Insect Behavior Research Articles

Using functional decomposition to bridge the design gap between desired emergent multi‐agent‐system resilience and individual agent design

AbstractIncreasing the resilience of modern infrastructure systems is recognized as a priority by both the International Council on Systems Engineering and the National Academy of Engineering. Resilience answers the key stakeholder need for a stable and predictable system by withstanding, adapting to, and recovering from unexpected faults. Increasing resilience in multi‐agent systems is especially challenging because resilience is an emergent system‐level property rather than the sum of individual agent functions. This paper uses biological systems as a source of inspiration for resilient functions, examining the central question How can biologically inspired design be used to increase the emergent property of resilience in multi‐agent systems? The paper uses functional decomposition to break down the individual functions that result in resilience and transfer the properties to generalized systems. Accordingly, the central hypothesis examined in this article is If functional decomposition is performed on eusocial insect colonies, then generalizable approaches to increase the emergent property of multi‐agent system resilience can be identified. The results provide two contributions. The first contribution is the identification of six general functions based on eusocial insect behavior that influence resilience. The second contribution is a description of the process of identifying and transferring insect behaviors into generalized design‐for‐resilience guidance. To support these contributions, a case study applies biologically inspired functions to an emergency power service system and proposes tactics for the power system to improve its resilience. Thus, this article provides a key step towards our goal of using biologically inspired design to influence the emergent property of resilience in multi‐agent systems.

Refining Gastrophysa atrocyanea (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) identification using UV marking in whole-plant assessment

The host plant quality is crucial for assessing the environmental safety of weed biological control agents, as they rely on the phenotypic characteristics of test plants in host specificity tests and for mass-rearing before field release. In this study, we explored the feasibility of using potted plants by applying ultraviolet (UV) fluorescent pigment to the elytra of the leaf beetle Gastrophysa atrocyanea. They were released separately on Rumex acetosa as the target weed and Buxus sinica var. insularis as a non-target plant in insect cages. UV marking reduced detection time by 2.7 times and increased the detection rates of female leaf beetles on the target weed compared to visible light, resulting in only 7.41% missing leaf beetles. Similarly, UV application reduced detection time by 2.3 times on the non-target plant, with no missing leaf beetles. Further, marking different sexes with UV pigments facilitated identification 4.8 times faster than visual light. The UV mark and recapture method exhibits promising potential in whole-plant testing, simplifying the identification of a potential biological control agent, G. atrocyanea, in insect cages under no-choice tests. Thus, UV marking enables the possibility of mass-rearing weed biological control agents and monitors the foraging behavior of phytophagous insects cost-effectively and non-disruptively in laboratory settings.

Time-course analysis system for leaf feeding marks reveals effects of Arabidopsis trichomes on insect herbivore feeding behavior.

Bioassay with an insect herbivore is a common approach to studying plant defense. While measuring insect growth rate as a negative indicator of plant defense levels is simple and straightforward, analysing more detailed feeding behavior parameters of insects, such as feeding rates, leaf area consumed per feeding event, intervals between feeding events, and spatio-temporal patterns of feeding sites on leaves, is more informative. However, such observations are generally time consuming and labor-intensive. Here, we provide a semi-automated system for quantifying feeding behavior parameters of insects feeding on plant leaves. Automated photo scanners record the time-course development of feeding marks on leaves. An image analysis pipeline processes the scanned images and extracts leaf area. By analysing changes in leaf area over time, it detects insect feeding events and calculates the leaf area consumed during each feeding event, providing quantitative parameters of the feeding behavior of insects. In addition, it visualizes spatio-temporal changes in feeding sites, providing a measure of the complex behavior of insects on leaves. Using this analysis pipeline, we demonstrate that Arabidopsis trichomes reduce insect feeding rate, but not feeding duration or intervals between feeding events. Our image acquisition system requires only a photo scanner and a laptop computer and does not require any specialized equipment. The analysis software is provided as an ImageJ macro and R package and is available at no cost. Taken together, our work provides a scalable method for quantitative assessment of the feeding behavior of insects on leaves, facilitating understanding of plant defense mechanisms.

