Entomological Studies Research Articles

The Use and Prospects of Nonlethal Methods in Entomology.

Arthropods are declining globally, and entomologists ought to be in the forefront of protecting them. However, entomological study methods are typically lethal, and we argue that this makes the ethical status of the profession precarious. Lethal methods are used in most studies, even those that aim to support arthropod conservation. Additionally, almost all collecting methods result in bycatch, and a first step toward less destructive research practices is to minimize bycatch and/or ensure its proper storage and use. In this review, we describe the available suite of nonlethal methods with the aim of promoting their use. We classify nonlethal methods into (a) reuse of already collected material, (b) methods that are damaging but not lethal, (c) methods that modify behavior, and (d) true nonlethal methods. Artificial intelligence and miniaturization will help to extend the nonlethal methodological toolkit, but the need for further method development and testing remains.

Description of the design of a mixed-methods study to assess the burden and determinants of malaria transmission for tailoring of interventions (microstratification) in Ibadan and Kano metropolis

BackgroundRapid urbanization in Nigerian cities may lead to localized variations in malaria transmission, particularly with a higher burden in informal settlements and slums. However, there is a lack of available data to quantify the variations in transmission risk at the city level and inform the selection of appropriate interventions. To bridge this gap, field studies will be undertaken in Ibadan and Kano, two major Nigerian cities. These studies will involve a blend of cross-sectional and longitudinal epidemiological research, coupled with longitudinal entomological studies. The primary objective is to gain insights into the variation of malaria risk at the smallest administrative units, known as wards, within these cities.Methods/resultsThe findings will contribute to the tailoring of interventions as part of Nigeria’s National Malaria Strategic Plan. The study design incorporates a combination of model-based clustering and on-site visits for ground-truthing, enabling the identification of environmental archetypes at the ward-level to establish the study’s framework. Furthermore, community participatory approaches will be utilized to refine study instruments and sampling strategies. The data gathered through cross-sectional and longitudinal studies will contribute to an enhanced understanding of malaria risk in the metropolises of Kano and Ibadan.ConclusionsThis paper outlines pioneering field study methods aimed at collecting data to inform the tailoring of malaria interventions in urban settings. The integration of multiple study types will provide valuable data for mapping malaria risk and comprehending the underlying determinants. Given the importance of location-specific data for microstratification, this study presents a systematic process and provides adaptable tools that can be employed in cities with limited data availability.

Evaluation of "Caserotek" a low cost and effective artificial blood-feeding device for mosquitoes.

Entomological research studies on mosquito vector biology, vector competence, insecticide resistance, dispersal, and survival (using mark-release-recapture techniques) often rely on laboratory-reared mosquito colonies to produce large numbers of consistently reared, aged, and sized mosquitoes. We developed a low-cost blood feeding apparatus that supports temperatures consistent with warm blooded animals, using commonly available materials found in low resource environments. We compare our system ("Caserotek") to Hemotek and glass/membrane feeding methods. Two experiments were conducted with Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus 1762) and one with Anopheles darlingi (Root 1926) (Diptera: Culicidae); 3 replicates were conducted for each experiment. Aedes aegypti female mosquitoes were provided chicken blood once per week for 30 min (Experiment #1) for 14 days or 1 hour (Experiment #2) for 21 days. Anopheles darlingi were fed once for 1 hour (Experiment #3). Blood-feeding rates, survival rates, and egg production were calculated across replicates. Caserotek had a significantly higher 30-min engorgement rate (91.1%) than Hemotek (47.7%), and the glass feeder (29.3%) whereas for 1-hour feeding, Hemotek had a significantly lower engorgement rate than either of the other two devices (78% versus 91%). Thirty-day survival was similar among the feeding devices, ranging from 86% to 99%. Mean egg production was highest for the Caserotek feeder (32 eggs per female) compared to the glass feeder and Hemotek device (21-22 eggs per female). Our new artificial feeding system had significantly higher blood feeding rates than for more expensive artificial systems and was equivalent to other fitness parameters. Caserotek only requires the ability to boil water to maintain blood temperatures using a Styrofoam liner. It can be easily scaled up to large production facilities and used under austere conditions.

