Search Results (61)

Encarsia protransvena (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) is recorded here for the first time in Italy as a parasitoid of the whitefly Singhiella simplex (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), one of the most invasive alien pests of exotic Ficus species. Singhiella simplex, originating from the Oriental region, has established a global presence. Monitoring of the whitefly and its parasitoids was conducted in the southern areas of Italy, providing crucial insights into their distribution and interactions. The taxonomic identity of E. protransvena, was confirmed by scrutiny of morphological and molecular taxonomic characters. At the time of writing, we also obtained some specimens of Encarsia hispida from the host collected in Campania. We reserve the right to provide bio-ethological information on the species in the future. Comprehensive illustrations and diagnostic features are provided for the host and the parasitoids. An identification key is included for all Encarsia species associated with S. simplex, which provides a valuable tool to distinguish these aphelinid wasps for future research and applications in biological control programs. Full article

The cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is native to South America and has been used as a biocontrol agent of Opuntia (Cactaceae) in Australia and South Africa. Its invasion in North America has raised concerns for the native Opuntia in the USA and Mexico. We investigated the reproductive biology and rearing procedures of a host-specific potential biocontrol agent, Apanteles opuntiarum Martínez and Berta (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Given the gregarious nature of the parasitoid larvae, we studied the morphology of the immature stages and evaluated evidence of polyembryony and superparasitism. We also investigated the effects of host exposure arena and host density on parasitism rates and wasp production. The morphological descriptions provide a basis for comparison with other species. Early larval instars of A. opuntiarum are similar to other microgastrine immature stages. However, the mature larva exhibits placoid sensilla in the epistomal region, a unique character not previously reported. We provide evidence that A. opuntiarum eggs are not polyembryonic; females frequently superparasitize and have an oviposition preference for larvae parasitized 1–2 d previously. Exposing larvae of C. cactorum to wasps while inside the cactus resulted in lower parasitism and fewer offspring from each host than exposing larvae in the arena without the cactus. Parasitism and mortality rates were higher at lower host densities, possibly due to reduced host group defensive behavior. These results suggest that preference for superparasitism, host defensive behavior, and interactions with the cactus may play an important role in per-host wasp production under laboratory conditions. Full article

Increasing temperatures, prolonged drought, the increased severity and intensity of storms, and other effects of climate change are being felt globally, and long-lived forest tree species may struggle in their current ranges. Oaks (Quercus spp.) have evolved a range of adaptations to dry and hot conditions and are believed to be a “climate change winner” by increasing their suitable habitat. However, a mixture of life history traits and increasing susceptibility to herbivores and xylovores as well as secondary pathogen infections still put oaks at risk of decline. Oak species found in the Midwestern, Great Lakes, and Northeastern United States and Canada are important keystone species with high ecological and economical importance. They are also vulnerable to existing, new, and emerging threats that have the potential to cause mortality across entire stands quickly. Current examples of insect threats include the Lymantria dispar (spongy moth), Agrilus bilineatus (twolined chestnut borer), and Nitidulidae (sap beetles) as disease vectors. Examples of emerging insects of concern include Cynipidae (oak gall wasps) and Enaphalodes rufulus (red oak borer). This study describes these insects, explains their mechanisms of action and the effects on oaks, and explores mitigation strategies for each. Full article

Until now, no study has examined the future range dynamics of major invasive wasp species to assess their future impacts on global apiculture. Here, we developed 12 species distribution models to calibrate the future range dynamics of 12 major invasive Vespidae wasp species under a unified framework. An increase in their habitat suitability was identified in more than 75% of global land. Substantial range expansions were detected for all 12 species, and they were primarily induced by future climate changes. Notably, Polistes dominula and Vespa crabro had the largest potential ranges under all scenarios, suggesting their greater impact on global apiculture. Polistes chinensis and Vespa velutina nigrithorax had the highest range expansion ratios, so they warrant more urgent attention than the other species. Polistes versicolor and P. chinensis are expected to exhibit the largest centroid shifts, suggesting that substantial shifts in prioritizing regions against their invasions should be made. Europe and the eastern part of the USA were future invasion hotspots for all major invasive wasp species, suggesting that apiculture might face more pronounced threats in these regions than in others. In conclusion, given their substantial range shifts, invasive wasps will likely have increasingly negative impacts on global apiculture in the future. Full article

