Beetles Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

We conducted a 2-yr study to determine the effects of crop density and weeds on levels of damage caused by stalk-boring insects in rain-fed sunßowers in west-central Kansas. Weed-free sunßower had higher seed weight and oil content in 2007, but not in 2006, but weeds did not affect infestation by stalk-boring insects in either year. High-density sunßower had lower estimated seed yield per unit area than low-density sunßower in both years, but percentage oil was slightly greater in the high-density treatment in 2006. Sunßowers were more heavily infested by larvae of Ataxia hubbardi Fisher, Cylindrocopturus adspersus (Leconte), and Pelochrista womanana (Kearfott) in 2006 than in 2007, ostensibly as a result of being planted earlier. Larvae of Dectes texanus LeConte appeared unaffected by planting date and were present in Ͼ70% of plants in both years. Conditions during the period of crop maturity were much drier in 2006 than in 2007 and were associated with higher seed oil content and earlier and faster progression of stalk girdling by D. texanus larvae in both low-and high-density plots. There was also a strong effect of plant density on girdling behavior that seemed to be mediated by effects on soil moisture. Stalk girdling began earlier in high-density plots and a larger proportion of plants were girdled compared with low-density plots on all sampling dates in both years. Certain cultural tactics, in particular reduced plant spacing, have potential to delay the onset of girdling behavior by D. texanus larvae and thus mitigate losses that otherwise result from the lodging of girdled plants.

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- Zoology, Animal Behavior, Agriculture, Climate

Abiotic and biotic host-plant stress, such as desiccation and herbivory, may strongly affect sap-sucking insects such as aphids via changes in plant chemicals of insect nutritional or plant defensive value. Here, we examined (i) water deprivation and (ii) defoliation by the beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata as stresses indirectly affecting the aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae via its host plant Solanum tuberosum. For plant-induced stress, aphids were reared on healthy vs. continuously stressed potato for 14 days (no watering; defoliation maintained at $40%). Aphid performance under stress was correlated with metabolic responses monitored by profiling of the aphid proteome. M. euphorbiae was strongly affected by water stress, as adult survival, total aphid number and biomass were reduced by 67%, 64%, and 79%, respectively. Aphids performed normally on defoliated potato, indicating that they were unaffected or able to compensate any stress induced by plant defoliation. Stressed aphid proteomes revealed 419-453 protein spots, including 27 that were modulated specifically or jointly under each kind of host-plant stress. Reduced aphid fitness on water-stressed plants mostly correlated with modulation of proteins involved in energy metabolism, apparently to conserve energy in order to prioritize survival. Despite normal performance, several aphid proteins that are known to be implicated in cell communication were modulated on defoliated plants, possibly suggesting modified aphid behaviour. The GroEL protein (or symbionin) of the endosymbiont Buchnera aphidicola was predominant under all conditions in M. euphorbiae. Its expression level was not significantly affected by aphid host-plant stresses, which is consistent with the high priority of symbiosis in stressed aphids. r

- by Conrad Cloutier
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- Physiology, Zoology, Water, Insect Physiology

The elytra of the Japanese jewel beetle Chrysochroa fulgidissima are metallic green with purple stripes. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy demonstrated that the elytral surface is approximately flat. The accordingly specular green and purple areas have, with normal illumination, 100-150 nm broad reflectance bands, peaking at about 530 and 700 nm. The bands shift progressively towards shorter wavelengths with increasing oblique illumination, and the reflection then becomes highly polarized. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the epicuticle of the green and purple areas consists of stacks of 16 and 12 layers, respectively. Assuming gradient refractive index values of the layers between 1.6 and 1.7 and applying the classical multilayer theory allowed modelling of the measured polarization-and angle-dependent reflectance spectra. The extreme polarized iridescence exhibited by the elytra of the jewel beetle may have a function in intraspecific recognition.

Firefly luciferase bioluminescence (FLB) is a highly sensitive and specific method for the analysis of adenosine-5-triphosphate (ATP) in biological samples. Earlier attempts to modify the FLB test for enhanced sensitivity have been typically based onin vitro cell systems. This study reports an optimized FLB procedure for the analysis of ATP in small tissue samples. The results showed that the sensitivity of the FLB test can be enhanced several fold by using ultraturax homogenizer, perchloric acid extraction, neutralization of acid extract and its optimal dilution, before performing the assay reaction.

- by Prof. Haseeb Ahmad Khan
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- Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Brain, Mice

SUMMARY Male glow-worms Lampyris noctiluca find their bioluminescent mates at night by phototaxis. There is good evidence that location of mates by lampyrid beetles is achieved by a single spectral class of photoreceptor,whose spectral sensitivity is tuned to the bioluminescent spectrum emitted by conspecifics, and is achromatic. We ask whether glow-worm phototaxis involves interactions between two spectral classes of photoreceptor. Binary choice experiments were conducted in which males were presented with artificial light stimuli that differ in spectral composition. The normal preference for a green stimulus (λmax=555 nm), corresponding to the bioluminescence wavelength produced by signalling females, was significantly reduced by adding a blue (λmax=485 nm) component to the signal. This implies an antagonistic interaction between long- and short-wavelength sensitive photoreceptors, suggesting colour vision based on chromatic opponency. Cryosections showed a band of yellow filter p...

- by Daniel Osorio
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- Colour Vision, England, Color Perception, Biological Sciences

The biopesticide Spinosad controls many insect pests of stored-food products. Laboratory and Þeld trials were carried out to determine the efÞcacy of this pesticide against the cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae), the main storage pest of cowpea, Vigna unguiculata, Walp, in West Africa. In the laboratory, Spinosad caused high mortality of adult C. maculatus and decreased the number of eggs laid by females. Spinosad, however, was less toxic in the 24 h treatment to C. maculatus than deltamethrin, an insecticide commonly used in Burkina Faso to control this insect. In "on-farm" experiments, Spinosad was effective in controlling C. maculatus. After 6 mo of storage, the number of insects emerging from cowpeas seeds was reduced by Ͼ80% by coating seeds with Spinosad but only by 43% by coating with deltamethrin. Less than 20% of the seeds were perforated in the Spinosad treatment compared with 29% for deltamethrin. Spinosad controlled C. maculatus throughout the 6 mo of cowpea storage whereas deltamethrin failed to control C. maculatus after 3 mo of storage. Spinosad has the potential to be more effective in controlling C. maculatus than deltamethrin.

