Instar Larvae Research Articles

Insecticidal effects of some plant extracts against Khapra beetle [Trogoderma granarium Everts (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)

The study aims to determine the toxicity of extracts in three different solvents (methanol, hot water, and cold water) obtained from 10 different plants [Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae), Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae), Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae), Anethum graveolens L. (Apiaceae), Origanum onites L. (Lamiaceae), Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (Lamiaceae), Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (Apiaceae), Hypericum perforatum L. (Clusiaceae), Mentha piperita L. (Lamiaceae), and Nicotiana tabacum L. (Solanaceae)] against the larvae of the third instar of Trogoderma granarium Everts (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) collected from different provinces of Türkiye. The results of the study varied depending on the plant species and the solvent used. Based on the observations, methanol was found to be the most effective solvent, followed by hot water and then cold water. On the 14th day of application, the highest mortality rate of 100% was observed when methanol was used as a solvent at a concentration of 20% (w/v) of the plant extracts. In contrast, this rate was 44% when cold water was used and 56% when hot water was used. According to the research results, extracts of A. graveolens, N. tabacum, and N. sativa showed a highly toxic effect on the pest, suggesting that these extracts are promising for the control of storage pests. However, more extensive studies are still needed to confirm the applicability and feasibility of these applications on an industrial scale.

Humidity modifies species-specific and age-dependent heat stress effects in an insect host-parasitoid interaction.

Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events, and may increase humidity levels, leading to coupled thermal and hydric stress. However, how humidity modulates the impacts of heat stress on species and their interactions is currently unknown. Using an insect host-parasitoid interaction: the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella, and its endoparasitoid wasp, Venturia canescens, we investigated how humidity interacted with heat stress duration, applied at different host developmental stages, to affect life history traits. Hosts parasitized as 4th instar larvae and unparasitized hosts were maintained in high- (60.8% RH) or low-humidity (32.5% RH) at constant 28°C. They were then exposed to a 38°C thermal stress with a duration of 0 (no heat stress), 6 or 72 h in either the 4th or 5th host instar. Neither humidity nor heat stress duration affected emergence of unparasitized hosts, but increasing heat stress duration during the 4th instar decreased parasitoid emergence irrespective of humidity. When applied during the 5th instar, increasing heat duration decreased parasitoid emergence under low humidity, but no effect of heat stress was found under high humidity. Moreover, experiencing longer heat stress in the 4th instar increased host larval development time and decreased body size under high humidity, but this effect differed under low humidity; increasing heat duration in the 5th instar decreased parasitoid body sizes only under low humidity. Larval stage and heat stress duration directly affected parasitized host survival time, with a concomitant indirect reduction of parasitoid sizes. We show that humidity modifies key life history responses of hosts and parasitoids to heat stress in species-specific ways, highlighting the potential importance of humidity in regulating host-parasitoid interactions and their population dynamics. Finally, we emphasize that interactions between environmental stressors need to be considered in climate change research.

Climate change and its impact on sericulture

Climate change refers to the global phenomenon of rapid transformation in natural climate patterns like rain, wind, heat and more. Climate change poses a significant challenge to the existence of species and the stability of ecosystems on a global scale. The escalation in the Earth's atmospheric temperature is predominantly influenced by the heightened levels of greenhouse gases (GHG), including carbon dioxide (72%), methane (18%) and nitrous oxide (9%). (Bora et al., 2022). Agriculture is directly dependent on climate change and weather in India. The climate change viz., temperature, rainfall and carbon dioxide showed impact on crop growth and production in the country (Ram et al., 2016). Temperature fluctuations impact silkworm behavior, development, survival, growth and reproduction as highlighted by Neelaboina et al. in 2018. Silkworms are ectothermic organisms meaning that, their body temperature closely aligns with their surrounding environment. Consequently, alterations in temperature can significantly impact insect behavior, distribution, development, survival, growth and reproduction. Elevated air temperatures particularly during the 4th and 5th larval instars pose a significant climatic challenge that can adversely affect both silkworms and cocoon crops. The issues arising from these unfavorable conditions can be effectively mitigated by adhering to the recommended silkworm rearing technologies as outlined by Tripath et al. (2017).

