Hemiptera Research Articles

The insect colonisation, succession, and decomposition of the domestic pig (Artiodactyla: Suidae) in southern Ontario, Canada

Abstract Studies documenting insect succession throughout the decomposition of vertebrate remains have been performed in more than half of the provinces and one territory in Canada. However, some areas are not represented in the current published literature. Ontario is one province that does not have published records of local necrophagous insect succession. Therefore, three studies were performed in Oshawa, Ontario, to document the insect community and primary colonisers observed during the decomposition of domestic pig, Sus scrofa domestica (Artiodactyla: Suidae), remains. Adult and immature specimens located on the remains were collected, reared, and identified. Pitfall traps were installed to monitor insects present outside of visits. Pigs that decomposed in higher temperatures yielded fewer colonising dipteran species than those that decomposed in cooler temperatures. The most common primary colonisers were Phormia regina (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Lucilia illustris (Diptera: Calliphoridae), and Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae). In total, 11 Diptera families, six Coleoptera families, and families from the Hymenoptera and Hemiptera orders were observed. When comparing these results to published results from Québec, Ontario’s neighbour, major differences in primary colonisers can be noted. It is therefore important for researchers to study the succession, development, and colonisation patterns of the local fauna during vertebrate decomposition and to publish their findings.

Impact of vereda dryness on the insect herbivore diversity in adjacent cerrado areas in Brazilian Protected Areas

Unravelling the factors that influence plant-insect interactions remains a fundamental concern in terrestrial ecology. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of varying degrees of drying on cerrado areas adjacent to veredas on the species richness, abundance and composition of the insect herbivore fauna. Additionally, we examined differences in these impacts between various guilds (chewing and sucker insects) and developmental stages (adult and immature insects). The research has been performed in study areas located in three Protected Areas in Brazil. In total, we recorded 106 species of herbivorous insects across five orders (Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, and Orthoptera). Hemiptera and Coleoptera stood out as the orders with the highest species diversity and individual numbers. Among the families, Cicadellidae and Curculionidae exhibited the highest richness in species and abundance of individuals. We found that richness of herbivorous insects was higher in wet zones (20.2 ± 6.5) of the veredas compared to dry zones (12.3 ± 7.5), as well as the abundance of herbivorous insects was higher in wet zones (49.4 ± 25.5) than in the dry zones (15.8 ± 7.9). Whithin insect guilds, the abundance of chewing insects was higher in wet zones (34.0 ± 13.6) than in dry zones (16.3 ± 14.8), but this difference was not observed for the diversity of sucking insects. Regarding developmental stage, immature insects exhibited higher species richness in wet zones (10.4 ± 5.0) compared to dry zones (5.3 ± 2.1), while adult insect diversity did not show differences between the studied zones. Furthermore, the species composition of herbivorous insects, various trophic guilds (chewers and suckers) and developmental stages (adults and immature insect) did not significantly differ among the zones studied within the veredas. According to our findings, herbivorous insects exhibit a preference for wet environments, which provide better conditions and higher-quality food resources for development and reproduction.

Insect taxa as biodiversity indicators at selected coastal landscape

For monitoring responses of insect arthropods to disturbance, a dataset of 1831 insects was considered. We studied faunal diversity of insects in terraces habitats located on the coast of Lebanon. Insects were sampled from 12 sites having different habitats with one sampling method of combined pitfall-pan trap. This study resulted in nine insect orders and 129 morphospecies. Hymenoptera was the most abundant order in all habitats (63.57%) followed by the orders Diptera, Homoptera, Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, Dictyoptera and Thysanoptera. This coast was classified with medium biodiversity index (D) of 0.51 for insect orders and high D of 0.83 for morphospecies. The highest (D) was in field crops habitat (H1) of 0.64 and 0.91 for insect orders and morphospecies, respectively; followed by scrublands (H3), greenhouse areas (H2) and olive orchards (H4). These results indicated that human intervention was affecting the diversity in natural habitats. Five insect orders: Coleoptera, Dictyoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera were significantly selected as potential biodiversity indicators in this coastal area. Thus, for monitoring these bioindicators, a protocol based on operating our combined trap method appears practical in design and yield very diverse material with the target of sustaining these insect populations in the coastal area.

