Please wait a minute...
Information
  • Monthly, Founded in 1950
    Supervisor:Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Sponsor:Institute of Zoology,Chinese Academy of Sciences
    The Entomological Society of China
    Domestic postal code: 2-153
    Foreign issuance code: Q61
    ISSN 0454-6296
    CN 11-1832/Q
Table of Content
20 July 2024, Volume 67 Issue 7
For Selected: View Abstracts Toggle Thumbnails
  • RESEARCH PAPERS
    Binding characteristics of chemosensory protein FintCSP2 of Frankliniella intonsa (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) to its aggregation pheromone neryl(S)-2-methylbutanoate
    LI Heng, TIAN Hou-Jun, CHEN Yi-Xin, LIN Shuo, WEI Hui, CHEN Yong
    2024, 67(7):  897-908.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2024.07.001
    Abstract ( 47 )   PDF (4118KB) ( 37 )   PDF(mobile) (4118KB) ( 9 )     
    Related Articles | Metrics
     【Aim】 The aim of this study is to clarify the binding ability of chemosensory protein (CSP) of Frankliniella intonsa (FintCSP2) to the aggregation pheromone neryl(S)-2-methylbutanoate. 【Methods】 The open reading frame sequence of FintCSP2 was amplified from F. intonsa by RTPCR and analyzed with bioinformatics methods. The expression levels of FintCSP2 in different tissues (antennae, head without antennae, thorax, abdomen and leg) of female adult of F. intonsa were analyzed by RT-qPCR. FintCSP2 was silenced using RNAi by injection of dsRNA into female adults, electroantennogram (EAG) assay was used to detect the reaction of F. intonsa to neryl(S)-2-methylbutanoate, and the selectivity of female adult of F. intonsa to neryl(S)-2-methylbutanoate was determined by Y-tube olfactometer at 24 h after RNAi. The recombinant FintCSP2 protein was obtained by prokaryotic expression, and the binding ability of the recombinant FintCSP2 protein to neryl(S)-2-methylbutanoate was determined by fluorescence competitive binding assay. The key amino acid residues of FintCSP2 protein binding to neryl(S)-2-methylbutanoate were analyzed by molecular docking simulation and site-directed mutagenesis. 【Results】 The open reading frame of FintCSP2 (GenBank accession number: MT211602.1) of F. intonsa is 390 bp in length, encoding 129 amino acids. The FintCSP2 protein has a signal peptide containing 20 amino acids at the N-terminus and four conserved cysteines. The amino acid sequence analysis result showed that FintCSP2 was the most closely related to CSP1 (GenBank accession number: WBW64307.1) of F. intonsa, CSPs (GenBank accession number: WBW64306.1, AJL33750.1) of F. occidentalis and CSP2 (GenBank accession number: WBU77202.1) of Odontothrips loti, with the amino acid sequence identities of 99.22%, 99.22%, 86.05% and 6585%, respectively. RT-qPCR analysis result showed that FintCSP2 was expressed in various tissues of female adult, with the highest expression level in the antennae. Silencing of FintCSP2 significantly decreased the EAG absolute value and selection rate of F. intonsa to neryl(S)-2-methylbutanoate compared with the control group (dsEGFP injection). Molecular docking predicted that seven residues, Tyr24, Phe29, Leu38, Val71, Cys76, Cys79 and Gln83 were most likely involved in the process of FintCSP2 binding to neryl(S)-2-methylbutanoate. Site-directed mutagenesis and fluorescence competitive binding assay result showed that compared to the wild-type protein, the two mutants, FintCSP2-Tyr24Ala and FintCSP2-Gln83Ala showed significantly decreased binding ability to neryl(S)-2-methylbutanoate, and FintCSP2-Phe29Ala lost its binding ability to neryl(S)-2-methylbutanoate. 【Conclusion】 FintCSP2 of F. intonsa plays a key role in recognition of neryl(S)-2-methylbutanoate, and Tyr24, Phe29 and Gln83 are the three key amino acid residues in FintCSP2 that affect its binding to neryl(S)-2-methylbutanoate.
