Larvae Research Articles

E-B-ocimene and brood cannibalism: Interplay between a honey bee larval pheromone and brood regulation in summer dearth colonies

Honey bees balance colony populations against available food resources by adjusting brood rearing during nutritionally-stressed periods. Workers limit colony populations primarily through brood cannibalism of eggs and young larvae but often resume brood rearing when conditions improve. However, extended brood cannibalism reduces brood and removes brood signals that mediate brood rearing, such as E-β-ocimene, a volatile pheromone produced by eggs, young larvae, prepupae and ovipositing queens. We examined the effects of pollen supplementation on ocimene signaling in nutritionally-stressed colonies. Pollen-deprived colonies showed declines in ocimene emissions that coincided with sustained brood cannibalism of pheromone-producing brood. In contrast, pollen-supplemented colonies reared more brood and released more ocimene. Twelve day old workers that completed adult development in pollen-deprived colonies had less well developed hypopharyngeal glands and fat bodies than workers that matured in pollen-supplemented colonies. Given that ocimene emissions increased once brood rearing resumed, we considered the possibility that ocimene may help suppress brood cannibalism and support egg retention in nutritionally stressed nuc colonies. Broodless nucleus frames were treated with synthetic ocimene releases equivalent to 3,744 L2-L3 larvae. All ocimene-supplemented nucs retained large numbers of eggs and young larvae four days after initial treatment. By contrast, half of the unsupplemented nucs cannibalized all of their eggs and L1 larvae. Most of the remaining unsupplemented nuc colonies retained fewer eggs and L1 larvae than ocimene supplemented nuc colonies. E-B-ocimene may prime nutritionally stressed workers to increase brood rearing during dearth periods by projecting the presence of healthy eggs and young larvae.

Final stage phyllosoma of Galearctus sp. (Decapoda: Scyllaridae) from the Coral Sea

Larval stages are known for only four out of eight Galearctus Holthuis, 2002 (Crustacea: Scyllaridae) species, a slipper lobster genus widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific region. DNA barcoding analyses of phyllosomae collected from the Coral Sea by the Australian Institute of Marine Science suggest the presence of two new genetic clades in the area, for which larvae cannot be discriminated morphologically. The last instar larva of an unknown species of Galearctus is described and illustrated in detail here. It is possible that this larval material may be assigned to G. umbilicatus, the only species of the genus lacking a DNA barcode. Morphological analyses and a literature review allowed the re-evaluation of previous Galearctus larval studies, identifying several misidentifications and inconsistencies. Further morphological and molecular revision of adult Galearctus species is required to confirm larval identities, but the results presented here indicate that the diversity of Galearctus may be underestimated.

Midwater anoxia disrupts the trophic structure of zooplankton and fish in an oxygen deficient zone

AbstractAnoxic waters in the ocean's oxygen deficient zones (ODZs) limit the vertical migrations of zooplankton and mesopelagic fish impacting their ecology and influence on biogeochemical processes. Using an oxypleth‐tracking, nighttime‐only sampling protocol, this research reconstructed the trophic interactions of fish larvae and adults, and zooplankton, across the Eastern Tropical North Pacific ODZ. Bulk zooplankton δ15N increased latitudinally by ~ 3.3‰ from Costa Rica to Baja California due to anoxia‐derived denitrification and consequent enrichment of nitrogen sources for producers. Zooplankton δ15N also increased with depth, with an abrupt 3.4‰ increase below the anoxic core (~ 900 m depth), indicating a distinct trophic structure in the resident zooplankton community. Above the anoxic core, δ15N was similar for fish larvae (10.1‰) and zooplankton (10.5‰), reflecting a shared food source. An exception was the hypoxia‐tolerant myctophid Diogenichthys laternatus (δ15N = 7.5‰) that possibly feeds on chemoautotrophy‐derived material at the oxic‐anoxic interface. The δ15N of fish adults residing below the anoxic core, like the meso‐bathypelagic Notolychnus valdiviae (17.11‰) and Cyclothone spp. (15.89‰), was, on average, 4.8‰ higher than larval stages sampled at shallower depths, and 1.2‰ higher than zooplankton below the anoxic core. This stark increase in fish and zooplankton δ15N directly below the anoxic core suggests that anoxic waters act as a barrier for the downward trophic transfer by vertical migrants into the deep sea. Considering the current trends of ocean deoxygenation, this anoxia‐derived disruption of the migrant pump could limit the carbon sequestration potential of ODZs.

