【Aim】 To determine the expression level changes of microRNAs (miRNAs) of Apis mellifera during the overwintering period, explore the potential relationships between miRNAs and their target mRNAs and cold resistance, so as to further reveal the molecular mechanism of cold resistance of A. mellifera at the miRNAomics level. 【Methods】 sRNA-seq technology was used to identify miRNAs in four subspecies of A. mellifera including A. m. ligustica, A. m. mellifera, A. m. caucasica and A. m. carnica during the early and middle overwintering periods. The differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) in the four subspecies during different overwintering periods were screened by P≤0.05 and |log₂ fold change|≥1. The screened target mRNAs of miRNAs were predicted using related bioinformatic software, and then annotated by GO and KEGG databases. The regulatory network of DEmiRNAs with target mRNAs was constructed according to the targeted binding relationship, followed by visualization with Cytoscape. Eight DEmiRNAs including ame-miR-263a-5p, ame-miR-184-3p, ame-miR-263b-5p, ame-miR-190-5p, ame-miR-6052-5p, ame-miR-9a-5p, ame-miR-100-5p and ame-miR-306-5p were randomly selected for RT-qPCR validation.【Results】A total of 210 miRNAs were predicted in the four subspecies of A. mellifera during the overwintering period, including 178 conserved miRNAs and 32 new miRNAs. The length of miRNAs in the four subspecies of A. mellifera ranged from 18 to 30 nt, of which the most distributed lengths are 22 and 23 nt, and the number of miRNAs with the first base U is the largest. DEmiRNAs with the highest expression level were ame-miR-1-3p, ame-miR-276-3p and ame-miR-184-3p in the four subspecies of A. mellifera during the early and middle overwintering periods. A total of 22 DEmiRNAs were screened from A. m. ligustica between the early and middle overwintering periods, targeting 394 mRNAs which were annotated to 161 GO functional terms and 16 KEGG pathways. A total of 28 DEmiRNAs were screened from A. m. mellifera between the early and middle overwintering periods, targeting 415 mRNAs which were annotated to 147 GO functional terms and 15 KEGG pathways. A total of 67 DEmiRNAs were screened from A. m. caucasica between the early and middle overwintering periods, targeting 1 021 mRNAs which were annotated to 171 functional GO functional terms and 21 KEGG pathways. A total of 18 DEmiRNAs were screened from A. m. carnica between the early and middle overwintering periods, targeting 330 mRNAs which were annotated to 147 GO functional terms and 13 KEGG pathways. A complicated regulatory network was formed between DEmiRNAs and target mRNAs in the four subspecies of A. mellifera. RT-qPCR results demonstrated that the expression trend of the eight DEmiRNAs was consistent with the data by sRNA-seq, which confirmed the reliability of our sequencing data.【Conclusion】The miRNA expression level changes in the four subspecies of A. mellifera during different overwintering periods were clarified, and several candidate molecular target miRNAs with potential regulation of cold resistance of A. mellifera were obtained, among which ame-miR-14-3p and ame-miR-3786-5p negatively regulate the expression of multiple mRNAs in A. m. mellifera, A. m. caucasica and A. m. carnica, but not in A. m. mellifera. miRNAs are involved in the cold resistance of A. mellifera by regulating the expression of target genes involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, MAPK signaling pathway and mTOR signaling pathway.

【Aim】 Emamectin benzoate (EMB) is a novel antibiotic bio-derived insecticide and highly efficient in controlling lepidopteran pests. This study aims to investigate the sublethal effects of EMB on the rice pest of Hemiptera, Sogatella furcifera. 【Methods】 Using rice stem-dipping method, we first determined the LC₁₀, LC₂₅ and LC₅₀ values of EMB against the 3rd instar nymphs of S. furcifera reared for 72 h on the rice seedlings treated with EMB at different concentrations. The 3rd instar nymphs of S. furcifera were reared on rice seedlings treated with EMB at the LC₁₀, LC₂₅ and LC₅₀ concentrations for 48 h through the rice stem-dipping method. The female adult longevity and the number of eggs laid per female of the F₀ generation were determined. The duration of egg and the 1st-5th instar nymphs, adult longevity, pre-adult duration, total developmental duration, adult pre-oviposition period, adult total preoviposition period, and the number of eggs laid per female of the F₁ generation were counted to construct the age-stage, two-sex life table. The population dynamics of S. furcifera were predicted in 60 d by using Timing-MSChart software. 【Results】 The LC₅₀, L_C25 and LC₁₀ values of EMB against the 3rd instar nymphs of S. furcifera were 0.831, 0.222 and 0.068 mg/L, respectively, at 72 h after treatment. In the F₀ generation, S. furcifera female adults treated with EMB at the concentrations of LC₁₀, LC₂₅ and LC₅₀ had reduced average longevity by 7.19%, 24.81% and 34.21%, and decreased number of eggs laid per female by 22.24%, 31.22% and 41.53%, respectively, compared with the control group. EMB at the LC₂₅ concentration significantly prolonged the 5th instar female nymphal duration of the F₁ generation and EMB at the LC₅₀ concentration significantly prolonged the male adult longevity and total developmental duration of the F₁ generation compared with the control group. EMB at the LC₂₅ and LC₅₀ concentrations significantly prolonged the adult pre-oviposition period and total pre-oviposition period of the F₁ generation of S. furcifera, and significantly reduced the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) of the F₁ generation compared with the control group. EMB at the LC₅₀ concentration significantly decreased the net reproductive rate (R₀) of the F1 generation and EMB at the LC₂₅ concentration significantly prolonged the mean generation time (T) of the F₁ generation compared with the control group. The three sublethal concentrations (LC₁₀, LC₂₅ and LC₅₀) of EMB significantly inhibited the population growth of S. furcifera. 【Conclusion】Sublethal concentrations of EMB have significant impacts on the longevity and fecundity of S. furcifera adults, and can decrease the population size of their offspring. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the field control of S. furcifera in agriculture.

