The development of beekeeping in Ecuador has generated the need to strengthen the bee health program. Research on the main pathogens responsible for diseases like nosemosis, which can severely impact bee health, is of special interest. This study aims to identify the Nosema apis and/or Nosema ceranae species infecting honey bee colonies located in the northern Andean region of Ecuador using multiplex PCR targeting the RNA polymerase II gene (RPB1), and the phylogenetic analysis of N. ceranae based on the 16 S rRNA gene sequences. Among the 164 honey bee samples collected from colonies in the provinces of Carchi, Imbabura, and Pichincha, the prevalence of Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae was 14.63% and 21.34%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that N. ceranae from Ecuador is closely related to the sequences from Argentina and Brazil. These findings provide the first molecular confirmation of N. ceranae in Ecuador and support the need for molecular monitoring of honey bee pathogens in the region.

Scoliidae are fossorial aculeate wasps (Hymenoptera: Apocrita) whose larvae develop as parasitoids of beetle grubs, mainly from the family Scarabaeidae. Despite their distinctive appearance and economic importance, the taxonomy and biology of Scoliidae are less well understood compared to other Hymenoptera. Recently, a new species of Scoliidae, Dielis tejensis Szafr., was described based on about a dozen male specimens from Texas (Nearctic realm). This article reports on mtDNA-verified discovery of the female D. tejensis. As in the case of other members of the tribe Campsomerini, D. tejensis exhibits strong sexual dimorphism in body structure and color pattern. Females of D. tejensis most closely resemble Dielis plumipes (Drury) and were previously confused with D. plumipes fossulana (Fabr.), with which D. tejensis is partially sympatric. D. tejensis has more than one generation per year, characterized by a male-biased sex ratio, perhaps resulting from the female immature stages entering a state of aestivation. The multi-generational developmental cycle of D. tejensis correlates with the existence of a partial seasonal polyphenism in this species. The data presented also shows a similarity in the distribution ranges of D. tejensis and one of its main nectaring plants, Hymenopappus artemisiifolius DC (Asteraceae), that may suggest similarity in the environmental requirements of both organisms or specialized trophic relationship between the still-unknown beetle host of the wasp larvae and H. artemisiifolius or another plant with a similar range. D. tejensis has been included in the accordingly modified key to the Nearctic species of Dielis Sauss. & Sichel, which is also presented here.

Morphological characters of beetles can differ greatly, even within a single species, necessitating the integration of molecular techniques and ecological data for accurate taxonomical delineation, particularly within taxonomically challenging groups. Chrysobothris, a world-distributed genus of considerable size with a homonymy rate exceeding 1/5, frequently presents ambiguities in species boundaries. In this research, a series of Chrysobothris specimens collected from southern China were segregated into four sharply contrasting external morphotypes. A taxonomic ambiguity was initially posed: whether they represented several species, intraspecific polymorphism within a single species, or geographic/intraspecific variants of the similar species Chrysobothris violacea Kerremans, 1892. COI barcoding and phylogenetic analyses supported the conspecificity of these morphotypes and confirmed their distinction from C. violacea at the species level. Based on integrated evidence, we describe these specimens as Chrysobothris borealina Huang, Wu & Song, sp. nov., provide diagnostic characters with illustrations, and compare the new species with C. violacea. The species occurs in mid- to high-elevation pine and pine-broadleaf mixed forests and differs from C. violacea in both elevational range and phenology, indicating potential ecological differentiation. Additionally, we document a rare instance of a nymphal parasitengone mite (cf. Erythraeidae) attached to one female specimen.

Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is notorious for its wide host range, serious damage caused, and the difficulties involved in controlling it. Populus deltoides 'Shalinyang' (PdS) has demonstrated a strong inhibitory effect on the larval growth and the adult lifespan of A. glabripennis and can be used as an "attract-and-kill" tree in mixed shelterbelt construction. However, how A. glabripennis react to this resistant poplar remains unclear. This research employed transcriptomics techniques to study transcriptional responses in the midgut of A. glabripennis after consuming PdS, Elaeagnus angustifolia L. (EA), and Salix matsudana Koidz (SM), respectively. One of the key findings revealed that the PIK3-Akt signaling pathway was suppressed in A. glabripennis feeding on PdS compared with those feeding on EA or SM. Further RNA interference results demonstrated that silencing the AglaAkt gene significantly decreased the levels of AKT, phospho-AKT, vitellogenin, vitellogenin receptor, and vitellin in A. glabripennis. Therefore, we speculate that the AglaAkt gene may be an underlying target gene that causes the low reproductive capacity of A. glabripennis when feeding on PdS. This finding provides important insights into the role of the AglaAkt gene in mediating the reproductive development in A. glabripennis and its molecular response to the resistant poplar.

This study presents a two-stage, mechanics-based method for optimizing vibratory sorting machine of adult crickets for post-harvest size grading. In the first stage, the static coefficient of friction (COF) was measured for three cricket size classes across seven tray surface conditions to quantify cricket-substrate interactions relevant to vibratory transport. COF varied significantly with both morphology and surface microtexture (p < 0.0001), with intermediate roughness levels generating higher friction than smooth or highly rough surfaces. In the second stage, a factorial experiment evaluated the effects of oscillating speed (300-350 rpm), tray inclination (2°-3°), and surface roughness (G0-G5) on sorting efficiency, throughput, batch sorting time, and specific energy consumption (SEC). All main factors and most interactions significantly influenced sorting performance (p < 0.0001). The optimal operating condition-350 rpm, 2° inclination, and G2 roughness-achieved 95% sorting accuracy, 39 crickets·min-1 throughput, and the lowest SEC (0.37 Wh·cricket-1). The results demonstrate that friction-vibration coupling governs cricket transport on vibrating surfaces and provide an engineering framework for designing scalable, energy-efficient sorting systems for insect rearing and processing.

