Tineola Bisselliella Research Articles

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.

Suitability of Different Lepidopteran Host Species for Development ofBracon hebetor(Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Bracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a gregarious larval ectoparasitoid of several species of Lepidoptera that are associated with stored products. The suitability of 12 potential lepidopteran host species representing four families was studied in this study for the development and reproduction of B. hebetor. The Lepidoptera species used were the Indianmeal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner), Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella (Zeller), almond moth, E. cautella (Walker), rice moth, Corcyra cephalonica (Walker), navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella (Stainton), greater wax moth (laboratory reared and commercial), Galleria mellonella (Linnaeus) (all Pyralidae); tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (Fabricus), corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (all Noctuidae); webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella (Hummel) (Tineidae); and Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) (Gelichiidae). Experiments were conducted using petri dishes (100 by 15 mm) as experimental arenas at 29 +/- 1 degrees C, 65 +/- 5% RH, and a photoperiod of 14:10 (L: D) h. B. hebetor females were introduced singly into arenas and given a full-grown host larva every day for 5 consecutive d. Paralysis of the host larvae and oviposition by B. hebetor females were significantly affected by host species. The cumulative fecundity in the 5-d period was highest on A. transitella (106.42 +/- 5.19) and lowest on T. bisselliella (9.64 +/- 1.28). The egg-to-adult survivorship and progeny sex ratio were also significantly affected by the host species. The highest percentage of parasitoid survival to the adult stage was on A. transitella (84.07 +/- 2.26) and zero on T. bisselliella. Egg to adult development time was shortest on E. cautella (9.75 +/- 0.25 d) and longest on G. mellonella (12.63 +/- 0.28 d). Results from these studies suggest that B. hebetor females can use a wide range of lepidopteran hosts for paralysis and oviposition. However, B. hebetor cannot necessarily develop and reproduce on all host species that it can paralyze and oviposit on, and optimum reproduction is with the stored-product pyralid hosts.

Gene expression in the gut of keratin-feeding clothes moths ( Tineola) and keratin beetles ( Trox) revealed by subtracted cDNA libraries

Few lineages of insects are able to feed on keratin (hair, feathers) and it remains unknown which genes enable this metabolism and what is their evolutionary origin. We conducted a transcriptomic study of two keratin-feeding insects, the clothes moth Tineola bisselliella (Lepidoptera) and the keratin beetle Trox sp. (Coleoptera). Using subtracted cDNA libraries enriched for gut-expressed transcripts, a total of 672 clones sequenced per library resulted in >150 tentative unique sequences for each species. Sequence similarity predictions identified 22.4% ( Tineola) and 6.8% ( Trox) of the ESTs as proteases, and mainly as serine proteases of the trypsin and chymotrypsin type, while lacking cysteine proteases. None of the sequences showed similarity to subtilisin type proteases that confers keratinolytic activities in prokaryotes and fungi. Neighbor-Joining trees grouped Tineola and Trox serine proteases near other lepidopteran and coleopteran sequences, respectively, but distant from each other. A few abundant ESTs had no database matches but their presence suggests a role specific to these keratin-feeding insects. While high expression of specific serine proteases appears linked to keratin digestion in both species, it remains to be established if their action requires additional enzymatic or physiological functions to initiate the degradation of the abundant cysteine bonds of keratins. These catabolic pathways are of great interest in the leather industry for the removal of hair, while proteinase inhibitors could prevent damage from clothes moths.

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.

Communication ecology of webbing clothes moth: attractiveness and characterization of male‐produced sonic aggregation signals

Abstract: We tested the hypothesis that the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella (Hum.) (Lep., Tineidae), uses sonic signals in addition to pheromonal signals for communication. To record sound from individual or groups of moths of either or both sexes, we used a digital recording system, microphones sensitive to sonic and/or ultrasonic frequencies, and speakers capable of emitting sonic and ultrasonic sound. In a soundproof environment, male T. bisselliella produced sounds of 27 decibels (dB, sound pressure level; 0 dB corresponds to 20 μPa), with a base frequency of 40–50 Hz and a harmonic frequency of 80–100 Hz. Sound intensity and frequency increased to 55 dB and 65–75 Hz (with ≥3 harmonic frequencies), respectively, when calling males were near (<2 cm) conspecifics of either sex. There was no evidence that females produce sound and no evidence for ultrasonic sound production by either sex. In Y‐tube bioassay experiments, virgin male and female T. bisselliella preferred played‐back sonic signals from males to silent control stimuli, whereas mated females showed no preference for either stimulus. In arena bioassay experiments, males as well as virgin and mated females preferred played‐back sonic signals from males over a white noise control. Use of pheromonal and sonic signals by T. bisselliella would be adaptive, because the capacity for sonic communication persists even if sensory adaptation or habituation to pheromonal signals occurred. This hypothesis is consistent with the fact that other inhabitants of enclosed microhabitats, such as the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella L., and Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hb.), have also evolved analogous multimodal communication systems.