【Aim】 To clarify the molecular mechanism of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) in regulating the expression of the transcription factor gene BmFoxL2-2 of Bombyx mori, and analyze the expression pattern of SlFoxL2-2 in the testis of Spodoptera litura. 【Methods】 The 2 500 bp promoter sequence upstream of the initiation codon of BmFoxL2-2 was cloned from the testis genomic DNA of the 5th instar larva of B. mori by PCR and the potential cis-regulatory elements (CREs) were predicted by bioinformatics tools. pEGFP-BmBRC-Z1, pEGFP-BmBRC-Z2 and pEGFP-BmBRC-Z4 transcription factor expression plasmids and pGL3-BmFoxL2-2 plasmid were co-transfected into the BmN cells and the dual luciferase activity assay was performed to analyze the effects of BmBRCs on the promoter activity of BmFoxL2-2. The expression level of BmFoxL2-2 in the BmN cells at 4 h after treatment with 1 μmol/L 20E was determined by qRT-PCR, and the expression levels of BmBrc-z1 and BmBrc-z4 were detected as the control. The expression levels of BmBrc-z1 and BmBrc-z4 in the testis at different developmental stages (larva, prepupa, pupa and adult), and in the testis and ovary of the 5th instar larva and 3-day-old pupa of B. mori were determined by qRT-PCR. SlFoxL2-2 in the genome database of S. litura was identified by bioinformatics and the expression levels of SlFoxL2-2 in the testis and ovary of the 6th instar larva and adult, different tissues (fat body, midgut, haemolymph, head, cuticle and testis) of the 6th instar larva, the testis at different developmental stages, and in the testis, sperm and testis membrane of the 6th instar larva were determined by qRT-PCR. 【Results】 The about 2 500 bp promoter sequence upstream of the initiation codon of BmFoxL2-2 (Gene ID: 101735653) of B. mori was obtained, and 13 potential CREs of BRC were predicted. BmBRC-Z1 and BmBRC-Z4 significantly up-regulated the promoter activity of BmFoxL2-2, and the expression levels of BmFoxL2-2, BmBrc-z1 and BmBrc-z4 in the BmN cells at 4 h after treatment with 20E were also significantly up-regulated as compared with those of the control group. BmBrc-z1 and BmBrc-z4 were expressed in the testis of larva, prepupa, pupa and adult of B. mori. The expression levels of BmBrc-z1 and BmBrc-z4 in the testis of the 5th instar larva and 3-day-old pupa were significantly higher than those in the ovary. The expression level of SlFoxL2-2 of S. litura was high in the testis among different tissues, and was significantly higher in the testis and sperm than in the testis membrane of S. litura larvae, suggesting that SlFoxL2-2 also functions in the development of testis, especially in the spermatogenesis. 【Conclusion】 The expression of BmFoxL2-2 is regulated by BmBRC-Z1 and BmBRC-Z4 through 20E in B. mori, and the function of SlFoxL2-2 in the development of testis may be conserved in lepidopteran insects.

【Aim】14-3-3 proteins are a class of regulatory proteins found in eukaryotic organisms, which can be involved in signal transduction, immune response, growth and development, and stress response. The aim of this study is to clone the full-length cDNA sequences of the 14-3-3 genes in Bemisia tabaci MED, and understand the characteristics of the proteins encoded by 14-3-3 genes and the spatiotemporal expression patterns of 14-3-3 genes. 【Methods】 The full-length cDNA sequences of 14-3-3 genes of B. tabaciMED were cloned by RT-PCR, and their biological properties were analyzed by bioinformatics software and online website. RTqPCR was used to determine the expression levels of 14-3-3 genes in different developmental stages (egg, 1st-4th instar nymphs and adult), in adult male and female, and in the head, thorax and abdomen of female adult of B. tabaci MED. 【Results】 Two subtypes of the 14-3-3 gene of B. tabaci MED were cloned and characterized: Bt14-3-3 epsilon(GenBank accession no.: XM_019046102.1) and Bt14-3-3 zeta(GenBank accession no.: XM_019057395.1). The open reading frames (ORFs) of Bt14-3-3 epsilon and Bt14-3-3 zeta were 771 and 744 bp, encoding 256 and 247 amino acids, respectively. The proteins encoded by Bt14-3-3 epsilon and Bt14-3-3 zeta were hydrophilic proteins without transmembrane helical region and signal peptide, and their secondary structure mainly consisted of α-helices. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that Bt14-3-3 epsilon was clustered into one cluster with 14-3-3 epsilon proteins of Nilaparvata lugens, Cimex lectularius and Halyomorpha halys, sharing higher homology, while Bt14-3-3 zeta was more closely related to 14-3-3 zeta of N. lugens. RT-qPCR results showed that Bt14-3-3 epsilon and Bt14-3-3 zeta had higher expression levels in the egg, female adults and abdomen of female adults of B. tabaci MED. 【Conclusion】The full-length sequence, characteristics of the coded proteins and spatiotemporal expression of two subtypes of the 14-3-3 gene of B. tabaci MED have been clarified. The results of this study provide a basis for subsequent studies on the molecular function of 14-3-3 proteins.
Key words: Bemisia tabaci; gene cloning; 14-3-3 protein; bioinformatics; spatiotemporal expression

