Important Predators Research Articles

Expanding habitat suitability under changing climate and land use may drive rapid expansion of Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) in Bangladesh

Eco-climatic and other environmental gradients significantly influence the geographic distribution of reptiles. In Bangladesh, the known range of Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) has expanded extensively in recent decades. Using species distribution modelling, we analysed habitat suitability, dispersal pathways, interspecific competition, and population dynamics to explore the drivers behind this phenomenon. Our findings indicate a five-fold increase in climatically suitable area (76,716 km²) since 2015, attributed to higher cold-season temperatures and increased dry-season precipitation, facilitating the viper’s spread into previously unoccupied regions. The rapid dispersal of these snakes may have benefited from the strong currents of rivers, channels and seasonal waterways, and flat floodplain terrain. Additionally, the extension of agricultural and grassy habitats in new regions has provided abundant rodent prey and minimal predator or competitor pressures, creating ideal conditions for population growth. We also observed a female-biased population structure and large clutch sizes which may have further accelerated reproduction, contributed to rapid population expansion. In rural Bangladesh, where clinicians face multiple problems with the management of Russell’s viper envenoming, increasingly frequent human encounters with this highly dangerous snake have caused great public concern. Despite the observed range expansion, the species also faces challenges such as unsuitable temperature fluctuations, reduced precipitation in some regions, and anthropogenic threats, including anti-snake attitudes and killings. Given the increasing risk of human-snake conflicts, implementing effective snakebite management plans and conservation strategies is crucial to safeguard public health while ensuring the survival of this ecologically and economically important predator of rodents.

Whole genome shotgun phylogenomics resolve the diving beetle tree of life

Abstract Diving beetles (Dytiscidae) are important generalist predators in freshwater ecosystems that have been around since the Jurassic. Previous phylogenetic studies have identified a largely stable set of monophyletic named groups (subfamilies, tribes and subtribes); however, backbone relationships among these have remained elusive. Here we use whole genome sequencing to reconstruct the phylogeny of Dytiscidae. We mine de novo assemblies and combine them with others available from transcriptome studies of Adephaga to compile a dataset of 149 taxa and 5364 orthologous genes. Species tree and concatenated maximum likelihood methods provide largely congruent results, resolving in agreement all but two inter‐subfamily nodes. All 11 subfamilies are monophyletic, supporting previous results; possibly also all tribes, but Hydroporini is recovered as paraphyletic with weak support and monophyly of Dytiscini is method dependent. One large clade includes eight of 11 subfamilies (excluding Laccophilinae, Lancetinae and Coptotominae). Matinae is sister to Hydrodytinae + Hydroporinae, in contrast with previous studies that have hypothesized Matinae as sister to the remaining Dytiscidae. Copelatinae belong in a clade with Cybistrinae, Dytiscinae, Agabinae and Colymbetinae. Strongly confirmed sister group relationships of subfamilies include Cybistrinae + Dytiscinae, Agabinae + Colymbetinae, Lancetinae + Coptotominae and Hydrodytinae + Hydroporinae. Remaining problems include resolving with confidence the basal ingroup trichotomy and relationships between tribes in Hydroporinae. Resolution of tribes in Dytiscinae is affected by methodological inconsistencies. Platynectini, new tribe, is described and Hydrotrupini redefined within subfamily Agabinae. This study is a step forward towards completely resolving the backbone phylogeny of Dytiscidae, which we hope will stimulate further work on remaining challenges.

Identification of diet resources of big-eyed bug Geocoris ochropterus (Fieber) (Hemiptera: Geocoridae) by multiplex PCR and shotgun metagenomic approaches.