We assess the accuracy of geometric morphometrics (GMM) for determining the origin of insects of quarantine importance using the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina Lep.1836) as a case study. This species is highly variable, has an extensive natural distribution, and has been transported to many regions of the world. Forewing landmarks were applied to a large sample of regionally specific color morphs (previously considered “subspecies”) from across the species’ native Asian range. We reconfirm that GMM can statistically distinguish geographic variants independent of the color patterns that have heretofore been used for provenance, but which have been suspected of being unreliable. Almost all morphs in our analyses were statistically different except the centrally located V. v. variana, whose range lies between the continental V. v. auraria Smith, 1852, and V. v. nigrithorax du Buysson, 1905 morphs, and the Malaysian and Indonesian morphs. Even with moderate-sized training samples, discriminant function analysis (DFA) was able to classify geographic morphos with about 90% accuracy (ranging from 60% to 100%). We apply these results to determine the origin of a dead wasp recently intercepted in a mail parcel in Utah. Both DFA and continuous-trait maximum-likelihood clustering suggest that the Utah specimen belongs to the nigrithorax morph, which is native to southern China but now invasive in Europe, Japan, and Korea. These results are also supported by DNA barcode analysis, which groups the Utah individual with nigrithorax populations in South Korea and Japan. The relationship between variation in wing shape and genetic differentiation deserves further study, but molecular data are consistent with the GMM results suggesting that morphometric comparisons may be able to identify and provenance intercepted specimens quickly and inexpensively when molecular sequences and taxonomic specialists are unavailable. Full article

The stinging nettle caterpillar, Oxyplax (syn. Darna) pallivitta (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae), is a serious invasive pest of agricultural products and a health hazard on the Hawaiian Islands first discovered in 2001. Nursery workers and homeowners have been stung by the caterpillars while handling their plants, especially rhapis palms (Rhapis sp.). Throughout its invaded range, it causes widespread damage, including the many cultivated and native palm species that have grown in Hawaii. Larvae contain urticating hairs that secrete a toxin, causing painful skin swelling and irritation on contact. Horticulture and nursery products impacted by the limacodid pest are estimated at $84.3 million (2018 value). Suppression efforts with pesticides and lure traps were ineffective, and the moth population continued to spread to major Hawaiian Islands (Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, Oahu). The introduction of specific biological control agents from the native region was thought to be the long-term solution for this invasive pest. Initial exploration in Indonesia and Thailand resulted in the introduction of a pupal ectoparasitoid, Nesolynx sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae), that was not specific. The oriental wasp, Aroplectrus dimerus Lin (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Eulophinae), idiobiont gregarious ectoparasitoid of the stinging nettle caterpillar, was introduced from Taiwan in 2004 for host specificity studies and biocontrol in Hawaii. Host range testing showed the parasitoid attacked only limacodid species, and it was approved for field release in 2010. The parasitoid identity, host specificity under containment facility conditions, reproductive performance, and colonization on the major infested sites were assessed. A total of 13,379 parasitoids were colonized on 162 release sites on four Hawaiian Islands. Evaluations were conducted using field surveys of larvae, pupal counts, and male lure traps. Field parasitism was thoroughly investigated on Oahu Island, averaging 18.9 ± 5.6% of 3923 collected larvae during 2010–2023. The numbers of male moths caught/trap/month were significantly reduced on Oahu Island (p < 0.05). Recently, the hyperparasitoid, Pediobius imbreus Walker (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Entedoninae), was detected, reducing the efficiency of A. dimerus in the field. The mean hyperparasitism of A. dimerus pupae was 27.3 ± 7.6% on Oahu Island. There was no detailed biological assessment for A. dimerus or its field evaluation available in scientific literature. Results were discussed regarding the potential use of A. dimerus in biocontrol elsewhere if the stinging nettle caterpillar was invaded in the future. Full article

