Caterpillar Species Research Articles

Effects of Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis on the root and soil microbiomes of the soybean plant INTACTA RR2 PRO™.

Soybean is a significant export product for several countries, including the United States and Brazil. There are numerous varieties of soybean. Among them, a genetically modified type known as INTACTA RR2 PRO™ has been designed to demonstrate resistance to glyphosate and to produce toxins that are lethal to several species of caterpillars. Limited information is available on the use of Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis to promote plant growth and their impact on the plant microbiome. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of these microorganisms on this soybean cultivar by analyzing parameters, such as root and shoot dry matter, nutritional status, and root and soil microbial diversity. The results indicated that treatments with B. subtilis alone or in combination with T. harzianum as seed or seed and soil applications significantly enhanced plant height and biomass compared to the other treatments and the control. No significant differences in phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations were detected across treatments, although some treatments showed close correlations with these nutrients. Microbial inoculations slightly influenced the soil and root microbiomes, with significant beta diversity differences between soil and root environments, but had a limited overall impact on community composition. The combined application of B. subtilis and T. harzianum particularly enhanced plant growth and promoted plant-associated microbial groups, such as Rhizobiaceae, optimizing plant-microbe interactions. Furthermore, the treatments resulted in a slight reduction in fungal richness and diversity.

Influence of Host Plants and Tending Ants on the Cuticular Hydrocarbon Profile of a Generalist Myrmecophilous Caterpillar.

In myrmecophilous organisms, which live in symbiosis with ants, cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) play a pivotal role in interspecific communication and defense against chemical-oriented predators. Although these interactions form complex information webs, little is known about the influence of biotic environmental factors on the CHC profiles of myrmecophiles. Here, we analyzed the effect of different host plants and tending ants on the larval CHC profile of Synargis calyce (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae), a polyphagous species with facultative myrmecophily. Groups of caterpillars were fed individually with three host plant species (without tending ants), and with two tending ant species. Through gas chromatography analysis, we compared the cuticular profiles of treatments and found a high similarity between plants and caterpillars (65-82%), but a low similarity between caterpillars and their tending ants (30 - 25%). Cluster analysis showed that caterpillars, ants, and plants form distinct groups, indicating that S. calyce caterpillars have their own chemical profile. These results are similar to those observed for Lycaenidae caterpillars indicating that there is functional convergence in the chemical strategies used by myrmecophilous caterpillar species with similar ecology. Also, the results suggest that the cuticular compounds of S. calyce are primarily influenced by their host plants rather than their tending ants. Thus, we propose that these caterpillars present a trade-off between camouflage and directly informing their presence to ants, maintaining their unique chemical profile, though slightly affected by biotic environmental factors.

Effects of Antheraea pernyi on Parasitization of Kriechbaumerella dendrolimi by Using Immunology and Metabolomics

Kriechbaumerella dendrolimi (Hymenoptera, Chalcididae) is a dominant pupal parasitoid species of various significant pine caterpillars, including Dendrolimus houi Lajonquiere (Lepidoptera, Lasiocampidae), with great potential for utilization. So far, the mass rearing of K. dendrolimi has been successfully established using Antheraea pernyi (Lepidoptera, Saturniidae) pupae as alternative hosts and released in the forest to suppress D. houi populations. However, the outcome is still expected to be improved due to lower parasitism rates, which might be related to the autonomous immune function of A. pernyi pupae. In our study, we investigated the effects of K. dendrolimi parasitization on the immune responses of A. pernyi pupae by measuring the expression of key immune factors: superoxide dismutase (SOD), polyphenol oxidases (PPOs), Attacin, Lysozymes (LYSs), and serine proteases (PRSSs). Our results show that parasitization significantly upregulated these immune factors, with distinct temporal patterns observable between 4 and 48 h post-parasitization. This upregulation highlights a robust immune response, adapting over time to the parasitic challenge. These findings suggest that specific immune mechanisms in A. pernyi pupae are activated in response to K. dendrolimi, shedding light on potential targets for enhancing host resistance. Metabolomic analyses complemented these findings by illustrating the broader metabolic shifts associated with the immune response. Specifically, Attacin was significantly upregulated twice, hypothesizing that the parasitoid’s venom contains at least two parasitic factors. Metabolomics analysis revealed a significant metabolite difference within parasitized A. pernyi pupae. The highest number of differential expression metabolites (DEMs) was observed at 16 h post-parasitism (1184 metabolites), with fewer DEMs at 8 h (568 metabolites) and 32 h (693 metabolites), suggesting a close relationship between parasitism duration and the number of DEMs. These fluctuations reflected the fundamental process of immune interaction. KEGG enrichment results showed that the DEMs were mainly enriched in energy metabolism and immune-related pathways, indicating that parasitism is a process of continuous consumption and immune interaction in the host. These DEMs could also become future targets for regulating the immune functions of A. pernyi pupae and could provide reference data for optimizing mass-rearing techniques.