Big-eyed bugs (Geocoris spp.) are important generalist predators in agricultural ecosystems, playing a crucial role in natural pest control. To better understand their dietary sources, we assessed the plant and animal food sources in the gut of Geocoris ochropterus using multiplex PCR and shotgun metagenomic analysis. The PCR assays targeted genetic markers from both animal (COI) and plant (matK and rbcL) DNA. Results revealed the presence of both animal and plant-derived DNA in the gut samples, indicating that Geocoris ochropterus feeds on a mixed diet. Additionally, the results of shotgun metagenomic sequencing of the gut microbiota showed a predominance of Eukaryota, with over 80% of sequences belonging to this domain, while a diverse range of taxonomic groups were identified, including arthropods, plants, bacteria, and fungi. Arthropods particularly insects from the orders Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, Phasmatodea and plants belonging to the orders Brassicales, Cucurbitales, and Poales constituted the most abundant dietary components. At the genus level, notable taxa included Maniola (family Nymphalidae), Carposina (Carposinidae), Helicoverpa (Noctuidae), and Solanum (Solanaceae). Species-level analysis confirmed the dominance of several insect species, including Maniola hyperanthus, Carposina sasakii, and Bombyx mori, alongside plant species such as Cucumis melo, Gossypium hirsutum, and Digitaria exilis. These findings provide a comprehensive characterization of the diet of Geocoris ochropterus, highlighting its role as a generalist predator with a diverse diet consisting of both insect and plant food sources. This study contributes to the understanding of Geocoris ochropterus as a potential biocontrol agent in agricultural systems.

High Grazing Rates of Marine Askenasia cf. stellaris on Mesodinium rubrum and Insights Into Its Taxonomic Status

ABSTRACTAskenasia is a conspicuous ciliate in plankton assemblages of fresh and marine ecosystems; however, many aspects of its biology, taxonomy, and ecology remain enigmatic. Here we provide new information on the behavior, prey preferences, ultrastructure, and phylogenetic diversity of marine Askenasia, from perhaps the first ever cultures established for this genus. Askenasia spp. have long been suspected of being predatory, i.e., feeding on other ciliates, and here we reveal that several isolates of marine A. cf. stellaris had high ingestion and growth rates on the ciliate Mesodinium rubrum. This result supports numerous observations of Askenasia co‐occurring with M. rubrum in a variety of ecosystems. While we found no evidence of grazing on several other species of ciliates or photosynthetic flagellates, A. cf. stellaris probably does ingest other small ciliates as prey. Using transmission electron microscopy imaging of Askenasia, we show that the dikinetids of its equatorial ciliary belt resemble those found in Prostomatea ciliates, supporting phylogenetic analysis of partial 18S rRNA genes from two A. cf. stellaris strains. We also provide ultrastructural details of the contractile and food vacuoles in Askenasia. Our results suggest that A. cf. stellaris can be an important predator of M. rubrum in coastal marine ecosystems.

Integration of Orius nagaii (Yasunaga) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and eco-friendly insecticide to improve Dendrothrips minowai (Priesner) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) control.

Combined use of eco-friendly insecticides with natural enemies is increasingly being used in pest management. In this study, the combination of eco-friendly insecticides and Orius nagaii (Yasunaga) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), an important predator of the thrips, in controlling Dendrothrips minowai (Priesner) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), a major tea pest, was evaluated in both laboratories and tea plantations. Five commercial insecticides were first screened the toxicity to D. minowai, and their safety to O. nagaii. The results showed mineral oil and Metarhizium anisopliae CQMa421 were toxic against D. minowai, while diafenthiuron, mineral oil and M. anisopliae CQMa421 were relatively safe for O. nagaii. Sublethal bioassay on eggs, nymphs, and adults of O. nagaii showed that mineral oil exposure minimized hatching rate among the 5 insecticides. The adverse effects of diafenthiuron and M. anisopliae CQMa421 on the development and reproduction of O. nagaii were inferior to those of spinetoram and indoxacarb. Both spinetoram and indoxacarb displayed significant acute and sublethal effects on O. nagaii. Field trials unveiled that the combined use of O. nagaii and diafenthiuron was an effective and lasting pest control strategy against D. minowai. The results contribute to an improved D. minowai management coordinated eco-friendly insecticide with natural enemy insects.

No effect of transgenic St -Prrn-ACT potatoes on Arma chinensis , a natural enemy of the Colorado potato beetle

