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The Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) is a globally invasive species and an economically significant pest of fruit crops. Understanding the evolutionary history and local climatic adaptation of this species is crucial for developing effective pest management strategies. We conducted a comprehensive investigation using whole genome sequencing to explore (i) the invasion history of C. capitata with an emphasis on historical admixture and (ii) local climatic adaptation across African, European, Central, and South American populations of C. capitata. Our results suggest a stepwise colonization of C. capitata in Europe and Latin America in which Mediterranean and Central American populations share an ancestral lineage. Conversely, South American invasion history is more complex, and our results partly suggest an old secondary invasion into South America from Europe or a colonization of South America directly from Africa, followed by admixture with an European lineage. Throughout its invasive range, C. capitata is challenged with diverse climatic regimes. A genome wide association study identified a relationship between allele frequency changes and specific bioclimatic variables. Notably, we observed a significant allele frequency shift related to adaptation to cold stress (BIO6), highlighting the species’ ability to rapidly adapt to seasonal variations in colder climates.

Tribolium castaneum is a member of the most species-rich eukaryotic order, a powerful model organism for the study of generalized insect development, and an important pest of stored agricultural products. We describe its genome sequence here. This omnivorous beetle has evolved the ability to interact with a diverse chemical environment, as shown by large expansions in odorant and gustatory receptors, as well as P450 and other detoxification enzymes. Development in Tribolium is more representative of other insects than is Drosophila, a fact reflected in gene content and function. For example, Tribolium has retained more ancestral genes involved in cellcell communication than Drosophila, some being expressed in the growth zone crucial for axial elongation in short-germ development. Systemic RNA interference in T. castaneum functions differently from that in Caenorhabditis elegans, but nevertheless offers similar power for the elucidation of gene function and identification of targets for selective insect control.

In this study, we reassess the phylogenetic relationships of the genus Sesamia Guenée, 1852 and examine in more detail the members of the nonagrioides species group, for which three distinct species complexes are identified. The calamistis subgroup comprises eight species, of which four new species are described: Sesamia kabirara Le Ru sp. nov., Sesamia kalale Le Ru sp. nov., Sesamia mapalense Le Ru sp. nov. and Sesamia teke Le Ru sp. nov. The incerta subgroup consists of 11 species, of which four new species are described: Sesamia kamba Le Ru sp. nov., Sesamia lalaci Le Ru sp. nov., Sesamia lusese Le Ru sp. nov. and Sesamia msowero Le Ru sp. nov. The nonagrioides subgroup comprises ten species of which two new species are described: Sesamia libode Le Ru sp. nov. and Sesamia satauensis Le Ru sp. nov. Phylogenetic and molecular species delimitation analyses of a multi-marker molecular dataset allow us to investigate and clarify the status of Sesamia species and species complexes. Our results yield a well-supported phylogenetic hypothesis for the genus, which supports the monophyletic nature of all but one species subgroup. The results of 16 distinct molecular species delimitation analyses show some levels of incongruence and, overall, a tendency towards over-splitting. We also present an updated list of species for the genus Sesamia and provide morphological keys based on male and female genitalia to determine the species group of any Sesamia species and to identify all species belonging to the nonagrioides species group.

The spread of invasive species is a threat to global biodiversity. The Japanese beetle is native to Japan, but alien populations of this insect occur in North America, and recently, also in southern Europe. This beetle was recently included on the list of priority species of European concern, as it is a highly invasive agricultural pest. Thus, in this study, we aimed at (i) assessing its current distribution range, and identifying areas of potential invasion, and (ii) predicting its distribution using future climatic and land-use change scenarios for 2050. We collected species occurrences available on the citizen science platform iNaturalist, and we combined species data with climatic and land-use predictors using a Bayesian framework, specifically the integrated nested Laplace approximation, with a stochastic partial differential equation. We found that the current distribution of the Japanese beetle was mainly, and positively, driven by the percentage of croplands, the annual range of temperature, habitat diversity, percentage of human settlements, and human population density; it was negatively related to the distance to airports, elevation, mean temperature diurnal range, wetlands, and waters. As a result, based on current conditions, the Japanese beetle is likely to occur in 47,970,200 km2, while its distribution will range from between 53,418,200 and 59,126,825 km2, according to the 2050 climatic and land-use change scenarios. We concluded that the Japanese beetle is a high-risk invasive species, able to find suitable conditions for its colonization in several regions around the globe, especially in light of ongoing climatic change. Thus, we strongly recommend strict biosecurity checks and quarantines, as well as regular pest management surveys, in order to reduce its spread.

The genus Monomorium is an important phylogenetic group, notable for its taxonomic complexity and the presence of several well-known tramp species. In this study, we present a description of M. brachypterum sp. nov. from southern Japan along with an updated key to the Japanese species of the genus based on the worker caste. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using 13 protein-coding genes of the mitochondrial genome indicated that this new species is most closely related to M. intrudens . Within their overlapping distributions, analyses based on partial sequences of the mitochondrial COI gene showed that the two species are phylogenetically distinct. The queens of M. brachypterum are distinguished from those of M. intrudens by degenerated wings, suggesting contrasting dispersal strategies between the two sister species. In addition, a phylogenetic analysis performed for the Japanese Monomorium species provides support for the repeated evolution of diverse reproductive systems within this genus. The present study highlights a wide variety of evolutionary trends in the nest-level reproductive system, even among closely related species.

