Entomological Research Research Articles

Research trends on forensic entomology for five decades worldwide

Forensic entomology, the study of insects and arthropods in criminal investigations, is crucial for estimating postmortem intervals, determining changes in corpse positioning, and identifying causes of death. This study analyzes global research trends in forensic entomology using data from the Scopus database spanning 1970 to 2024, with data visualized through VOSviewer. A total of 2,261 articles were identified, with an average productivity of 42 papers per year. The leading countries in forensic entomology research are the United States (n = 444), Brazil (n = 266), China (n = 198), the United Kingdom (n = 194), and Germany (n = 156). Current hot topics in the field include pupae, feeding behavior, beetles, and genetics. These findings underscore the ongoing interest and advancements in forensic entomology, highlighting its significance and diverse applications in criminal investigations.

Role of Entomology in the Era of Precision Agriculture: A Review

Precision agriculture (PA) represents a transformative approach to farming by utilizing advanced technologies like GPS remote sensing, and data analytics to optimize crop production and minimize environmental impacts. While technological advancements in PA are well-documented, the role of entomology is often overlooked. This review highlights the critical intersection between entomology and PA, demonstrating how understanding insect behavior, population dynamics, and ecological interactions enhances PA practices. Insects play pivotal roles in pest management, pollination, and ecosystem health, making their study essential for developing effective PA strategies. The review examines how entomological research has informed precision pest management, integrated pest management (IPM) systems, and the use of biological control agents within the PA framework. It discusses how integrating entomological insights with PA technologies, such as remote sensing and sensor networks, enables real-time monitoring and targeted pest control, thus improving crop yields and reducing pesticide use. Additionally, the review addresses challenges such as data integration, technology accessibility, resistance management, and environmental concerns, and highlights prospects including advancements in technology, innovation in monitoring techniques, and the integration of biological control methods. By emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, this review underscores the importance of combining entomological knowledge with PA tools to develop more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices. The integration of entomology into PA not only enhances pest management but also contributes to broader goals of environmental sustainability and agricultural resilience. Overall, this review offers a comprehensive overview of how entomology can advance precision agriculture and foster sustainable food production systems.

Efficacy of Various Insecticides against Gram Pod Borer (Helicoverpa armigera) Hubner in Chickpea

The investigation sought to examine the efficacy of several pesticides on the larval population of the gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) in chickpea plants, as well as the corresponding cost-benefit ratio. The experiment was carried out in the Entomology Research Field, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Deeksha Bhawan, DDU Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments replicated three times using Pusa 362 variety in a plot size of (3 m×2 m) at a spacing of (20×10 cm). The treatments used during the observation were T1 Spinosad, T2 NSKE, T3 Bt, T4 Beauveria bassiana, T5 Neem oil, T6 Emamectin benzoate and T7 control plot (without any treatment). From the study it was noted that the highest reduction was reported in plots treated with Spinosad 0.20ml/l which proved to be superior among the rest of the treatments and the next effective treatment is Emamectin benzoate 0.4 g/l, followed by Beauveria bassiana 2x 10 CFU@ 5ml/l, Bacillus thuringiensis 1.5g/l and maximum population of pod borer was observed in untreated control plot. The data on the yield of chickpea revealed that the highest yield recorded in the treatment Spinosad (0.20ml/l) and it was superior over all the other treatment followed by Emamectin benzoate 0.4g/l with the yield was obtained in the control. The data on the increase in yield over control of chickpea revealed that the highest increase in yield over control was recorded in the treatment Spinosad (0.20ml/l) and it was superior over all the other treatments and followed by Emamectin benzoate 0.4g/l with the lowest increase in yield over control was reported in plot treated with NSKE 5% with, respectively. The maximum cost-benefit ratio was obtained in the plot treated with 0.20ml/l spinosad 45 SC next effective treatment in terms of cost-benefit ratio was Emamectin benzoate 0.4g/l and the lowest cost-benefit ratio was found in Neem oil 3%treated plot.