Importance of habitat area, quality and landscape context for heteropteran diversity in shrub ecotones

ContextHabitat loss and degradation impose serious threats on biodiversity. However, not all habitats receive the attention commensurate with their ecological importance. Shrub ecotones (successional stages between grasslands and forests) can be highly species-diverse but are often restricted to small areas as prevalent management practices either promote open grassland or forest habitats, threatening the effective conservation of ecotone species.ObjectivesIn this study, we assessed the importance of habitat and landscape features of shrub ecotones for the rarely studied true bugs (Heteroptera), a functionally diverse taxon that comprises highly specialized species and broad generalists.MethodsTrue bugs were sampled with a beating tray in 118 spatially independent shrub ecotones in a region of 45,000 square kilometers in Germany. In addition to habitat area and landscape context, we used a hedge index to evaluate habitat quality.ResultsShrub ecotones in open habitats harbored a greater species richness and abundance compared to shaded ones in later seral stages, and species composition differed. Richness and abundance were positively affected by increasing habitat area and quality, whereas an increase in the proportion of semi-natural habitats within 1 km only enhanced richness. While feeding and habitat specialists were more sensitive to habitat area reduction than generalists, this was not the case for weak dispersers and carnivores.ConclusionsOur findings emphasize the importance of large and high-quality ecotones that form a patchy mosaic of shrubs and herbaceous plants. Such ecotones can benefit both grassland species and species depending on woody plants. Conservation authorities should balance between promoting shrubs and keeping such habitats open to maximize species diversity.

A new species of Neotropiconyttus Kirkaldy (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) in a cacao plantation from the Colombian Napo Province, including a key to species, and taxonomic notes of the genus.

A new species of the genus Neotropiconyttus Kirkaldy, 1909 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae: Harpactorini) is described and illustrated. Neotropiconyttusarmandoi Gamboa & Gil-Santana, sp. nov. represents the first record of the genus for the Province of Napo in Colombia, and the first description of a male individual in the genus. The male specimen representing the new species was collected on a leaf of cacao (Theobromacacao L.-Malvaceae). Its remarkable similarity in external coloration and structure with that of the true bug Monaloniondissimulatum Distant, 1883 (Hemiptera: Miridae) inhabiting cacao agroforestry systems suggests that the new species could be part of a mimetic complex that incorporates phytophagous and predator bugs. Comments and figures of type specimens of Neotropiconyttusalboannulatus (Stål, 1855) and Neotropiconyttusdama (Burmeister, 1838), and a key to the species of the genus are also provided.

Insights into Bactericera cockerelli and Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum interaction: a tissue-specific transcriptomic approach.

The tomato-potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc), belonging to the Hemiptera order, is an insect pest of solanaceous crops and vectors a fastidious bacterium, Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso), the presumptive causal agent of zebra chip and vein greening diseases in potatoes and tomatoes, respectively. The genome of B. cockerelli has been sequenced recently, providing new avenues to elucidate mechanistic insights into pathogenesis in vegetable crops. In this study, we performed RNA-sequencing of the critical psyllid organs (salivary glands and ovaries) involved in CLso pathology and transmission to host plants. Transcriptome analysis revealed differentially expressed genes and organ-specific enrichment of gene ontology (GO) terms related to metabolic processes, response to stress/stimulus, phagocytosis, proteolysis, endocytosis, and provided candidate genes encoding transcription factors (TFs). To examine gene regulatory networks across the psyllid organs under CLso(-) and CLso(+) conditions, we performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and unique modules differentiating the psyllid organs were identified. A comparative GO analysis of the unique gene modules revealed functional terms enriched in response to stress, gene regulation, and cell division processes in the ovaries. In contrast, respiration, transport, and neuronal transmission-related GO terms were enriched in the salivary glands. Altogether, this study reveals new insights into tissue-specific expression of the psyllid organs in the absence or presence of CLso bacterium. This knowledge can be leveraged to develop new pest and disease management strategies by delineating the regulatory networks involved in the psyllid-CLso interaction.

