Anobiid Beetles Research Articles

Biological risk assessment in the History and Historical Documentation Library of the University of Milan

There are billions of books that in recent and in ancient times have been produced by the human race containing evidence of its intellectual and cultural efforts. Even when stored in libraries, not all these books survive over time undamaged, because in the biosphere their materials are potential nutrients. This is the unfortunate case of the History and Historical Documentation Library of the University of Milan, where biological agents have badly affected rare and valuable old books. An entomological monitoring was carried out using sticky traps and collecting insects during inspections. The beetle Gastrallus pubens Fairmaire, rarely identified in European libraries so far, was the main biological agent responsible for the book damage, since several tunnels due to larval activity and holes made by adults were observed. Using the Illumina MiSeq sequencing technology, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria were found to be the most abundant phyla. Ascomycota was the dominant phylum among three fungal phyla. As bacteria and fungi spread by the insects are primary indications of the insect presence in the library, in this paper a potential biomarker able to detect the G. pubens presence before visible infestation was searched for among the bacterial and fungal community peculiar in the insect frass and gut, but also found on books and the surfaces of shelves. Symbiotaphrina, an ascomycete fungus described as one of the symbiotic levuliform fungi, present in the anobiid beetles' gut, was the only one found in all samples analyzed and has therefore been proposed as a putative biomarker.

More than a pest management tool — 45 years of practical experience with insect pheromones in stored-product and material protection

The application of pheromone-baited traps to control pest insects in stored food or materials has become well established over the past decades. The main pheromone components of all major stored-product and material pests have been identified. Pest monitoring with pheromone traps is a key factor in integrated pest management to estimate population density build-ups and they may be used to define economic threshold levels. Male-attracting sex pheromones, e.g. for stored-product pyralids, the clothes moths, and some anobiid beetles, are especially effective in this aspect. Monitoring pest population can facilitate optimal spatial and temporal control strategies, including efficacy evaluation of the implemented control measures. In addition to the sex pheromones, some beetles, such as grain and flour beetles, utilize aggregation pheromones, which attract both sexes. Implementation of these pheromones for mass trapping, which works well for the control of bark beetles in the forest environment, has been less successful for stored-product protection for various reasons and is thus not an established means of control. When the monitoring tools are used in landscape areas, scrublands, forests, and away from anthropogenic influenced environments, natural reservoirs of a pest species and sources of new infestations can be identified. In addition to an economically driven adoption of pheromone traps, they may also provide information of a pest’s general biology. Because stored-product and material pests must be considered neozoons in most parts of the world, their occurrence in natural habitats indicates a species’ autecological capability to successfully compete with native species and to become fau-nistically established in non-synanthropic environments outside their zoogeographic origin. This review focuses on the use of pheromone traps for monitoring in outdoor situations.

Cone and Seed Pests of <I>Pinus pinea</I>: Assessment and Characterization of Damage

Cone and seed insects have played a key role in the decline of stone pine nut production in Italy. To evaluate the impact caused by native Palearctic and exotic insects, a greater knowledge of pest symptoms is required. During 2008-2009, first and second-year stone pine cones, as well as the seeds produced, were examined in Tuscany (Italy) to assess viability. Insect damage was characterized based on external signs on the cones and seed endosperms, and the impact of recorded insect species on nut production was evaluated. In the current study, cones attacked by anobiid beetles and Dioryctria spp. were observed, as well as asymptomatic dead cones and cones with resin drops and patches, that could not easily be related to a damaging agent. As regards the anobiid beetles, adults of Ernobius parens (Mulsant and Rey) and E. impressithorax Pic emerged from cones in laboratory rearing. A low number of cones damaged by Dioryctria spp. was recorded whereas high percentages of cones showed resin exudates. The presence of resin cannot be definitely related to a damaging agent, although the feeding activity of Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann could be one of the reasons. Damage by L. occidentalis was assessed by seed observation. Most of the seeds displayed tissues that had been damaged by this pest.