Machine learning-based bee recognition and tracking for advancing insect behavior research

The study of insect behavior, particularly that of honey bees, has a broad scope and significance. Tracking bee flying patterns grants much helpful information about bee behavior. However, tracking a small yet fast-moving object, such as a bee, is difficult. Hence, we present artificial intelligence, machine-learning-based bee recognition, and tracking systems to assist the researcher in studying the bee’s behavior. To develop a machine learning system, a labeled database is required for model training. To address this, we implemented an automated system for analyzing and labeling bee videos. This labeled database served as the foundation for two distinct bee-tracking solutions. The first solution (planar bee tracking system) tracked individual bees in closed mazes using a neural network. The second solution (spatial bee tracking system) utilized a neural network and a tracking algorithm to identify and track flying bees in open environments. Both systems tackle the challenge of tracking small-bodied creatures with rapid and diverse movement patterns. Although we applied these systems to entomological cognition research in this paper, their relevance extends to general insect research and developing tracking solutions for small organisms with swift movements. We present the complete architecture and detailed methodologies to facilitate the utilization of these models in future research endeavors. Our approach is a simple and inexpensive method that contributes to the growing number of image-analysis tools used for tracking animal movement, with future potential applications under less sterile field conditions. The tools presented in this paper could assist the study of movement ecology, specifically in insects, by providing accurate movement specifications. Following the movement of pollinators or natural enemies, for example, greatly contributes to the study of pollination or biological control, respectively, in natural and agro-ecosystems.

Variations in cuticular hydrocarbons of Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) empty puparia: Insights for estimating late postmortem intervals.

Necrophagous flies, particularly blowflies, serve as vital indicators in forensic entomology and ecological studies, contributing to minimum postmortem interval estimations and environmental monitoring. The study investigates variations in the predominant cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) viz. n-C25, n-C27, n-C28, and n-C29 of empty puparia of Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, (Diptera: Calliphoridae) across diverse environmental conditions, including burial, above-ground and indoor settings, over 90 days. Notable trends include a significant decrease in n-C25 concentrations in buried and above-ground conditions over time, while n-C27 concentrations decline in buried and above-ground conditions but remain stable indoors. Burial conditions show significant declines in n-C27 and n-C29 concentrations over time, indicating environmental influences. Conversely, above-ground conditions exhibit uniform declines in all hydrocarbons. Indoor conditions remain relatively stable, with weak correlations between weathering time and CHC concentrations. Additionally, machine learning techniques, specifically Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), are employed for age estimation of empty puparia, yielding accurate predictions across different outdoor and indoor conditions. These findings highlight the subtle responses of CHC profiles to environmental stimuli, underscoring the importance of considering environmental factors in forensic entomology and ecological research. The study advances the understanding of insect remnant degradation processes and their forensic implications. Furthermore, integrating machine learning with entomological expertise offers standardized methodologies for age determination, enhancing the reliability of entomological evidence in legal contexts and paving the way for future research and development.

Antixenosis in Cultivars of Tomato against <i>Helicoverpa armigera</i> (Hubner)

This study on the effect of antixenosis in relation to resistance against Helicoverpa armigera in tomato was carried out at the Entomological Research Farm, LPU, Phagwara during 2020 and 2021. The result showed that the antixenosis effect of four tomato cultivars on plant morphological characters revealed that Rahul cultivar with maximum trichome density in lamina (181 and 183 cm-2), vein (89 and 93 cm), trichome length (132.43 and 136.21 µm) and leaf lamina thickness (0.21 and 0.23 mm). Correlation analysis between morphological character and larval incidence revealed significant negative correlation with trichome density (lamina and vein), trichome length, leaf area and leaf lamina thickness.

