Phytophagous insects locate suitable hosts through volatile compounds. Polyphagous species face a particular challenge because their hosts emit diverse chemical profiles, yet their olfactory strategies remain unclear. A long-standing assumption suggests that these insects respond primarily to compounds shared across hosts. Here we show that olfactory responses of various polyphagous fruit fly species (Tephritidae) are instead tuned to species-specific fruit compounds from 28 host fruits. This tuning translates into a behavioural preference for species-specific over shared fruit compounds, but only at low doses. Previously, response probability in the same species had been reported to be tuned to shared fruit compounds. To reconcile these observations, we propose a working hypothesis, supported by a computational model: an inverse relationship between olfactory response amplitude and probability may have evolved under the ecological need to detect and discriminate hosts. Together, these results highlight how polyphagous Tephritidae balance detection and discrimination through finely tuned olfactory mechanisms. This insight not only advances our understanding of host selection in polyphagous insects but also has potential applications for ecological management and pest control strategies.

Larinus latus is one of the most important phytophagous insects associated with Silybum marianum weed (milk thistle). A comprehensive field survey was conducted over two consecutive winter growing seasons (2023/2024 and 2024/2025) starting in January for both seasons in El-Beheira and Kafr El-Sheikh Governorates, Egypt. The study aimed to assess the biological impact of L. latus infestation on key reproductive traits of S. marianum, including the number and fresh weight of insect-infested inflorescences and their seeds, across multiple field locations (18 sites in each governorate). The main findings showed that insect infestation of S. marianum inflorescences caused a marked reduction in fresh weight and resulted in the production of fewer and lighter seeds compared with uninfected inflorescences in both seasons. Moreover, insect infestation significantly inhibited the reproductive capacity of S. marianum, suggesting a regulatory role in limiting its growth. This study underscores the ecological importance of weed–insect interactions and supports the potential for incorporating insect-induced effects into integrated and sustainable management strategies for S. marianum weed.

Arma chinensis (Fallou) (a predatory insect) and Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (a phytophagous insect) exhibit distinct feeding ecologies. This contrast provides a model system to investigate metabolic divergence in insects, which remains insufficiently characterized. To address this, we employed untargeted metabolomics for comparing the global metabolic profiles of these 2 species. Significant differences were detected between A. chinensis and H. halys, with 194 and 195 differentially abundant metabolites identified in females and males, respectively. The metabolic profile of A. chinensis was characterized by an enrichment of lipids and lipid-like molecules. In contrast, H. halys exhibited an enrichment of organic acids, their derivatives, and plant-derived secondary metabolites, consistent with its phytophagous diet. Sex-specific metabolic patterns were also observed: females showed higher lipid accumulation, a pattern often associated with reproductive investment in insects, whereas males displayed a relative increase in metabolites related to protein synthesis. This study elucidates the distinct metabolomic signatures associated with different feeding habits for 2 closely related insect species. These findings provide a foundation for further investigation into the physiological correlates of dietary ecology and may inform future research into pest management strategies.

Understanding the evolutionary history of biological control agents in their native ranges is crucial for improving their selection, establishment, and performance across environmentally diverse regions. Phytophagous insects that specialize on aquatic plants offer particularly valuable models, as their evolutionary trajectories may be shaped by a combination of climatic variation, host plant availability, and the fragmented nature of aquatic habitats. Megamelus scutellaris is a monophagous planthopper native to South America that has been introduced into the United States and South Africa as part of biological control programs targeting the highly invasive aquatic plant, Pontederia crassipes. In this work, we combined nuclear SNP and mitochondrial sequence data to investigate the genetic structure, demographic history, and environmental drivers of population divergence in M. scutellaris across its native range in Argentina and Paraguay. We identified three main genetic lineages broadly associated with major river basins and ecoregions. Demographic modeling supported an early divergence, likely linked to Pleistocene climatic shifts and hydrological changes, followed by a more recent split dated to the early Holocene. Contemporary gene flow was asymmetric and varied in magnitude among lineages, reflecting differences in connectivity and environmental conditions. Lastly, landscape genomic analyzes revealed a strong association between genetic differentiation and climatic variation, supporting models of isolation by environment and resistance. These findings highlight the role of evolutionary and ecological processes in shaping the genetic landscape of M. scutellaris and provide key insights for selecting source populations better suited to different environments in introduced regions.

