Fruit Beetle Research Articles

Bait type affects the diversity assessment of cetoniid beetles in the Brazilian Cerrado

AbstractCetoniidae (Coleoptera), known as flower and fruit beetles, form a diverse group, feed on nectar, pollen, plant exudates, and are highly attracted to fermented fruits. To evaluate their diversity in natural and agricultural areas, traps baited with fermented fruits are used. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of various types of fruit used as bait, with or without the addition of sugarcane juice to accelerate fruit fermentation, on the assessment of Cetoniidae diversity in the Brazilian Cerrado. The study was conducted in two conservation units in Brasília (DF, Brazil). Two experiments were conducted, the first aiming to select the most attractive fruits (banana, pineapple, mango, grape, or cagaita), and the second to verify whether there is interference of sugarcane juice in the fruit fermentation process and, consequently, in the attractiveness to Cetoniidae. The chemical profiles of the types of bait were evaluated by identifying and quantifying the main volatile organic compounds released by the fruit traps. Insect collections were conducted weekly using fruit‐baited traps for 1 month, without interruption. We found that the diversity estimate of Cetoniidae was higher for banana‐based baits relative to grape and cagaita fruit, but not relative to pineapple, mango, and sugarcane juice. Additionally, no increase in attractiveness was observed with the addition of sugarcane juice to banana, pineapple, and mango bait. Most compounds in the fruit extracts belong to alcohol, ester, and terpene functional groups. Our results suggest that banana, pineapple, mango, and sugarcane juice, used alone, may be used for Cetoniidae diversity studies, and that banana bait seems to be the most suitable for Cetoniidae collection in the Cerrado, because it enables the collection of a high diversity of species and also of species considered rare.

Biocontrol of the dried fruit beetle, Carpophilus hemipterus (L.) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) using Turkish entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae)

Carpophilus hemipterus (L.) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), a dried fruit beetle is a major pest on various grains and fruits all over the world and causes significant economic losses. Recently, due to the negative effects of pesticides on the environment and humans, biological control agents such as entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) used to control insects are gaining importance. The aim of this study was carried out to determine biocontrol potential of three local entomopathogenic nematode isolates against different stages of dried fruit beetle (larvae, pupae, and adults) under controlled conditions. S. carpocapsae isolate Bakışlı05, H. bacteriophora isolate Z-1 and H. bacteriophora isolate TOK-20 used in experiments. Isolates were applied at four different concentrations i.e. 0, 250, 500, and 1000 IJs/ml at 25 °C. Mortality rates of larvae, pupae, and adults of C. hemipterus were determined four times (24, 48, 72, and 96 h) following inoculation. The highest mortality rate of larvae of C. hemipterus was caused by Heterorhabditis bacteriophora isolate Z-1 with 98.67% mortality followed by H. bacteriophora isolate TOK-20 with 93.85% and then Steinernema carpocapsae isolate Bakışlı05 with 86.67% at the highest concentration (1000 IJs/ml). The highest mortality rate on C. hemipterus pupae was recorded at the highest concentration of S. carpocapsae isolate Bakışlı05, which was 48.00%, followed by H. bacteriophora isolate Z-1 and H. bacteriophora isolate TOK-20, which had mortality rates of 43.33% and 38.00%, respectively. Moreover, the highest adult mortality rate was determined at the maximum concentration of S. carpocapsae (Bakışlı05), with 42.67% among all EPN isolates tested. This study shows that the use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) for the management of dried fruit beetle can be an alternative method to pest control.

Characterization and RNA interference-mediated silencing of tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase gene in Carpophilus hemipterus (L.) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae).

Dried fruit beetle, Carpophilus hemipterus(Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), is a serious pest of ripened fresh fruit in the orchard and dried fruit in postprocessing storage. Despite the economic impact and widespread distribution of C. hemipterus, there is a lack of functional genomics research seeking to elucidate features of molecular physiology for improved pest management. Here, we report the characterization of the gene named Vermilion in C. hemipterus (ChVer) that encodes for tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase. The Vermilion is frequently used as a visual marker for genomics approaches as tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase is involved in the biosynthesis of eye coloration pigments in insects. We identified 1628 bp long full-length transcript of ChVer from transcriptomic database of C. hemipterus. The expression analysis among adult body parts revealed peak ChVer expression in head compared to thorax and abdomen, which is consistent with its role. Among the C. hemipterus developmental stages, peak ChVer expression was observed in first instar larva, second instar larva, and adult male stages, whereas the lowest levels of expression were seen in third instar larva, prepupa, and pupa. The nanoinjection of ChVer double-stranded RNAin larval C. hemipterus resulted in a significant reduction in ChVer transcript levels as well as caused a loss of eye color, that is, the white-eyed phenotype in adults. Characterization of visually traceable marker gene and robust RNA interferenceresponse seen in this study will enable genomics research is this important pest.

