Insect Species Research Articles

Advanced LC-MS/MS Technique for Environmental Ivermectin Detection.

Ivermectin is a widely used broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent employed in both companion animals and livestock. While generally safe for mammals, its acute and chronic toxicity has been proven in many nontarget fish and insect species at low concentrations. The present study aimed to develop, validate, and test a more accurate method for ivermectin detection in various matrices (feces, soil, and sewage) for environmental studies. The method was validated using the Eurachem network. The applicability of the method was established at 1.5-500 μg/L for feces and 1.5-15 μg/L for sewage and soil. No dilution effect was observed at 5000 μg/L. The limit of detection was 0.66, 0.54, and 0.36 μg/kg for feces, soil, and sewage, respectively. The limit of quantification was set at 1.5 μg/kg and verified experimentally. Overall recovery was 92.27 ± 12.01% for feces and 96.19 ± 13.78% in soil, reaching a linearity of at least 0.99. The present method was successfully applied to 228 feces, 20 sewage, and 105 soil samples. This validated method enables the precise detection and quantification of ivermectin in the tested matrices, thereby envisaging potential applications in environmental monitoring studies with improved sensitivity and specificity.

Unveiling symbiotic bacterial communities in insects feeding on the latex-rich plant Ficus microcarpa.

The diversity and health of insects that feed on plants are closely related to their mutualistic symbionts and host plants. These symbiotic partners significantly influence various metabolic activities in these insects. However, the symbiotic bacterial community of toxic plant feeders still needs further characterisation. This study aims to unravel bacterial communities associated with the different species of insect representing three insect orders: Thysanoptera, Hemiptera, and Lepidoptera, along with their predicted functional role, which exclusively feeds on latex-rich plant species Ficus microcarpa. By using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing, the analysis was able to define the major alignment of the bacterial population, primarily comprising Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota, and Acidobacteriota. Significant differences in symbiotic organisms between three insect groups were discovered by the study: hemipterans had Burkholderia and Buchnera, and lepidopterans had Acinetobacter. At the same time, Pseudomonas was detected in high abundance in both lepidopteran and thysanopteran insects. Furthermore, these symbionts exhibit consistent core functions, potentially explaining how different insects can consume the same host plant. The identified core functions of symbionts open avenues for innovative approaches in utilising these relationships to develop environment-friendly solutions for pest control, with broader implications for agriculture and environmental conservation.

Determination of a plasma retinol reference interval in eastern collared lizards (Crotaphytus collaris)

BackgroundThe Eastern collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) is a species of lizard native to the United States and Mexico and is growing in popularity in the exotic community around the world. There is minimal knowledge known on the analyte breakdown of this or closely related species. As this species becomes more popular in the exotic community more medical conditions are being identified that can be assisted in diagnosis with the establishment of ranges of the different essential analytes. Being an insectivorous lizard, this species may suffer from hypovitaminosis A. There has been a lack of antemortem diagnostics available for minimally invasive and appropriate diagnosis of this disease. Recent studies have been performed in other small insectivore species establishing plasma retinol reference intervals. Reference intervals for retinol have not been published or validated in collared lizards or any closely related species. MethodsPlasma, with a sample volume of only 50 µl, from forty clinically healthy captive bred Eastern collared lizards, twenty males and twenty females were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to determine plasma retinol concentrations. ResultsUsing UPLC-MS/MS analysis, data was normally distributed and a reference interval for plasma retinol in the Eastern collared lizard was 1.57-3.07 µg/mL (0.237-0.464 µmol/L). A mean of 0.31µg/ml; with a lower limit 95% confidence interval being 1.34-1.80 µg/ml and upper limit of 2.84-3.30 µg/ml. Vitamin A (retinol) levels were significantly different when comparing a captive bred line called Blazing Blue (n=4), with all other sampled captive bred localities. Including a closely related Aquaflames (n=16), (Sky Blue) (n=2), Western yellowhead (n=5), Fancy Spotted (n=4), Aquamarine (n=3), and Lightning Yellow (n=6); with the Blazing Blue morph being significantly lower using a t-Test comparison assuming equal variations. There was only one statistical variation seen in age groups between the 1-year-old and 6-year-old age groups with the 6-year-old age group being significantly lower than the 1-year-old age group. There was no variation based on sex. Conclusions and clinical relevanceThis study provides the first established plasma retinol range in a species in the suborder iguania. Values are valuable in assistance in diagnosing and treating hypovitaminosis A and to provide advice on dietary supplementation and dietary improvement for the collared lizards and possibly other related species as well. In addition, these values can be used to design and evaluate other studies for nutritional needs of this species. Limitations of this study include only a single season of collection, no same time comparison to liver values, some age groups were limited to only one individual, and the evaluation of only captive bred individuals.