Biological control of cultural heritage pest Coleoptera and Lepidoptera with the help of parasitoid Hymenoptera

Natural enemies are known from many cultural heritage pests, but their potential for biological control has been marginally exploited only. In this publication, examples of practical and commercial application of parasitoids of beetles and moths are compiled as well as laboratory research that contributes to the development of guidelines for parasitoid releases. One the one hand there are parasitoids found to occur simultaneously with the pests in buildings, on the other hand there are parasitoids that were never found to be associated with the respective pests but accept them if brought into the cultural heritage environments. An example for the latter is the egg parasitoid <em>Trichogramma evanescens euproctidis</em>, a parasitoid of moth eggs including those of the cloth moth <em>Tineola bisselliella</em>. In semi-field trials it was shown that inundative releases of the egg parasitoids are necessary and that effectiveness is reduced on thick cloth with long strand. <em>Trichogramma </em>release units have to be placed directly on the cloth to be protected. A naturally occuring parasitoid of Anobiid beetles is the pteromalid larval parasitoid <em>Lariophagus distinguendus</em>. This parasitoid was applied against the drugstore beetle <em>Stegobium paniceum </em>in historic libraries and against spider beetles (Ptininae) in historic buildings. A simulation model for the population-dynamics of <em>L. distinguendus </em>and the golden spider beetle <em>Niptus hololeucus </em>is presented. Finally, monitoring of the Braconid larval parasitoid <em>Spathius exarator </em>used for indirect monitoring of the common furniture beetle <em>Anobium punctatum </em>is described. The future potential of parasitoids to control cultural heritage pests is discussed.

Sterol biosynthesis by symbiotes: cytochrome P450 sterol C-22 desaturase genes from yeastlike symbiotes of rice planthoppers and anobiid beetles

Rice planthoppers and anobiid beetles harbor intracellular yeastlike symbiotes (YLS), whose sterols are nutritionally advantageous for the host insects that cannot synthesize sterols. YLS of anobiid beetles synthesize ergosterol, whereas YLS of planthoppers produce ergosta-5,7,24(28)-trienol, which is a metabolic intermediate in the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway in yeasts. Since sterol C-22 desaturase (ERG5p, CYP61) metabolizes ergosta-5,7,24(28)-trienol into ergosta-5,7,22,24(28)-tetraenol, which is the penultimate compound in the ergosterol biosynthesis, we examined the gene of this enzyme to determine whether this enzyme works in the planthopper YLS. C-22 desaturase genes ( ERG5) of YLS of the planthoppers and beetles had four introns in identical positions; such introns are not found in the reported genes of yeasts. Cytochrome P450 cysteine heme-iron ligand signature motif was well conserved among the putative amino acid sequences. The gene expression of the planthopper YLS were strongly suppressed, and the genes possessed nonsense mutations. The accumulation of ergosta-5,7,24(28)-trienol in the planthopper YLS was attributed to the inability of the planthopper YLS to produce functional ERG5p.

Yeast-like symbiotes as a sterol source in anobiid beetles (Coleoptera, Anobiidae): possible metabolic pathways from fungal sterols to 7-dehydrocholesterol.

Insects are unable to synthesize sterols and require exogenous sterol sources for their normal development and reproduction. A few exceptions are insects associated with symbiotic yeasts or fungi. We analyzed sterols by GC-MS in two anobiid beetles (Lasioderma serricorne and Stegobium paniceum), their intracellular yeast-like symbiotes (YLS), and their diets in order to clarify the sterols synthesized by YLS and the metabolic pathways of the sterols in the beetles. Several C(27), C2(8), and C(29) saturated and unsaturated sterols were identified; the predominant sterols were cholesterol and 7-dehydrocholesterol in the anobiid beetles and ergosterol in the YLS. Most sterols detected in YLS were those known in the late pathway of the ergosterol biosynthesis in yeasts and most of the sterols in the beetles appear to be intermediate metabolites from YLS sterols to 7-dehydrocholesterol. The anobiid beetles appear to use ergosterol and 5-dihydroergosterol as sources for 7-dehydrocholesterol.

Insect symbiosis: derivation of yeast-like endosymbionts within an entomopathogenic filamentous lineage.