-【Aim】 To sequence and analyze the complete mitochondrial genomes of Atractomorpha lata and Aularches miliaris, and to explore the phylogenetic relationships of Acridoidea at the mitochondrial genome level, especially the phylogenetic relationships between Pyrgomorphidae and Chrotogonidae.【Methods】 The mitochondrial genome sequences of A. lata and A. miliaris were determined on the Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencing platform, and the mitochondrial genome structure, base composition, relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) of protein-coding genes (PCGs) and tRNA secondary structure were analyzed. A gene sequence dataset of 13 PCGs+2 rRNA genes was constructed by using the mitochondrial genomes of 34 species known to Acridoidea as ingroups and those of two Eumastacoidea species as outgroups. The phylogenetic relationships of Acridoidea were constructed by maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods. 【Results】 The full-length mitochondrial genomes of A. lata and A. miliaris (GenBank accession numbers: OR544953 and OR253923, respectively) are 15 561 and 15 798 bp, respectively, both of which are closed circular molecules. The mitochondrial genomes of both A. lata and A. miliaris contain 37 genes (13 PCGs, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes) and one control region, and KD gene rearrangement exists (trnK-trnD rearranges to form trnD-trnK). The A+T content of the mitochondrial genomes of A. lata and A. miliaris are 74.4% and 75.8%, respectively, showing obvious AT content bias. The gene arrangement, base composition, amino acid composition and RSCU of the mitochondrial genomes of A. lata and A. miliaris are similar to those of other species of Pyrgomorphidae and Chrotogonidae. All tRNA genes show the typical clover-leaf secondary structure except for the absence of DHU arm of trnS^AGN. The phylogenetic trees constructed by ML and BI methods had the same topological structure. Pamphagidae, Catantopidae, Oedipodidae, Arcypteridae, Gomphoceridae and Acrididae were clustered together, and the monophyly of Pamphagidae, Oedipodidae and Gomphoceridae was supported. The species of Pyrgomorphidae and Chrotogonidae clustered together in a clade and formed sister groups with other species of Acridoidea. The monophyly of Atractomorphinae of Pyrgomorphidae was supported, while the monophyly of Chrotogonidae was not supported due to the addition of Pyrgomorphidae species. 【Conclusion】 In this study, the mitochondrial genomes of A. lata and A. miliaris were determined and analyzed for the first time. At the mitochondrial genome level, the phylogenetic trees of Acridoidea were constructed, and the results indicated that the monophyly of Pyrgomorphida, Pamphagidae, Oedipodidae and Gomphoceridae was supported. Pyrgomorphidae and Chrotogonidae were closely related, forming a clade with species nested within each other, supporting the merging of Pyrgomorphidae and Chrotogonidae of the Chinese taxonomic system into one family.

【Aim】The apolipoprotein (apoLp) plays an important role in achieving the physiological functions in animals, but how it affects the growth and development of rice planthoppers remains unknown. Our study aims at investigating the role of apoLp in the feeding, survival and reproduction of Nilaparvata lugens. 【Methods】The full-length open reading frame (ORF) sequence of NlapoLp was obtained based on the genome from N. lugens, and its protein sequence was analyzed. The cluster analysis between NlapoLp and homologous sequences from other insect species was conducted using neighbor-joining method. The expression levels of NlapoLp in different developmental stages (egg, 1st-5th instar nymphs, and newly emerged short-winged female and male adults), and different tissues (head without salivary gland, salivary gland, midgut, fat body and ovary) of the short-winged female adults were analyzed using RT-qPCR. After RNAi by microinjection of dsNlapoLp into the 3rd instar nymphs of N. lugens, the expression level of NlapoLp was determined using RT-qPCR. Then the amount of honeydew secreted per female adult, nymphal survival rate and number of eggs laid per female adult of N. lugens on host rice were investigated after RNAi on insects at different developmental stages. 【Results】 Analysis of sequence features revealed that NlapoLp contains one signal peptide and five conserved domains, but has no transmembrane domain. The phylogenetic tree showed that the apoLp orthologs NlapoLp of N. lugens, LsapoLp of Laodelphax striatellus and SfapoLp of Sogatella furcifera shared the closest evolutionary relationships. Additionally, these orthologs also gathered with the apoLps of three other hemiopteran insects (Macrosteles quadrilineatus, Bemisia tabaci and Halyomorpha halys), indicating close relationships among them. RT-qPCR results showed that NlapoLp was expressed in N. lugens at various developmental stages and highly expressed in short-winged female adults. NlapoLp was highly expressed in the midgut, fat body and salivary gland of the short-winged female adults and lowly expressed in other tissues. Microinjection of dsNlapoLp into N. lugens significantly decreased the expression of NlapoLp. After RNAi, the amount of honeydew secreted per female adult, nymphal survival rate and number of eggs laid per female adult of N. lugens on host rice were significantly decreased as compared with those in the control group (dsGFP injection). 【Conclusion】 The apolipoprotein gene NlapoLp is expressed in various developmental stages and tissues of the short-winged female adults of N. lugens, and silencing NlapoLp via RNAi significantly affects the feeding, growth and development, and reproduction of N. lugens. These results lay the foundation for deeply exploring the mechanism of apolipoprotein in rice damage caused by insects, and provide key target for pest effective control.

 【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.

【Aim】 Accurately zoning the geographic distribution of soil-dwelling termites in China will provide valuable insights for guiding precise prevention and control measures against termite infestation. This study aims to explore the geographic distribution zoning of soil-dwelling termites in China by using a mathematical model and combining the environmental factors affecting the distribution of soil-dwelling termites.【Methods】 We considered several environmental factors influencing termite distribution including temperature, precipitation, relative humidity and soil pH value, and adopted an iterative local search algorithm (ILS) to develop the zoning model. 【Results】 The ILS zoning model captured the actual distribution of soildwelling termites in China. The model divided the density of soildwelling termites in China into three regions: high-density area (D3), medium-density area (D2), and lowdensity area (D1) from south to north. The northernmost boundary of D3 extends from Nanjing (Jiangsu Province) in the east, passing through Wuhu (Anhui Province), Macheng and Shashi (Hubei Province), Fenggang (Guizhou Province), Yibin (Sichuan Province), and westward to Shangri-La (Yunnan Province). This northern boundary primarily follows the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The northernmost boundary of D2 starts from Yancheng (Jiangsu Province), traverses Fuyang (Anhui Province), Zhumadian (Henan Province), Shangzhou (Shaanxi Province), Chengxian (Gansu Province), and extends westward to Lianting (Sichuan Province). The eastern part of this northern boundary roughly follows the Huaihe River, forming a curved shape with a raised extremity. The northernmost boundary of D1 begins from Dongying (Shandong Province), passes through Handan (Hebei Province), Changzhi (Shanxi Province), Huating and Hezuo (Gansu Province), Yushu (Qinghai Province), and extends westward to Rikaze (Xizhang Autonomous Region). Its northern boundary mainly extends northward along the lower reaches of the Yellow River, forming a curve with a raised center. 【Conclusion】 The geographic distribution of soil-dwelling termites in China has extended beyond the Yellow River, exhibiting a density pattern characterized by higher density in the southern and eastern regions, and lower density in the northern and western regions. From south to north, the soil-dwelling termites in China can be broadly categorized into high-, medium- and low-density areas based on the natural geographical boundaries of the Yangtze River, the Huai River, and the Yellow River.

【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.

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.

【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.

【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.