Descriptions of new species and new records of water bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerromorpha & Nepomorpha) from southeastern Brazil.

Although most of the diversity of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) is terrestrial, over 550 species of water bugs (Heteroptera: Gerromorpha, Leptopodomorpha & Nepomorpha) have been recorded from Brazil alone. Southeastern Brazil, composed of the states of Esprito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and So Paulo, is the best studied region of the country, but there are still knowledge gaps in the area. Here, two new species are described from Esprito Santo: Hydrometra ruschii Cordeiro, Rodrigues & Moreira, sp. nov. and H. tuberculata Cordeiro, Rodrigues & Moreira, sp. nov. (Gerromorpha: Hydrometridae). Furthermore, new records from southeastern Brazil are provided for 78 species of water bugs, of which 19 are firstly recorded from Esprito Santo, four from Minas Gerais, eight from Rio de Janeiro, and seven from So Paulo.

Diversity and Distribution of Hemipteran Species Associated with Crop Ecosystems in Northwest Morocco

Agriculture plays a crucial role in Morocco, as it not only contributes significantly to the economy but also enhances food security. Within the realm of agriculture, the order Hemiptera encompasses a diverse range of species and behaviors, some of which are notorious for wreaking havoc on crops worldwide. By gaining a deeper understanding of the bugs associated with agroecosystems, we can effectively identify both pests and beneficial species, thereby improving agricultural production. The findings of our study hold immense importance in implementing effective control measures. This paper aims to present a comprehensive checklist of bugs associated with agroecosystems in the north-west region of Morocco. Our study was conducted between the spring and summer of 2019 and 2020, encompassing three different crop fields that represent the major plant formations of the area, namely cereal, broad bean, and alfalfa fields. To ensure a thorough examination, we employed two distinct sampling techniques: mowing net and sight hunting. A total of 6 families of Hemiptera were identified: Reduviidae, Lygaeidae, Pentatomidae, Cercopidae, Scutelleridae, and Alydidae. The information presented in this paper serves as a valuable resource for future studies on Hemiptera associated with agroecosystems in Morocco. By harnessing this data, we can delve into the realm of potential control strategies and craft effective measures to tackle the challenges presented by these insects. This deeper understanding of the bugs within agroecosystems will serve as a catalyst for the development of sustainable and highly productive agricultural practices in Morocco.

Tekirdağ ilindeki (Türkiye) otsu konukçu bitkilerde görülen yaprak biti (Hemiptera: Aphididae) türleri

This research was conducted between 2018 and 2020 in Tekirdağ province and its districts in Türkiye, aiming to identify species of aphids belonging to the Aphididae family on the herbaceous plants in non-agricultural and agricultural fields, urban parks, gardens, and roadsides. The morphological diagnoses of aphids were performed, and based on that, the species from the subfamilies of the Aphididae family belonging to the Hemiptera order, namely Aphidinae, Eriosomatinae, Lachninae, and Chaitophorinae, were identified. Echinophora tenuifolia (L.) and Cachyrs sp. (L.) (Apiaceae) for Anuraphis cachyros (Barbagallo & Stroyan, 1982), Malva neglecta (Wallr.) (Malvaceae) for Aphis (Aphis) nasturtii (Kaltenbach, 1843), Cichorium intybus (L.) (Asteraceae) for Hyperomyzus (Hyperomyzus) lactucae (L., 1758) Achillea sp. (L.) (Asteraceae) for Macrosiphoniella (Macrosiphoniella) tanecetaria (Kaltenbach, 1843), Amaranthus retroflexus (L.) (Amaranthaceae) for Macrosiphum (Macrosiphum) euphorbiae (Thomas, 1878) and Slybum marianum (L.) (Asteraceae) for Uroleucon (Uromelan) aeneum (Hille Ris Lambers, 1939) have been identified as new host plants in Türkiye.

