Frontiers in insect science最新文献

{"title":"Soil nutrition and foliar intervention in <i>Brassica napus</i> (L.) to impair biological fitness of green peach aphid (<i>Myzus persicae</i> Sulzer).","authors":"Muhammad Wajid Javed, Waseem Akram, Muhammad Umair Gulzar, Ammara Riaz, Muhammad Sagheer, Asad Aslam, Ayman El Sabagh, Mohammed Antar","doi":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1853500","DOIUrl":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1853500","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Green peach aphid (<i>Myzus persicae</i>) can reduce yield of canola (<i>Brassica napus</i>) from 35-60% either directly by sap sucking or indirectly by virus transmission. Use of synthetic insecticides is not an ecologically acceptable option.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Therefore, effectiveness of different foliar interventions based on salicylic acid-SA and citric acid-CA at 0, 0.5, and 1 mM, and soil nutrition through herbivore-deterrence (silicon-Si and ammonium sulphate-Ams at 25 and 50 kg ha^-1) and soil amendments (elemental sulphur-ES, bio sulphur-BS, Cp-Compost, ES+Cp, and BS+Cp) were assessed against different biological fitness parameters of aphid such as aphid development period (days), reproduction time (days), progeny production (No.), immature becoming adults (No), and nymphal survival (%).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In foliar intervention treatments, 1 mM SA was the most effective treatment followed by 0.5 mM SA and 1 mM CA in reducing aphid biological parameters (10.21 to 71.5%), while in herbivore-deterrence and soil amendments, 50 kg Si (23.5-66.04%) and ES+BS (21.5-42.9%) performed better, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These results are important in sustainable management of aphids, improving canola yield, and ensuring global food security. However, deciphering the underlying mechanism of pest resistance in canola should be an important goal of future research.</p>","PeriodicalId":517424,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in insect science","volume":"6 ","pages":"1853500"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13350061/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148428062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correction: Morphometric and molecular insights into <i>Bactrocera dorsalis</i> (Hendel, 1912) (Diptera: Tephritidae) infestation on <i>Ziziphus mauritiana</i> Lamk. (Indian Jujube).","authors":"Kavin Palanivelu, Usharani Balakrishnan, Kamala Jayanthi Pagadala Damodharam, Suresh Krishnasamy, Sandeep Singh, Arul Dhayalan","doi":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1845367","DOIUrl":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1845367","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2026.1716183.].</p>","PeriodicalId":517424,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in insect science","volume":"6 ","pages":"1845367"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13292077/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148335469","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Norroa™ as a dsRNA biopesticide for <i>Varroa destructor</i>: insights from New Zealand research on mode of action, field efficacy, non-target effects, and social acceptance.","authors":"Philip J Lester, Mariana Bulgarella, Brian Manley, James D Masucci, Rose A McGruddy, Joana Merk, Kenneth Narva, Symon Palmer, O Ripeka Mercier, Zoe E Smeele","doi":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1814622","DOIUrl":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1814622","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>RNA interference (RNAi) is emerging as a highly selective approach for pest management, offering species-specific control with limited non-target impacts. In apiculture, dsRNA-based biopesticides represent a novel tool for managing <i>Varroa destructor</i> (hereafter varroa), a globally distributed parasitic mite and a key driver of honey bee colony losses. Here, we review laboratory, field, and social research conducted in New Zealand that has enhanced understanding of vadescana, a dsRNA biopesticide targeting calmodulin gene expression in varroa, and its commercial formulation Norroa™. Laboratory studies using mini-hive systems demonstrate that vadescana can suppress mite reproduction, primarily through disruption of embryonic development. Varroa calmodulin and calmodulin-like gene expression was suppressed. Vadescana does not appear to affect adult mite survival. Field trials in commercial beekeeping operations in both the North and South Islands have shown that vadescana can be used to manage varroa populations and maintain low infestation levels for extended periods. The efficacy of this biopesticide in maintaining low mite populations was comparable to synthetic miticides under some conditions, but variability was observed across sites, infestation levels, and management contexts. Importantly, New Zealand-based studies indicate no or minimal impacts of vadescana on honey bee larval and adult survival, foraging behaviour, colony growth, and honey production. Bioinformatic and experimental assessments have predicted a low risk of adverse effects on non-target organisms associated with beehives. Finally, we discuss remaining challenges and future directions, including resistance management, optimisation of application strategies, incorporation into varroa integrated pest management programmes, and the need for international regulatory harmonisation. Collectively, the greatest utility of Norroa™ appears to lie in maintaining low mite populations and supporting integrated pest management programmes, rather than functioning as a stand-alone, knock-down treatment under high varroa infestation pressure.