Abstract The insect cuticle is a dynamic physiological interface that integrates structural and chemical traits to mediate interactions with the environment. In the polyphagous whitefly Aleurodicus dispersus , reproduction involves the deposition of eggs in wax‐embedded spirals, yet the physiological coordination of these surface traits across life‐history transitions remains poorly understood. This study integrates developmental morphometrics, host‐resolved behavioural assays and gas‐chromatographic profiling of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) to examine the functional organisation of the A. dispersus surface. Morphometric analysis revealed pronounced sexual dimorphism and directional asymmetry in sensory and flight structures, with large effect sizes supporting these differences, reflecting sex‐specific physiological investment in dispersal versus fecundity. Oviposition geometry exhibited significant behavioural plasticity, with regular spiral formation declining sharply as a function of infestation age and host‐plant identity, including the occurrence of fragmented and overlapping spiral patterns at later infestation stages. CHC profiles, identified primarily based on retention time comparison with n‐alkane standards (C 8 –C 30 ) and extrapolated retention patterns for longer chains (e.g., C 32 –C 36 ), demonstrated clear developmental structuring, with compound assignments considered putative in the absence of GC–MS confirmation. Mobile feeding stages and adults were dominated by short‐chain hydrocarbons (C 8 –C 10 ), while immobile eggs and pupae selectively accumulated long‐chain compounds (C 27 –C 36 ). Multivariate analyses confirmed a clear chemical separation between life stages based on mobility, indicating systematic developmental reorganisation of surface chemistry. The observed association between hydrocarbon chain length and inferred barrier properties is consistent with established physicochemical principles rather than directly measured functional outcomes, and functional implications should be interpreted cautiously in the absence of direct permeability or water‐loss measurements. These findings provide a physiological framework for understanding how invasive generalist insects may modulate their external interface to support shifting reproductive and survival requirements across the life cycle.

Abstract Flower‐visiting flies are highly diverse and abundant in high‐elevation and latitude regions, where they can be important pollinators. However, the ecology of flower‐visiting Diptera is not well researched. We recorded flower interactions and quantified the pollen loads and diet of a locally abundant Lauxaniid fly, Incurviseta cf. maculifrons (Malloch, 1925), in Kosciuszko National Park, NSW, Australia. We described the mouthpart morphology of I. cf. maculifrons using scanning electron microscope (SEM) images in relation to its pollen diet. I. cf. maculifrons visited 23 plant species at sites above and below the treeline in the Australian alpine during 1500 total minutes of observation. Gut dissections ( n = 32) revealed large quantities of pollen (median = 4118, range = 56–18,296), typically belonging to only one or two plant species per individual fly (mean = 1.59, SD = 0.67). Most flies carried small pollen loads (range = 0–108 grains) on their bodies, made up mostly of pollen from a single plant species (median proportion = 0.7). I. cf. maculifrons had mouthpart features including ‘unfurled pseudotrachea’ and interpseudotracheal sensilla which possibly assist in the manipulation and sensing of pollen. The extent of flower visitation and pollen transport by I. cf. maculifrons suggests it is a potentially important montane Australian pollinator. Future studies should investigate the ecology and anthophilous habits of other Incurviseta species as well as the dual ecosystem services by other anthophilous Diptera and their larvae to better understand how disturbances to plant‐pollinator communities will impact ecosystem processes in high‐latitude and elevation regions.

Abstract Maternally transmitted bacterial symbionts can induce cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) in host arthropods. In CI, symbionts cause toxic effects in sperm and kill embryos unless they are rescued by an antidote of maternal origin provided by the symbionts. Thus, uninfected females seldom produce offspring by mating with infected males. Different species or strains of CI‐inducing bacterial symbionts may coinfect in a single host. It has been known that some CI‐inducing symbionts induce CI in singly infected hosts, but not when coinfection occurs. However, the mechanisms of this phenomenon are still unknown. In this study, we found that coconut hispine beetles ( Brontispa longissima ) in Japan were infected with Mesenetia , Wolbachia or both. Crossing tests revealed that Mesenetia induced CI in both singly and coinfected males. Coinfected Wolbachia did not induce CI; however, a part of singly infected Wolbachia did. Genetic analysis showed that singly and coinfected Wolbachia belonged to different strains; the former strain causes both toxic and rescuing effects (referred to as mod+/resc+) and the latter one causes no toxic effect but can rescue it (referred to as mod−/resc+). This is the first report of coinfection of mod−/resc+ Wolbachia and other CI inducers, which explains why Wolbachia in coinfected hosts does not induce CI.