    Synergistic effect of E8, E10-12∶OH on the sex pheromone attractant to Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and its binding mechanisms with pheromone binding proteins and general odorant binding proteins
    LI Chun-Qin, LIU Yan-Fei, HU Zi-Han, CHEN Xiu-Lin, LI Bo-Liao, LUO Kun, LI Guang-Wei
    2024, 67(7):  909-922.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2024.07.002
    Abstract ( 45 )   PDF (3596KB) ( 30 )   PDF(mobile) (3596KB) ( 5 )     
    Related Articles | Metrics
    【Aim】 (8E, 10E)-Dodecadien-1-ol (E8, E10-12∶OH) is the main component of sex pheromone in Cydia pomonella, and has a synergistic effect on the sex pheromone attractant to Grapholita molesta. The objective of this study is to detect the synergistic effect of E8, E10-12∶OH on the sex pheromone attractant to G. molesta, and identify the pheromone binding proteins (PBPs) and general odorant binding proteins (GOBPs) that primarily bind to E8, E10-12∶OH. 【Methods】 The electroantennogram (EAG) responses of male adults of G. molesta to 0.002, 0.02, 0.2, 2, 20, 200 and 2 000 μg of E8, E10-12∶OH were determined using EAG apparatus. The synergistic effect of E8, E10-12∶OH on the sex pheromone attractant to G. molesta was determined via field trapping trials. The values of inhibition constant Ki of the pheromone binding proteins GmolPBP1, GmolPBP2 and GmolPBP3, and the general odorant binding proteins GmolGOBP1, GmolGOBP2 and GmolGOBP3 of G. molesta binding to E8, E10-12∶OH were measured through fluorescence competitive binding assay. The key amino acids of GmolGOBP2 involved in E8, E10-12∶OH-binding were predicted by molecular dynamics simulation. The pivotal amino acid residues and weak interaction forces of GmolGOBP2 binding to E8, E10-12∶OH were validated via site-directed mutagenesis and fluorescence competitive binding assay. 【Results】 Male adults of G. molesta exhibited EAG response towards E8, E10-12∶OH, with the highest EAG response value of (0.57±0.14) mV to 2 000 μg E8, E10-12∶OH. E8, E10-12∶OH (200 μg) displayed a significant synergistic effect on the sex pheromone attractant to G. molesta, with the maximum synergistic multiplier of 2.46-fold. GmolGOBP2 had the strongest binding affinity to E8, E10-12∶OH [Ki=(1.92±0.05) μmol/L], and emerged as the main OBP binding to E8, E10-12∶OH. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the amino acids Phe18, Ile100, Glu104, Val117 and Phe124 of GmolGOBP2 exhibited the lowest binding free energy when binding to E8, E10-12∶OH, being -1.18, -1.33, -3.34, -1.19 and -1.58 kj/kg, respectively. These amino acids were predicted as important residues for GmolGOBP2 to bind with E8, E10-12∶OH. Following site-directed mutagenesis of the above five residues to Ala, the GmolGOBP2 mutants E104A and F124A lost their binding affinities to E8, E10-12∶OH, indicating that Glu104 and Phe124 are the key amino acids for GmolGOBP2 to bind to E8, E10-12∶OH. 【Conclusion】 E8, E10-12∶OH emerges as an ideal synergist for developing efficient sex pheromone attractant for G. molesta. GmolGOBP2 plays an important role in perceiving interspecies pheromone E8, E10-12∶OH, with Glu104 and Phe124 identified as the key amino acid residues for GmolGOBP2 to bind to E8, E10-12∶OH.
    Differential effects of host species on female and male offspring of Trichopria drosophilae (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae)
    WANG Hua, XI Xin-Qiang
    2024, 67(7):  923-931.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2024.07.003
    Abstract ( 55 )   PDF (1934KB) ( 38 )   PDF(mobile) (1934KB) ( 1 )     
    Related Articles | Metrics
    【Aim】 Trichopria drosophilae is a pupal parasitoid which can parasitize many Drosophila species. This study aims to investigate the differential effects of hosts D. auraria, D. simulans and D. immigrans pupae on the fitness of female and male adults of T. drosophilae. 【Methods】 D. auraria, D. simulans and D. immigrans pupae were respectively provided to adult T. drosophilae to parasitize for 24 h. The emergence rate, sex ratio (male to female ratio), growth rate, developmental duration, adult body weight, adult lifespan and starvation tolerance time of female and male offspring of T. drosophilae, and the number and length of eggs in ovaries of the female adult of offspring were measured. D. auraria, D. simulans and D. immigrans pupae were respectively provided to a female adult of T. drosophilae to parasitize. The selection and oviposition behavior of female T. drosophilae on different host species were observed.【Results】 The female and male offspring of female T. drosophilae parasitized in D. immigrans pupae with heavy body weight had the highest adult body weight, the longest starvation tolerance time, and the female adult offspring had the longest lifespan and the highest number of eggs in ovaries. In the pupae of three Drosophila host species, female adult of T. drosophilae had significantly greater adult body weight than male adult of T. drosophilae, but the body weight difference between female and male T. drosophilae in D. immigrans pupae was the smallest, and that in D. auraria pupae was the largest. There was no significant difference in the starvation tolerance time between female and male offspring of T. drosophilae. The lifespan of female adult of T. drosophilae emerged from the D. aurari and D. immigrans pupae was significantly longer than that of male adult, but the lifespan of male adult of T. drosophilae emerged from D. simulans pupae was significantly longer than that of female adult of T. drosophilae. Three host species pupae had no significant effect on the emergence rate, sex ratio and oviposition preference of T. drosophilae, but female adult of T. drosophilae spent significantly more time for oviposition in a D. immigrans pupa than in the pupa of the other two Drosophila species. 【Conclusion】 The fitness of female and male offspring of T. drosophilae was significantly different in three Drosophila host species, and the fitness offspring adults in the D. immigrans pupae was the highest. Considering the different responses of the fitness of female and male wasps to host changes, the effect of host quality on population fecundity can be more accurately evaluated.