Nutritional composition of three edible caterpillars in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract The role of edible caterpillars in human nutrition is increasingly undeniable, given their contribution to food security, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. However, some local species are almost unknown and the lack of data on their nutritional composition limits the integration of consumption in consumer diets. This article therefore focuses on the nutritional profiles of three edible caterpillar species from DR-Congo: Aegocera rectilinea, Epidonta sp and Imbrasia truncata. Data on protein content and amino acid profiles were discussed, with particular emphasis on threonine, lysine, methionine, cysteine and histidine; fat content and fatty acid profiles were examined, with particular attention to omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids and the PUFA/SFA ratio; Finally a discussion of essential minerals in insects, with particular emphasis on Fe and Zn, as well as anti-nutritional factors such as phytic acid, oxalates and tannins, which may have a negative effect on the bioavailability of these trace elements were discussed. The results of this study should induce a change in behavior in terms of the valorization of these edible insects as food in DR-Congo, via their popularization through workshops carried out in their production and consumption areas, while encouraging rational harvesting practices with a view to their sustainable use.

Proto-tool use for food processing in wild Arabian babblers: matching processing methods, substrates and prey types

Cognition is a powerful adaptation, enabling animals to utilise resources that are unavailable without manipulation. Tool use and food processing are examples of using cognition to overcome the protective mechanisms of food resources. Here, we describe and examine the flexibility of proto-tool use (defined as the alteration of an object through object-substrate manipulation) for food processing in a cooperatively breeding bird, the Arabian babbler (Argya squamiceps). Field observations demonstrate that the birds transport different caterpillar species to different substrate types depending on the processing method needed to prepare the caterpillar for eating. Species with toxic setae (e.g. Casama innotata) are transported to be rubbed on rough substrates (e.g. sand) before consumption, while other species (e.g. Hyles livornica) are transported to be pounded against hard substrates until their inner organs are removed and only their external body part is consumed. These results are among the few to describe flexible proto-tool use for food processing in wild animals. They thereby contribute to the taxonomic mapping of proto-tool use and food processing in non-human species, which is a fundamental step to advance comparative studies on the evolution of these behaviours and their underlying cognitive mechanisms.

Vertical stratification and defensive traits of caterpillars against parasitoids in a lowland tropical forest in Cameroon

Insect herbivores and their parasitoids play a crucial role in terrestrial trophic interactions in tropical forests. These interactions occur across the entire vertical gradient of the forest. This study compares how caterpillar communities, and their parasitism rates, vary across vertical strata and between caterpillar defensive strategies in a semi deciduous tropical forest in Nditam, Cameroon. Within a 0.1 ha plot, all trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm were felled and systematically searched for caterpillars. We divided the entire vertical gradient of the forest into eight, five-metre strata. All caterpillars were assigned to a stratum based on their collection height, reared, identified, and classified into one of three defensive traits: aposematic, cryptic and shelter-building. Caterpillar species richness and diversity showed a midstory peak, whereas density followed the opposite pattern, decreasing in the midstory and then increasing towards the highest strata. This trend was driven by some highly dense shelter-building caterpillars in the upper canopy. Specialisation indices indicated decreasing levels of caterpillar generality with increasing height, a midstory peak in vulnerability, and increasing connectance towards the upper canopy, although the latter was likely driven by decreasing network size. Both aposematic and shelter-building caterpillars had significantly higher parasitism rates than cryptic caterpillars. Our results highlight nuanced changes in caterpillar communities across forest strata and provide evidence that defences strategies are important indicators of parasitism rates in caterpillars and that both aposematic and shelter-building caterpillars could be considered a “safe haven” for parasitoids.

