the cryptic species complexes, drawing upon evidence from this investigation and previously published literature. AbstractIdentifying cryptic species poses a substantial challenge to both biologists and naturalists due to morphological similarities....
Source: Insect Science - April 2, 2024 Category: Biology Authors: Hua ‐Ling Wang, Teng Lei, Xiao‐Wei Wang, Stephen Cameron, Jesús Navas‐Castillo, Yin‐Quan Liu, M. N. Maruthi, Christopher A. Omongo, Hélène Delatte, Kyeong‐Yeoll Lee, Renate Krause‐Sakate, James Ng, Susan Seal, Elvira Fiallo‐O Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

miR ‐2940‐1 is involved in the circadian regulation of oviposition in Aedes albopictus
Aedes albopictus females exhibit oviposition rhythms that are controlled by an endogenous clock, regulated by the zeitgeber of light. Antagomir-mediated knockdown of the rhythmically expressedmiR-2940-1 affected the oviposition rhythm. AbstractThe vast majority of all global species have circadian rhythm cycles that allow them to adapt to natural environments. These regular rhythms are regulated by core clock genes and recent studies have also implicated roles for microRNAs in this regulation. Oviposition is an important circadian behavior in the reproductive cycle of insect vectors of diseases, and little is known about t...
Source: Insect Science - April 1, 2024 Category: Biology Authors: Xiaolin Xiao, Ling Kong, Zhensheng Xie, Hongkai Liu, Lijun Cai, Siyu Zhao, Jiayong Zhou, Shuang Liu, Jing Wu, Yiming Wu, Peilin Wu, Anthony A. James, Xiao ‐Guang Chen Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Comprehensive toxicity assessment of nanodiamond on Blaps polychresta: implications and novel findings
After a single application of nanodiamond suspension, chronic adverse effects were identified, showing molecular, physiological, biochemical, structural, and ultrastructural abnormalities in the midgut, testis, and ovary ofBlaps polychresta over a 30-d period. AbstractWith the increasing development of nanomaterials, the use of nanodiamonds (NDs) has been broadly manifested in many applications. However, their high penetration into the ecosystem indubitably poses remarkable toxicological risks. This paper investigates the toxic effects of NDs on the darkling beetle,Blaps polychresta Forskal, 1775 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae...
Source: Insect Science - March 27, 2024 Category: Biology Authors: Marwa Saad, Nabila Selim, Lamia M. El ‐Samad Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Geographic variation in larval cold tolerance and exposure across the invasion front of a widely established forest insect
In this study, we measured variation in cold temperature tolerance of early instar larvae of an invasive forest insect,Lymantria dispar dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), using populations sourced from a range of climates within the current introduced range in the Eastern United States. We tested for population differences in chill coma recovery (CCR) by measuring recovery time following a period of exposure to a nonlethal cold temperature in 2 cold exposure experiments. A 3rd experiment quantified growth responses after CCR to evaluate sublethal effects. Our results indicate that cold tolerance is linked to regional clima...
Source: Insect Science - March 23, 2024 Category: Biology Authors: Petra Hafker, Lily M. Thompson, Jonathan A. Walter, Dylan Parry, Kristine L. Grayson Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Fasting as a precursor to high ‐fat diet enhances mitochondrial resilience in Drosophila melanogaster
In this study, we exposed maleDrosophila melanogaster to two modulated dietary treatments: one without a fasting period before exposure to a high-fat diet and the other with a 24-h fasting period. We then investigated mitochondrial metabolism and molecular responses to these treatments. Exposure to a high-fat diet without a preceding fasting period resulted in disrupted mitochondrial respiration, notably at the level of complex I. On the other hand, a short fasting period before the high-fat diet maintained mitochondrial respiration. Generally, transcript abundance of genes associated with mitophagy, heat-shock proteins, m...
Source: Insect Science - March 22, 2024 Category: Biology Authors: Florence Hunter ‐Manseau, Simon B. Cormier, Rebekah Strang, Nicolas Pichaud Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research