Tinea Pellionella Research Articles

The genome sequence of the Case-bearing Clothes moth, Tinea pellionella (Linnaeus, 1758)

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Tinea pellionella (the Case-bearing Clothes moth; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Tineidae). The genome sequence is 245.3 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 30 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 25.86 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 13,811 protein coding genes.

The genome sequence of the Case-bearing Clothes moth, Tinea pellionella (Linnaeus, 1758).

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Tinea pellionella (the Case-bearing Clothes moth; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Tineidae). The genome sequence is 245.3 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 30 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 25.86 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 13,811 protein coding genes.

Regularity in distribution, and control, of pests in the hall of mental cultivation, the Forbidden City, Beijing, China

Pests can seriously threaten the safety of organic relics and historic buildings. Every year, the Palace Museum spends a large of money and time preventing and controlling pests, but there is still no a better systematic and targeted method. The Hall of Mental Cultivation is a representative and essential building in the Forbidden City. Through three years of pest monitoring, the species, quantity, and occurrence regularity of the major pests were investigated. During this time, more than ten species of insects were trapped. These included carpet beetles (Anthrenus picturatus hintoni Mroczkowski, 1952 and Thylodrias contractus Motschulsky, 1839), silverfish (Ctenolepisma longicaudata Escherich, 1905), powder-post beetles (Lyctus brunneus Stephens, 1830), booklice (Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel, 1931), spider beetles (Ptinus japonicus Reitter, 1877 and Gibbium aequinoctiale Boieldieu, 1865) and the case bearing clothes moths (Tinea pellionella Linnaeus, 1758), among which the Anthrenus picturatus was the primary pests. Abundant resources of organic relics, suitable temperature, humidity, and light environment, and cypress existence are favorable factors for the occurrence of pests, and analysis of these factors is helpful for further integrated pest management (IPM). The period with the most significant number of active pests in the Hall of Mental Cultivation is July and August, and April and May are the rapid growth period. Carpet beetles are the key pests that can affect the overall change trend significantly. It should combine with their living habits, the ideal treatment time and methods, to give them a better control. Fumigation should be done in July and August, while chemical spray should be done referring to the florescence of outdoor trees (March to June), and used of pheromone is reasonable preventative measures.

Efficacy of Modified Atmospheres in Controlling Museum Insect Pests, Anthrenus verbasci (Coleopetra: Dermestidae) and Tinea pellionella (Lepidopetra: Tineidae) >>

This report presents the results of the first laboratory investigation for the control of insect pests of museums, using the modified atmosphere (MA). The efficacy of using (MA); including argon or nitrogen gases against the larvae and adults of Anthrenus verbasci and Tinea pellionella was evaluated. The lethal time (LT50 and LT95) was determined for different exposure periods at 20ᵒC and 30ᵒC. Argon atmosphere achieved higher mortality than nitrogen for both insect species. The adults were more sensitive than larvae and the mortality was generally higher at elevated temperature. The univariant factorial ANOVA was used to clarify the relationship between the types of gases, the time of exposure and temperature to achieve higher mortality percentages of adults and larvae of both pests. The exposure to an atmosphere of approximately 0.01% oxygen and 99.9% argon or nitrogen was successful in limiting survival of the tested pests among the developmental stages and this condition is accelerated by warmer temperature (30˚C), with the exposure time required to give complete kill, being shorter for argon.

Insect pests and Integrated Pest Management in the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo, Italy

The Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo contain over 1800 bodies dating from the 16th-20th centuries. Human remains and other materials within the catacombs are currently infested by a variety of insect pest species. To evaluate the community of organisms associated with these materials, the activity and abundance of insect pests were investigated. Sticky blunder traps and pheromone traps for webbing clothes moths were employed. An array of arthropods was collected in this way, including several orders of insects. The most important pest species recovered were two types of wood-boring beetles (Order Coleoptera), Anobium punctatum De Geer, 1774 and Hexarthrum exiguum (Boheman, 1838) belonging to two different taxonomic families. Both species require high wood moisture to develop, demonstrating that the environmental conditions within the catacombs were optimal for the development of these beetles. Additionally, two types of moths (Order Lepidoptera), the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella (Hummel, 1823), and the case-bearing clothes moth, Tinea pellionella (Linnaeus, 1758), were recovered. Both moths are important pests of textiles. The detection of oriental cockroaches (Order Blattodea), Blatta orientalis Linnaeus, 1758, indicated that the cleaning and sealing of the catacombs needs to be improved.