【Aim】 As an important physiological signaling substance for photoperiodic signaling changes, melatonin is ubiquitous in living organisms and plays an important role in regulating the metabolic activities, immune activities, antiretroviral activities, and reproductive activities of living organisms. The objective of this research is to clarify the effects of different concentrations of exogenous melatonin on the growth, development and reproduction of Spodoptera frugiperda. 【Methods】 After S. frugiperda larvae hatched within 2 h were fed with artificial diets containing different concentrations (0, 0.02, 0.2, 2 and 20 μg/g) of exogenous melatonin by indoor feeding, the developmental duration, body size and weight changes, ovarian development progress, and adult longevity and fecundity changes of S. frugiperda were observed. 【Results】 When S. frugiperda larvae were fed with the artificial diets containing 0.2, 2 and 20 μg/g of exogenous melatonin, the 3rd-6th instar larval duration and total larval duration were significantly prolonged, and the female pupal duration was significantly shortened, as compared with those in the control (fed with the normal artificial diet). After exposure to 20 μg/g of exogenous melatonin, the total larval duration of S. frugiperda was the longest, prolonged by 2.53 d, as compared with that in the control, and the female pupal duration was the shortest, shortened by 1.67 d, as compared with that in the control. However, all concentrations of exogenous melatonin had no significant effect on the male pupal duration. After treatment with 2 and 20 μg/g of exogenous melatonin, the head capsule width of the 2nd-6th instar larvae reduced significantly, the larval body weight before prepupa and the female and male pupal weight decreased significantly, the adult longevity and oviposition period were significantly shortened, the average number of eggs laid per female and number of eggs laid per female per day were significantly decreased, as compared with those in the control. Under the treatment of 20 μg/g of exogenous melatonin, the average number of eggs laid per female and the number of eggs laid per female per day were the lowest, which decreased by 45.12% and 31.66%, respectively, as compared with those in the control. Anatomical observation of the reproductive system showed that the ovarian developmental rate of the female adults slowed down obviously with the increase of the concentration of exogenous melatonin. 【Conclusion】 Exogenous melatonin at high concentrations has obvious inhibitory effects on the growth, development and reproduction of S. frugiperda, resulting in prolonged developmental duration, decreased body size, body weight loss and decreased fecundity. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the potential utilization of melatonin in pest management and for the integrated control of S. frugiperda.

【Aim】 To clarify the ultrastructure of antennal sensilla of adults of the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, and to explore the olfactory responses of its female and male adults to odorants. 【Methods】 The ultrastructure of antennal sensilla of H. illucens adults was observed by transmission electron microscope. The electroantennogram (EAG) responses and behavioral responses of female and male adults to four odorants including isovaleric acid, lactic acid, ethyl acetate and nonanal were measured by electroantennography and Y-tube olfactometer, respectively. 【Results】 The cuticular wall of trichoid sensilla on the antennae of H. illucens adults exhibited a thick structure devoid of pores, within which nerve dendritic branches were immersed in sensilla lymph. Basiconic bulge with several branches was observed in the cavity of coeloconic sensilla. The cuticular wall of the basiconic bulge displayed a thin composition with pores, within which nerve dendritic branches were immersed in sensilla lymph. EAG test results indicated that all the four odorants tested at various concentrations caused obvious EAG responses of adult H. illucens. The reactions caused by these odorants varied with the change in concentration. Both female and male adults exhibited the strongest EAG response to isovaleric acid, and the relative values of their EAG responses increased as the concentration increased. However, the EAG response of female adults to lactic acid initially increased and then decreased with the concentration increasing, while that of males showed the opposite trend. To the two odorants ethyl acetate and nonanal, the EAG response of female adults initially decreased and then increased with the test concentration increasing, whereas that of male adults showed a different and irregular trend. The behavioral choice test results demonstrated that lactic acid at the concentrations of 0.001-0.1 μg/μL had significant attraction to female adults, and 0.1 μg/μL isovaleric acid had significant attraction to male adults. 【Conclusion】 The trichoid sensilla on the flagellum of antennae of adult H. illucens may function as hygro- and thermo-sensilla, while the coeloconic sensilla on the flagellum might be olfactory sensilla. The antennae of both female and male adults are sensitive to high concentrations of isovaleric acid. Low concentrations of lactic acid and isovaleric acid have attractive effects on H. illucens adults, and could potentially be used as the components of attractants.

 The severity of damage and the resulting economic loss caused by fruit flies are greatly concerned due to their extensive distribution and ability to infest various host species. Consequently, there is a growing sense of urgency to effectively control these pests. Inspection and quarantine, and agricultural, physical, chemical and biological control are common methods of fruit fly pest management. As an effective and environmentally friendly pest management method, lures that can stimulate behavioral response of fruit flies play an important role in the management system of fruit fly pests. According to different classification criteria, fruit fly lures can be divided into sex, food and plant origin lures. They can also be divided into male and female (double sex) fruit fly lures. Among them, the male fruit fly lures have strong specificity and significant effect. The male fruit fly lure 4-(4-acetoxyphenyl)-2-butanone (cue-lure) was first reported to show notable attraction effect on fruit flies in 1960, and has been used to monitor and trap target fruit flies. When used for investigation and monitoring, cue-lure can be used with different lure wicks and other traps to achieve maximum efficiency. Cue-lure can not only be used alone, but also be mixed with other lures and bacterial solution. In addition, while exerting its basic attraction function, it can also affect the behavior and physiology of target fruit flies and the survival of non-target insects. In this article, we reviewed the research and application advancements in controlling fruit fly pests through the utilization of cue-lure, encompassing aspects such as investigation and monitoring, trapping and killing, attracting and feeding, as well as the impact on non-target insects. Additionally, we also discussed the future prospects of bait station control and automatic pest monitoring, the influence factors of trapping and the role of lures in integrated pest management, aiming to establish a theoretical foundation for the study of fruit fly pest trapping technology.