Exploring Phenotypic Characteristics of Edible Caterpillars and Indigenous Knowledge of Host Plants in the Coastal Forest Ecosystems for Improved Food Security

Edible caterpillars have nutritional and economic value, thus providing food security at the household level during their harvesting seasons. Despite the significant value of these insects, they are harvested seasonally, and there is little or no documented research about the edible caterpillar species and their phenotypic characteristics, their host plants, and the effects of ecosystem utilization on the insects. This study explored the phenotypic characteristics of edible caterpillars and the indigenous knowledge of their host plants in selected coastal forest ecosystems, aiming to contribute to the improvement of food security. The study adopted a cross-sectional observational study design, involving data collection on caterpillar phenotypic characteristics and interviewing local communities on host plant preferences. One-way ANOVA was used to test for significant differences in phenotypic characteristics (body weight, body length, and body girth) among the four caterpillar species. The Chi-Square test was used to examine the association between caterpillar species and their preferred host plants. The findings show that the region is dominated by four edible species of caterpillars: Bunea alcinoe, Gonimbrasia zambezina, Gynanisa maja, and Menipe spp. These caterpillar species have distinct and discernible differences in their phenotypic characteristics, specifically in terms of body weight, body length, body girth, body color, as well as body texture with a significance level of 0.000. These variations in physical traits suggest that each species has evolved unique adaptations to their respective environments and may have different ecological roles within their habitats. These species also have varying preferences for different host plants, making each species unique. The preferred host plant species supporting the caterpillars were: Balanites wilsoniana for B. alcinoe, Mangifera indica for G. zambezina, Acacia gourmaensis for G. maja, and Ochna mossambicensis for Menipe spp. The study revealed significant associations between caterpillar species and their preferred host plants, indicating that the local community possesses specific indigenous knowledge regarding the preferred host plants for edible caterpillars in the study area

Bioecology of Imbrasia epimethea (Drury, 1773) caterpillars consumed in Kwilu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract Imbrasia epimethea is one of the most esteemed and popular caterpillar species for its remarkable organoleptic and nutritional values. Its consumption extends throughout the Kwilu province and nearly the entire Democratic Republic of the Congo, but its supply is very limited. The high anthropogenic pressure and the poor harvesting techniques employed by the population of Kwilu pose a major threat to the conservation of the species. This study aims to investigate the bioecology of I. epimethea in order to develop semi-captive breeding techniques for these caterpillars, making them accessible to the population. In order to determine the host plants of I. epimethea, a survey was conducted among 424 caterpillar collectors from two populated and forested territories in the Kwilu province. To study the influence of changes in the caterpillars’ diet on their growth and determine their developmental cycle, a breeding experiment was conducted. This study revealed that the caterpillars of I. epimethea do not accept transfers from Petersianthus macrocarpus to Funtumia africana. It also confirms the polyphagy of these caterpillars while indicating that, overall, P. macrocarpus proved to be the most suitable host in the Kwilu province. I. epimethea is a social species with a development cycle, from hatching to emergence, lasting approximately 115.33 ± 3.06 days. The larval stage lasts about a month but with a prolonged period of nymphal diapause. Further analysis of the leaves of P. macrocarpus and F. africana, as well as the analysis of the caterpillars themselves, along with several breeding trials, will provide further clarification on this matter.

Species diversity of socio-economic importance in the Kebe Block Forest, Cameroon: Local perceptions and conservation implications

Abstract. Inimbock SL, Chimi CD, Ngomeni AF, Enamba CY, Pouomogne YG, Caspa RG, Tsemo DC, Ngueguim EC, Yonga G, Noutanewo P, Misse CA, Mala WA. 2023. Species diversity of socio-economic importance in the Kebe Block Forest, Cameroon: Local perceptions and conservation implications. Asian J Ethnobiol 6: 155-162. Forest areas dedicated to research and education, such as the Kebe Block Forest (KBF), Cameroon, have a high plant diversity, some of which are of socio-economic importance to local populations. Knowing that the objectives of the KBF are well defined, this study aimed to identify forest plant species of socio-economic importance to the local populations living around the KBF. Also, this study aimed to propose strategies that reconcile the local population's well-being and the preservation of the KBF. Given the high dependence of local communities on the forest, a socio-economic survey was carried out in 51 households. Therefore, 40 species of socio-economic importance were found, and six products and services, namely food, medicinal products, raw materials for handicrafts, edible caterpillar species, timber, and income generating, were identified. For 86% of the local people, the availability of these plant species has decreased significantly compared to 10 years ago; the main causes identified were illegal logging (32%) and agriculture (21%). According to occurrence frequency citation, Baillonella toxisperma Pierre (65%), Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O'Rorke) Baill. (38%), and Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Heckel (30%) were identified as the flagship socio-economic plant species that local people would like to introduce into their farms to ensure their sustainability. Identifying plant species of socio-economic importance, their availability, and their threats provides substantial information that could help the authorities manage the KBF to plan conservation activities better, considering the local population's well-being.