- by Barry Pittendrigh
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- Zoology, Food Preservation, Insecticides, Beetles

Fossil mesostigmatid mites are extremely rare. Inclusions assignable to the tortoise mites (Mesostigmata, Uropodina) are described here for the first time from Eocene (ca. 44–49 Ma) Baltic amber. This is the oldest record of Uropodina and documents the first unequivocal amber examples potentially assignable to the extant genus Uroobovella Berlese, 1903 (Uropodoidea: Urodinychidae). Further mites in the same amber pieces are tentatively assigned to Microgynioidea (Microgyniina) and Ascidae (Gamasina), both potentially representing the oldest records of their respective superfamily and family groups. This new material also preserves behavioural ecology in the form of phoretic deutonymphs attached to their carriers via a characteristic anal pedicel. These deutonymphs in amber are intimately associated with longhorn beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), probably belonging to the extinct species Nothorhina granulicollis Zang, 1905. Modern uropodines have been recorded phoretic on species b...

- by Michael Zwanzig
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- Multidisciplinary, Amber, Baltic States, Fossils

Bioluminescence, the conversion of chemical energy into light in living organisms, is dependent on two principal components, an enzyme luciferase and the substrate luciferin. In beetles, the enzyme luciferase has been extensively studied, with signiﬁcant enzymological, sequence and structural data now available. Furthermore, the enzyme has been employed in a remarkable number of important applications, from microbial detection and medical imaging to GM gene expression studies. However, there is little information regarding the biosynthesis of beetle luciferin, and here we review the literature and speculate as to its evolutionary origins. Luciferin consists of a benzothiazole moiety attached to a thiazole carboxylic acid moiety, the former being rarely observed in nature but the latter being observed in a broad range of biologically derived molecules. Benzothiazoles are, however, observed in melanogenesis and we speculate as to whether this may be relevant to the understanding of luciferin biosynthesis in beetles. This review examines recent novel insights into beetle luciferin recycling and we assess a range of possible biosynthetic mechanisms. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

- by laurence tisi
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- Phylogeny, Luminescence, Biological evolution, Beetles

Entomotoxicology (the study of drugs in insects), a new field of forensic investigations, has still to be precisely defined especially with respect to the toxic substances that can be assessed in entomological specimens. The aim of the present work was to review the relevant entomological publications in order to analyse and describe the various toxic substances that have been detected in biological specimens. Experimental studies have been reviewed separately from case reports. Toxic substances have been classified according to forensic toxicology methodology and on the basis of the chemical and analytical features. This classification will help investigators to identify the compounds that can be found in such biological samples and may stimulate new analytical research investigations. Given the heterogeneity of specimens, the use of non-specific tests (such as immunoenzyme assays) is not recommended and specific and sensitive techniques are suggested. Methods such as GC-MS and HPLC-MS allow the exact identification of the toxic substances and their metabolites.

- by Roberto Candela
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- Entomology, Toxicology, Case Report, Legal

Living in an area chronically polluted with metals is usually associated with changes in the energy distribution in organisms due to increased energy expenses associated with detoxification and excretion processes. These expenses may be reflected in the available energy resources, such as lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins. In this context, the energy status of Pterostichus oblongopunctatus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) was studied in two metal pollution gradients near Olkusz and Miateczko Śląskie in southern Poland. Both regions are rich in metal ores, and the two largest Polish zinc smelters have been operating there since the 1970s. Beetles were collected from five sites at each gradient. Zinc and cadmium concentrations were measured in both the soil and the beetles. The possible reduction in energy reserves as a cost of detoxifying assimilated metals was evaluated biochemically by determining the total lipid, carbohydrates, and protein contents. At the most polluted sites, the Zn concentration in the soil organic layer reached 2,906 mg/kg, and the Cd concentration reached 55 mg/kg. Body Zn and Cd concentrations increased with increasing soil Zn and Cd concentrations (p00.003 and p00.0001, respectively). However, no relationship between pollution level and energetic reserves was found. The results suggest that populations of P. oblongopunctatus inhabiting highly metal-polluted sites are able to survive without any serious impact on their energy reserves, though they obviously have to cope with elevated body metal concentrations.

- by Ligia Kuriańska and +1
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- Soil, Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Pollution, Poland

Symbiotic bacteria have long been proposed as being responsible for the production of numerous natural products isolated from invertebrate animals. However, systematic studies of invertebrate-symbiont associations are usually associated with serious technical challenges, such as the general resistance of symbionts to culturing attempts and the complexity of many microbial consortia. Herein an overview is provided on the culture-independent, metagenomic strategies recently employed by our group to contribute to a better understanding of natural product symbiosis. Using terrestrial Paederus spp. beetles and the marine sponge Theonella swinhoei as model animals, the putative genes responsible for the production of pederin-type antitumor polyketides have been isolated. In Paederus fuscipes, which uses pederin for chemical defense, these genes belong to an as-yet unculturable symbiont closely related to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To study the extremely complex association of T. swinhoei and its multispecies bacterial consortium, we used a phylogenetic approach that allowed the isolation of onnamide/theopederin polyketide synthase genes from an uncultured sponge symbiont. Analysis of the biosynthesis genes provided unexpected insights into a possible evolution of pederin-type pathways. Besides revealing new facets of invertebrate chemical ecology, these first gene clusters from uncultivated symbiotic producers suggest possible biotechnological strategies to solve the supply problem associated with the development of most marine drug candidates. Figure 1. Some members of the pederin group of antitumor polyketides from terrestrial beetles and marine sponges.

