Physiological Entomology最新文献

{"title":"Early adaptation to an unusual host in the bean weevil Zabrotes subfasciatus is associated with changes in body size and reproductive physiology\u0000 As fases iniciais do processo de adaptação a um hospedeiro incomum no caruncho-do-feijão Zabrotes subfasciatus estão associadas a mudanças no tamanho corporal e na fisiologia reprodutiva\u0000 Las fases iniciales del proceso de adaptación a un hospedador inusual en el gorgojo del poroto Zabrotes subfasciatus están asociadas a cambios en el tamaño corporal y en la fisiología reproductiva","authors":"Bruno de Oliveira Cruz,&nbsp;Sílvia de Oliveira Miranda,&nbsp;Emily Rarissa Crisostomo Benedito,&nbsp;Juliana Ramos Martins,&nbsp;Luiz Alberto Beijo,&nbsp;Ester Siqueira Caixeta,&nbsp;Talita Sarah Mazzoni,&nbsp;Lívia Maria Rosatto Moda,&nbsp;Isabel Ribeiro do Valle Teixeira,&nbsp;Angel Roberto Barchuk","doi":"10.1111/phen.70011","DOIUrl":"10.1111/phen.70011","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Host shifts can present unique challenges and exert selective pressures that influence the evolutionary trajectory of phytophagous insect species. In Bruchinae beetles, which are highly specialized feeders on Fabaceae plants, host shifts are often linked to changes in life-history traits and are typically accompanied by reduced fitness. Since fitness is closely tied to reproductive success, morphophysiological traits such as body size, gonadal development and the expression of vitellogenic genes may serve as indicators of how well a population adapts to a novel host. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a short-term selection experiment (12 generations) involving the use of an atypical host, <i>Cicer arietinum</i> (chickpea), by the bean weevil <i>Zabrotes subfasciatus</i> (Boheman, 1833) (Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae: Amblycerini). We estimated eight body measures, assessed the development of ovaries and testes and quantified the expression of vitellogenin (<i>vg</i>) and vitellogenin receptor (<i>vgR</i>) genes in the fat body and ovary of newly emerged individuals (within 24 h) from both selected populations. Our results reveal that the adaptation involves an increase in body size (e.g., the length of the abdomen not covered by elytra in females), which correlates with higher oocyte storage in the oviducts. This morphological change was coupled with a reduction in the size of the germarium in selected females and a decrease in <i>vgR</i> transcription levels. These findings provide valuable insight into the initial phases of phytophagous insect adaptation to an unconventional host, illustrating how such adaptations are accompanied by significant morphophysiological changes that affect crucial life-history traits and ultimately lead to a decline in fitness.</p>","PeriodicalId":20081,"journal":{"name":"Physiological Entomology","volume":"51 1","pages":"147-162"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/phen.70011","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146196971","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Larvicidal activity, biochemical effect, histopathological alteration, and biomarker responses induced by Laurus nobilis essential oil in Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae)","authors":"Oulfa Bouzidi,&nbsp;Fouzia Tine-Djebbar,&nbsp;Samir Tine,&nbsp;Noureddine Soltani","doi":"10.1111/phen.70024","DOIUrl":"10.1111/phen.70024","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Our current study is devoted to the determination of the chemical profile of the <i>Laurus nobilis</i> essential oil (LNEO), and its larvicidal activity against the most prevalent mosquito (<i>Culex pipiens</i>) in the Tebessa area (northeast Algeria). The effects were examined on neurotoxicity, detoxification, and oxidative stress biomarkers, the biochemical, and the morphometric parameters of the larvae. The EO yield of <i>L. nobilis</i> leaves was determined to be 0.96%. According to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses (GC–MS), fifty-six constituents were found in the <i>L. nobilis</i> EO. eucalyptol (25.62%) was the major chemical component, followed by linalool (11.83%) and <i>α</i>-terpinyl acetate (10.18%). This EO exhibited larvicidal activity in bioassay tests conducted in accordance with the World Health Organization standard procedure. The biomarkers' activity revealed a decrease in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and glutathione (GSH) rate. Furthermore, an increase in glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) rate was observed after treatment. The morphometric evaluation revealed that the tested EO reduced both the larvae's body volume and weight. Additionally, data showed that treatment altered the nutrition reserves. Finally, treated larvae showed histological changes that were significantly correlated with EO concentration. Conclusively, <i>L. nobilis</i> EO has the potential to be used as an alternative to neurotoxic insecticides to control mosquito infestations.