Tinea translucens MEYRICK, 1917 (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) – a clothesmoth species new to Poland

Abstract Tinea translucens has been recorded in Poland for the first time: there are four records from the south and west of the country. The distribution, biology and habitats of this moth are commented on. A differential diagnosis comparing this species with Tinea pellionella (only the genital characters of both sexes) is included.

Trends in insect catch at historic properties

Abstract Warmer climate has the potential to increase the number of insect pests in historic properties. This possibility has been explored using the catch from some thirty thousand insect traps laid out in English Heritage properties over more than a decade. The trapping programme resulted from an increasing focus on integrated pest management (IPM). Trapping has been more frequent in London and the Southeast. Quarterly inspection and replacement has led to a detailed record of catch. Although these data were collected for management purposes, they offer the potential to assess the impact of environmental change. Variation in the number of traps placed out requires data to be expressed as catch rate (insects caught per trap). The record suggests an increase in the average catch of booklice ( Liposcelis bostrychophila ) summed across all the properties examined over the period 2000–2012. There was a striking increase in the prevalence of the webbing clothes moth ( Tinea pellionella ) even when accounting for the increasing use of attractant pheromones in traps. In addition, infestations (i.e. > 10 insects per trap) also seemed to increase. However, these increases over time are not likely to be attributable to increasing temperatures. Nevertheless, the catch rate for woolly bear larvae ( Anthrenus spp.) at the London properties showed a weak correlation with temperature in the warmer seasons. If temperature were to increase across the 21st century, a dramatic increase in catch rate would be expected. However, it is hardly likely as the abundance of insects is not driven by temperature alone. Other factors such as: food, habitat, access points, housekeeping and indoor climate can all have an impact on insect numbers and on infestations within a property.

Development of a standard test method for evaluation of insectproofness of woollen textiles

Factors governing the standardization of test methods for the assessment of insect proofness of woolen textiles have been critically examined. A standard test method using the woolly bear, Anthrenus fanipes Lec. and the case-bearing clothes moth, Tinea pellionella Linn. has been developed.

The efficacy of dieldrin against wool destroying insect

The efficacy of dieldrin as a protection against the wool destroying insects. Anthrenus flavipes Lec. (wooly bear) and Tinea pellionella Linn. (case bearing clothes moth) has been investigated. In very low concentrations (0.02-0.05percent on the weight of fabric), the insecticides offers adequate protection against both the insects. the effectiveness of treatment is not impaired by laundering (12 times) or dry-cleaning (12 times). The resistance to laundering and dry-cleaning is not, however, as satisfactory when the insecticide is applied from solution. The economics of utilization of dieldrin as a protectant against the wool destroying insects has been discussed in relation to DDT, and it is shown that the former insecticide is much less expensive.

Statistics of insect catch within historic properties

IntroductionCertain species of insect are known to cause damage to historic collections. For more than a decade insects have been identified in traps set out in English Heritage properties, the data from which has been used in this paper. Descriptive statistics have been used to explore the data structure and insect distribution.ResultsAbout 55% of the traps of the more than 30000 traps examined over that period contained insects that were readily categorised. The rate of catch (insects/trap) was highest in London and the Southeast. Booklice (Liposcelis bostrychophila) and silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) were the most frequent catch. Woolly bear (Anthrenus spp.) larvae and crustacean woodlice (Porcellio spinicornis) were also common. A higher frequency of furniture beetles (Anobium punctatum) is notable in the Southeast and West. Despite this overall pattern, catch varied greatly between individual properties. The general view that insects have increased over time was not universal, although the dominant booklouse showed an increased catch over the last decade. The insects did not appear to be randomly distributed, but clustered onto traps in greater numbers than might be expected from a Poisson distribution, which suggested they occurred as infestations. Some insect species appeared in combination with other species at a higher frequency than expected, but the reasons for these associations were not always obvious. Pheromone traps collected more webbing and case bearing clothes moths (Tineola bisselliella, Tinea pellionella) than traps without attractants, much as expected. There are hints that covered traps may collect fewer insects than simple blunder traps.ConclusionsNo obvious drivers of high insect count were identified. Trends over time were not especially clear. The results provide clues to management of insect pests in historic properties. The presence and trapping of insects at a given property is individual in nature, and so mitigation strategies need to be site-specific. Although an insect might occur in low numbers in some periods, the possibility of infestation remains. Future work will examine the trends in catch more carefully and ascertain the importance of various environmental factors.