【Aim】The Chinese honey bee (Apis cerana cerana) is the most widely distributed subspecies of the eastern honey bee (Apis cerana) in China, with significant advantages in geographic adaptation and ecological diversity. The cold resistance of A. c. cerana is superior to that of the western bee (A. mellifera) and can be used for beekeeping at high altitudes and collecting winter honey sources, this performance plays an important role in production. Exploring the low temperature tolerance of A. c. cerana can help to select excellent strains and create greater value for agricultural economy. 【Methods】 Samples of six groups of A. c. cerana workers of the 3-, 10- and 21-day-old subjected to normal temperature ［(25.0±0.2) ℃］ treatment (the control group) and low temperature ［(4.0±0.2) ℃］ treatment, respectively, for 6 h were collected and used for transcriptome sequencing by Illumina RNA-Seq and for full-length transcriptome sequencing by PacBio Iso-Seq. The Illumina RNA-Seq data were used to correct the PacBio Iso-Seq data. Based on the high-quality sequencing data, functional annotation of novel transcripts and genes were conducted using NR, NT, Pfam, KOG/COG, Swiss-Prot, KEGG and GO databases. 【Results】 A total of 71.17, 42.76, 58.82, 53.45, 40.33 and 42.79 Gb reads of the full-length transcriptome sequencing of A. c. cerana workers in six groups were obtained, respectively, with an average N₅₀ of 205 895 bp, yielding 164 194 consistent sequences after quality control. A total of 21 519 novel transcripts were obtained by alignment to the A. cerana reference genome, and were closely related to the material metabolism, nervous system, and signal transduction of A. c. cerana. The material metabolism, cell development, lifespan, and neural development of A. c. cerana at different day-old were affected by low temperature stress. Furthermore, 28 647 long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) were identified, among them lincRNA and sense_intronic were the most abundant lncRNAs, accounting for 35% and 45%, respectively.【Conclusion】This study identified a large number of unannotated novel genes and transcripts using the corrected the PacBio Iso-Seq data and conducted functional annotation of A. c. cerana workers. The quantity and types of LncRNA were also analyzed. These results complement the reference genome of A. cerana and provide a good data background for exploring the cold resistance mechanism of A. c. cerana.

【Aim】 The aim of this study is to analyze the function of β-N-acetylhexosaminase gene TecHEX3 of Tetranychus cinnabarinus during molting, which is the key enzyme gene in the chitin degradation pathway, so as to lay the foundation for the development of a new safe biopesticide against T. cinnabarinus. 【Methods】TecHEX3 from T. cinnabarinus was cloned using PCR and analyzed using bioinformatics methods. The expression levels of TecHEX3 in different developmental stages (egg, larva, nymph and adult), and nymphs fed with 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) were assayed using RT-qPCR. The efficiency of silencing TecHEX3 of female adult and nymph of T. cinnabarinus through RNAi was analyzed using the feeding method, and the mortality and lethal phenotype of nymphs were counted and observed. 【Results】 TecHEX3 (GenBank accession number: OR413561) was cloned from T. cinnabarinus and the encoded protein belongs to the 20-glycoside hydrolase family. Phylogenetic tree indicated its closest relationship to TuHEX3 of T. urticae, placing it in beta-N-acetylhexosaminase group IV. TecHEX3 was expressed in various developmental stages of T. cinnabarinus, with the highest expression level observed in adults. The best induction of TecHEX3 expression was achieved by feeding 500 ng/μL of 20E. RNAi results demonstrated that the expression level of TecHEX3 in T. cinnabarinus nymphs fed with dsTecHEX3 was significantly reduced by 81% as compared to that of the control group (fed with dsEGFP). Silencing TecHEX3 resulted in failure to shed the old cuticle or abnormal morphology of T. cinnabarinus, causing a mortality rate of 40.58%. 【Conclusion】 TecHEX3 plays an important role in the molting development of T. cinnabarinus by involvement in the chitin degradation process.

 Species interaction is a research hotspot in the fields of ecology and biogeography. Ants’ grazing and feeding of hemipteran insects is the most common phenomenon among invertebrates, a reciprocal biological interaction in which nutrients are exchanged for security. It is thought that aphids suck sap from the phloem and xylem of plants through piercing-sucking mouthparts and excrete a sugar-rich waste product called honeydew, which ants collect and use. In exchange, the ants protect the aphids from predators. However, the relationship between ants and aphids is more complex than a simple mutualism. Therefore, in this article the commensal interactions between ants and aphids were reviewed, including (1) the properties of commensal relationships (symbiosis or predation, obligate interaction or facultative interaction), origin, and adaptive evolution of both; (2) information exchange methods for commensal relationships; (3) the impact on the adaptability of both parties; (4) ecological effects (links to biological and abiotic factors); and (5) links with human activities. Finally, a systematic evaluation of the ant-aphid commensal interaction was conducted, and future studies on the diversity investigation, evolutionary biology, molecular mechanisms, interaction networks, and urbanization effects were prospected. This review will contribute to a more comprehensive and specific understanding of the basic properties, evolutionary processes, maintenance mechanisms, ecological effects, and influencing factors of ant-aphid commensal interactions.

【Aim】 Aiming at the low efficiency of manual sorting pupae in silkworm breeding and the susceptibility to subjective factors, a recognition method for female and male domestic silkworm (Bombyx mori) pupae based on texture features and improved VGG was proposed. 【Methods】 The transmission transformation was used to correct the direction of B. mori pupae, and the head and tail images of B. mori pupae were intercepted. Bchannel image was used as the basis of profile extraction. The profile complexity was analyzed by Douglas-Peucker (DP) algorithm to identify and obtain the tail image of B. mori pupae. The background interference was eliminated with a mask and the texture information was enhanced by multi-channel feature fusion image. The Inception module was improved, and the residual network and the improved Inception module were added to the VGG model. The data set was expanded by data enhancement technology, and three kinds of input images and four recognition models were evaluated and compared by using the precision, recall, harmonic average F1-score of the precision and recall, and accuracy as the evaluation indexes. 【Results】 The results showed that the precision, recall and F1-score of the improved VGG model of feature fusion images for female pupae of B. mori were 98.017%, 94.794% and 96.375%, respectively, while those for male pupae were 95.342%, 98.231% and 96.762%, respectively, and the accuracy in identifying female and male pupae of B. mori was 96.580%. The accuracy of the feature fusion image in identifying female and male pupae of B. mori was 18.093% higher than that of the original gray scale image, and the accuracy of the improved VGG in identifying female and male pupae of B. mori was 2.257% higher than that of the original VGG. 【Conclusion】 The recognition method for female and male B. mori pupae based on texture features and improved VGG can reduce the labor time, providing a basis for the realization of automatic sorting of female and male pupae of B. mori.