    Diversity and infection dynamics of Delftia in the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)
    ZHENG Yi-Ran, NI Mei-Hong, YANG Xin-Yi, LI Zi-Cheng, JIANG Ming-Xing
    2024, 67(7):  932-942.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2024.07.004
    Abstract ( 42 )   PDF (2700KB) ( 19 )   PDF(mobile) (2700KB) ( 0 )     
    Related Articles | Metrics
    【Aim】 The aim of our study is to determine the diversity, abundance dynamics and infection site of the symbiotic bacterium Delftia (Burkholderiales: Comamonadaceae) in the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis. 【Methods】 By cloning and sequencing the bacterial 16S rRNA gene fragment, Delftia strains in the gut of the 3rd instar nymphs of five geographical populations [Lanxi of Zhejiang (host: Hibiscus mutabilis), Dongyang of Zhejiang (host: Capsicum annuum), Xihu District, Hangzhou of Zhejiang (host: Portulaca grandiflora), Linping District, Hangzhou of Zhejiang (host: P. grandiflora) and Fangchenggang of Guangxi (host: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)] of P. solenopsis were identified and phylogenetically analyzed. The copy number of Delftia 16S rRNA gene of Delftia in the whole body of P. solenopsis at different developmental stages (1st-3rd instar nymphs, newly emerged adult, and 2-, 4- and 6-day-old adults, and adults at 2 and 4 d after beginning to produce nymphs) fed on cotton and tomato, and in the gut of adults at the above developmental stages and in the ovary of the 2-, 4- and 6-day-old adults fed on tomato were quantified using qPCR. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was taken to detect the infection dynamics of Delftia in the gut and Malpighian tubules of the newly emerged adult of P. solenopsis. The possibility that P. solenopsis obtained Delftia from host plants was analyzed. 【Results】 The bacteria of Delftia from the 3rd instar nymphs of various geographical populations of P. solenopsis had quite similar 16S rRNA gene sequences (similarity>99%), being different strains of the same Delftia species, and they had close phylogenetic relationships with those found in some of other insects, plants and rhizosphere. During the nymphal stage, the abundance of Delftia in P. solenopsis fed on cotton and tomato increased gradually with instars. During the adult stage, however, the abundance of Delftia varied with the types of host plants. The abundance of Delftia in the 2-day-old adult of P. solenopsis fed on cotton was high, that in the 6-day-old adult fed on cotton decreased, and that in adult fed on cotton at 4 d after beginning to produce nymphs also decreased. By contrast, the abundance of Delftia in the 2-day-old adults of P. solenopsis fed on tomato showed a significant decline, that in the 6-day-old adult fed on tomato obviously increased, and that in adult fed on tomato at 4 d after beginning to produce nymphs also increased. The abundance of Delftia in the gut and ovary of the newly emerged adults was closely related to the developmental stage of P. solenopsis, decreasing slowly in the gut along with adult development while increasing gradually in the ovary from adult emergence to the 6-day-old adult. Delftia was present in both the midgut and Malpighian tubules of adults, with the latter being infected more abundantly. There existed extremely similar Delftia strains in P. solenopsis and their host plants, tomato and cotton. 【Conclusion】 The diversity of Delftia bacteria in P. solenopsis is very low, which are distributed in the gut, ovary and Malpighian tubules of hosts. The abundance of Delftia can be affected by developmental stages of P. solenopsis and their host plant types. Host plants might serve as a source of Delftia in P. solenopsis.