Girdling behavior of the longhorn beetle modulates the host plant to enhance larval performance

BackgroundPreingestive behavioral modulations of herbivorous insects on the host plant are abundant over insect taxa. Those behaviors are suspected to have functions such as deactivation of host plant defenses, nutrient accumulation, or modulating plant-mediated herbivore interactions. To understand the functional consequence of behavioral modulation of insect herbivore, we studied the girdling behavior of Phytoecia rufiventris Gautier (Lamiinae; Cerambycidae) on its host plant Erigeron annuus L. (Asteraceae) that is performed before endophytic oviposition in the stem.ResultsThe girdling behavior significantly increased the larval performance in both field monitoring and lab experiment. The upper part of the girdled stem exhibited lack of jasmonic acid induction upon larval attack, lowered protease inhibitor activity, and accumulated sugars and amino acids in compared to non-girdled stem. The girdling behavior had no effect on the larval performance of a non-girdling longhorn beetle Agapanthia amurensis, which also feeds on the stem of E. annuus during larval phase. However, the girdling behavior decreased the preference of A. amurensis females for oviposition, which enabled P. rufiventris larvae to avoid competition with A. amurensis larvae.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the girdling behavior modulates plant physiology and morphology to provide a modulated food source for larva and hide it from the competitor. Our study implies that the insect behavior modulations can have multiple functions, providing insights into adaptation of insect behavior in context of plant-herbivore interaction.

Plant-Based Insecticides for Control of Aedes aegypti, Sitophilus zeamais and Nasutitermes corniger: A Review and Bibliometric Analysis

Insect pests can transmit diseases or affect the economy and their uncontrolled growth is intensified by human activity, which has affected ecosystems and interfered with trophic chains. Aedes aegypti L. transmits dengue, chikungunya, zika and yellow fever, while Sitophilus zeamais Motsch is a stored grain pest, and Nasutitermes corniger Motsch attacks trees and urban buildings. This work provides a review of the state of art and current trends, as well as a bibliometric analysis on the insecticidal activity of plant-based products against Ae. aegypti, S. zeamais and N. corniger. The review of literature data showed that plant insecticides comprise secondary metabolites and proteins that can impair the viability of embryos, larvae, pupae, and adults, as well as fertility and oviposition or feeding behavior of insects. Also, they tend to be more biodegradable and less harmful to non-target organisms compared to synthetic insecticides. The bibliometric analysis revealed the concentration of publications in tropical regions worldwide, where there is a strong occurrence of diseases transmitted by Ae. aegypti. These reports were far more numerous than those on N. corniger and S. zeamais. Furthermore, the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles from plant products has strongly emerged as a current trend.

Begomovirus Transmission to Tomato Plants Is Not Hampered by Plant Defenses Induced by Dicyphus hesperus Knight.

Plants can respond to insect infestation and virus infection by inducing plant defenses, generally mediated by phytohormones. Moreover, plant defenses alter host quality for insect vectors with consequences for the spread of viruses. In agricultural settings, other organisms commonly interact with plants, thereby inducing plant defenses that could affect plant-virus-vector interactions. For example, plant defenses induced by omnivorous insects can modulate insect behavior. This study focused on tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), a plant virus of the family Geminiviridae and genus Begomovirus. It is transmitted in a persistent circulative manner by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), posing a global threat to tomato production. Mirids (Hemiptera: Miridae) are effective biological control agents of B. tabaci, but there is a possibility that their omnivorous nature could also interfere with the process of virus transmission. To test this hypothesis, this study first addressed to what extent the mirid bug Dicyphus hesperus Knight induces plant defenses in tomato. Subsequently, the impact of this plant-omnivore interaction on the transmission of TYLCV was evaluated. Controlled cage experiments were performed in a greenhouse setting to evaluate the impact of mirids on virus transmission and vector acquisition by B. tabaci. While we observed a reduced number of whiteflies settling on plants exposed to D. hesperus, the plant defenses induced by the mirid bug did not affect TYLCV transmission and accumulation. Additionally, whiteflies were able to acquire comparable amounts of TYLCV on mirid-exposed plants and control plants. Overall, the induction of plant defenses by D. hesperus did not influence TYLCV transmission by whiteflies on tomato.

The diverse roles of insulin signaling in insect behavior.