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.

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are specialized parasitic natural enemies of insects, which can search for hosts autonomously and kill insects quickly, and are environmentally friendly and safe as an important class of pest biological control factors with application potential in sustainable pest management. Currently, EPNs have been produced and sold globally as commercialized new bioinsecticidal agents. However, the commercialization of EPNs requires efficient artificial culture technologies. Due to the high degree of specialization of EPNs, a proven artificial culture technology for commercialized EPNs needs to be optimized according to the nematode species. In addition to optimizing existing technologies, new artificial culture technologies need to be developed. In this article, we reviewed the history and current status of research and application of the artificial culture technologies of EPNs at home and abroad, introduced in vivo and in vitro culture technologies in detail, discussed the main factors affecting the yield of EPNs, and emphasized the need to optimize the artificial culture technologies and to reduce the cost of culture. In the future, with the continuous optimization of artificial culture technologies, the commercialization of EPN species can be enriched, while the economic loss of agricultural production can be reduced and the soil environment can be improved, which are of important economic and social value.

【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.

【Aim】 The rapid evolution of resistance of Tetranychus truncatus to pesticides has made it increasingly difficult to control. Consequently, it is urgent to develop microbial acaricides. The entomopathogenic fungus Cordyceps javanica JS001 strain has been developed as a biocontrol agent against pests such as Bemisi tabaci. The aim of this study is to explore the pathogenicity of C. javanica to T. truncatus and its ideal adjuvant materials, so as to reveal the biocontrol potential of C. javanica on T. truncatus. 【Methods】 We determined the cumulative mortality rates of eggs, nymphs and adults of T. truncatus after spraying the spore suspension (1.0×10⁶ spores/mL) of C. javanica JS001 strain. By spraying diatomaceous earth (0.025 g/L) solution and spore suspension of C. javanica JS001 strain (1.0×10⁶ spores/mL) combined with diatomaceous earth to the 2-day-old adults of T. truncatus, we observed and recorded the infection status and death of the adult T. truncates. After spraying diatomaceous earth (0.025 g/L) solution, we observed and calculated the distance between cuticle wrinkles and the number of wrinkles within unit distance (10 μm) of the 2-day-old adults of T. truncatus using scanning electron microscopy. 【Results】 C. javanica JS001 strain showed no pathogenicity to T. truncatus eggs. The mortality rate of adult T. truncatus caused by C. javanica JS001 strain was 81.75%, which was significantly higher than the mortality rate of nymphs (40.91%). Moreover, diatomaceous earth could accelerate the lethal effect of C. javanica JS001 strain on adult T. truncatus, shortening the average survival time by 0.6 d. Results of scanning electron microscopy observation showed that, compared with the control, diatomaceous earth treatment loosened the microarray structure of T. truncatus adult cuticles, significantly increased the average distance between adjacent wrinkles, and significantly decreased the average number of wrinkles within unit distance (10 μm). 【Conclusion】 C. javanica JS001 strain has a high pathogenicity against T. truncatus adults. Diatomaceous earth can alter the physical structure of the T. truncatus adult cuticle and enhance the acaricidal activity of C. javanica JS001 strain.

【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.

 【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.

【Aim】Brochosomes, which are nano particles covering on the body surface of the adults of the tea green leafhopper, Empoasca onukii, can avoid the stickness of their own sticky exudates and the permeability of insecticide droplets. In this study, we tried to explore the methods to damage the brochsomal protedion layer, to analyze the rhythm of brochosome secretion and the repairing behaviors of E. onukii adults after damage to the brochosomal protection layer, and to observe the micromorphology of the brochosome-anointing organ, so as to clarify the specific characteristics of repairing the nano-sized brochosomal protection layer of E. onukii adults.【Methods】 E. onukii adults were treated with water spraying, powder injection and a high-humidity condition, and insecticide spraying (0.05 mg/L bifenthrin) with different surfactants (0.2% detergent, 0.5% Tween-80, and 0.05% organosilicon adjuvant Silwet 618). The damage effects of these treatments on the brochosomal integument of adults were observed by the indicator-plaque method and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The adults were sprayed and the single wing was smeared with organosilicon adjuvant (Silwet 618) solution as damaged treatments, with untreated adults as the control. The frequency of white brocosomal spots was recorded by a pohotographic microscopy and the rhythm of brochosome secretion was analyzed by the frequencies of white brochosomal spots. The brochosome-anointing behaviors were analyzed by the Vegas software. The location of the brochosome-anointing organ was verified by the organ-ablated method, and the microstructures were observed by SEM. 【Results】The brochosomal protection layer of E. onukii adults was not damaged by the treatments with water spraying, powder injection and a high humidity condition, while obvious plaques on the adult wings were caused by the spraying with insecticide plus organosilicon adjuvant (Silwet 618) solution. The SEM images showed that brochosomes were agglomerated with residual adjuvants and fell off. The interval time of brochosome secretion in the organosilicon adjuvant Silwet-sprayed adults was (22.3±1.8) h, which was about 8.0 h shorter than that in the control. Within 5 d post spraying, the frequency of brochosome secretion in the organosilicon adjuvant Silwet-sprayed adults was (8±1) times, which was about 3 times more than that in the control. The vibration frequeny of the forelegs and hindlegs of adults could reach (16.7±2.4) Hz. After the delicate setae row on the ventral side of hindleg tibia was treated with the organablated method, the adults were unable to anoint the brochosomes normally, which might be due to the reverse bending of the hooked apices of delicate setae.【Conclusion】 The organosilicon adjuvant Silwet 618 can damage the brochosomal protection layer on the body surface of E. onukii adults. The adults of E. onukii repair the brochosomal layer by shortening the interval time of brochosome secretion after organosilicon adjuvant treatment. The moving rate of foreleg and hindleg and the normally-hooked apices of the tibia are the key factors to anoint the nano-sized brochosomes in E. onukii adults.