    Compatibility of Aspergillus nomius ACB1042 with four amide insecticides and their indoor joint toxicity to Ostrinia furnacalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
    YUAN Zi-Han, WANG Xiao-Wu, DING Xin-Hua, FU Kai-Yun, JIA Zun-Zun, GUO Wen-Chao
    2024, 67(7):  943-953.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2024.07.005
    Abstract ( 28 )   PDF (3505KB) ( 15 )   PDF(mobile) (3505KB) ( 0 )     
    Related Articles | Metrics
    【Aim】 To clarify the compatibility of Aspergillus nomius ACB1042 with four amide insecticides and the joint toxicity to Ostrinia furnacalis after mixing. 【Methods】 The recommended field concentrations of four amide insecticides, 20% chlorantraniliprole suspension concentrate (SC), 10% cyantraniliprole oilmiscible flowable concentrate (OF), 10% tetrachlorantraniliprole SC and 20% tetrazolfenamide SC, were used as the initial concentrations, and the effects of the four insecticides on the spore germination inhibition rate, inhibition rate of mycelial growth and sporulation inhibition rate of A. nomius ACB1042 were measured by hemocyte counting and crossover methods, respectively. The median lethal concentration (LC50) values of A. nomius ACB1042 and 20% tetrazolfenamide SC against the 3rd instar larvae of O. furnacalis by spraying method as well as the indoor joint toxicity of a mixture of LC50 of A. nomius ACB1042 and LC50 of 20% tetrazolfenamide SC treatments in the volume ratios of 9∶1, 4∶1, 1∶1, 1∶4 and 1∶9 against the 3rd instar larvae of O. furnacalis, and the activities of peroxidase(POD), superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase(CAT), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), carboxylesterase(CarE) and glutathione S-transferase(GST) in the 3rd instar larvae of O. furnacalis treated with LC50 of 20% tetrazolfenamide SC and LC50 of A. nomius ACB1042 in the mixture of 4∶1 volume ratio at 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h after treatment were determined. 【Results】 The four insecticides had certain inhibitory effects on the spore germination rate, mycelial growth rate and sporulation of A. nomius ACB1042 at the recommended field concentration, and the inhibitory effects were weakened with the increase of insecticide dilution fold, among which, 20% tetrazolfenamide SC 10-fold dilution concentration(0.1 RC) had a better compatibility with A. nomius ACB1042, with the germination inhibition rate, the sporulation inhibition rate, and the inhibition rate of mycelial growth for 9 d of 0, 2.15% and 0.78%, respectively. The co-toxicity coefficients (CTCs) of A. nomius ACB1042 and 20% tetrazolfenamide SC in different volume ratios were all greater than 120, and the mixture of 20% tetrazolfenamide SC and A. nomius ACB1042 in the volume ratio of 4∶1 had the best synergistic effect, with the LC50 value of 2.359 mg/L against the 3rd instar larvae of O. furnacalis, and the CTC was as high as 365. The activities of POD, SOD, CAT, PPO, CarE and GST in the 3rd instar larvae of O. furnacalis after treatment with the mixtures of A. nomius ACB1042 and 20% tetrazolfenamide SC showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing. 【Conclusion】 In field control of O. furnacalis, A. nomius ACB1042 can be mixed with 20% tetrazolfenamide SC at low concentrations to achieve synergic effect.
