Ecological Advantages Research Articles

The Multifaceted Role of Microbial Biosurfactants in Various Fields

This review paper aims to explore the multifaceted roles and applications of microbial surfactants, also known as biosurfactants. These amphiphilic compounds, synthesized by various microorganisms such as Acinetobacter sp., Bacillus sp., Candida antarctica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, exhibit both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties. Through lowering surface tension and interfacial tension, biosurfactants facilitate fluid phase aggregation, imparting organisms with unique physiological and ecological advantages. The synthesis of biosurfactants in bacteria not only contributes to antimicrobial activity but also enhances substrate availability for cellular absorption, particularly in challenging environmental conditions. Categorized based on molecular weight and chemical composition, biosurfactants offer numerous benefits including biodegradability, reduced toxicity, and versatile applications in agriculture, detergent production, biopesticides, and microbial oil enhancement processes. This review synthesizes current knowledge on microbial surfactants, elucidating their diverse roles and promising applications across various industries.

USE OF PLASTICWASTE AS AN AGGREGATE IN CONCRETE

Significant growth in the consumption of plastic products is observed all over the world in recent years; this has contributed to increasing the production of plastic waste. Disposal of plastic is a challenging task. Because plastic waste can take anywhere from 20 to 500 years to decompose, and eventhen, it never fully disappears; it just get smaller and smaller. Hence it is necessary to reduce the amount of production of plastic as well as disposal and reuse of plastic is mandatory. As decomposition of plastic is a serious problem as it takes very long time and adversely affection the environment in many ways so reuse of plastic waste in the production of concrete or mortar appears as an environmentally friendly solution for getting rid of plastic waste, due to its ecological and economic advantages and we can use it in construction, where we need life of structure to be improved. Furthermore, it leads to a decrease in plastic waste in landfills. Several studies presented the properties of cementitious composites (mortar and concrete) containing different types of (PWD) Usage of these plastic waste materials helping in dual role by minimizing of concrete and by using the waste materials that are affecting the environment. The other advantage of using these waste materials is that they are helping improving the properties of concrete.This study summarizes the previous studies until 2019, discussing the use of recycled plastic aggregate as aggregates in cementation composites and its impact on the compressive strength. In this study we are going to replace the fine aggregate and coarse aggregate by plastic aggregate with 2.5%, 10% and 25%, then specimens are tested and compared with a control specimen of 0% plastic in terms of compressive strength. We will also do the comparative study of replacement of fine and coarse aggregateand going to find that which replacement is better. Keywords: plastic waste, plastic aggregate, environmentally friendly solution

Alkaline hydrolysis and respect for the dead: an ethical critique

ABSTRACT Alkaline hydrolysis is an increasingly popular method of disposing of human corpses, which involves dissolving them into a solution of 95% water and 5% alkali, producing some bone residue and a liquid waste that can be flushed into the sewer system or otherwise hygienically disposed of. Favoured particularly by environmentalists for its perceived ecological advantages over traditional methods of inhumation and cremation, alkaline hydrolysis has been charged by some critics with being insufficiently respectful of the human corpse, and by implication the living human being whose body it once was. Following a discussion of the idea of respect for the dead and its cultural variability, it is argued that alkaline hydrolysis breaches no fundamental principles of respect for the deceased or their remains and that worries on this score are based on misunderstanding or prejudice. The question is raised whether alkaline hydrolysis might nevertheless be considered less respectful to the dead than traditional methods of burial and cremation. Three prima facie reasons in support of this claim are weighed and rejected. It is concluded that there are no sound objections based on considerations of human dignity to the adoption of alkaline hydrolysis as a disposal method for human bodies.