Global proliferation of nonnative plants is a major driver of insect invasions

Abstract Invasions by nonnative insect species can massively disrupt ecological processes, often leading to serious economic impacts. Previous work has identified propagule pressure as important driver of the trend of increasing numbers of insect invasions worldwide. In the present article, we propose an alternative hypothesis—that insect invasions are being driven by the proliferation of nonnative plants, which create niches for insect specialists and facilitate their establishment outside their native ranges where their hosts are planted or are invasive. We synthesize mechanisms by which plant invasions facilitate insect invasions, macroecological patterns supporting the tight link between plant and insect invasions, and case studies of plant invasions having facilitated subsequent insect establishment. This body of evidence indicates that plant invasions are a major driver of insect invasions. Consequently, the benefits of limiting the spread of nonnative plants include averting the proliferation of nonnative insects and their spillover onto native plant species.

The temporal distribution of endophytic and exophytic insect guilds responds to host plant phenology in the Brazilian Savannah

Abstract Niche theory predicts high specialisation in species‐rich environments such as neotropics, where plant‐herbivore interactions are ubiquitous in all terrestrial systems. However, there is much to be explored on how different insect guilds respond to plant phenology in these specialised environments. Using a Fabaceae‐herbivore community as an ecological model, we evaluated how plant phenology affects the abundance and shapes the temporal distribution of exophytic (folivore chewers) and endophytic (seed chewers) insects. We tested the specialisation hypothesis, predicting insect species on only one or a few host plants, with a seasonal pattern of occurrence, many rare and few abundant species. Additionally, we analysed the relationship between plant phenology and environmental factors (temperature and precipitation). We conducted fieldwork with five species and 97 individuals of Fabaceae in Brazilian Savannah and performed an insect‐rearing study in the laboratory. We found an immediately synchronised relationship between endophytic insects and plant phenology in the dry season, whereas exophytic were throughout the year. Only six species from the exophytic guild, out of a total of 87 species for both guilds, fed on more than one host plant, showing a specialised network. Endophytic herbivores are more abundant, ephemeral and predictable than exophytic ones. We also found a negative relationship between fruiting and precipitation and a positive relationship between new leaves and temperature and precipitation. Our study shows that the temporal distribution of insect‐herbivore guilds responds to plant phenology. In a scenario of global warming with effects on the annual precipitation, endophytic insects are most vulnerable to local extinction due to temporal changes in plant phenology than the exophytic ones.