【Aim】 The effect of changes in food nitrogen content on insects is an important part of predicting the trend of pest population change. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of changes in food nitrogen content on the feeding, nutritional utilization and growth rate of Locusta migratoria. 【Methods】 The 3rd instar female and male nymphs of L. migratoria were fed with the food with the nitrogen contents of 10%, 25%, 40%, 55% and 70%, respectively. Feces and food residues were collected daily, dried and weighed, and the food intake, growth rate and nutritional utilization indexes were calculated. 【Results】The food intake of the 3rd instar nymphs of L. migratoria in the food group with 10% nitrogen content was the most, being 02559 and 02326 g for females and males, respectively. The food intake of the 3rd instar female and male nymphs of L. migratoria was the least (00944 and 0.0766 g, respectively), when they were fed with the food with 70% nitrogen content. With the increase of food nitrogen content, the food intake of female and male nymphs decreased significantly, but the approximate digestibility, efficiency of conversion of ingested food and efficiency of conversion of digested food increased significantly. The growth rate of female nymphs was the highest in the food group with 2.5% nitrogen content. 【Conclusion】 L. migratoria nymphs can compensate for the nitrogen by increasing their intake of lownitrogen food.
Key words: Locusta migratoria; nitrogen; food intake; nutritional utilization; growth rate

【Aim】 This study aims to establish the adult antennal transcriptome database of Diaphania glauculalis and mine chemosensory-related genes, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the chemosensory mechanism of adult antenna of D. glauculalis, and green prevention and control technology. 【Methods】 The antennal transcriptome of D. glauculalis adults was sequenced using an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. The raw data were edited using Trimmomatic and Trinity and assembled to obtain transcriptome data. The transcriptome data were compared to CDD, KOG, COG, NR, NT, PFAM and KEGG databases to obtain gene annotation information and identify the chemosensory-related genes. The expression levels of the chemosensory-related genes were assessed using TPM (transcripts per million). The phylogenetic tree of the chemosensory-related genes of D. glauculalis was constructed using the maximum likelihood method. 【Results】A total of 52 705 124 unigenes were obtained from the male adult antennal transcriptome of D. glauculalis and 55 391 610 unigenes from the female adult antennal transcriptome. By comparing the annotation with NR database, 24 192 unigenes were annotated, among them, the most (10 679) homologous sequences were from Ostrinia furnacalis. There were 14 313 unigenes annotated to 204 289 GO functional entries, including 113 387 unigenes annotated to biological processes, 70 115 unigenes annotated to cellular components, and 20 787 unigenes annotated to molecular functions. There were 10 721 unigenes annotated to 11 968 functional entries in 25 classifications of the KOG database. There were 12 892 unigenes annotated to five categories of metabolic pathways in the KEGG database, attributed to 33 pathways, with the largest number of unigenes (1 500) annotated to signal transduction pathways. A total of 136 chemosensory-related genes were identified, including 31 odorantbinding protein (OBP) genes, 24 chemosensory protein (CSP) genes, 50 odor receptor (OR) genes, 20 ionotropic receptor (IR) genes, nine gustatory receptor (GR) genes and two sensory neuron membrane protein (SNMP) genes. 【Conclusion】 In this study, we constructed the antennal transcriptome database of D. glauculalis adults for the first time, and elaborated the types and number of chemosensory-related genes. This study lays the molecular foundation for the functional analysis of chemosensory genes of D. glauculalis and olfactory sensory mechanism, and then provides theoretical support for the development of new green control technologies based on insect olfactory sensory mechanism.

【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.

【Aim】 To verify the feasibility of medicinal plants and their volatile components in the intervention of the selection behavior of adults of the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, and to provide solutions for agricultural pest control. 【Methods】 The Y-type olfactometer was used to determine the selection rates of F. occidentalis adults to three vegetable plants (Solanum lycopersicum, Cucumis sativus and Capsicum annuum), and five medicinal plants (Mentha piperita, Perilla frutescens, Nepeta cataria, Leonurus cardiaca and Ageratum conyzoides). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify the common volatile components in the leaves of the five medicinal plants. A Y-type olfactometer was used to detect the selection rates of F. occidentalis adults to 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 μL/mL β-caryophyllene. 【Results】 In the selection behavior test, F. occidentalis adults showed avoidance behavior to all the five medicinal plants, especially showed significant avoidance behavior to P. frutescens and A. conyzoides, with the selection rates of 24.45% and 24.53%, respectively. The common volatile components in the leaves of the five medicinal plants identified by using GC-MS were β-caryophyllene and 2,2′-methylene bis (6-tert-butyl p-cresol). F. occidentalis adults showed no obvious behavioral response to 0.01 μL/mL β-caryophyllene, and showed obvious avoidance behavior to 0.1-100 μL/mL β-caryophyllene. The repellent rates of β-caryophyllene at high concentrations (10-100 μL/mL) could reach about 85% against F. occidentalis adults. 【Conclusion】 The tested five medicinal plants showed a significant repellent effect on F. occidentalis adults, which provides a theoretical basis for understanding the selectivity of F. occidentalis to non-host plants.β-Caryophyllene, a common volatile component in the leaves of the five medicinal plants, can be used as a repellent and botanical pesticide for agricultural control of F. occidentalis.

【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.

【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.

【Aim】Bumblebees, as social insects, have divisions of labor in different castes and even different physiological stages of the same caste. Flight ability is one of the key factors affecting their multiple behaviors including foraging and copulation, at different physiological stages. This study aims to explore the influences of division of labor and body weight on the flight ability of Bombus terrestris, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the efficient production and utilization of B. terrestris.  【Methods】The flight ability of B. terrestris involving flight distance, flight velocity, and flight duration within 24 h, was measured by a flight mill on three castes (queens, workers and drones), and queens at different physiological stages (i.e. virgin queens, post-diapause queens and egg-laying queens), and the correlations between the flight ability and the caste, body weight and post-flight body weight loss were analyzed.【Results】The cumulative flight distance, cumulative flight duration, maximum flight distance and maximum fight duration of drones of B. terrestris were significantly longer than those of workers and queens within 24-h tethered flight. The average flight velocity and maximum flight velocity of drones and queens were significantly higher than those of workers, i.e. the flight ability of workers was the worst under the same conditions. There were significant differences in the flight ability of queens at different physiological stages. The cumulative flight distance, cumulative flight duration, maximum flight distance, maximum fight duration, average flight velocity and maximum flight velocity of the virgin queens were significantly higher than those of the post-diapause and egg-laying queens. There was no significant difference in the flight distance and flight velocity between the latter two queens. The cumulative flight distance and duration of queens and workers were significantly positively correlated with the body weight, but there was no significant correlation between their average flight velocity and body weight. In addition, no significant correlation was observed between the flight ability of drones and their body weight, but the cumulative flight distance and duration of drones were significantly positively correlated with the postflight body weight loss. The cumulative flight distance and duration of virgin queens were positively correlated with the body weight, while the cumulative flight distance and duration of post-diapause and egg-laying queens were positively correlated with their post-flight body weight loss.【Conclusion】The difference in the flight ability of B. terrestris is closely related to the changes in staged functions, and the flight abilities of B. terrestris at different castes and physiological stages are somewhat correlated with their body weight and post-flight body weight loss, respectively. These results may provide the theoretical basis for optimizing the breeding of B. terrestris in production applications.