Impact of Heterogeneous Environmental Regulation on Ecological Industrialisation in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River in the Context of "Internet + Big Data"

The solution to the ecological and protection conundrum in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River lies in ecological industrialization, which is predicated on ecological preservation and has the capacity to convert local ecological advantages into economic advantages. Environmental regulations are essential to the ecological industrialization process since they help to solidify the base of resource endowment and guarantee the industrialization process's steady progression. There may be a relationship between environmental laws and eco-industrialization, according to the research. With the rapid development of new-generation information technology such as the Internet, big data, cloud computing and the Internet of Things, it is of great significance to strengthen the Internet and big data to empower eco-industrialisation development. Using a panel regression model, the influence and moderating function of environmental regulations on eco-industrialization were examined. The findings demonstrate that environmental rules with a focus on public engagement and command-and-control encourage area eco-industrialization. Nonetheless, the degree of regional eco-industrialization was lowered by the market incentive form of environmental control. It was also determined whether environmental laws had a moderating effect on eco-industrialization. The findings of the mediating impact demonstrate how, through the mediating function of upgrading the industrial structure, all three environmental regulations influence the evolution of eco-industrialization. In conclusion, this study makes the case that environmental legislation has a significant impact on eco-industrialization. Simultaneously, consideration needs to be given to how various forms of environmental control affect eco-industrialization. To this purpose, upgrading the eco-industrialization level of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River requires a reasonable regulation of the strength of environmental regulations. This justifies accelerating the industrial structure's upgrade.

Patterns of water use by the Australian native Melaleuca styphelioides in urban environments and comparison of transpiration prediction by three different micrometeorological models

Key messageThe high-quality sap flow dataset of Melaleuca styphelioides could assists local councils in assessing tree water use and aids in the development of an urban tree sustainable planting management planTrees have a vital part to play in urban ecosystems, offering ecological, economic, and social advantages in addition to beautifying our suburbs. Knowledge of tree water use in urban environments is crucial for facilitating urban greening when there is a perception that growing trees on the street verge on expansive soils poses a risk to pavement and buildings. Information on long-term water use by individual trees in an urban environment is essential for local councils in developing urban tree management plans for sustainable planning of trees; however, this information is scarce. Micrometeorological models have commonly been used to estimate the canopy transpiration of plants in the absence of sap flow data. However, the reliability and accuracy of these models have rarely been assessed using sap flow measurements at the field site. This study aimed to provide the water use data of four individual Australian native Melaleuca styphelioides Sm. using sap flow instruments over 25 months. Tree transpiration, estimated based on three commonly used micrometeorological models using weather parameters and tree characteristics, was assessed and compared with sap flow measurements by employing the linear regression statistical analysis. The results revealed that the modified Penman–Monteith (PM) model demonstrated the highest level of accuracy among the evaluated models, consistently yielding lower errors and providing more reliable estimates of tree water use. This suggests that this model may be more appropriate for predicting plant water use in situations where sap flow data are unavailable.

The Nitrogen Content in the Fruiting Body and Mycelium of Pleurotus Ostreatus and Its Utilization as a Medium Component in Thraustochytrid Fermentation.

Following the idea of a circular bioeconomy, the use of side streams as substitutes for cultivation media (components) in bioprocesses would mean an enormous economic and ecological advantage. Costly compounds in conventional media for the production of the triterpene squalene in thraustochytrids are the main carbon source and complex nitrogen sources. Among other side streams examined, extracts from the spent mycelium of the basidiomycete Pleurotus ostreatus were best-suited to acting as alternative nitrogen sources in cultivation media for thraustochytrids. The total nitrogen (3.76 ± 0.01 and 4.24 ± 0.04%, respectively) and protein (16.47 ± 0.06 and 18.57 ± 0.18%, respectively) contents of the fruiting body and mycelium were determined. The fungal cells were hydrolyzed and extracted to generate accessible nitrogen sources. Under preferred conditions, the extracts from the fruiting body and mycelium contained 73.63 ± 1.19 and 89.93 ± 7.54 mM of free amino groups, respectively. Cultivations of Schizochytrium sp. S31 on a medium using a mycelium extract as a complex nitrogen source showed decelerated growth but a similar squalene yield (123.79 ± 14.11 mg/L after 216 h) compared to a conventional medium (111.29 ± 19.96 mg/L, although improvable by additional complex nitrogen source).