Foraging behaviour and pollinator dynamics in lucerne crop of the Bundelkhand region: Implications for crop management in the subtropics

Abstract Pollination stands out as the paramount ecosystem service facilitated by insect pollinators, providing benefits to over three quarters of the world’s major crops. The conservation and effective management of honeybees constitute integral components for ensuring the sustainable productivity of cross-pollinated crops. The present study aimed to document the potential pollinators of lucerne in the Bundelkhand region in India, which is known for its subtropical climatic conditions. Further, the foraging behaviour, including foraging rate and speed, was meticulously documented. A total of 13 insect species from seven families across three insect orders were observed visiting lucerne flowers. Hymenopterans comprised the majority of the floral visitors (73.48%), followed by Lepidoptera (26.51%) during the study period. Among them, Apis dorsata (Hymenoptera: Apidae) emerged as the most predominant floral visitor, exhibiting peak activity at 12:00 h with a density of 7.85 bees/m2/10 min. Surprisingly, among the major floral visitors, A. florea has the highest mean foraging rate (number of flowers visited/minute/forager), i.e., 11.56, 11.59 and 10.79 bees/flowers/minute during the initial flowering stage, peak flowering stage and late flowering stage, respectively. However, the foraging speed (time spent by the forager on each flower) was longest in A. dorsata, i.e., 5.05, 3.78 and 5.41 s/flower during initial, peak and late flowering stages, respectively. The findings emphasize the importance of enhancing honeybee activity to boost lucerne seed yield. Further, the outcomes of the study can be leveraged to optimize honeybee colony management, scheduling field operations such as pesticide application and weeding during periods of minimal honeybee activity.

Variation in Relative Abundance of Small Mammal Species Caught in Two Different Ecosystems and Implicated in the Spread of Emerging Pathogens in Mali

Background: Small rodents and insectivores are potential reservoirs of many pathogens transmissible to humans, such as bacteria, parasites and viruses responsible for epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in West Africa. Few studies on small mammal species in West Africa are available. Our previous findings from a study investigating emerging pathogens in two localities in Mali has determined the prevalence of pathogens in small mammals (rodents and insectivores). We used the data collected from this small mammal population with different eco-climatic characteristics to test hypothesis that small mammal distribution in different eco-climatic settings could explain the diversity and frequency of pathogens they carry. Methods: Sessions of trapping were carried out in December 2016 in Faladjè and Bougouni with “Besançon tous services” (BTS) wire mesh traps baited with peanut butter and/or onion. All animals captured were identified morphologically. Results: Out of 123 small rodents and insectivores captured over 674 trap-nights, 75 (60.97%) were from Faladjè and 48 (39.02%) from Bougouni. Of these, six species of small rodents belonged to the family Muridae (Mastomys erythroleucus, Mastomys natalensis, Rattus rattus, Praomys daltoni, Gerbilliscus gambianus, Taterillus gracilis) and two species of insectivores associated with the genus Crocidura spp. belonged to the family Soricidae and Erinaceidae (Crocidura cf olivieri and Atelerix cf albiventris), respectively. There is low species diversity within these two areas, but the variation in relative abundance is significant (binomial test, p ˂ 0.05) between Faladjè and Bougouni. Mastomys erythroleucus was the most dominant species (57.33%, 43/75) in Faladjè, while R. rattus dominated (37.5%,18/48) in Bougouni. Conclusions: These two species of small mammals potentially involved in the transmission of bacteria, parasites and pathogenic viruses to humans are differently present in two distinct eco-climatic areas in Mali.

Insecticidal efficacy of local diatomaceous earth compositions with different particle sizes against stored grain pests

In this study, the efficacy of a mixture of local diatomaceous earth (DE) with different diatomite compositions and particle sizes against stored-grain pests, Sitophilus oryzae L., 1763 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Tribolium confusum du Val, 1863 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), and Rhyzopertha dominica (F., 1792) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) adults was investigated in 2023 in the Entomology Laboratory of the Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, KSU. In biological tests, 500 and 1000 ppm concentrations (mg DE/kg wheat) of different particle sizes (≤ 20, 20-75, 75-150, and ≥ 150 µm) of DE mixture and original DE (≤ 250 µm) were applied to wheat. The highest mortality rate for all insect species tested at 500 ppm was obtained from DE treatments of ≤20 µm. At 1000 ppm, 100% mortality was observed for T. confusum and S. oryzae in almost all particle size DE-treatments, whereas no local DE treatments resulted in 100% mortality for R. dominica adults. Moreover, the greatest reduction in the number of F1 generation adults for S. oryzae and R. dominica was obtained in the DE treatment of ≤20 µm at 500 and 1000 ppm. In conclusion, local DE mixture treatments with ≤ 20 µm particle size were found to be highly effective in the control of stored-grain pests.

