Beetle Larvae Research Articles

Lonely Beetles Lose Weight: Absence of Conspecific Sounds Negatively Impacts Body Mass in Larval and Adult Passalus Beetles

For animals that typically live in groups or family units, being isolated from their conspecifics can be stressful. Horned passalus beetles (genus Odontotaenius), inhabit decaying logs in forests in the eastern United States. While not a truly social insect, they do coinhabit logs and maintain family units, and they are known to communicate with each other using stridulations that produce varying types of “chirps”. This project investigated if the auditory environment within these logs affects the beetles, specifically by exposing larval or adult beetles in a lab to sounds of (1) other beetles chirping, (2) no sound, or (3) the sounds of crickets, for varying time periods. Beetles were weighed before and after the exposures to determine changes in body mass. Beetle larvae experienced the slowest growth rates when listening to crickets or no sound, and the highest growth rates when hearing adult chirps. Adult beetles experienced mass losses in the treatments without beetle sounds, and this finding was replicated in three different experiments. The mass loss was greatest in the experiment that had the longest duration. The fact that the mass losses were observed in both the silent treatment, plus the treatment of cricket sounds, indicates that the lack of conspecific sounds (of other passalus beetles) was driving the effect. Surprisingly, there was no added effect of nematode parasitism on adult weight loss. Also, there was no evidence that the beetles were foraging less in the treatments without beetle sound, which suggest those beetles were experiencing elevated metabolism. The reduced growth rates and lost mass are signs that the beetles experienced chronic stress when deprived of the sounds of their kin. Combined, these experiments demonstrate how the acoustic environment, and especially the sounds of other beetles, is important to the lives of these insects, perhaps owing to the fact that they live in dark tunnels.

Distinct Impact of Processing on Cross-Order Cry1I Insecticidal Activity

The insecticidal Cry proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis are used in biopesticides or transgenic crops for pest control. The Cry1I protein family has unique characteristics of being produced during the vegetative rather than sporulation phase, its protoxins forming dimers in solution, and exhibiting dual toxicity against lepidopteran and coleopteran pests. The Cry1Ia protoxin undergoes sequential proteolysis from the N- and C-terminal ends, producing intermediate forms with insecticidal activity, while in some cases, the fully processed toxin is inactive. We investigated the oligomerization and toxicity of Cry1Ia intermediate forms generated through trypsinization (T-Int) and larval gut fluid (GF-Int) treatments, as well as the fully trypsinized protein (toxin). Heterologously expressed intermediate forms assembled into oligomers and showed similar toxicity to Cry1Ia protoxin against Ostrinia nubilalis (European corn borer) larvae, while the toxin form was ~30 times less toxic. In contrast, bioassays with Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle) larvae did not show significant differences in toxicity among Cry1Ia protoxin, T-Int, GF-Int, and fully processed toxin. These results suggest that the Cry1I mode of action differs by insect order, with N-terminal cleavage affecting toxicity against lepidopteran but not coleopteran larvae. This knowledge is essential for designing pest control strategies using Cry1I insecticidal proteins.

Descriptions and notes on the larvae of Austrocyphon Zwick, Contacyphon mobula Zwick, Fratercyphon gen. nov., Leptocyphon furcalonga Zwick, and Nothocyphon Zwick (Coleoptera, Scirtidae), and a phylogeny based on these larvae using mitochondrial sequence data

ABSTRACT The larvae of marsh beetles, Scirtidae, are common in freshwater habitats in Australia but are usually ignored in faunal surveys. Most of the commoner genera found in open fresh water have been described, however, numerous larvae have been collected from the specious genera Austrocyphon and Nothocyphon that do not yet have a description. This paper describes those taxa which were known but not described at the time. In addition, it includes generic descriptions of the larvae of an Australian species of Contacyphon, and the larva of a species of Leptocyphon with a further report on its unusual colonial lifestyle and the great reduction of the breathing apparatus of larvae in this genus. Larvae were identified by rearing and/or by genetic matching using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COI) sequencing. In addition, using the available COI sequences, a phylogenetic analysis was undertaken which supported the monophyly of species in each of the genera Austrocyphon and Nothocyphon. Also evident was the phylogenetic distinction between these two genera and a group of taxa related to N. frater (Blackburn). We have placed these species in a new genus, Fratercyphon. This genus now includes the following three species previously in Nothocyphon; F. frater (Blackburn), F. amita (Zwick) and F. patruelis (Zwick). The monospecific genus Tasmanocyphon Zwick is supported as a distinct evolutionary lineage, as is the unique larva of “Strathgordon” described by Watts in 2014.