Laurence A. Mound 90 years: A collaborative life that laid the foundation of modern thrips studies

In honour of Laurence Mound's 90th birthday, this special issue of Zootaxa serves as a tribute to his enduring legacy in entomology and Thysanoptera research. Mound's journey in the field has been marked by numerous discoveries, unwavering dedication, and invaluable collaborations that have profoundly influenced the study of Thysanoptera around the world. We here emphasise his lifelong commitment to the study of these minute insects and this provides an opportunity for researchers worldwide to share their insights and experiences, highlighting the impact Mound has had on their scientific pursuits. Through an interview exploring Mound's career choices, this paper also unravels the intricate paths he traversed and the collaborations that proved to be the driving force behind his Thysanoptera research to the age of 90.

Spatio-Temporal Influence on the Distribution of Forensically Relevant Blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea.

The study of blowfly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) biodiversity and distribution is crucial for forensic investigations. Abiotic and biotic factors, such as season and habitat type, have a significant impact on blowfly populations. However, only a few forensic entomology studies have been conducted in South Korea, particularly in the Gyeongsangnam-do region. To address this, an extensive year-long survey was conducted to analyze the compositions, habitat preferences, distribution, and seasonal abundance of forensically relevant blowflies in urban and forested habitats of Gyeongsangnam-do, with sampling conducted twice a month using mouse carcass-baited traps set for 48 h each time. A total of 3470 adult blowflies were recorded, encompassing five genera and 13 species, with a noted absence of specimens during the winter months. The predominant species was Lucilia porphyrina, accounting for 37.2% of the total sample, followed by Chrysomya pinguis (27.6%), Lucilia sericata (7.6%), and Lucilia illustris (7.1%). The species composition was consistent across all surveyed regions; however, seasonal variation in species diversity was evident, with a peak in spring and a decline in summer. Notably, certain species exhibited clear preferences for either urban (Calliphora calliphoroides and L. sericata) or forested habitats (L. porphyrina and Ch. pinguis). This pioneering study elucidates the diverse blowfly communities in Gyeongsangnam-do, highlighting significant seasonal and habitat-dependent variations. These findings enrich our understanding of blowfly ecology in this region, offering valuable insights for forensic applications and underscoring the necessity for ongoing entomological surveillance and research.

Role of entomological evidence in criminal investigations

Domestic and foreign literary sources on the use of necrotic fauna in forensics are analyzed. The purpose of this article is to emphasize the importance of necrotic fauna research for practical forensics and highlight the influence of necrotic entomophiles on the time of death of a living object (depending on its species and environmental conditions) which biological and general scientific methods are applied for. A comparative analysis of the activity of necrotic fauna representatives is given. The need to use necrofauna in the systematic work of forensic biologists has been updated. The main application of forensic entomology as a branch of applied entomology is the study of the faunal complex of necrobiont arthropods on a discovered corpse to meet the needs of the investigation and the court. Entomological knowledge makes it possible to successfully perform classification, identification and diagnostic tasks that appear in forensic expert practice. Since the processes of corpse decay and the types of necrotic insects on it differ depending on the type of corpse and the type of biogeocenosis where this corpse was located, each of these features affects further forensic investigations. Obtained entomological data are a reliable source of information for finding out objective truth during pre-trial investigation and subsequent legal proceedings. At the same time, determining the time of death by cadaveric fauna can have only auxiliary value, since the appearance and development of insects is very variable. Prospects for further research are formulated, including improvement of entomological research methods (in particular, in different environmental conditions), the need for development of forensic biology as an integral component of forensic science is proven.

Time-course transcriptome data of silk glands in day 0–7 last-instar larvae of Bombyx mori (w1 pnd strain)

Time-course transcriptome expression data were constructed for four parts of the silk gland (anterior, middle, and posterior parts of the middle silk gland, along with the posterior silk gland) in the domestic silkworm, Bombyx mori, from days 0 to 7 of the last-instar larvae. For sample preparation, silk glands were extracted from one female and one male larva every 24 hours accurately after the fourth ecdysis. The reliability of these transcriptome data was confirmed by comparing the transcripts per million (TPM) values of the silk gene and quantitative reverse transcription PCR results. Hierarchical cluster analysis results supported the reliability of transcriptome data. These data are likely to contribute to the progress in molecular biology and genetic research using B. mori, such as elucidating the mechanism underlying the massive production of silk proteins, conducting entomological research using a meta-analysis as a model for lepidopteran insect species, and exploring medical research using B. mori as a model for disease species by utilising transcriptome data.