- by J. Piel
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- Natural Products, Symbiosis, Biological Sciences, Bacteria
- by Juliana Jaramillo
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- Geography, Climate Change, Coffee, Agriculture

The LUC gene coding for Photinuspyralis firefly luciferase was cloned in different yeast episomal plasmids in order to assess its possibilities as an in vivo reporter gene. Activity of the enzyme in transformed cells in vivo was measured by following light emission and assay conditions optimized in intact cells, with regard to oxygen concentration, temperature, cell concentration in assay mixtures and external ATP concentration. Among the factors tested, light emission was drastically influenced by the external pH in the assay (which resulted in a tenfold amplification signal) and by substrate permeability. The growth phase of the cells was also important for the level of activity detected. Cloning of firefly luciferase gene under the control of different yeast-regulated promoters (ADH1, GAL1-10) enabled us to measure their strength which correlated well with previously described data. We conclude that firefly luciferase is an adequate gene reporter for the in vivo sensitive determination of gene expression and promoter strength in yeast.

- by Jose Maria Vieites
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- Microbiology, Biology, Industrial Biotechnology, Medicine

Dung beetle communities have been compared across north temperate latitudes. Tropical dung beetle communities appear to be more diverse based on studies using different methodologies. Here, we present results from a standardized sampling protocol used to compare dung beetle communities across five neotropical forests in Brazil and Ecuador and two warm, north temperate forests in Mississippi and Louisiana. Species richness in the tropical forests was three to seven times higher than the temperate forests, as would be expected by studies of other taxa across tropical and temperate latitudes. Average body size in the temperate forests was larger than the tropical forests, as predicted by Bergmann's rule. Dung beetle abundance and volume per trap-day were generally higher in Ecuador than Brazil, and higher in Mississippi than Louisiana, but there were no tropical-temperate differences. Species rank-abundance curves were similar within countries and between countries. Rank-volume distributions indicated a smaller range of beetle body sizes in Ecuador versus Brazil or the USA. Community similarity was high within countries and low between countries. Community differences between Brazil and Ecuador sites may be explained by differences in productivity based on geological age of the soils.

- by Claudio Ruy Vasconcelos da Fonseca
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- Zoology, Demography, Climate, Beetles

Although ecological succession is one of the principal focuses of recent restoration ecology research, it is still unclear which factors drive this process and positively influence species richness and functional diversity. In this study we sought to elucidate how species traits and functional diversity change during forest succession, and to identify important factors that determine the species in the observed assemblages. We analyzed species richness and functional diversity of ground beetle assemblages in relation to succession on post-industrial localities after habitat deterioration caused by spoil de-position. We selected ground beetles as they are known to be sensitive to landscape changes (with a large range of responses), and their taxonomy and ecology are generally well-known. Ground beetles were sampled on the spoil heaps during the last 30 years when spontaneous succession occurred. To calculate functional diversity, we used traits related to habitat and trophic niche, i.e. food specialization, wing morphology , trophic level, and bio-indication value. Ground beetle species were found to be distributed non-randomly in the assemblages in the late phase of succession. Ordination analyses revealed that the ground beetle assemblage was significantly associated with the proportion of forested area. Environmental heterogeneity generated assemblages that contained over-dispersed species traits. Our findings indicated that environmental conditions at late successional stages supported less mobile carnivorous species. Overall, we conclude that the decline in species richness and functional diversity in the middle of the studied succession gradient indicated that the assemblages of open habitats had been replaced by species typical of forest ecosystems.

- by Jirka Hodeček
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- Ecology, Insect Ecology, Ecological Succession, Beetles
- by Angel Solis
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- Bioinformatics, Biomass, Life Sciences, Biodiversity

Soil food webs are particularly important in terrestrial systems, but studying them is difficult. Here we report on the first study to apply a molecular approach to identify species-specific trophic interactions in below-ground food webs. To identify the invertebrate predator guild of the garden chafer Phyllopertha horticola (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) whose root-feeding larvae can be highly abundant in grasslands, a specific DNA marker was developed. It allowed detection of P. horticola egg and white grub meals within the gut content of Poecilus versicolor (Coleoptera, Carabidae) larvae for up to 24 h post-feeding. Soil samples from an alpine grassland revealed a diverse below-ground macro-invertebrate community with earthworms, P. horticola larvae, and centipedes as well as beetle larvae as the most abundant detritivores, herbivores, and predators, respectively. Garden chafer DNA was detected in 18.6%, 4.1%, and 4.4% of field-collected Geophilidae ( n = 124), beetle larvae ( n = 159), and Lithobiidae ( n = 49), respectively. We conclude that most of the investigated predators actively preyed on P. horticola , as secondary predation is unlikely to be detected in below-ground systems. Moreover, scavenging most likely contributes only to a small percentage of the revealed trophic links due to the low availability of carrion. Sampling date did not influence prey detection rates, indicating that both P. horticola eggs and larvae were preyed on. Only 2.7% of the below-ground predators tested positive for earthworms, an alternative, highly abundant prey, suggesting that P. horticola represents an important prey source for centipedes and predatory beetle larvae during summer within the soil food web.