In insects and other animals, nutrition-mediated behaviors are modulated by communication between the brain and peripheral systems, a process that relies heavily on the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway (IIS). Previous studies have focused on the mechanistic and physiological functions of insulin-like peptides (ILPs) in critical developmental and adult milestones like pupation or vitellogenesis. Less work has detailed the mechanisms connecting ILPs to adult nutrient-mediated behaviors related to survival and reproductive success. Here we briefly review the range of behaviors linked to IIS in insects, from conserved regulation of feeding behavior to evolutionarily derived polyphenisms. Where possible, we incorporate information from Drosophila melanogaster and other model species to describe molecular and neural mechanisms that connect nutritional status to behavioral expression via IIS. We identify knowledge gaps which include the diverse functional roles of peripheral ILPs, how ILPs modulate neural function and behavior across the lifespan, and the lack of detailed mechanistic research in a broad range of taxa. Addressing these gaps would enable a better understanding of the evolution of this conserved and widely deployed tool kit pathway.

From buzzes to bytes: A systematic review of automated bioacoustics models used to detect, classify and monitor insects

Abstract Insects play vital ecological roles; many provide essential ecosystem services while others are economically devastating pests and disease vectors. Concerns over insect population declines and expansion have generated a pressing need to effectively monitor insects across broad spatial and temporal scales. A promising approach is bioacoustics, which uses sound to study ecological communities. Despite recent increases in machine learning technologies, the status of emerging automated bioacoustics methods for monitoring insects is not well known, limiting potential applications. To address this gap, we systematically review the effectiveness of automated bioacoustics models over the past four decades, analysing 176 studies that met our inclusion criteria. We describe their strengths and limitations compared to traditional methods and propose productive avenues forward. We found automated bioacoustics models for 302 insect species distributed across nine Orders. Studies used intentional calls (e.g. grasshopper stridulation), by‐products of flight (e.g. bee wingbeats) and indirectly produced sounds (e.g. grain movement) for identification. Pests were the most common study focus, driven largely by weevils and borers moving in dried food and wood. All disease vector studies focused on mosquitoes. A quarter of the studies compared multiple insect families. Our review illustrates that machine learning, and deep learning in particular, are becoming the gold standard for bioacoustics automated modelling approaches. We identified models that could classify hundreds of insect species with over 90% accuracy. Bioacoustics models can be useful for reducing lethal sampling, monitoring phenological patterns within and across days and working in locations or conditions where traditional methods are less effective (e.g. shady, shrubby or remote areas). However, it is important to note that not all insect taxa emit easily detectable sounds, and that sound pollution may impede effective recordings in some environmental contexts. Synthesis and applications: Automated bioacoustics methods can be a useful tool for monitoring insects and addressing pressing ecological and societal questions. Successful applications include assessing insect biodiversity, distribution and behaviour, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of restoration and pest control efforts. We recommend collaborations among ecologists and machine learning experts to increase model use by researchers and practitioners.

Impact of Climate Change on Pest Biology, Behaviour and Their Distributions

Increased temperatures, rising CO2 levels, and changing precipitation patterns are influencing agricultural production. These changes can lead to the expansion of insect pests geographic distribution, increased survival during overwintering, more generations per year, altered synchrony with plants, changed interspecific interactions, higher risk of invasion by migratory pests, increased incidence of insect-transmitted plant diseases, and reduced effectiveness of biological control. There is a serious risk of economic losses in crop production. Human food security is challenged due to potential disruptions in agricultural systems. Climate change necessitates adaptive management strategies to address evolving pest dynamics. Future research should focus on developing modified integrated pest management tactics to cope with changing pest statuses. Monitoring climate and pest populations is crucial for understanding and predicting the impact of climate change on insect pests. This review examines the climate change effect on insect pest biology and behavior and explores the potential use of modern pest monitoring technologies, modeling prediction tools can aid in forecasting and planning for potential pest outbreaks. Integrated pest management (IPM) approaches should be adapted to incorporate the changing dynamics influenced by climate change. This may involve a combination of chemical, biological, cultural, and mechanical control methods.

RNAi of yellow-y, required for normal cuticle pigmentation, impairs courtship behavior and oviposition in the German cockroach (Blattella germanica).

The insect cuticle plays a key role in maintaining the insect's physiological function and behavior. Herein, the yellow-y protein is required to produce black melanin, and is expressed in a pattern that correlates with the distribution of this pigment. However, yellow-y can also have other functions, for instance, in insect behavior, but not much is known. In this study, we have studied the yellow-y gene in one important model and pest species, namely the German cockroach (Blattella germanica), which is to our knowledge the first time reported. In essence, we identified the yellow-y gene (BgY-y) and characterized its function by using RNA interference (RNAi). Silencing of BgY-y gene led to different developmental abnormalities (body weight and wings) in both genders. Specifically, there was an abundant decrease in melanin, turning the body color in pale yellow and the cuticle softer and more transparent. Interestingly, we also observed that the knockdown of BgY-y impaired the male cockroaches to display a weaker response to female-emitted contact sex pheromones, and also that the oviposition ability was weakened in the RNAi females. This study comprehensively analyzed the biological functions of the yellow-y gene in German cockroaches from the perspectives of development, body color, courtship behavior and oviposition, and as a consequence, this may opens new avenues to explore it as a novel pest control gene.