Necrophagous Caterpillars Provide Human mtDNA Evidence*

Decomposition of large mammalian carcasses is greatly accelerated through the action of insects. Specialized feeders capable of digesting keratin and collagen found in skin, hair, and tendons and ligaments are attracted to corpses in late stages of dry decomposition and include Tinea pellionella, the casemaking clothes moth, and Tineola bisselliella, the webbing clothes moth (Lepidoptera; Tineidae). Until now, details of the caterpillar behavior as necrophagous insects were vague. Here, we detail the behavior of each species and document the incorporation of human hair into the portable larval shelters constructed by the caterpillars of T. pellionella. Hair of the decedent used as building material for caterpillar shelters provided enough starting template to amplify and sequence the HVI and HVII sections of the control region (mtDNA) of the decedent.

Mothproofing efficacy of wool-yarn treated with several kinds of medical herb against to cloth moth, Tinea Pellionella (L.)

Mothproofing efficacy of wool-yarn treated with several kinds of medical herb against to cloth moth, Tinea Pellionella (L.)

Attractant pheromones of museum insect pests

Attractant pheromones have been identified for a number of insect pests which attack museum collections. They include well known pests such as webbing clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella), furniture beetle (Anobium punctatum), biscuit beetle (Stegobium paniceum), cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne) and the carpet beetles (Attagenus unicolor, Anthrenus verbasci and Anthrenus sarnicus). There is also evidence that some other species such as the odd beetle (Thylodrias contractus) and the case-bearing clothes moth (Tinea pellionella) also use pheromones although they have not yet been fully characterised. Laboratory research has clearly shown that many of these chemicals have a strong attractancy to males of the species, which can be used to improve trap performance. However; successful use of the pheromones in practice is determined by lure performance and trap design. It also depends upon the commercial availability of lures at an economic rate. Trials in museums have shown that clothes moth pheromone lures can provide early warning of pest attack and detect failure of control treatments. They have also had an effect of reducing pest numbers when used at high rates. Cigarette beetle and biscuit beetle lures perform well at higher temperatures when the insects are active and flying. The performance of the pheromone of furniture beetle is not consistent and there is also a cross-attraction to biscuit beetles. There are still many questions which need answering to improve the effectiveness of pheromone traps, but for some species, they have a valuable role for monitoring pests in museums.

Semiochemical-Mediated Location of Host Habitat by Apanteles carpatus (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a Parasitoid of Clothes Moth Larvae

In Y-tube olfactometer bioassays, adult Apanteles carpatus (Say), were attracted to beaver or rabbit pelts infested with larvae of the casemaking clothes moth (CCM)Tinea pellionella L. Porapak Q-captured volatiles from a CCM-infested beaver pelt were also very attractive, whereas isolated CCM larvae or larval feces were not. Coupled gas chromatographic–electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) analysis of the Porapak Q volatile extract revealed two compounds that elicited responses by A. carpatus antennae. Coupled GC–mass spectrometry (MS) in electron impact and chemical ionization modes of these compounds indicated, and GC-MS and GC-EAD of authentic standards confirmed, that they were nonanal and geranylacetone. While each compound singly did not attract A. carpatusa 1:1 blend of both compounds was as attractive as the volatile extract. Because these compounds are host habitat-derivedA. carpatus must be a habitat rather than host specialist, responding to kairomonal indicators of localized and specific habitats such as animal hair or feather. The tritrophic interaction between A. carpatusits clothes moth hosts and their animal-derived habitats is similar to the well-studied relationship between parasitoids of insect herbivores and their host plant habitats.

Oviposition site selection by Tineola bisselliella, Tinea spp (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) and Anthrenus flavipes (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)

Odours from dried yeast localized oviposition on fabric by Tineola bisselliella (Hummel), Tinea translucens Meyrick and Tinea pellionella L. in choice experiments in the laboratory. In Tineola bisselliella this effect was augmented by odours from the faeces from conspecific larvae that had eaten a favourable diet containing dried yeast. In contrast with these Lepidoptera, oviposition by Anthrenus flavipes LeConte was unaffected by yeast odours and deterred by odours from conspecific cultures. Blood-stains did not influence ovipositional choice. Some plant phenolics and flavonoids and quinones incompletely deterred oviposition. Both vegetable oils and fatty acids from wool wax deterred oviposition equally well when present in large amounts. Treatment of wool to control micro-organisms might reduce insect damage indirectly.

