Insect Life Cycle Research Articles

Notes on Parotis baldersalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) as edible caterpillar occurring on Tabernaemontana crassa Plum. ex L. (Apocynaceae) at Plateaux Bateke, in Gabon

Observations on the occurrence of Parotis baldersalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on Tabernaemontana crassa. Plum. ex L. (Apocynaceae) were carried out from edge bosquet forests near Leconi, Edjouangoulou, Odjouma and Ossouélé villages, in Plateaux Batéké on november 2021, in Gabon. A first part of the study was focused on field assessment of this insect prevalence on it wild host plant, and it use by local residents. The second part aimed to rear some larvae at the Crop Protection Laboratory, University of Sciences and Technologies of Masuku (INSAB/USTM), in order to make a correct species identification from adults. Results revealed 100% of trees with infestation characterized by global defoliation on both high and small plants. Local people reconnized to eat and appreciate caterpillar and chrysalid stages of this insect each year. Incidence occured from larval feeding behavour consisting on rolling dorsally leaf edge, gnawing parachyma and turning foliage to a brown appearance followed often by wilting and leaf dropping. One to tree young larvae could be observed per leaf at early attack stage, but a single one for final larval instars. Attacks were limited on leaves burning, so that host plants refolation was observed some weeks later. Laboratoty rearing allow emergence of female and male adults of P. baldersalis, and one relate Ichneumonid parasitoid. Further studies are to be conducted in order to assess both the insect life cycle among this environment, and it nutrtionnal value.

Effect of solvent extraction time on the hydrocarbon profile of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and behavioural effects of 9-pentacosene and dodecane

Hydrocarbons play a major role in the life cycle of insects. Their composition and concentration can be affected by several factors. Hydrocarbons are biosynthesized in oenocytes and subsequently transported to the cuticle of insects, such as Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae). As the extraction procedure markedly affects the type and amount of hydrocarbon obtained we determined the association between the time taken to extract the maximum amounts of these compounds and the behaviour of D. suzukii. The required extraction time to reach a steady state is different for each hydrocarbon, which in most cases is more than one hour. On the other hand, if the entire hydrocarbon profile of D. suzukii needs to be investigated, extraction times significantly longer than one hour were required. By extending the extraction time 5 additional hydrocarbons were detected in D. suzukii for the first time. One of them, dodecane proved to be repulsive to D. suzukii. In addition, it took 3 h of extraction to determine the maximum value of 9-pentacosene, which is responsible for triggering mating behaviour in D. suzukii.

Reciprocal interactions between anthropogenic stressors and insect microbiota.

Insects play many important roles in nature due to their diversity, ecological role, and impact on agriculture or human health. They are directly influenced by environmental changes and in particular anthropic activities that constitute an important driver of change in the environmental characteristics. Insects face numerous anthropogenic stressors and have evolved various detoxication mechanisms to survive and/or resist to these compounds. Recent studies highligted the pressure exerted by xenobiotics on insect life-cycle and the important role of insect-associated bacterial microbiota in the insect responses to environmental changes. Stressor exposure can have various impacts on the composition and structure of insect microbiota that in turn may influence insect biology. Moreover, bacterial communities associated with insects can be directly or indirectly involved in detoxification processes with the selection of certain microorganisms capable of degrading xenobiotics. Further studies are needed to assess the role of insect-associated microbiota as key contributor to the xenobiotic metabolism and thus as a driver for insect adaptation to polluted habitats.

Disentangling thermal effects using life cycle simulation modelling on the biology and demographic parameters of Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris, a parasitoid of Tuta absoluta

Dolichogenidea gelechiidivoris (Marsh) (Syn. Apanteles gelechiidivoris) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a konoibiont larval endoparasitoid of the South American tomato pinworm Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), was imported into Kenya in 2017 for the first classical biological control of T. absoluta in Africa. We determined the thermal thresholds of D. gelechiidivoris, with T. absoluta as host, using life cycle simulation modelling. Life-table data of D. gelechiidivoris were generated at six constant temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 °C, 65 ± 5% RH, and 12L: 12D photoperiod). Multiple non-linear functions were fitted to model some aspects of the biology of the parasitoid, including its longevity, mortality, reproduction, and senescence using Insect Life Cycle Modelling (ILCYM) software. The phenology models established were used to estimate life table parameters. Except at 35 °C, D. gelechiidivoris completed its development (i.e., egg-larval-pupa-adult) at all tested temperatures. The minimum temperature threshold from egg to cocoon was 7.0 °C and 5.9 °C from cocoon to adult wasp, while the maximum temperature thresholds were 34 °C and 36 °C, respectively. The optimal temperature for immature survival was 20–25 °C, while fecundity was optimum at 22.5 °C, with 69.5 eggs per female. Simulations of the population growth parameters indicated that the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was maximum at 20 °C with 15 daughters per female per generation. Based on our findings the release of D. gelechiidivoris for inoculative augmentation in countries with temperatures ranging between 15 and 30 °C could be considered to control the pest.