Pycnoscelus surinamensis (Linnaeus, 1758), Surinam Cockroach, is considered introduced to the Western Hemisphere, where it is a species of commercial and veterinary importance. In Mexico, P. surinamensis has been recorded from 17 states, and we newly report it in the states of Campeche, Michoacán, Puebla, and Querétaro, as well as the Ciudad de México, based on the examination of 184 specimens deposited in scientific collections. We also report it from the states of Aguascalientes, Baja California, Chihuahua, Estado de México, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Sonora, and Tabasco based on our review of 952 photographic records from the citizen-science platform iNaturalist.

This paper reviews all available information regarding the occurrence and biology of the melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), in the Afrotropical Region, including data on invasion history, distribution patterns, population genetics, host range, and interspecific competition. Although limited intraspecific variability has been observed within the region regarding the above mentioned aspects, there seems to be no indication that Zeugodacus cucurbitae represents a species complex. A checklist of all of the species included in Zeugodacus as recently proposed by Virgilio et al. (2015) is provided.

Although 5–20% of global crop production is lost to arthropod damage, current biomonitoring programs are extremely limited. This study evaluates the feasibility of using metabarcoding to assess overall insect diversity and detect pest species in agricultural settings. It introduces a curated DNA barcode reference library for Canadian insects that are agricultural pests and applies it to metabarcoding data from the analysis of Malaise trap samples from two experimental farms in Southern Ontario. A total of 7707 arthropod species were collected across the two farms, and projections indicate that another 4000 await detection. These taxa included 231 registered pest species. The composition of the overall arthropod community composition was more heavily influenced by site location than crop type, but pest species composition was influenced by the crop. This study confirms that metabarcoding enables the evaluation of the species composition of arthropod communities in agroecosystems, allowing pest species to be tracked.

Abstract Due to the economic impact of some fruit fly species on fruit and vegetable crops, understanding their biology, ecology and evolution in areas with native vegetation are essential to enable the application of sustainable management methods to suppress their populations. Thus, the aims of this research were evaluate the species diversity of fruit flies in the Conservation Unity Cerro Corá National Park (CCNP) and quantify those with pest status elsewhere; to establish the population parameters for Anastrepha fruit fly species captured inside the CCNP; check if there is a relationship between climate components (temperature, relative humidity and rainfall) with species abundances, and provide some orientations to authorities, farmers, and the general public about environment conservation and sustainable agriculture in Paraguay. Collections occurred monthly during two years, using McPhail traps with food bait in transects inside the park. A total of 17,309 adults of eighteen Anastrepha species were collected, being six reported with pest status and 12 not pests. Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann 1830), A. sororcula Zucchi 1979 and A. punctata Hendel 1914 were the most abundant and frequent species. The highest abundances were recorded in May and July, corresponding to the autumn and winter, respectively. The correlation analysis between weather components and the abundance of these fruit fly species was not significant. This is the first study on populations parameters of fruit fly species along the year seasons in a conservation unit in Paraguay. The results here have generated information on components of regional biodiversity, with suggestions to guide authorities, farmers, and the general public about nature conservation, sustainable fruit and vegetable production in Paraguay. Resumo Devido ao impacto econômico de algumas espécies de moscas-das-frutas em cultivos de frutíferas e hortaliças, a compreensão de sua biologia, ecologia e evolução em áreas com vegetação nativa é essencial para permitir a aplicação de métodos de manejo sustentável visando a supressão de populações. Os objetivos desta pesquisa foram avaliar a diversidade de espécies de moscas-das-frutas na Unidade de Conservação Parque Nacional Cerro Corá (PNCC) e quantificar aquelas com status de praga em outros lugares; estabelecer os parâmetros populacionais para as espécies de Anastrepha Schiner 1868 capturadas dentro do PNCC; verificar se há relação entre os componentes climáticos (temperatura, umidade relativa e precipitação) com a abundância das espécies e, prover algumas orientações às autoridades, agricultores e ao público em geral sobre conservação ambiental e agricultura sustentável no Paraguai. As coletas ocorreram mensalmente durante dois anos, utilizando-se armadilhas McPhail com atrativo alimentar, em transectos dentro do parque. Um total de 17.309 adultos de 18 espécies de Anastrepha foram coletados, sendo seis delas reportadas com status de praga e 12 não-praga. Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann 1830), A. sororcula Zucchi 1979 e A. punctata Hendel 1914 foram as espécies mais abundantes e frequentes. As maiores abundâncias foram registradas em maio e julho, correspondendo ao outono e inverno, respectivamente. A análise de correlação entre os componentes climáticos e a abundância das espécies não foi significativa. Este é o primeiro estudo sobre parâmetros populacionais de espécies de moscas-das-frutas ao longo das estações do ano em uma unidade de conservação no Paraguai. Os resultados geraram informações sobre componentes da biodiversidade regional com orientações às autoridades, agricultores e público em geral para a conservação da natureza e a produção sustentável de frutas e hortaliças no Paraguai.