Laboratory Exploration of Several Potential Biocontrol Methods Against the Ambrosia Beetle, Euwallacea interjectus.

The ambrosia beetle Euwallacea interjectus Blandford (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) has recently emerged as a pest in Chinese poplar plantations, causing significant economic losses through damage to host trees in association with its mutualistic fungus Fusarium populicola. This study evaluated the biocontrol potential of Beauveria bassiana strain B-BB-1, Serratia marcescens strain B-SM-1, its metabolite prodigiosin, and two ectoparasitic mites, Pyemotes moseri and Pyemotes zhonghuajia. B. bassiana exhibited significant lethality toward adult female E. interjectus, reduced offspring production, and inhibited F. populicola growth. S. marcescens and prodigiosin had certain lethal effects on larvae and inhibited the growth of F. populicola. Both mites effectively parasitized beetle pupae and larvae, with no significant differences in efficacy between the two species. These agents demonstrate promise for the biological control of E. interjectus, offering insights for managing ambrosia beetle infestations.

Captive propagation and observations of the endangered species Cicindela (Abroscelis) anchoralis (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Cicindelinae) in South Korea

Abstract Establishing a captive propagation method is a fundamental approach that may be critical for conserving endangered species whose populations are rapidly decreasing due to habitat destruction and climate change. We explored the behavioural and physiological characteristics of the endangered beach tiger beetle, Cicindela (Abroscelis) anchoralis, in South Korea and established captive propagation from adult to the 2nd instar larvae in the laboratory to implement reinforcement and reintroduction. Because of the burrowing behaviour of the larva, which inhabits beaches that are periodically flooded, a longer development period was required compared to other tiger beetle larvae. Under identical feeding conditions, adults had a lifespan averaging 100 days, with no difference between the sexes. In addition, the average number of eggs laid per adult female during their lifespan was 70 eggs under optimum feeding conditions. Moreover, the individual larvae‐rearing and overwintering methods showed average mortality rates of 8% and 16%, respectively, indicating that securing a large population for reintroduction is possible. Our results revealed that captive breeding methods for C. anchoralis can provide a healthy rearing method from eggs to larvae, reflecting the observed behavioural and physiological traits. We recommend that the captive propagation method of tiger beetles be adjusted to consider species' traits that vary depending on their habitat characteristics.

Microplastics and Nanoplastics Alter the Physicochemical Properties of Willow Trees and Lead to Mortality in Leaf Beetle Larvae.

Polystyrene micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are increasingly found in terrestrial environments, posing risks across the food web. However, the potential impacts of MNPs transfer on plant-insect interactions remains largely unknown. In this study, consumption of willow plants (Salix maizhokunggarensis) exposed to 10.0 mg/L MNPs for 21 days inhibited survival and reduced body weight in Plagiodera versicolora larvae unlike those exposed to lower concentrations or shorter durations (0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 mg/L MNPs for 7 or 14 days). MNPs exposure increased lignin content and leaf thickness in willows, leading to decreased leaf consumption and increased mouthpart wear in P. versicolora larvae. Transcriptome and gut microbiota analyses revealed significant downregulation of genes related to digestion, intestinal homoeostasis, immunity, and growth/development along with profound alterations in gut microbiota composition. Notably, the abundance of the pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas increased significantly. The gut barrier was disrupted, allowing gut bacteria to translocate into the haemolymph, accelerating larval mortality. Overall, MNPs altered plant physiology, making willow plants unsuitable for herbivore consumption and indirectly influenced herbivore survival by modulating gut bacteria. These findings offer novel insights into the cascading ecological effects and risks of MNPs, highlighting potential impacts on plant-herbivore interactions, biodiversity, and ecosystem health in terrestrial ecosystems.