Local Climate Conditions Shape the Seasonal Patterns of the Diptera Community in a Tropical Rainforest of the Americas.

Insect life cycles are short-term and therefore sensitive to immediate changes triggered by climate, vegetation structure, or land use management; hence, the insect populations shape the communities and functional relationships in tropical forests. In this study, we hypothesized that seasonal variations of the dipteran families respond in different ways to changes of weather conditions, thereby affecting their population dynamics. In a one-hectare plot, we surveyed the fly community inhabiting the understory of a Neotropical rainforest. Over a yearly cycle, we used three Malaise traps operated continuously for 365days and recorded a total of 68,465 fly specimens belonging to 48 families of Diptera, 15 of which were most abundant, accounting for 99.2% of all sampled individuals. The results of the trapping frequency indices (TFIs) exhibited significant population fluctuations in 12 of the 15 most abundant families, which were particularly correlated with temperature or precipitation. Based on such variations, we identified four seasonal patterns as follows: (i) Spring-Autumn bimodal pattern (Cecidomyiidae, Sciaridae, Phoridae, Stratiomyidae); (ii) Spring pattern (Mycetophilidae, Dolichopodidae, Ceratopogonidae); (iii) Autumn pattern (Chironomidae, Psychodidae); (iv) Winter pattern (Empididae, Tipulidae, Ditomyiidae). From a functional perspective, we found the prevalence of families with saprophagous larvae, in addition to phytophagous, fungivores, and predacious. Our results suggest a key role played by the Diptera community on structuring the functional clusters, both in terms of taxonomic composition and on seasonal shifts of abundance, thus influencing the dynamic processes of nutrient cycling in the understory.

Kr-h1, a Cornerstone Gene in Insect Life History.

Insect life cycle is coordinated by hormones and their downstream effectors. Krüppel homolog1 (Kr-h1) is one of the crucial effectors which mediates the actions of the two critical hormones of insects, the juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). It is a transcription factor with a DNA-binding motif of eight C2H2 zinc fingers which is found to be conserved among insect orders. The expression of Kr-h1 is fluctuant during insect development with high abundance in juvenile instars and lower levels in the final instar and pupal stage, and reappearance in adults, which is governed by the coordination of JH, 20E, and miRNAs. The dynamic expression pattern of Kr-h1 is closely linked to its function in the entire life of insects. Over the past several years, accumulating studies have advanced our understanding of the role of Kr-h1 during insect development. It acts as a universal antimetamorphic factor in both hemimetabolous and holometabolous species by directly inhibiting the transcription of 20E signaling genes Broad-Complex (Br-C) and Ecdysone induced protein 93F (E93), and steroidogenic enzyme genes involved in ecdysone biosynthesis. Meanwhile, it promotes vitellogenesis and ovarian development in the majority of studied insects. In addition, Kr-h1 regulates insect behavioral plasticity and caste identity, neuronal morphogenesis, maturation of sexual behavior, as well as embryogenesis and metabolic homeostasis. Hence, Kr-h1 acts as a cornerstone regulator in insect life.