Assessment of Phosphine Resistance in Major Stored-Product Insects in Greece Using Two Diagnostic Protocols.

Post-harvest losses due to insect infestation and spoilage by bacteria and molds pose significant challenges to global cereal production. This study investigates the prevalence of resistance to phosphine, a commonly used grain protection agent, in stored-grain insects. The research, conducted in various storage facilities across Greece, examined 53 populations of key stored-product insect species. Two assessment protocols, namely, dose-response (at 50-1000 ppm for 3 days exposure) and CORESTA (at 300 ppm for 6 days), were used herein to estimate phosphine resistance. The results showed that 13.3% of field populations were resistant, and mortality rates increased with higher phosphine concentrations. Specifically, according to the dose-response protocol, among the 53 field populations, 37.7% were found to be resistant to phosphine, namely, two populations of O. surinamensis, one of S. oryzae, seven of T. confusum, one of C. ferrugineus, one of T. castaneum, and all populations of R. dominica, whereas, according to the CORESTA protocol, all populations were found to be susceptible to phosphine. The observed resistance patterns differ from those reported in other regions of the world. The study highlights the importance of tailored fumigation strategies, considering insect species varying susceptibility to phosphine. It recommends the use of best management practices and rotational strategies, such as combining phosphine with other methods, to develop effective resistance management plans. The results provide valuable insights into the dynamic landscape of phosphine resistance in stored-product insects and suggest potential avenues for further research and control measures.

Effects of Pirimiphos-Methyl on Non-Target Invertebrates.

The effects of pirimiphos-methyl have previously been assessed on blood-sucking insect species, pollinating insects, and target crop pest species. The sensitivity of non-target zoophagous and saprophage species to this insecticide remains largely unstudied. In laboratory conditions, we assessed the susceptibility of 43 species of invertebrates to pirimiphos-methyl. The most tolerant species to this insecticide were Pyrrhocoris apterus (LC50 measured over 60 mg/m2), Cylindroiulus truncorum, Pterostichus niger, Harpalus rufipes, Lithobius forficatus, and Carabus hortensis (LC50 ranged from 25 to 50 mg/m2). Average tolerance to pirimiphos-methyl was displayed by Ophonus rufibarbis, Teuchestes fossor, Silpha carinata, Badister sodalis, Rugilus rufipes, Phosphuga atrata, Porcellio laevis, Pterostichus oblongopunctatus, Aphodius foetens, Lasius fuliginosus, Oxypselaphus obscurus, Platydracus fulvipes, Myrmica ruginodis, Xantholinus tricolor, and Megaphyllum sp. (LC50 for those species ranged from 12 to 24 mg/m2). Higher sensitivity to this insecticide was seen for Amara nitida, Leistus ferrugineus, Harpalus xanthopus winkleri, Philonthus nitidus, Pterostichus melanarius, Harpalus latus, Limodromus assimilis, Philonthus decorus, Tachinus signatus, Ponera coarctata, Carabus convexus, Philonthus coprophilus, Philonthus laevicollis, Platydracus latebricola, Labia minor, and Carabus granulatus (LC50 for those species ranged from 6 to 12 mg/m2). The greatest sensitivity to pirimiphos-methyl was observed in Hister fenestus, Drusilla canaliculata, Bisnius fimetarius, Oxytelus sculptus, Lasius niger, and Lasius flavus (LC50 ranged from 0.4 to 6 mg/m2). We found a relationship between the parameters of bodies of invertebrates (the average body length and dry body mass) and sensitivity to pirimiphos-methyl. With an increase in body sizes of invertebrates, the tolerance to the insecticide increased (per each mm of body length, LC50 increased by 0.82 mg/m2 on average). We identified no relationship between the trophic specialization and sensitivity to the insecticide.