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Expression of Defense Pathways and Specific Protease Inhibitor Genes in Solanum lycopersicum in Response to Feeding by Tuta absoluta

Understanding plant-insect interactions can help control the harm of herbivorous pests. According to transcriptome data, transcripts of Solanum lycopersicum responding to feeding by Tuta absoluta were screened for important endopeptidase inhibitors. These genes were annotated as serine-type endopeptidase inhibitors from the potato inhibitor I family, potato type II proteinase inhibitor family, and soybean trypsin inhibitor (Kunitz) family. Based on the analysis of expression patterns, Solyc09g084480.2, Solyc03g020080.2, Solyc03g098760.1, and Solyc01g009020.1 were identified as key genes in the defense system of S. lycopersicum. The major endopeptidase genes such as Tabs008250, Tabs007396, and Tabs005701 in the larval stages of T. absoluta were also detected as potential targets of the plant endopeptidase inhibitors. The interaction mode between these endopeptidase and endopeptidase inhibitors was predicted based on the protein structure construction. This study aims to reveal the molecular response of S. lycopersicum to feeding by T. absoluta with high throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis.

Exposure to copper metal enhances the tolerance of An. gambiae s.s. over multiple generations while reducing both fertility and fecundity in this primary malaria vector.

Background Anopheles s.l. displays the potential to develop tolerance to heavy metals, particularly copper, this may occur at a significant biological cost, which can adversely affect its ecological fitness. This study investigated the larval metal exposure on larval development and reproduction of An. gambiae s.s., a laboratory susceptible strain, kisumu. Methods Stage 2 larvae of Anopheles gambiae, Kisumu were exposed to C1 = 484 μg L-1, C2 = 300 μg L-1 and 0 μg L-1 (control) of copper chloride. Larval mortality, pupation time, pupation rate, gonotrophic cycle length, fecundity and fertility of larvae/adults were assessed over six generations. Results Results revealed that larval mortality rate was significantly higher in the C1 groups of each group (p = 0.000), but this mortality rate decreased over generations. Pupation time was extended to 13 and 14 days respectively for C2 and C1 groups (p = 0.000) compared to the control group. Similar results were observed for the gonotrophic cycle, which increased from 4 days at G0 to more than 6 days at generation 5 in adults of C1. The pupation rate in generation 4 (C1) and generation 5 of the same group (p = 0.000) as well as the emergence rate in generation 4 (C2, p = 0.000) and generation 5 (C1 and C2, p = 0.000) decreased significantly compared to the control group. The average number of eggs laid was lower in the test groups from generation 4 to generation 5 (C1 and C2, p = 0.00) and egg fertility was also negatively affected by exposure of the larval stage of An. gambiae s.s. to copper. Conclusion This study showed that copper not only exhibits larvicidal properties in Anopheles gambiae s.s. larvae, it also revealed the potential of this metal to reduce fecundity and fertility in these malaria vectors.

Experimental trichuriasis: Changes in the immune response and bacterial translocation during acute phase development illustrated with 3D model animation.