Yeast-like endosymbionts (YLSs) of insects often are restricted to specific hosts and are essential to the host's survival. For example, in planthoppers (Homoptera: Delphacidae), endosymbionts function in sterol utilization and nitrogen recycling for the hosts. Our study, designed to investigate evolutionary changes in the YLS lineage involved in the planthopper association, strongly suggests an origin of the YLSs from within the filamentous ascomycetes (Euascomycetes), not the true yeasts (Saccharomycetes), as their morphology might indicate. During divergence of the planthopper YLSs, dramatic changes would have occurred in the insect-fungus interaction and the fungal morphology that have previously been undescribed in filamentous ascomycetes. Phylogenetic trees were based on individual and combined data sets of 2.6 kb of the nuclear small- and large-subunit ribosomal RNA genes for YLSs from three rice planthoppers (Laodelphax striatellus, Nilaparvata lugens, and Sogatella furcifera) compared with 56 other fungi. Parsimony analysis placed the planthopper YLSs within Cordyceps (Euascomycetes: Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae), a genus of filamentous insects and a few fungal pathogenic ascomycetes. Another YLS species restricted to the aphid Hamiltonaphis styraci (Homoptera: Aphididae) was a sister taxon to the planthopper YLSS: Filamentous insect pathogens (Metarhizium and Beauveria) specific to the same species of insect hosts as the YLSs also formed lineages within the Clavicipitaceae, but these were distinct from the clade comprising YLS species. Trees constrained to include the YLSs in families of the Hypocreales other than the Clavicipitaceae were rejected by the Kishino-Hasegawa test. In addition, the results of this study support a hypothesis of two independent origins of insect-associated YLSs from among filamentous ascomycetes: the planthopper YLSs in the Clavicipitaceae and the YLSs associated with anobiid beetles (Symbiotaphrina species). Several lineages of true yeasts (Saccharomycetes) also formed endosymbiotic associations with beetles, but they were not closely related to either group derived from the filamentous ascomycetes.

Colonization patterns of insects breeding in wood-decaying fungi

Many insects dependent on dead wood are considered threatened by modern forestry. This may partly be due to substrate patches being too widely scattered to be effectively colonized. We studied how rates of colonization by insect species breeding in polypore fruiting bodies are affected by interpatch distance and habitat matrix characteristics. In field experiments, fruiting bodies of Fomitopsis pinicola and Fomes fomentarius were put out at different distances from natural sources of insects. The anobiid beetles Dorcatoma spp. were the most successful colonizers of distant patches, and they readily flew over open fields. Cis beetles were less successful colonizers, despite their generally higher abundance. We hypothesize that the Dorcatoma spp. are inferior competitors, but superior colonizers of distant resources compared with Cis spp. The flies Leucophenga quinquemaculata (Drosophilidae) and Medetera impigra (Dolichopodidae) appeared to be more affected by distance than the beetles studied in their colonization of fungal fruiting bodies. Lower rates of parasitism were recorded on distant patches, and parasitoids appeared more affected by distance than their hosts. Most of the insect species studied can probably persist in the managed forest landscape if suitable breeding substrate is created continuously on a 1 km2 scale.

Electrophoretic Karyotype of Intracellular Yeast-like Symbiotes in Rice Planthoppers and Anobiid Beetles

Chromosomal DNA molecules of intracellular yeast-like symbiotes (YLS) of three species of rice planthoppers and two species of anobiid beetles have been separated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Probable chromosome numbers of Nilaparvata lugens, Sogatella furcifera, and Laodelphax striatellus, were 4, 4, and 5, respectively, and tentative genome sizes were 17.3, 17.6, and 20.1 Mbp, respectively, based upon migration of individual chromosome-sized DNA relative to the size standards of Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Hansenula wingei, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosomes. Chromosome numbers of Lasioderma serricorne and Stegobium paniceum were 11 and 15, respectively, and total genome sizes were 20.9 and 15.1 Mbp, respectively. The chromosomes carrying ribosomal RNA genes were identified by Southern blot analysis. Chromosomal organization and the genome size of YLS were similar to those of nonsymbiotic yeasts and fungi.

Ovicidal Activity of Sulfuryl Fluoride to Anobiid and Lyctid Beetle Eggs of Various Ages2

Fumigation with sulfuryl fluoride (Vikane® Gas Fumigant)2 is often used to control structural infestations by anobiid and true powderpost beetles that are widespread or inaccessible to insecticidal surface treatments. Beetle eggs show a wide range of tolerance to sulfuryl fluoride that varies with the age of eggs making them the limiting factor for control. To study dosage requirements for eggs, ovicidal activity tests of sulfuryl fluoride were done by exposing 1- to 7-day-old anobiid, Euvrilletta peltata (Harris) and lyctid, Lyctus brunneus (Stephens), eggs respectively, during tent fumigations of a house. Fumigations resulting in mg-h/liter accumulations of 470 and 289, 5.2 and 3.2 times the drywood termite dosage of 90 mg-h/liter for 22.2°C, permitted some survival and subsequent hatching of lyctid eggs aged 1 and 2 days, with the latter being most tolerant. All other ages of eggs were susceptible to these dosages. At the 3.2-fold rate, the mean survival for eggs of all ages was 11.6%, but 70.2% of the 2-day-old eggs survived. At the 5.2-fold rate, only 3.9% of the eggs survived, primarily due to 24.7% survival of 2-day-old eggs. No differeences were observed between 289 and 470 mg-h/liter dosages for anobiid beetle eggs; the least susceptible apparently were eggs aged 2 to 4 days old. Additional studies are recommended to better define effective rates for controlling eggs of these beetles with reduced levels of gas. To aid logistics, such studies could be confined to the ovicidal activity of 6-fold and lower dosages on the most tolerant ages of eggs.