A temperature‐dependent phenology model for Apanteles subandinus Blanchard, parasitoid of Phthorimaea operculella Zeller and Symmetrischema tangolias (Gyen)

AbstractThe potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella Zeller) is a major invasive pest of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) worldwide. Classical biological control using parasitoids had been of primary interest during the last decades to control this pest. More than twenty parasitoid species have been reported parasitizing P. operculella. Apanteles subandinus Blanchard had been successfully used in different countries. Determination of the parasitoid's temperature‐dependent development is crucial for better predicting the potential of the parasitoid to establish in a new region and to control the target pest. Therefore, the effect of temperature on the development and reproduction of A. subandinus was studied at five constant temperatures ranging from 11–30°C in its main host P. operculella. The Insect Life Cycle Modeling (ILCYM) software was used to fit nonlinear equations to collected life table data and to establish an overall phenology model to simulate life table parameters based on temperature. The parasitoid completed its life cycle at constant temperatures from 15 to 30°C. Temperature of 11°C was lethal to pupae, and at 35°C no larvae development was possible. The theoretical lower threshold temperatures for the development of egg‐larvae and pupae were 10.3°C and 11.8°C respectively. The model predicted limits for survival at around 12°C and 33°C. The lowest senescence rate was observed within the temperature range of 15–25°C. Oviposition time decreased significantly with increasing temperature from 12.2 days (15°C) to 1.8 days (30°C). The highest fertility was predicted at 27°C. Maximum population growth is expected around 26.78°C with a finite rate of increase, λ of 1.0445, which corresponds to a population doubling time of 15.9 days. The highest values for gross reproduction rate (GRR) and net reproduction rate (R0) were found between 24 and 25°C, and the shortest mean generation time (T) was observed at 30°C (23.48 d). The use of the phenology model in the context of classical biological control of P. operculella is discussed.

Genome-Wide Identification of Aldehyde Oxidase Genes in Moths and Butterflies Suggests New Insights Into Their Function as Odorant-Degrading Enzymes

Aldehyde oxidases (AOXs) are common detoxifying enzymes in several organisms. In insects, AOXs act in xenobiotic metabolism and as odorant-degrading enzymes (ODEs). These last appear as crucial enzymes in the life cycle of insects, helping to reset their olfactory system, particularly in lepidopterans, which fulfill important ecological roles (e.g., pollination or destructive life cycles). A comprehensive understanding of their olfactory system has provided opportunities to study key chemosensory proteins. However, no significant advance has been made around lepidopteran AOXs research, and even less around butterflies, a recently evolved lineage. In this study we have identified novel AOX gene families in moths and butterflies in order to understand their role as ODEs. Eighteen genomes from both moths and butterflies were used for phylogenetics, molecular evolution and sequence analyses. We identified 164 AOXs, from which 91 are new. Their phylogeny showed two main clades that are potentially related to odorant-degrading function, where both moths and butterflies have AOXs. A first ODE-related clade seems to have a non-ditrysian origin, likely related to plant volatiles. A second ODE-related clade could be more pheromone-biased. Molecular evolution analysis suggests a slight purifying selection process, though a number of sites appeared under positive selection. ODE-related AOXs have changed a phenylalanine residue by proline in the active site. Finally, this study could serve as a reference for further evolutionary and functional studies around Lepidopteran AOXs.

In silico identification of potential phytochemical inhibitors targeting farnesyl diphosphate synthase of cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera)

Helicoverpa armigera (Ha), a polyphagous pest, causes significant damage to several crop plants, including cotton. The control of this cosmopolitan pest is largely challenging due to the development of resistance to existing management practices. The Juvenile Hormone (JH) plays a pivotal role in the life cycle of insects by regulating their morphogenetic and gonadotropic development. Hence, enzymes involved in JH biosynthesis are an attractive target for the development of selective insecticides. Farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS), a member protein of (E)-prenyl-transferases, is one of the most crucial enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway of JHs. It catalyzes the condensation of isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) with dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP), forming farnesyl diphosphate (FPP), a precursor of JH. The study was designed to identify an effective small inhibitory molecule that could inhibit the activity of Helicoverpa armigera – FPPS (HaFPPS) for an effective pest control intervention. Therefore, a 3D model of FPPS protein was generated using homology modeling. The FooDB database library of small molecules was selected for virtual screening, following which binding affinities were evaluated using docking studies. Three top-scored molecules were analyzed for various pharmacophore properties. Further, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analysis showed that the identified molecules (mitraphylline-ZINC1607834, chlorogenic acid-ZINC2138728 and llagate-ZINC3872446) had a reasonably acceptable binding affinity for HaFPPS and resulted in the formation of a stable HaFPPS-inhibitor(s) complex. The identified phytochemical molecules may be used as potent inhibitors of HaFPPS thus, paving the way for further developing environment-friendly insect growth regulator(s). Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Biodiversity of Calliphoridae Flies in South Rajasthan in Relation to Their Importance in Forensic Entomology