Phlebovirus detection on phlebotomine sandflies in Lampedusa Island (Italy).

Phleboviruses are common human pathogens diffused on the Mediterranean area whose infection can cause the typical prodromal symptom of a mild three‑days fever. In particular, Toscana Virus (TOSV) has a great concern since its capacity to provoke central nervous system disorders like meningoencephalitis. Furthermore, as the phlebotomine arthropod vectors represent the main carrier for pathogens of the genus Leishmania as well, the purpose of the study was to investigate the presence of TOSV in Lampedusa, Italy previously reported for leishmaniosis infection cases. The survey was carried out through an initial sampling phase of sand flies, by means of CDC light traps, and a second step of molecular analyses. The genomic S‑segment of TOSV was targeted. The positive samples were sequenced and compared with those available in GenBank™ using Basic Local Alignments Tool (BLAST) analyses. The study revealed for the first time the presence of TOSV in Lampedusa, Italy. The entomological studies directed on vectors are currently widely used in sand fly surveillance, and new data on TOSV are of public health concern.

Sero-prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis and its associated factors among asymptomatic individuals visiting Denan health center, southeastern Ethiopia

BackgroundIn the Somali region of Ethiopia, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a public health concern. However, VL epidemiology and sand fly vectors have not been well studied in various areas of the regional state, including Denan district. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the sero-prevalence, associated factors, and distribution of sand fly vectors of VL in Denan district, south-eastern Ethiopia.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to September 2021 among VL patients with classic signs and symptoms visiting Denan Health Center in south-eastern Ethiopia. Using a convenience sampling method, 187 blood samples were collected from individuals who visited Denan Health Center during the study period. Blood samples were subjected to Direct Agglutination Test for the detection of antibodies to VL. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was also used to gather information on risk factors and other characteristics of knowledge and attitude assessment. Sand flies were also collected from indoor, peri-domestic, mixed forest, and termite mounds using light and sticky traps to determine the fauna and abundance.ResultsThe overall sero-prevalence rate was 9.63% (18/187). The sero-prevalence was significantly associated with outdoor sleeping (OR = 2.82), the presence of damp floors (OR = 7.76), and sleeping outdoor near animals (OR = 3.22). Around 53.48% of the study participants had previously heard about VL. Study participants practiced different VL control methods, including bed nets (42%), insecticide spraying (32%), smoking plant parts (14%), and environmental cleaning (8%). In total, 823 sand fly specimens, comprising 12 species in two genera (Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia), were trapped and identified. The most abundant species was Sergentomyia clydei (50.18%), followed by Phlebotomus orientalis (11.42%). Also, a higher proportion of P. orientalis was found in termite mounds (65.43%), followed by mixed forest (37.8%) and peri-domestic (20.83%) habitats.ConclusionThe study demonstrated a 9.63% sero-positivity of VL and a remarkable gap in knowledge, attitude, and practices towards VL. P. orientalis was also detected, which could be a probable vector in this area. Thus, public education should be prioritized to improve the community’s awareness of VL and its public health impact. In addition, detailed epidemiological and entomological studies are recommended.

Effect of Pesticide Poison on Post-Mortem Interval Determination Based on Entomological Study

Determination of post-mortem intervals (PMI) is a major key in forensic investigation. On the discovery of a decomposed corpse, a post mortem examination is difficult. PMI can be made by observation of insects that appear around the corpse, called forensic entomology. Forensic entomology carried out by analyzing the species of larvae and calculating the age of insects so that the time of death can be estimated. Forensic entomology has been developed in toxicological examinations so that insects found can be used as toxicological samples. The cause of death can be due to poisoning. Poisons often used in case of poisoning or suicide is pesticides. This research is a Systematic Review, a study that takes and collects data from various previous studies related to the chosen theme. The study was conducted according to protocol and registration with reference to PRISMA and JBI. Literature searches are obtained from online databases. The results were obtained by 21 studies after selection and elimination in accordance with protocol. The most accurate determination of the post mortem interval depends on post-death changes and the decomposition process. Some types of pesticides can cause the decomposition process to take place faster but some other types of pesticides can slow down the decomposition process. The content of toxins in the body ingested has an effect on the development and growth of necrophagous insects. The growth of flies will be stunted or even stopped, the presence of toxins in the corpse can be a contributing factor in the determination of the post-mortem interval. Deaths caused by toxins still need to be further researched because different types of toxins can show different side effects on the body.