    Effects of heat wave stress on the reproductive properties of Monochamus alternatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
    TAN Yu-Shan, LI Hui, YANG Hua-Lei, ZHAO Pei-Yuan, LI Chang-Yan, XU Dan-Wen-Yi, HAO De-Jun
    2024, 67(7):  954-963.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2024.07.006
    Abstract ( 28 )   PDF (1965KB) ( 18 )   PDF(mobile) (1965KB) ( 0 )     
    Related Articles | Metrics
    【Aim】 Monochamus alternatus is an important wood-boring pest of pine forests in southern China, and also the main vector insect of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Investigating the effects of heat wave events on the reproductive properties of M. alternatus can provide a theoretical basis for the prediction of its population dynamics and the epidemiological pattern of B. xylophilus under the context of global warming. 【Methods】The 16-day-old adults of M. alternatus were subjected to a simulated heat wave treatment (40 ℃ for 72 h), subsequently placed at the room temperature (25 ℃) and allowed to mate and oviposit. The variation rules of the reproductive parameters, such as daily average number of eggs laid per female, egg length, egg duration and hatching rate, and the body weight of offspring larvae were observed every week as an observation period. 【Results】 There was no significant difference in the daily average number of eggs laid per female between the heat wave treatment group and the control group. Egg length in the heat wave treatment group was 0.09 mm shorter than that in the control group in the 1st observation period, and then exceeded and remained longer than that in the control group after the 2nd observation period. The egg duration in the heat wave treatment group was 1.16 d longer than that in the control group in the 1st observation period, and then was the same as that in the control group in the 2nd observation period and shorter than that in the control group thereafter. The hatching rate of eggs in the heat wave treatment group decreased from 91.83% to 63.04% until the 4th observation period when it recovered to the same level as that in the control group. In terms of the body weight of offspring larvae, the heat wave treatment group and the control group reached the same level after 28 d of rearing, regardless of the variation in the body weight of the newly hatched larvae. 【Conclusion】 The heat wave event simulated in the laboratory has a negative impact on the reproductive parameters of M. alternatus in the short period. However, after relieving of heat wave stress, the reproductive ability of adult M. alternatus can be restored in a relatively short period of time, usually returning to normal levels after 7 d, and is even promoted to a certain extent, demonstrating its poisonous euphoria response to the heat wave stress. These results indicate that M. alternatus can still maintain a high population density in its original distribution area under the climate warming conditions.
    Oviposition repellency and toxicity of menthol against Drosophila
    LI Xun, LIU Tong-Xiao, LI Long-Qi, LI Yi-Xuan, JIANG Ya-Qi, CHEN Li-Rong, LIU Wei
    2024, 67(7):  964-975.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2024.07.007
    Abstract ( 31 )   PDF (3710KB) ( 11 )   PDF(mobile) (3710KB) ( 3 )     
    Related Articles | Metrics
    【Aim】 To study the repellent effects of menthol on the oviposition of several common Drosophila species, and to evaluate the toxic effect of menthol through the survival rate and developmental duration of offspring and the mortality rate of adult Drosophila.【Methods】 The oviposition selection of Drosophila was assessed by using the two-choice apparatus under the action of 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2% menthol. The double dye food preference experiment was used to detect the effects of menthol on the feeding behavior of Drosophila. The effects of menthol on the location of D. melanogaster was tested by oviposition apparatus. The effects of menthol on the oviposition selection of D. melanogaster were investigated by using dark conditions, removal of antennae and forelegs, and Orco2 mutant test. The effects of menthol on the survival rate and developmental duration of D. melanogaster offspring were investigated. The effects of menthol on the lifespan, running speed and climbing speed of adult D. melanogaster were detected. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in the gut of D. melanogaster adults fed with 1% menthol for 3 d was evaluated by dihydroethidium (DHE) fluorescence staining technique.【Results】Menthol repelled the oviposition of female adults of Drosophila, and the oviposition indexes of D. melanogaster were -0.42, -0.58 and -0.98 under the treatment of 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2% menthol, respectively. The female adults of D. suzukii, D. yakuba and D. pseudoobscura also showed oviposition avoidance response to menthol in the same way as those of D. melanogaster. D. melanogaster and D. suzukii adults significantly rejected the medium containing menthol during the feeding process. D. melanogaster adults showed obvious positioning avoidance to the medium containing menthol, and the position indexes of D. melanogaster under the treatment of 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2% menthol were -0.32, -0.44 and -0.84, respectively. All concentrations of menthol still showed significant oviposition repellency to the female adults of D. melanogaster in dark environment and with foreleg removed, but under the condition of removing the antennae of D. melanogaster adults, the oviposition repellency of menthol was significantly reduced, and the oviposition indexes under the treatment of 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2% menthol were -0.04, -0.06 and -0.26, respectively. Menthol still had oviposition repellent effect on Orco2 mutants. In the treatment group with 1% menthol, the time to puparium formation and time to adult eclosion were significantly extended by 0.74 and 0.73 d, respectively, and the survival rates dropped significantly by 63.2% and 91.3%, respectively, as compared to those in the control group. With the increase of menthol concentration, the survival rate of D. melanogaster adults decreased, and their running speed and climbing speed were decreased significantly, i.e. mentol decreased the fitness of the parent D. melanogaster. Treatment with 1% menthol dramatically enhanced the ROS level in the gut of D. melanogaster adults at 3 d after treatment.【Conclusion】Menthol mediates the oviposition avoidance response through olfactory in Drosophila species, and reduces the fitness and survival rate of offspring and parents.