Physiological Entomology considers how insects function and cope with their environment. We address these proximate questions in insect physiology across all biological levels and disciplines, including molecular genetics, morphology and ecology. The mission of Physiological Entomology is broad and not restricted to one particular field within insect physiology. Physiological Entomology further welcomes research that focuses on non-insect arthropods, such as crustaceans and arachnids. For the past century, Physiological Entomology has published original high-quality research that carries broad implications for the field of entomology. Although our emphasis is centred on research manuscripts, we also welcome reviews. Review manuscripts are expected to provide a comprehensive and timely review of the study area. We are also encouraging the community to submit proposals for Special Issues. Together with Wiley, we will support Guest Editors of these Special Issues throughout the entire process. Finally, we now also provide researchers with a Methods platform to promote the development and dissemination of novel methods in insect physiology. Physiological Entomology is a Royal Entomological Society journal and contributes to the society's goal to support the broad research community and the study and practice of insect science. To support this mission, we have a prize for the best research by an Early Career researcher award, which will be awarded soon on a biannual basis. To be eligible, authors must be the lead author and an early career researcher, which the RES defines as any researcher who is within 10 years of completing their undergraduate degree or with less than 10 years working in entomology in any capacity, with or without a degree. Time for career breaks is not counted in the 10-year time period. We will also shortly be introducing a competition for timely review articles written by early career researchers. In February 2024, Thies Büscher (Kiel University), Nick Teets (University of Kentucky) and Nick Wybouw (Ghent University) joined our editorial board as new Editors-in-Chief. Thies Büscher is a functional morphologist who researches the evolution and biomechanics of insect attachment systems to elucidate how they interact with and are adapted to surfaces in their environment. Nick Teets focuses on adaptations to variable and extreme environmental conditions, including mechanisms underlying thermal tolerance and overwintering, and the implications of environmental variation for pest control. Nick Wybouw is an evolutionary geneticist who studies the molecular-genetic basis of complex traits within the broader fields of endosymbiosis, herbivory and speciation. This new set of complementary expertise in our editorial board will enable us to continue publishing impactful and high-quality studies. To further ensure the publication of high-quality studies across the broad scope of Physiological Entomology, we have the support of a global and diverse associate editorial board. We currently have vacancies in the areas of sensory physiology, (functional) morphology, nutritional physiology, immunology, symbiont–host interactions, seasonality, diapause, photoperiodism and biomechanics and look for potential Associate Editors in these areas. Experience in editing is not essential, but interested applicants must have experience in publishing and peer review. More information can be found on the website of the Royal Entomological Society (https://www.royensoc.co.uk/opportunities/royal-entomological-society-journals-open-call-for-associate-editors/). Toby Bruce: Conceptualization; writing – review and editing. Thies H. Büscher: Conceptualization; writing – review and editing. Fiona Clissold: Conceptualization; writing – review and editing. Nicholas Teets: Conceptualization; writing – review and editing. Nicky Wybouw: Conceptualization; writing – original draft.

Abstract Insects attach to various surfaces that differ, among others, in roughness and wettability. Identifying surface characteristics that allow or prevent insects from attaching are an important research avenue of pest control. Here we take an experimental approach to analyse the attachment of common bed bugs, Cimex lectularius Linnaeus (1758), to Perspex (PMMA) substrates. We construct a reliable centrifuge device that allows the measurement of attachment forces at substrate roughnesses, Ra, between 0.02 and 1.3 μm and at two wettabilities. Our results suggest that bed bug attachment to surfaces is minimal at a substrate roughness of 0.2 and 0.4 μm on normal PMMA, where the lowest attachment force was 0.8 mN and the safety factor 15. At lower and higher roughness, attachment forces were higher and the safety factor increased to a maximum of 133. On PMMA that was made superhydrophobic by spray‐coating, attachment was lowest (0.2 mN) at the lowest roughness and continuously increased with increasing roughness, reaching 2.5 mN and a safety factor of 46. For every roughness, attachment forces were lower on superhydrophobic than on normal PMMA. This knowledge may inspire the development of repelling substrates for bed bug control.