</p>","PeriodicalId":517424,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in insect science","volume":"6 ","pages":"1814622"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13286927/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148321515","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrated evaluation of plant oils, entomopathogenic fungi and insecticides against rugose spiralling whitefly (<i>Aleurodicus rugioperculatus</i> Martin) on coconut.","authors":"Priyanka Borbaruah, Inee Gogoi, Samiron Pathak, Badal Bhattacharyya, Shimantini Borkataki, K Sindhura Bhairavi, Bandana Saikia, Jabanika Hazarika, Partha Pratim Gyanudoy Das, Mousumi Phukon, Nang Sena Manpoong, Elangbam Bidyarani Devi","doi":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1829366","DOIUrl":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1829366","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The rugose spiralling whitefly (RSW), <i>Aleurodicus rugioperculatus</i> Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), has emerged as a serious invasive pest of coconut in India since its first report in 2016. Its rapid population build-up, coupled with profuse honeydew excretion and sooty mould development, causes substantial reduction in photosynthesis and nut yield. The present study aimed to develop and validate IPM modules by combining mechanical, botanical, microbial and need-based chemical tactics on the basis of laboratory screening and field evaluation. In laboratory bioassays, castor oil, <i>Lecanicillium lecanii</i> and acetamiprid caused the highest mortality and thus were incorporated in Module 3, which was further compared against two institutionally derived modules for field validation. Significant differences among the treatments were observed (<i>p</i> < 0.05), Across two seasons, all IPM modules reduced rugose spiralling whitefly infestation relative to the untreated control, but Module 1 achieved the greatest overall pest suppression (>70%) and the highest yield increase (28.4%). However, Module 3, integrating yellow sticky traps, 1% starch wash, castor oil, <i>L. lecanii</i> and acetamiprid, provided substantial suppression with lower dependence on conventional chemical input. On the basis of efficacy, ecological compatibility and field practicability, Module 3 is recommended as the preferred IPM option for routine management of <i>A. rugioperculatus</i> in coconut under north-eastern Indian conditions, whereas Module 1 may be reserved for severe outbreak situations requiring rapid suppression. The study demonstrates that laboratory-validated botanical, microbial and selective chemical components can be assembled into a scalable and recommendation-driven IPM programme for sustainable management of rugose spiralling whitefly.</p>","PeriodicalId":517424,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in insect science","volume":"6 ","pages":"1829366"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13287131/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148321510","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative metabolomics provides insights into the metabolic reprogramming of the predatory <i>Arma custos</i> (Fabricius) during low-temperature storage.","authors":"Yifan Dong, Xiaoyan Yuan, Zihan Shi, Yansong Xiao, Shaolong Wu, Can Wang, Lin Tan, Weiai Zeng, Yusheng Wang","doi":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1820584","DOIUrl":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1820584","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong><i>Arma custos</i> (Fabricius) is a promising generalist predator capable of controlling a wide range of insect pests; however, a temporal mismatch between mass-rearing supply and pest outbreaks limits its commercial application. Although cold storage is commonly used to extend shelf life, it imposes substantial physiological stress that may compromise insect quality.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>To investigate the metabolic mechanisms underlying cold adaptation, we conducted comparative metabolomic analyses combined with enzyme activity assays on <i>A. custos</i> adults exposed to a gradual cooling protocol.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Despite a decline in survival during cold storage, the insects underwent extensive metabolic reprogramming in response to thermal stress. In total, 1,434 metabolites were identified, among which lipids and lipid-like molecules accounted for the largest proportion (43.72%). A total of 1,275 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were detected, indicating pronounced metabolic reorganization and overall downregulation during prolonged cold exposure. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis identified eight major metabolic pathways and 46 key DEMs, suggesting that lipid and carbohydrate metabolism are central to cold tolerance. Mechanistically, the accumulation of long-chain polyunsaturated phospholipids and sphingomyelin is hypothesized to represent a crucial strategy for maintaining membrane fluidity, whereas the downregulation of ceramide may contribute to the suppression of apoptosis. In addition, elevated trehalase activity and the accumulation of compatible solutes likely function as essential cryoprotectants and antioxidants.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Collectively, these results provide a systematic characterization of the metabolic landscape of <i>A. custos</i> under low-temperature stress and offer a theoretical foundation for future functional studies and for optimizing cold storage strategies to enhance the performance of this biocontrol agent.