</p>","PeriodicalId":20081,"journal":{"name":"Physiological Entomology","volume":"51 1","pages":"163-177"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146199398","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Coinfection of Mesenetia and rescuing Wolbachia in the coconut hispine beetle","authors":"Shun-ichiro Takano,&nbsp;Dinh Cuong Nguyen,&nbsp;Tuan Dat Nguyen,&nbsp;Ryosuke Tamiya","doi":"10.1111/phen.70003","DOIUrl":"10.1111/phen.70003","url":null,"abstract":"<p>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 (<i>Brontispa longissima</i>) in Japan were infected with <i>Mesenetia</i>, <i>Wolbachia</i> or both. Crossing tests revealed that <i>Mesenetia</i> induced CI in both singly and coinfected males. Coinfected <i>Wolbachia</i> did not induce CI; however, a part of singly infected <i>Wolbachia</i> did. Genetic analysis showed that singly and coinfected <i>Wolbachia</i> 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+ <i>Wolbachia</i> and other CI inducers, which explains why <i>Wolbachia</i> in coinfected hosts does not induce CI.</p>","PeriodicalId":20081,"journal":{"name":"Physiological Entomology","volume":"51 1","pages":"17-28"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/phen.70003","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146199401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The temperature preference, phenology and enzymatic activity of two winter-active spiders (Araneae)","authors":"Stano Pekár,&nbsp;Radek Michalko,&nbsp;Vladimír Šustr","doi":"10.1111/phen.70010","DOIUrl":"10.1111/phen.70010","url":null,"abstract":"<p>While the great majority of arthropod natural enemies present in commercial orchards are inactive during winter, a few spider species remain active and catch pests. This is the case of <i>Anyphaena accentuata</i> and <i>Philodromus</i> spp. spiders, which contribute significantly to a reduction in the population of psyllids during winter. These spiders were found to catch prey even at temperatures close to or below 0°C. Here, we investigated whether these spiders have a preference for low temperatures, when they reach maturity, and whether their enzymatic activity, specifically that of α-amylase, is adapted to low temperatures. The temperature preference, studied on a temperature gradient funnel, showed that <i>Anyphaena</i> preferred temperatures of around 20°C, while <i>Philodromus</i> preferred temperatures of around 30°C. On the basis of faunistic data, both <i>Anyphaena</i> and <i>Philodromus</i> are univoltine, with adults of <i>Anyphaena</i> occurring in late April, while those of <i>Philodromus</i> occur in early June. The amylolytic activity was measured in venom gland extracts and whole prosoma homogenates in the range from 0 to 60°C. Fitted triangular models revealed that α-amylase in the prosoma of <i>Anyphaena</i> has lower thermostability at higher temperatures than α-amylase in <i>Philodromus</i>. Fitted Arrhenius models revealed that, in <i>Philodromus</i>, the activation energy of the enzyme reaction in prosoma homogenates was lower than that in venom gland extracts. The obtained results show that <i>Anyphaena</i> is more adapted to lower temperatures than <i>Philodromus</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":20081,"journal":{"name":"Physiological Entomology","volume":"51 1","pages":"126-135"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146196951","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Conspecific semiochemical tracks on host plants modulate reproduction and defense in parthenium beetles","authors":"Priyanka Yadav,&nbsp;Bhupendra Kumar","doi":"10.1111/phen.70015","DOIUrl":"10.1111/phen.70015","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The present study investigated the effects of conspecific semiochemical tracks, emitted by both males and females and differentiated by mating status, on the reproductive performance, biochemical assimilation, and antioxidant enzyme activities of female Parthenium beetles, <i>Zygogramma bicolorata</i> Pallister. Results revealed that exposure to semiochemical cues significantly reduced both fecundity and egg viability in <i>Z. bicolorata</i> females. Nutrient assimilation, including glucose, proteins and triglycerides, was similarly diminished following exposure to semiochemical tracks. While triglyceride assimilation was lowest in the presence of tracks from mated adults, glucose and protein assimilation were lowest in females exposed to tracks from unmated adults. Moreover, key antioxidant enzyme activities, viz. superoxide dismutase, catalase and lipid peroxidation levels, were significantly affected. Females reared without exposure to semiochemical tracks exhibited the highest enzyme activity, with progressively lower levels observed in those exposed to tracks from mated males. These findings suggest