    Ultramorphology of antennal sensilla of Herpetogramma licarsisalis and Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)
    LI Yong-Jie, ZHAO Hong, DU Xi-Cui
    2024, 67(7):  976-986.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2024.07.008
    Abstract ( 42 )   PDF (5434KB) ( 24 )   PDF(mobile) (5434KB) ( 11 )     
    Related Articles | Metrics
    【Aim】 To identify and compare the types, morphology, distribution and numbers of antennal sensilla of adults of the important rice pests Herpetogramma licarsisalis and Cnaphalocrocis medinalis. 【Methods】 Antennal sensilla of the female and male adults of H. licarsisalis and C. medinalis which were collected from different regions of China, were observed by using scanning electron microscope. 【Results】 There are eight types of sensilla on the antennae of H. licarsisalis and C. medinalis adults, including Bhm’s bristles, sensilla trichodea, sensilla chaetica, sensilla basiconica, sensilla auricillica, sensilla squamiformia, sensilla coeloconica and sensilla styloconica. Sensilla trichodea are the most widely distributed and abundant, and sensilla basiconica are next most after sensilla trichodea in number. The number of Bhm’s bristles on the scape is higher than that on the pedicel. The length of sensilla chaetica gradually increases towards the end of flagellum, on which the number of sensilla chaetica is the largest. There is only one sensillum styloconicum Ⅰ on each subsegment. Sensilla styloconica Ⅱ are only distributed at the end of flagellum, and their numbers are different and steady in the two pyralid adults. The subtypes of antennal sensilla of H. licarsisalis adults are more than those of C. medinalis adults. Sensilla auricillica Ⅳ were only found on the antennae of H. licarsisalis adults. The location, number, density and some eigenvalues of antennal sensilla are different in the two pyralid adults. 【Conclusion】H. licarsisalis and C. medinalis adults have the same types of antennal sensilla, but have some differences in the subtypes. The number of sensilla trichodea on the male antennae is significantly higher than that on the female antennae. The number of sensilla styloconica Ⅱ can be used to distinguish the two pyralid adults. The ultramorphology of antennal sensilla provides new characteristics for the taxonomic and phylogenetic study of Pyraloidea, and also provides the morphological basis for the study of the function of antennal sensilla and for the exploration of the olfactory sensory mechanism of antennae.
    Sequencing of the complete mitochondrial genome of Gotra octocinctus (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) and phylogenetic analysis of Ichneumonoidea
    GAO Cheng-Long, HU Li-Li, HUANG Hua-Yi, CHEN Liu-Sheng, HUANG Yong-Huai, CUI Gao-Feng, ZHAO Dan-Yang
    2024, 67(7):  987-996.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2024.07.009
    Abstract ( 25 )   PDF (4111KB) ( 16 )   PDF(mobile) (4111KB) ( 5 )     
    Related Articles | Metrics
    【Aim】To sequence the complete mitochondrial genome of Gotra octocinctus, anlayze and explore the genome structure and phylogenetic relationship of Ichneumonoidea. 【Methods】 The complete mitochondrial genome of G. octocinctus was firstly sequenced on the Illumina NovaSeq platform, and then the general features and base composition of the mitochondrial genome were analyzed. Combined with the 47 mitochondrial genome sequences of Ichneumonoidea published in GenBank, the phylogenetic trees of Ichneumonoidea were constructed with two species in Chalcidoidea as outgroups based on the 13 proteincoding gene (PCG) sequences using Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods. 【Results】The fulllength mitochondrial genome of G. octocinctus is 16 003 bp (GenBank accession no.: OP850580.1), and consists of 22 tRNA genes, 13 PCGs, two rRNA genes and one control region (CR). The base composition of mitochondrial genome was clearly AT-biased and exhibited the negative AT-skew and GC-skew. There were four gene rearrangements, 13 overlapping regions (in total 85 bp) and 17 interspaced regions (in total 1 072 bp) in the mitochondrial genome of G. octocinctus. The phylogenetic tree based on 13 PCG sequences showed that Eucerotinae is a natural monophyletic group, the Aphidiinae and the “cyclostome” of Braconidae are sister group. 【Conclusion】 In this study, we sequenced and analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of G. octocinctus, and found that the trnI-trnQ-trnM gene rearrangement events are common in the mitochondrial genome of Ichneumonidae, providing data for the further systematic research of mitogenomes of Ichneumonoidea.