Platycranus metriorrhynchus: A new Mediterranean plant bug in Hungary (Heteroptera: Cimicomorpha: Miridae: Orthotylinae)

AbstractPlatycranus metriorrhynchus Reuter, 1883, the first representative of the predominantly Holomediterranean plant bug genus, Platycranus Fieber, 1870 is reported as a new element of the Hungarian true bug fauna. Diagnostic characters and bionomics of the species are discussed.

Comparative genomics reveals evolutionary drivers of the dietary shift in Hemiptera.

Hemiptera insects exhibit a close relationship to plants and demonstrate a diverse range of dietary preferences, encompassing phytophagy as the predominant feeding habit while a minority engages in carnivorous or haematophagous behaviour. To counteract the challenges posed by phytophagous insects, plants have developed an array of toxic compounds, causing significant evolutionary selection pressure on these insects. In this study, we employed a comparative genomics approach to analyse the expansion and contraction of gene families specific to phytophagous insect lineages, along with their adaptive evolutionary traits, utilising representative species from the Hemiptera order. Our investigation revealed substantial expansions of gene families within the phytophagous lineages, especially in the Pentatomomorpha branch represented by Oncopeltus fasciatus and Riptortus pedestris. Notably, these expansions of gene families encoding enzymes are potentially involved in hemipteran-plant interactions. Moreover, the adaptive evolutionary analysis of these lineages revealed a higher prevalence of adaptively evolved genes in the Pentatomomorpha branch. The observed branch-specific gene expansions and adaptive evolution likely contribute significantly to the diversification of species within Hemiptera. These results help enhance our understanding of the genomic characteristics of the evolution of different feeding habits in hemipteran insects.

Ooencyrtus mirus (Hymenoptera, Encyrtidae), discovered in Europe parasitizing eggs of Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae)

Ooencyrtus mirus Triapitsyn & Power (Hymenoptera, Encyrtidae) is recorded for the first time in Europe. It was found parasitising eggs of the invasive true bug Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae). This parasitoid is part of the Ooencyrtus telenomicida species complex where accurate species identification requires molecular data. Using morphology, the identification of the Ooencyrtus species parasitising brown marmorated stink bug eggs in Greece is ambiguous, but the sequences of the standard DNA barcode region (COI) and ITS2 place them in O. mirus.

Cave-dwelling fauna of Costa Rica: current state of knowledge and future research perspectives

This study focused on the cave fauna of Costa Rica, which has remained relatively understudied despite the presence of more than 435 recorded natural caves and artificial subterranean sites. We collected and reviewed all available literature data on cave fauna in Costa Rica and created the first comprehensive review of the existing information. In addition, we report new records from field surveys conducted between 2015 and 2018. This study reported approximately 123 animal species, whereas the remaining records (n = 82) represented taxa that could not be identified at the species level. Data were collected from 127 locations throughout the country, with new cave fauna records from 41 sites. Notably, we reported the first occurrence of the true bug Amnestus subferrugineus (Westwood 1837) within Costa Rican caves, which represents an addition to the country’s faunal inventory. As this study highlights the knowledge gaps in the subterranean fauna, it will serve as an important stepping stone for future research and conservation efforts related to caves in Costa Rica.

The application of the entomopathogenic fungus Akanthomyces muscarius modified GFP to study endophytization