The analysis of the insect community present on a decomposing corpse can often provide valuable forensic insights, especially the estimation of the time of death, or postmortem interval (PMI). Life cycle of forensic insect act as clocks which starts within few minutes or hours after death. Udaipur has a semi-arid and vegetative climate. Forensically important flies directly affected from particular environmental condition. The present results highlight the particularities of local insect fauna corpses from Southern Rajasthan and their possible role in forensic entomology. The main objective of this study was to collect necrophagous insects colonizing the corpses as well as to gather information about their potential role in crime investigation and know the succession and decomposition pattern of forensically important fauna of Calliphoridae on carcass. The different life stages of Calliphoridae were observed during experiment and also compare with another forensically important families of Diptera like Sarcophagidae, Mucidae etc. Calliphoridae is most abundant fly that visit the carrion.

State Estimation of Pest Populations subject to Intermittent Measurements

This paper introduces an observer-based scheme to estimate pest populations in agricultural fields. The proposed scheme describes the different stages of the life cycle of insects as a system of ODEs and it uses an Extended Kalman Filter with intermittent observations to provide a state estimation. This scheme aims at providing a general framework to formally combine physiologically-based models and field measurements, contrary to current best practices where both methodologies are used independently in parallel. The presented approach allows to apply this framework to a large number of species of agricultural interest and to take advantage from different counting systems. The improvement of the presented approach with respect to current best practices is demonstrated by means of numerical simulations based on the case of Drosophila suzukii.

Bioatividade do extrato aquoso de Jacaranda spp. (Bignoniaceae) em Plutella xylostella L. 1758 (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)

The high consumption rate of vegetables stimulates the cultivation and increases the demand regarding the adequacy of the production processes. The attack of the pest Plutella xylostella causes high losses by reducing product quality, typifying a phytosanitary problem. This study aimed to verify the bioactivity of aqueous extracts of leaves of Jacaranda decurrens and Jacaranda mimosifolia at concentrations of 5, 10, and 15% on the insect. The choice test was carried out at the laboratory to determine the food effect of plant extracts and evaluate changes in the life cycle of insects exposed to active compounds through the analysis of biological parameters. Plant extracts of J. decurrens and J. mimosifolia presented with phagodeterrent classification in the choice experiments. The three J. decurrens extract concentrations promoted a prolongation of larval and pupal duration, while the duration of individuals treated with J. mimosifolia at 10% was significantly reduced. Occurred reduction in larval survival of individuals treated with aqueous extracts of J. decurrens and J. mimosifolia. Eggs from treatments with aqueous extract of J. decurrens and J. mimosifolia had reduced survival. Pupal survival of individuals treated with extract at 15% showed a significant reduction compared to the treatments at 5% and 10%. Pupae from the treatment with aqueous extract of Jacaranda mimosifolia showed a reduction in biomass in the treatment at 15% differing from the control e 5%. Thus, the aqueous extracts of the species J. decurrens and J. mimosifolia show insecticidal potential in the tests performed on P. xylostella.

Edible Insects and their Food Plants in Nagaland-future Prospects

Globally, edible insects are a delicacy and popularly consumed, however, despite their nutritional and economic potential, little is known about their developmental stages, feeding behaviour and host plants. The current advocacy of edible insects to combat future food security could lead to indiscriminate collection of insect resources. Due to lack of data on their host plants and related habitat associations, many edible insects are at risks of exploitation and ecological damage. the present study is an effort to collect data on the habitat and host plant preference as well as the lifecycle and feeding behaviour of edible insects that occur in Nagaland. Besides, being naturally available in the wild, insects are reported to also feed on cultivated plants. Knowledge on the ecology of insect and host plants as well as proper management, cultivation, semi-domestication and conservation strategies are discussed. These could possibly lead to large-scale production, sustainable utilization of insects as well as the longevity of the plants they are associated with.