    REVIEW ARTICLES
    Progress in the taxonomy of Asilidae from China (Diptera: Brachycera)
    LI Hu, WANG Yi-Fan
    2024, 67(7):  997-1005.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2024.07.010
    Abstract ( 30 )   PDF (2085KB) ( 14 )   PDF(mobile) (2085KB) ( 1 )     
    Related Articles | Metrics
    The Asilidae, or robber flies, belong to the superfamily Asiloidea, suborder Brachycera, and order Diptera of the class Insecta. They exhibit a wide variety of body colors and shapes, have large compound eyes, and possess well-developed, cone-shaped mouthparts. Typically, they have claw pads and are capable of fast flight. Their life cycle is holometabolous, passing through egg, larval, pupal and adult stages. Both larvae and adults of robber flies prey on other insects and even spiders. Adult robber flies have a diverse diet preying on wasps, butterflies, locusts, and many other groups of insects. They are particularly adept at preying on Hymenoptera. When capturing preys, they inject neurotoxins and proteolytic enzymes in their saliva to paralyze and break down the muscle tissue of their preys. The larvae live in soil and decaying plant matter, usually feeding on the eggs and larvae of other insects. They play an important role in maintaining the balance of insect populations in ecosystems. The Asilidae are distributed worldwide comprising 7 552 species from 560 genera under 14 known subfamilies. Taxonomic research began with Linnaeus’ establishment of the genus Asilus in 1758. Over the past 265 years, research methods have evolved from morphology to molecular biology, greatly increasing the number of known species (from an initial 11 recorded in 1758) and refining the classification system [from 4 (in 1981) to 14 (in 2004) subfamilies]. In China, 236 species of 62 genera within 10 subfamilies have been recorded so far, and the number of species is far less than 10% of the known species worldwide. The main work involves species surveys and descriptions of new species. The monophyly of Asilidae at the family level is generally undisputed, but the monophyly of each subfamily within the family is still under discussion. The monophyly of the subfamilies Asilinae, Laphriinae, Leptogastrinae and Ommatiinae, is well supported. However, the monophyly of Dasypogoninae, Tillobromatinae, Stenopogoninae, Willistonininae, Dioctriinae, Trigonomiminae, Stichopogoninae and Brachyrhopalinae needs further research. While significant achievements have been made in global taxonomic research on Asilidae, there are still some problems: lack of highquality systematic taxonomic revisions, unclear phylogenetic relationships between major groups, and single research methods. In future, use of mitochondrial DNA/transcriptome/lowcoverage molecular techniques combined with morphology to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships should be strengthened. The vast territory and diverse topography in China support a rich insect diversity. However, the research on robber flies started late in China. The basic resources and distribution patterns are unclear. There is an urgent need for systematic organization and taxonomic revision of Chinese robber flies. Molecular techniques can be used to explore phylogenetic relationships at the genus level or above. ArcGIS can be used to explore the geographical distribution patterns of robber flies in China. Further research on their role and value in ecosystems can improve our understanding of this group and provide reference materials for practical applications.
    Research progress of physiological functions of insulin/insulin-like growth factors in insects and nematodes
    QIAN Xiu-Juan, LIU Chang-Zhong, YANG Ya-Xian, MA Li-Juan, CHEN Hong, LI Xi-Tong, Edwin E. LEWIS
    2024, 67(7):  1006-1018.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2024.07.011
    Abstract ( 23 )   PDF (1866KB) ( 15 )   PDF(mobile) (1866KB) ( 0 )     
    Related Articles | Metrics
    Insulin is a protein hormone with small molecular weight and secreted by insulin cells, regulating the metabolism of sugar, fat and protein by signaling pathways, and finally affecting organisms. The insulin signaling pathways present in insects and regulate the metabolism, growth and development, and lifespan, being highly homologous with those in vertebrates. Research on insulin signaling pathways in Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans can be used as a probe in life science research to supply a test model for the study of human insulin-related diseases, which is of great significance to life science research, so the research on insulin in nematodes and insects is relatively in-depth. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are important biocontrol factors, and their life cycle includes both the parasitism stage in host insects and the free life stage in nature. During the parasitism stage, the symbiotic bacteria carried by nematodes mainly act in the blood circulation system of host insects, resulting in the death of host insects. Therefore, there is a close relationship between EPNs and the blood system of host insects, thus the effect of insulin on EPNs must be studied on both nematodes and host insects. In order to scientifically and systematically investigate the effects of insulin on EPNs and conduct indepth discussions, in this article we reviewed the physiological functions of insulin/insulin-like growth factors in insects and nematodes, so as to shed more lights on the theoretical basis for studying the effects of insulin on EPNs and the application of insulin, and insulin intervention in the application of EPNs.