Identification of a Key Enzyme in the Digestion of Wool by Larvae of the Webbing Clothes Moth,Tineola bisselliella

An important step in the digestion of wool by certain insect pests is the reductive cleavage of protein disulphide bonds to open the fibre for protease action. For larvae of the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella, two enzymes have been suggested as being involved in this process, cystine reductase and cysteine lyase/desulphydrase. In the present study, cystine reductase is shown not to be present in T. bisselliellalarvae. An earlier study, showing that cysteine lyase/desulphydrase is present in these larvae, is confirmed and extended to demonstrate that the activity is localised to the gut of larvae. This activity is also present in the larval gut of another clothes moth, Tinea pellionella, but is absent from the gut of the carpet beetle, Anthrenus flavipes, suggesting that larvae of moths and beetles use different mechanisms to reduce the disulphide bonds of wool.

A survey of stored product Lepidoptera in New Zealand

Abstract The incidence of Lepidoptera associated with stored products in New Zealand was assessed by examining 71 storage premises. These were mainly in the South Island and included farm and commercial seed and grain stores, flour/feed mills, maltings, domestic premises, and food importing warehouses. Results were obtained by inspection and sampling supplemented, in some premises, by pheromone traps and bait bags. Ten species of moths were found. These species (with the number of premises in which each species was recorded shown in parenthesis) were: Endrosis sarcitrella (33), Hofmannophila pseudospretella (29), Ephestia kuehniella (15), Pyralis farinalis (6), Ephestia elutella (5), Tinea pellionella (5), Ephestia cautella (2), Archyala terranea (2), Tineola bisselliella (1), Sitotroga cerealella (1). All 9 flour/feed mills examined were infested with E. kuehniella. Ninety-five percent of commercial stores and 85% of farm stores examined were infested with moths. E. sarcitrella was detected in 45% of pre...

A Complete and Highly Effective Mothproofing Agent Comprising a Pyrethroid and a Hexahydropyrimidine

Pyrethroids, considered as a general class of compounds, have been shown to provide effective protection from the larvae of the keratin‐digesting insects Tineola bisselliella H., Tinea pellionella Linn., Hofmannophila pseudo‐spretella Station and Attagenus piceus Oliv. The position regarding the susceptibility of the furniture carpet beetle to pyrethroids is less clear, however. It has been reported that both deltamethrin and permethrin are effective against Anthrenus flavipes Le Conte, whilst permethrin is also reported elsewhere to be effective against the same species. Results obtained in our laboratory, however, have indicated that pyrethroids may offer inadequate protection against Anthrenus vorax Waterh. [1, 2]. This latter species is identical to Anthrenus flavipes var. seminiveus Casey, a colour variety of Anthrenus flavipes Le Conte. The 1,3‐disubstituted5‐phenylcarbamoyl‐2,4,6‐trioxo‐ and 4,6‐dioxo‐2‐thione‐hexahydropyrimidine derivatives described in this paper exhibit a surprisingly high and selective toxicity to the Anthrenus species. Thus, a combination of an appropriate hexahydropyrimidine with a suitable pyrethroid, e.g. permethrin, provides complete control of a wide range of commonly encountered textile insect pests. The influence of substituents on the mothproofing activity is discussed.

Effets d'une augmentation de la température ambiante sur la transpiration des larves, nymphes et adultes deTinea pellionella L. (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) placés en atmosphère sèche

Abstract Effects of an increasing temperature on the transpiration in the larvae, pupae and adults of ‘Tinea pellionella’ L. (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) kept in a dry atmosphere.

Larval case and water balance in Tinea pellionella

In a very dry environment (0% r.h.) the case plays an important role in the physiology of the Tinea pellionella larva. Absence of the case leads to a reduction of oxygen consumption and a great loss of body water. At 0% r.h. the rate of water loss from a larva without its case, is twice that from a larva remaining within its case. In a very humid environment (r.h. higher than 95%) the case absorbs a very large quantity of water and becomes very heavy, but it does not interfere with larval physiology. With or without their cases the weight of the larvae stays stable, and their oxygen consumption does not change. When the humidity changes abruptly, the case acts as a buffer and assists in the regulation of the water balance of the larva. If the humidity decreases the case slows the rate of body water loss; if the humidity increases, it very quickly builds up a reserve of atmospheric water around the larva's body.