Temperature based phenology model for predicting establishment and survival of Spodoptera litura (Fab.) on groundnut during climate change scenario in India

Studies were conducted to develop temperature-based phenology model for Spodoptera litura on groundnut, at both constant and fluctuating temperatures and to predict the possibility of pest risk in future climate change scenarios of India using ‘stochastic simulation tool’ in Insect Life Cycle Modelling (ILCYM) software ,which is based on rate summation and cohort up-dating approach. Phenology model predicted temperatures between 25oC and 30oC as the favourable range for S. litura development, survival and reproduction. The intrinsic rate of increase (rm), and finite rate of increase (») increased with increase in temperature from 15oC to 30oC and decreased with increase in temperature. Intrinsic rate of increase (rm), varied from 0.05 females/female/day at 15oC to 0.17 females/female/day at 30oC. S. litura population attained a maximum net reproductive rate ‘Ro’ (334.09 females/female/generation) and total fecundity (1041.88 individuals/ female/generation) at 27°C temperature. Simulated life table parameters were used to determine indices such as the establishment risk index (ERI), the generation index (GI), and activity index (AI) by using the ‘Population distribution and risk mapping’ module of software during present and future climatic scenarios and significant increase in AI and ERI with higher GI at future (2050) climatic conditions compared to current (2000) climatic conditions indicating the strong suitability for establishment and survival of S.litura in India.

Temperature‐based phenology model of African citrus triozid (Trioza erytreae Del Guercio): Vector of citrus greening disease

AbstractThe African citrus triozid (ACT), Trioza erytreae Del Guercio (Hemiptera: Triozidae), is the major vector of the ‘Candidatus Liberibacter africanus’, associated with the African citrus greening disease [huanglongbing (HLB)]. Although T. erytreae is a very destructive pest in citrus production with yield losses up to 100%, there is limited information on its thermal biology, which is a prerequisite for developing an environmentally friendly management strategy. This study investigated the effect of temperature on the development and survival of T. erytreae under eight constant temperatures (10, 15, 18, 20, 22, 24, 27 and 30°C), relative humidity of 65 ± 5% and a photoperiod of 12D:12L. Using Insect Life Cycle Modeling software, we fitted linear and non‐linear models to T. erytreae development and mortality data. The best‐fitted functions were compiled for each life stage to yield a phenology model. Our findings revealed that temperature had a significant effect on the development of all the immature stages. No complete development was observed at 10, 27 and 30°C. The developmental time of eggs ranged from 5.27 days at 24°C to 13.5 days at 15°C. The lowest developmental temperature threshold ranged between 3 and 15°C, with thermal constants ranging between 16.7 and 100 degree‐days. The 1st nymphal instars recorded the highest mortality at 15°C. The highest survival rates of the 3rd instar nymphs were recorded at 20°C. The model predicted that temperatures between 20 and 25°C were optimal for the survival of all the immature life stages, except for the 1st nymphal instars. Our results provide relevant information on the impact of temperature on the development and survival of T. erytreae, which is essential for the development of more efficient management strategies.

Articulating Fragrant Agarwood Formation as an Outcome of the Interaction between the Insect Zeuzera conferta and Aquilaria trees – A Review

Agarwood is the resinous infected wood obtained from Aquilaria species, which is a highly priced product in the flavour and fragrance market. Its formation is a complex process of interaction between the plant, insect, and microorganisms. Multiple studies concerning the interaction of microorganisms with the Aquilaria tree have been reported. However, the significant interaction between the insect Zeuzera conferta Walker (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) with Aquilaria has been overlooked, and only exiguous studies have been accomplished. Considering the dearth of available literature on this interesting phenomenon a review has been attempted. The taxonomical and morphological descriptions proffered by researchers and the insect life cycle are discussed. The review lays emphasis on the chemical ecology of the interaction between Z. conferta, Aquilaria and associating microorganisms as a possible continuum operating in the form of complex chemical signalling via release and sensing of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Herbivore Induced Plant Volatiles (HIPVs) and Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (MVOCs). The review also scrutinizes the future perspectives of understanding the interaction in devising suitable management strategies to prevent uncontrolled infestation and, simultaneously, develop artificial rearing technology for the insect Z. conferta as a strategy for ensuring sustainable livelihood of farmers dependent on agarwood production.

Does Counting Different Life Stages Impact Estimates for Extinction Probabilities for Tsetse (Glossina spp)?