Thioredoxin System in Insects: Uncovering the Roles of Thioredoxins and Thioredoxin Reductase beyond the Antioxidant Defences.

Increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during aerobic metabolism in animals can negatively affect the intracellular redox status, cause oxidative stress and interfere with physiological processes in the cells. The antioxidant defence regulates ROS levels by interplaying diverse enzymes and non-enzymatic metabolites. The thioredoxin system, consisting of the enzyme thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), the redox-active protein thioredoxin (Trx) and NADPH, represent a crucial component of antioxidant defence. It is involved in the signalling and regulation of multiple developmental processes, such as cell proliferation or apoptotic death. Insects have evolved unique variations of TrxR, which resemble mammalian enzymes in overall structure and catalytic mechanisms, but the selenocysteine-cysteine pair in the active site is replaced by a cysteine-cysteine pair typical of bacteria. Moreover, the role of the thioredoxin system in insects is indispensable due to the absence of glutathione reductase, an essential enzyme of the glutathione system. However, the functions of the Trx system in insects are still poorly characterised. In the present review, we provide a critical overview of the current knowledge on the insect Trx system, focusing mainly on TrxR's role in the antioxidant and immune system of model insect species.

KERAGAMAN JENIS BURUNG DI KAWASAN PENGAMATAN BURUNG BIDADARI KALI BATU PUTIH, HALMAHERA BARAT, MALUKU UTARA

Kali Batu Putih ‘Standardwing Bird of Paradise Observation Area’ is located in West Halmahera, North Maluku. The forest in this area is a habitat for various species of birds, such as the Standardwing Bird of Paradise which is the icon of this location. This research was conducted with the aim of analyzing the diversity of bird species in the Kali Batu Putih ‘Standardwing Bird of Paradise Observation Area’. Bird species observations were carried out using a combination of line transect and point count methods. Bird species data collection was also carried out using the MacKinnon species list method. The forest conditions at the research location are secondary lowland forests at an altitude of 100-200 m asl. A total of 32 species of birds from 22 families were found in the research location. The Psittacidae family, the parrot group, has the largest number of species. Based on the feeding guild, insectivorous and frugivorous species are more dominant. There are three bird species categorized as near threatened on the IUCN red list and 11 species are protected by law in Indonesia. The number of endemic bird species is quite abundant, as many as 14 species or 44% of all species found. The large number of endangered, protected, and endemic bird species needs to be a concern by area managers in increasing bird conservation efforts in the Kali Batu Putih area. Conservation steps can be taken through habitat management activities, periodic monitoring, increasing biodiversity research, and developing ecotourism governance by involving communities around the forest.

Aquatic insect biodiversity, water quality variables, and microplastics in the living weir freshwater ecosystem

Most Thai rivers have not yet reached "good" ecological status. Furthermore, the scientific community is deeply concerned about the existence and abundance of microplastics (MPs) in freshwater. The live weirs' river health status was assessed using water quality and a variety of aquatic insect species. The research was conducted along Khlong-La, which was compared in the absence (R1, R2) and presence of living weirs (LWs) (M71, M62, M4, and M2). In 2023, aquatic insects and water samples were gathered during two months: January (rainy season) and July (dry season). The results revealed that the six sampling sites had similar physical and chemical properties, with the exception of total dissolved solids, which varied significantly. A total of 658 aquatic insects from 25 families and 6 orders were identified. The Hydropsychidae dominated the aquatic insect fauna at the LWs locations, followed by Chironomidae, Naucoridae, and Caenidae. Ten genera were discovered at the reference site (R1), whereas 16, 21, 24, and 19 were discovered at LWs (M71, M62, M4, M2), and 16 at the reference site (R2). The results of CCA ordination revealed that the most important factors influencing aquatic insect diversity were dissolved oxygen, water temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, and ammonia nitrogen. This study suggests that because of their significant responses to environmental factors, the species richness of aquatic insects may indicate the conservation value of habitats. The BMWPTHAI score was 41, 51, 57, 58, 73, 54, and the ASPTTHAI score was 5.12, 5.10, 5.18, 5.27, 4.86, and 5.40, respectively. Shannon-Weiner diversity index (Hʼ) values were 2.059, 2.461, 2.839, 2.777, and 2.587, respectively. The results showed that the water quality was average. The physicochemical data, as well as the BMWP and ASPT, revealed that the water at the living well was slightly polluted. Furthermore, larger MPs (>500 µm) were found in the largest concentrations, in the shape of fibers, and primarily in the color violet.

