Gut microbiota variation across generations regarding the diet and life stage in Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Switching of prey from native aphids to non-native mealybugs byHarmonia axyridis is highly influential on its gut microbial community, and this effect is more perceptible in adults than larvae, but this impact tends to diminish over generations. AbstractWe attempt to determine the effect of the dietary switch from a native to non-native prey on the gut microbiota in the predaceous ladybirdHarmonia axyridis larvae and adults and examine how the dietary effect may vary across generations. We fedH. axyridis with different diets, native aphidMegoura japonica (Matsumura) versus non-native mealybugPhenacoccus solenopsis (Tinsley...
Source: Insect Science - January 7, 2024 Category: Biology Authors: Yansong Wang, Ping Gao, Wenquan Qin, Hongran Li, Jie Zheng, Ling Meng, Baoping Li Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

The cluster digging behavior of larvae confers trophic benefits to fitness in insects
Schematic diagram showing that larvae of many insect species engage in cluster digging in the favorite or unfavorite substrates. This collective behavior promotes survival, larval development, and reproductive success, which confers trophic benefits to fitness in insects in nature. AbstractCollective behaviors efficiently impart benefits to a diversity of species ranging from bacteria to humans. Fly larvae tend to cluster and form coordinated digging groups under crowded conditions, yet understanding the rules governing this behavior is in its infancy. We primarily took advantage of theDrosophila model to investigate coope...
Source: Insect Science - January 1, 2024 Category: Biology Authors: Yujie Wu, Qiang Wang, Weikang Yang, Sheng Zhang, Chuan ‐Xi Mao, Nana He, Shaojie Zhou, Chuanming Zhou, Wei Liu Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Ionotropic receptors mediate olfactory learning and memory in Drosophila
Phenylacetaldehyde (an IR84a-responsive aromatic compound) forms LTM with sucrose.Orco1,Ir84aMI00501, andIr8a1 confirm exclusivity of IR84a/IR8a in PAH/SUC conditioning. Results underline the involvement of IRs in facilitating a flexible behavior. AbstractPhenylacetaldehyde (PAH), an aromatic compound, is present in a diverse range of fruits including overripe bananas and prickly pear cactus, the two major host fruits forDrosophila melanogaster. PAH acts as a potent ligand for the ionotropic receptor 84a (IR84a) in the adult fruit fly and it is detected by the IR84a/IR8a heterotetrameric complex. Its role in the male court...
Source: Insect Science - December 20, 2023 Category: Biology Authors: Md Zeeshan Ali, Anushree, Aarif Ahsan, Mohammad Shamsul Ola, Rizwanul Haque, Jawaid Ahsan Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Adenine nucleotide translocase 2 (Ant2) is required for individualization of spermatogenesis of Drosophila melanogaster
A new testis specific geneAnt2 was identified inDrosophila melanogaster. InAnt2-knockdown males, the overall appearance of testis was almost the same with control groups. Further, needle-shaped spermatid nuclei were observed inAnt2-knockdown males, however, most of the spermatid nuclei were scattered, and no mature sperms were observed in seminal vesicle ofAnt2-knockdown testes. Immunofluorescence staining of the testis fromAnt2 RNA interference flies showed that spermatid individualization complexes composed of F-actin cones exhibited a diffuse distribution, and microtubule polyglycylation defect. To further investigate t...
Source: Insect Science - December 19, 2023 Category: Biology Authors: Zhen He, Yang Fang, Fengchao Zhang, Yang Liu, Xinkai Cheng, Jiajia Wang, Dechen Li, Dengsong Chen, Fan Wu Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

The olfactory system of Pieris brassicae caterpillars: from receptors to glomeruli
The chemosensory system of immature insects remains under explored. Here the larval antennae ofPieris brassicae was described. We identified and quantified larval chemosensory genes, stained, and counted all olfactory receptor neurons housed in olfactory sensilla as well as glomeruli in the brain ofP. brassicae. Our results will provide a comprehensive overview of the chemosensory system ofP. brassicae larvae, a widely distributed and economically important butterfly species. AbstractThe olfactory system of adult lepidopterans is among the best described neuronal circuits. However, comparatively little is known about the o...
Source: Insect Science - December 18, 2023 Category: Biology Authors: Qi Wang, Hans M. Smid, Marcel Dicke, Alexander Haverkamp Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Clathrin heavy chain is involved in infection of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus in the host vector Diaphorina citri
(Source: Insect Science)
Source: Insect Science - December 14, 2023 Category: Biology Authors: Lianjie Xie, Xiangdong Zeng, Muhammad Bilal Amir, Xiaojin Zou, Jingfu Yuan, Haizhong Yu, Zhanjun Lu, Wei Chen Tags: LETTER TO THE EDITOR Source Type: research

High ‐efficiency gene editing in Anopheles sinensis using ReMOT control
(Source: Insect Science)
Source: Insect Science - December 11, 2023 Category: Biology Authors: Xiao ‐lin Yang, Xia Ling, Quan Sun, Pin‐pin Qiu, Kai Xiang, Jun‐feng Hong, Shu‐lin He, Jie Chen, Xin Ding, Hai Hu, Zheng‐bo He, Cao Zhou, Bin Chen, Liang Qiao Tags: LETTER TO THE EDITOR Source Type: research