Cover Caption

AbstractIn the fascinating realm of insect neuroscience, researchers are achieving remarkable breakthroughs by delving into the complexities of the insect brain, which, despite its minuscule size, showcases an astonishing level of complexity. Utilizing the advanced methodology of single‐cell RNA‐sequencing, scientists are now able to dissect the brain's intricate cellular architecture at an unprecedented resolution. This sophisticated technique reveals the distinct roles individual cells play in governing behaviors such as learning, memory, and social interactions. Through meticulous mapping of various cell types and their interconnections, these pioneering studies not only deepen our comprehension of insect behavior but also propel the field of neuroscience into new frontiers (see pages 314–327). Image provided by Hao Zheng.

We know very little about pollination in the Platanthera Rich (Orchidaceae: Orchidoideae).

The Platanthera Rich. (Orchidoideae) comprise a speciose genus of orchids primarily in the northern hemisphere, with up to 200 known species worldwide. Individual species are known to self-pollinate, but many rely on insect pollinators with characteristics such as floral color, timing of floral odor emissions, nectar rewards, and spur length associated with particular pollination syndromes. As with many orchids, some orchid-pollinator associations are likely highly co-evolved, but we also know that some Platanthera spp. are the result of hybridization events, which implies a lack of pollinator fidelity in some cases. Some Platanthera spp. occur in large numbers which, coupled with the numerous Platanthera-pollinator systems, make them accessible as study species and useful for co-evolutionary studies. Due to the likely effects of climate change and ongoing development on Platanthera spp. habitats, these orchids and their associated pollinators should be a focus of conservation attention and management. However, while there is a fairly substantial literature coverage of Platanthera-pollinator occurrence and interactions, there are still wide gaps in our understanding of the species involved in these systems. In this systematic review, we outline what is current knowledge and provide guidance on further research that will increase our understanding of orchid-insect co-evolutionary relationships. Our review covers 157 orchid species and about 233 pollinator species interacting with 30 Platanthera spp. We provide analyses on aspects of these interactions such as flower morphology, known insect partners of Platanthera species, insect-Platanthera specificity, pollination visitor timing (diurnal vs. nocturnal), floral rewards, and insect behavior affecting pollination outcomes (e.g., pollinia placement). A substantial number of Platanthera spp. and at least a few of their known pollinators are of official (IUCN) conservation concern - and many of their pollinators remain unassessed or even currently unknown - which adds to the urgency of further research on these co-evolved relationships.

Composition of Attractant Semiochemicals of North American Species of Dendroctonus Bark Beetles: A Review

The 19 species of Dendroctonus bark beetles native to North America include several of the most significant biotic mortality agents of conifers in this region, and they have impacted millions of hectares of forest in recent decades. Semiochemical attractants play several vital roles in the biology of these insects including host finding, host assessment, and mate finding. They are key to the virulence of these insects, since they mediate the mass attacks that enable killing and reproduction within healthy trees. These attractants consist of combinations of thirteen identified pheromone components in three primary chemical classes and at least ten host-associated compounds dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons in host defensive resin. Due to their potential for use in pest management technologies, semiochemical attractants for Dendroctonus have received extensive research into their chemical compositions and effects on insect behavior. This paper is intended as a synthesis of this research over the past 60 years as well as a critical examination of approaches to investigation of this topic and interpretation of experimental results. Its purpose is to assist practitioners in formulating suitable attractive lures for use in applications and identify gaps in knowledge of the semiochemistry of Dendroctonus that should be addressed if the practical potential of attractants is to be fully realized.