Comparative analysis of the whole mitochondrial genomes of four species in sect. Chrysantha (Camellia L.), endemic taxa in China

BackgroundThe sect. Chrysantha Chang of plants with yellow flowers of Camellia species as the “Queen of the Tea Family”, most of these species are narrowly distributed endemics of China and are currently listed Grde-II in National Key Protected Wild Plant of China. They are commercially important plants with horticultural medicinal and scientific research value. However, the study of the sect. Chrysantha species genetics are still in its infancy, to date, the mitochondrial genome in sect. Chrysantha has been still unexplored.ResultsIn this study, we provide a comprehensive assembly and annotation of the mitochondrial genomes for four species within the sect. Chrysantha. The results showed that the mitochondrial genomes were composed of closed-loop DNA molecules with sizes ranging from 850,836 bp (C. nitidissima) to 1,098,121 bp (C. tianeensis) with GC content of 45.71–45.78% and contained 48–58 genes, including 28–37 protein-coding genes, 17–20 tRNA genes and 2 rRNA genes. We also examined codon usage, sequence repeats, RNA editing and selective pressure in the four species. Then, we performed a comprehensive comparison of their basic structures, GC contents, codon preferences, repetitive sequences, RNA editing sites, Ka/Ks ratios, haplotypes, and RNA editing sites. The results showed that these plants differ little in gene type and number. C. nitidissima has the greatest variety of genes, while C. tianeensis has the greatest loss of genes. The Ka/Ks values of the atp6 gene in all four plants were greater than 1, indicating positive selection. And the codons ending in A and T were highly used. In addition, the RNA editing sites differed greatly in number, type, location, and efficiency. Twelve, six, five, and twelve horizontal gene transfer (HGT) fragments were found in C. tianeensis, Camellia huana, Camellia liberofilamenta, and C. nitidissima, respectively. The phylogenetic tree clusters the four species of sect. Chrysantha plants into one group, and C. huana and C. liberofilamenta have closer affinities.ConclusionsIn this study, the mitochondrial genomes of four sect. Chrysantha plants were assembled and annotated, and these results contribute to the development of new genetic markers, DNA barcode databases, genetic improvement and breeding, and provide important references for scientific research, population genetics, and kinship identification of sect. Chrysantha plants.

In vitro cytotoxic evaluation of Hypericum perforatum and molecular docking and dynamic analysis of PINK-1 inhibitors on model organism Tribolium castaneum and Homo sapiens

Hypericum species are especially known for their pharmacological characteristic. One of the major component of the plant is hypericin that can be used in tumor inhibition with its potent cytotoxic effects. In this study, the anticancer effect of H. perforatum essential oil on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line was examined, and the binding potential of the compounds of Hypericum perforatum L., hypericin, hyperoside and hyperforin, to the PINK1 protein of both human and model organism, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) was investigated in silico. Recently, many insect species have been proposed as model organisms, including T. castaneum, that the first species with whole genome sequenced. Worlwide distribution of insects, their environmental importance and realtively inexpensive cultivation have increased the interest in them Therefore, in in silico studies, T. castaneum was used as a model to compare binding similarities with humans and model organisms. In the study, the IC50 concentration of H. perforatum L. on MCF-7 cells was determined to be 98.765 μg/ml. Based on in silico findings, the most favorable binding affinity of -12.5 kcal/mol was observed between the Hypericin molecule and the insect PINK1 protein. The fact that these plant components bind with high energy to the PINK1 protein, which is believed to guard cells from mitochondrial dysfunction triggered by stress, is promising for the development of plant-based medical drugs and biopesticides.