</p>","PeriodicalId":517424,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in insect science","volume":"6 ","pages":"1820584"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13279525/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148298428","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"ETH and Burs-α are necessary for the normal molting in <i>Dalbulus maidis</i> and <i>Delphacodes kuscheli</i>.","authors":"Nicolás Luján Andrada, Mariana Crespo, Agustin Ariel Baricalla, Lucia Inés Dalaisón-Fuentes, Marcos Sterkel, Maria Inés Catalano","doi":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1811933","DOIUrl":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1811933","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Insects are among the most diverse and widely distributed organisms worldwide. They are studied for both their beneficial ecological roles and their impact as agricultural pests. Molting is a critical process for insect growth and development and is tightly regulated by specific enzymes and hormones. In this study, we identified and characterized two key hormones, Bursicon-α (Burs-α) and Ecdysis Triggering Hormone (ETH), in <i>Dalbulus maidis</i> and <i>Delphacodes kuscheli</i>, two significant corn pests in Argentina.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We performed sequence identification and characterization of Burs-α and ETH, followed by RNA interference (RNAi) experiments to evaluate their functional roles. Gene silencing was assessed by measuring mRNA levels, and survival and molting-related phenotypes were recorded after dsRNA treatment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Silencing <i>burs-α</i> and <i>eth</i> significantly reduced their corresponding mRNA levels and caused high mortality rates in both species. Treated insects showed severe molting-related defects, supporting the essential roles of Burs-α and ETH in the regulation of ecdysis and post-ecdysis processes.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These findings indicate that Burs-α and ETH are essential for insect survival and successful molting in <i>D. maidis</i> and <i>D. kuscheli</i>. Therefore, these hormones represent promising molecular targets for the development of innovative pest control strategies in corn production.</p>","PeriodicalId":517424,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in insect science","volume":"6 ","pages":"1811933"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13279319/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148297176","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Host plants determine oviposition preference and larval fitness of tomato leafminer, <i>Phthorimaea absoluta</i>.","authors":"Tariku Tesfaye Edosa, Kwang-Ho Kim, Sung-Wook Jeon, Jaekun Kim, Jong-Ho Park, Hyunoh Sun","doi":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1854641","DOIUrl":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1854641","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Phthorimaea absoluta</i> (Meyrick 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) was accidentally introduced into South Korea in 2024 and is currently distributed throughout the country's tomato-producing areas. The interaction of the insect with native alternative host plants in Korea has not been elucidated. Therefore, in the current study, we have determined the oviposition preference and larval development of <i>P. absoluta</i> in Korean native weed and crop plants (two each from Solanaceae). The evaluation of oviposition preference was conducted using a choice and a no-choice test. First-instar larvae of the tomato leafminer were placed on each tested plant and monitored daily for mortality and head capsule measurements to determine larval instars. Accordingly, female adults highly preferred tomato and black nightshade for oviposition, and the highest survival percentage was also observed from these plants. On the other hand, the larvae reared on the eggplant and devil's apple took a longer time to pupate, and the highest mortality was recorded. The positive correlation between larval duration and larval mortality, and the negative correlation between larval duration and pupal weight were observed. The highest growth and fitness indices were observed in larvae reared on tomato and black nightshade. Collectively, tomato leafminer can complete its life cycle on all the tested plants with varying performance. Therefore, it is important to consider these plants as potential alternative hosts in predicting the insect abundance and planning the integrated pest management strategies of the pest.</p>","PeriodicalId":517424,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in insect science","volume":"6 ","pages":"1854641"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13275672/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148297198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Regulation of <i>Nosema ceranae</i> gene expression by <i>Bidens pilosa</i> phytogenic treatment in infected honey bees.","authors":"Yi-Hsuan Li, Kai-Di Chen, Ju-Chun Chang, Zih-Ting Chang, Chong-Yu Ko, Shang-Tse Ho, Li-Hung Chen, Ming-Cheng Wu, Wen-Chin Yang, Yu-Liang Yang, Yue-Wen Chen, Yu-Shin Nai","doi":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1828903","DOIUrl":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1828903","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong><i>Nosema ceranae</i> is an obligate microsporidian parasite that causes nosemosis in honey bees (<i>Apis mellifera</i>).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In controlled laboratory cage experiments, newly emerged worker bees were experimentally infected with <i>N. ceranae spores</i> and treated with <i>Bidens pilosa</i> phytogenic extract (BP). Each treatment group consisted of 50 bees per replicate, and experiments were repeated independently. To explore the molecular basis of BP-associated effects, we conducted transcriptome profiling of <i>N. ceranae</i> from infected honey bee midguts at multiple time point. RNA samples from infected bee midguts with BP treatment were collected at 5, 10, and 20 days post-infection (dpi) for transcriptomic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>BP treatment significantly improved survival probability and reduced pathogen load compared to infected controls. During the early infection stage (5 dpi), BP treatment was associated with extensive downregulation of parasite genes, including components of the V-type ATPase pathway. Gene Ontology and KEGG analysis suggested suppression of metabolic and ion transport processes. To further evaluate the potential role of V-type ATPase, RNAi-mediated knockdown resulted in reduced gene expression and showed a trend toward decreased pathogen load and modest improvement in host survival.