that conspecific semiochemicals, modulated by mating status, play a critical role in regulating female reproductive physiology and metabolic status, potentially through stress-mediated pathways. Understanding these interactions may provide valuable insights into the ecology and management of <i>Z. bicolorata</i> populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":20081,"journal":{"name":"Physiological Entomology","volume":"51 1","pages":"115-125"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146199397","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"","authors":"","doi":"","DOIUrl":"","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":20081,"journal":{"name":"Physiological Entomology","volume":"51 1","pages":"E1-E3"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148065324","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of the quality and frequency of blood feeding on the immune response of Triatoma pallidipennis, a Chagas disease vector","authors":"Santiago Álvarez,&nbsp;Alejandro Alvarado-Delgado,&nbsp;Lorena González-López,&nbsp;Carl Lowenberger,&nbsp;Alba N. Lecona-Valera,&nbsp;Ana E. Gutiérrez-Cabrera","doi":"10.1111/phen.70005","DOIUrl":"10.1111/phen.70005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Triatoma pallidipennis</i> is a vector of <i>Trypanosoma cruzi</i>, the causative agent of Chagas disease. These insects feed on a diverse range of vertebrate hosts, including mammals, birds and other animals, with variations in blood source influencing their immune response and fitness. We analysed the effect of the source and frequency of blood feeding on the immune response of <i>T. pallidipennis</i>. Three blood sources were used: mammalian (rabbit), bird (chicken) and defibrinated mammalian blood (rabbit). Food was provided at periods of 8 and 45 days to first instar nymphs until adulthood. Once they reached adulthood, the insects were challenged with <i>Escherichia coli</i>, and the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) <i>defensin B</i> and <i>prolixicin</i> was quantified. Results show that feeding on mammalian blood at short intervals (every 8 days) significantly upregulated both AMPs, with a strong immune response observed in comparison to insects fed avian or defibrinated blood. <i>Prolixicin</i> expression was more consistently induced across different conditions, whereas <i>defensin B</i> expression was more dependent on blood type and feeding frequency. These results indicate that both the type of blood and the frequency of feeding play crucial roles in modulating the immune response in <i>T. pallidipennis</i>, suggesting that mammalian blood enhances immune capacity and may influence the vectorial capacity for transmitting <i>T. cruzi</i>. We highlight the importance of blood meal composition and feeding intervals in shaping immune responses and provide insights into the ecological factors that influence triatomine immune competence and disease transmission dynamics.</p>","PeriodicalId":20081,"journal":{"name":"Physiological Entomology","volume":"51 1","pages":"40-47"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146199348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Morphological and biomechanical adaptations of larval mandibles in Trichoptera (Insecta)","authors":"Patrick Below,&nbsp;Stanislav N. Gorb,&nbsp;Frank Friedrich,&nbsp;Wencke Krings","doi":"10.1111/phen.70009","DOIUrl":"10.1111/phen.70009","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study examines the larval mandibles of five caddisfly species, documenting their morphological and biomechanical adaptations to different feeding strategies. Three predatory species (<i>Molanna angustata</i>, <i>Plectrocnemia conspersa</i>, <i>Rhyacophila fasciata</i>) and two algae-grazing species (<i>Silo nigricornis</i>, <i>Tinodes pallidulus</i>) were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and nanoindentation. SEM analysis revealed distinct mandible structures: grazing species possessed various collecting setae and sharp mandible cutting edges, while predatory species exhibited more pointy incisors. By EDX, low concentrations of Ca, Cl, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, P, S, Si and Zn were detected with no relationship to mechanical properties, suggesting limited elemental reinforcement in larval Trichoptera mandibles. CLSM imaging, however, revealed regional material heterogeneities related to the mechanical properties, indicating that the mechanical parameters depend on the degree of cuticle tanning. We detected harder and stiffer mandible cuticle in predatory species, likely enhancing the mechanical resistance of material during prey capture. Nanoindentation analysis identified two functional mandible types in grazers, adapted for scraping and collecting, with differential regional cuticle hardness and stiffness. Predatory species exhibited three mandible types, likely specialized for grabbing and crushing, piercing and cutting, or grabbing, piercing and cutting. Decreased mechanical properties of condyles in predators suggested enhanced flexibility for prey handling, whereas grazers, showing higher Young's moduli and hardness values in condyles, likely required higher pressure for scraping. In some species (<i>Silo nigricornis</i> and <i>Rhyacophila fasciata</i>), the heterogeneity between lateral and medial mandible cuticle indicated that self-sharpening mechanisms could be present. These findings provide insight into the functional morphology and material adaptations of mandibles of trichopteran larvae in relation to their feeding ecology.