The Cape Floristic Region (CFR) of South Africa is globally recognized for its exceptional biodiversity and endemism, but despite extensive floral studies, its phytophagous insect fauna remains poorly studied. Here, we employ an integrative taxonomic approach including macro- and micro-photography, micro-CT scanning, scanning electron microscopy, and multigene molecular phylogenetics to describe a recently discovered, morphologically and genetically distinct lineage of geometrid moths (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) from the CFR, comprising a new genus, Fynbosia Englund, Staude & Sihvonen, gen. nov. and two new species, F. horingaria Englund, Staude & Sihvonen, sp. nov. and F. unicaria Englund, Staude & Sihvonen, sp. nov. Morphological and molecular evidence support the placement of Fynbosia gen. nov. within the subfamily Larentiinae but suggest no close affiliation to any described tribe. The new genus appears to be endemic to the CFR's montane fynbos and renosterveld vegetation types, which may act as ecological islands that foster speciation. The discovery underscores the overlooked insect diversity of the region and the urgent need for more comprehensive surveys. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of geometrid diversity and highlight the value of integrative taxonomy and non-destructive imaging in documenting rare and cryptic lineages.

This article examines the ecological characteristics of tugai (riparian) forests in Central Asia and the mechanisms underlying the formation of their entomofauna. The study analyzes the influence of species composition, climatic conditions, and soil–hydrological factors on the structure and dynamics of insect communities. Special attention is given to phytophagous, xylophagous, rhizophagous, and dendrophilous insect groups, their distribution patterns, population fluctuations, and impacts on plant communities. Significant pest species from the orders Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera and others are described in terms of their ecological roles, adaptive features, and relationships with dominant riparian vegetation.

Urban green spaces host complex arthropod communities, in which natural insect antagonists play a key role in regulating pest populations. The jumping plant-louse Cacopsylla pulchella is a sap-sucking pest widespread across Europe that attacks Cercis siliquastrum L., which is commonly used as an ornamental tree. Heavy infestations may contribute to host tree decline and cause indirect damage in urban environments by reducing aesthetic value and by extensive deposition of honeydew secretions on surrounding surfaces. As with many phytophagous insects occurring in urban contexts, information on the natural enemies of this species remains limited, particularly in Italy, and requires further documentation. Here, we investigated the parasitoids associated with C. pulchella in central and southern Italy based on surveys conducted between 2022 and 2025. Specimens were obtained from infested plant material and identified using an integrative taxonomic approach combining detailed morphological examination with DNA barcoding. Prionomitus mitratus was confirmed as the primary parasitoid of C. pulchella, while two species, Pachyneuron muscarum and Pachyneuron aphidis, were identified as hyperparasitoids. In addition, a single specimen of Anastatus bifasciatus was also recorded emerging from the psyllid as a hyperparasitoid. Molecular analyses generated the first publicly available mitochondrial and nuclear sequences for P. mitratus. For Pachyneuron, molecular results showed variable correspondence with available reference sequences, reflecting the uneven representation of species-level data for Pteromalidae in public databases. By integrating morphological and molecular evidence, this study clarifies trophic relationships within the C. pulchella parasitoid complex. It provides vouchered molecular references to support future taxonomic and ecological research in urban ecosystems.

