Longhorned Beetle Larvae Research Articles

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

Molecular identification of immature Cerambycinae (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae): revisiting the significance of immature morphologies

Abstract The microstructure of immature insect forms plays a crucial role in systematics, especially in inferring phylogenetic relationships and designating the morphological basis for taxonomic units. However, the microstructure of longhorn beetle larvae and pupae is poorly understood, owing to difficulties in obtaining them and technical limitations. Among 90 larvae and 80 pupae collected and photographed, 31 larvae and 15 pupae remained unidentified after morphological and bionomical evidence-based identification. Cytochrome c oxidase I sequences were amplified successfully from 68 larvae and 59 pupae. Molecular identification using tree-based analysis identified 28 of 31 undetermined larvae (90.3%) and 14 of 15 undetermined pupae (93.3%) to the species level. We highlight the usefulness of DNA barcoding in identifying immature forms of cerambycid beetles and filling gaps in public databases. This study also demonstrates how microstructure can clarify the morphological basis of polyphyletic taxa on the phylogeny and emphasizes the significance of the microstructure of immature stages in longhorn beetle systematics.

Morphology and Material Composition of the Mouthparts of Stromatium unicolor Olivier 1795 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) for Bionic Application

Research Highlights: The novelty of this study is the deep analysis of the morphologic, geometric and mechanical performance of longhorn beetle larvae mouthparts. Furthermore, a metal nano identification of jaw reinforced parts was made. Background and Objectives: Analysis of insect mechanical properties has shown an important application in the develop of bionic technologies such as new materials, industrial machines and structural concepts. This study aims to determine the mechanical and geometric properties of longhorn beetle (Stromatium unicolor Olivier 1795) larvae mouthparts to improve the development of innovative cutting tools. In addition, this study obtains a nano identification of metals in the cuticle of the mouthparts, which will enable the development of new nontoxic and sustainable preservation agents against xylophagous insects based on nanoparticles. Materials and Methods: five third-larval-stage samples of Stromatium unicolor were used to study its mandible morphologic, geometric and mechanical properties. To this end, mouthparts were analyzed by several microscopic techniques using a scanning electron microscope, a stereomicroscope and an optical microscope. Composition analysis was performed using with two Analytical-Inca X-ray detectors, dispersive energy spectroscopy and dispersive wavelength spectroscopy. Results: The main geometric parameters of the insect jaw are the edge angle (β = 77.3°), maximum path depth of the insect (120 μm), length (800 µm) and mouthpart movement, which were identified and measured. The chemical analysis results of the jaw tissues shows the presence of zinc and manganese. Conclusions: The geometry and angles of the mouthparts can be applied in the fabrication of bionic self-sharpening cutting tools. Molecular compounds that form the reinforcing elements in the jaws can be used to develop wood preservatives based on nanometals and metal absorption and metabolism inhibitors.

Discovery of Parasitoids of Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) and Their Seasonal Abundance in China Using Sentinel Host Eggs and Larvae.

Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky), is a high-risk invasive forest pest worldwide. We surveyed Asian longhorned beetle parasitoid guilds and their seasonal abundance using field-deployed sentinel host logs infested with Asian longhorned beetle eggs or newly hatched (early-instar) larvae in three different sites of China (Beijing City, Shanghai City, and Jilin Province) from 2015 to 2018. Our survey detected 12 species of hymenopteran parasitoids (four Pteromalidae, three Braconidae, two Eupelmidae, one Eurytomidae, one Ichneumonidae, and one Bethylidae) attacking sentinel Asian longhorned beetle larvae or eggs deployed in these sites. Total parasitism by all the parasitoid species varied with different sites and across different years of the survey (averaging 7-16% in Beijing, 4-11% in Shanghai, and 0-0.2% in Jilin Province). In addition, the seasonal pattern of parasitism also differed among different sites, with parasitism peaking in July in the northern site (Beijing, 19%) and June in the southern site (Shanghai, 16%). Among all the parasitoid species recovered, Oxysychus sp. (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) was the most abundant parasitoid species in both Beijing and Shanghai (with 42-66% relative abundance and an average of 6% Asian longhorned beetle parasitism). The second most abundant species was Bracon planitibiae Yang, Cao et Gould (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), which accounted for 35% of the species collected and caused an average of 5% Asian longhorned beetle parasitism. Relevance of our findings to Asian longhorned beetle biocontrol is discussed.