As insect populations decline, due to climate change and other environmental disruptions, there has been an increased interest in understanding extinction probabilities. Generally, the life cycle of insects occurs in well-defined stages: when counting insects, questions naturally arise about which life stage to count. Using tsetse flies (vectors of trypanosomiasis) as a case study, we develop a model that works when different life stages are counted. Previous branching process models for tsetse populations only explicitly represent newly emerged adult female tsetse and use that subpopulation to keep track of population growth/decline. Here, we directly model other life stages. We analyse reproduction numbers and extinction probabilities and show that several previous models used for estimating extinction probabilities for tsetse populations are special cases of the current model. We confirm that the reproduction number is the same regardless of which life stage is counted, and show how the extinction probability depends on which life stage we start from. We demonstrate, and provide a biological explanation for, a simple relationship between extinction probabilities for the different life stages, based on the probability of recruitment between stages. These results offer insights into insect population dynamics and provide tools that will help with more detailed models of tsetse populations. Population dynamics studies of insects should be clear about life stages and counting points.

Temperature-dependent phenology of the parasitoid Fopius arisanus on the host Bactrocera dorsalis.

Fopius arisanus (Sonan), an egg-pupal parasitoid of numerous fruit fly species, was recently introduced into Africa for the control of the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). In this study, life-table data of F. arisanus were generated under laboratory conditions at six constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, 28 and 35°C; 75% RH, L12:D12 photoperiod) and under variable conditions in a screenhouse on B. dorsalis. Several non-linear functions were fitted to model species development, mortality, longevity and oviposition using the Insect Life Cycle Modeling (ILCYM) software. The established phenology models were stochastically simulated at variable temperatures to estimate the life table parameters. Fopius arisanus completed development from egg to adult at all the temperatures tested except at 35°C. Mean developmental time from egg to adult was inversely proportional to the temperature. The minimum temperature threshold (Tmin) from egg to adult was 8.15°C, while the maximum temperature threshold (Tmax) was estimated at 34.2°C. The optimal temperature for immature stages survival was predicted for 20-30°C. The optimum fecundity estimated was 251 eggs/female at 22°C. Following the stochastic simulations under natural conditions of the selected agro-ecological zones, it appears that the Humid Forest with Bimodal Rainfall provides a suitable thermal condition for potential population growth of F. arisanus. The present study shows the importance of temperature on the demographic parameters of F. arisanus. Implications of present findings on the biological control of B. dorsalis under climate change scenarios is discussed.

Cold plasma for insect pest control: Tribolium castaneum mortality and defense mechanisms in response to treatment

AbstractThe insecticidal properties and mechanisms of high‐voltage air‐based atmospheric cold plasma using a contained dielectric barrier discharge reactor were investigated against Tribolium castaneum as an important bio‐contaminant in stored grains spoilage. The mortality of 95.0%–100% for preadult stages can be achieved within seconds of treatment, but longer plasma exposure (5 min) is required to kill adult insects. Cold plasma treatment reduces both the respiration rate and the weight of insects and affects the levels of oxidative stress markers in adult populations. Sufficient toxicity is achievable through plasma process control in air to address the range of insect lifecycle stages that are disease vectors and pose risks for grain stability in storage. Balancing insecticidal activity with grains' quality retention can provide a route to sustainable integrated pest management.

Ecological significance of entomofauna and main factors of loss of its biodiversity

Analysis of modern domestic and world scientific sources concerning ecological significance of the entomofauna of agroecosystems was presented and the main factors that cause the loss of species diversity of insects were identified in the article. Biodiversity loss, including entomofauna caused by anthropogenic activity and climate changes over the last 100 years is unprecedented in human history. More than 40% of insect species are extinct, and a third is endangered. According to more optimistic data, the total mass of insects decreases by 2.5% annually, that indicates a high probability of extinction within a century. Habitat degradation, agricultural intensification, climate change and invasive species were identified as major factors of the global loss of entomofauna biodiversity. Habitat degradation as a direct consequence of the expansion and intensification of agricultural production leads not only to the homogenization of ecosystems, but also to an increase in the use of pesticides and agrochemicals that have a negative impact on biodiversity and ecological state of the natural environment. Climate changes, in particular, rising temperatures, affect the life cycle of insects and their geographical distribution, and invasive species change the functioning of ecosystems, displacing local fauna. Climate changes can affect phytophagous insects in several ways: lead to expanding of their geographical distribution, increase winter survival, increase the number of generations, change the interaction between plants and pests, change interspecific interaction, increase the risk of invading migratory pests, increase in plant attack by pathogens passed by insects, reduction the efficiency of biological control, especially natural enemies.