Insecticidal activity of huperzine A from the New Zealand clubmoss, Lycopodium varium.

A bioactivity-directed investigation of an extract of the New Zealand clubmoss, Lycopodium varium, collected on subantarctic Campbell Island, has led to the isolation of the alkaloid huperzine A (1) as the major antifeedant and insecticidal component. Huperzine A showed insecticidal activity against the Australian carpet beetle, Anthrenocerus australis (LD(50) = 110 ppm), the Australian sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina (LD(50) = 2380 ppm), and the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella (LD(50) = 630 ppm). Feeding by A. australis was reduced by 97% at 63 ppm.

The digestive system of the keratin‐feeding larvae of Hofmannophila pseudospretella (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae)

The structure of the digestive system of the larva of the brown house moth (Hofmannophila pseudospretella Stainton) was studied by light microscopy. It was found to be similar to that of another keratinophagous lepidopteran larva, Tineola bisselliella Hummel. However, H. pseudospretella was found to have an additional muscle layer in the outer wall of the midgut, and less differentiation between midgut regions. Midgut epithelial cells were larger in fed than in starved larvae, and the presence of large free cytoplasmic spheres was almost exclusively associated with fed larvae.

Where to find a mate? Resource-based sexual communication of webbing clothes moth.

Mate location in moths typically entails long-range attraction of males to female-produced pheromone. Here, we show that male and female webbing clothes moths, Tineola bisselliella, seek larval habitats (dry carrion, animal lairs, etc) to encounter mates. With males seeking, and arriving at, larval habitat earlier at night than females, male-produced pheromonal and sonic signals enhance the habitat's attractiveness to females. This resource-based mating strategy of T bisselliella differs from that known for most other moths. It may have evolved in response to larval habitats that are patchy and temporary, but that disseminate attractive semiochemicals so abundantly that T bisselliella encounter them more readily than their own pheromones.

Communication ecology of webbing clothes moth: 4. Identification of male- and female-produced pheromones

We investigated the hypothesis that aggregation signals produced by male webbing clothes moths (WCM), Tineola bisselliella (Hum.) (Lepidoptera: Tineidae), and close-range male attractant signals produced by females have a pheromonal basis, at least in part. Gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and GC-mass spectrometric analyses of bioactive methanolic extracts of male WCM disclosed three candidate pheromone components: hexadecanoic acid methyl ester (16:Ester), (Z)-9-hexadecenoic acid methyl ester (Z9—16:Ester), and octadecanoic acid methyl ester (18:Ester). In bioassay experiments in a large Plexiglas™ arena, a blend of synthetic 16:Ester plus Z9—16:Ester was attractive to male and virgin (but not mated) female WCM; the 18:Ester was inactive. GC-EAD analyses of pheromone gland extracts from female WCM revealed (E,Z)-2,13-octadecadienal (E2Z13—18:Ald) and (E,Z)-2,13-octadecadienol (E2Z13—18:OH) as candidate sex pheromone components. In arena bioassay experiments, 1—5 female equivalents of synthetic E2Z13—18:Ald (0.2 ng) and E2Z13—18:OH (0.1 ng) were more attractive to male WCM than were two virgin female WCM. We anticipate that the combination of aggregation and sex pheromones, male-produced sonic aggregation signals, and habitat-derived semiochemicals will be highly effective in attracting male and female WCM to commercial traps.