Abstract Ingested toxins formulated as baits can be effective in the management of insect pests, but their efficacy may be influenced by insect foraging alongside active ingredients. There are several components that might influence insect consumption of toxic baits, one of which being prior nutritional exposure. In our study, we investigated how protein deprivation following adult emergence influences lethal and sublethal effects of boric acid on the pest tephritid melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae. We performed a series of experiments to address the impact of prior diet on mortality, diet consumption, enzymes involved in detoxification and antioxidation and fly activity. Newly emerged melon fly adults were provided either diet containing 3:1 sucrose/yeast hyrdrolysate or just sucrose for three days prior to bioassays. Overall, protein deprivation had a strong effect on fly interactions with boric acid. In two separate experiments (continuous exposure and short duration feeding), insects only pre‐fed sucrose had significantly higher mortality compared with those pre‐fed protein. Insects that were pre‐fed only sucrose removed more liquid diet over the same duration of the experiments, suggesting compensatory foraging behaviours. Adults pre‐fed sucrose had higher catalase (1.5×) and superoxide dismutase (1.7×) activities compared with adults pre‐fed sucrose‐yeast, but we found no effect of boric acid on their activity or that of glutathione‐S‐transferase or acetylcholinesterase activity. Boric acid consumption also significantly reduced the activity of melon flies. Overall, our results demonstrate that prior diet in fly adulthood can impact subsequent exposure to and efficacy of ingested toxicants.

Abstract This study investigates the impact of imidacloprid insecticide, on the flesh fly Sarcophaga ruficornis, (Diptera: Sarcophagidae), a medically and veterinary significant species associated with myiasis. Lethal (0.02%) and sub‐lethal (0.004%) doses were administered over 24 and 48 h, focusing on midgut histopathological, ultrastructural and biochemical alterations. Imidacloprid‐induced disruptions in physiological and metabolic functions, leading to adult fly mortality. Histological and cytological analyses revealed significant cellular changes, including cell degeneration, cytoplasmic vacuolization, chromatin condensation, irregular epithelial borders, disrupted peritrophic membrane and the release of cell components into the midgut lumen. Biochemical analyses demonstrated a decrease in total protein, carbohydrate and lipid contents, correlating with insecticide concentration and duration. Antioxidant enzymes, particularly glutathione S‐transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), resulted in a significant increase compared to the control, proportional to time and concentration. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of imidacloprid‐induced toxicity in the midgut of Sarcophaga ruficornis, emphasizing its potential for effective pest population management.

Organisms subjected to periodic nutrient limitation early in life exhibit improvements in aspects of survival, including resistance to some environmental stressors. Recent findings indicate that forms of periodic fasting such as intermittent fasting and time restricted feeding can improve starvation resistance. However, it remains unclear to what extent this survival improvement persists across different genetic backgrounds. In this study, we examine fasting-induced starvation resistance across a broad survey of wild-derived lineages and document genetic variation within this trait. We adopt a standard dietary intervention and show improvement to starvation resistance within a common laboratory lineage, replicating previous results. Next, we examine fasting-induced starvation resistance across isofemale lines collected across latitudes and in different seasons, and among inbred lines derived from flies collected on different continents. We discover genetic variation of fasting-induced starvation resistance, and show that fasting improved starvation resistance as often as it worsened starvation resistance. Fasted flies generally showed reduced fat concentration, and their starvation survival varied with sex, season of collection, and geographic origin. While specific lineages common to the laboratory can show a specific fasting-induced phenotype, we show that this result is not consistent across genetic backgrounds, reinforcing the idea that phenotypes observed in historic laboratory strains may not be conserved across a species.