Comparative anlysis of immune response, intestinal microbiota and susceptibility to <i>Bacillus Thuringiensis</i> bacteria of the colorado potato beetle <i>Leptinotarsa Decemlineata</i>

Biological insecticides based on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacteria are highly specific in their action against various types of insects and are considered safe for the environment. One of the most common pests of nightshade crops worldwide is the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Due to its wide distribution across different climatic regions and rapid development of resistance to chemical insecticides, it raises questions about the mechanisms behind its ecological plasticity and rapid resistance formation to biological insecticides. In this study, we investigated indicators of cellular and humoral immunity, enzyme activity in the antioxidant and detoxification systems, gut microbiota, and susceptibility to Bt bacteria in larvae of Colorado potato beetles from different areas of the Novosibirsk Region (NSO). The total number of hemocytes and lysozyme-like antibacterial activity in the hemolymph of insects from the Vengerovsky district of NSO was 1.5–2 times higher than in larvae from the Ordynsky district of NSO. The activity of detoxification enzymes in the intestines and fat body of larvae from Ordynsky increased by 1.7–2.5 times compared to the Hungarian insect group. It has been shown that bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae and genera Citrobacter are the dominant groups of intestinal microbiota in both regions of NSO, but bacteria of the genus Spiroplasma predominate in larvae from Ordynsky. It was also found that insects did not differ in their level of sensitivity to B. thuringiensis, the development of bacterial infection in the intestines of Colorado potato beetles from different parts of their range causes a two- to three-fold increase in phenoloxidase activity in the hemolymph, while a 1.5-fold increase in the total number of hemocytes has also been recorded in insects from the Ordynsky district in NSO. This suggests that insects from different geographical populations are able to effectively develop a protective strategy against entomopathogens through a balance between innate and induced resistance mechanisms.

Environmental Factors in Oryctes rhinoceros (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Breeding

ABSTRACTThe Oryctes rhinoceros (Scarabaeidae: Coleoptera) is a common coleopteran insect in tropical and subtropical areas with many potential uses. Its larvae are commonly found in dead coconut trees and hay piles in the wild and are widely distributed in the northern hemisphere. This study investigates the environmental factors influencing the growth of Oryctes rhinoceros beetle larvae and provides valuable insights into their breeding conditions versus their potential applications. The research examined three key affecting factors of larval development over time, namely, moisture content, growth space and soil content. Results of a pretest run revealed that moisture content, but not the soil content, affected the larval survival greatly. A reasonable confinement on feed moisture (i.e., 30%–60%) was included in the later conducted three‐factor factorial experiment. At last, results of the factorial run suggested that: (1) for a consistent and massive larval breeding, environmental factors, setting moisture content at 60%, larval space at 100 cm3/larva and no soil addition, are deemed appropriate, (2) for nutritional purpose, setting moisture content at 60%, larval space at 300 cm3/larva and no soil addition are recommended, and (3) for soil pollution remediation, setting moisture content at 60%, larval space at 100 cm3/larva and a soil‐to‐feed (S/F) ratio of 2:1 is concluded. This study marks the first engineering breeding exploration of Oryctes rhinoceros larvae, offering practical recommendations for various research purposes and applications.

Necrophagous insect damage on Quaternary mammal bones from Brazilian caves: Taphonomic and paleoecological implications

Bioerosion on vertebrate bones provides valuable insights into the post-mortem history of paleocommunities. In this study, we analyzed bioerosion trace fossils on mammalian bones from the Gruta dos Brejões and Toca da Barriguda caves in Bahia, Brazil. Our findings document the occurrence of Cubiculum inornatus and Karethraichnus kulindros in the Pleistocene. Comparisons of these bioerosion traces with trace fossils reported in paleoichnological and neoichnological literature suggest that the traces likely resulted from the pupation of dermestid beetle larvae on carcasses prior to burial. We suggest that dermestid infestation occurred on dry corpses exposed on the surface, which were subsequently transported into the cave environments.

Lead (Pb) Accumulation in Water, Sediment and Distribution of Macro-Invertebrates in Delimi River, Jos, Nigeria