Parasitoids are key natural antagonists of forest insect pests and are gaining importance in integrated forest protection under increasing climate-related disturbances. This study aimed to quantify the influence of vegetation diversity and canopy structure on the abundance and diversity of the overall insect community responses to vegetation structure and to provide an ecological context. Second, detailed analyses focused on three focal parasitoid families (Braconidae, Ichneumonidae, Tachinidae), which are of particular relevance for integrated forest protection due to their central role in integrated forest protection and in pesticide-free regulation approaches for risk mitigation in forest ecosystems. Malaise traps were deployed at eight randomly selected broadleaf and coniferous sites, and insect samples from six sampling dates in summer 2024 were analyzed. The sampling period coincided with the full development of woody and vascular plants, representing the phase of highest expected activity of phytophagous insects and associated parasitoids. Vegetation surveys (Braun–Blanquet), canopy closure, and canopy cover were recorded for each site. Across all samples, five arthropod classes, 13 insect orders, and 31 hymenopteran families were identified, with pronounced site-specific differences in community composition and abundance. Our results suggest that broadleaf-dominated sites, characterized by higher plant species richness and greater structural heterogeneity, support a more diverse assemblage of phytophagous insects, thereby increasing host availability and niche diversity for parasitoids. Parasitoid communities generally showed higher diversity at broadleaf sites. Spearman correlations and multiple linear regressions revealed a strong negative relationship between canopy cover and total insect abundance ρ (Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (Spearman ρ = −0.72, p = 0.042; p = 0.012, R2 = 0.70), R2 (coefficient of determination), whereas parasitoid diversity (Shannon index) and the relative proportion of Ichneumonidae were positively associated with canopy cover (ρ = 0.85, p = 0.008). In addition, canopy cover had a significant positive effect on overall insect diversity (Shannon index; p = 0.015, R2 = 0.63). Time-series analyses revealed a significant seasonal decline in parasitoid abundance (p < 0.001) and parasitoid diversity (p = 0.018). Time-series analyses revealed seasonal dynamics characterized by fluctuations in parasitoid abundance and diversity and a general decrease over the course of the sampling period. The findings demonstrate that structurally diverse mixed forests, particularly those with a high proportion of broadleaf trees mixed forests with heterogeneous canopy layers can enhance the diversity of specialized natural enemies, while dense canopy cover reduces overall insect abundance. These insights provide an ecological basis for silvicultural strategies that strengthen natural regulation processes within integrated forest protection.

This article studies the biocenotic relationships of harmful organisms in the artificial ecosystems of the Main Botanical Garden of RAS. The research was conducted in 2021–2024. The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring research in the context of phytosanitary destabilization of ecosystems under the influence of anthropogenic factors. Monitoring of harmful organism biodiversity revealed an uneven distribution of pathogen-entomological complexes. Their species spectrum, the prevalence of specific components, and the multiplicity of their manifestations varied depending on the ecosystem type, its balance, and stability. The determination of the structure of these entomo-pathogenic complexes showed that they include background, dominant, and crop-specific atypical harmful species. Their composition and dominance structure differed across ecosystem types, comprising from two to five or more components. Variations in the dominance spectrum of individual harmful species were recorded on plants of the same taxonomic rank but located in different biocenoses. The pathogen complexes of most plant species form an associated system of pathogens from the divisions Deuteromycota, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota, together with phytophagous insects from the orders Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Thysanoptera, and Lepidoptera. The taxonomic composition of both pathogens and phytophages remained unchanged, with no evidence of an expanding dominant species spectrum. Variation was noted in accordance with the parameters of phenology and migration (for phytophagous insects). The maximum infectious load was characterized for the phylloplane, whose microbiota was represented by obligate and facultative parasites, as well as facultative saprotrophs. An analysis of the composition of dominant parasitic complexes was conducted on plants from more than 75 genera. Transformations in the structure of pathogen-entomological complexes were recorded in representatives of 5 families of flowering plants. Depending on the ecosystem type, the proportion of parasitic complexes in a state of population equilibrium during the specified period ranged from 45 % to 75 %. Critical zones of destabilization in biocenotic interactions were identified in the consortia of 6 plant species: Acanthus L., Aesculus L., Amorpha L., Clematis L., Humulus L., and Sida L.