Micro-CT data of complete metamorphosis process in Harmonia axyridis

Insect metamorphosis involves significant changes in insect internal structure and is thus a critical focus of entomological research. Investigating the morphological transformation of internal structures is vital to understanding the origins of adult insect organs. Beetles are among the most species-rich groups in insects, but the development and transformation of their internal organs have yet to be systematically documented. In this study, we have acquired a comprehensive dataset that includes 27 detailed whole-body tomographic image sets of Harmonia axyridis, spanning from the prepupal to the pupal stages. Utilizing this data, we have created intricate 3D models of key internal organs, encompassing the brain, ventral nerve cord, digestive and excretion systems, as well as the body wall muscles. These data documented the transformation process of these critical organs and correlations between the origin of adult and larval organs and can be used to enhance the understanding of holometabolous adult organ genesis and offers a valuable reference model for investigating complete metamorphosis in insects.

Trends of Mansonia (Diptera, Culicidae, Mansoniini) in Porto Velho: Seasonal patterns and meteorological influences.

Entomological research is vital for shaping strategies to control mosquito vectors. Its significance also reaches into environmental management, aiming to prevent inconveniences caused by non-vector mosquitoes like the Mansonia Blanchard, 1901 mosquito. In this study, we carried out a five-year (2019-2023) monitoring of these mosquitoes at ten sites in Porto Velho, Rondônia, using SkeeterVac SV3100 automatic traps positioned between the two hydroelectric complexes on the Madeira River. Throughout this period, we sampled 153,125 mosquitoes, of which the Mansonia genus accounted for 54% of the total, indicating its prevalence in the region. ARIMA analysis revealed seasonal patterns of Mansonia spp., highlighting periods of peak density. Notably, a significant decreasing trend in local abundance was observed from July 2021 (25th epidemiological week) until the end of the study. Wind speed was observed to be the most relevant meteorological factor influencing the abundance of Mansonia spp. especially in the Joana D'Arc settlement, although additional investigation is needed to comprehensively analyze other local events and gain a deeper understanding of the ecological patterns of this genus in the Amazon region.

Systematic challenges and opportunities in insect monitoring: a Global South perspective.

Insect monitoring is pivotal for assessing biodiversity and informing conservation strategies. This study delves into the complex realm of insect monitoring in the Global South-world developing and least-developed countries as identified by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development-highlighting challenges and proposing strategic solutions. An analysis of publications from 1990 to 2024 reveals an imbalance in research contributions between the Global North and South, highlighting disparities in entomological research and the scarcity of taxonomic expertise in the Global South. We discuss the socio-economic factors that exacerbate the issues, including funding disparities, challenges in collaboration, infrastructure deficits, information technology obstacles and the impact of local currency devaluation. In addition, we emphasize the crucial role of environmental factors in shaping insect diversity, particularly in tropical regions facing multiple challenges including climate change, urbanization, pollution and various anthropogenic activities. We also stress the need for entomologists to advocate for ecosystem services provided by insects in addressing environmental issues. To enhance monitoring capacity, we propose strategies such as community engagement, outreach programmes and cultural activities to instill biodiversity appreciation. Further, language inclusivity and social media use are emphasized for effective communication. More collaborations with Global North counterparts, particularly in areas of molecular biology and remote sensing, are suggested for technological advancements. In conclusion, advocating for these strategies-global collaborations, a diverse entomological community and the integration of transverse disciplines-aims to address challenges and foster inclusive, sustainable insect monitoring in the Global South, contributing significantly to biodiversity conservation and overall ecosystem health. This article is part of the theme issue 'Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring'.