Mangroves as Coastal Protection for Restoring Low-Energy Waterfront Property

Mangroves offer vital ecological advantages including air and water filtration, coastal and estuarine habitat provision, sediment stabilization, and wave energy dissipation. Their intricate root systems play a key role in safeguarding shorelines from tsunamis and erosive storms by dissipating wave energy. Moreover, mangroves shield against boat wakes and wind-waves, thus naturally bolstering shoreline defense. Wave dissipation is a function of forest width, tree diameter, and forest density. Restoration efforts of juvenile mangroves in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon (IRL) aim to reduce wave energy in areas vulnerable to erosion. Physical model testing of wave dissipation through mangroves is limited due to the complexity in representing the mangrove structure, where prop roots are non-uniform in both diameter and location. Previous studies have quantified wave-dissipating effects through the use of scaled and parameterized mangrove structures. This study measures the dissipation effects of live mangroves in a wave flume, forced by conditions representative of the IRL. These measurements are used to validate a parameterized dowel model. Error between wave attenuation factors for the live mangrove and dowel system was on average 2.5%. Validation of the modularized dowel system allowed for further parameterized testing to understand forest structure effects, such as sediment stabilization and wave attenuation. Maximum wave attenuation achieved in this study was 27–35% corresponding to a 40–60% reduction in wave energy depending on the configuration of the system. The wave reduction resulted in a 50–70% decrease in sediment erosion from the berm. The dowel tests indicate a target minimum thickness for mangrove root systems of 0.6 m for shoreline stabilization and restoration in the IRL.

OCULAR NECESSITIES: A NEUROETHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE ON VERTEBRATE VISUAL DEVELOPMENT.

By examining species-specific innate behaviours, neuroethologists have characterised unique neural strategies and specializations from throughout the animal kingdom. Simultaneously, the field of evolutionary developmental biology (informally, "evo-devo") seeks to make inferences about animals' evolutionary histories through careful comparison of developmental processes between species, because evolution is the evolution of development. Yet despite the shared focus on cross-species comparisons, there is surprisingly little cross-talk between these two fields. Insights can be gleaned at the intersection of neuroethology and evo-devo. Every animal develops within an environment, wherein ecological pressures advantage some behaviours and disadvantage others. These pressures are reflected in the neurodevelopmental strategies employed by different animals across taxa. Vision is a system of particular interest for studying the adaptation of animals to their environments. The visual system enables a wide variety of animals across the vertebrate lineage to interact with their environments, presenting a fantastic opportunity to examine how ecological pressures have shaped animals' behaviours and developmental strategies. Applying a neuroethological lens to the study of visual development, we advance a novel theory that accounts for the evolution of spontaneous retinal waves, an important phenomenon in the development of the visual system, across the vertebrate lineage. We synthesise literature on spontaneous retinal waves from across the vertebrate lineage. We find that ethological considerations explain some cross-species differences in the dynamics of retinal waves. In zebrafish, retinal waves may be more important for the development of the retina itself, rather than the retinofugal projections. We additionally suggest empirical tests to determine whether Xenopus laevis experiences retinal waves.

Allocation of CO2 emission target in China under the “1 + N” policy: Considering natural carbon sinks and wind-solar-hydropower endowments

The CO2 emission control targets (CET) allocation faces the unavoidable issues of “energy equity” and “carbon sink equity”, which are complicated by changing regional characteristics. By combining regional characteristics assessment, energy consumption status in the “1 + N” policy, and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) modeling, two schemes for China's net CET allocation in 2020–2030 are implied to reveal the impacts of regional carbon sinks and renewable energy endowments differences on the allocation. The results indicate that: firstly, significant regional differences are inevitably intrinsic within China's renewable energy endowments and carbon sinks to substantially affect the equity of carbon emission allocation in 2020–2030; secondly Provinces with high fossil energy reliance, such as Hebei, Shandong, Shanxi, and Inner Mongolia, are generally facing continuous pressure to reduce CO2 emissions during the 14th FYP and 15th FYP; thirdly, as a regional ecological advantage, carbon sinks are an essential source of additional carbon budgets for provinces, as in Sichuan and Yunnan. As a dominating impact factor of carbon sinks on CET allocation, terrestrial carbon sinks are much higher than ocean carbon sinks with clear provincial attribution; fourthly, in our allocation scheme, the exploitation of renewable energy endowments directly affects the provincial carbon budget and can promote low carbon energy supply; finally, the foundation to build the CET allocation mechanism, China's carbon market needs to be improved. This study helps policymakers understand and balance the equity issues in CET allocation due to regional differences in renewable energy endowments and carbon sinks.