Concentration-dependent effect of plant secondary metabolites on bacterial and fungal microbiomes in caterpillar guts.

The caterpillar gut is an excellent model system for studying host-microbiome interactions, as it represents an extreme environment for microbial life that usually has low diversity and considerable variability in community composition. Our study design combines feeding caterpillars on a natural and artificial diet with controlled levels of plant secondary metabolites and uses metabarcoding and quantitative PCR to simultaneously profile bacterial and fungal assemblages, which has never been performed. Moreover, we focus on multiple caterpillar species and consider diet breadth. Contrary to many previous studies, our study suggested the functional importance of certain microbial taxa, especially bacteria, and confirmed the previously proposed lower importance of fungi for caterpillar holobiont. Our study revealed the lack of differences between monophagous and polyphagous species in the responses of microbial assemblages to plant secondary metabolites, suggesting the limited role of the microbiome in the plasticity of the herbivore diet.

DNA barcoding and phylogenetic relationships of ten butterfly caterpillars

Cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI), known as DNA barcodes, can be employed for the identification of an unknown specimen at the species level. The present study was aimed at performing COI gene-based identification of butterflies using butterfly caterpillars. Consecutively, ten caterpillars of ten different butterfly species from the families Papilionidae, Nymphalidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae, and Hesperiidae were taken from respective host plants and used to generate COI gene sequences that were about 650 bp long. After BLAST analysis, the sequenced gene revealed 96–100% similarity to the same species from different regions. Then, sequences were submitted to NCBI's GenBank and obtained ten accession numbers. In order to elucidate genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships among ten species of butterfly caterpillars, pairwise distance analysis and the construction of a phylogenetic tree were performed using MEGA10 and BioEdit software. In the analysis, the interspecific genetic divergence among the caterpillars of butterflies was between 0.101-0.164%. A phylogenetic tree was constructed with the assistance of the Neighbor-Joining (NJ) algorithm, which identified two major clades, A and B, as well as indicated that butterflies caterpillars shared a common ancestor. All the species are included in these two clades, except Catopsilia pomona. This species is under the family Pieridae, and the phylogenetic position of Pieridae compared to other butterfly families is ambiguous, necessitating additional research to resolve this issue. The study demonstrated the general applicability of DNA barcoding for rapidly and accurately distinguishing butterfly species, even when using larval stages, as in the present study. Furthermore, it may disclose a higher taxonomic hierarchy of butterfly families. Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2023, 8(3), 49-55

Indirect plant-mediated interactions between heterospecific parasitoids that develop in different caterpillar species.

Parasitoids induce physiological changes in their herbivorous hosts that affect how plants respond to herbivory. The signature of parasitoids on induced plant responses to feeding by parasitized herbivores indirectly impacts insect communities interacting with the plant. The effect may extend to parasitoids and cause indirect interaction between parasitoids that develop inside different herbivore hosts sharing the food plant. However, this type of interactions among parasitoid larvae has received very little attention. In this study, we investigated sequential and simultaneous plant-mediated interactions among two host-parasitoid systems feeding on Brassica oleracea plants: Mamestra brassicae parasitized by Microplitis mediator and Pieris rapae parasitized by Cotesia rubecula. We measured the mortality, development time, and weight of unparasitized herbivores and performance of parasitoids that had developed inside the two herbivore species when sharing the food plant either simultaneously or sequentially. Plant induction by parasitized or unparasitized hosts had no significant effect on the performance of the two herbivore host species. In contrast, the two parasitoid species had asymmetrical indirect plant-mediated effects on each other's performance. Cotesia rubecula weight was 15% higher on plants induced by M. mediator-parasitized hosts, compared to control plants. In addition, M. mediator development time was reduced by 30% on plants induced by conspecific but not heterospecific parasitoids, compared to plants induced by its unparasitized host. Contrary to sequential feeding, parasitoids had no effect on each other's performance when feeding simultaneously. These results reveal that indirect plant-mediated interactions among parasitoid larvae could involve any parasitoid species whose hosts share a food plant.

Tree communities and functional traits determine herbivore compositional turnover.