The Hidden World of Insect-Plant Interactions: a review

This review examines the hidden world of plant-insect interactions by emphasizing on the sensory perception and behavior of phytophagous insects, nutritional influence on insect reproduction, host plant resistance, Insects, weed and crop interaction, Insect pollinator plant interaction, tri-trophic interaction, and insect biotechnology. It explores how insects use sensory cues to forage for food, find mates, perceive dangers, and navigate their environment. It also examines the influence of host plants on insect behavior and the use of chemical cues for communication. The potential use of semio-chemicals in pest management for sustainable agriculture is highlighted. Nutritional factors and their impact on insect reproductive success are also discussed, emphasizing the need for balanced diets. The different categories of host plant resistance and their effects on insects are examined. The interdependent relationships between insects, plants, and weeds in agricultural ecosystems are explored, with a focus on the role of insect pollinators. The decline of insect pollinators and the importance of studying them are emphasized. The importance of tri-trophic interactions in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity is discussed. Moreover, the role of biotechnological techniques like genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and epigenetics in understanding insect plant interactions as well as developing insect pest control strategies is discussed. The potential use of natural products produced by plants in environmentally friendly pest control methods is also examined. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive exploration of insect-plant interactions and the potential for sustainable pest control methods.

Phototactic response of angoumois grain moth Sitotroga cerealella (olivier) to visible spectrum: Attraction analysis and modelling using machine learning

The Angoumois grain moth Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier), a primary pest of food grain storage, poses serious problems in India and many other countries. The insect's stronger phototaxis behaviour has been studied using monochromatic wavelengths in the visible spectrum. Among the different wavelengths (250, 330, 410, 480, 530, 580, and 680 nm) assessed for attraction under laboratory conditions, the highest attraction was observed for the blue wavelength (480 nm). Subsequently, the impact of luminance intensities (60, 80, and 100 lux) at each wavelength was also determined. At 60 lux, the 480 and 250 nm wavelengths attracted significantly more adults, i.e., 91.67% and 85%, respectively. The 680 nm wavelength exhibited the lowest attraction rate of only 15% at 100 lux. A gender-based analysis of S. cerealella adults demonstrated that female moths showed a significantly lower attraction (1:3.5) than male moths. This attraction behaviour was also predicted using machine learning. Among the different machine learning algorithms used for modelling insect behaviour, artificial neural network produced the highest prediction with an R2 value of 0.96. In conclusion, the results suggest that using the 480 nm wavelength may be an effective option for mass trapping and monitoring of S. cerealella.

Silica and Selenium Nanoparticles Attract or Repel Scale Insects by Altering Physicochemical Leaf Traits.

Although nanoparticles have gained attention as efficient alternatives to conventional agricultural chemicals, there is limited knowledge regarding their effects on herbivorous insect behavior and plant physicochemistry. Here, we investigated the effects of foliar applications of nano-silica (SiO2NPs) and nano-selenium (SeNPs), and bulk-size silica (SiO2) on the choice behavior of the arrowhead scale insect on mandarin orange plants. One leaf of a bifoliate pair was treated with one of the three chemicals, while the other was treated with water (control). The respective SiO2, SeO2, calcium (Ca), and carbon (C) content levels in the leaf epidermis and mesophyll were quantified using SEM-EDX (or SEM-EDS); leaf toughness and the arrowhead scale density and body size were measured. First-instar nymphs preferred silica-treated leaves and avoided SeNP-treated leaves. SiO2 content did not differ between control and SiO2NP-treated leaves, but was higher in bulk-size SiO2-treated leaves. The SiO2 level in the control leaves was higher in the SiO2NP treatment compared with that in the control leaves in the bulk-size SiO2 treatment. Silica-treated leaves increased in toughness, but SeNP-treated leaves did not; leaf toughness increased with mesophyllic SiO2 content. The insect density per leaf increased with leaf toughness, SiO2 content and, in the SiO2NP treatment, with epidermal C content. There was no correlation between SeO2 content and insect density. This study highlights the potential uses of SeNPs as an insect deterrent and of silica for enhancing leaf toughness and attracting scale insects.