Background: This study assessed the concentrations of lead (Pb) in the water column and sediment as well as macro-invertebrates in River Delimi with a view to determining its ability to support aquatic life. Methodology: Water and sediment samples were collected simultaneously between August and November 2019 at designated stations: A (Abattoir), B (British America bridge), and C (Farin Gada bridge). Composite method was employed to collect water samples from different points in each station in 250 ml capacity plastic bottles with screw caps. The plastic bottles had previously washed with detergent and finally rinsed using distilled water. The water samples were filtered using 0.4 mm Whatman filter paper. Samples were then digested with few drops of concentrated nitric acid (HNO3). Sediment samples were collected in decontaminated airtight polythene bags measuring 500_g each. Sub-samples of the material were sun-dried for three (3) days and homogenized by grinding in laboratory mortar and pestle and sieved (aperture 125 µm). Sediment samples were digested with 20 cm3 aqua regia (3HCl:1HNO3), filtrate were stored in glass bottles and transported to the laboratory for chemical analyses. Macroinvertebrates were collected using a D-frame kick-net (30) at each site over a three-minute period. The collected specimens were preserved in 70% formalin and transported to the laboratory for sorting, identification, and enumeration. Result: Showed that the concentration of lead (Pb) in all the water samples were found to be less than the permissible limit set by WHO/FAO except site WA3 (0.0874ppm) and WC3 (0.0678 ppm) which were higher than the permissible limit. The concentration of lead (Pb) in sediment was higher than the WHO/FAO permissible limit in all sampling stations which is most likely to pose serious health risks to macrobenthos. Also, 7 Micro-invertebrate taxa were identified in the sampling stations. Chironomidae, Eristalis Larva (Syrphidae), Tabanidae and Whirligig beetle (Gyrinidae) comprised more than 79% of the total abundance while stone fly Larva, hydrophilidae and beetle larva constituted the remaining. Conclusion: water samples suggest potential environmental contamination of lead in some locations while sediment samples indicate a significant contamination with lead, posing potential health risks to organisms living in the sediment, including macrobenthos.

The influence of inactivated entomopathogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis on the immune responses of the Colorado potato beetle.

Invasion of microorganisms into the gut of insects triggers a cascade of immune reactions accompanied by increased synthesis of effectors (such as antimicrobial peptides, cytokines, and amino acids), leading to changes in the physiological state of the host. We hypothesized that even an inactivated bacterium can induce an immune response in an insect. The aim of this study was to compare the roles of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and of the response of detoxification and antioxidant systems in a Colorado potato beetle (CPB) larval model in the first hours after invasion by either an inactivated or live bacterium. The influence of per os inoculation with inactivated entomopathogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis var. tenebrionis (Bt) on the survival and physiological and biochemical parameters of CPB larvae was assessed as changes in the total hemocyte count (THC), activity of phenoloxidases (POs), glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), nonspecific esterases (ESTs), catalase, peroxidases, superoxide dismutases (SODs) and formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). A series of changes occurred within the hemolymph and the midgut of CPBs inoculated with inactivated Bt at 12 h after inoculation. These physiological and biochemical alterations serve to mediate generalized resistance to pathogens. The changes were associated with an increase in the THC and a 1.4-2.2-fold enhancement of detoxification enzymatic activities (such as GST and EST) as well as increased levels of antioxidants (especially peroxidases) in hemolymph in comparison to the control group. Suppressed EST activity and reduced ROS formation were simultaneously detectable in the larval midgut. Inoculation of beetle larvae with active Bt cells yielded similar results (elevated THC and suppressed PO activity). A fundamental difference in the immune activation processes between larvae that ingested the inactivated bacterium and larvae that had consumed the active bacterium was that the inactivated bacterium did not influence ROS formation in the hemolymph but did reduce their formation in the midgut. At 24 h postinfection with active Bt, ROS levels went up in both the hemolymph and the midgut. This was accompanied by a significant 5.7-fold enhancement of SOD activity and a 5.3-fold suppression of peroxidase activity. The observed alterations may be due to within-gut toxicity caused by early-stage bacteriosis. The imbalance in the antioxidant system and the accumulation of products toxic to the "putative" pathogen can activate detoxification mechanisms, including those of an enzymatic nature (EST and GST). The activation of detoxification processes and of innate immune responses is probably due to the recognition of the "putative" pathogen by gut epithelial cells and is similar in many respects to the immune response at early stages of bacteriosis.