There are many factors known to drive species turnover, although the mechanisms by which these operate are less clear. Based on comprehensive datasets from the largest tree diversity experiment worldwide (BEF-China), we used shared herbivore species (zeta diversity) and multi-site generalized dissimilarity modelling to investigate the patterns and determinants of species turnover of Lepidoptera herbivores among study plots across a gradient in tree species richness. We found that zeta diversity declined sharply with an increasing number of study plots, with complete changes in caterpillar species composition observed even at the fine spatial scale of our study. Plant community characteristics rather than abiotic factors were found to play key roles in driving caterpillar compositional turnover, although these effects varied with an increasing number of study plots considered, due to the varying contributions of rare and common species to compositional turnover. Our study reveals details of the impact of phylogeny- and trait-mediated processes of trees on herbivore compositional turnover, which has implications for forest management and conservation and shows potential avenues for maintenance of heterogeneity in herbivore communities.

Adaptations to water gradient in three Rorippa plant species correspond with plant resistance against insect herbivory under drought and waterlogged conditions

Abstract Plants live in environments where they are constantly, and often simultaneously, exposed to different types of biotic and abiotic stress, such as insect herbivory and water availability. How plants are adapted to abiotic conditions may determine how a surplus or shortage of water affects plant resistance to insect herbivory. Moreover, this effect may vary depending on the feeding mode of the herbivore. We explored how three closely related Rorippa plant species that vary in adaptations to different water levels, resist herbivory by four different insects (aphids: Myzus persicae, Lipaphis erysimi, and caterpillars: Pieris brassicae, Plutella xylostella) under waterlogging or drought conditions. We hypothesized that plants that are differently adapted to water availability will be disparately affected by water availability in their resistance to insect herbivory. On the semi‐aquatic plant species Rorippa amphibia, both aphid species reached a larger colony size under drought conditions. This indicates that R. amphibia was compromised in resistance to aphid feeding when under drought conditions, to which it is less well adapted. Water conditions did not affect aphid performance on the flood‐plain species Rorippa palustris. On the terrestrial plant species Rorippa sylvestris, aphids performed worse on waterlogged than drought‐treated plants. Neither caterpillar species was significantly affected by the water availability of their food plant. Our findings suggest that water availability can have distinct effects on plant–insect interactions. We propose that plant adaptations to water conditions can be a major predictor towards explaining the variation of effects that water availability can have on plant–insect interactions.

Kinshasa Province (Democratic Republic of Congo): Typology of Peri-Urban Ecosystems Providing Edible Insects

Tropical peri-urban ecosystems are essential for the urban population’s well-being through the goods and services they provide. Unfortunately, these ecosystems are subjected to anthropogenic pressures for various reasons. This study aims to assess the diversity and structure of the peri-urban ecosystems that provide the most edible insects in Kinshasa. A total of 360 people were interviewed to identify the two insect species most frequently consumed. The tree inventory was carried out in 50 plots (2500 m2 each), of which 25 were in Acacia plantations, 10 were planted Milletia forests, and 15 were natural Millettia forests. The diameters of each tree, dbh ≥ 10 cm, were measured. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to distinguish the forest communities. Diversity indices were used to assess floristic variability and structural parameters were used to characterize forest stands. Two insects were identified as being the most commonly consumed in Kinshasa: Gonimbrasia jamesoni (28%) and Cirina forda (27%), found the in Acacia plantation, and in the planted Milletia forests and natural Milletti forest, respectively. The results indicate floristic (higher in the Acacia plantation) and structural variability between stands. The structure of the stands indicates good news for all forests, except the planted forest. The high frequency/dominance of A. auriculiformis and M. laurentii in the peri-urban ecosystems of Kinshasa would therefore be optimal conditions (under natural conditions) for good production of these two caterpillar species.

Caterpillars Detoxify Diterpenoid from Nepeta stewartiana by the Molting Hormone Gene CYP306A1.

Herbivorous insects are well known for detoxifying a broad range of the defense compounds produced by the plants that they feed on, but knowledge of the mechanisms of detoxification is still very limited. Here, we describe a system in which two species of lepidopteran caterpillars metabolize an abietane diterpene from the plants of Nepeta stewartiana Diels to an oxygenated derivative that is less active biologically. We found that this transformation could be catalyzed by a cytochrome P450 enzyme in caterpillars, which are associated with molting. Most interestingly, abietane diterpene targets the molting-associated gene CYP306A1 to alter the content of molting hormones in the insect at specific developmental stages and competitively inhibit molting hormone metabolism. These findings identify the mechanism by which caterpillars are able to detoxify abietane diterpenoid through hydroxylation at the C-19 position, which may be opening up exciting research questions into the mechanisms of interaction between plants and insects.