IDENTIFICATION OF HETERORRHINA SAEEDI SP.NOV. (SCARABAEIDAE: COLEOPTERA) FROM SINDH REGION, PAKISTAN

Genus Heterorrhina belongs to subfamily Cetoniinae. They diurnal by nature and are called fruit beetles and flower chafers. They are frequent visitiors of flowers for nectar from pollen for their nutritional requirements. Meanwhile, few of their species feed on fruits. They are bright or glassy green in appearance and somehow reddish at angles, measuring 2 - 3 cm long. During the present study, a total of 19 specimens were collected during April 2021 to March 2022. The sampling were collected from four ecological zones of Sindh province i-e: Southern irrigated plain, Dry western plateau, Indus Delta and Sandy Desert. The specimens were sorted out into genus Heterorrhina (Westwood, 1842) with single species i.e., Heterorrhina saeedi nov.spp . Beside this, morphological descriptions, photographs, ecological account and GIS mapping of the species are given.

Beneficial sterols in selected edible insects and their associated antibacterial activities

Edible insects are increasingly gaining popularity as research reveals multiple benefits. However, the rediscovery of natural products from insects as medicinal agents has received limited attention. This study aimed at evaluating the diversity of sterols in extracts of nine edible insects and potential antibacterial activities. Dichloromethane extracts of these insects were analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to identify important sterols, followed by evaluation of their anti-bacterial activities. Nineteen sterols were identified with the highest recorded in African fruit beetle [Pachnoda sinuata (47.37%)], crickets [Gryllus bimaculatus (36.84%) and Scapsipedus icipe (31.58%)]. Cholesterol was the most prevalent, except in black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). Bioactivity revealed S. icipe as the most potent extract against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis whereas G. bimaculatus was highest against Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus 25923. These findings unravels the diversity of sterols in edible insects and their possible application in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Determination of Harmful Insect Species in Zivzik Pomegranate Production Areas of Siirt Province

Zivzik pomegranate is an important source of income for producers in Siirt province. There are many harmful insect species that cause loss of yield and quality in pomegranate. This study was carried out to determine the pest insect species in Zivzik pomegranate production areas in Siirt province and its districts in 2018 and 2019. The study was conducted total in 38 orchards in 12 villages in 3 districts (Central, Şirvan and Pervari). To determine the insect species, samples were collected with pheromone trap, shoot cutting, visual inspection, Japanese umbrella and cultivation methods. As a result of the studies, a total of 24 harmful insect species belonging to 7 orders and 19 families were identified. Among these species, Carob moth (Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller, 1839)), Pomegranate aphid (Aphis punicae Passerini, 1863) and Chrysobothris affinis (Fabricius, 1794) were found to be important species. dried fruit beetle (Carpophilus spp.) fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, 1830), Ash whitefly (Siphoninus phillyreae (Haliday, 1835)), leopard moth borer (Zeuzera pyrina Linnaeus, 1761) and Tenuipalpus granati Sayed, 1946 were determined as secondary pests. Furthermore, Chrysobothris affinis (Fabricius, 1794) detected in this study is the first record for the pomegranate fauna of Turkey

A Note on the Insects Associated with Stored Onion in Khartoum State

A survey was conducted during 2011-2012 in Khartoum State. The surveyfocused on the identification of insects associated with stored onion. Insects encounteredwere, the fig moth (Ephestia cautella), the dried fruit beetle (Carpophilus hemipterus),the sap beetle (Carpophilus obsolitus), the humpbacked fly (Megaselia scalaris), the antbeetle (Anthicus floralis), the hairy fungus beetle (Typhaea stercorea), the confused flourbeetle (Triboleum confusum), the scavenger fly (Chrysomyza demandata), the dungbeetle (Aphodius lividus), the minute pirate bug (Orius leavigatus), and the rove beetles(Aleochara bipustulata, four Quidius spp. and Lithocharis sp.).

