Entomology Laboratory Research Articles

Investigation of Trichomonas gallinae in passerines

Trichomoniasis, caused by the protozoan Trichomonas gallinae, has as main hosts birds of the Columbidae family, which have a high prevalence of the protozoan without manifesting the disease. The continuous growth of the pigeon population and its cosmopolitan nature mean that today there is a worldwide distribution of this species, being responsible for the distribution and maintenance of the prevalence of trichomoniasis in almost the entire world. The transmission of the disease may be by direct contact, or indirect, through food or water. This indirect route is the reason why such a wide range of bird orders can be infected, very different from columbids such as falconiformes, strigiformes, passerines, piciformes, psittaciformes, gruiformes, galliformes or anseriformes. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of T. gallinae in passerines received at a Wild Animal Screening Center. In order to carry out this study, 300 birds of the order Passerine corresponding to 23 different species were analyzed, received at the Wild Fauna Rehabilitation Center (NURFS) of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), in different seasons of the year between the months of March to October 2021. Samples of swabs from the oropharynx were collected from all individuals, the material was immediately placed in a falcon tube containing Trypticase-Yeast Extract-Maltose (TYM) culture medium and sent to the Laboratory of Protozoology and Entomology (LAPEn), for incubation in a bacteriological growth greenhouse and subsequent identification of the protozoan on a slide in wet mounting under an optical microscope in a 40X objective. Wet mounting on a slide was performed in triplicate and analyzed in its entirety. Of the 300 birds evaluated in in vitro culture for T. gallinae, 25 had inconclusive results and were submitted to PCR analysis, being negative for T. gallinae. Although no positive Passeriformes was found, the monitoring of the occurrence of this protozoan must continue, as it is known that it may easily cause a possible epidemic, leading to losses for the wild fauna that has endangered birds.

STUDY OF SOME PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS ON THE ABUNDANCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF MOSQUITO LARVAE IN RIVER ANTAU, KEFFI, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Aquatic life is influenced by physicochemical parameters which enabled organisms to develop different adaptations that may improve and sustain the productivity of the ecosystem. Changes in the water quality may affect biotic community structure with the most vulnerable species dying while the most sensitive ones act as bio- indicators of environmental health. This paper assessed some physicochemical parameters on the abundance and distribution of mosquito larvae in River Antau conducted between April and July, 2021. The samples were collected from three selected points (A, B and C) monthly using dipper and larvae bowl and transported to the Entomology and Insectary Laboratory for analysis. Temperature, pH and DO across the sampling points were equally analyzed. A total of one thousand and three (1003) mosquito larvae including Anopheles sp 562(56.0%) and Culex sp 441(44.0%) were collected. The results showed that the highest number of Anopheles sp 386(68.7%) were recorded in May and the lowest 34(6.1%) in June, while the highest number of Culex sp152 (34.5%) were encountered in April and the lowest 40 (9.1%) occurred in the month of July. Physicochemical parameters were found to influence the distribution and abundance of mosquito larvae in River Antau. This study recommends for public health awareness on the mosquito’s management and control to reduce transmission of malaria in the area

Ácaros ectoparasitas em lagartos da espécie Hemidactylus mabouia (Squamata: Gekkonidae)

This work aimed to determine mite species in H. mabouia lizards in Arapiraca region, as well as to verify if the mites present in the lizards are shared with native species, such as members of the genus Tropidurus. The collection of H. mabouia took place from February to May 2019, using traps and nets. The lizards were captured alive in the Pé Leve Velho village, Arapiraca – AL, then sent to the Laboratory of Entomology and Acarology at UFAL Campus de Arapiraca so that a detailed examination of the epidermis region could be carried out using a stereomicroscope to detect ectoparasites. Ten specimens of H. mabouia were captured. A total of 348 ectoparasitic mites were found in them. The occurrence of mites of the Pterygosomatidae families, genus Geckobia was also verified in all captured lizards. The mean intensity of infestation was 34.8 mites per lizard. There was no record of ectoparasite mites in Tropidurus lizards.

MORPHOMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF THREE DIFFERENT HONEYBEES (HYMENOPTERA: APIDAE) SPECIES FROM BANGLADESH

The honeybee is an eusocial species that plays an important role in conservation, pollination, and environmental protection. In Bangladesh, apiculture has become a profitable venture for the last few decades. Taking into account the potential of different honeybee species in pollinating and producing bee products, knowledge of different species can help maximize the production of bee products and increase pollination. To identify these species using their morphometric characteristics, three samples of honey species, namely Apis mellifera L., Apis cerana F., and Apis dorsata F. were collected to analyze their morphometric characteristics. Approximately 172 worker honeybee samples were collected from 24 colonies in 7 districts of Bangladesh. For each of the collected samples, 22 (22) morphometric characters were measured in the entomology laboratory of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University. Analysis of variance was performed to understand the variability of the morphometric characters between honeybee species, which indicated that the morphometric characters are suitable for identifying honeybee species. The principal component analysis delineated three morphometric characters (along with their morphometric characters in parentheses): The distance of the cubular vein a (19), longitudinal length of the forewing (17), and the angle of venation of the forewing B4 (22), which contributed the most to the variance. Classification of honeybee species using multilayer perceptron considering only these three morphometric characters achieved an accuracy of 100% while significantly reducing the overall computation required. The findings of this study can be helpful in identifying the discriminating morphometric characteristics of the honeybee for improving the apiculture sector in Bangladesh.

Inventory of Host Plants and Parasitoids of the Fall Armyworm (FAW), <i>Spodoptera frugiperda</i> (JE Smith), in the Southern Agricultural Zone of Niger

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith), is a polyphagous pest reported in sub-Saharan Africa since 2016 and has expanded rapidly in almost Africa. In Niger, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) is considered like a major pest of maize, to which it causes significant damage, in a context where proven control methods against this moth remain almost non-existent. The objective of the present study was to determine the economic importance of FAW through the damage caused to the different host plants and to identify the parasitoids of this caterpillar. The study was conducted in the southern agricultural zone of Niger, specifically in the regions of Dosso, Maradi, Tahoua and Zinder. FAW eggs and caterpillars were collected from six villages in each region and then incubated and reared in the entomology laboratory of INRAN in Maradi. The rate of infestation of the different crops by FAW was determined as well as the observation of the beneficiaries. The results obtained indicate the presence of FAW on millet with an attack rate varying from 45.7% to 68%, sorghum with 47.2% to 62.25% and sesame with 9.7%. This work also revealed an oophagous parasitoid, Telenomus remus with 138 ± 23 and larval parasitoids, Cotesia sp with 16 ± 1 maximum number of individuals emerged from the collected material. Also, it was identified the parasitoid Cotesia icipe with a rate of parasitism from 4.6% to 5.75%; the Charops ater whose rate of parasitism varies from 4.5% and 12.25% but for Chelonus insularis with 17.25% and Tachnidae with 53%. These very interesting results will constitute a basis for the development of biological control and a component of an agroecological management strategy of caterpillar.

Biodiversity in Medical Entomology and its significance for Public Health

In December 1984, I started working at the Entomology Laboratory of the Superintendence of Public Health Campaigns - SUCAM, in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. The primary objective of this federal institution is the control of vectors, prevention, and treatment of rural endemic diseases. Consequently, we attended classes and courses on the taxonomy of disease vectors, particularly those belonging to the Diptera order, which encompassed the primary disease vectors of that moment, namely anopheline mosquitoes, culicids, and phlebotomine sandflies, responsible for malaria, yellow fever, dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and leishmaniases, respectively

Effect of Diazepam on the Developmental Parameters of Musca domestica

The objective of present study was to investigate the some population dynamics and morphological parameters of Musca domestica Linnaeus, 1758 (Diptera: Muscidae) under the influence of diazepam. For this purpose, larvae of M.domestica were reared on diet with different dose of diazepam. We evaluated the way in which the drug affected the some morphological parameters i.e., pupal, and adult weight, the number of adult and pupae, and ratio of sex rate and developmental durations of M. domestica. This study was carried out at the Entomology Laboratory of Ondokuz Mayıs University in 2021. The findings have shown that diazepam was accelerated larval and pupal development period in this study.The obtained results showed the morphological parameters, i.e., pupal, and adult weight, the number of adult and adult, and development durations were negatively associated with diazepam concentration. Our results showed that arthropod data can aid ecological assessments. Our results showed that arthropod data could be used in ecological assessments.Also, when analyzing entomological evidence for drug- or chemical-related death,.it is important to keep in mind its effects on PMI prediction.