LEPTINOTARSA DECEMLINEATA, SAY ON POTATO PLANTINGS AND CONTROL OF ITS POPULATION IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE RIGHT BANK FOREST-STEPPE

The article presents the results of research in 2021-2023 regarding the control of the population density of the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say.) on plantings of potatoes of the Myroslav variety under a one-time spraying with insecticides and the impact on the formation of crop yields. The influence of modern insecticides Koragen® 20 CS (chlorantraniliprole, 200 g/l) and Ampligo® 150 ZC, (chlorantraniliprole, 100 g/l + lambda-cyhalothrin, 50 g/l) on the number of Colorado beetle larvae (L1-L4) was investigated. in the conditions of the Kyiv Region, Belotserkiv District. During 2021-2023, the first instar larvae of the Colorado potato beetle appeared in the 1st - 2nd decades of June, and the mass appearance of the larvae of the pest occurred during the month. According to records made before spraying, the number of larvae of the Colorado potato beetle averaged 15.2 specimens/plant. Based on the data obtained during 2021-2023, the technical efficiency of the studied drugs against the larvae of the pest for two weeks was at the level of 100% compared to the control, the number of individuals on which during this period reached 44.4.4 specimens/plant, with the use of Dantop 50, HV on average - 5.9 copies/bush. It was noted that chlorantraniliprole has the ability to maintain a toxic effect not only on plants, but also on the soil surface for more than two weeks, which makes it impossible for beetles and pest larvae to migrate from the surrounding areas, because upon contact with the active substance, the insect immediately "paralyzes" and after 2-3 days she dies. The use of insecticides affected the formation of tuber productivity. Thus, the highest rate of preserved harvest was noted for the use of the drugs Koragen® 20 CS and Ampligo® 150 ZC at the level of 24.1 t/ha and 23.7 t/ha, respectively, compared to the control (without the use of insecticides). At the same time, on the variant with the reference insecticide Dantop 50, WG, this indicator was at the level of 14.9 t/ha, which is almost twice as low as compared to the areas where Koragen® 20 CS and Ampligo® 150 ZC were used.

De novo transcriptome assembly and differential gene expression analysis in different developmental stages of Agriotes sputator (click beetle)

Wireworms, the larva of click beetle (Agriotes species), are one of the most destructive pests of horticultural crops in North America, responsible for considerable economic losses in Canada. Agriotes sputator (A. sputator) species is a predominant wireworm pest attacking potato fields in Eastern Canada. However, no information about its genome-wide gene expression profile, specifically for the genes involved with development is available to date. Therefore, we generated the transcriptome profile of A. sputator during five developmental stages, including the three larval stages and adult male and female click beetle. Out of 714.7 million raw reads, de novo assembly generated 564,561 transcripts. The data were subjected to differential expression analysis using DESeq2, gene ontology, annotation, and pathway analyses. A total of 34,709 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significant (log2 fold change > 2, padj < 0.05) across the developmental stages. Functional analysis of DEGs identified development signaling, metabolism, transport, cellular mechanisms, and drug metabolism (cytochrome p450) pathways. This study provides comprehensive sequence resources and potential gene differences at different developmental stages of A. sputator. These findings will represent a major step towards developing sustainable methods to control this widely distributed pest in agricultural fields.

Identifying insect predators using camera traps reveal unexpected predator communities in oilseed rape fields

Cameras are common tools for ecologists studying species abundance, richness, and interactions. They are mainly used to study large animals but are increasingly used to study invertebrates. Camera traps could be a powerful tool to identify and quantify the natural enemies, such as predators, of specific agricultural pests. This knowledge can then be applied to adapt farming practices to favour the predators identified and improve conservation biocontrol.Here, cameras were used to identify predators of two insect pests of oilseed rape (Brassica napus): the pollen beetle (Brassicogethes aeneus) and the brassica pod midge (Dasineura brassicae). These insects are spring pests of oilseed rape and are both susceptible to predation by ground-dwelling arthropods during their development cycle. The objectives of this study were to 1) identify the predators of the pest species, and 2) investigate the hypothesis that the diel activity periods of the predators match the timing of pest larval presence on the ground. Field observations were conducted in two locations over two consecutive years in the UK.In contrast to previous reports, our data collected using cameras showed that larval stages of predatory beetles are responsible for most of the predation events and that adult stages were not frequently observed feeding on the prey. Our data also showed that the traditional method, using pitfall traps, failed to detect the presence of large numbers of beetle larvae. Interestingly, the pests dropped to the ground and were therefore most susceptible to predation at the time when predators were most active.These results give new insight on the predators of the two most important spring pests of oilseed rape in Europe. This knowledge can be used by practitioners to develop framing practices targeted on enhancing the abundance of the larval stages of these beneficial arthropods to better control the pests in a more sustainable way.