    Research progress on cross-kingdom regulation of small RNA in interactions of insects with host plants and pathogenic microorganisms
    LI Zhen, CHEN Hao-Wei, FANG Hai-Bo, LIU Xiao-Xia, ZHANG Song-Dou
    2024, 67(7):  1019-1028.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2024.07.012
    Abstract ( 27 )   PDF (1160KB) ( 20 )   PDF(mobile) (1160KB) ( 10 )     
    Related Articles | Metrics
    Small RNA (sRNA) is a class of non-coding RNA with the sequence length shorter than 300 bp. It plays important roles in regulation of cell growth, division, differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. A number of studies in recent years have found the interspecific transmission of sRNAs and their regulatory roles as signaling molecules in a cross-kingdom manner. In addition to visual and chemical information, organisms can also communicate via various molecular signals. sRNA can serve as a molecule signal linking animals, plants, and microorganisms, for its mobility and regulatory role in gene expression, not only within organism, but also across species. Insects, with the largest number of species and occupying the most abundant niches on earth, have been found owing a variety of exogenous sRNA molecules inside their bodies. In the article, we analyzed the molecular basis that sRNA mediates the cross-kingdom regulation, summarized the recent research progress on cross-kingdom sRNAs, which enter insect bodies through biological interaction, regulate gene expression in insects, and affect interactions of insects with their host plants and pathogenic microorganisms. We also discussed the influences of sRNA-mediated cross-kingdom RNAi on the ecological adaptability of insects and their prospective application in pest control. Cross-kingdom transfer of sRNA molecules between insects and plants can regulate plant resistance to insect pests and caste differentiation of social insects. Cross-kingdom regulation of sRNA from microorganisms can assist the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms in insects or affect the development of parasitic wasps. Based on genetic engineering, cross-kingdom regulation with modified or artificially expressed exogenous sRNA would be a new approach for development of efficient biological control products for insect pest control.-
    SHORT COMMUNICATIONS
    Identification and analysis of proteins in the egg-associated secretions of Laodelphax striatellus (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
    LI Jing, LI Jing, YU Shan, FU Jian-Mei, ZHAO Zhi-Chang, FANG Ji-Chao, JI Rui
    2024, 67(7):  1029-1038.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2024.07.013
    Abstract ( 30 )   PDF (2855KB) ( 27 )     
    Related Articles | Metrics
     【Aim】 To identify and analyze proteins in the egg-associated secretions of the small brown planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus, so as to lay a foundation for screening effectors of L. striatellus and studying their functions. 【Methods】Intact eggs of L. striatellus were collected in the rice leaf sheath under a microscope, then were washed using phosphate buffer solution to get the egg-associated secretions. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was applied to identify the proteome of the egg-associated secretions. The functional conservation and specificity of 35 proteins from the proteome of the egg-associated secretions of L. striatellus were analyzed through comparing the 35 proteins with the salivary proteins from 10 arthropod species. The expression levels of 10 genes (LsHSP70, LsPDIA3, LsHSP90, LsPPIase, LsADPRF1, LsHSP68, LsEF1α, LsATPS, LsG3PD and RZF49036) in different developmental stages (egg, 1st-5th instar nymphs and adult), and tissues (oviduct, salivary gland, gut and fat body) of female adults of L. striatellus were determined by qPCR. 【Results】A total of 149 proteins in the egg-associated secretions of L. striatellus were finally identified, and among them, 35 proteins with two or more unique peptides were detected. Among these 35 proteins, six proteins were found to be commonly present in the saliva proteomes of at least five arthropod species, implying their similar functions in both feeding and oviposition, and other nine proteins were not found in the saliva proteomes of arthropods, implying that these nine proteins may be specifically involved in the oviposition process of L. striatellus. qPCR results showed that LsHSP90 and LsEF1α were highly expressed in female adults, but LsEF1α was not expressed in male adults. LsPDIA3 and LsHSP90 were highly expressed in the oviduct, and other genes exhibited various expression levels in different developmental stages and female adult tissues of L. striatellus. 【Conclusion】A total of 149 proteins have been identified in the egg-associated secretions of L. striatellus, some of them may have conservation or specificity compared with the salivary proteins from arthropod species, and their expression patterns in different developmental stages and tissues also show some variations.
    CONTENTS
    Contents of Vol. 67 Issue 7
    2024, 67(7):  1039-1039. 
    Abstract ( 16 )   PDF (496KB) ( 9 )     
    Related Articles | Metrics