Susceptibility of the vegetable leafminer, Liriomyza sativae (Blanchard) (Diptera: Agromyzidae) to lamda-cyhalothrin, abamectin, cypermethrin and chrothianidin

The vegetable leaf miner, Liriomyza sativae (Blanchard) is a serious insect pest on vegetable and ornamental crops in the whole of Vietnam. It was controlled by a wide range of conventional insecticides. Since there is a limited recommendation on insecticide application, growers continue to use whatever is available. This study was carried out at Entomology Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomy, University of Agriculture and Forestry, Hue University, Vietnam during 2021-22 to determine the susceptibility of larval and adult stages of L. sativae to four insecticides (e.g., lambda-cyhalothrin, abamectin, cypermethrin and clothianidin) currently used for the management of the leaf miner. Among four tested insecticides, abamectin was highly effective on larvae and moderately effective on adults of L. satiave. Lambda-cyhalothrin and cypermethrin were moderately effective on either larvae and adults of the leaf miner. Clothianidin was least effective against the leaf miner. These results suggest that abamectin, lambda-cyhalothrin and cypermethrin can be rotationally used for the management of L. sativae.

Biology of Brachymeria kamijoi Habu (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae), a pupal parasitoid of the coconut black-headed caterpillar, Opisina arenosella Walker (Lepidoptera: Xyloryctidae)

The coconut black-headed caterpillar, Opisina arenosella Walker (Lepidoptera: Xyloryctidae) has been one of the most serious defoliators of coconut plants in Vietnam. Brachymeria kamijoi Habu (Hymenoptera: Chalcididae) is a pupal parasitoid of O. arenosella with high percent parasitism and abundance in the coconut fields and appears to be a good biological control agent against the coconut black-headed caterpillar in Vietnam. This study was carried out at Entomology Laboratory, Faculty of Agronomy, Nong Lam University, Vietnam during 2020 – 2021 to determine some biological characteristics of B. kamijoi on O. arenosella at a constant temperature of 28 oC and a photoperiod of 12L: 8D. Total developmental time from egg to adult emergence was 13.8 days. The females laid a mean of 98.1 eggs during an average lifespan of 30.7 days. Fecundity peaked at a large range of age 7 -29 days. The results would contribute to the knowledge of the biology of B. kamijoi to optimize a mass-rearing system for a biological control programme against O. arenosella.

Diversity and Abundance of Associated Insect Pests in Stored Dry Cocoa Beans of Southwest Nigeria

Cocoa bean is a vital raw material in the production of beverage, animal feed, medicines and cosmetics which had played significant importance in Nigerian revenue prior to oil discovery. Its production has declined due to a number of factors among which are quantitative and qualitative losses by insect pests. Diverse species of insects attack dry cocoa beans in store and their pest status needs to be determined for effective control. This study examined diversity and abundance of emerging insect pests from collected cocoa samples in locations from Southwestern Nigeria. Four cocoa producing states namely Ekiti, Ondo, Osun and Oyo were chosen for this study. Four towns/villages were selected in each state from where1kg of dry cocoa beans each was collected from four cocoa stores/warehouses and bulked to represent the town/village. 750g of the beans was weighed in improvised culture cage in four replicates for each location. The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design at the Entomology laboratory of CRIN, Ibadan. Emerging insect species were counted, identified and added at thirty days interval for 120days. Ephestia cautella and Corcyra cephalonica were more abundant in all locations than populations of Plodia intepuctuella, Araecerus fasciculatus and Tribolium casteneum.