Trichuriasis, a well-known type of soil-transmitted helminthiasis, is a neglected gastrointestinal nematode disease predominantly affecting children in tropical regions and is caused by Trichuris trichiura. The potential zoonotic transmission of this disease is indicated by its presence in nonhuman primates. Chronic infection leads to mucosal damage, bacterial translocation, and intense inflammatory infiltration; however, the progression of these processes remains poorly understood. This study tracks the acute phase of experimental trichuriasis, providing detailed insights into nematode tissue migration stages, inflammatory infiltration, cytokine production, and 2D/3D imaging of the bacterial translocation process. We showed a mixed immune response (Th1, Th2, and Th17) initiated by larval-induced lesions in the intestine tissue and modulated by L4 larvae and adult worms in the cecum, with systemic changes observed in the mesenteric lymph nodes, peritoneal macrophages, and spleen. Despite the disruption of the intestinal mucosa within the first 10 days post-infection (d.p.i.), bacterial invasion becomes evident only after the development of the nematode into the L3 larval stage (17 d.p.i.), intensifying with lesions caused by the L4 larvae (22 d.p.i.) and adult worms (35 d.p.i.). Our multidimensional approach, which incorporates microscopy tools, micro-CT, physiological evaluations, tissue/organ assessments, and immunological parameters, demonstrates the ability of larvae to breach the intestinal mucosa, further indicating the timing of extensive bacterial infiltration. Additionally, a 3D animation illustrates how adult worm attachment mechanisms may facilitate bacterial translocation. This study provides significant insights into the immunological and pathological mechanisms of trichuriasis progression, highlighting the complex interplay among host immune responses, the gut microbiome, and parasite survival strategies, all of which are crucial aspects for future therapeutic development.

Mathematical Modeling of Host-Parasitoid Dynamics for Sustainable Pest Management

Aims: The management of agricultural pest populations represents a critical challenge in sustainable crop production, particularly for challenging species like the tomato fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera. The research work aimed in developing and analysing a novel mathematical model describing the interaction between the tomato fruit borer and its egg parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis. The main objective of this study to analyze the stability of the proposed system of differential equations. Model Formulation: The model incorporates stage-structured population dynamics and impulsive control measures, providing insights into biological pest control strategies. In this model the tomato borer is represented by the egg and larval stages, and the parasitoid is considered in terms of the parasitized eggs. This model assumes uniform spatial distribution of both host and parasitoid populations, constant environmental conditions affecting parameters like reproduction and mortality rates, and idealized parasitoid release conditions where the released amount p remains consistent across interventions. Methodology: We used existing secondary data from research articles' instead of conducting primary field experiments for parameter identification for this mathematical model. The use of secondary data from peer-reviewed literature not only provides validated parameter values that have been rigorously tested and verified by multiple researchers, but also allows for the incorporation of findings from diverse geographical locations and climatic conditions. Results: Stability analysis identified three equilibrium points: the trivial, host-only E0,coexistence equilibria E1, and E2. The coexistence equilibirium E2 found to be locally stable under optimal parasitoid release intervals and quantities. The equilibrium point E2= (9.14,0.02,5.71) represents a coexistence state in the host-parasitoid dynamics, where the tomato fruit borer's egg density stabilizes at 9.14, the density of parasitized eggs at 0.02, and the larval density stabilizes at 5.71. This equilibrium is analyzed through its associated eigenvalues. This stability provides a reliable basis for implementing successful biological pest control strategies in tomato cultivation, ensuring a resilient and sustainable ecosystem.

Comparing the somatic growth and swimming kinematics of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua, Linnaeus) and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus, Linnaeus) larvae.

Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) are found on both sides of the North Atlantic and often their spawning overlaps in time and space. Yet, haddock has a much more variable recruitment than cod in areas where they are sympatric, a difference that is consistent across ecosystems. At the larval stages, differences in feeding behavior have consequences for growth and survival, potentially contributing to the differences in recruitment between these species. We tested whether haddock displayed different swimming behavior to cod under abundant food conditions, while also comparing their growth every 7 days until 38 days post hatching (dph). Swimming kinematics were quantified from the three-dimensional trajectories of larvae filmed in an aquarium at 11, 21, and 32 dph. Cod swam faster than haddock starting at 21 dph. Differences in swimming speed between species were consistent with body morphology. Haddock was heavier than cod at a given age and body length. At 11 dph, haddock exhibited longer pauses and wider horizontal and vertical turn angles than cod, indicating a moderately larger visual search field compared to cod. Longer pause duration indicates that haddock are searching for prey for longer periods than cod at 11 dph. The differences in prey search disappeared at 21 and 32 dph. The differences in feeding and swimming behavior reported here could play an important role for survival, with consequences for the recruitment of these species.