- by Michael Traugott
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- Soil, Molecular Ecology, Biological Sciences, Polymerase Chain Reaction
- by Marc Gibernau
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- Multidisciplinary, Nature, Energy Metabolism, Reward

A cell line derived from the embryos of the cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis (BRL-AG-2), was used to study morphological and biochemical responses to 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). The cells respond to 10-6 M 20E by inhibition of cell growth and enhanced production of some secreted proteins. Crude nuclear extracts containing the ecdysteroid receptor complex proteins consisting of the ecdysteroid receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (USP) bound ponasterone A with a K d of 6.1 nM. Bound radiolabeled ponasterone A was displaced by both 20E and the lepidopteran-specific non-steroidal ecdysteroid agonist, RH-5992, with 41-and about 1,900-fold higher K d values, respectively. We identified the ecdysteroid receptor components in this cell line, using monoclonal antibodies against the Drosophila ecdysteroid receptor (DmEcR) and ultraspiracle (DmUSP) proteins. A predominant band of about 70 kDa was detected with anti-EcR, and multiple bands ranging from 50-55 kDa were detected with anti-USP in the A. grandis extracts. Using degenerate primer RT-PCR, we isolated a 450 bp cDNA fragment of the putative AgEcR. Using this fragment as a probe, we identified a large mRNA of ca. 10 kb by Northern blot analysis. These results demonstrate the usefulness of this cell line for the study of ecdysone response and the isolation of the receptor components in A.

- by Tarlochan Dhadialla
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- Zoology, Biology, Medicine, Cell line

The decomposition of dung constitutes an ecosystem service of massive proportions. Previous studies addressing how it depends on individual invertebrate taxa have been focused on small spatial scales, neglecting the impact of large-scale factors like climate. Here, we use the concept of ''citizen science'' to quantify taxon-specific contributions to dung decomposition at the level of a nation. Young people across Finland manipulated the decomposer communities of cow pats, then measured changes in pat mass over the grazing season. In southern Finland most (90%) of the cattle dung hitting pastures decomposed in just two months, whereas 1100 km to the north the corresponding fraction was smaller (74%). Of the total invertebrate-caused decomposition (13% of dung pat mass, independent of latitude), large tunneling dor beetles in the genus Geotrupes account for 61%, hence removing dung twice as fast as do smaller dung-dwelling beetles and earthworms. Overall, this paper illustrates how ecologists may direct citizen scientists to implement massive ecological experiments. Compared to an approach based purely on professional scientists, we saved three-quarters of the costs. Ultimately, citizen science may offer a key tool for testing current ecological theories at relevant spatial scales-and for disseminating these theories in the process.

- by Bess Hardwick
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- Ecology, Finland, Oligochaeta, Cattle

Glucosinolate content of leaves and roots, diversity in leaf pubescence, and resistance to two near-isogenic lines of the flea beetle Phyllotreta nemorum with or without an R-gene, were determined for 27 accessions of 7 Barbarea taxa, i.e. B. stricta, B. orthoceras, B. intermedia, B. verna, B. vulgaris var. vulgaris, the G-type of B. vulgaris var. arcuata and the P-type of B. vulgaris var. arcuata. Four variable glucosinolate biosynthetic characters were deduced. For (formally) homophenylalanine-derived glucosinolates: (1) Presence or absence of 2-hydroxylation, and if present, R-or S-configuration of 2-hydroxylation; (2) presence or absence of p-hydroxylation; and for tryptophan-derived glucosinolates: (3) presence or absence of N-methoxyglucobrassicin; and (4) presence or absence of 1,4-dimethoxyglucobrassicin. Three phenotypes of leaf-pubescence were observed; (1) glabrous to glabrate leaves;

- by Niels Agerbirk
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- Phytochemistry, Taxonomy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Morphology

Peru is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Its complex topography with Pacific coastal desert, high Andes, and Amazon basin underlies its exceptional species richness. Knowledge of Peru’s beetle fauna is poorly known. Based on a literature review, institutional records, and fieldwork, this contribution reviews the fauna of three cerambycoid families, Cerambycidae, Disteniidae, and Vesperidae, recorded from Peru. The checklist presents 6 subfamilies, 60 tribes, 411 genera, and 869 species and subspecies for Peru. Type
localities and known host plant records are also provided and pest species in Peru are briefly noted. This is the first paper in a series, Beetles of Peru. Many more new species await discovery and description as fieldwork continues in Peru.

- by Caroline Chaboo and +1
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- Biodiversity, Beetles

In the present study, we have investigated the effect of sodium sulfate (Na 2 SO 4 ) buffer on the antifreeze activity of DAFP-1, the primary AFP in the hemolymph of the beetle Dendroides canadensis. In contrast to previous studies, we found evidence that sodium sulfate does not suppress antifreeze activity of DAFP-1. Terahertz absorption spectroscopy (THz) studies were combined with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the change in collective hydrogen bond dynamics in the vicinity of the AFP upon addition of sodium sulfate. The MD simulations revealed that the gradient of H-bond dynamics toward the ice-binding site is even more pronounced when adding sodium sulfate: The cosolute dramatically slows the hydrogen bond dynamics on the ice-binding plane of DAFP-1, whereas it has a more modest effect in the vicinity of other parts of the protein. These theoretical predictions are in agreement with the experimentally observed increase in THz absorption for solvated DAFP-1 upon addition of sodium sulfate. These studies support our previously postulated mechanism for AF activity, with a preferred ice binding by threonine on nanoice crystals which is supported by a long-range effect on hydrogen bond dynamics.

- by David Leitner
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- Engineering, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, Physical sciences, Antifreeze proteins

The antennae of Sitophilus granarius (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adults detect a wide variety of compounds in the odor blend of various cereal grains (Germinara et al., Tec. Molit., 53:27-34, 2002). In the present study, we looked at the behavioral responses of the granary weevil to 20 of these individual volatiles (aliphatic alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and aromatics) in a two-choice pitfall olfactometer, using the aggregation pheromone and propionic acid as the attractant and repellent controls, respectively. Five doses, ranging from 1 μg to 1 mg, of each compound were tested. At least one concentration of eight compounds attracted beetles but required doses 1,000-to 5,000-fold higher than the concentration of aggregation pheromone to elicit a response. Three compounds, while attractive at lower concentrations, acted as repellents at higher doses. Twelve compounds were repellent at concentrations similar to the quantity of propionic acid that significantly repelled beetles. The data show that granary weevil adults have the ability to respond behaviorally to a wide range of cereal volatiles and that responses may change as a function of concentration. The results suggest that host finding behavior of weevils will depend on the balance of positive and negative volatile stimuli from grain as the relative concentrations of volatiles may change during storage. An understanding of how the weevils respond to such changes could be useful for the development of effective integrated pest management strategies.