In Vitro Effectiveness Test of Sagoo Cortex Liquid Smoke to Inhibit the Growth of Ganoderma orbiforme (Fr.) Ryvarden

Ganoderma orbiforme is a pathogenic fungus that cause basal stem rot especially in oil palm, so it needs to be controlled. One of the alternative controls used is liquid smoke. This research aims to examine several concentrations of sagoo cortex liquid smoke to inhibit the growth of G. orbiforme in vitro. This research was conducted in October untill Desember 2021 at the Pathology, Entomology, Microbiology and Soil Science Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Science, Islamic State University Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau. Research was test of 6 concentrations of sagoo cortex liquid smoke (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5%) with 4 replications. Liquid smoke had a total phenol ± 7.44%. Sagoo cortex liquid smoke with 1% concentration has already very effective to inhibit in the macroscopic, microscopic, growth rate, wet mass and dry mass

Influence of Temperature Variability on Survival and Development of Citrus Leaf Miner, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracilariidae) in Tanzania

Due to limited information on Phyllocnistis citrella’s Biology, study was aimed to examine the effects of different temperature levels on biology of citrus leaf miner under controlled laboratory conditions at the Entomology laboratory of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Tanzania from December 2011 to September 2012. Leaf samples (1,985 leaf samples) considered to contain larvae in serpentine mines were collected and individually incubated at room temperature. The emerging adults were wet preserved in 70% ethanol while some dry preserved using special micro pins under microscope for future identification. A Monterey LG8920 pheromone trap was set in every 10m2 at SUA citrus orchard to trap adult moths to supplement sample sources. Citrus leaf miners species collected were identified and four different temperature levels (20, 25, 30 and 35°C) were monitored at each developmental stage. Results revealed longer development time (egg to adult) at 200C and shorter at 300C in 28 and 10 days while the total mortality was 26.67% at 200C and 6.67% at 300C respectively. Oviposition period and rate were negatively and positively influenced by temperature (from 9.26 days at 200C to 6.21 days at 300C and 15.2 eggs/ female/ day at 300C and 6.8 eggs/ female/ day at 200C respectively). The overall fecundity was 28.2 eggs/ female at 200C and 57.1 eggs/ female at 300C. High larval mortality rate was recorded compared to the egg stage while no mortality observed at pupa stage. Conclusively, the pest on this temperature range (200C, minimum to 300C, maximum) has high fecundity, low mortality rate and the developmental time was positively correlated with high temperature, therefore considered optimum temperature range for its survival and development. Other researches especially Integrated Pest management are imperative for sound management package as per the pest in Tanzania and beyond.

Prevalence of Helminth Parasites of Swine in three Selected Local Government Areas of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Background: Helminth infections of swine are common, but reports on the economic losses are not available. Though they cause a reduction in weight gain by interfering with food digestion, absorption, and feed conversion efficiency, there has been an increase in feeding cost complicated by helminth parasite infections. The losses are difficult to substantiate due to the chronic nature of helminth infections. This study sought to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of swine helminth infections in three local government areas of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A simple random sampling technique was applied to selected pig farms and animals from three local government areas in Ibadan for participation. 10 grams of freshly voided faeces were collected from a total of 246 pigs into a sterile labelled bottle containing 10% formalin until processed. Faecal samples were examined in the Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan. Oral interviews were made to assess the daily routine activities and health status of the pigs from farm owners. Results: The overall prevalence of helminth parasites of swine in this study was 34.2% while the species prevalence of four helminth parasites obtained in this study included: A. suum 35 (14.26%), T. suis 23 (9.3%), Oesophagostomum spp 17 (6.9%), and Strongyloides spp 9 (3.6%). Also the overall single and mixed helminth infections were 70.2% and 29.8% in the three local government areas respectively; helminth parasitic load was highest in grower pigs (48.4%), followed by piglets (31.6%), and lowest in adult pigs (22.5%) without significant difference (p>0.05). Female pigs demonstrated a higher parasite burden (37.6%) than male pigs (30.6%) with no significant difference (p>0.05). Semi-intensively managed farms had a higher parasite load (71%) than those under the intensive system (24%) while farms that administered anthelmintic recorded a lower prevalence (15%), and those without had a higher (63%) significance (p<0.05). Pigs in Ona-Ara and Akinyele local government areas voided low (EPG≤100) to moderate (EPG≥100<500) amount of helminth eggs while pigs in Egbeda local government area excreted high (EPG≥500≤1000). Conclusion: The risk factors for helminth infections in pigs are age, sex, farm management practice, and anthelminthic administration.