BIODIVERSITY OF CADDISFLES (INSECTA, TRICHOPTERA) THE JEWISH AUTONOMOUS REGION

A review of the study of Trichoptera in the Jewish Autonomous Region (JAO) from 1962 to the present is given. It is noted that a signifi cant increase in the list of species occurred in the early 2000s as a result of expeditions of the Federal Scientifi c Center for Biodiversity of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the JAO, and during entomological studies in the Bastak State Nature Reserve. From 2018 to the present, as part of the annual comprehensive studies of the freshwater biota of the Middle Amur River basin, knowledge of the fauna of the caddis fl ies of the JAO has signifi cantly expanded. By now the list of caddis fl ies in the region has amounted 225 species from 59 genera and 21 families. The paper provides a systematic list of species and a brief analysis of the structure of the trichopterofauna of the JAO. Fourteen species of caddisfl ies are indicated for the fi rst time for the JAO region, three of them are probably new to science; one species, Anabolia appendix, was fi rst discovered on the territory of the continental part of Russia (previously it was known from Sakhalin Island and from China).

Calibrating insect age at eclosion by size in a gregarious carrion beetle Thanatophilus sinuatus (Staphylinidae: Silphinae).

Recent discoveries have shown that the physiological age at eclosion of forensically useful beetles differs between males and females and between beetles of various sizes. Accordingly, it was postulated that the size and sex of the beetles at eclosion may be used to calibrate their age, which may improve the accuracy of age (and post-mortem interval) estimates in forensic entomology. In this study, we derived thermal summation models for the eclosion for the Central European population of carrion beetles Thanatophilus sinuatus (Fabricius, 1775), (Staphylinidae: Silphinae), and tested the usefulness of sex and size for the calibration of beetle age at eclosion. Although in previous developmental studies, the beetles were reared individually, we reared them in larval aggregations, since in natural conditions T. sinuatus beetles are gregarious. Weak (r2 between 5% and 13%) negative correlations were observed between the size and age of T. sinuatus males or females at eclosion, demonstrating that calibration of age by beetle size and sex may bring only minimal benefits regarding the accuracy of age estimation in this species. However, it may still be worthwhile in the case of extremely large or small beetles. Moreover, the total development times recorded in this study were much shorter than in the previous T. sinuatus study, at 14°C by about 15 days and at 26°C by about 2 days. These differences emphasise the importance of gregariousness for the development of carrion beetles, and at the same time highlight the need for the ecologically-relevant protocols of development studies in forensic entomology.

Филлофаги древесных растений в рекреационно-озеленительных насаждениях Волгограда

The article provides general information on the taxonomic composition and features of the quantitative abundance of arthropods-phyllophages of woody plants that form the basis of recreational and landscaping plantings of the urbanized territory of Volgograd. Entomological studies were carried out in 2020–2022 in landscaping plantings of different types and categories by visual inspection of foliage and needles, manual collection of insects and collection by mowing with an entomological net in the spring-summer and summerautumn periods. As a result of long-term entomological studies, 108 species of phyllophages were identified on the examined tree species. For the most widespread pest species, data on population density, extensiveness and intensity of damage to tree species (elm, poplar, robinia, pine) are presented. The analysis of the taxonomic abundance of phyllophages revealed in the composition of the considered complex, including alien species of insects for the fauna of the region, damaging woody plants in recreational and landscaping plantings.