Temperature-dependent parasitism, development, and reproduction of Microplitis manilae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract The braconid wasp Microplitis manilae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a solitary, koinobiont endoparasitoid of young Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) larvae and one of its most crucial natural parasitic enemies. The establishment of a stable and sufficient population of M. manilae by rearing them in a laboratory is the cornerstone of field release management. However, when reared in a laboratory, M. manilae is affected by temperature. Here, we attempted to optimize the rearing temperature of M. manilae for parasitizing second-instar S. litura larvae by examining the effects of rearing at 5 temperatures: 16 °C, 20 °C, 24 °C, 28 °C, and 32 °C. Our results suggest that the development of the parasitoid progeny speeded up with shorter durations of the egg–larval, pupal, and preadult stages with the increase in temperature from 16°C to 32 °C. The parasitism rate and fecundity of M. manilae upon parasitizing second-instar S. litura larvae increased with rearing temperature from 16°C to 24 °C, with the peaks at 24 °C reaching 52.90% and 111.70 eggs/female, respectively, and then decreased at 28 °C to 32 °C. At 24 °C, the sex ratio (0.22) was the lowest, whereas the emergence rate (68.54%) did not differ significantly compared with those at other temperatures. Meanwhile, at 28 °C, the parasitism rate, fecundity, and emergence rate approached the levels at 24 °C, whereas the sex ratio was higher (0.29) than at 24 °C. These findings suggest 24 °C to 32 °C is the most appropriate temperature range for M. manilae mass rearing under laboratory conditions.

Exploring the exoproteome of the parasitic nematode Anisakis simplex (s. s.) and its impact on the human host – an in vitro cross-talk proteomic approach

IntroductionAnisakis simplex sensu stricto (s. s.) is one of the most widespread parasitic nematodes of marine organisms, with humans as accidental hosts. While many studies have explored nematode biology and host interactions, the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as signaling molecules in parasitic nematodes is less understood.Materials and methodsTherefore, the proteins present in the EVs of A. simplex (s. s.) (Anis-EVs) were identified. In addition, a cross-talk proteomic approach was used to identify differentially regulated proteins (DRPs) in the proteome of the human intestinal epithelial cell line (Caco-2) co-cultured with L3 larvae of A. simplex (s. s.) or directly exposed to two concentrations (low or high) of Anis-EVs. In addition, DRPs were identified in the proteome of A. simplex (s. s.) larvae affected by co-culture with Caco-2. To achieve this goal, the shotgun proteomics method based on isobaric mass labeling (via tandem mass tags; TMT) was used with a combination of nano high-performance liquid chromatography (nLC) coupled with an LTQ-Orbitrap Elite mass spectrometer. In addition, ELISA assays were used to demonstrate if Caco-2 respond to A. simplex (s. s.) larvae and Anis-EVs with significant changes in selected cytokines secretion.ResultsThe results of this study indicate the anti-inflammatory character of Anis-EVs in relation to Caco-2. At the same time, direct treatment with Anis-EVs resulted in more significant changes in the Caco-2 proteome than co-culture with L3 larvae.DiscussionThe results obtained should lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of A. simplex (s. s.) infection in humans and will complement the existing knowledge on the role of EVs in host-parasite communication.

AxiWorm: a new tool using YOLOv5 to test antiparasitic drugs against Trichinella spiralis

Background-ObjectiveTrichinella spiralis drug development and control need an objective high throughput system to assess first stage larvae (L1) viability. YOLOv5 is an image recognition tool easily trained to count muscular first stage larvae (L1) and recognize morphological differences. Here we developed a semi-automated system based on YOLOv5 to capture photographs of 96 well microplates and use them for L1 count and morphological damage evaluation after experimental drug treatments.Material and methodsMorphological properties were used to distinguish L1 from debris after pepsin muscle digestion and distinguish healthy (serpentine) or damaged (coiled) L1s after 72 h untreated or treated with albendazole or mebendazole cultures. An AxiDraw robotic arm with a smartphone was used to scan 96 well microplates and store photographs. Images of L1 were manually annotated, and augmented based on exposure, bounding, blur, noise, and mosaicism.ResultsA total of 1309 photographs were obtained that after L1 labeling and data augmentation gave 27478 images. The final dataset of 12571 healthy and 14907 affected L1s was used for training, testing, and validating in a ratio of 70/20/10 respectively. A correlation of 92% was found in a blinded comparison with bare-eye assessment by experienced technicians.ConclusionYOLOv5 is capable of accurately counting and distinguishing between healthy and affected L1s, thus improving the performance of the assessment of meat inspection and potential new drugs.Graphical