Communication ecology of webbing clothes moth: evidence for male-produced aggregation signal(s)

There are no definitive behavioural studies on the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella (Hum.) (Lepidoptera: Tineidae), that demonstrate the sex emitting or responding to communication signals. Roth and Willis (1952) reported male courtship (wing-fanning) behaviour ≤1 cm from an excised female pheromone gland, suggesting the presence of a female-produced sex pheromone that is effective at close range; however, isolated or groups of males also wing-fanned in the absence of females (Titschack 1922; Roth and Willis 1952; S Takács, personal observation). Titschack (1922) suggested that this behaviour may serve to either “disperse odorous substances” produced by males or indicate sexual excitement, while Roth and Willis (1952) considered wingfanning in the absence of females as “vacuum activity”. Male T. bisselliella responded more strongly to larval habitat and sought it earlier at night than females (Takács et al. 2001a, 2001b). Habitat selection by males could enhance their mating success by placing them near resources essential to females (Emlen and Oring 1977; Thornhill and Alcock 1983). If males were to produce communication signals, they may enhance the attractiveness of larval habitat to foraging females. Our objective was to determine whether male and (or) female T. bisselliella produce mate-attracting signals.

Communication ecology of webbing clothes moth: 2. Identification of semiochemicals mediating attraction of adults to larval habitat.

Our objective was to identify the semiochemicals that mediate attraction of the webbing clothes moth (WCM), Tineola bisselliella (Lepidoptera: Tineidae), to suitable larval habitat. Coupled gas chromatographic-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) analyses of Porapak Q-captured bioactive volatiles from horseshoe crab, and dried but untanned vertebrate pelts revealed numerous EAD-active volatiles. These volatiles were identified by comparative GC-mass spectrometry and GC-EAD analyses of natural and synthetic compounds. A blend of 28 synthetic candidate semiochemicals attracted both male and female WCM. Experiments deleting various components determined that saturated aldehydes--but not unsaturated aldehydes, saturated hydrocarbons, saturated alcohols, or ketones--were essential for blend attractiveness. A blend of nonanal, the single most attractive aldehyde, in combination with geranylacetone was more attractive to WCM than the 28-component blend or dried, untanned animal pelt. Selection of larval habitat resides more with male than female WCM, as indicated by stronger EAD responses from male than female antennae to habitat-derived semiochemicals, and more selective and early response to habitat cues by males than females. Exploitation of nonanal and geranylacetone as resource-derived semiochemicals by both adult WCM and its larval parasitoid, Apanteles carpatus, is an example of convergent semiochemical parsimony.

Communication ecology of webbing clothes moth: 1. Semiochemical-mediated location and suitability of larval habitat.

We tested two hypotheses: 1) that there is semiochemical-mediated attraction of male and female webbing clothes moth (WCM), Tineola bisselliella (Hum.) (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) to suitable larval habitat; and 2) that selection of optimal larval habitat has fitness consequences. In binary or ternary choice arena bioassay experiments that prevented WCM from contacting test stimuli, males and females were attracted to dried but untanned animal pelts (red squirrel, muskrat, beaver, coyote, red fox and bobcat) and preserved horseshoe crab but not to unprocessed sheep's wool, demonstrating semiochemical-based recognition of, and discrimination between, potential larval habitats. Selection of habitat has fitness consequences for ovipositing females, because significantly more male and female WCM completed development when the larval diet consisted of intact animal pelt (hide plus hair) rather than hide or hair alone. Equal attraction of male WCM to muskrat pelt volatiles in Porapak Q or solvent extracts of muskrat pelts indicated that volatile semiochemicals could be obtained by both methods.

Webbing clothes moth,Tineola bisselliella (Hum.), causing serious feeding damage toLactuca sativa and other plant seeds

The first record of a “field” infestation of stored lettuce seeds (Lactuca sativa) byTineola bisselliella (TB) is reported. The pest is able to consume almost the whole kernel ofL. sativa including the shell. The ability od TB to damage selected stored cereal, pulse and oil seeds under laboratory condition was evaluated. In maize and wheat, germ area was damaged preferably and the germination decreased considerably. TB was unable to infest and damage sound seeds of rape and beans ofPhaseolus vulgaris and soya. These findings enabled the development of a vegetarian diet for laboratory rearing of TB. The pest status and hazards resulting from cross-infestation is discassed.

Long-chain fatty acids and systematics of the Tineidae (Lepidoptera)

Species-specific differences found in quantitative data on the fatty acid content of extracts of whole moths are compared for four species of Tinea, Tineola bisselliella (subfamily Tineinae) and representatives of the tineid subfamilies Nemapogoninae and Scardiinae. The level of the three main fatty acids palmitolic acid (9-hexadecenoic acid) hexadecanoic acid and oleic acid (9-octadecenoic acid) could be used to distinguish between these species with 95–100% accuracy. Centroid cluster analysis produced a phenogram that was almost entirely consistent with the current view of the phylogeny of these taxa and provided further evidence for the close relationship between Tineola bisselliella and Tinea.