Abstract Potato stands as an important vegetable crop globally. The Colorado potato beetle (CPB) emerges as a pervasive quarantine pest with a worldwide footprint, inflicting devastating consequences on potato crops. Arma chinensis (Fallou) is an important predator of several agricultural and forestry pests, including the CPB. Previous investigations have demonstrated the potent induction of RNAi responses in beetles through the transgenic manipulation of potato plants targeting the β-Actin (ACT) gene. By expressing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in potato plastids, specifically targeting the β-Actin (ACT) gene of the CPB, transplastomic potato plants can trigger the beetle’s RNA interference response to kill the CPB. Our study evaluates the effect of transgenic St -Prrn-ACT potatoes on A. chinensis . Furthermore, through the tertiary nutritional relationship test of the different potato varieties-CPB- A. chinensis , we aim to understand whether the transgenic St -Prrn-ACT potato can affect the A. chinensis . To discern this, wild-type St -wt and economically significant cultivar Holland 15 were judiciously chosen as controls for comparison against the transgenic St -Prrn-ACT. Comparison of survival curves, predation volume, mean weight, as well as the activities of detoxification enzymes and protective enzymes in the different potatoes was made for CPB and A. chinensis . The study revealed an absence of statistically significant variances in survival rates, detoxification enzyme activities, and protective enzyme activities among different specimens when pitted against the A. chinensis . The study also revealed no effect of transgenic St -Prrn-ACT potatoes on A. chinensis , following exposure through the CPB.

Untangling the ant claws: the army ant Labidus mars is a Neivamyrmex (Formicidae: Dorylinae)

Abstract The New World army ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) comprise the 5 genera of the Eciton species group, and together they are important keystone predators in tropical and subtropical environments. Generic boundaries in the group have been considered solid and stable for nearly 100 years. Workers of the widespread and diverse genus Neivamyrmex are readily separable from the other 4 genera by lacking a subapical tooth on the tarsal claw, while males can be separated with genitalic characters. The genus Labidus is also widespread and is often abundant, with several species that are conspicuous surface foragers. The least known species of Labidus is L. mars, the workers of which have the tarsal tooth but otherwise share many traits with some Neivamyrmex, being completely eyeless and subterranean. This led us to question its generic placement. Here, we used ultraconserved element (UCE) phylogenomics to show that Labidus mars belongs to the genus Neivamyrmex. All phylogenies, inferred using multiple partitioning schemes and a species tree analysis, recovered the same topology, placing Labidus mars workers within Neivamyrmex. Sequenced males of L. mars were found to be within Labidus and thus incorrectly associated with L. mars. Based on these results and review of key specimens, including types, the following taxonomic changes are made: Neivamyrmex mars (Forel 1912) is a new combination; Labidus nero (Santschi 1930) (rev. stat.) is a male-based taxon revived from synonymy under L. mars; and L. denticulatus (Borgmeier 1955) (new stat.), a male-based taxon and former subspecies of L. mars, is raised to species.

Asterias amurensis lipids enhance the immunity of immunosuppressed mice as sustainable marine-eco materials

Starfish (Asterias amurensis) are important predators in the marine benthic environment, preying on mollusks and echinoderms. Their waste also causes significant environmental harm. However, starfish contain a variety of nutrients and biologically active compounds that require further investigation. To maintain marine ecosystems and address environmental waste, lipids were extracted from A. amurensis skin, and their immune-enhancing effects were evaluated in cyclophosphamide (CY)- induced immunosuppressive mice. A. amurensis lipids were combined with PEG 6000 (AA-PEG), which contains a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs, 49.44%), primarily C20:5n3. Mice were administered various dosages of AA-PEG, ranging from 50 to 200 mg/kg body weight (BW) via oral delivery and CY injection. Results revealed that AA-PEG at 150 mg/kg BW promoted the recovery of cellular immune function in both splenocytes from the spleen and peritoneal macrophages, similar to the normal group. Administration of AA-PEG (50–150 mg/kg BW) gradually raised the spleen index (2.2–2.5 mg/g) and natural killer (NK) cell activity (91–102%), and enhanced ConA- or LPS-stimulated splenocyte proliferation. Subsets of T -lymphocytes (CD4 + and CD8+) does-dependently increased by AA-PEG. The phagocytic capacity (58–82%) and proliferation (69–98%) of peritoneal macrophages, which had been reduced by CY, were restored with AA-PEG. AA-PEG boosts immunity by promoting nitric oxide (NO) generation (84–103%). Furthermore, AA-PEG has been shown to increase immune-related cytokines in splenocytes and peritoneal macrophages, indicating a potential enhancement of Th1 and Th2 activity. These results suggest that AA-PEG restored the immune function of immunosuppressed mice and could be used as an effective immunomodulatory agent, which may play a crucial role in maintaining environmental sustainability.