Dissolved organic matter offsets the detrimental effects of climate change in the nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacterium Crocosphaera

AbstractDiazotrophs provide a significant reactive nitrogen source in the ocean. Increased warming and stratification may decrease nutrient availability in the future, forcing microbial communities toward using dissolved organic matter (DOM). Not depending on reactive nitrogen availability, diazotrophs may be “winners” in a nutrient‐depleted ocean. However, their ability to exploit DOM may influence this success. We exposed cultures of the widespread Crocosphaera to low (26°C, pH 8.1), moderate (28°C, pH 8.0), and extreme (30°C, pH 7.9) climate change scenarios, under control or DOM‐amended conditions. Growth was suboptimal in the low and extreme treatments and favored in the moderate treatment. DOM was preferred as a carbon source regardless of the treatment and promoted N2 fixation in extreme conditions. This was reflected in the increased expression of photosynthesis genes to obtain energy. DOM provides Crocosphaera with a key ecological advantage, possibly dictating diazotroph‐derived nitrogen inputs in the future ocean.

Computational Investigation of the Influence of Combustion Chamber Characteristics on a Heavy-Duty Ammonia Diesel Dual Fuel Engine

In response to increasingly stringent emissions regulations and the depletion of conventional fuel sources, integrating carbon-free fuels into the transport sector has become imperative. While hydrogen (H2) presents significant technical challenges, ammonia (NH3) could present a better alternative offering ease of transport, storage, and distribution, with both ecological and economic advantages. However, ammonia substitution leads to high emissions of unburned NH3, particularly at high loads. Combustion chamber retrofitting has proven to be an effective approach to remedy this problem. In order to overcome the problems associated with the difficult combustion of ammonia in engines, this study aims to investigate the effect of the piston bowl shape of an ammonia/diesel dual fuel engine on the combustion process. The primary objective is to determine the optimal configuration that offers superior engine performance under high load conditions and with high ammonia rates. In this study, a multi-objective optimization approach is used to control the creation of geometries and the swirl rate under the CONVERGETM 3.1 code. To maximize indicated thermal efficiency and demonstrate the influence of hydrogen enrichment on ammonia combustion in ammonia/diesel dual fuel engines, a synergistic approach incorporating hydrogen enrichment of the primary fuel was implemented. Notably, the optimum configuration, featuring an 85% energy contribution from ammonia, outperforms others in terms of combustion efficiency and pollutant reduction. It achieves over 43% reduction in unburned NH3 emissions and a substantial 31% improvement in indicated thermal efficiency.

The Existence of Blue Carbon and its Prospective Role in the Preservation of Carbon Stocks and the Mitigation of Climate Change

The substantial rise in carbon emissions can be attributed to the initiation of the industrial revolution in the 17th century. The increase in global temperature is linked to higher concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The anticipated increase in international sea levels is predicted to affect a considerable portion of the world's population significantly. The susceptibility of blue carbon ecosystems to climate change prompts inquiries regarding their capacity to operate effectively in the future while simultaneously delivering ecological advantages to coastal communities, including climate change adaptation. The primary emphasis of the study was on blue carbon, a term used to describe the process of carbon sequestration in coastal and marine ecosystems to mitigate the dangers associated with climate change.

Impacts of Yield, Nutritional Value, and Amino Acid Contents during Short-Term Composting for the Substrate for Agrocybe aegerita

This investigation aimed to ascertain the efficacy of korshinsk peashrub as a viable substitute for cottonseed hull in the cultivation substrate of Agrocybe aegerita. The study incorporated korshinsk peashrub into the growth medium at incremental concentrations of 20%, 40%, and 60%, and subjected these blends to both fermentation and non-fermentation processes. Through rigorous assessment of yield of fruiting bodies, biological efficiency, nutrient profile, amino acid composition, and the integration of ecological and socio-economic advantages, an optimal substrate formulation was discerned. The findings revealed that the fermentation substrate FT2, with 40% korshinsk peashrub supplanting cottonseed hull, emerged as the superior blend following a comprehensive analysis. This formula notably yielded the highest crude protein and polysaccharide contents at 26.60% and 4.46%, respectively—an increase of 4.51% and 12.34% over the control. Consequently, these results suggest that korshinsk peashrub is a promising, cost-effective, and efficacious additive, capable of enhancing the yield and quality of A. aegerita and potentially replacing cottonseed hull extensively.