Laboratory and field investigations were carried out to investigate the nature and role of the male pheromone emitted by the Dynast beetle Scapanes australis and to develop a mass trapping technique against this major coconut pest in Papua New Guinea. We report the biological data obtained from natural and synthetic pheromone, previously described as an 84:12:4 (w/w) mixture of 2-butanol (1), 3-hydoxy-2-butanone (2), and 2,3-butanediol (3). EAG recordings from natural and synthetic pheromone and a pitfall olfactometer were poorly informative. In contrast, extensive field trapping trials with various synthetic pheromone mixtures and doses showed that 1 and 2 (formulated in polyethylene sachets in 90:5 v/v ratio) were necessary and sufficient for optimum long-range attraction. Beetles were captured in traps baited with racemic 1 plus 2, with or without a stereoisomer mixture of 3 (2.5- to 2500-mg/day doses). Plant pieces, either sugarcane or coconut, enhanced captures by the synthetic...

- by Tanya Stathers
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- Chemical Ecology, Chemical, Papua New Guinea, Biological Sciences

Saproxylic beetles are a functional group of Coleoptera that depend on wood decay and therefore play an important role in decomposition processes and thus for recycling nutrients in natural ecosystems. There is the European Red List of Saproxylic Beetles published by International Union for Conservation of Nature. This paper gives an overview of the saproxylic beetle species found in Latvia and included in the European Red list. The aim of this work was to analyse the composition and conservation status of these species, as well as to provide suggestions for updating list of specially protected species.

- by wdwdw`eff` dndvdjvjd
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- Coleoptera, Beetles, Entomology (Coleoptera), Saproxylic Coleoptera

Lightweight materials, structures and coupling mechanisms are very important for realizing advanced flight vehicles. Here, we obtained the geometric structures and morphologies of the elytra of beetles and ascertained its coupling zone by using the histological section technique and SEM. We set up a three-dimensional motion observing system to monitor the opening and closing behaviour of elytra in beetles and to determine the motion mechanism. We constructed a force measuring system to measure the coupling forces between elytra. The results show that elytra open and close by rotating about a single axle, where the coupling forces may be as high as 160 times its own bodyweight, the elytra coupling with the tenon and mortise mechanism, surface texture and opening angle between elytra heavily influence the coupling forces. These results may provide insights into the design mechanism and structure for future vehicles of flight.

- by yafeng Zhang and +1
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- Biological Sciences, Beetles, Mechanical Stress, Surface Properties

Satellite DNA profiles have been characterized in the congeneric species Palorus ratzeburgii, Palorus subdepressus, Palorus genalis, and Palorus ficicola (Coleoptera, Insecta), each of which contains a single, AϩT-rich satellite DNA comprising a considerable portion of the genome (20%-40%). These satellites exhibit insignificant mutual sequence similarity. Using PCR assay, it has been shown that all four sequences are present in each of the tested Palorus species: one of them is amplified into a high copy number or a major satellite, while the three others are in the form of low-copy-number repeats estimated to make up approximately 0.05% of the genome. Each of the four satellites is interspecifically highly conserved concerning the sequence, monomer length, and tandem repeat organization. Major, as well as low-copy-number, satellites are colocalized in the regions of pericentromeric heterochromatin on all chromosomes of the complement. The low-copy-number satellites are dispersed between the large arrays of the major satellite over the whole heterochromatic block. Our results explain satellite DNA evolution, confirming the hypothesis that related species share a ''library'' of conserved satellite sequences, some of which could be amplified into a major satellite. Due to the evolutionary dynamics of satellite DNAs, the content of the ''library'' is variable; the elimination of some sequences parallels the creation of the new ones. Quantitative changes in satellite DNAs, induced by occasional amplification of satellite repeat from the ''library,'' could possibly occur in the course of the speciation process, thus forming a species-specific profile of satellite DNAs.

- by Brankica Mravinac
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- Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Polymerase Chain Reaction

Wood-boring beetles in the family Cerambycidae (Coleoptera) play important roles in many forest ecosystems. However, increasing numbers of invasive cerambycid species are transported to new countries by global commerce and threaten forest health in the United States and worldwide. Our goal was to identify effective detection tools for a broad array of cerambycid species by testing some known cerambycid attractants and a pheromone in different trap designs placed across a range of habitats. We compared numbers and species richness of cerambycid beetles captured with crossvane panel traps and 12-unit Lindgren multiple-funnel traps, placed either at ground level (1.5 m high) or canopy level (Ϸ3Ð10 m high), at eight sites classiÞed as either residential, industrial, deciduous forest, or conifer forest. We captured 3,723 beetles representing 72 cerambycid species from 10 June to 15 July 2010. Species richness was highest for the subfamilies Cerambycinae and Lamiinae, which accounted for 33 and 46% of all species captured, respectively. Overall, the cross-vane panel traps captured Ϸ1.5 times more beetles than funnel traps. Twenty-one species were captured exclusively in traps at one height, either in the canopy or at ground level. More species were captured in hardwood sites (59 species) where a greater diversity of host material was available than in conifer (34 species), residential (41 species), or industrial (49) sites. Low numbers of beetles (n Ͻ 5) were recorded for 28 of the beetle species. The number of species captured per week ranged from 49 species on 21 June to 37 species on 12 July. Cross-vane panel traps installed across a vertical gradient should maximize the number of cerambycid species captured.