New data on the life cycle of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Travassos, 1914) (Nematoda: Heligmosomidae): development of eggs and larval stages in the intestine of naturally infected Rattus norvegicus (Berkenhout, 1769)

Nippostrongylus brasiliensis is an intestinal parasite of rodents with a worldwide distribution. Due to the similarities between its life cycle and that of the human hookworms Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus, N. brasiliensis has been widely used as a model in experimental research. We provide new data on the embryonation and hatching processes of N. brasiliensis eggs, not in the soil, but in the large intestine of naturally infected Rattus norvegicus. The parasite was investigated in 109 rats trapped in urban and periurban areas of Valencia, Spain. Rats were preserved at − 20 °C. After thawing, all the rat organs were examined. The contents of the large intestine were analysed by the Midi-Parasep® technique. N. brasiliensis (adult prevalence 69.72%) was identified by morphological and molecular techniques. Parasite eggs were found in 88.16% of the sediments. In addition to unembryonated eggs, eggs in different stages of embryonation were encountered in 67 of the 76 contents (88.16%). Free larval stages (L1 and more developed larvae) were also found in 47 of the 76 (61.84%) sediments studied. Filariform larval stages of N. brasiliensis were also sporadically detected in the lungs of the infected rats. According to our results, the development of eggs and larvae in the intestine of naturally infected rats opens up the possibility of autoinfection in the natural life cycle of N. brasiliensis, which could explain the high burdens of adult stages frequently found in the small intestine of infected rats.

Impact of Rearing Substrates on Black Soldier Fly Growth and Fertility: A Semi-Industrial Scale Study to Optimize Egg Collection

Juvenile environments can influence adult phenotypes in holometabolous insects. This study examines the effects of larval rearing substrates on the reproductive outcomes of Black Soldier Flies (BSFs) at a semi-industrial scale. Larvae were reared on five substrates. Larval growth, adult size, and reproductive performance were monitored, with a specific focus on egg production and hatching rates across 17 continuous egg collection days. Egg production was positively correlated with female body weight, while male body weight appeared to influence the egg production peak. Extended larval feeding stages and shorter non-feeding periods were associated with an earlier onset of egg-laying, suggesting life-history traits as predictors for reproductive timing. Diets high in carbohydrates but low in protein and fat positively influenced larval growth, egg production, and female body weight, while diets rich in both protein and carbohydrates negatively affected all measured parameters. Notably, higher fecundity did not necessarily correlate with fertility (i.e., more viable larvae for bioconversion), highlighting the need to optimize diets for both egg quantity and hatchability to maximize productivity. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing larval nutrition and egg collection practices, enhancing reproductive efficiency and overall productivity in industrial BSF farming.

Discovery and Field Evaluation of Sex Pheromone Components for the Click Beetle Melanotus verberans (LeConte) (Coleoptera: Elateridae)

Wireworms, the larval stage of elaterid beetles, are among the most serious soil-borne insect pests in the world. Wireworms feed on a variety of key crops, including small grains, maize, vegetables, fruits, sugar cane, sugar beets, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Management of these pests is becoming increasingly problematic, in part due to knowledge gaps in their basic biology, which hinders development of effective crop protection strategies. In particular, little is known about the semiochemicals that mediate the reproductive behavior of these pests. Research over the past two decades has begun to fill this need, with: (1) the discovery of sex attractants for several key pest species, and (2) subsequent studies toward development of semiochemically-based pest management approaches. We used chemical and behavioral studies to identify, synthesize, and field test the sex attractant pheromone of adult Melanotus verberans, the larvae of which are important crop pests. In coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses of extracts of ovipositors of females, five possible pheromone components were identified. Subsequent coupled gas chromatography-electroantennogram detection analyses indicated that male antennae were responsive to only two of these compounds, 13-tetradecenyl acetate and 13-tetradecenyl hexanoate. In field trials, neither compound alone was attractive, but a blend of the two was strongly attractive to conspecific male beetles, and did not attract other species. A two-year field study showed that most male beetle flight activity occurred from April through May. Because the sex pheromone of M. verberans consists of two compounds that can be readily synthesized, its development for integrated pest management should be economically feasible.