A Bethylid Wasp (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) as a Promising Biocontrol Agent of Rosaceous Long Horn BeetleOspheranteria coerulescens(Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

Sclerodermus domesticus (Latreille, 1809) (Hym., Bethylidae) was collected from north eastern Iran, in association with larvae of Osphranteria coerulescens (Redtenbacher, 1850) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). The bethylids were found as larval ectoparasitoids on the longhorn beetle larvae. This parasitic wasp has gregarious activity with a high reproduction rate and parasitism potential. This is the first record of this parasitic wasp from Iran while O. coerulescens is recorded as a new host for this parasitoid. The parasitoid was identified using classic data accompanied with results of DNA sequences analysis of COI and 28S genes. In addition, we provide knowledge about biology of the parasitoid and present a discussion about its bionomics.

Effect of temperature on the eradication of house longhorn beetle larvae in wood by microwave treatment

In repressive protection of cultural/historical woodwork, microwaves have many advantages over conventional heating. The research%s objective was to examine conditions for eradication of house longhorn beetle larvae (Hylotrupes bajulus) in spruce wood (Picea abies) using microwaves. Larvae, inserted at different depths of spruce blocks containing 12% and 42% of moisture, were exposed to microwaves. Two apparatuses were used; a 750W commercial microwave chamber and a newly developed horn antenna microwave device with the power of 800W and a frequency of 2.45GHz, for targeted radiation. We discovered that the inner part of wood warmed up quicker than the surface heated to 65°C. For successful suppression larvae in the wood need to be heated to 54.5°C, for 10 seconds. The necessary exposure time increases with increasing thickness of wood. The surface of wood containing more moisture is heated quicker, but increased moisture slows down the penetration of microwaves into the wood specimen. Therefore, larvae in wood of lower moisture (12%) died faster, both those 20mm under surface (1.5min) and those at 130 mm of depth (10.5min).

Acquiring the genes to digest wood.

Insect Genomics![Figure][1] Asian longhorned beetle larvae digest wood by using acquired genes. PHOTO: SCOTT CAMAZINE / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO The larvae of the invasive Asian longhorned beetle burrow into and kill trees. On sequencing the genome, McKenna et al. found that gene transfers from

Vertical distribution of three longhorned beetle species (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in burned trees of the boreal forest

This study aimed to characterize the vertical distribution of longhorned beetle larvae in burned trees of the eastern Canadian boreal forest. Black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) Britton, Sterns & Poggenb.) and jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) trees burned at three severity levels were cut, and 30 cm boles were collected from the ground up to a height of 9.45 m. Boles were debarked and dissected to collect insect larvae. Results show that the three most abundant longhorned beetle species were vertically segregated among burned jack pine and black spruce trees, but the section having the highest timber value was heavily infested by woodborer larvae. Larval density distribution of Monochamus scutellatus scutellatus (Say) and of Acmaeops proteus proteus (Kirby) could be linked with bark thickness, which also depends on fire severity. Lightly burned stands of black spruce were the most heavily infested and should be salvaged only if they are easily accessible and can thus be rapidly harvested and processed at the mill. More severely burned stands should be salvaged later as they will be less affected by woodborers, as should jack pine, which is lightly infested compared with black spruce. The ecological role of stumps should be further investigated because they could still have an ecological value after salvage logging as Arhopalus foveicollis (Haldeman) uses them specifically.

Efficacy of two entomopathogenic nematode species as potential biocontrol agents against the rosaceae longhorned beetle, Osphranteria coerulescens, under laboratory conditions