A cross-sectional study of malaria transmission in suggests the existence of a potential bridge vector susceptible of ensuring the transfer of simian malaria parasites to humans

IntroductionDespite all the efforts made to control or even eliminate malaria, the disease continues to claim the highest number of victims of vector-borne pathogens in the world and Sub-Saharan countries bear the heaviest burden. The lack of knowledge of the role of various protagonists involved in the transmission of this parasitic disease, such as mosquito vectors and the plasmodial species they transmit as well as the host species they infect in a locality, constitutes one of the main causes of the persistence of malaria. In Gabon, in several areas, entomological data on malaria transmission remain poorly known. Thus, this study aimed to determine the diversity of Anopheles involved in malaria transmission in different environments of the province of Nyanga in southwest Gabon.MethodsFor this, an entomological study was carried out in the four main localities of the province of Nyanga to provide answers to these shortcomings. Mosquitoes were collected over several nights using the human landing catch method. The identification of Anopheles and malaria parasites circulating in the different sites was achieved by combining morphological and molecular analysis tools.ResultsA total of five hundred and ninety-one (591) mosquitoes belonging to the Culicidae family were collected. From this collection of adult mosquitoes, nine species of Anopheles mosquitoes notably species of the Anopheles nili complex (53.46%) followed by those of Anopheles gambiae complex (22.01%), Anopheles funestus group (18.24%), Anopheles moucheti complex (5.66%) and Anopheles hancocki (0.63%). Approximately 18 percent of these Anopheles species were infected with Plasmodium spp. Anopheles funestus, known to be involved in malaria transmission to humans, and An. moucheti-like, recently discovered in Gabon, and whose status in Plasmodium transmission is not yet elucidated, were found to be infected with great ape Plasmodium.DiscussionOur results raise the question of the potential switch of simian malaria parasites to humans. If these observations are confirmed in the future, and the infective capacity of the bridge vectors is demonstrated, this new situation could ultimately constitute an obstacle to progress in the fight against malaria.

CIGAF—a database and interactive platform for insect-associated trichomycete fungi

Trichomycete fungi are gut symbionts of arthropods living in aquatic habitats. The lack of a central platform with accessible collection records and associated ecological metadata has limited ecological investigations of trichomycetes. We present CIGAF (short for Collections of Insect Gut-Associated Fungi), a trichomycetes-focused digital database with interactive visualization functions enabled by the R Shiny web application. CIGAF curated 3120 collection records of trichomycetes across the globe, spanning from 1929 to 2022. CIGAF allows the exploration of nearly 100 years of field collection data through the web interface, including primary published data such as insect host information, collection site coordinates, descriptions and date of collection. When possible, specimen records are supplemented with climatic measures at collection sites. As a central platform of field collection records, multiple interactive tools allow users to analyze and plot data at various levels. CIGAF provides a comprehensive resource hub to the research community for further studies in mycology, entomology, symbiosis and biogeography.

CDC light traps underestimate the protective efficacy of an indoor spatial repellent against bites from wild Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes in Tanzania

BackgroundMethods for evaluating efficacy of core malaria interventions in experimental and operational settings are well established but gaps exist for spatial repellents (SR). The objective of this study was to compare three different techniques: (1) collection of blood-fed mosquitoes (feeding), (2) human landing catch (HLC), and (3) CDC light trap (CDC-LT) collections for measuring the indoor protective efficacy (PE) of the volatile pyrethroid SR product Mosquito Shield™MethodsThe PE of Mosquito Shield™ against a wild population of pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles arabiensis mosquitoes was determined via feeding, HLC, or CDC-LT using four simultaneous 3 by 3 Latin squares (LS) run using 12 experimental huts in Tanzania. On any given night each technique was assigned to two huts with control and two huts with treatment. The LS were run twice over 18 nights to give a sample size of 72 replicates for each technique. Data were analysed by negative binomial regression.ResultsThe PE of Mosquito Shield™ measured as feeding inhibition was 84% (95% confidence interval (CI) 58–94% [Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) 0.16 (0.06–0.42), p < 0.001]; landing inhibition 77% [64–86%, (IRR 0.23 (0.14–0.36) p < 0.001]; and reduction in numbers collected by CDC-LT 30% (0–56%) [IRR 0.70 (0.44–1.0) p = 0.160]. Analysis of the agreement of the PE measured by each technique relative to HLC indicated no statistical difference in PE measured by feeding inhibition and landing inhibition [IRR 0.73 (0.25–2.12) p = 0.568], but a significant difference in PE measured by CDC-LT and landing inhibition [IRR 3.13 (1.57–6.26) p = 0.001].ConclusionHLC gave a similar estimate of PE of Mosquito Shield™ against An. arabiensis mosquitoes when compared to measuring blood-feeding directly, while CDC-LT underestimated PE relative to the other techniques. The results of this study indicate that CDC-LT could not effectively estimate PE of the indoor spatial repellent in this setting. It is critical to first evaluate the use of CDC-LT (and other tools) in local settings prior to their use in entomological studies when evaluating the impact of indoor SR to ensure that they reflect the true PE of the intervention.