Comparative effect of biopesticides against the fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith)

Summary The current study evaluated the effect of microbial-derived insecticides (abamectin and spinosad), two microbials (Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin, Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner), and three chitin synthesis inhibitors (CSIs) (chlorfluazuron, hexaflumuron and lufenuron) against Spodoptera frugiperda larvae. Spinosad and abamectin caused pronounced mortality against second larval instar of S. frugiperda using the leaf dipping method. Spinosad induced higher toxicity (LC50 = 4.01 mg/L) than abamectin (LC50 = 8.33 mg/L) one day after treatment. The treatments with B. bassiana and B. thuringiensis caused higher mortality of S. frugiperda larvae 7 days after treatment with LC50 values of 3.0 × 105 spores/ml and 8.2 × 106 cells/ml, respectively. In the case of the CSIs, hexaflumuron showed higher toxicity than chlorfluazuron and lufenuron with LC50 values of 0.01, 0.009 and 0.005 mg/L 3, 7 and 10 days after treatment, respectively.

Biology and Morphometrics of Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Chitwan, Nepal

The Fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda, native to the Americas, is an important invasive and polyphagous pest threatening cereal production. Abiotic and biotic factors, including climatic uncertainty and insect pests like S. frugiperda, pose threats. Detected in East Africa in 2016 and reported in Nawalpur, Nepal, on May 9, 2019, FAW has led to a 34% decline in maize yields. Studying FAW's biology and morphometrics is crucial for understanding its habitat and ecology, essential prerequisites for adopting integrated management strategies. Biological parameters such as incubation period, larval and pupal duration, pre-oviposition and, oviposition periods, male and female adult longevity, larval and pupal mortality, sex ratio (male: female), and morphometrics of egg, larvae, pupa, and adult were measured. The incubation period (2-3 days), larval and pupal periods (13-18 and 9-12 days) with overall life duration (31-45 days) were recorded in maize. Head capsule width of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth instar were recorded as 0.52±0.05, 0.73±0.05, 1.1±0.05, 1.74±0.12, 2.04±0.15, and 2.91±0.23 mm respectively. Mean body length of different larval instars were recorded as 3.33±0.26, 6.92±1.07, 13.11±1.45, 16.82±1.57, 28.68±1.75, and 34.56±1.99 mm for the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth instar respectively.

Effect of ethanolic plant extractives on cephalic neuroendocrine system of BmNPV inoculated 5th instar larvae of Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera, Bombycidae)

In this research 3000, 5000 and 8000ppm concentration of ethanolic extractives of leaves of Eupatorium odaratum, Hyptis suaveolens and fruits of Aegle marmelos were tested on mulberry silkworm fifth instar larvae of PMxCSR2 inoculated with Bombyx mori Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus (BmNPV). Extractives of A. marmelos, H. suaveolens and E. odaratum showed promising results against BmNPV of silkworm larvae @8000 ppm. Total improvement occurs in the function of neurosecretory cells (NSC), A1 and A2 cells of median neurosecretory cells (MNC) group. Also found that, NCC I and II, corpus cardiacum (CC) lobes and fine branching of NCA I over corpus allatum (CA) showed strongly stained PF positive granules of NSM due to the subsequent treatment of given ethanolic plant extractives which reduced BmNPV infection about (30 - 40%).

Conditional Inhibition of Eip75B Eliminates the Effects of Mating and Mifepristone on Lifespan in Female Drosophila.

Mating in female Drosophila melanogaster causes midgut hypertrophy and reduced lifespan, and these effects are blocked by the drug mifepristone. Eip75B is a transcription factor previously reported to have pleiotropic effects on Drosophila lifespan. Because Eip75B null mutations are lethal, conditional systems and/or partial knock-down are needed to study Eip75B effects in adults. Previous studies showed that Eip75B is required for adult midgut cell proliferation in response to mating. To test the possible role of Eip75B in mediating the lifespan effects of mating and mifepristone, a tripartite FLP-recombinase-based conditional system was employed that provides controls for genetic background. Expression of a Hsp70-FLP transgene was induced in third instar larvae by a brief heat pulse. The FLP recombinase catalyzed the recombination and activation of an Actin5C-GAL4 transgene. The GAL4 transcription factor in turn activated expression of a UAS-Eip75B-RNAi transgene. Inhibition of Eip75B activity was confirmed by loss of midgut hypertrophy upon mating, and the lifespan effects of both mating and mifepristone were eliminated. In addition, the negative effects of mifepristone on egg production were eliminated. The data indicate that Eip75B mediates the effects of mating and mifepristone on female midgut hypertrophy, egg production, and lifespan.