Assessment of maize and beans storage insect pest in major grain markets, Morogoro-Tanzania

Post-harvest losses for maize and beans are common storage challenges affecting Tanzania's smallholder and large-scale farmers' storage facilities. Consequently, this leads to a reduction of over 50% of harvested grain qualitatively and quantitively per year. Therefore, this experimental study was conducted at the entomological laboratory of the Sokoine University of Agriculture Tanzania, where the research was aimed to assess different common storage insect pests of beans and maize at Morogoro major markets (i.e., Kihonda, Mazimbu and Morogoro Central Market) with similar storage conditions in Morogoro municipality. The complete block design (CBD) with three experimental replications was used. Where locations (Kihonda, Mazimbu and Central market) markets were considered as experimental treatments. The results obtained show that there were no significant differences in number of insect pests (such as maize weevils and bean bruchids) identified between the Kihonda and Central markets (P > 0.05). However, there is a significant difference (P< 0.05) between Mazimbu and other markets regarding the number of insect pest multiplication resulting from the storage condition of those grains in a particular market. Nevertheless, continuous winnowing of stored grains was observed to significantly intensify the infestation of the storage pest in maize and common beans. Therefore, alternatively, to reduce insect pest infestation to maize and common beans in storage facilities, it is important to avoid constant winnowing of stored grains.

Effect of essential oils on mortality and repellency of maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) (Motschulsky) under laboratory condition of Lamjung campus

Maize (Zea mays) is a crucial staple food crop and consumption of maize products has increased around the world due to the expansion in the global population. Maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), has been an increasing concern during the storage of the grain. Although insecticides can curtail the jeopardy of maize weevil, development of toxic residue and resistance by pests pose a constant threat in its adoption. The essential oils could provide a viable and safer alternatives to control the pest. Hence, an experiment was carried out at the Entomology Laboratory of the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science to assess the fumigation and repellent effects of seven different essential oils viz. Mentha (Mentha arvensis), Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), Fresh basil (Ocimum basilicum), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globule), Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini), Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) and Juniper berry (Juniperus recurva) at 50 μl and 100 μl for fumigation mortality and 0.125% and 0.25% for repellency against maize weevil. The effects of the oils were dosage-dependent, and there was a progressive increase in insect death as concentrations increased. Furthermore, eucalyptus oil resulted in the highest mortality at 100 μl and repellency at 0.25%.

Biologi Ulat Grayak (Spodoptera frugiperda J. E Smith)

Research on the life cycle and life balance of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E Smith) has been conducted from September to November 2021 at the Entomology Laboratory of the Department of Pests and Plant Diseases ULM Banjarbaru. The results showed that S. frugiperda underwent changes from egg, larva, pupa and imago stages. This change is called complete metamorphosis. The average number of eggs produced is 45.14 eggs with an egg stage of 7 days, the larval stage has 6 instars, each time span (days) ranges from 2.4 to 3.4, the pupal stage is 7.5 days and the imago stage with brown wings. The male imago has a distinctive pattern while the female imago does not have a distinctive pattern. Imago male with a vulnerable time of 8 days while the female imago 9 days. From the life table, it is known that the GRR value is 316 individuals/generation, the R˳ value is 115.916 individuals/parent/generation, the T value is 30,197 days, the r value is 0.157 individuals/parent/day and the value is 1,170 individuals/parent/day.

ODONATA DIVERSITY AT THE MOUNT PERMISAN NATURAL TOURISM PARK SOUTH BANGKA REGENCY, BANGKA BELITUNG

Mount Permisan Natural Tourism Park, South Bangka regency is a conservation area that contains flora and fauna. The diversity of fauna in conservation areas is important to note because fauna can maintain the balance of natural ecosystems. This study aims to analyze the diversity of species and the effect of habitat characteristics on the Odonata population. Odonata sampling was carried out using an insect net randomly at a predetermined point in the left and right directions of the 100 m transect line. Identification was carried out at the Entomology Laboratory, Agricultural Quarantine Center Pangkalpinang, and compared with a comparison sample at the Zoology Laboratory, Biology Department, Universitas Bangka Belitung. Based on the research that has been done, found 14 species of Odonata from the sub-order Anisoptera and 11 species of damselfishes from the sub-order Zygoptera. The species diversity at that location was classified as moderate because H' was 1.56 to 2.05. The evenness value is high with a value of 0.62 to 0.90. The species of wealth (Margalef) is in the range of values from 2.55 to 2.75 which indicates the species richness of dragonflies in the Mount Permisan Natural Tourism Park index is classified as moderate.