- by Deborah McCullough
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- Zoology, Pheromones, Beetles, Cerambycidae

Differences in the succession of insects and other Arthropoda (invertebrate animals with jointed legs), on domestic pig carcasses placed under a roof and under the open sky have been studied in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina (latitude 34845 H S) in all the seasons of the year. Faunal associations proved different for each treatment in winter: the common bluebottle Calliphora vicina was found in both, but on the sheltered carcass Cochliomyia macellaria and the rare Phaenicia cluvia were found as well. In the fall, the difference between sheltered and unsheltered carcasses was small (six species on the former and ®ve species on the latter); in spring and summer, the difference was negligible. #

- by Adriana Oliva
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- Forensic Science, Forensic Entomology, Multidisciplinary, Hymenoptera

Most wood-feeding insects need an association with microbes to utilize wood as food, and some have special organs to store and convey the microbes. We report here the discovery of the microbe-storage organ (mycangium) in stag beetles (Coleoptera: Lucanidae), which develop in decayed wood. The mycangium, which was discovered in the abdomen, is present in all adult females of 22 lucanid species examined in this study, but absent in adult males. By contrast, adult insects of both sexes of selected Passalidae, Geotrupidae, and Scarabaeidae, which are related to Lucanidae, lacked mycangia similar to those of the lucanid species. Yeast-like microbes were isolated from the mycangium of five lucanid species. DNA sequence analyses indicate that the microbes are closely related to the xylose-fermenting yeasts Pichia stipitis, Pichia segobiensis, or Pichia sp. known from the gut of a passalid species.

- by Norihisa Matsushita
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- Symbiosis, Multidisciplinary, Wood, Mandible
- by Thabiso Eric Motaung
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- Microbiology, Medical Microbiology, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Phylogeny

Aqueous leaf extract of Ricinus communis L (Euphorbiaceae), a cultivated plant in tropical countries, showed excellent insecticidal activity against Callosobruchus chinensis L (Coleoptera: Bruchidae). We have isolated and tested flavonoids as insecticidal and antimicrobial agents. The isolated flavonoids showed potential insecticidal, ovicidal and oviposition deterrent activities against C chinensis L. However, antimicrobial activity against the common microbial infestants of stored pulses, of which C chinensis is a major pest, was found to be insignificant. Two bands having Rf 0.63 and 0.69 were seen on HPTLC plates using mobile phase benzene + ethyl acetate + methanol + formic acid (12 + 4.5 + 2 + 1.5 by volume) as eluant. The Rf values and scanning of the spectrum in the ultraviolet region, showed identity with the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol. This was further confirmed using HPLC and IR and UV spectrometry. HPLC and HPTLC chromatograms also suggested quercetin to be the major flavonoid present in the hydrolyzed aqueous leaf extract of R communis.

- by Shripad Upasani
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- Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmacy

Host location by parasitoids and dipteran predators of bark beetles is poorly understood. Unlike coleopteran predators that locate prey by orienting to prey pheromones, wasps and ßies often attack life stages not present until after pheromone production ceases. Bark beetles have important microbial symbionts, which could provide sources of cues. We tested host trees, trees colonized by beetles and symbionts, and trees colonized by symbionts alone for attractiveness to hymenopteran parasitoids and dipteran predators. Field studies were conducted with Ips pini in Montana. Three pteromalid wasps were predominant. All were associated with the second and third instars of I. pini. Heydenia unica was more attracted to logs colonized by either I. pini or the fungus Ophiostoma ips than logs alone or blank controls (screen with no log). Rhopalicus pulchripennis was more attracted to logs colonized by I. pini than logs alone or blank controls. Dibrachys cavus was attracted to logs but did not distinguish whether or not they were colonized. Two dolichopodid predators were predominant. A Medetera species was more attracted to colonized than uncolonized logs and more attracted to logs than blank controls. It was also more attracted to logs colonized with the yeast Pichia scolyti than uncolonized logs, but attraction was less consistent. An unidentiÞed dolichopodid was more attracted to logs colonized with I. pini, O. ips, and the bacteria Burkholderia sp., than to uncolonized logs. It was also attracted to uncolonized logs. Its responses were less consistent and pronounced than H. unica. These results suggest some parasitoids and dipteran predators exploit microbial symbionts of bark beetles to locate hosts. Overall, specialists showed strong attraction to fungal cues, whereas generalists were more attracted by plant volatiles. These results also show how microbial symbionts can have conßicting effects on host Þtness.

- by Diana Six
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- Zoology, Symbiosis, Wasps, Bacteria

Butterflies play vital role in the ecosystem, there is co-evolutionary relationship between butterflies and plants, their lives are interlinked. Butterflies are also called flying flower, displaying its beauty. These insects enhance the aesthetic value of the environments by their exquisite wing colors. Butterflies are the wild indicators of the ecosystem; these insects tell us everything about the healthier ecosystem. These are effective pollinators, butterflies visit the flower to eat nectar and this is mutually beneficial relationship. Some species of butterflies migrate over long distance; carry pollen to be shared across plants which are far apart from one another. This migration of pollens induces genetic variation in plants species and give a better chance at survival against different disease. These insects also provide food for other organisms, for example; birds, reptiles amphibians and also acts as biological pest control. But the population of these insects decline rapidly due to human activities, habitat destruction, uses of pesticides and unawareness of people about the importance of flying flowers.

- by Mubashar Hussain
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- Dung Beetles, Systematic Entomology, Beetles

The present biogeographic distribution of tiger beetle fauna is an attempt to register all modern taxa from Pakistan. It includes 55 taxa under 14 genera and 11 subgenera. Three species, Cylindera (Eriodera) albopunctata (Chaudoir1852), Cicindela viridilabris (Chaudoir 1852) and Neocollyris (Neocollyris) redtenbacheri (Horn 1894) are recorded from Pakistan for the first time.!