Parasitoid guild of the citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) in Tunisian citrus orchards and a new report of Cirrospilus ingenuus Gahan (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)

A survey of the parasitoid species of the citrus leafminer (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), a cosmopolitan pest of citrus, was carried out in 2019 and 2020 in the major citrus production area of Tunisia. Four different Eulophidae species were found: Citrostichus phyllocnistoides (Narayanan), representing 81.82% of the identified parasitoids, Semielacher petiolatus (Girault) (9.40%) and the native species Pnigalio pectinicornis (L.) (2.82%). Cirrospilus ingenuus Gahan (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a new report for the parasitoid entomofauna of P. citrella in the country, representing 5.96% of the identified parasitoids. It has probably spread naturally from other Mediterranean regions. Predation by generalist predators is the main mortality factor of CLM (up to 59.11% of the mortality was caused by natural enemies), followed by parasitism (oviposition) (22.47%) and host-feeding (18.42%). Second and third instar larvae of the CLM were the preferred stages for parasitism. Host-feeding and generalist predators’ attacks were most common on first and second instars. Data highlighting the ability for C. phyllocnistoides to develop and disperse clearly predominates in Tunisian citrus orchards. Citrostichus phyllocnistoides may compete with S. petiolatus, exerting a complementary action to that of C. phyllocnistoides, particularly earlier in the season when the densities of the latter species are low. Further studies focusing on inter-specific relationships between these two exotic parasitoids are needed in order to test whether the observed field results could have been estimated from laboratory assays. This will be helpful in critically evaluating the results of the classical biological control programme developed against CLM in Tunisia.

Green purification of Acmella oleracea extract by wiped-film short path molecular distillation boosts the insecticidal activity on mosquito larvae

The development of insecticide resistance by mosquito vectors highlighted an urgent need for effective and sustainable botanical insecticides. Acmella oleracea R.K. Jansen (Asteraceae)-derived extracts and the major constituents N-alkylamides have already demonstrated their potential as insecticidal and acaricidal agents. Nowadays, the development of scalable green extraction and purification processes in the manufacture of biopesticides is a topic of great interest. In this context, supercritical fluid extraction and wiped-film short path molecular (WSM) distillation techniques were combined for the first time to obtain an eco-friendly N-alkylamides-enriched fraction (AEF) from A. oleracea. This was characterized by a notably higher content of spilanthol and N-alkylamides than the supercritical fluid extract (SFE), as determined by HPLC-DAD-MS analysis. The AEF also contained free fatty acids (e.g., palmitic, linoleic, and linolenic acids) as revealed by GC-FID analysis. The mosquito larvicidal activity of SFE, AEF, and pure spilanthol was assessed against 3rd instar larvae of Aedes albopictus Skuse, Anopheles stephensi Liston, and An. gambiae Giles. Results showed that AEF exhibited an insecticidal efficacy comparable with that of spilanthol, and higher than that of SFE. These products were tested against human keratinocytes (HaCaT) confirming their dermal safety. The present study paves the way for the utilization of WSM distillation in the agrochemical industry for the manufacture of botanical insecticides. Indeed, this technique allows to avoid the use of organic solvents related to conventional extraction and spilanthol isolation procedures and gives a product devoid of undesired pigments appealing to other industrial application as well.

Novel Aryl Thioamides Derivatives as Insect Growth Regulators Analogues against Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Design, Synthesis, Insecticidal Activity and Biochemical Impacts.

A significant reason for developing innovative insecticidal active agents is the exponential rise in resistance to traditional chemical pesticides. Exploring new classes of insecticidal compounds with distinct mechanisms of action is one way to address this difficulty. So that, novel aryl thioamides derivatives 3-15 has been synthesized viaone-pot, three-component reaction of aroyl chloride, ammonium thiocyanate, and aromatic amines in dry acetone. The newly synthesized compounds' structures were validated by various spectroscopic methods, including elemental analysis, 1H-NMR, 13C NMR, and infrared spectroscopy. Under laboratory circumstances, the synthesized compounds showed good and broad-spectrum insecticidal activities toward S. littorali. When compared to other synthetic target compounds, 2,4-dichloro-N-[(3-fluorophenyl)carbamothioyl]benzamide 11, 2,4-dichloro-N-[(3-fluorophenyl)carbamothioyl]benzenecarbothioamide 13 showed good insecticidal activity, with 46.33 mg/L and LC50 values of 49.25 mg/L for 2nd instar larvae. Furthermore, the compound 3 was the least toxic in controlling the second and fourth instar larvae of S. littoralis on tomato leaves. Additionally, several histopathological and biochemical features of the some synthesized compounds under laboratory circumstances were also examined.