Presence of Trace Elements in Edible Insects Commercialized through Online E-Commerce Platform.

This study aimed to evaluate the presence of various elements in edible insect-based food products available for human consumption. Several products were analyzed using atomic spectroscopy, and descriptive statistical analysis was conducted with IBM SPSS Statistics 27. The results revealed the presence of elements such as arsenic, cadmium, copper, magnesium, nickel, silver, lead, tungsten, uranium, mercury, platinum, aluminum, beryllium, bismuth, lithium, antimony, and thallium. Significant differences were found based on product type, insect species, and country of origin. The findings underscore the need to assess each insect species for its potential as a food source, taking into account element bioaccumulation factors. A comprehensive, global approach is essential for ensuring the food safety of edible insects as a sustainable protein source. Further research is needed to address these safety concerns.

Three new species of Talaromyces sect. Talaromyces discovered in China.

Talaromyces species play an important role in the nutrient cycle in natural ecosystems, degradation of vegetal biomass in industries and the implications in medicine. However, the species diversity of this genus is still far from fully understood. The polyphasic taxonomic approach integrating morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses based on BenA, CaM, Rpb2 and ITS sequences was used to propose three new Talaromyces species. Three new species of sect. Talaromyces isolated from soil are proposed, namely, T. disparis (ex-type AS3.26221), T. funiformis (ex-type AS3.26220) and T. jianfengicus (ex-type AS3.26253). T. disparis is unique in low growth rate, velvety texture, limited to moderate sporulation, biverticillate, monoverticillate and irregular penicilli bearing a portion of abnormally large globose conidia, it has no close relatives in phylogeny. Being a member of T. pinophilus complex, T. funiformis produces mycelial funicles on Czapek yeast autolysate agar (CYA), 5% malt extract agar (MEA) and yeast extract (YES), sparse sporulation on Czapek agar (Cz), CYA, MEA and YES while abundant on oatmeal agar (OA), bearing appressed biverticillate penicilli and globose to pyriform conida with smooth to finely rough walls. T. jianfengicus belongs to T. verruculosus complex, is characterized by velvety colony texture with moderate to abundant elm-green conidia en masse, producing biverticillate penicilli, globose conidia with verrucose walls. It is now a common practice in establishing new species of Aspergillus, Penicillium and Talaromyces based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analyses of BenA, CaM, Rpb2 and ITS sequences. The proposal of the three novelties of Talaromyces in this article is not only supported by their morphological distinctiveness, but also confirmed by the phylogenetic analyses of the concatenated BenA-CaM-Rpb2 and BenA-CaM-ITS, as well as the individual BenA, CaM, Rpb2 and ITS sequence matrices.