Molecular detection of Wolbachia sp. and Cytoplasmic incompatibility factors (CifA/B) in wild caught mosquitoes in Côte d'Ivoire.

Wolbachia is an endosymbiont bacterium known to stimulate host immunity against arboviruses and protozoa. Côte d'Ivoire is in a malaria-endemic region, and has experienced several dengue epidemics in recent decades as well. In order to help reduce the transmission of pathogens by mosquito vectors, we studied the prevalence of Wolbachia and the distribution of Cytoplasmic incompatibility factors (Cif) genes in different mosquito species caught in the wild in Cote d'Ivoire. Mosquitoes of the genera Anopheles, Aedes, Culex, Eretmapodites and Mansonia were captured in five cities. Mosquitoes were collected at larval stage in breeding sites and adults were captured using BG sentinel traps. The mosquitoes were identified morphologically and Wolbachia and Cif were screened using qPCR targeting the 16s rRNA gene and the CifA, B genes. A total of 518 mosquito samples belonging to 15 species and 4 genera were examined. 60% of the species were infected with Wolbachia. The three medically important mosquito species Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae s.l. and Culex quinquefasciatus had a prevalence of 12.84%, 13.46% and 72.64% respectively. The Wolbachia strains infecting the different mosquito species of the genus Culex encoded 98.46% for the CifA gene and 77.69% for the CifB gene. The presence of Wolbachia and CifA, B genes in mosquitoes of different species in Côte d'Ivoire offer a promising opportunity to reduce the competence of mosquito vectors. Characterization of Wolbachia strains and cytoplasmic incompatibility factors will provide a better understanding of these endosymbionts, enabling the development of vector control strategies.

A Comparative Analysis of Growth, Survival, and Combining Ability Based on Diallel Crosses Among Three Selected Lines of the Fujian Oyster Crassostrea angulata with Normal, Golden, and Black Shell Colors

Crossing between selected lines could combine the additive genetic variance accumulated within the lines and the non-additive genetic variance between the lines in the genetic improvement of aquatic animals, thus obtaining progeny with favorable traits. However, the value of this breeding strategy has not been investigated in the Fujian oyster Crassostrea angulata due to the lack of available sufficiently selected lines. In this study, a complete 3 × 3 diallel cross was established between the normal (N), golden (G), and black (B) shell lines of C. angulata. The growth (shell height and living weight) and survival of three purebred groups and six hybrid groups under three environments (Luoyu, Jiangkou, and Houhai) were comprehensively evaluated during the larval and grow-out stages. The general combining ability (GCA) of the parental lines and the specific combining ability (SCA) of the hybrid groups were also estimated. The shell heights of the hybrid groups were significantly lower than those of their parental groups on day 25, exhibiting negative heterosis (MPH: −13.01 to −1.45; HPH: −16.69 to −5.76). Meanwhile, the survival rates of the hybrids were significantly higher than those of the parental groups. A negative value of SCA was recorded for NG (N♀ × G♂) (−0.031), which was in line with its lower survival rate on day 25. Significant heterosis was observed in the growth and survival of each hybrid group during the grow-out stage. The shell height and living weight of the hybrid groups were significantly higher in Houhai than in Luoyu and Jiangkou, but the survival rate in Houhai was significantly lower than in the other two sites. BG (B♀ × G♂) and GB (G♀ × B♂) had higher SCA values than the other four groups, which was consistent with their superior traits. The heterosis of shell height, living weight, and survival rate of BG was significantly greater than in the other five hybrid groups, which could be used as potential parents for breeding high-quality diploid and triploid Fujian oysters. This study demonstrated that the traits of C. angulata could be significantly improved by crossing between different selected lines, providing a reference for evaluating the utilization value of non-additive genetic effects (heterosis) between selected lines in bivalves.