Host ranges of Sf-rhabdoviruses harbored by lepidopteran insects and insect cell lines

Cell lines derived from Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf), which are the most widely used hosts in the baculovirus-insect cell system, are contaminated with Sf-rhabdoviruses (Sf-RVs). In this study, we identified a closely related virus (Sf-CAT-RV) in the caterpillar species used to isolate the original Sf cell line. We then evaluated the Sf-RV and Sf-CAT-RV host ranges, found Sf-CAT-RV could infect Vero cells, and obtained results suggesting both variants can infect mouse ear fibroblasts. In addition, we found both variants could establish pantropic infections in severely immunocompromised (RAG2/IL2RG-/-) mice. However, both variants were cleared by two weeks post-inoculation and neither produced any symptoms or obvious adverse outcomes in these hosts. We conclude the caterpillars used to isolate Sf21 cells were the most likely source of the Sf-RV contaminant, Sf-RVs and their Sf-CAT-RV progenitor have broader host ranges than expected from previous work, but neither variant poses a serious threat to human health.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Choristoneura metasequoiacola Liu,1983 (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Choristoneura metasequoiacola Liu, 1983 is an important caterpillar species that specifically infests the leaves and branches of Metasequoia glyptostroboides Hu & W. C. Cheng 1948 with short larval infestations, long-term dormancy, and has a limited distribution in Lichuan, Hubei, China. The complete mitochondria genome of C. metasequoiacola was determined by using Illumina NovaSeq, and analyzed based on previously annotated sibling species. In total, we obtained mitochondria genome with 15,128 bp in length, circular in shape with a double-stranded closed ring structure, including 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and an AT-rich region. Of which the nucleotide composition was highly A + T biased, accounting for 81.98% of the whole mitogenome. Thirteen protein-coding genes (PCGs) were 11,142 bp; Twenty-two tRNA genes and AT-rich region were 1,472 and 199 bp, respectively. Phylogenetically, the relationship between Choristoneura spp. (containing C. metasequoiacola) and Adoxophyes spp. was closer than any other two genera from Tortricidae, and the relationship between C. metasequoiacola and C.murinana was the closest among nine sibling species from that genus, which helps to explain species evolution within the family Tortricidae.

Socio-economic exploitation of edible caterpillars in the bimodal rainforest zone of Cameroon

Edible caterpillars are the most traded edible insects in Cameroon, particularly in the humid forest zone, where they are excellent sources of proteins and fats for many indigenous peoples. Their large consumption and their wild harvest have been a major concern, and there is a need for sustainable management. However, specific data on species’ diversity and trade are scarce. Hence, the present study aims to provide an overview of the socio-economic exploitation of edible caterpillars in the bimodal rainforest zone of Cameroon. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with caterpillar traders in six localities covering the three administrative Regions (East, Centre, and South) of the bimodal forest zone of Cameroon. The socio-demographic characteristics of traders, the traded species, quantities, and prices were recorded. Fresh and live samples were also recorded for morphological identification. A total of 129 traders were interviewed, with the majority being women (94.8%). Eleven species of caterpillars were involved in this trade, with the most remarkable diversity observed in the Centre Region. The traded quantity per species varied significantly with Regions, with the overall most exploited species beingImbrasia oyemensis (13,250.44 kg/year),Imbrasia truncata (4,992.30 kg/year) andAnaphe venata (2,589.51 kg/year). The price of caterpillars differed significantly depending on whether the locality was rural or semi-urban.Notodontidae sp. was the most valuable species (US$ 3.63/kg), followed by species of the genus Anaphe (US$ 3.1±0.5/kg). Special attention should be given to the most traded species to enhance their sustainable exploitation. Further studies on the bio-ecology, habitat and life cycle of these caterpillars are needed for the sustainable management of these beneficial insects. Forest authorities should enhance the regulations governing their exploitation and logging of their host trees.

A survey on pupae parasitoid species of Dendrolimushoui (Lajonquiere) (Lepidoptera, Lasiocampidae) in China.

Cryptomeriajaponicavar.sinensis Miquel in south China is currently overwhelmingly infested by a native caterpillar species, Dendrolimushoui (Lepidoptera), which is causing severe economic losses and ecological disasters in both planted and natural forests. Our results include report of five parasitoid species and eight parasitoid flies within D.houi and a dominant endoparasitoid species Kriechbaumerelladendrolimi, which attacks pupae of D.houi with a high parasitism rate. This result might be helpful to improve better identification and application in the future for potential biological control of D.houi in the forests of east Asia.