- by muhammad rafi
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- Zoology, Geography, Pakistan, Biodiversity
- by Alberto Lugo
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- Zoology, Enthomology, Beetles

we studied tbe occurrence of carabicl beetles (coteoptera, carabiclcte) in boreal foTest fragments, tbeir eclges' and acljacent clearcuts in central Finlancl. Beetles uere collectecl uitlt pitfall traps atong transects extendinS4 6o m from the edge into clearcuts ctnd 60 m intoforest interior. our mainfinding, *"r" that (l) species ricbness uas significantly bigber in tbe clearcut tban in tbe forest fragments, g21 clearcuts hrste4 ntany open-babitat species, tuhicb increasecl ouerall species richness in tltese sites, (3) carabid assemblages in tlre eclges utere more similar to forest assemblages tban to tbose founcl in tbe clearcuts, (4) no edge specialists u'ere fctund' and open-babitat species did not penetrate into the forest fragments from tlre clearcut. Becctttse forest specialists occurred all tbe LUay to tbe edge on tbe forest ,ia", rt seetns tbai eclge effects per se clo not acluersely affect tbese species, at least in tbe slsort tenn. In the long term, bouteuer, babitat conditions in ty'te edges may deteriorate for interior species because of trees fauing iuer in strong uinds, tberebl,r reducing tbe .size of tbe fragments and uiclening the eclge zone.

- by Janne Heliölä
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- Zoology, Geography, Demography, Conservation Biology

Mosquitoes are serious biting pests and obligate vectors of many vertebrate pathogens. Their immature larval and pupal life stages are a common feature in most tropical and many temperate water bodies and often form a significant proportion of the biomass. Control strategies rely primarily on the use of larvicides and environmental modification to reduce recruitment and adulticides during periods of disease transmission. Larvicides are usually chemical but can involve biological toxins, agents or organisms. The use of insect predators in mosquito control has been exploited in a limited fashion and there is much room for further investigation and implementation.

- by Essam Shaalan
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- Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Pheromones, Insects, Feeding Behavior
- by Cuauhtémoc Deloya
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- Zoology, Mexico, Population Density, Trees

The superfamily Scarabaeoidea comprises a large and diverse monophyletic group. Members share ancestral characteristics, but often exhibit considerable differences in their ecology, physiology, or mating strategies. A large number of species are regarded as pests of crop or amenity plants, while others are beneficial to humans and even may be extremely rare as a result of anthropogenic activities. A significant number of chemical ecology-based studies have been conducted with the Scarabaeoidea in order to characterize semiochemicals influencing their behavior, such as pheromones and plant-derived allelochemicals. These may be used either to control or preserve populations of the beetles, depending upon pest or beneficial status. This paper is a review of the role and identity of the semiochemicals of the Scarabaeoidea, with comments on possible future research and applied opportunities in the field of chemical ecology.

- by J. Vuts and +1
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- Chemical Ecology, Pheromones, Ecology, Biological Sciences

The Mediterranean Red List assessment is a review of the conservation status at regional level of approximately 6,000 species of animals and plants. This report summarizes the results for a key group of Mediterranean biodiversity: saproxylic beetles. Despite their key role in the ecosystem´s health and food chain, saproxylic beetles are still largely misunderstood and the current information gaps on these species´ population status, trends, and distribution are a reflection on how little we still know about them. The geographical scope followed for this assessment is the Mediterranean region according to the Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot, with the exception of the Macaronesian islands, which have not been included in this study. All the obligate saproxylic beetles endemic or almost endemic to the Mediterranean region – 320 species and 1 subspecies – are included.

- by Margherita Norbiato
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- Insects, Red List Assessments, IUCN Red List, Beetles

We studied the spectral characteristics of the larvae of three sympatric Belgian species of fireflies, Lampyris noctiluca, Phosphaenus hemipterus and Lamprohiza splendidula. An in vivo spectral study was performed to compare bioluminescence spectra. The emission spectrum of a laboratory reared female L. noctiluca was recorded by a different, more exact method. The mean peak wavelength (k max 5 546 nm) and shapes of the unimodal emission spectra are visually similar for the larvae of all three species. The emission spectrum of the adult female L. noctiluca peaked in the same range as the larval bioluminescence between 546 and 551 nm. The bandwidth at half-maximum intensity was slightly greater for larval L. noctiluca (77 6 4 nm) compared with P. hemipterus (70 6 10 nm). The bandwidth of larval L. splendidula (77 6 8 nm) was not different compared with the other larvae, whereas the females' bandwidth was somewhat narrower (68 nm). The ecological significance of the color of bioluminescence and conservancy of green emission in larval fireflies and other luminescent beetle larvae is discussed.

- by raphael de cock
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- Biological Sciences, Europe, Color, Physical sciences

The western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Col.:Chrysomelidae) (D.v.v.) is one of the most important maize pests in North America. Ever since its invasion into Europe and its detection near Belgrade airport by BACA in 1993 it quickly spread all over southeastern Europe and is now advancing towards central Europe. Up until summer 2004 considered free of D.v.v., Germany is, with the exception of its northern and northeastern borders, surrounded by countries with proven D.v.v. infestations. In addition to simultaneous spot introductions by airplanes, three main routes for terrestrial introduction into Germany are likely: 1. from south to north via Lombardy (Italy) through Switzerland to the State of Baden-Wuerttemberg in the southwest; 2. from south east to northwest via Croatia, Slovenia, Austria into the State of Bavaria; and 3. from Belgium and the Netherlands in southeasterly direction to the state of Northrhine-Westfalia. From these, progress of D.v.v. along...

- by Spela Modic
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- Genetics, Agriculture, Transportation, Population Dynamics

Bark beetles, especially Dendroctonus species, are considered to be serious pests of the coniferous forests in North America. Bark beetle forest pests undergo population eruptions, causing regionwide economic losses. In order to save forests, finding new and innovative environmentally friendly approaches in wood-boring insect pest management is more important than ever. Several biological control methods have been attempted over time to limit the damage and spreading of bark beetle epidemics. The use of entomopathogenic microorganisms against bark beetle populations is an attractive alternative tool for many biological control programmes in forestry. However, the effectiveness of these biological control agents is strongly affected by environmental factors, as well as by the susceptibility of the insect host. Bark beetle susceptibility to entomopathogens varies greatly between species. According to recent literature, bark beetles are engaged in symbiotic relationships with fungi and bacteria. These types of relationship are very complex and apparently involved in bark beetle defensive mechanisms against pathogens. The latest scientific discoveries in multipartite symbiosis have unravelled unexpected opportunities in bark beetle pest management, which are discussed in this article.