Abundancia y diversidad de lepidópteros en San Benito, Cajamarca, Perú

Determination of the abundance and diversity of Lepidoptera in the Andean Community of San Benito, Cajamarca, Peru. Several samplings were carried out, using the 500 linear m transect technique, with a monthly frequency throughout 2021, in the riparian areas and surrounding vegetation. The material was dissected and studied in the entomology laboratory of the National University of Trujillo. The analyzes of abundance and diversity of the Lepidoptera species were carried out. 206 individuals were registered, corresponding to 7 families, 9 subfamilies, 6 belonging tribes and 20 species. It is also reported that the families with the highest number of species are the Nymphalidae with 9 species and Pieridae with 5 species. it was determined that the Simpson index (0.94) represents a high diversity of species, the Shannon-Wiener index (2.81) represents a medium diversity of species and the Margalef index (5.06) represents a high diversity of lepidoptera species. The most abundant species are the representatives of the Nymphalidae family. The diversity indices represent a high, medium and high diversity of Lepidoptera species.

Characterization of Insecticide Resistance in Aedes aegypti from the Zoological Garden of Havana, Cuba.

Chemical control of Aedes aegypti continues to be an indispensable alternative to preventing dengue, Zika, and chikungunya outbreaks. The Havana Zoological Garden requires constant vigilance because its special characteristics help in the spread of the causal agents of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, which put the health of visitors at risk. The goals of this study were to determine the level of susceptibility and insecticide resistance mechanisms in the Ae. aegypti population. Temephos susceptibility in larvae was evaluated with bioassays using the World Health Organization's methodology, and susceptibility of adult mosquitoes was determined by the impregnated bottle bioassay, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Resistance mechanisms were determined with biochemical assays. Mosquito larvae from the Havana Zoo were found resistant to temephos, which was associated with the activity of the enzymes α- and β-esterases and mixed function oxidases but not glutathione-S-transferase. Adult mosquitoes were susceptible to pyrethroid (lambda-cyhalothrin, deltamethrin, and cypermethrin), organophosphate (chlorpyrifos), and carbamate (bendiocarb). Temephos resistance detected in the mosquito population from the Havana Zoo is an alert for the Vector Control Program, which must take measures to manage their resistance, relying on the surveillance carried out by Cuba's medical entomology laboratories.

Delusional parasitosis: an entomological perspective after a 20-years-experience in two public medical and veterinary entomology laboratories

Delusional parasitosis (DP) is psychiatric disorder characterized by the unshakeable belief of being infested by endo– or ectoparasites, without any evidence of infestations. Hence, DP sufferers often consult medical entomologists or dermatologists, rather than seeking help from a mental health practitioner. Here we present 39 cases of suspected DP occurred in twenty years in two Italian public medical entomology laboratories, to highlight their common features and peculiarities, based on the interviews and material brought to our laboratories. Our results confirmed that DP affects both sexes, but is more frequent in females over the age of 50 years. Cases of psychological contagion, mostly affecting elderly people, were reported within seven family units. Some rare or unique features of DP sufferers involved: the fixed belief to be infested by endoparasites, olfactory hallucinations of unpleasant smell, self-harm to get rid of the imaginary parasite and suicidal thoughts. We suggest the term “Digital pics sign” to describe a modern derivative of the “Matchbox sign”, where the DP sufferers showed pictures and videos, in person or sent by email, as proofs of being infested. Medical entomologists, being the most frequently contacted professionals by DP sufferers, may be crucial to raise awareness about this psychological disorder and to encourage a multidisciplinary approach amongst medical professionals and pest control operators.