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) of the genus Akanthomyces (formerly Lecanicillium) are one of the most common and important fungal entomopathogens, infecting sucking insects of the order Hemiptera mainly. The fungi can also parasitize on phytopathogenic fungi (rust, powdery mildew). The entomopathogens from these genera reported as endophytes in various plants under natural conditions [1–2], contributing to an increase in plant immunity to pathogens, as well as a decrease in plant colonization by pests. Endophytic colonization of plants by the fungus Akanthomyces lecanii can suppress the growth of the peach aphid [3]. Akanthomyces muscarius strains caused the death of moth when feeding on cabbage colonized by the fungus [4]. Endophytic properties were assessed using the A. muscarius (= Lecanicillium muscarium) strain Vl 72-GFP fluorescently labeled with GFP [5]. The transformation was done by electroporation of germinated conidia of the high-virulent “wild” strain Vl 72 by the pBARGPE1 vector harboring an eGFP gene, showed an expression of fluorescent protein without affecting fungal growth and virulence. The influence of the fungus on the growth rates of beans was revealed when leaves, sterile soil and seeds were treated with a suspension of conidia of 108 spores/ml. On the 7th day, stimulation of the growth of the stems and roots of the beans was observed when the seeds were soaked in a spore suspension of the fungus. When spraying the leaves, only the stem’s elongation was observed. The studied strain colonizes beans irregularly. When treating the seeds, the fungus was isolated in greater quantities from the roots (26%), when spraying the leaves — from the stem (36%), when watering the soil — also from the stem (43%). Infection of A. muscarius plants by spilling the soil was most effective. No effect of endophytization was found on the number of aphids after 14 days of aphid plant colonization. As a result of the introduction of the spores of Vl 72-GFP strain by shedding the soil under flower crops (lantana, gerbera, acanthus) in the greenhouse of Saint Petersburg Botanical Garden, this strain was isolated from the leaves of the Acanthus mollis L. after one month, which confirms the ability of this species to endophytic colonization of plants in greenhouse conditions. Analysis of hyphae Vl 72-GFP in the plant performed on an AxioImager M1 fluorescent microscope demonstrated the same level of fluorescence as in A. muscarius hyphae growing on the media.

New Record Species of Tytthus chinensis (Stål, 1859) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae) from Iraq

By utilizing the light traps for the purpose of analyzing two specimens Insects were gathered from Diyala and Baqubah for the purpose of this study. The species Tytthus chinensis (Stl, 1859), which was discovered in China, was discovered in Iraq for the first time in March of 2022 in Diyala. This species is classified under the Hemiptera order and the Heteroptera suborder, as well as the Miridae family and the phylinae subfamily. utilized camera Lucida to sketch bodies’ portion, and image by Dino-Lite microscope camera for diagnostic characteristics for the species are supplied with the morphological characters and male genitalia are provided.

Lepidopteran Pests of Apple Trees on the Territory of the City of Vanadzor

Key Words: Lori region, pomaceae, egg, caterpillar, pupa, imago Lepidopteran pests of apple trees in the Lori region have been documented in specialised literature; however, research on these pests in Vanadzor has not been done, despite the fact that many dangerous insects, including lepidoptera, flooded into private gardens in the city of Vanadzor after extensive clearing of orchards nearby. In this area, private farms suffer substantial damage from caterpillars. Additionally, some pests' caterpillars can induce allergic reactions, some of which can be very dangerous, when they come into contact with people's skin, particularly that of youngsters. The investigation of this matter is the focus of this work. As a result of our research, we identified 14 species of leafrollers of apple trees, which belong to the orders Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hemiptera and Homoptera. The greatest damage is caused by Apple ermine (Hypomoneuta malinellus Z.), Gypsy (spongy) moth (Lymantria dispar L.), Lackey moth (Malacosoma neustria L.), Brown-tail moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea L.), Apple blossom weevil (Anthonomus pomorum L.), Tortrix moths especially Rose tortrix moth (Archips rosana L.), and Large fruit-tree tortrix (Archips podana L.). Entomophages have also been obtained, which belong to the families of Braconidae and the Ichneumonidae.

A Note on Leaf Gall on Alstonia scholaris (Saptaparni) tree due to Infestation of Pauropsylla tuberculata (Gall Insect)

Alstonia scholaris is a perennial evergreen tree of family Apocynaceae and one of the graceful ornamental and medicinal plants. In general, this tree suffers the problem, that is, gall formation on a leaf. Most probably, it is caused by leaf gall insects (Pauropsylla tuberculata) belonging to order Hemiptera and is commonly known as jumping lice. The insect has five nymphal stages and forms the gall by sucking the plant sap. It lacks the pupal stage. Such a heavy attack by this insect affects the rate of photosynthesis and overall growth of plants. This brief note focuses on the development and formation of galls by Pauropsylla tuberculata and different nymphal stages of it on A. scholaris leaves.. KEYWORDS :Alstonia scholaris, Hemiptera, Leaf Gall Insects, Pauropsylla tuberculate