Supercooling capacity of Tineola bisselliella (Hummel) (Lepidoptera: Tineidae): Its implication for disinfestation

The variations in weight, water content and supercooling point (SCP) were studied in Tineola bisselliella at different stages in its development. The egg, with a fresh weight of 0.037 mg and a water content of 314% of the dry weight, is the stage most resistant to freezing with an SCP of −23 °C. The young larva (second instar), with a fresh weight of 2.5 mg and a water content of 145% of the dry weight, is the least resistant stage with an SCP of −13 °C. Despite the large differences in weights and water contents between males and females, they have the same SCP value of −19 °C. Because of the large individual variations observed in this species, it appears necessary to treat infested materials with a temperature lower than or equal to −29 °C to destroy all stages of development promptly.

Synthesis and Biological Activity of Allosamidin and Allosamidin Analogues

The chitinase inhibitor/insect ecdysis inhibitor allosamidin and eight allosamidin analogues have been synthesised from simple carbohydrate starting materials. Allosamidin was assayed against Tineola bisselliella (Hummel) larvae and all nine compounds were examined for their effects on the development of larvae of Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann). High larval mortality compared to controls resulted when T. bisselliella and L. cuprina larva were exposed to allosamidin. The (1→3) linked regioisomer, the dimeric analogue and the gluco-configurated dimeric analogue of allosamidin all showed high activity against L. cuprina larvae. The regioisomer, the (1→3) linked isomer and its dimeric analogue, as well as the monomer allosamizoline and its regioisomer, were inactive. These new in-vivo results are consistent with known in-vitro insect chitinase inhibition data, in that greatest larval mortality was exhibited by the best inhibitors.

Effects of oil of cloves and citronellol, two commercially available repellents, against the webbing clothes mothTineola bisselliella Hum. (Lepidoptera: Tineidae)

Tineola bisselliella is a common pest on natural fabrics of economic importance. Two commercially available repellents for use against adult webbing clothes moths were tested for their efficacy in dual- and no-choice bioassays. Oil of cloves and citral in combination, as well as citronellol scented with oil of lavender showed promising repellent effects for 4 weeks when applied in small compartments of a wardrobe. Although the repellent efficacy was not 100% under the conditions tested, the usage of essential oils in combination with other infestation prevention techniques is discussed.

Laboratory evaluation of an insect growth regulator, fenoxycarb, for the control of Tineola Bisselliella (Hum.) in museum collections

The use of fenoxycarb, an insect growth regulator, for the control of the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella (Hum.), in museum collections is discussed. Results indicate that there is a concentration-dependent mortality for Tineola bisselliella due to fenoxycarb exposure. Despite its effectiveness, caution is advised when using fenoxycarb because of the possibility of prolonged larval development leading to increased feeding.

Pheromone Synthesis, CLXXV.– Synthesis of Koiganal I and II, the Sex Pheromone Components of the Webbing Clothes Moth

AbstractKoiganal I [(E)‐2‐octadecenal (1)] and II [(2E,13Z)‐2,13‐octadecadienal (2)], the female‐produced pheromone components of the webbing clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella), were synthesized.

Monitoring of Webbing Clothes Moth,Tineola bisselliella (Hummel), by sex pheromone

Preliminary results of the using of the sex pheromone in the monitoring of Webbing Clothes Moth,Tineola bisselliella (Hummel), in a warehouse of a wool mattress manufacture and in some wool manufactures, are reported. The results of the experimentation suggest that traps (NoSurvivor trap and Uni-trap) baited by the synthetic pheromone allow to monitor the presence of adults and to check the effectiveness of insecticide treatments. The male ofT. bisselliella are meaningfully reactive in case of favourable temperatures also during winter period. The traps work at the best in presence of warm and stagnant air at a low degree of light, while they scarcely work or doesn't work at all in the opposite conditions. Satisfactory results have been obtained for temperatures ranging between 23 °C and 27 °C (which are favourable for the adult flying activity) placing the traps 2.5 up to 3 meters above the ground always keeping attention to be in the close proximity of the goods to protect and near the walls frequented by the adults. Low levels of light and air ventilation increase the trap performances.