Abamectin exposure causes chronic toxicity and trypsin/chymotrypsin damages in Chironomus kiiensis Tokunaga (Diptera: Chironomidae)

Abamectin has been extensively used in paddy fields to control insect pests. However, little information is available regarding its effects on non-target insects. In this study, we performed acute (3rd instar larvae) and chronic toxicity (newly hatched larvae <24 h) to determine the toxicity effects of abamectin on Chironomus kiiensis. The median lethal concentration (LC50) values of 24 h and 10 d were 0.57 mg/L and 68.12 μg/L, respectively. The chronic exposure significantly prolonged the larvae growth duration and inhibited pupation and emergence. The transcriptome and biochemical parameters were measured using 3rd instar larvae exposed to acute LC10 and LC25 for 24 h. Transcriptome data indicated that five trypsin and four chymotrypsin genes were downregulated, and RT-qPCR verified a significant expression decrease in trypsin3 and chymotrypsin1 genes. Meanwhile, abamectin could significantly inhibit the activities of the serine proteases trypsin and chymotrypsin. RNA interference showed that silencing trypsin3 and chymotrypsin1 genes led to higher mortality of C. kiiensis to abamectin. In conclusion, these findings indicated that trypsin and chymotrypsin are involved in the abamectin toxicity against C. kiiensis, which provides new insights into the mechanism of abamectin-induced ecotoxicity to chironomids.

No evidence for the melanin desiccation hypothesis in a larval Lepidopteran

Water regulation is an important physiological challenge for insects due to their small body sizes and large surface area to volume ratios. Adaptations for decreasing cuticular water loss, the largest avenue of loss, are especially important. The melanin desiccation hypothesis states that melanin molecules in the cuticle may help prevent water loss, thus offering protection from desiccation. This hypothesis has much empirical support in Drosophila species, but remains mostly untested in other taxa, including Lepidoptera. Because melanin has many other important functions in insects, its potential role in desiccation prevention is not always clear. In this study we investigated the role of melanin in desiccation prevention in the white-lined Sphinx moth, Hyles lineata (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae), which shows high plasticity in the degree of melanin pigmentation during the late larval instars. We took advantage of this plasticity and used density treatments to induce a wide range of cuticular melanization; solitary conditions induced low melanin pigmentation while crowded conditions induced high melanin pigmentation. We tested whether more melanic larvae from the crowded treatment were better protected from desiccation in three relevant responses: i) total water loss over a desiccation period, ii) change in hemolymph osmolality over a desiccation period, and iii) evaporation rate of water through the cuticle. We did not find support for the melanin desiccation hypothesis in this species. Although treatment influenced total water loss, this effect did not occur via degree of melanization. Interestingly, this implies that crowding, which was used to induce high melanin phenotypes, may have other physiological effects that influence water regulation. There were no differences between treatments in cuticular evaporative water loss or change in hemolymph osmolality. However, we conclude that osmolality may not sufficiently reflect water loss in this case. This study emphasizes the context dependency of melanin’s role in desiccation prevention and the importance of considering how it may vary across taxa. In lepidopteran larvae that are constantly feeding phytophagous insects with soft cuticles, melanin may not be necessary for preventing cuticular water loss.

Identification of larvicidal activity of medicinal plants against &lt;i&gt;Aedes aegypti&lt;/i&gt; (Diptera: Culicidae)

Aedes aegypti is the main transmitter of several arboviruses, such as dengue, the world's most widespread arbovirus. The main method of controlling arbovirus transmission is through vector control, using insecticides. But its continuous, cases of resistance occur. Thus, research is seeking new botanical insecticide alternatives, because have multiple active compounds can be applied on the vector, contributing to the control of arbovirus transmission. The aim of this study is to identify plants cultivated in the Western Amazon, which have larvicidal activity against A. aegypti. Ethanolic extracts from ten plants were obtained to verify the larvicidal biopotential against third instar larvae of A. aegypti. The promising ethanolic extracts was Fridericia chica, which was submitted to liquid-liquid partition for larvicidal activity evaluation and phytochemical analysis. Among the partitions analyzed, the aqueous partition of F. chica showed larvicidal biopotential against A. aegypti, being the first report in the literature of its larvicidal activity. In the phytochemical prospection of the aqueous partition of F. chica, we observed the presence of catechins, condensed tannins and the flavone group, flavonols and xanthones. These groups of metabolites have been reported in the literature as larvicidal agents.

Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes against Cydalima perspectalis and Hyphantria cunea (Lepidoptera), two invasive forest pests in Iran

The box tree moth (BTM), Cydalima perspectalis, and the fall webworm (FWW), Hyphantria cunea are two invasive forest pests in northern Iran. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are usually compatible with integrated pest management programs. In this study, the efficacy of five isolates of EPNs was evaluated against the two pests in laboratory and field conditions. LC50 values of Steinernema carpocapsae (IRTabriz), S. feltiae (IRTabriz), S. feltiae (Entonem), Oscheius rugaoensis and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (IRTabriz) were as follow: 44.8, 66.5, 113.8, 190.7 and 515.9 infective juveniles (IJs) larva−1 on the fifth instar larvae of BTM; and 75.2, 96.6, 131.0, 258.0 and 292.5 IJs larva−1 on fifth instar larvae of FWW, respectively in the laboratory tests 48 h post-treatment at 25 °C and 60% relative humidity. Under field conditions, the foliar applications of S. carpocapsae (IRTabriz), S. feltiae (IRTabriz), and S. feltiae (Entonem) at the rate of 106 IJs L−1 resulted in 36–58% mortality after 48 h against BTM and 15–52% mortality against FWW, respectively. The results demonstrate that EPNs are promising candidates for biocontrol of BTW and FWW.

Glaucarubinone from Simarouba glauca DC. as a potential biocontrol agent for mosquito vector management

The study explored Simarouba glauca DC. for mosquito larvicidal potential by performing bioactivity-guided chemical investigation of its root extract resulting in isolation of the known bioactive metabolite glaucarubinone (1). Mosquito larvicidal activity of glaucarubinone (1) against the three vector species viz. Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti, and Culex quinquefasciatus was determined using a modified WHO 2005 protocol. It was observed that Culex quinquefasciatus larvae were the most susceptible species with LC50 13.88 ppm and LC90 70.01 ppm followed by Aedes aegypti and Anopheles stephensi at 24 h of exposure. The mode of action as observed microscopically is the lysis of midgut and thorax cells of the third instar larvae. The crystal structure of the glaucarubinone (1) is reported for the first time using X-ray crystallography. This phytochemical product has the potential to act as a green alternative to existing chemical-based insecticides for integrated vector management.

Effect of Malathion on Catalase Enzyme and Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Adult Flies and 3rd Instar Larvae of Drosophila melanogaster

Effect of Malathion on Catalase Enzyme and Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Adult Flies and 3rd Instar Larvae of Drosophila melanogaster

Cross-instar larval identification leads divergent decision on pest management: An example from white grubs on peanuts

Accurate larval identification is a prerequisite for integrated pest management, but remains a long-term difficulty in insect taxonomy. Previous descriptions are mainly focused on the most disruptive final instar larvae. However, earlier instars especially cross-instar larval morphological comparisons were rarely delivered hitherto. Polyphylla laticollis and Maladera orientalis are pests that damage peanut crops at various developmental stages. The first instar larvae of P. laticollis and the mature larvae of M. orientalis attack peanuts simultaneously and cause different types of damage. In this study, we compared the life histories and larval morphologies through field investigations and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations. These cross-instar white grubs are similar in sizes, but exhibit morphological differences on their mouthparts, thoracic legs, anal slits, and rasters. This study presents a novel approach to larval identification, with a goal of generating new insights into integrated pest control practices on white grubs.

Microbiological safety assessment of silkworm farms: a case study

Silkworms have been farmed for their silk since ancient times. After silk reeling, their chrysalides are consumed as food in several Asian countries. Despite the long rearing tradition of this insect, few studies have investigated the silkworm’s microbiological safety all along the life cycle, focusing on detecting silkworm pathogens or on the safety of the dried chrysalis for food consumption. However, the in-farm rearing process, which takes around forty days, may affect the microbial load of the silkworm and of the rearing environment, as well as the quality of fresh cocoon and other performance parameters. No data is available on how microbial contamination changes during the rearing period and between different farmers. Furthermore, in light of the possible use of the chrysalis as food, it is crucial to understand how its microbial load varies according to the water content. To address these specific questions, we conducted an investigation involving the analysis of specific microbial indicators commonly used in the food chain. We collected environmental and silkworm samples from several farms. The examination covered the entire life cycle of silkworms, beginning with the first instar larvae and concluding with the scrutiny of both freshly harvested and dried pupae. Silkworm farms in Northeast Italy proved to be an appropriate model system for carrying out the experimentation. Additionally, an evaluation of rearing performance was conducted, with a focus on the quality of fresh cocoons and the survival rate of the insects.