Using community science to assess the population dynamics and spatial ecology of the giant sea bass in Southern California

The giant sea bass Stereolepis gigas is the largest marine teleost along the coast of California, USA, and is an important apex predator in kelp forests and rocky reef ecosystems. Due to their slow-growing nature and tendency to form predictable, seasonal aggregations, S. gigas were heavily overfished across much of their range from Humboldt Bay, California, to Oaxaca, Southern Mexico, and in the Gulf of California. Now listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN and partially protected by a fishing moratorium in California, there is some evidence that the California population has begun to recover. However, there has never been a direct population assessment of their numbers in California. Using more than 1600 community-sourced photos of S. gigas from the Spotting Giant Sea Bass Project, we identified individuals through unique spot patterns on their flanks by using pattern-matching algorithms. Estimates from a POPAN mark-recapture model suggest a total population of ~1221 adult individuals in Southern California from 2015 to 2022, and a Pradel mark-recapture model indicates an increasing population trend, corroborated by a rise in incidental catch of S. gigas in set gill net landing receipts. We also found evidence of minimal population connectivity throughout Southern California with high site fidelity amongst resighted individuals. The contribution of this open and living resource of photo-identification data creates the capacity to answer critical questions regarding the life history, behavior, and population structure of S. gigas, which will inform future recovery efforts for this at-risk species.

Beneficial arthropods in the edible amaranth ecosystem during the wet season

The edible amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.) is an important vegetable growing around the world. The famous vegetable plant is known for two types: green and green-red amaranth. The purpose of the research is to study an abundance of beneficial arthropods in the edible amaranth ecosystem using pitfall trap. The study was conducted in the edible amaranth farmers plantation at Kanreapia Village, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi in the wet season from August to December 2022. The pitfall trap was embedded into the ground at the same depth as the soil surface for 24 hours. The position of a pitfall trap in the center and every corner of the plot. The pitfall used five pieces for every plot (total 20 pitfall). The result showed important predator arthropods collected from pitfall traps were divided into two groups: spiders and insects. In this research, the beneficial arthropods are found in similar habitats in the edible amaranth. The highest percentage was Gryllidae such as Gryllus sp. (54.83%). The spiders group from Lycosidae, Lycosa pseudoannulata (25.80%) and from Oxyopidae, Oxyopus sp. (19.35%). The pitfall trap showed the percentage number of Valanga sp. (Acrididae) about 36%.

Predation, fecundity and life table parameters of Chrysoperla carnea Stephens, 1836 (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) on two factitious preys

Chrysoperla carnea is an important pest predator, widely used for controlling insect pests. In the present study, predation and life table parameters of the predator on two factitious foods (namely: Galleria mellonella and Achroia grisella) were studied under laboratory conditions. On G. mellonella (egg stage), the development of predatory females and males was shorter than on A. grisella. In contrast, on larval stage, A. grisella recorded the shorter developmental period of predatory males and females than on G. mellonella. On both stages of A. grisella, C. carnea gave the highest reproduction rates. Life expectancy for female stage was recorded maximum of (68.0 days) on A. grisella eggs. C. carnea larvae consumed more G. mellonella larvae than A. grisella. Net and finite predation rates of C. carnea were higher on A. grisella eggs than on G. mellonella. This study indicated the suitability of both factitious preys for rearing C. carnea.

Insect fauna of Korugöl Natural Park, Düzce

Background and aims This study aimed to conduct a preliminary survey of insect species in Korugöl Natural Park from August to November 2024. The study area was located in Düzce province of the Western Black Sea Region of Türkiye. Methods Trap trees and visual inspection methods were used, then adult, nymph, and larvae samples were collected by hand and photographed on host plants. Results In total, 5 orders, 21 families, and 31 species were identified in this study. Conclusions These species include exotic alien species, economically important pests, predators, and parasitoid species.

Dicyphus cerastii: First data on development, survival, and reproduction.