</p>","PeriodicalId":20081,"journal":{"name":"Physiological Entomology","volume":"51 1","pages":"85-114"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/phen.70009","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146199465","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fatty acids and glycerides are object recognition and carrying cues for foraging Camponotus modoc carpenter ants","authors":"Asim Renyard,&nbsp;Ranjot Singh,&nbsp;Santosh Kumar Alamsetti,&nbsp;Regine Gries,&nbsp;Claire Gooding,&nbsp;Gerhard Gries","doi":"10.1111/phen.70002","DOIUrl":"10.1111/phen.70002","url":null,"abstract":"<p>During foraging and nest hygiene maintenance (removal of deceased nestmates), ants recognize objects for pickup and transport based on their surface chemicals. Diverse lipids are present on food items and deceased nestmates of ants and the lipids oleic acid and 1,2-diolein are already well-known pickup cues. However, the effects of various lipid types on pickup behaviour by ants have not yet been rigorously compared. Using the carpenter ant, <i>Camponotus modoc</i> Wheeler (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), as a model species and pieces of perlite as inert objects for pickup by ants, we (1) compared the effects of fatty acids and glycerides as perlite coating on perlite pickup and transport by ants, (2) tested the effect of 1,2-diolein dose on perlite pickup and (3) compared pickup behaviour by ants in response to pickup cues that are widespread (oleic acid and 1,2-diolein) and commercially used in ant baits (soybean oil). Of 18 surface chemicals tested singly as perlite coating, 1,2-diolein, linoleic acid, oleic acid, trilinolenin and triolein elicited the strongest perlite pickup behaviour. Increasing doses of 1,2-diolein correspondingly enhanced perlite pickup by ants. Oleic acid and 1,2-diolein as perlite coating prompted more perlite pickup by ants than soybean oil. Enriching soybean oil with oleic acid might enhance the pickup efficacy of granular baits by pest ants.</p>","PeriodicalId":20081,"journal":{"name":"Physiological Entomology","volume":"51 1","pages":"29-39"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/phen.70002","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146199403","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ips acuminatus (Gyllenhal) in the Czech Republic: Flight dynamics and adult population structure","authors":"Daniela Hlávková,&nbsp;Jana Koudelková,&nbsp;Markéta Davídková,&nbsp;Petr Doležal","doi":"10.1111/phen.70012","DOIUrl":"10.1111/phen.70012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Ips acuminatus</i> is a bark beetle species that is becoming increasingly important in Central Europe, yet its phenology and reproductive patterns remain insufficiently described. Understanding its life cycle and sex ratio dynamics is essential for effective monitoring and forest protection. The study was conducted over two consecutive seasons (2021–2022) in pine (<i>Pinus sylvestris</i>) stands in the Czech Republic using Theysohn® pheromone traps baited with various attractants (including ACP and PH). Flight activity, sex ratio and mating success were recorded and analysed throughout the seasons. A univoltine life cycle was observed, with a sharp, synchronized emergence in spring, occurring in late May and June. No second generation developed, although a minor emergence in midsummer suggested limited partial brood. Sex ratios varied seasonally, with males predominating in early spring and shifting toward female bias later in the season. Baits containing cis-verbenol and α-pinene attracted significantly more females, indicating a possible trap bias. More than 90% of females were mated, despite a lower presence of males. These results suggest that <i>I. acuminatus</i> maintains a univoltine life cycle in Central Europe. However, changing climatic conditions may lead to shifts in phenology, flight activity and sex ratio. Cautious observation is therefore recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":20081,"journal":{"name":"Physiological Entomology","volume":"51 1","pages":"136-146"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/phen.70012","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146199474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}