Competitive interactions between invasive fall armyworm and Asian corn borer at intraspecific and interspecific level on the same feeding guild
Fall armyworm (FAW) and Asian corn borer (ACB) have become major pests on maize in China and compete each other on the same feeding guild. More aggressive behavior, stronger intra- and interspecific competition, and higher survival rate were recorded in late FAW instars than in ACB under laboratory. Survival rate and the plant damage when co-infested by both species varied significantly among the sequential combinations under greenhouse and field conditions. AbstractInterspecific competition is an important factor in the population dynamics and geographical distribution of insect populations. Fall armyworm (FAW),Spodoptera...
Source: Insect Science - December 6, 2023 Category: Biology Authors: Jingfei Guo, Jianqin Shi, Hailiang Han, Ivan Rwomushana, Abid Ali, Yeeyee Myint, Zhenying Wang Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

MicroRNA let ‐7 targets BmCDK1 to regulate cell proliferation and endomitosis of silk gland in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
In this study, we elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying of let-7 regulates growth. Identification of differentially expressed genes in response to let-7 knock down revealed enrichment of pathways associated with cell proliferation and DNA replication. let-7 dysregulation affected the cell cycle and proliferation of theBombyx mori cell line BmN. Dual-luciferase and target site mutation assays showed thatBmCDK1 is a direct target gene of let-7, with only 1 binding site on its 3 ′-untranslated region. RNA interference ofBmCDK1 inhibited cell proliferation, but this effect was counteracted by co-transfection with let-...
Source: Insect Science - December 6, 2023 Category: Biology Authors: Wei Wang, Linshengzhe Ji, Xinyuan Jing, Ping Zhao, Qingyou Xia Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Cover Caption
AbstractThe Asian longhorn beetle (ALB),Anoplophora glabripennis, is considered one of the most successful and feared invasive insect species globally. In recent decades, extensive research on ALB has captured the attention of scientists worldwide, leading to investigations into various aspects of its biology and strategies for control and management. These comprehensive explorations have been widely reviewed in China (see pages 1534 –1551). Specifically, the ecological control of ALB involves planting mixtures of preferred and resistant tree species, which has proven effective in preventing outbreaks. The cover photo de...
Source: Insect Science - December 5, 2023 Category: Biology Tags: CONTENTS Source Type: research

Issue Information
(Source: Insect Science)
Source: Insect Science - December 5, 2023 Category: Biology Tags: ISSUE INFORMATION Source Type: research

Highly efficient expression of human extracellular superoxide dismutase (rhEcSOD) with ultraviolet ‐B‐induced damage‐resistance activity in transgenic silkworm cocoons
The present study reports an efficient strategy for producing active rhEcSOD by transgenic silkworms. This strategy demonstrates that the rhEcSOD was successfully synthesized with high expression level and purified from cocoons with potent enzymatic activity against the ultraviolet-B-induced damage, thereby offering an effective alternative for producing the rhEcSOD with enzymatic and biological activities for the biomedical applications. AbstractExtracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD) protects tissues from oxidative stress, and thus is considered as a therapeutic agent for many diseases such as atherosclerosis, hyperte...
Source: Insect Science - November 28, 2023 Category: Biology Authors: Feng Wang, Ri ‐Yuan Wang, De‐Bin Zhong, Ping Zhao, Qing‐You Xia Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Egg ‐associated secretions from the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) activate rice immune responses
In this study, we found that both infestation of rice by gravid BPH female adults and treatment with the EAS elicited a strong and rapid accumulation of jasmonic acid (JA), JA-isoleucine, and hydrogen peroxide in rice. Proteome sequencing of EAS led to 110 proteins being identified and 55 proteins with 2 or more unique peptides. These findings point to novel proteins affecting interactions between planthoppers and rice during oviposition. AbstractThe brown planthopper (BPH,Nilaparvata lugens) is a notorious sap-sucking insect pest that damages rice (Oryza sativa) plants throughout Asia. During BPH feeding, saliva enters ri...
Source: Insect Science - November 27, 2023 Category: Biology Authors: Jing Li, Shuai Li, Jing Li, Xinyang Tan, Zhichang Zhao, Lei Jiang, Ary A. Hoffmann, Jichao Fang, Rui Ji Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

The temporal –spatial expression and functional analysis of three gustatory receptor genes in Solenopsis invicta using sweet and bitter compounds
This study first identified stimulant and deterrent compounds of fire ant workers and then the GRs involved in the taste recognition of these compounds. This study could provide potential target gustatory genes for the control of the fire ant. (Source: Insect Science)
Source: Insect Science - November 27, 2023 Category: Biology Authors: Muhammad Irfan Waris, Yanyuan Lei, Guojun Qi, Ziying Guan, Abdul Rashied, Jie Chen, Lihua Lyu Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research

Odorant receptor orthologues from moths display conserved responses to cis ‐jasmone
AbstractIn insects, the odorant receptor (OR) multigene family evolves by the birth-and-death evolutionary model, according to which the OR repertoire of each species has undergone specific gene gains and losses depending on their chemical environment, resulting in taxon-specific OR lineage radiations with different sizes in the phylogenetic trees. Despite the general divergence in the gene family across different insect orders, the ORs in moths seem to be genetically conserved across species, clustered into 23 major clades containing multiple orthologous groups with single-copy gene from each species. We hypothesized that...
Source: Insect Science - November 27, 2023 Category: Biology Authors: Xiao ‐Qing Hou, Zhongqiang Jia, Dan‐Dan Zhang, Guirong Wang Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research