Zeugodacus tau (Walker) is a major invasive pest that targets cucurbitaceous plants and other economically significant crops, causing substantial yield and quality losses. The pest's method of infesting the fruit, however, limits the efficacy of conventional chemical control strategies. This study comprehensively evaluates the insecticidal efficacy of seven insecticides from two key classes-macrolides and neonicotinoids-against various developmental stages of Z. tau. Additionally, it investigates the distribution and degradation patterns of pesticide residues on sponge gourd. Laboratory toxicity tests showed notable differences in sensitivity among the three pest stages. Larvae were the most sensitive to insecticides, followed by adults, with eggs being relatively resistant. Four macrolide insecticides showed high activity against both adults and larvae, while three neonicotinoids displayed low activity against eggs, larvae, and adults of Z. tau. Field residue trials using common recommended dosages demonstrated rapid degradation of pesticide residues on sponge gourd, with residue levels dropping below the national maximum residue limits (MRLs) within 2 to 24 h after application. Further results indicated that pesticide residues accumulated mainly on the peel, with low or undetectable levels in the flesh. Among the macrolide insecticides, residues were nearly undetectable, whereas neonicotinoids, due to their systemic nature, sometimes showed trace residues in the fruit flesh. Oviposition hole measurements revealed an average depth of 0.57 ± 0.29 cm, just beneath the skin, with the hole's structure effectively protecting the eggs laid by females. Based on the comprehensive analysis of insecticide toxicity and residue degradation, control strategies should primarily target adults. Macrolide insecticides, which have low residue risks and high efficacy against both adults and larvae, are recommended as the preferred option for management. This study, considering the unique damage characteristics of Z. tau, offers valuable insights into chemical control strategies, focusing on insecticide sensitivity at different life stages, residue distribution, and degradation, providing important references for the scientific use of pesticides and the optimization of pest management approaches.

Parasitoid wasps are among the most effective and ecologically sound natural enemies used in biological control programs [...].

DHX8 encodes a DEAH-box RNA helicase, an ATP-dependent enzyme that plays essential roles in RNA metabolism, including pre-mRNA splicing, transcription, and mRNA decay. Although DHX8 dysfunction has been linked with developmental abnormalities and disease pathogenesis in multiple model organisms, its biological functions in Lepidoptera, particularly in the silkworm Bombyx mori, remain unknown. To investigate the developmental role of B. mori DHX8 (BmDHX8), we generated knockout mutants using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. Genome sequencing confirmed frameshift mutations in the BmDHX8 locus. BmDHX8 mutants exhibited severe developmental defects such as dramatically reduced body size and premature lethality of silkworm larvae. Molecular characterization suggested systemic dysregulation, as evidenced by decreased triglyceride accumulation, impaired mTOR signaling activity, and increased aberrant splicing events. Therefore, these results indicate that loss of BmDHX8 is associated with aberrant splicing and alterations in lipid homeostasis and mTOR signaling pathways, potentially contributing to developmental defects. Taken together, our study offers an initial functional knockout analysis of BmDHX8 in regulating larval development in silkworms.

The cotton fleahopper (Pseudatomoscelis seriatus (Reuter)) is an early-season hemipteran plant bug pest of cotton. In transgenic cotton cultivars, Bt event Mpp51Aa2 (Cry51Aa2) affects some other plant bug species (Hemiptera: Miridae) (we henceforth use the common terminology, stating that these cultivars have the ThryvOn trait). Field experiments were conducted in Corpus Christi, Texas, USA, to evaluate the responses of four cotton cultivars with and without the ThryvOn trait to cotton fleahopper infestations, comparing them with early-season foliar insecticide applications of flupyradifurone. Naturally occurring cotton fleahopper populations rose to the economic threshold midway through the first four weeks of squaring, when cotton plants are most sensitive to feeding injury, in 2024 and later in the same period in 2025. Flupyradifurone application significantly reduced adult and nymph abundance, resulting in reduced square abscission (2025) and yield protection that was consistent across cultivars in 2024 but more variable in 2025. Cultivars expressing the ThryvOn trait exhibited modest and variable reductions in adult cotton fleahopper abundance (~10-30%), occasionally benefiting from reduced square abscission but not protected yield. The open boll ratio, used to assess maturity delay, was not affected by cultivar or cotton fleahopper pressure. These results indicate that ThryvOn cultivars may provide limited supplemental benefits but do not replace or enhance the effectiveness of flupyradifurone for cotton fleahopper management.

The genus Phanerotoma Wesmael, 1838 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Cheloninae, Phane- rotomini) is distributed across all six major zoogeographical regions, with the highest species diversity recorded in the Palaearctic Region. DNA barcoding provides a robust method for species identification, yet its effectiveness for the genus Phanerotoma is limited by the scarcity of reliable, species-level data from specific regions in public databases. This gap makes it essential to contribute comprehensive genetic resources to advance taxonomic research. This study presents a comprehensive COI dataset of 92 sequences for the genus Phanerotoma, employing both the Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) method for species delimitation and the bPTP model for phylogenetic inference. The integrated analytical approach revealed 18 distinct species, including five new species; all species new to science are described and illustrated, and updates of the most recent key to the Chinese species are included.