Pedicellate Teeth in Archaic Salamanders (Lissamphibia, Caudata).

The presence of pedicellate (subpedicellate) teeth with two calcification centers and a weakly mineralized dividing zone is described for archaic stem salamanders (Middle Jurassic-Early Cretaceous representatives of Karauridae). The presence of subpedicellate teeth, typical of the late larval stage of modern salamanders, confirms the neotenic nature of stem salamanders. The presence of pedicellate teeth in stem salamanders and stem caecilians confirms the hypothesis of pedicellarity as a synapomorphy of modern amphibian groups and, accordingly, the monophyly of Lissamphibia.

Morphogenetic Identification of a New Record Condica capensis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in Yunnan, China

Condica capensis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a newly identified pest in Yunnan Province, China, poses a threat to safflower crops. Discovered in Nanhua County in November 2023, the pest damages safflower at multiple life stages, especially during its larval stage, when it feeds on leaves, tender stems, and flower filaments, sometimes causing the entire plant to die. Morphological and molecular analyses, including mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase I (COI) gene sequencing, confirmed its identity as C. capensis, a new species record for Yunnan. The study also documented the pest’s life cycle, reproductive behavior, and natural enemies, highlighting the potential for biological control using parasitic wasps such as Cotesia sp. This research emphasizes the need for accurate pest identification and monitoring to develop effective, sustainable pest management strategies. As safflower cultivation grows in Yunnan, managing C. capensis is critical to safeguarding local agriculture and preventing broader agricultural threats.

Exploring the Life Cycle of Bactrocera latifrons: A Detailed Age-Stage, Two-Sex Life Table

Bactrocera latifrons (Hendel) is a serious pest requiring quarantine in many countries worldwide. It has caused huge economic losses to the cultivation of solanaceous plants, such as peppers and eggplants. In this study, we constructed an age-stage, two-sex life table using eggplant as the host to clarify the occurrence and damage patterns of B. latifrons on this crop for better field prevention and control in the laboratory. The results showed that the egg, larval, and pupal stages lasted 4.3, 11.3, and 9.3 days, respectively. The average lifespan of adult females and males was 101 and 102 days, respectively. The egg hatching rate, larval survival rate, and pupal emergence rate were 96%, 88%, and 84%, respectively. The average generation time was 43.96 days, with an intrinsic rate of increase of 0.097 d−1 and a net reproductive rate of 73.4. We established the life table based on group rearing. The research findings provide essential data for rearing B. latifrons in the laboratory, offer a reference for the dynamic prediction of field population dynamics, and offer a theoretical foundation for developing pest control strategies for B. latifrons.

Effectiveness of Azadirachta Indica (Neem) Plant Extract Compared with Albendazole on the Vitality of Hydatid Cyst Protoscolices (In Vitro)

The cestode worm Echinococcus granulosus larval stage parasitically infects humans and animals' livers and lungs, causing cystic echinococcosis. Surgery with scolicidal agents to inactivate live protoscolices is the main treatment for cystic echinococcosis (CE). An extract of neem tree leaves was chosen to treat this parasite that causes this disease, and its effects were laboratory tested on the vitality of the primary fungi, which is infective to humans, taken from the livers of infected sheep in the holy governorate of Karbala. This study used four concentrations of alcoholic neem tree leaf extract (1.250, 2.500, 5.000, and 10.000) ppm to count protoscolices in 5microliter volumes before and after treatment and compare them to albendazole. All concentrations of Neem leaves extract were effective, but 10,000 ppm was the most effective, as the percentage of mortality reached 100% after 30 minutes. The lower concentration of 1,250 ppm caused 90.62 % after 240 minutes. The above shows that Neem plant extracts inhibited protoscolices growth in all treatments. Due to its wide range of chemicals and biologically active compounds, which affect parasite cell mitochondrial membranes and cause apoptosis, many scholars call it the tree of the future.