Flavonoids from Mimosa tenuiflora Green Propolis: Chemotaxonomy, Antioxidant, Anti‐Inflammation, Anti‐Bacteria, Mosquito Larvicidal Activity, and In Silico Approach

AbstractPhytochemical study of green propolis alcohol extract of Brazilian Caatinga Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir resulted in the separation of six flavonoids, including quercetin 3‐methyl ether (1) and 3,3′‐O‐dimethylquercetin (2), and four flavanones eriodictyol 5‐O‐methyl ether (3), 5,4′‐dihydroxy‐6,7‐dimethoxyflavanone (4), licoflavanone (5), and macarangaflavanone B (6). All these metabolites were first isolated from green propolis and the genus Mimosa. Metabolites 3–4 also established chemotaxonomic significance since they had never been observed in the bean family Fabaceae. Flavones 1–2 showed strong antioxidative activity against DPPH (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl) radicals with IC50 values of 12.40 and 16.23 μg/mL, respectively. All six isolates showed anti‐inflammatory effects against NO (nitric oxide) production in LPS (lipopolysaccharide)‐stimulated Raw 264.7 cells, in which the activity of flavone 1 was better than the standard dexamethasone (IC50 13.35 μg/mL). Flavonoids 1–3 also strongly controlled the growth of the Gram‐positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 with MIC values of 32–64 μg/mL. Six isolated flavonoids exhibited strong or moderate mosquito larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus fourth instar larvae with the 24 h LC50 values of 29.62–55.89 μg/mL. By in silico approach, compound 1 was a non‐toxic agent with an LD50 value of 5000 mg/kg.

Galleria mellonella Y Tenebrio molitor BIODEGRADADORES DE BOLSAS, POPOTES, VASOS DE UNICEL Y CUBREBOCAS

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background.&lt;/strong&gt; Currently, articles based on polyethylene and polypropylene have become an important element to solve social needs. However, these products take between 100 and 1000 years to decompose. Therefore, the need arises to look for new strategies that allow the degradation of these products in a shorter period of time. &lt;strong&gt;Objetive.&lt;/strong&gt; Determine the capacity of the larvae of &lt;em&gt;Galleria mellonella&lt;/em&gt; L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and &lt;em&gt;Tenebrio molitor&lt;/em&gt; L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) to degrade bags, straws, glasses and face masks. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology.&lt;/strong&gt; In the laboratory, five experiments were carried out with third and fourth instar larvae of &lt;em&gt;G. mellonella&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;T. molitor&lt;/em&gt;. In each experiment, the treatments (bags, straws, cups, and masks) and the &lt;em&gt;G. mellonella&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;T. molitor&lt;/em&gt; larvae were placed in a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Afterward, the larvae were weighed every 24 hours for 10 days to record the consumption of the treatments. &lt;strong&gt;Results.&lt;/strong&gt; In experiments 1 and 2, no statistical difference was observed in the consumption of polyethylene and biodegradable bags and straws by the larvae of &lt;em&gt;G. mellonella&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;T. molitor&lt;/em&gt;. In contrast, a significant statistical difference was observed between treatments in the pupae record. In the results of experiments 3 and 4, a significant statistical difference was observed between the treatments in the consumption of glasses (polystyrene and polyhydroxyalkanoate) and in the development of pupae of &lt;em&gt;G. mellonella&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;T. molitor&lt;/em&gt;. In experiment 5, no significant statistical difference was observed between treatments in the consumption of masks and development of &lt;em&gt;G. mellonella&lt;/em&gt; pupae. &lt;strong&gt;Implications.&lt;/strong&gt; In this research work, basic information was generated on the consumption of bags, straws, cups, and face masks by &lt;em&gt;G. mellonella&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;T. molitor&lt;/em&gt;. In the case of the consumption of face masks, it is the first record of the consumption of this article by &lt;em&gt;G. mellonella&lt;/em&gt; larvae. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusions.&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;em&gt;G. mellonella&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;T. molitor&lt;/em&gt; consume products based on polyethylene, polystyrene and polyhydroxyalkanoate, likewise &lt;em&gt;G. mellonella&lt;/em&gt; consumes face masks, essential product to avoid infections during the pandemic generated by the COVID-19 coronavirus.&lt;/p&gt;