Dicyphus cerastii Wagner (Hemiptera: Miridae) is an important predator in horticultural crops. This study provides the first data on biological traits like development, survival, and reproduction for this species. We investigated how host (tomato, tobacco, and Cape gooseberry) and temperature (15.0, 20.0, 25.0 ± 1 °C) influenced nymphal development, survival, and adult longevity. In the absence of prey, nymphs failed to complete development on any host. When prey was available, nymphal development, survival and longevity declined as temperature increased across all hosts. Development and longevity of D. cerastii were further examined on tomato, at seven temperatures (15.0, 20.0, 25.0, 27.5, 30.0, 32.5, 35.0 ± 1°C). Reproductive capacity was measured at 20.0, 25.0, 30.0 ± 1°C, on tomato. Egg development ranged from 30.6 days (15.0 °C) to 9.7 days (32.5 °C). Nymph development decreased from 40.0 days (15.0 °C) to 16.4 days (30.0 °C), and no nymphs completed development above 30.0 °C. The optimal temperature for development from egg to adult was estimated at 29.2 °C., while the minimum threshold for immature development was approximately 7.0 °C. The thermal constant for development was 230.4 degree-days for eggs, and 394.0 degree-days for nymphs. Adult longevity ranged from 158.6 days (15.0 °C) to 13.8 days (30.0 °C). The net reproductive rate (R0) and generation time (T) were highest at 20.0 °C, while the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was highest at 25.0 °C.

Chromosome-level genome assembly of the Adonis ladybird Hippodamia variegata

The Adonis ladybird (Hippodamia variegata), an important predator in agricultural ecosystems, plays a crucial role in biological control and is a significant model for evolutionary and genomic studies within Coccinellidae. Despite its ecological importance, the lack of a reference genome for H. variegata has limited in-depth investigations into its biology and potential as a biocontrol agent. Here, we present a high-quality, chromosome-level genome assembly of H. variegata. The final assembly spans 493.01 Mb, with a scaffold N50 of 28.19 Mb and a GC content of 36.41%. Hi-C sequencing data enabled the anchoring of 343.20 Mb to 10 chromosomes. Repetitive elements accounted for 258.56 Mb (52.44%) of the genome, with long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) being the most prevalent. We identified 37,348 protein-coding genes, of which 78.55% were functionally annotated in public protein databases. This high-quality genome assembly will serve as a valuable resource for furthering our understanding of Adonis ladybird’s evolutionary biology, enhancing its utility in pest management, and supporting future research on ladybird genomics.

The Cry2Aa protein is not enough to pose a threat to Pardosa astrigera.

The Cry2Aa protein is not enough to pose a threat to Pardosa astrigera.

Sorting Strawberry Squid: A Systematic and Ecological Review of The Deep-Sea Squid Family Histioteuthidae

The deep-sea strawberry squids (family Histioteuthidae) are a globally distributed and ecologically important family that makes up the majority of the diet of important large predators, including the Pygmy Sperm Whale (Kogia breviceps) - although little else is known about their overall ecology (Beatson, 2007b). Braid and Bolstad (2019) have identified that three species in Aotearoa New Zealand waters represent species complexes, revealing three species that are potentially new to science (Histioteuthis aff. bonnellii, H. aff. eltaninae, and H. aff. atlantica). Understanding the ecological role and diversity of all marine species in Aotearoa New Zealand is vital in a shift away from the Quota Management System and towards ecosystem-based fisheries management. The overall aim of this project is to increase understanding of the systematics and ecology of the family Histioteuthidae. This will be accomplished through three aims. First, three species from Aotearoa will be described using integrative taxonomic methods (analysis of both genetic and morphological traits), in order to fully understand the biodiversity of this family in Aotearoa New Zealand. Second, a stable isotope analysis (SIA) of the beaks, combined with descriptions and regression equations, will be undertaken for species that have a sufficient sample size. SIA will enable understanding of the trophic level and habitats of species, while beak equations will help to identify the size of the eaten squid obtained from the stomachs of predators. Third, stomach contents will be analysed using DNA barcoding to allow for a detailed understanding of the diet of these squids. Being able to identify species and their distribution patterns is required for understanding their role in the marine trophic web as both predator and prey. This understanding is essential for monitoring ecosystem health as the ocean is impacted by anthropogenic pressures.

Biology of variegated ladybird beetle, Hippodamia variegate (Goeze) on cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch

The variegated ladybird beetle, Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) is one of the most important predator of cowpea aphid. In this study, the biological aspects of ladybird beetle, H. variegata feeding on cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch were investigated under laboratory condition. The average incubation period of H. variegata was 2.33±0.47 days and the duration of total larval period was 12.80±0.96 days. The pre-pupal and pupal periods were 1.06±0.25 and 3.43±0.50 days, respectively. The mean pre-oviposition period was 4.80±0.63 days and the oviposition period was 24.40±3.09 days. The female beetles laid on an average 374.70±22.41 eggs with the hatching per cent of 87.64±4.32. The mean longevity of the male and the female beetles were 27.96±1.21 and 30.93±0.98 days, respectively. Keywords: Variegated ladybird beetle, development, biology, life cycle, Hippodamia variegate, cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora

Krüppel homolog 1 mediates juvenile hormone action to suppress photoperiodic reproductive diapause-related phenotypes in the female Chrysoperla nipponensis (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae).