Recent history and future trends in the study of insect behavior in North America

Abstract We examine the recent history and future trends in the field of insect behavior in North America. This project stemmed from participation in a section symposium at a Joint Meeting of the Entomological Societies of America (ESA), Canada (ESC), and British Columbia (ESBC) in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, in 2022. Each participating team in the symposium was asked to address 3 questions about their subdiscipline: (i) How has your subdiscipline changed in the last 15 yr? (ii) How will your subdiscipline change as a discipline over the next 15 yr? (iii) What can ESA and the Plant-Insect Ecosystem section (P-IE) do to help members who study your subdiscipline and improve the understanding of the subdiscipline? To address the first question, we used data from 2008 to 2022 on presentations given at ESA meetings, literature searches, and funding databases. To predict changes in the discipline of insect behavior in the future, we examined data pertaining to student participation in the field and educational opportunities in insect behavior. Our main findings are that insect behavior is an integral part of entomological research with an important future role to play in understanding insect biology under climate change. We provide multiple lines of evidence illustrating the importance of insect behavior in multidisciplinary research across a variety of scientific fields. We conclude by answering the third question with suggestions for the promotion of insect behavior research at annual ESA meetings and for gathering more information to further understand the importance of the subdiscipline of insect behavior.

Assessment of participants’ perception on the use of mass drug administration in communities endemic to <i>Wuchereria bancrofti</i> Cobbold, 1877 in Northern Nigeria

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is one of the neglected tropical diseases that cause permanent long term disability inform of hydrocoele, lymphoedema and elephantiasis that develop as a result of inflammation of the lymphatic system. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis and perception of participants towards Mass Drug Administration (MDA) programme. The study was a community-based cross-sectional study for screening microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti in consenting participants. A total of 1010 participants’ from selected communities on the MDA programme in 5 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Bauchi, Plateau and Kaduna states were enlisted into to the study. The communities were chosen based on the presence of the people living with LF according to the signs and symptoms. A well-structured adapted questionnaire was administered to collect participants’ information and their perception of the MDA programme. Microflaria of Wuchereria bancrofti were identified based on the sheathed nuclear, caudal nuclei and bent tail in Parasitology and Entomology Research Laboratory, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared and odds ratio. Participants with knowledge (294/1010; 29.11%) of the MDA programme were less than those without knowledge (716/1010; 70.89%) of the MDA. Similar, the prevalence of LF was higher in participants with knowledge (26.87%) of the MDA than in those without knowledge (25.14%). The status of participation showed that, those that participated (380/1010; 37.62%) in the MDA were lower than those did not participants (630/1010; 62.38%); the infection in participants that did not partook in the MDA programme had higher prevalence (29.68%) of LF than those that participated. Participants gave various reasons for not being part of the MDA programme ranging from absent (177/1010; 17.53%) at the time of the campaign to side effect (2/1010; 0.20%) of the drugs after taking it. However, those that gave reasons for not participating because Community Drug Distributors (CDD) did not come, had highest prevalence (40.74%) of LF compared to those that gave reasons as side effect (0.00%) for not taking the drugs. Overall LF prevalence of 25.64% was found in this study. There is poor knowledge of MDA programme among the participants in the communities examined. Similarly, microfilaria was present in some participants despite the MDA campaign in the selected states. Intensive awareness campaign and drug distribution need to be carried out in most of the remote communities in the affected states. Furthermore, members of the communities must be part of the CDDs for acceptability and effectiveness of the campaign.

Impact of artificial intelligence on medical entomology research

Impact of artificial intelligence on medical entomology research

Megaselia scalaris (Diptera: Phoridae) development and behaviour under fluoxetine effect and Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) presence

Megaselia scalaris Loew (Diptera: Phoridae) and Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are species of medical and forensic interest. Scuttle flies can eat carrion but also behave as a facultative parasitoid of other organisms. This study evaluated the effect of fluoxetine on the development of M. scalaris, and also the feeding behavior of the scuttle flies. For this, these flies were reared on artificial fodder with 2000 mg/kg of fluoxetine and also larvae of blue bottle flies on third stage were added. A control was used for each analysis. Daily observations were performed from the beginning to the end of the experiments. The duration of life cycle, body length, grosso modo external morphology and sex ratio were evaluated. Results indicated that development of M. scalaris was not affected by fluoxetine. The duration of stages, body length and external morphology did not show differences between fluoxetine and control groups. In addition, scuttle flies did not behave as parasites of blue bottle flies in their larval advanced stage and their presence did not interference on the development of M. scalaris. In conclusion, no alteration was observed on the development of M. scalaris at the dose of fluoxetine used and scuttle flies presence did not necessarily imply predation or parasitism of C. vicina larvae. Therefore, the current study provides data that could be applied in forensic entomological research or in forensic expertise.