Tree–litter–soil system C:N:P stoichiometry and tree organ homeostasis in mixed and pure Chinese fir stands in south subtropical China

IntroductionCultivation of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) have alleviated timber shortages and mixed stands with Chinese fir and indigenous species represent a sustainable forestry model. Studying system nutrient balance and tree nutrient homeostasis can provide insights into the ecological advantages of Chinese fir mixed stands and guide the management of plantations.MethodsMixed Chinese fir plantations with two native broadleaf species (Michelia macclurei and Mytilaria laosensis) and pure Chinese fir stands were examined for our study. The responses in carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) distribution and their stoichiometric characterization in the tree–litter–soil system to stand changes were evaluated. In addition, the ecological stoichiometric homeostasis of leaves, branches, trunks, bark and roots was used to measure the trees’ adaptive capacity to stand changes.ResultsThe results showed that the mixed stands of Michelia macclurei and Chinese fir significantly increased soil OC, TN, and TP, and improved the carbon sequestration and nutrient storage functions of the plantations. The mixed stands improved the litter mass and C:N and C:P to different degrees. The soil N and P imbalance reduced the leaf N:P, resulting in N limitation of different trees, while the principal component analysis showed that the improvement of soil TN in the mixed plantation alleviated the N limitation. In addition, mixed stands reduced N, P, and N:P homeostasis in branch, trunk, and bark of some Chinese fir trees, whereas mixed species showed flexibility in leaf N:P homeostasis.DiscussionTherefore, the selection of mixed species for mixed forests is a critical factor to consider when creating mixed plantations. These results contribute to our understanding of the ecological stoichiometry of fir plantations and are of considerable importance for the sustainable development of plantations as well as for the response to global climate change.

Digital green value co-creation behavior, digital green network embedding and digital green innovation performance: moderating effects of digital green network fragmentation

In the era of digital economy, digital green value co-creation behavior (DGVCB) has replaced the previous value creation. DGVCB has become a tool for business ecosystems to gain sustainable ecological advantages in today’s increasingly complex market. At present, there are few researches on the influence of DGVCB and digital green network embedding(DGNE) on digital green innovation performance(DGIP). This paper faces the institutional logic of DGVCB, analyzes the mechanism of DGNE and digital green network fragmentation (DGNF) in the context of business ecosystem competition, and then constructs the causal relationship between DGVCB and DGIP. Based on 326 valid questionnaires and sample data, this paper empirically studies the effects of digital green value co-creation and DGNE on DGIP by using regression analysis method, and verifies and discusses the proposed theoretical hypotheses. The results show that DGVCB and DGNE have significant positive effects on the improvement of DGIP. DGNE plays an intermediary role between DGVCB and DGIP. DGNF plays a positive moderating role between DGVCB and DGIP. This study provides theoretical guidance for the governance of business ecosystem and the formulation of cooperation strategies for enterprises.

Ecological Advantages and Challenges Research on the Sustainable Development of Sports Tourism in Kangluxin Integrated Loop Route

The sports tourism development of the Kanglu - Xin Integrated Ring Line has attracted much attention in the context of sustainable development. This study focuses on the ecological advantages and challenges of sports tourism in the region. Through in-depth research on geography, resources, economy and social culture, it aims to deeply understand the current situation of this field and provide strategic suggestions for future sustainable development. In order to fully understand the development of Kangluxin Integrated Ring Sports Tourism, we also pay attention to possible dilemmas, including possible negative impacts on the environment and society, such as ecological damage, over-utilization of resources, and possible social problems. Through an in-depth study of the ecological advantages and challenges of the Kanglu - Xin integrated ring sports tourism, this study provides theoretical and practical guidance for achieving sustainable, balanced and comprehensive development of sports tourism in the region.