Morpho-Taxonomic Study of Stink Bug Mustha spinosula (Lefebrve, 1831) (Hemiptera : Pentatomidae) in Dohuk Governorate – Iraq

A stink bug Morpho-taxonomic study was conducted for the stink bug Stink bugs belong to the family Pentatomidea and superfamily: Pentatomoidea, of the order Hemiptera and suborder Heteroptera, Musta spinosula, collected from different regions of Dohuk Governorate / Bandawiyah - Sheikh Hassan -, Malta, Al-Salihiya in 9/3/2022, 9/10/2022, 9/16/2022, 20/9/2022, 23/9/2022, 26/9/2022, 30/9/2022. Of the ornamental and fruit trees, olive bushes and walnut trees, the study showed that the body is large in size and has a black color, and the head, abdomen and chest contain triangular-shaped teeth, large scutellum, Spermathecal bulb is contains three finger-like processes.

Biodiversity and Succession of Insects of Blackgram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper) During rabi in the Western Undulating Zone of Odisha

The field experiment was conducted to study about insect biodiversity and their succession in blackgram crop at the crop research farm, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhawanipatna during rabi 21. Twenty seven insects belong to seven orders and twenty two families were recorded during different growth stages of crop in an overlapping manner. Beside the insects twelve numbers of predators, three numbers of parasitoids and two pollinators were also noticed. The highest diversity index and evenness of insects were recorded at 42 SMW (0.902 and 1.000) followed by 50 SMW (0.833 and 0.710) respectively. The diversity of insects was almost uniform because of the evenness of the species. The insect order homoptera and the insect white fly came under superdominant class of dominance during all the growth stages of crop, whereas coleoptera and hemiptera were categorized under sub-dominant class at vegetative stage and flowering to podding stage of crop growth respectively. The insect orders hemiptera, coleoptera, diptera and hymenoptera and the insects i.e., galerucid beetle, jassid, stem fly, aphids and thrips came under recedent class of dominance. The relative abundance and dominant status of insect’s revealed that the maximum numbers of insects were belongs to orders homoptera (75.22%) followed by hemiptera (7.92%), coleoptera (6.30%), diptera (4.62%), hymenoptera (4.05%), orthoptera (0.89%), lepidoptera (0.86%) and odonata (0.09%).Chrysomelid beetles were noticed first during the early vegetative stage of crop followed by stem fly, white fly, leaf webber and semiloopers at the vegetative stage, tobacco caterpillar from late vegetative to pod filling stage, thrips in flowering stage, pod borers, pod bugs, aphids, pentatomid bugs and bihar hairy caterpillar from flowering to crop maturity stage and the pod fly and pod wasp from pod filling to pod maturity stage of the crop. Jassids, grasshoppers and predators like spiders, coccinellids beetles and parasitoids were appeared from mid vegetative stage and continued till fag end of the crop. The peak activities of insects were recorded from flowering to pod maturity stage of the crop.

7th new insect species with high potential to be used in the production of a natural red dye: Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell, 1896) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae)

There is a total of six insect species belonging to four families from the order Hemiptera, used in the production of red dye as a natural dyestuff. Carmine is obtained from Dactylopius coccus (Costa, 1829) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) feeding on prickly pears ( Opuntia spp.). The genus Dactylopius includes a total of 11 species, and none of them except D. coccus were declared as a dye insect. The reported use of Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell, 1896) as a natural dye insect, was more widespread than D. coccus, and advantages versus D. coccus were announced for the first time in this study. To prove the hypothesis that D. opuntiae could be used as a natural dyestuff, silk fabric samples were dyed with D. opuntiae, naturally distributed in Cyprus. The light, wet and dry friction fastness values of the dyed fabric samples were tested. Also the carminic acid values of D. opuntiae were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography analysis and surface imaging analysis (scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer). The results of the fastness values of the dyed fabric samples and the high carminic acid content of D. opuntiae showed that this species has a very high potential to be used as the 7th natural dye insect in the world.