Multistate model in the behavioral study of the parasitoid Telenomus podisi for biological soybean control

Biological pest control through the use of wasps are sustainable ways of protecting plants and, consequently, agricultural production. In this context, an entomological experiment is motivated, in which the forraging and reproductive behaviors of the parasitoid Telenomus podisi were qualified over time, considering non parasitized (sp0) and parasitized (sp1) of the brown stink bug, Euschistus heros. The experiment features a longitudinal study of continuous time with variable nominal qualitative response, grouped into four mutually exclusive categories (flying-walking, drumming, oviposition and marking). Continuous time transition models, also known as multistate models, are a viable alternative for analyzing data with these characteristics. Therefore, this class of models was considered in this work to study the behavior of the parasitoid, through the average length of stay in each of the response categories, as well as their preference probabilities. As a result, there was a significant effect of the treatment of host eggs (non parasitized or previously parasitized). When having contact with previously parasitized eggs, the female parasitoid T. podisi has preference for the categories of movement which are flying-walking and drumming. In contrast, when in contact with non parasitized eggs, the female T. podisi has a preference for ovipositionand marking. The applied methodology proved to be adequate for this typical experimental situation in entomological studies associated with the description of the behavior of a parasitoid.

Feeding rates of malaria vectors from a prototype attractive sugar bait station in Western Province, Zambia: results of an entomological validation study

BackgroundAttractive targeted sugar bait (ATSB) stations are a promising new approach to malaria vector control that could compliment current tools by exploiting the natural sugar feeding behaviors of mosquitoes. Recent proof of concept work with a prototype ATSB® Sarabi Bait Station (Westham Co., Hod-Hasharon, Israel) has demonstrated high feeding rates and significant reductions in vector density, human biting rate, and overall entomological inoculation rate for Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) in the tropical savannah of western Mali. The study reported here was conducted in the more temperate, rainier region of Western Province, Zambia and was designed to confirm the primary vector species in region and to estimate corresponding rates of feeding from prototype attractive sugar bait (ASB) Sarabi Bait Stations.MethodsThe product evaluated was the Sarabi v1.1.1 ASB station, which did not include insecticide but did include 0.8% uranine as a dye allowing for the detection, using UV fluorescence light microscopy, of mosquitoes that have acquired a sugar meal from the ASB. A two-phase, crossover study design was conducted in 10 village-based clusters in Western Province, Zambia. One study arm initially received 2 ASB stations per eligible structure while the other initially received 3. Primary mosquito sampling occurred via indoor and outdoor CDC Miniature UV Light Trap collection from March 01 through April 09, 2021 (Phase 1) and from April 19 to May 28, 2021 (Phase 2).ResultsThe dominant vector in the study area is Anopheles funestus s.l., which was the most abundant species group collected (31% of all Anophelines; 45,038/144,5550), had the highest sporozoite rate (3.16%; 66 positives out of 2,090 tested), and accounted for 94.3% (66/70) of all sporozoite positive specimens. Of those An. funestus specimens further identified to species, 97.2% (2,090/2,150) were An. funestus sensu stricto (s.s.). Anopheles gambiae s.l. (96.8% of which were Anopheles arabiensis) is a likely secondary vector and Anopheles squamosus may play a minor role in transmission. Overall, 21.6% (9,218/42,587) of An. funestus specimens and 10.4% (201/1,940) of An. gambiae specimens collected were positive for uranine, translating into an estimated daily feeding rate of 8.9% [7.7–9.9%] for An. funestus (inter-cluster range of 5.5% to 12.7%) and 3.9% [3.3–4.7%] for An. gambiae (inter-cluster range of 1.0–5.2%). Feeding rates were no different among mosquitoes collected indoors or outdoors, or among mosquitoes from clusters with 2 or 3 ASBs per eligible structure. Similarly, there were no correlations observed between feeding rates and the average number of ASB stations per hectare or with weekly rainfall amounts.ConclusionsAnopheles funestus and An. gambiae vector populations in Western Province, Zambia readily fed from the prototype Sarabi v1.1.1 ASB sugar bait station. Observed feeding rates are in line with those thought to be required for ATSB stations to achieve reductions in malaria transmission when used in combination with conventional control methods (IRS or LLIN). These results supported the decision to implement a large-scale, epidemiological cluster randomized controlled trial of ATSB in Zambia, deploying 2 ATSB stations per eligible structure.