Phytoseiid mites play a key role in regulating mites and small phytophagous insects and are often employed in agricultural systems for biological pest control. Studying the phytoseiid fauna in different ecoregions facilitates the discovery of new biological control agents adapted to local conditions, contributing both to the improvement of control programs and conservation of the natural vegetation that hosts this fauna. The aim of this work was to carry out a survey of phytoseiids and describe a new species for the family in areas of the Caatinga biome in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Sampling was carried out in three areas in the municipalities of Bonito, Caruaru and São Caetano, including a total of 47 botanical species. A total of 1,044 adult specimens (females and males) were collected, belonging to 37 species from 17 genera. Amblyseiinae was the subfamily with the highest number of species reported (26), followed by Typhlodrominae (6) and Phytoseiinae (5). The species Amblyseius operculatus De Leon, Euseius mesembrinus (Dean), Iphiseiodes zuluagai Denmark & Muma, Phytoseius woodburyi De Leon and Galendromus (Mugidromus) agreste Silva, Gondim Jr. & Demite were the most abundant. The highest phytoseiid species richness was observed on Guazuma ulmifolia (Malvaceae), Piper sp. (Piperaceae), Swartzia sp. (Fabaceae), and Trema micrantha (Cannabaceae). The diversity of phytoseiids in the Caatinga biome is high, and their association with native plants may indicate that these plants may serve as important reservoirs. This information can be used to improve future integrated pest management programs. A new species, Metaseiulus (Metaseiulus) fungicolus sp. nov., is described and illustrated, based on adult females.

The generation and maintenance of biodiversity are strongly influenced by adaptations to symbiotic interactions. In antagonistic host-parasite systems, such as phytophagous insects on plants, the prevalence of host-associated differentiation (HAD) may be underestimated as a key driver in parasite diversification. Even less well understood is how HAD may cascade up the food chain to influence diversification in higher trophic levels. Gall-inducing insects, which exhibit strong plant host specialisation, create microhabitats that support diverse associated communities that include predators, parasitoids and inquilines. In this study, we investigate whether HAD in gall-inducing Aciurina flies extends to their associates, resulting in a pattern of cascading HAD. We analysed genomic and ecological data across parasitoid species from three functional guilds, testing for host-driven divergence. Our results reveal that cascading HAD in Aciurina galling systems occurs in endoparasitoids, with no evidence for it in generalist ectoparasitoids and inquilines, underscoring that different types of interactions have different impacts on diversification. Additionally, evidence for host-specific cryptic species within the dominant endoparasitoid allowed us to formally describe Eurytoma trixa, Eurytoma ericameria and Eurytoma luminaria as new species. These findings provide strong evidence of multiple cascading HAD events within a galling insect community and highlight the compounding influence of gall inducers, as ecosystem engineers, on biodiversity.

Abstract Typhlocybinae is one of the most diverse groups of leafhoppers, constituting an important component of phytophagous insect diversity. The traditional tribal‐level phylogenetic relationships within this subfamily remain contentious, with differing hypotheses implying distinct evolutionary histories. This study contributes to resolving these controversies using phylogenomics. We newly sequenced low‐coverage whole genomes for 54 species spanning the six classic tribes of Typhlocybinae. From these data, we extracted thousands of universal single‐copy orthologs (USCOs) and ultraconserved elements (UCEs). Robust tribal‐level phylogenies were reconstructed using multiple dataset matrices (USCO50, USCO70, USCO90, USCO_fna, ClipKIT_USCO70, UCE_fna) and tree‐building strategies, including partitioned maximum likelihood with homogeneous models, unpartitioned heterogeneous mixture models and the multi‐species coalescent (MSC) model. A particular focus was placed on elucidating the complex taxonomic status between Zyginellini and Typhlocybini, integrating molecular results with morphological evidence. Our findings indicate that the choice of molecular marker type and modelling methods can influence the inferred tribal‐level relationships. Data filtering improves tribal‐level support. The final analyses reveal that Zyginellini is not monophyletic but is intermixed with Typhlocybini, although some Zyginellini lineages appear to have originated earlier than the Old World Typhlocybini. The other four tribes of Typhlocybinae are all monophyletic. The tribal‐level phylogenetic relationship is: ((Zyginellini_Typhlocybini) + (Dikraneurini + Erythroneurini)) + (Alebrini + Empoascini). Furthermore, integrating wing venation morphology with previous molecular evidence, we propose the Eualebrina subtribe nov. of Typhlocybini (sensu lato). This study provides unprecedented genomic‐scale data for Typhlocybinae and offers a framework to address similar phylogenetic challenges in other organisms.

The Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota yielded exceptionally diverse and abundant insect fossils, yet its cicadomorphan record remains incompletely documented. Here, we describe new cicadomorphan specimens from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Huangbanjigou, Beipiao City, northeastern China. The material includes Stellularis longirostris and Sinocercopis sp. (Procercopidae), a new species, Cretohylicella lambkini sp. nov., tentatively assigned to Hylicellidae, and a new specimen tentatively assigned to Cicadelloidea. This study enriches the cicadomorphan diversity of the Yixian Formation and provides new insights into the phytophagous insect assemblage of the Jehol Biota.

Species belonging to the Aleyrodidae family (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha) are phytophagous insects. So far, 1556 species belonging to this family have been identified within 161 genera worldwide. In this study conducted with the aim of uncovering the Aleyrodidae fauna of Türkiye, the investigation focused on the Thrace region of the Marmara Area in 2019-2022 years. During the study, sampling was carried out in both agricultural and non-agricultural areas of Istanbul, Tekirdağ, Edirne, and Kırklareli provinces. The study identified 12 whitefly species from 9 different genera. These species are Acaudaleyrodes rachipora (Singh), Aleurochiton aceris (Modeer), Aleurolobus olivinus Quaintance and Baker, Aleurotuba jelinekii (Frauenfeld), Aleyrodes proletella L., Bemisia afer Priesner & Hosny, B. tabaci Gennadius, Dialeurodes citri (Ashmead), Siphoninus finitimus Silvestri, Siphoninus phillyreae (Haliday), Trialeurodes lauri Signoret, and T. vaporariorum Westwood. Among these species, Aleurochiton aceris (Modeer), this study presents the first record of in Türkiye's insect fauna. This study contributed to Türkiye's whitefly fauna and insect biodiversity.

Guizhou Province is located in the karst area of southern China, where rocky desertification is severe, and habitat fragmentation is prominent. Leafhoppers are widely distributed, with over 2000 recognized species found in China. However, the impact of habitat fragmentation in karst areas on the biodiversity of leafhoppers has not been comprehensively explored. Leafhopper specimens were collected in Bijie City, Guizhou Province (a light to moderate karst rocky desertification area) from 2019 to 2022. Using methods such as the generalized linear model (GLM) and redundancy analysis (RDA), this study explored the impacts of habitat fragmentation and environmental factors (plants, soil, climate) on the genus-level and genetic diversity of leafhoppers. When the degree of habitat fragmentation decreased, the genus diversity of leafhoppers increased significantly. The GLM showed that among the characteristics of fragmented habitats, patch area had the greatest impact on the generic richness of leafhoppers. RDA indicated that gene exchange among leafhoppers was more frequent between patches with irregular boundaries, and leafhoppers in patches with small areas and complex boundaries had greater genetic diversity. As phytophagous insects, leafhoppers were mainly affected by host plants and less affected by soil properties. Mitigating habitat fragmentation had a positive impact on the biodiversity of leafhoppers, which emphasizes the necessity of protecting biodiversity by reducing habitat fragmentation in the future.

The Curculionoidea superfamily consists of approximately 62,000 species worldwide and 1700 species in Türkiye. These species are considered highly specialized phytophagous insects. Some are agricultural and forest pests, while others contribute to weed control or help detect desertification. Therefore, understanding the abundance and diversity of native Curculionoidea species across different ecosystems, as well as designing and implementing specific measures to prevent or manage their damage, is essential. In this study, we investigated the species composition, abundance, and diversity of the Curculionoidea community in various ecosystems distributed across the eastern Black Sea and northeastern Anatolia of Türkiye from 2010 to 2013. A total of 5580 individuals belonging to 32 species across two families were collected (2798 in 2010, 704 in 2011, 1314 in 2012, and 1764 in 2013). Of these, 3350 belonged to Curculionidae (1890 males; 1460 females) and 2230 belonged to Rhynchitidae (1180 males; 1050 females). The highest levels of abundance and diversity of Curculionoidea were observed during the early summer period, followed by the summer and autumn periods, respectively. Among the different ecosystems, the agroecosystem (fruit orchards) exhibited a higher abundance of Curculionoidea in the early summer, while the forest ecosystem (forest plants) showed higher diversity (H') during both the early summer and summer periods. This study enhances our understanding of Curculionoidea biodiversity in Türkiye and provides a foundation for conservation planning and integrated pest management strategies in vulnerable ecosystems.