Background: Neural Wiskott–Aldrich Syndrome Protein (N-WASP) is a key regulator of the actin cytoskeleton and is implicated in various cellular processes, including cell motility and invasion. In cancer biology, the role of N-WASP in cell motility and metastasis is of particular interest, yet its specific functions in breast cancer remain to be fully understood. Method: To investigate the impact of N-WASP on breast cancer cell behaviour, we employed siRNA to knock down N-WASP expression in the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. After the knockdown, proteomic changes in the cells were analysed using mass spectrometry. Notable alterations in the genes present in both total and phosphorylated proteins were further analysed. Results: The proteomic data analysis ranked 50 genes that exhibited the most up-regulation and down-regulation in total and phosphorylated proteins. These 200 genes were further examined using the REACTOME database to identify affected signalling pathways. Knockdown of N-WASP led to significant changes in the RHOD, RHOF, and RHOG GTPase cycles (p = 0.015, p = 0.01, and p = 0.027), pathways closely associated with cell motility and actin cytoskeleton organisation. These cycles are crucial in modulating cellular dynamics, impacting a range of processes from immune response to neuronal development, wound healing, and, particularly, cancer metastasis. Furthermore, the findings highlighted the role of non-integrin membrane–ECM interactions in cell motility and cytoskeleton dynamics (p = 0.021). The altered protein expression patterns suggest a link between N-WASP, non-integrin membrane–ECM interactions, and the cytoskeletal changes essential for cell migration and invasion—key factors in cancer metastasis. Conclusions: Our findings reinforce the critical role of N-WASP in regulating the cytoskeleton and influencing cell motility, invasion, and metastasis in breast cancer. This study not only provides deeper insights into the molecular mechanism of breast cancer progression but also highlights N-WASP as a potential therapeutic target for intervention strategies in breast cancer treatment. Full article

Eurytoma erythrinae Gates & Delvare (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) is an important biological control agent of the erythrina gall wasp (EGW), Quadrastichus erythrinae Kim (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), an invasive species likely originating in eastern Africa that is a threat to Erythrina trees in Hawaii and worldwide. Thousands of Erythrina trees in Hawaii have succumbed to EGW since 2005 and died within a few years of infestation. The endemic wiliwili tree, Erythrina sandwicensis, an important component of Hawaii’s dry forests and one of few deciduous native trees, were severely impacted by this wasp. Early during the invasion by EGW it became evident that the endemic species may be driven to extinction, and exploration programs for natural enemies of the EGW started in December 2005. East Africa was selected as the starting point for natural enemy exploration owing to high native Erythina species richness. Several gall formers were found in Tanzania and a putative color variant type of Q. erythrinae was detected in association with three ectoparasitoids. During January 2006, the dominant parasitoid of this gall former was introduced to Hawaii and described as the new species, E. erythrinae. It was found in Ghana and South Africa attacking other gall wasp species on Erythrina. Eurytoma erythrinae was a voracious ectoparasitoid feeding as a predator on 1–5 adjacent EGW immatures to complete its development. Host specificity studies that included seven nontarget gall-forming species showed no evidence of attraction or parasitism by this parasitoid. Mean ± SEM longevity of host-deprived females (40.4 ± 2.2 days) was significantly higher than males (20.5 ± 1.1 days). Host feeding enhanced longevity of ovipositing females (51.3 ± 1.5 days). Female E. erythrinae is synovigenic, with high egg-maturation rate. Peak fecundity (105–239 offspring/female), host feeding biology, short life cycle (18.4 ± 0.1 days), and synchronization with the host were additional desirable attributes of this species. The parasitoid was approved for field release in Hawaii in November 2008. A total of 3998 wasps were distributed on six Hawaiian Islands, with establishment in less than a year. Impacts on high density infestations of EGW were sufficient to prevent tree deaths. Limited rates of parasitism on low-density galled leaves, flowers, and seedpods necessitated the consideration for releasing a second parasitoid, Aprostocetus nitens Prinsloo & Kelly (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). We report on the reproductive characteristics and host specificity of E. erythinae that could be of importance for classical biocontrol programs in areas with an EGW problem. Full article