When night becomes day: Artificial light at night alters insect behavior under semi-natural conditions

Light is the most important Zeitgeber for temporal synchronization in nature. Artificial light at night (ALAN) disrupts the natural light-dark rhythmicity and thus negatively affects animal behavior. However, to date, ALAN research has been mostly conducted under laboratory conditions in this context. Here, we used the field cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus, to investigate the effect of ALAN on insect behavior under semi-natural conditions, i.e., under shaded natural lighting conditions, natural temperature and soundscape. Male crickets were placed individually in outdoor enclosures and exposed to ALAN conditions ranging from <0.01 to 1500 lx intensity. The crickets' stridulation behavior was recorded for 14 consecutive days and nights and their daily activity patterns were analysed. ALAN impaired the crickets' stridulation rhythm, evoking a change in the crickets' naturally synchronized daily activity period. This was manifested by a light-intensity-dependent increase in the proportion of insects demonstrating an intrinsic circadian rhythm (free-run behavior). This also resulted in a change in the population's median activity cycle period. These ALAN-induced effects occurred despite the crickets' exposure to almost natural conditions. Our findings provide further validity to our previous studies on ALAN conducted under lab conditions and establish the deleterious impacts of ALAN on animal behavioral patterns. TeaserArtificial light at night alters cricket behavior and desynchronizes their stridulation even under near-natural conditions.

CHEMICAL FEATURES OF FOREWING SCALES OF Leptosia nina Fabricius, 1793 (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)

The functional groups have a vital role in insect physiology, behaviour, and adaptation to the environment and are crucial in biomimetics to replicate and adapt biological functions for diverse use ranging from medicine to material science and energy technologies. A study was conducted on Leptosia nina forewing scales to assess its chemical composition spectra using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis. The identified functional groups from dorsal white, dorsal black spot, ventral white and ventral black spot areas of L. nina forewing composed of alcohols, phenols, aldehydes, aliphatic amine, alkanes, alkenes, alkyl halides, alkynes, aromatic groups,carboxylic acid groups, nitro compounds, amines, ester and ether with various stretches. The spectra showed minor variations in peaks in the four regions studied. The study is the first record revealing the functional groups of L. nina forewing scales.

A long-read draft assembly of the Chinese mantis (Mantodea: Mantidae: Tenodera sinensis) genome reveals patterns of ion channel gain and loss across Arthropoda.

Praying mantids (Mantodea: Mantidae) are iconic insects that have captivated biologists for decades, especially the species with cannibalistic copulatory behavior. This behavior has been cited as evidence that insects lack nociceptive capacities and cannot feel pain; however, this behaviorally driven hypothesis has never been rigorously tested at the genetic or functional level. To enable future studies of nociceptive capabilities in mantids, we sequenced and assembled a draft genome of the Chinese praying mantis (Tenodera sinensis) and identified multiple classes of nociceptive ion channels by comparison to orthologous gene families in Arthropoda. Our assembly-produced using PacBio HiFi reads-is fragmented (total size = 3.03 Gb; N50 = 1.8 Mb; 4,966 contigs), but is highly complete with respect to gene content (BUSCO complete = 98.7% [odb10_insecta]). The size of our assembly is substantially larger than that of most other insects, but is consistent with the size of other mantid genomes. We found that most families of nociceptive ion channels are present in the T. sinensis genome; that they are most closely related to those found in the damp-wood termite (Zootermopsis nevadensis); and that some families have expanded in T. sinensis while others have contracted relative to nearby lineages. Our findings suggest that mantids are likely to possess nociceptive capabilities and provide a foundation for future experimentation regarding ion channel functions and their consequences for insect behavior.

Identification, expression analysis, and functional verification of three opsin genes related to the phototactic behaviour of Ostrinia furnacalis.

Ostrinia furnacalis is a disreputable herbivorous pest that poses a serious threat to corn crops. Phototaxis in nocturnal moths plays a crucial role in pest prediction and control. Insect opsins are the main component of insect visual system. However, the inherent molecular relationship between phototactic behaviour and vision of insects remains a mystery. Herein, three opsin genes were identified and cloned from O. furnacalis (OfLW, OfBL, and OfUV). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that all opsin genes had visual pigment (opsin) retinal binding sites and seven transmembrane domains. Opsin genes were distributed across different developmental stages and tissues, with the highest expression in adults and compound eyes. The photoperiod-induced assay elucidated that the expression of three opsin genes in females were higher during daytime, while their expression in males tended to increase at night. Under the sustained darkness, the expression of opsin genes increased circularly, although the increasing amplitude in males was lower when compared with females. Furthermore, the expression of OfLW, OfBL, and OfUV was upregulated under green, blue, and ultraviolet light, respectively. The results of RNA interference showed that the knockout of opsin genes decreased the phototaxis efficiency of female and male moths to green, blue, and ultraviolet light. Our results reveal that opsin genes are involved in the phototactic behaviour of moths, providing a potential target gene for pest control and a basis for further investigation on the phototactic behaviour of Lepidoptera insects.