URUG‘MEVALI BOG‘LARDA O‘RGIMChAKKANALARNING (TETRANYCHIDAE) ASOSIY TURLARI, ENTOMOFAGLARINING TUR TARKIBI VA UChRASh DARAJASI

The article conducted research on the main species of spiders (Tetranychidae) in seed orchards and monitored their occurrence rates. In the study, areas affected mainly by canals were isolated and monitored throughout the season. Initially, the channels collected in 2019–2022 were compared with each other, and their types were systematically clarified. According to it, the meeting rates were determined for canals, apple, pear, and quince trees, which are numerous and highly harmful. There are 6 types of canals in seed orchards. In orchards, the species mainly belong to the family of spiders (Tetranychidae). These include the apple red beetle (Panonychus ulmi Koch), the hawthorn beetle (Tetranychus viennensis Zacher), the brown fruit beetle (Bryobia redikorzevi Rech), the common spider (Tetranychus urticae Koch), the garden spider (Schizotetranychus pruni Oudms), the Tetranychus turkestan (Tetranychus turkestani Ug. Et Nik), was observed. As a result of the analysis of the natural cousins of the canals, 9 types of cousins were recorded. The most common of these species are phytoseyulus, nabius, orius candela, stertorous beetle, and metaseyulus entomophagous. Based on the results obtained, conclusions and recommendations are given.

Carpophilus hemipterus (L.) Pupasının Düşük Oksijenli Yüksek Karbondioksit Uygulamasına Duyarlılığı Üzerinde Yaşın ve Uygulama Süresinin Etkisi

Modified/controlled atmosphere applications, as an alternative to the chemical treatments, are an effective technique in controlling pest of stored products, especially dried fruits. In gas tight units, it is applied with the principle of preventing the insect respiration by changing the oxygen (O2), carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) gas levels of the atmosphere. In the study, 1-, 2- and 3- d-old pupae of dried fruit beetle, Carpophilus hemipterus (L.), which is an important dried fruit pest, were exposed to the modified / controlled atmosphere. The modified/controlled atmosphere consisting of 2.1% O2 + 90% CO2 + 7.9% N2 gas mixture was applied for 48, 72, 96 and 120 h at 20°C and 75 ± 5% relative humidity. One, two and three d old pupae responded similarly to modified/controlled atmosphere application. Mortality rates remained close in each exposure time and no significant difference was found between age groups. Unlike the age factor, the exposure time was found to be statistically significant and the mortality rates increased as the exposure time increased in each age group. The highest mortality rates were found as 38, 60 and 47% in 1-, 2- and 3-d old pupae after 120 h of application, respectively.

Substrate composition effect on growth ofCotinis mutabilis (Scarabaeidae) larvae: a case for detritivore scarabs in the insect agriculture industry

Insect farming has potential to help alleviate food insecurities, which are increasing globally. Insect farming can also help reduce landfill loading with food loss and waste, which is nearly 33% of all food produced globally. Farming of detritivore insect species, those that can consume decaying organic material including manures, increases the economic and environmental sustainability of the insect agriculture industry. The green fig beetle (Cotinis mutabilis, Scarabaeidae) is a native to the Sonoran Desert in the United States and Mexico. This study explored the effects of ten organic waste diets differing in the ratios of four waste types, dairy cow manure, mushroom spent substrate, spent brewer’s grain, and leaves, on the growth and survivorship of the larvae. Results show that this species yielded highest grub peak weights when fed a diet containing spent beer grains. However, these grubs also had low survivorship. Highest food efficiency conversions were found in grubs that were fed a diet dominated by spent mushroom media. Manure-based compost yielded poor growth and survivorship in these grubs, despite observations of wild beetles laying eggs in compost. A correlation between diet density and peak weight of the grubs suggests that a low-density diet is a more suitable substrate. Scarabs are found world wide and can become an important component in the insect as food and feed industry.