Regulatory genome annotation of 33 insect species

Annotation of newly sequenced genomes frequently includes genes, but rarely covers important non-coding genomic features such as the cis-regulatory modules—e.g., enhancers and silencers—that regulate gene expression. Here, we begin to remedy this situation by developing a workflow for rapid initial annotation of insect regulatory sequences, and provide a searchable database resource with enhancer predictions for 33 genomes. Using our previously developed SCRMshaw computational enhancer prediction method, we predict over 2.8 million regulatory sequences along with the tissues where they are expected to be active, in a set of insect species ranging over 360 million years of evolution. Extensive analysis and validation of the data provides several lines of evidence suggesting that we achieve a high true-positive rate for enhancer prediction. One, we show that our predictions target specific loci, rather than random genomic locations. Two, we predict enhancers in orthologous loci across a diverged set of species to a significantly higher degree than random expectation would allow. Three, we demonstrate that our predictions are highly enriched for regions of accessible chromatin. Four, we achieve a validation rate in excess of 70% using in vivo reporter gene assays. As we continue to annotate both new tissues and new species, our regulatory annotation resource will provide a rich source of data for the research community and will have utility for both small-scale (single gene, single species) and large-scale (many genes, many species) studies of gene regulation. In particular, the ability to search for functionally related regulatory elements in orthologous loci should greatly facilitate studies of enhancer evolution even among distantly related species.

Regulatory genome annotation of 33 insect species.

Annotation of newly sequenced genomes frequently includes genes, but rarely covers important non-coding genomic features such as the cis-regulatory modules-e.g., enhancers and silencers-that regulate gene expression. Here, we begin to remedy this situation by developing a workflow for rapid initial annotation of insect regulatory sequences, and provide a searchable database resource with enhancer predictions for 33 genomes. Using our previously developed SCRMshaw computational enhancer prediction method, we predict over 2.8 million regulatory sequences along with the tissues where they are expected to be active, in a set of insect species ranging over 360 million years of evolution. Extensive analysis and validation of the data provides several lines of evidence suggesting that we achieve a high true-positive rate for enhancer prediction. One, we show that our predictions target specific loci, rather than random genomic locations. Two, we predict enhancers in orthologous loci across a diverged set of species to a significantly higher degree than random expectation would allow. Three, we demonstrate that our predictions are highly enriched for regions of accessible chromatin. Four, we achieve a validation rate in excess of 70% using in vivo reporter gene assays. As we continue to annotate both new tissues and new species, our regulatory annotation resource will provide a rich source of data for the research community and will have utility for both small-scale (single gene, single species) and large-scale (many genes, many species) studies of gene regulation. In particular, the ability to search for functionally related regulatory elements in orthologous loci should greatly facilitate studies of enhancer evolution even among distantly related species.

HPLC-MS/MS and ICP-MS for Evaluation of Mycotoxins and Heavy Metals in Edible Insects and Their Defatted Cakes Resulting from Supercritical Fluid Extraction.

Edible Insects (EIs) are an alternative source of bioactive compounds such as proteins or fatty acids and micronutrients as vitamins or minerals, thus showing potential to replace traditional foodstuffs in an economical and environmentally friendly way. Nonetheless, EIs can accumulate hazardous chemicals such as mycotoxins and heavy metals. The aim of the present study is to determine mycotoxins and heavy metal content in raw insect samples and those resulting products obtained after supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). Insect samples included Acheta domesticus (cricket) meal, Tenebrio molitor (mealworm) meal, Alphitobius diaperinus (buffalo worm), and Locusta migratoria (locust). For this purpose, a QuEChERS method followed by LC-MS/MS analysis was optimized with good results for the analysis of mycotoxins, principally Aflatoxins (AFs), Ochratoxin A (OTA), and Enniatins (ENNs). In contrast, heavy metals (As, Cd, Hg, Pb) were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results obtained revealed that Locust was positive for AFG2 at a level of 115.5 μg/kg, and mealworm was only contaminated with OTA at 58.1 μg/kg. Emerging mycotoxins (ENNA, ENNA1, ENNB, and ENNB1) were detected at lower levels < 2.2 µg/Kg. Concerning heavy metals, limits exceeding regulation were detected for Cd in the insect species studied, with levels up to 219 μg/kg, and for Pb in crickets (100.3 μg/kg). Finally, the analysis of the post-extraction solids after SFE processing revealed that heavy metals remained in the resulting SFE cakes, while mycotoxins were detected at negligible levels (up to 1.3 µg/Kg).