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Although the RNAi results do not provide definitive evidence of causality, they support a potential involvement of the V-type ATPase in parasite proliferation. Overall, BP altered the transcriptomic profile of <i>N. ceranae</i> in a stage-dependent manner and may influence parasite development by affecting key metabolic pathways.</p>","PeriodicalId":517424,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in insect science","volume":"6 ","pages":"1828903"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13273367/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148280678","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Odorant degrading enzyme candidates enriched in the antennae of the white-spotted flower chafer, <i>Protaetia brevitarsis</i>.","authors":"Yi Lu, Peng Gao, Xuan Wang, Junwei Yuan, Haie Zhang, Jingzheng Zhang","doi":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1843786","DOIUrl":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1843786","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The white-spotted flower chafer (<i>Protaetia brevitarsis</i>) exhibits a preference for feeding on mature fruits of various crops, making it a significant agricultural pest. Pesticide application often results in fruit residues and environmental contamination, highlighting the need for eco-friendly and highly effective alternative control strategies. For instance, targeted regulation of the pest's olfactory system could be used to influence its behavior. This study focused on the enzymes responsible for terminating olfactory signals, namely odorant degrading enzymes (ODEs). Through antennal transcriptome sequencing, four related gene families comprising a total of 94 genes were identified, including 23 carboxylesterases, 40 cytochrome P450s, 21 glutathione S-transferases, and 10 UDP-glycosyltransferases. The majority of enzyme proteins possessed typical domain characteristics and key residues, suggesting their potential catalytic activity. These enzymes clustered into multiple clades in the phylogenetic tree, likely undertaking diverse physiological functions including odor substance metabolism. To more precisely determine the ODE candidates, tissue expression profiling was conducted on 17 highly expressed genes (FPKM >100). The results revealed that 16 genes were enriched or specifically expressed in the antennae. We propose these genes as primary candidates for ODEs, serving as a prioritized list for future functional validation. Our work lays the foundation for elucidating the odor signal inactivation mechanism in <i>P. brevitarsis</i>, expands the transcriptomic resource of ODEs in Scarabaeidae, and provides a theoretical basis for developing novel pest management targets based on olfactory behavior.</p>","PeriodicalId":517424,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in insect science","volume":"6 ","pages":"1843786"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13272398/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148280648","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chromatin condensation dynamics during spermatogenesis and variation in detectability and spatial distribution of satellite DNAs outside constitutive heterochromatin in <i>Tenebrio molitor</i>.","authors":"Patrik Majcen, Eva Šatović-Vukšić","doi":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1858332","DOIUrl":"10.3389/finsc.2026.1858332","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Repetitive DNA sequences comprise a significant proportion of eukaryotic genomes and play an important role in genome structure, function, and evolution. The genome of the beetle <i>Tenebrio molitor</i> is particularly rich in satellite DNAs (satDNAs), which represent a prominent component of its repetitive DNA fraction. While dominantly found in long arrays confined to heterochromatin, satDNAs can also be found in short arrays in extra-heterochromatic regions. However, their cytogenetic detectability and spatial distribution can be influenced by chromatin condensation and epigenetic context. In this brief report, we investigated chromatin condensation dynamics during male germline development in <i>T. molitor</i> and examined how these dynamics affect the detection and localization of high- and low-copy satDNAs. DNA staining, immunodetection of the H3K9me3 epigenetic mark of constitutive heterochromatin, and fluorescence <i>in situ</i> hybridization (FISH) of satDNA sequences were used to examine the relationship between chromatin organization, the functional state of heterochromatin, and satDNAs positioning and detectability. Our results revealed that a large, central, and highly condensed chromosomal core is enriched in H3K9me3 and corresponds to constitutive heterochromatin. Major satDNA forms the bulk of this compartment and remains readily detectable regardless of chromatin condensation level. In contrast, the detectability of low-copy satDNAs decreased with increasing chromatin condensation. Additionally, numerous weak, punctate signals belonging to low-copy satDNAs were observed outside the DAPI-bright chromosomal mass, located in very loosely condensed chromatin, largely excluded from the heterochromatic chromosomal core. These findings demonstrate that chromatin condensation and constitutive heterochromatin organization strongly influence satDNA detectability and spatial distribution in <i>T. molitor</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":517424,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in insect science","volume":"6 ","pages":"1858332"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13253522/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148254731","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}