The interaction between plants and phytophagous insects is one of the most complex relationships in ecosystems. By acting as direct third-party participants, gut symbionts redefine this binary antagonistic relationship. This article reviews the roles of gut symbionts in the adaptive evolution of phytophagous insects, highlighting their important roles in degrading plant secondary metabolites, modulating plant defense responses, promoting insect nutrient absorption, and shaping immune phenotypes. Gut symbionts not only enhance the adaptability of insects by degrading plant defense compounds, but also significantly influence their physiological adaptation by manipulating plant defense signaling pathways, regulating the immune system of insects, and promoting their rapid adaptation to external stress. When insects are confronted with environmental changes or shifts of host plants, the dynamic plasticity of the gut symbionts provides them with evolutionary advantages. Reviewing the mechanism of action of intestinal symbiotic bacteria in the adaptive evolution of insects is helpful to deepen our understanding of the ecological interaction process between insects and plants.

Among hazelnut phytophagous insects, the box bug Gonocerus acuteangulatus is a key pest in Southern Italy that severely compromise the production of healthy hazelnut fruits with severe economic losses. Currently, the box bug is controlled by many chemical control methods, but biological control could represent a promising tool. An intensive monitoring program of G. acuteangulatus egg parasitoids in five Sicilian organic hazelnut orchards was carried out. Adults, nymphs, and eggs (parasitized and non-parasitized) of G. acuteangulatus were collected. Moreover, hazelnut fruit samples were observed to assess fruit damage. Five parasitoid species emerged from G. acuteangulatus eggs: Anastatus bifasciatus, Hadronotus bosellii, H. muscaeformis, Trissolcus belenus, and Ooencyrtus sp. Anastatus bifasciatus was the most widespread species, followed by H. bosellii. The highest parasitoid diversity occurred at mid-elevation sites. Fruit damage remained substantial, indicating that natural parasitism may not provide satisfactory pest control. Here, field emergence of T. belenus from G. acuteangulatus eggs demonstrates a host association historically reported as T. grandis. Therefore, this study updates and expands the parasitoid assemblage associated with G. acuteangulatus by revisiting historical records with contemporary field evidence for future augmentative or conservation biocontrol program against the box bug.

1941-2023 overall annual intensity indicator data for grapevine pests and diseases over three French vineyard regions

Goal. The article presents the results of studies conducted in 2023—2025 on the effectiveness of neonicotinoid–pyrethroid insecticides in protecting winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus oleifera bienis D.C.) for controlling the population density of Ceutorhynchus assimilis Payk. Methods. The research was carried out on the winter oilseed rape variety Veritas at SТОV «Rozdilnianske», Rozdilnianskyi District, Odesa Region. The identification of species composition and the assessment of phytophagous insect population dynamics were performed using route surveys accor­ding to gene­rally accepted entomological me­thods. Results. It was established that the most harmful pest was the seed weevil (Ceutorhynchus assimilis Payk.), which significantly reduced both yield and seed quality. Among the tested insecticides, the highest technical efficiency was demonstrated by Inzak Zeon, CS (acetamiprid, 200 g/L + lambda-cyhalothrin, 80 g/L), showing 68.6—88.8% effectiveness, whereas Proteus 110 OD, SC (deltamethrin, 10 g/L + thiacloprid, 100 g/L) exhibited a lower efficiency of 62.0—75.8%. Conclusions. Weather conditions had a notable effect on the stability of insecticide performance: in 2024, the efficiency decreased due to high air temperatures (up to +29°C), while in 2023 and 2025 the insecticides performed more consistently. The study proved that the use of modern insecticides reduces pest populations below the economic threshold of harmfulness, which is essential for obtaining high and stable yields of quality rapeseed. The obtained results are of practical importance for improving the system of integrated pest management of winter oilseed rape under the conditions of Southern Ukraine.