Rosaceae longhorned beetle, Osphranteria coerulescens, is an important pest of fruit trees that attacks all fruit trees belonging to the family Rosaceae in cold regions of Iran. The potential efficacy of two species of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN), Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema carpocapsae, against last instar larvae of this pest was tested under laboratory conditions. In plate assays, the larvae were susceptible to both EPN species but were more susceptible to S. carpocapsae (65.0-97.5% mortality) than H. bacteriophora (42.5-87.8%). Both nematode species were able to penetrate and reproduce within O. coerulescens larvae, but reproduction rate for H. bacteriophora was higher than those of S. carpocapsae; however, the penetration rate for S. carpocapsae was greater than H. bacteriophora. In a migration test on agar plate, S. carpocapsae showed negligible attraction to the pest or to Galleria mellonella cues. However, H. bacteriophora was strongly attracted to the sector of Petri dishes containing larvae. In a test using apricot tree branches, both species of EPN passed from mass frass of O. coerulescens larvae in the tip of the branches, penetrated into the larval galleries, and located and killed the larvae of O. coerulescens in their natural habitat deep inside the branches. Our findings provide the first insight into the biocontrol efficacy of EPN against O. coerulescens larvae, and highlight their potential for the control of this pest. Field experiments are needed to evaluate their potential under the environmental conditions in which rosaceae longhorned beetle larvae are found.

Increased Bacillus thuringiensis δ-endotoxin Cry3Aa toxicity against longhorned beetle by fusing to peptide specifically binding to beetle Cx-cellulase

Background Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry toxins have specific toxicity to susceptible insects. They are being used in transgenic plants or spray to control insect pests in agriculture [1, 2, 3]. Cry3A toxins are used extensively for biological control of coleopteran larvae [4, 5]. A Bt886-Cry3Aa gene that exhibited a high activity against Coleoptera insects isolated Our laboratory. Insect bioassay performed on Anoplophora glabripennis Motsch and Apriona germari Hope showed that the mortality of larvae fed with the product of this gene was over 60% [6]. However, both transgenic poplar with native Cry3Aa and withmodified-Cry3Aa by using poplar-prefered codons did little effects on longhorned beetles probably due to its low expression level in poplar.A peptide (LPPNPTK) named PCx that specifically bind to cellulase from midgut of longhorned beetle larvae was screened out from a phage display library previously in our laboratory[7].

Durability improvement of wood by treatment with Methyl Alkenoate Succinic Anhydrides (M-ASA) of vegetable origin

Methyl Alkenoate Succinic Anhydride (M-ASA) is the product of the reaction between methyl esters of fatty acids and maleic anhydride. Crude M-ASA was synthesized from rapeseed oil methyl esters. The main compounds in this adduct are methyl oleate succinic anhydride (30%), methyl linoleate succinic anhydride (24%), unreacted methyl esters (41%) and unreacted maleic anhydride (4%). The treatment of wood at high temperature with crude M-ASA conferred protection against fungal decay and insects. Biological tests were carried out on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) sapwood and beech (Fagus sylvatica) according to European standards. M-ASA treatment was efficient against mould fungi (BS 3900), blue staining (EN 152), white and brown rot fungi (EN 113), longhorn beetle larvae (EN 46 and 47) and termites (EN 117). This treatment delayed the degradation of wood by soft rot (ENV 807) but it did not prevent it. Therefore, M-ASA combines all the necessary conditions to fulfil the requirements of the biological use classes 2 and 3, but not for class 4.

Sulfuryl Fluoride as a Quarantine Treatment for <I>Anoplophora glabripennis</I> (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Regulated Wood Packing Material

The Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), was probably introduced into the United States from China with solid wood packing and dunnage during the 1980s, and it has recently become established in limited infestations near several major cities in the United States. Regulated wood packing material (RWPM) arriving in the United States from China is required to undergo fumigation with methyl bromide (MeBr), to be heat treated, or kiln dried. Sulfuryl fluoride (SF) is a candidate fumigant to replace MeBr under certain conditions. SF fumigations were conducted in 432-liter Lexan chambers held in a 6.1-m (20-foot) refrigerated container for temperature control. Each fumigation consisted of 12 Populus spp. 10- by 10- by 115-cm timbers, of high moisture content, naturally infested with Asian longhorned beetle. During 2001, we fumigated wood for 24 h at a range of doses (20-112 g/m3) and temperatures (4.4, 10.0, 15.6, and 21.1 degrees C) and subjected the data to probit analysis. Confirmatory fumigations were conducted at doses of 120 and 104 g/m3 at temperatures of 10.0 and 15.6 or 21.1 degrees C, respectively, which resulted in complete kill of all larvae. Pupae that became available later in the year as temperatures warmed were fumigated at 15.6 and 21.1 degrees C with 104 g/m3, which resulted in complete pupal mortality. The next year (2002), we conducted 24-h fumigations with doses of 116 g/m3 at 4.4 and 10.0 degrees C with cold-harvested wood infested with cold-acclimated larvae. Cold-acclimated larvae required much higher concentration times time (CxT) product for control at 4.4 and 10.0 degrees C compared with nonacclimated larvae. Sulfuryl fluoride treatments at a dose of 104 g/m3 and temperature of 15.6 degrees C and above and that achieved a CxT product of 1,095 g-h/m3 or above are recommended for RWPM infested with Asian longhorned beetle larvae and pupae.