Characterisation of the bacteriomes harboured by major wireworm pest species in the Canadian Prairies.

Nearly all insects harbour bacterial communities that can have a profound effect on their life history, including regulating and shaping host metabolism, development, immunity and fitness. The bacteriomes of several coleopterans have been described; however, very little has been reported for wireworms. These long-lived larvae of click beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae) are major agricultural pests of a variety of crops grown in the Canadian Prairies. Consequently, the goal of this study was to characterise the bacteriomes of five of the most significant pest species within the region: Limonius californicus, Hypnoidus abbreviatus, H. bicolor, Aeolus mellillus and Dalopius spp. To do this, we collected larvae from southern Manitoba fields (pre-seeding) and carried out 16S rRNA sequencing on individual specimens. Our results indicate wireworms have diverse and taxon-rich bacterial communities, with over 400 genera identified predominately from the phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota and Firmicutes. However, each species had nine or fewer genera comprising >80% of their bacteriome. Network analyses revealed some community structuring consistent among species, which may culminate in shaping/regulating host biology. Moreover, the microbial signatures were influenced by both ontogeny (early vs. late stage larvae) and reproductive strategy (sexual vs. parthenogenetic), with a myriad of other factors likely contributing to bacterial diversity that are impossible to resolve from our study. Overall, this metagenomics study represents the first to characterise the bacteriomes of wireworms in the Canadian Prairies and the findings could assist in the development of sustainable management strategies for these important agricultural pests.

Effect of sowing dates on damage to corn by western corn beetle larvae in the Western Forest-Steppe

Effect of sowing dates on damage to corn by western corn beetle larvae in the Western Forest-Steppe

Past, present and future of the two-spotted stink bug (Perillus bioculatus) in Europe revealed by citizen science

The introduction of the Nearctic predaceous stink bug species, (Perillus bioculatus) was attempted multiple times in various countries throughout Europe to mitigate the damage caused by the invasive and harmful pest species, the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata). Though these attempts were thought to be unsuccessful for decades, more recent data elucidated that the species have established small self-sustaining populations in the Balkans Peninsula, Southern Russia, and Türkiye and recently began to expand. In the past years, the European range of the species reached Eastern Europe. After the first individuals were found in Hungary in October 2023 a citizen science campaign was launched to investigate the distribution of the species in the country. By June 2024 it became evident that the species is established throughout the country. Furthermore, observations regarding beetle larvae and moth caterpillars as alternative prey were reported supporting the previous assumptions that the naturalization and expansion of the species in Europe is facilitated by dietary drift. Here, we summarize the knowledge on the European presence of the two-spotted stink bug and formulate hypotheses regarding its future distribution and the impact of the species on the insect communities of the newly colonized areas.

Diversity of archostematan beetle larvae through time with new fossils

Diversity of archostematan beetle larvae through time with new fossils

An Evaluation of a Winter Mortality Model for the Mountain Pine Beetle

The winter mortality of mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) larvae caused by temperatures below survivable thresholds and sudden decreases in temperature is among the most influential factors limiting population growth. Due to the importance of winter mortality in the demise of mountain pine beetle infestations, a widely used winter mortality model was developed at the Canadian Forest Service and the United States Forest Service. It predicts lethal temperatures and survival probabilities given temperature time series over the winter season. We present a rare and possibly the first peer-reviewed validation of this winter mortality model, wherein we independently tested the model at a new region in Canada by comparing model predictions to the observed lower lethal temperature thresholds and cold-associated mortality. Model predictions were biologically reasonable but slightly biased. Bias was exacerbated by the inaccurate translation of air temperature data from weather stations to temperatures under the bark where larvae develop. The spatial prediction of relative mortality observed across the study area in Banff National Park was poor—likely because the mountainous terrain presents a difficult prediction challenge when under-bark temperatures are not directly observed. Our results will help inform users of model constraints and how to optimize the accuracy of model predictions.

Yeasts from frass of longhorn beetle larvae (Cerambycidae) in birch wood and description of Diddensiella monakovoensis f.a., sp. nov

Yeasts from frass of longhorn beetle larvae (Cerambycidae) in birch wood and description of Diddensiella monakovoensis f.a., sp. nov