Carpophilus hemipterus (dried fruit beetle)

Carpophilus hemipterus (dried fruit beetle)

The Effects of Cow Manure Treated by Fruit Beetle Larvae, Waxworms and Tiger Worms on Plant Growth in Relation to Its Use as Potting Compost

The Effects of Cow Manure Treated by Fruit Beetle Larvae, Waxworms and Tiger Worms on Plant Growth in Relation to Its Use as Potting Compost

Diversity of Insect Pests Damaging Quality of “Huitlacoche” (Corn Smut) at Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico.

Huitlacoche or corn smut, Ustilago maydis (DC.) Corda, is a biotrophic fungal pathogenic. The scales that grow in ears of maize, Zea mays L., are used as fresh or raw vegetables. In some regions of Mexico, maize is planted to harvest “huitlacoche”, a crop also susceptible to attack by insect pests that affect its quality. The purpose of this study was to recognize entomofauna in maize ears infected with huitlacoche (corn smut) and identify pest species that attack huitlacoche in five maize hybrids. We collected a total of 515 specimens in four orders, seven families, and 11 species. The orders Coleoptera and Lepidoptera comprised 71.4% of the total number of families, 81.8% of the species, and 99.6% of individuals. The percentage of damaged ears ranged from 47.5 to 65.0%. Species best represented were Cotinis mutabilis (Gory and Percheron), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), Heliothis virescens (Fabricius), and Carpophilus lugubris Murray considered primary pest of huitlacoche because they were present in all maize studied. Shannon-Wiener diversity (0.592 bits per individual) and Simpson (0.302 bits per individual) indices showed less diversity of individuals and moderate species dominance. Greatest richness of species was in hybrids ‘AN388’ and ‘H-318’, each with seven.

Emigration Effects Induced by Radio Frequency Treatment to Dates Infested by Carpophilus hemipterus.

The dried fruit beetle (Carpophilus hemipterus) is considered a key pest of dates, infesting fruits both in the field and during storage. Control measures against the species rely on the use of chemicals or heat treatments based on sunlight, hot air or radio frequency (RF) applications. Previous investigations that have aimed to define control procedures for a total disinfestation using RF treatments with different exposure durations have shown the typical behavior of adults in some trials, which, under the influence of temperature increases, started to escape from infested fruits. We focused on the application of different RF voltage-time combinations to induce the emigration of C. hemipterus adults from dates in order to produce a complete disinfestation. The results showed that the application of 2500 V RF for 8–10 min to infested dates resulted in nearly 100% of adults escaping from fruits, thereby cleaning the commodity with low or no mortality inside and outside the dates. These achievements provide a new strategy for controlling key insect pests of dates that could be applied at an industrial scale, allowing for the quick disinfestation of fruits without affecting the fruit with harmful substances, such as residues from chemical treatments, and without unwanted side effects on date quality.

Pitch profile across the cuticle of the scarab beetle Cotinis mutabilis determined by analysis of Mueller matrix measurements.

Helicoidal structures of lamellae of nanofibrils constitute the cuticle of some scarab beetles with iridescent metallic-like shine reflecting left-handed polarized light. The spectral and polarization properties of the reflected light depend on the pitch of the helicoidal structures, dispersion of effective refractive indices and thicknesses of layers in the cuticle. By modelling the outer exocuticle of the scarab beetle Cotinis mutabilis as a stack of continuously twisted biaxial slices of transparent materials, we extract optical and structural parameters by nonlinear regression analysis of variable-angle Mueller-matrix spectroscopic data. Inhomogeneities in the beetle cuticle produce depolarization with non-uniformity in cuticle thickness as the dominant effect. The pitch across the cuticle of C. mutabilis decreased with depth in a two-level profile from 380 to 335 nm and from 390 to 361 nm in greenish and reddish specimens, respectively, whereas in a yellowish specimen, the pitch decreased with depth in a three-level profile from 388 to 326 nm.