COMPARATIVE DIETS OF ADULT AND YOUNG THREE-TOED WOODPECKERS IN A EUROPEAN ALPINE FOREST COMMUNITY

We studied year-round food preferences of the three-toed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus) from 1994 to 2000 in Berchtesgaden National Park, Germany. We color-banded 52 birds for individual recognition, and we radiomarked 25 adults from this sample. We analyzed 142 feces of 30 adults and 588 feces of 40 nestlings from 15 nests. Additionally, we took samples from 20 trees recently used for foraging in 10 woodpecker territories to estimate local prey availability. Based on relative abundance and relative frequency of food items (i.e., importance value), overall diet composition of adult three-toed woodpeckers was dominated by spiders (Araneidea), larvae of longhorn beetles (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae), and bark beetles (Coleoptera, Scolytidae). Adults ate longhorn beetle larvae primarily during nesting, while imagines (fully developed adults) and larvae of various bark beetles appeared to be the main food resource outside the nesting season. Nestling diet was dominated by spiders and longhorn beetle larvae that were gathered 247 ± 122 m (x̄ ± SD) from the nest. Our results demonstrated that consumption of bark beetles by three-toed woodpeckers varies throughout the year, being lowest during the nesting season, while longhorn beetle larvae are preferred throughout the year. Securing habitat requirements of both bark and wood-boring beetle communities is a critical step to maintaining viable three-toed woodpecker populations.

Enzymes for digestion of cellulose and other polysaccharides in the gut of longhorn beetle larvae, Rhagium inquisitor L. (Col., Cerambycidae)

The foregut, proximal and distal midgut, and hindgut of free living larvae of a bark runner, the longhorn beetle Rhagium inquisitor L., have been investigated for the presence of enzymes hydrolyzing a number of aryl-glycosides and polysaccharides representative of wood components. Speci8c activity was highest in the proximal midgut. No hydrolytic activity was found in control tissue, the extra-intestinal fat bodies. Activity was detected with CM-chitin, xylan, phosphoric-acid swollen cellulose, soluble starch, � -mannoside, :-glucoside, :-cellobioside and � -arabinoside. The highest activity was found on :-1,4-glucan and :-fucoside. No hydrolytic activity could be observed with crystalline cellulose. An identical molecular mass of 70 kDa for :-glucosidase and cellobiosidase was determined, corresponding to the major protein band. This suggests the absence of a cellobiohydrolase activity and thus a lack of 8ber degradation ability. The endo-:-glucanase had a molecular mass of 32 kDa and an extremely broad pH-activity. ? 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Soluble carbohydrates in the nutrition of house longhorn beetle larvae, Hylotrupes bajulus (L.) (Col., Cerambycidae): from living sapwood to faeces

: Water-soluble carbohydrates from (a) living sapwood of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L); (b) dry sapwood blocks from Scots pine (EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 46, 1988); and (c) faeces from Hylotrupes bajulus (L) larvae feeding from these blocks were analysed. Living sapwood contains high amounts of sucrose, glucose, fructose and starch. These carbohydrates seem to be hydrolysed and metabolized during the production of the sapwood blocks. The faeces contain carbohydrates which are not present either in living sapwood or in the sapwood blocks: xylose and an oligosaccharide of uncertain composition. This oligosaccharide is the dominant water-soluble carbohydrate in the faeces. In contrast to living sapwood and sapwood blocks, the faeces contain considerable amounts of soluble β-glucans. The results show that the composition and the amounts of carbohydrates differ significantly from that in the sapwood blocks (fodder for the larvae). The α-glucans (starch) present in the wood are not significantly utilized by the larvae. Regarding soluble carbohydrates, diet wood has only little in common with the living wood of the standing tree.