Current status of the Nymphalidae family (Insecta, Lepidoptera) in western regions of Ukraine

There are original data of the current state of Nymphalidae family in the regions of Western Ukraine in this article. The entomological materials were collected during the own expedition and the teacher training of the students of the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology of Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University. The insects were collected during 2021. The species composition of the diurnal butterflies was conducted. The taxonomic affiliation of the insects was carried out, using modern books of determinants of insects, the atlases and online sources. The list of species of Nymphalidae family is formed according to Nieukerken et al. (2011). The collection of the entomological material was carried out according to the norms of the environmental legislation. These insects are in the collections of The Botany and Zoology Department. The insects were collected in Zakarpattia, Lviv, Volyn, Rivne, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Chernivtsi and Khmelnytskyi regions. The species composition of the collected insects was analysed. 13 species of Nymphalidae family were identified in the studied regions. We studied 80 individuals of Nymphalidae family. The investigated insects belong to 11 genera: Coenonympha Hübner, Maniola Schrank, Aphantopus Wallengren, Melanargia Meigen, Vanessa Fabricius, Inachis Hübner, Agalis Dalman, Polygonia Hübner, Araschnia Hübner, Issoria Hübner and Argynnis Fabricius. We identified that some species of Nymphalidae family are common in Ukraine. The largest number of individuals of this family was calculated. The most popular were Maniola jurtina L., Vanessa atalanta L. and Inachis io L. There were several individuals of Araschnia levana L., Issoria lathonia L. and Argynnis aglaja L. in the entomological collection. We will conduct the systematic entomological studies of the fauna of Ukraine in order to do a detailed analysis of Nymphalidae family and to do the ecological and faunal inventory of the insects. These data can be used for the further analysis of the changes of species diversity of Nymphalidae family.

Control of dipterids in a feedlot under construction in a forest area of center region of Cameroon

The forest agro-ecological zone of Cameroon is heavily infested with biting dipterids, but no control is ongoing in this part of the country. In the rainy season (May 2022) in a feedlot under construction in Ndogbea village, eight days entomological study consisting of (i) baseline fly collection using five vavoua traps set in all the sides of a one hectare feedlot yard for four days and (ii) installation of deltamethrin impregnated screens set at 1m from trap and their spraying at frequency of two days in four days. About 1368 biting and non-biting dipterids were collected and classified under five important genera namely Musca, Stomoxys, Tabanus, Chrysops, and Glossina. Musca spp. were frequent than other species. Only one Glossina fuscipes fuscipes was identified. The vavoua trap (VT4) facing the forest with canopy trees had highest fly catches. The apparent density (ADT) of all the fly genera dropped from pre-screen installation phase (ADT=86.8flies/trap/day (f/t/d)) to screen installation phase (ADT= 38.2 f/t/d) with overall fly population density reduction rate of 55.99%. However, there was no statistically significant difference (Χ²=35.000; df =30; P=0.243) in population density reduction rates of the various fly-groups. In conclusion, five dipterid groups of veterinary and zoonotic importance constituted the fly-vector fauna of Ndogbea village. The presence of deltamethrin impregnated screens contributed to the fly population density reduction rate of 55.99%. An integrated approach including: animal spraying, herd hygiene, use of traps and screens is needed to maintain low fly numbers in this feedlot.