Revealing the Mechanics of Helicoidal Composites through Additive Manufacturing and Beetle Developmental Stage Analysis

AbstractInvestigation into the microstructure of high performance natural materials has revealed common patterns that are pervasive across animal species. For example, the helicoid motif has gained significant interest in the biomaterials community, where recent studies have highlighted its role in enabling damage tolerance in a diverse set of animals. Moreover, the helicoid motif corresponds to a highly adaptable architecture where the control of the pitch rotation angle between fibrous structures produces large changes in its mechanical response. Nature, takes advantage of this special feature enabling an active response to particular biological needs occurring during an animal's ontogeny. In this work, we demonstrate this adaptive behavior in helicoidal architectures by performing a mechanistic analysis of the changes occurring in the cuticle of the figeater beetle (Cotinis mutabilis) during its life cycle. We complement our investigation of the beetle with the testing of 3D printing samples and a systematic analysis of the effect of pitch angle in the inherent mechanics of helicoidal architectures. Experimentation and analysis reveal improved isotropy and enhanced toughness at lower pitch angles, highlighting the flexibility of the helicoidal architecture. Moreover, trends in stiffness measurements were found to be well‐predicted by laminate theory, suggesting facile mechanics laws for use in biomimicry.

Fecundity and survival of Carpophilus hemipterus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) on alternative hosts

The tendency of the dried fruit beetle Carpophilus hemipterus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) to occur as pests in stores and fields has necessitated investigations on its fecundity and survival on some alternative food hosts such as groundnut, cocoa, cowpea and rice. Two copulating pairs of the adult beetle were introduced on fifty grammes of each food substrate in a no choice test at 28 oC +/- 3 oC and relative humidity of 75% +/- 5%. The number of eggs laid, emerged larvae, and enclosed adults were recorded. Weight loss of the food substrates was also recorded. Analysis of variance was performed on the data generated. Kaplan Meier analysis was carried out to determine the beetle survival rate on each host. Fewer eggs were deposited on rice compared to the other hosts; however, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the percentage hatchability of the beetle on all the food hosts. As evidenced by the larvae emergence data, cocoa (4.28%) and groundnut (5.42%) suffered significantly higher (p < 0.05) levels of damage. However, based on the Kaplan Meier survival index (Px), it was noted that the adult enclosion and survival of the beetle was lowest on cocoa (0.27) and highest in cowpea (0.64). General Linear Model (GLM) revealed highly significant influence (p < 0.0001) of food substrate (S) on the fecundity of C. hemipterus (F3,320 = 464.099) and its larvae development (F3,199 = 345.042). It also showed the effect of Period (P) on number of eggs (F3,320 = 320.932) and larvae development (F3,199 = 188.167) to be highly significant (p < 0.001). Likewise, there was significant impact (p < 0.0001) of the interaction of food substrate x duration (S x D) on the oviposition of C. hemipterus (F9,199 = 5.167) and larvae development (F9,199 = 13.403). The ability of C. hemipterus to survive on less preferred food hosts is highlighted in this study.

Metarhizium bibionidarum and M. purpureogenum: new species from Japan

Two new species of Metarhizium, M. bibionidarum and M. purpureogenum are described from Japan. Metarhizium bibionidarum is the phylogenetic sister species of M. pemphigi and a member of the M. flavoviride species complex. It is distinguished morphologically from M. pemphigi by its larger conidia. The species is based on a collection of an infected March fly larva (Diptera: Bibionidae) but is also known to occur on fruit beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) encountered in France. Metarhizium purpureogenum was isolated from soil by plating and insect baiting methods and represents a unique phylogenetic lineage placed outside the M. anisopliae and M. flavoviride species complexes. Three isolates of M. purpureogenum excreted a distinctive red-purple pigment into agar medium when co-cultured with M. robertsii or Aspergillus oryzae.

Use of Fruit Beetles, Waxworms Larvae and Tiger Worms in Waste Conditioning for Composting

Use of Fruit Beetles, Waxworms Larvae and Tiger Worms in Waste Conditioning for Composting

Exposing different in-depth pitches in the cuticle of the scarab beetle Cotinis mutabilis

The cuticle of the scarab beetle Cotinis mutabilis reflects left-handed polarized light indicating the presence of a helicoidal structure. Different in-depth pitches in the cuticle are corroborated by optical microscopy images of the cuticle which originally is yellowish or reddish but becomes greenish after gently scratching its top side. Using the Mueller-matrix formalism the degree of polarization (total and circular) of reflected light is determined for unpolarized incident light. The effects of the finite thickness of the cuticle on the broadening and strength of the selective Bragg reflection are discussed on the basis of dispersion relations for optical modes in helicoidal structures and simulated spectra.