Drosophila melanogaster Laboratory Rearing for Wolbachia-Based Control Programs, a Component of Dengue Control.

Drosophila melanogaster flies are smooth, low upkeep and safe model organisms, they can be effortlessly used in different fields of life sciences like genomics, biotechnology, genetics, disease model, and Wolbachia-based approaches to fight vectors and the pathogens they transmit. Fruit fly specimens were collected in 25 districts (14 provinces) of Iran and their morphological recognition was proven by molecular analysis based on sequence homology of mitochondrial COI barcode region. Essential information and specific requirements were provided for laboratory rearing of D. melanogaster. Drosophila melanogaster colonies were found in 23 out of 25 districts. Also, five related species coincident with D. melanogaster were reported in this study including D. ananassae/D. parapallidosa, D. hydei, D. repleta, Zaprionus indianus (Diptera: Drosophilidae), and Megaselia scalaris (Diptera: Phoridae). The Iranian D. melanogaster molecular signature and their rearing techniques have been described here. The complete life cycle, from (egg to adult), takes approximately 8 days at 25 °C. Some biological points have been presented with highlighting capturing, rearing, culturing, and embryo collection along with primitive recognition and segregation between females and males have been presented. A recipe for culture media and the quantity of various ingredients have been provided. This is the first report on the D. repleta and D. ananassae/D. parapallidosa species for the country. Results of this study provide efficient and effective rearing procedures which are requirement for both small-scale for facilitating entomological research and large-scale use in justifiable vector control management such as disease model or Dengue control.

The case for open research in entomology: Reducing harm, refining reproducibility and advancing insect science

Abstract Open research is an increasingly developed and crucial framework for the advancement of science and has seen successful adoption across a broad range of disciplines. Entomology has, however, been slow to adopt these practices compared to many adjacent fields despite ethical and practical imperatives to do so. The grand challenges facing entomology in the 21st century require the synthesis of evidence at global scales, necessitating open sharing of data and research at a pace and scale incompatible with the slow adoption of open research practices. Open science also plays a vital role in fostering trust in research and maximizing use of research outputs, which is ethically crucial for reducing harms to insects. We outline these imperatives and how open research practices can enhance entomological research across a range of contexts. We also highlight the holistic nature of open science across the full research lifecycle through several specific examples of open research practices, which can be adopted easily by individual entomologists. We do, however, argue that the responsibility of promoting, integrating and encouraging open research is most crucially held by publishers, including scholarly societies, which have leveraged widespread adoption in adjacent fields. Entomology must advance quickly to become a leading discipline in the open research transition.

Efficacy of Natural Products Against Lesser Grain Borer <i>Rhyzopertha dominica</i> (F.) In Stored Paddy

Twelve phyto products and two forms of cow dung were evaluated during 2021- 22 in the Entomology Research Laboratory, M S Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Gajapati District of Odisha for their efficacy against Rhyzopertha dominica (F) in stored paddy. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with each treatment replicated thrice. Individual treatments comprised 20 g disinfested paddy seeds treated with test products @ 5g/ kg seed separately and an untreated check and inoculated with 20 adults /treatment. All the treatments were effective in suppressing the R. dominica, with maximum adult mortality (92.1%) being in black pepper powder followed by custard apple seed powder (88.4%) at 28 days after release. The least population buildup (2 adults), grain damage (3.3%), and weight loss (2.7%) were observed with black pepper powder treated paddy at 120 days after storage.