Modelling the probability of presence of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Iran until 2070

Objective: To determine the suitable ecological habitats of Aedes (Ae.) aegypti and Ae. albopictus in Iran due to climate change by the 2070s. Methods: All data relating to the spatial distribution of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus worldwide, which indicated the geographical coordinates of the collection sites of these mosquitoes, were extracted from online scientific websites and entered into an Excel file. The effect of climatic and environmental variables on these mosquitoes was evaluated using the MaxEnt model in the current and future climatic conditions in the 2030s, 2050s, and 2070s. Results: The most suitable areas for the establishment of Ae. aegypti are located in the southern and northern coastal areas of Iran, based on the model outputs. The modelling result for suitable ecological niches of Ae. albopictus shows that in the current climatic conditions, the southern half of Iran from east to west, and parts of the northern coasts are prone to the presence of this species. In the future, some regions, such as Gilan and Golestan provinces, will have more potential to exist/establish Ae. albopictus. Also, according to the different climate change scenarios, suitable habitats for this species will gradually change to the northwest and west of the country. The temperature of the wettest season of the year (Bio8) and average annual temperature (Bio1) were the most effective factors in predicting the model for Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, respectively. Conclusions: It is required to focus on entomological studies using different collection methods in the vulnerable areas of Iran. The future modelling results can also be used for long-term planning to prevent the entry and establishment of these invasive Aedes vectors in the country.

Effects of aluminium phosphide on larval morphometry of two important Chrysomya species.

Chrysomya megacephala and C. rufifacies are globally predominant species of blowflies that are amongst the primary colonisers of decomposing carcasses. The development of blowflies has been studied extensively to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin). This article evaluates the effect of aluminium phosphide (AlP) on the larval morphometry and life cycles of C. megacephala and C. rufifacies. The rabbits were given different dosages of AlP and their livers were excised to rear C. megacephala and C. rufifacies. Through multiple-regression analysis, we assessed the overall impact of varying dosages of AlP on larvae of both species. AlP accelerated development until pupation, whilst the time until emergence remained the same. At higher concentrations, AlP had a positive effect on the development of these species. Since both species are abundant, forensic entomology studies examining the effect of AlP on morphometry and developmental stages would provide valuable information to investigators assessing PMImin.

Emergence of Mansonella sp. in free-ranging primates in southern Brazil.

Mansonellosis is a neglected and emerging tropical disease. Among all zoonotic filarial diseases, it is probably the most prevalent and least studied, with approximately 114 million people infected. The parasites of Mansonella spp. are among the most common blood parasitemias and are widely found in Africa and Latin America. Through molecular analysis of blood samples from free-ranging primates Sapajus nigritus (n 33) and Alouatta guariba clamitans (n 5) in the southern states of Brazil (Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul), we identified samples positive for Mansonella perstans in two specimens of A. guariba clamitans. A fragment of 578bp from the ITS intergenic region (5.8S-ITS2-28S) was targeted for an initial PCR screening. Subsequently, positive samples were subjected to other PCR assays targeting a fragment of the 12S and the 18S genes. This is the first record of molecular detection of the agent in this host in the Pampa Biome. With a wide distribution across Brazil and Argentina, these primates may represent a potential wild reservoir for the zoonotic agent of mansonellosis. Entomological and transmission studies are essential to avoid the urbanization of mansonellosis and to understand the cycles of agents in different environmental scenarios.

A conceptualisation of computed tomography outputs in entomological research by step by step displaying trough the CT-based visualization of a wood-boring larvae

AbstractThe non-invasive diagnostic methods represent a new branch of insect diagnostics, which can provide novel information especially about insects with hidden lifestyle. Computed tomography (CT) is one of the most useful non-destructive techniques allowing for both qualitative and quantitative assessments. The aim of the present study was to attain entomological information through the implementation of CT imaging, hence contributing to the spread of non-invasive imaging in entomological research. Through monitoring the development of wood-dwelling cerambycid larvae in beech branches, we point out some outputs applicable in entomological studies, which originate from CT image post-processing. We present findings on the location, and size of specimens of some hidden arthropods, as well as cavities formed by them, stemming from the maximum and minimum intensity projections, windowing, 3D-reconstruction, or virtual endoscopy, as steps of the imaging. In summary, it is expected that our findings contribute to a wider recognition of the entomological information that can be gathered from these non-invasive imaging techniques.