Methanol, a Plugin Marine Fuel for Green House Gas Reduction—A Review

The escalating global demand for goods transport via shipping has heightened energy consumption, impacting worldwide health and the environment. To mitigate this, international organizations aim to achieve complete fuel desulphurization and decarbonization by 50% by 2050. Investigating eco-friendly fuels is crucial, particularly those with a reduced carbon and zero sulfur content. Methanol derived mainly from renewable sources and produced by carbon dioxide’s hydrogenation method, stands out as an effective solution for GHG reduction. Leveraging its favorable properties, global scalability, and compatibility with the existing infrastructure, especially LNGs, methanol proves to be a cost-efficient and minimally disruptive alternative. This review explores methanol’s role as a hybrid maritime fuel, emphasizing its ecological production methods, advantages, and challenges in the shipping industry’s green transition. It discusses the environmental impacts of methanol use and analyzes economic factors, positioning methanol not only as an eco-friendly option, but also as a financially prudent choice for global shipping. Methanol is efficient and cost-effective and excels over MGO, especially in new ships. It is economically advantageous, with decreasing investment costs compared to LNG, while providing flexibility without specialized pressure tanks. Global marine fuel trends prioritize fuel traits, accessibility, and environmental considerations, incorporating factors like policies, emissions, bunkering, and engine adaptability during transitions.

Ecological and Public Advantages of a Dual Flagship Strategy: Giant Panda and Snow Leopard

Flagship species’ conservation strategies hold significant prominence in biodiversity preservation. The giant panda, a globally recognized species, has drawn attention to its benefits and constraints as a flagship species. This study aimed to assess the potential benefits of a dual flagship strategy using both the giant panda and snow leopard, compared to an approach solely using the giant panda. We identified the number of potential beneficiary species based on their habitat overlap with the giant panda and snow leopard in Sichuan and Gansu, China. Subsequently, we examined public preferences for these two flagships and their influencing factors through questionnaire surveys within and outside China. The dual flagship strategy covered the habitats of more species and amplified existing protection for those species already benefiting from giant panda conservation efforts. The giant panda was commonly perceived as “Adorable”, “Innocent”, and “Rare”, while perceptions of the snow leopard leaned towards “Mighty”, “Mysterious”, and “Rare”. Though the giant panda is widely favored, the survey indicates a notable preference for snow leopards among a proportion of respondents. The dual flagship strategy offers expanded wildlife habitat coverage and benefits a broader range of species. Moreover, the combined appeal of the snow leopard and giant panda, each possessing unique charm and symbolism, holds the potential to garner broader societal interest and support. This study may serve as a reference for policy decisions in the Giant Panda National Park and other similar protected areas, optimizing conservation management and outreach initiatives for flagship species strategies. It may also benefit conservation strategies centered on other flagship species.

Solar irradiated construction of coordinatively unsaturated Znx+ (0

Biomass-derived carbon is regarded as a potential replacement for commercial graphite carbon for the anode of powerful lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), because of its abundance and ecological advantage. In this research, biomass-derived carbon is prepared from natural Carex meyeriana Kunth, and the biomass-derived carbon electrode with coordinatively unsaturated Znx+(0 < x < 2) sites is synthesized by solar irradiation. The Znx+(0 < x < 2) electrode is used as the LIBs anode. It provides a highly specific capacity of 638.6 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1 after 900 cycles and an outstanding cycling capacity of 614.9 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1 after 1000 cycles. The capacity of the electrode exceeds the majority of reported carbonaceous anodes. This study presents a practical strategy to prepare novel and low-cost carbonaceous anode. The resulting anode has promising potential for use in advanced LIBs and other energy storage devices due to its excellent Li+ storage capability.

Cladosporium-Insect Relationships.

The range of interactions between Cladosporium, a ubiquitous fungal genus, and insects, a class including about 60% of the animal species, is extremely diverse. The broad case history of antagonism and mutualism connecting Cladosporium and insects is reviewed in this paper based on the examination of the available literature. Certain strains establish direct interactions with pests or beneficial insects or indirectly influence them through their endophytic development in plants. Entomopathogenicity is often connected to the production of toxic secondary metabolites, although there is a case where these compounds have been reported to favor pollinator attraction, suggesting an important role in angiosperm reproduction. Other relationships include mycophagy, which, on the other hand, may reflect an ecological advantage for these extremely adaptable fungi using insects as carriers for spreading in the environment. Several Cladosporium species colonize insect structures, such as galleries of ambrosia beetles, leaf rolls of attelabid weevils and galls formed by cecidomyid midges, playing a still uncertain symbiotic role. Finally, the occurrence of Cladosporium in the gut of several insect species has intriguing implications for pest management, also considering that some strains have proven to be able to degrade insecticides. These interactions especially deserve further investigation to understand the impact of these fungi on pest control measures and strategies to preserve beneficial insects.