Juvenile hormone (JH) has been revealed to be a critical factor in regulating photoperiod reproductive diapause in various insect species, however, little information is known about the detailed mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the roles of JH signaling in photoperiod reproductive diapause in a green lacewing, Chrysoperla nipponensis (Okamoto), which is a potentially important biological control predator. Our results showed that the short-day condition induces a diapause state including JH synthesis suppression, ovarian development arrest, and triglyceride accumulation. The interference of JH response genes, Krüppel homolog 1 (Kr-h1), in reproductive females exhibited a diapause-related phenotype such as ovarian development arrest and larger triglyceride storage. Exogenous JH III suppresses diapause to promote ovarian development and inhibit triglyceride synthesis. However, exogenous JH III fails to rescue the Kr-h1-silenced phenotype. Accordingly, our results demonstrate the critical role of Kr-h1 in regulating JH signaling to promote reproduction.

Genomic Baselines for Muskellunge in West Virginia: Implications for Stocking and Conservation

Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) are a recreationally and ecologically important apex predator found throughout North America. In West Virginia, the genetic structuring and diversity of native muskellunge is poorly understood. The supplementary stocking of non-native muskellunge has further complicated the issue, as the introgression of non-native alleles and prevalence of non-native muskellunge post stocking remains unclear as well. Using ddRAD sequencing, several datasets were generated to investigate the population structure and genomic diversity of muskellunge in West Virginia. Populations stocked with New York-strain muskellunge exhibited significant introgression, with genetic composition diverging from unstocked native West Virginia populations. However, one population showed greater genetic similarity to native and unstocked populations despite New York-strain prevalence, suggesting resilience against genetic alteration. Fixed SNPs between the New York and West Virginia strains were identified that can be used for broodstock screening and the enhancement of native populations. A genetically distinct population was identified in the Little Kanawha River system, with this population having the highest levels of genomic diversity among native populations as well as a high number of private alleles. However, elevated inbreeding coefficients highlight potential conservation concerns for this unique population. This study establishes a genomic baseline for muskellunge in West Virginia and underscores the importance of preserving native genomic diversity while balancing the demands of recreational fishing programs.

Conservation Genomics of West Virginia Walleye (Sander vitreus): Impact of Minor Allele Frequency Thresholds on Population Structure and Potential Adaptive Divergence Inferences

Background: Walleye (Sander vitreus), a valuable sportfish and an important ecological apex predator, exhibits genetic structuring across their range and localized structuring as a result of stocking. Methods: Walleye from 17 sampling locations across West Virginia were sequenced using a ddRAD protocol, generating various SNP datasets to assess population structuring and genomic diversity, with specific emphasis on the native Eastern Highlands strain. Different minor allele frequency filter thresholds were tested to assess impacts on genetic diversity and differentiation metrics. Results: High genetic differentiation was observed between the Eastern Highlands and Great Lakes strains, with further sub-structuring within the Eastern Highlands strain between the Ohio River populations and the other populations. Increasing MAF thresholds generally reduced the distinctiveness of clusters, but the overall inference of the number of clusters was minimally impacted. Genetic diversity metrics indicated some variability among Eastern Highlands walleye populations, with isolated populations, including the New River and Summersville Lake, showing higher inbreeding coefficients. MAF filters generally increased diversity metrics, but the trend of diversity metrics among populations remained relatively consistent. Several SNPs were found to be potentially undergoing selection, with the minor allele frequencies of these SNPs being found to be highest in Summersville Lake, highlighting potential adaptive divergence between the riverine populations and a large lentic system. Conclusions: The use of any MAF filter generated the same trends of population structuring and genomic diversity inferences regardless of the MAF threshold used. Further management of Eastern Highlands walleye in West Virginia needs to emphasize protecting the genetic integrity of the Kanawha River population and ongoing genomic screening of broodstock to conserve native genetic diversity.