Deformed wing virus (DWV), a major honey bee pathogen, is a generalist insect virus detected in diverse insect phyla, including numerous ant genera. Its clinical symptoms have only been reported in honey bees, bumble bees, and wasps. DWV is a quasispecies virus with three main variants, which, in association with the ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor, causes wing deformity, shortened abdomens, neurological impairments, and colony mortality in honey bees. The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, is one of the most-invasive and detrimental pests in the world. In this study, we report the co-occurrence of DWV-like symptoms in S. invicta and DWV for the first time and provide molecular evidence of viral replication in S. invicta. Some alates in 17 of 23 (74%) lab colonies and 9 of 14 (64%) field colonies displayed deformed wings (DWs), ranging from a single crumpled wing tip to twisted, shriveled wings. Numerous symptomatic alates also exhibited altered locomotion ranging from an altered gait to the inability to walk. Deformed wings may prevent S. invicta alates from reproducing since mating only occurs during a nuptial flight. The results from conventional RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of DWV-A, and viral replication of DWV was confirmed using a modified strand-specific RT-PCR. Our results suggest that S. invicta can potentially be an alternative and reservoir host for DWV. However, further research is needed to determine whether DWV is the infectious agent that causes the DW syndrome in S. invicta. Full article

Successful treatment for any type of carcinoma largely depends on understanding the patterns of invasion and migration. For oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), these processes are not entirely understood as of now. Invadopodia and podosomes, called invadosomes, play an important role in cancer cell invasion and migration. Previous research has established that cortactin (CTTN) is a major inducer of invadosome formation. However, less is known about the expression patterns of CTTN and other genes related to it or invadopodia formation in OSCC during tumor progression in particular. In this study, gene expression patterns of CTTN and various genes (n = 36) associated with invadopodia formation were analyzed to reveal relevant expression patterns and give a comprehensive overview of them. The genes were analyzed from a whole genome dataset of 83 OSCC samples relating to tumor size, grading, lymph node status, and UICC (Union for Internatioanl Cancer Control). The data revealed significant overexpression of 18 genes, most notably CTTN, SRC (SRC proto-onocogene, non-receptor tyrosine kinase), EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), SYK (spleen associated tyrosine kinase), WASL (WASP like actin nucleation promotion factor), and ARPC2 (arrestin beta 1) due to their significant correlation with further tumor parameters. This study is one of the first to summarize the expression patterns of CTTN and related genes in a complex group of OSCC samples. Full article

The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys, is a phytophagous invasive pest native to south-eastern Asia, and it is now distributed worldwide. This species is considered to be one of the most damaging insect pests in North America and in Europe. In agriculture, the predominant approach to managing BMSB is based on the use of insecticides, specifically pyrethroids and neonicotinoids. Unfortunately, the biology of the species and its facility to develop mechanisms of resistance to available pesticides has induced farmers and scientists to develop different, least-toxic, and more effective strategies of control. In a territorial area-wide approach, the use of a classical biological control program in combination with other least-toxic strategies has been given prominent consideration. Following exploratory surveys in the native range, attention has focused on Trissolcus japonicus, a small scelionid egg parasitoid wasp that is able to oviposit and complete its larval development in a single egg of H. halys. A common method for detecting egg parasitoids in the native range involves the placement of so-called ‘sentinel’ egg masses of the pest in the environment for a short period, which are then returned to the laboratory to determine if any of them are parasitized. Outside of the area of origin, the use of fertile sentinel eggs of the alien species may lead to the further release of the pest species; an alternative is to use sterile sentinel eggs to record the presence of new indigenous egg parasitoids or to detect the dispersal of alien species (in this case, T. japonicus) released in a new environment to control the target insect pest species. This study evaluated the performance of three types of sterile sentinel eggs as a suitable substrate for the oviposition and larval development of the egg parasitoid T. japonicus in a context of combining classical biological control with a Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) approach. Full article

The yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax), outside its natural range, has become a major threat to domestic bees. Several control methods have been used to fight against V. velutina, but the results achieved are not satisfactory. The use of protein baits with biocides has shown to be an effective method to control invasive wasp populations, but they have not been used to control V. velutina. Thus, the efficacy of protein baits containing fipronil to reduce the presence of hornets in apiaries was evaluated in this study. After laboratory determination of the optimal efficacy of a protein bait at a 0.01% concentration of fipronil, field trials were conducted involving 222 beekeepers. The data reported by the 90 beekeepers who completed the requested questionnaire demonstrated that in the groups of apiaries with the highest pressure of hornets (groups with 10–30 and >30 hornets), there was a significant decrease in the presence of V. velutina, lasting at least two weeks. The reduction in the number of hornets was positively correlated with bait consumption, and bait consumption was positively correlated with the number of hornets present at the time of treatment. Although the method used has shown good efficacy and the concentration of fipronil used was very low; possible negative effects on the environment should also be evaluated. Full article

Parasitic moths are common in social wasp (Hymenoptera) nests, attacking many species of Polistinae and a few species of Vespinae. In the Republic of Korea, two moth species are known to parasitize the brood of Polistes rothneyi koreanus: Pyralis regalis (Pyralidae) and Anatrachyntis japonica (Cosmopterigidae). Although previously reported elsewhere, a novel case of parasitization was recently documented in the Republic of Korea, in which Hypsopygia mauritialis (Pyralidae) was identified in the nests of social wasps. Pyralis regalis is the most common parasitic moth in the Republic of Korea, feeding on the nests of 11 species of social wasps, mostly the Korean Vespa species. To that list of hosts, we add a species of Dolichovespula and two species of Polistes. Parasitism of Vespa velutina nigrithorax, an invasive alien hornet, by both P. regalis and H. mauritialis, was observed for the first time. However, their potential to control invasive alien hornets is expected to be low. This study provides new insights into the diversity of nest-parasitic moths in social wasp nests and their hosts in the Republic of Korea, and highlights the potential for these moths to impact pest populations. Full article

The introduction and expansion of the Asian yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) in Europe poses concern for multiple reasons, including biodiversity conservation. In addition to the predation of native insects (e.g., bees and wasps), this species may compete with native hornets due to an overlap of their climatic and trophic niches. The aim of this study is to investigate the realised climatic niche of V. v. nigrithorax and its response to climatic conditions and to evaluate the degree of overlap with the niches of the two native Vespa species present in Europe, Vespa crabro and Vespa orientalis. The niches of both native species partially overlap with the niche of the invasive species (Schoener’s D, 0.43 for V. crabro and 0.28 for V. orientalis), although some differences can be detected. V. crabro appears to be more adapted to cold and dry conditions than the invasive species, and V. orientalis is more adapted to arid climates. These differences may provide a competitive advantage to both native species in areas with a lower environmental suitability for V. v. nigrithorax, in the probable event that this species continues to spread, reaching all areas predicted to be suitable in Europe and in the Mediterranean basin. Full article

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is a polyphagous non-native pest identified as a serious threat to crop production and food security globally, including in India. Its unintentional introduction and quick coverage in large areas is a serious concern to millions of farmers in the eastern Himalayan region. However, detailed understanding of farmers’ perceptions and the biological attributes associated with the meteorological factors for FAW is limited. The present investigation, which aimed to create baseline data on this pest, concurs with the idea that the FAW is widely dispersed throughout the maize ecosystems of Tripura, with an average infestation rate of 21.33 percent. The severity ranged from 0 to 1.40, with an average leaf damage score of 1 on a 0–4 categorical scale. The findings indicate that pheromone trap catch was significantly correlated with the evaporation rate as other meteorological factors influenced variably. The biological attributes imply that the life cycle was completed in 32.82 ± 0.08 days, with a high fecundity potential (1068.57 ± 4.35 numbers) in controlled conditions (25 ± 1 °C, 70 ± 5% RH). Indigenous natural enemies, such as entomopathogens, spiders, and wasps, were found to be the first defence against this invasive pest. A minority of the population (17.51%) was aware of the incidence of FAW. Furthermore, respondents’ socio-demographic variables were associated significantly with FAW status. This is the first scientific report from the eastern Himalayan region about farmers’ knowledge and awareness of the invasiveness of FAW. This finding enumerates a detailed understanding of FAW from diverse perspectives. Further, the concerted data provide an important baseline that could help the development of holistic management strategies for FAW. Full article