A Safer Insecticide for Herbarium Use

Pyrethrins, the active ingredients of the insecticide pyrethrum, are very effective in killing insects but are quite harmless to mammals. When combined with silica gel to form Drione powder, they can be applied inside herbarium cases for long-term protection against insects. Preliminary tests at the New York Botanical Garden have shown that Drione powder or aerosol spray readily kills anobiid beetles. Drione has potential as a safer alternative to dangerous chemicals that have been used in the past.

STEFFANOLAMPUS, A NEW GENUS FORPERILAMPUS SALICETUM(CHALCIDOIDEA) AND ITS NEARCTIC DISTRIBUTION

AbstractPerilampus salicetumSteffan (Chalcidoidea) is removed to the monotypicSteffanolampus(gen. nov.). The type series was dubiously reported as being taken in either Austria or the Far East but the species has been subsequently found only from Quebec to Maryland and Michigan, as well as in Washington State. It is associated with several anobiid beetles.

New Intermediate Hosts in the Life Cycle of Prosthenorchis elegans (Diesing, 1851), an Acanthocephalan Parasite of Primates

The acanthocephalan genus, Prosthenorchis, is reviewed. Natural and experimental hosts and pathological effects of infection are cited. The anobiid beetles, Lasioderma serricorne and Stegobium paniceum, proved susceptible to infection and are listed as new intermediate hosts of Prosthenorchis elegans. During the early years of the last century, Johann Natterer made extensive collections in South America and the material was deposited in the Museum of Vienna. Among the helminthic parasites were thorny-headed worms, Acanthocephala, from Cebus sciureus (= Saimiri sciurea)l; Jacchus rosalia (= Leontideus rosalia); Jacchus ursulus (= Saguinus tamarin); and Jacchus (Hapale) chrysoleucos (= Callithrix chrysoleuca). Specimens from Leontideus rosalia were described by Olfers (in Rudolphi, 1819) as Echinorhynchus spirula. Others, from the four hosts listed above, were described by Diesing (1851) as Echinorhynchus elegans. This latter species was reported from Saguinus (Oedipomidas) oedipus by Cobbold (1876).

Symbiosis in Ptilinus pectinicornis L.

IT is well known from the work of Buchner1, Breitsprecher2, and others that mycetomes occur at the anterior end of the larval midgut of several species of Anobiid beetles. The mycetocytes are distended with micro-organisms which are of obscure taxonomy, but appear yeast-like, and of which the symbiotic role has been established by Koch's3 demonstration of their necessary presence in Sitodrepa panicea, if the larva is to grow normally. Blewett and Fraenkel4 have shown that the presence of the symbionts in Sitodrepa larvæ can offset a dietary deficiency of five vitamins of the B group: the symbionts in Lasioderma serricorne can apparently supply six of these vitamins to the larva.

A NEW ANOBIID BEETLE FROM BRITISH COLUMBIA

During the summer of 1946 specimens of anobiid beetles were received from G. Stace Smith of Creston, British Columbia, for identification. Mr. Smith believed that the specimens represented a new species and requested that the species be described.This species resembles the European Xestobium rufovillosum DeGeer so closely that they can only be separated with great difficulty, but the habits of the two species are entirely different.

Some Malformations of the Aedeagus and cases of probable Parasitic Castration in Coleoptera of the Family Anobiidae

A Large part of an account of the Anobiid beetles of the Seychelles Islands by the present writer, recently published (1924), consists of a description of a complex of species of small and obscure insects which it was extremely difficult to unravel. For these beetles, which vary in length between 1·6 and 2·6 mm., a new genus, Nesotheca, was erected. It was found that this genus has representatives in the Oriental Region, though the species of it which occur in the Seychelles are almost certainly endemic to those islands. Owing to the external characters being in many cases very inconstant, it proved impossible to discriminate between the various species at all satisfactorily by these characters alone, and therefore recourse was had to an examination of the genital armature, or aedeagus, of the males. This organ presents in the genus Nesotheca a remarkable series of quite distinct and constant forms, so that specimens which are almost, or entirely, indistinguishable externally, fall into quite clearly demarcated species when the aedeagus is used as a criterion. That the organ exhibits a quite different form in each of the ten species described can be seen by glancing at the figures in the paper to which reference has been made.