- by Valentin Popa
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- Zoology, Symbiosis, Fungi, Bacteria

This multi-author paper reviews current work by USDA-ARS scientists in the field of chemical ecology. Work with pheromones, the discovery and development of the codling moth kairomone, studies on insect-plant interactions and chemically mediated tritrophic plant-insect interactions have led to practical methods for control of important insect pests. Published in

- by Joseph Dickens
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- Zoology, Research Design, Pest Management, Chemical Ecology

Adaptive radiations of mammals have contributed to the exceptionally high levels of biodiversity and endemism in Madagascar. Here we examine the evolutionary history of the endemic dung beetle tribe Helictopleurini (Scarabaeidae) and its relationship to the widely distributed Oniticellini and Onthophagini. Helictopleurini species are dependent on mammals for their resources. We date the single origin of the tribe at 37 to 23 MY ago, indicating overseas colonization of Madagascar. The main radiation occurred concurrently with the main radiations of lemurs. The ancestors of Helictopleurini are inferred to have been coprophagous species inhabiting open habitats. Subsequent evolution has involved a shift into forests, changes in resource use to a more generalized diet, and changes in body size. Four species of the extant 65 species have shifted to use the dung of the recently introduced cattle in open habitats, allowing these species to greatly expand their geographical ranges.

- by Helena Wirta
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- Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Zoology, Geography

Many low-elevation dry forests of the western United States contain more small trees and fewer large trees, more down woody debris, and less diverse and vigorous understory plant communities compared to conditions under historical fire regimes. These altered structural conditions may contribute to increased probability of unnaturally severe wildfires, susceptibility to uncharacteristic insect outbreaks, and drought-related mortality. Broad-scale fuel reduction and restoration treatments are proposed to promote stand development on trajectories toward more sustainable structures. Little research to date, however, has quantified the effects of these treatments on the ecosystem, especially delayed and latent tree mortality resulting directly or indirectly from treatments. In this paper, we explore complex hypotheses relating to the cascade of effects that influence ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) mortality using structural equation modeling (SEM). We used annual census and plot data through six growing seasons after thinning and four growing seasons after burning from a replicated, operational-scale, completely randomized experiment conducted in northeastern Oregon, USA, as part of the national Fire and Fire Surrogate study. Treatments included thin, burn, thin followed by burn (thin þ burn), and control. Burn and thin þ burn treatments increased the proportion of dead trees while the proportion of dead trees declined or remained constant in thin and control units, although the density of dead trees was essentially unchanged with treatment. Most of the new mortality (96%) occurred within two years of treatment and was attributed to bark beetles. Bark beetle-caused tree mortality, while low overall, was greatest in thin þ burn treatments. SEM results indicate that the probability of mortality of large-diameter ponderosa pine from bark beetles and wood borers was directly related to surface fire severity and bole charring, which in turn depended on fire intensity, which was greater in units where thinning increased large woody fuels. These results have implications when deciding among management options for restoring ecosystem health in similar ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir forests.

- by Andrew Youngblood
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- Forestry, Ecosystem health, Biological Sciences, Tree Mortality

The parasitization capacity of 3 parasitoids and the predation capacity of 3 predators towards the shallot aphid, Myzus ascalonicus Doncaster (Homoptera: Aphididae), on strawberry, Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne (Rosales: Rosaceae) cv. Honeoye, were examined in laboratory experiments. In Petri dish assays, both Aphidius colemani Viereck (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae) and A. ervi Haliday readily stung shallot aphids, with no significant difference in stinging frequency between the two species. A. ervi induced a significantly higher mortality (79.0 ± 7.2%) in terms of stung aphids compared with A. colemani (55.3 ± 4.1%); however, only a minor fraction (2.7 ± 1.8% and 7.1 ± 3.1%, respectively) of the killed aphids resulted in formation of mummies, presumably due to a physiological response to parasitism. The low percentage of mummification precludes the use of either Aphidius species in anything but inundative biocontrol. In similar set-ups, Aphelinus abdominalis (Dalman) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) killed almost half (49.6 ± 5.3%) of the exposed aphids through host feeding. In addition, 23.2 ± 7.3% of non-host-fed aphids developed into mummified aphids, and 38.1 ± 13.2% of non-host-fed aphids died from other parasitoid-induced causes. However, the host feeding rate was reduced to only 1.2 ± 0.8%, and no significant parasitization mortality was observed on strawberry plants, suggesting that host plants interfered with A. abdominalis activity. This parasitoid does not, therefore, seem to be suited to either inoculative or inundative biocontrol of shallot aphids in strawberry. The three predators studied were the green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea Steph. (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), the two-spotted lady beetle, Adalia bipunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and the gall midge Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). Third instars of all 3 predators readily preyed upon the shallot aphid in Petri dish set-ups with significant differences in daily predation (34.62 ± 3.45, 25.25 ± 3.18, and 13.34 ± 1.45, respectively). Further studies on A. bipunctata revealed that the larvae maintained their daily predation capacity (32.0 ± 6.3) on strawberry plants. About 60% of already ovipositing A. bipunctata refrained from laying any eggs on the first day after transfer to set-ups with combinations of shallot or peach-potato aphids, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Homoptera: Aphididae), and strawberry or sweet pepper leaves. The aphid species and the plant species did not, however, have a significant influence on the number Journal of Insect Science: Vol. 13 | Article 83 Grubbs et al. Journal of Insect Science | http://www.insectscience.org

- by Lene Sigsgaard
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- Zoology, Wasps, Aphids, Host-parasite interactions