【Aim】 This study aims to understand the effects of different land use types on the number of individuals and dominant group of Ichneumonidae and their dynamic change. 【Methods】 From October 2018 to September 2019, the individuals of Ichneumonidae were collected in 2 300 m area in the eastern slope of Cangshan Mountain of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, southwestern China using Malaise trap, and the differences in the biomass, subfamily number, community structure and subfamily diversity of Ichneumonidae between the two habitats were analyzed. 【Results】A total of 2 259 individuals of Ichneumonidae belonging to 23 subfamilies were collected in natural forest and tea garden from the eastern slope of Cangshan Mountain, Dali, Yunnan from October 2018 to September 2019， including 1 551 individuals belonging to 22 subfamilies in natural forest, and 708 individuals belonging to 21 subfamilies in tea garden. The monthly number of individuals of Ichneumonidae in natural forest was higher than that in tea garden, and there was no significant difference in the monthly number of subfamilies of Ichneumonidae between the two habitats. The fluctuation of monthly number of subfamilies of Ichneumonidae in natural forest showed two peaks in June and December, respectively, while that in tea garden showed no peak. The community composition exhibited significant difference between the two habitats. The unique dominant subfamily in natural forest was Anomaloninae and that in tea garden was Phygadeuoninae. Campopleginae and Orthocentrinae were the shared dominant subfamilies in the two habitats. There was no significant difference in the monthly subfamily diversity index and richness of Ichneumonidae between natural forest and tea garden. 【Conclusion】 Therefore, the total number of individuals of Ichneumonidae in tea garden in the low altitude area in Cangshan Mountain reduces, and the community structure, dominant group and annual dynamics of individual number in this habitat change as compared to those in natural forest. In order to protect the biological control insects like Ichneumonidae, it is recommended to protect the original vegetation and land use types.

 【Aim】 Low temperature is one of the key methods for controlling the important tobacco storage pest Lasioderma serricorne in China, yet the population dynamics and resistance mechanism of L. serricorne to low temperature remains largely unexplored. Examining the sublethal impacts of low temperature exposure on insects could help us understanding their adaptive responses to low temperatures. This study aims to reveal the adaptive capacity of L. serricorne  to low temperature and its population development potential under such conditions by analyzing the life table parameters of L. serricorne  offspring affected by sublethal low temperature exposure. 【Methods】To construct the time-mortality curve, we exposed the last instar larvae ofL. serricorne to -20 ℃ for different time. Using this data, we calculated the lethal time for 10% and 50% mortalities (LT₁₀ and LT₅₀). Later, we constructed the age-stage, two-sex life tables for the survived F₁ population by exposing the last instar larvae of the F₀ generation of L. serricorne  to -20 ℃ for LT₁₀ and LT₅₀, respectively. 【Results】The LT₁₀ and LT₅₀ values of the low temperature of -20 ℃ to the last instar larvae ofL. serricorne  were 5.32 and 12.84 min, respectively. More than 90% of the F₁ individuals originated from the F₀ population exposed to -20 ℃ for LT₁₀ and LT₅₀ survived and completed the whole life cycle. No significant differences in the total longevity from egg to adult, female adult longevity, net reproductive rate (R₀), intrinsic rate of increase (r_m) and finite rate of increase (λ) were found between the control population reared at 28 ℃ and the F₁ populations from the F₀ populations exposed to -20 ℃ for LT₁₀ and LT₅₀. However, compared to the control, exposure of the last instar larvae of the F₀ generation to the low temperature of -20 ℃ for LT₁₀ and LT₅₀ significantly reduced the initial life expectancy of eggs and the 1st instar larvae, the 1st instar larval duration and the reproductive value of the whole larval stage of the F₁ population, but increased the proportion of males in the F₁ population.【Conclusion】Exposure of the last instar larvae ofL. serricorne  to -20 ℃ for LT₁₀ and LT₅₀ leads to decrease in the initial life expectancy and population reproductive rate of the F₁ offspring. However, the population structure and the basic life table parameters remain normal. The results indicate thaL. serricorne  larvae have good adaptability to low temperatures, and the surviving individuals can quickly expand the population after undergoing low temperature treatment.

【Aim】 This study aims to establish the antennal transcriptome database of female and male adults of Megabruchidius dorsalis and explore olfaction-related genes. 【Methods】The high-throughput sequencing platform Illumina HiSeq was used to perform antennal transcriptome sequencing, sequence assembly, functional annotation and differentially expressed gene analysis of female and male adults of M. dorsalis. The expression levels of some highly expressed genes in the antennae of female and male adults of M. dorsalis were assayed and confirmed by qRT-PCR. 【Results】A total of 42 053 unigenes with the N50 length of 2 066 bp were obtained from the antennal transcriptome of female and male adults of M. dorsalis. A total of 18 039 unigenes (43.57%) were annotated against six major public databases NR, Swiss-Prot, Pfam, eggNOG, GO and KEGG, among them the largest number of unigenes (17 687) were annotated into the NR database, and the minimum number of unigenes (9 779) were annotated into the KEGG database. By further functional annotation and identification, 183 candidate olfaction-related genes of M. dorsalis including 25 odorant binding protein (OBP) genes, three chemosensory protein (CSP) genes, 126 odorant receptor (OR) genes (including 125 typical OR genes and one atypical OR gene), eight ionotropic receptor (IR) genes, 18 gustatory receptor (GR) genes and three sensory neuron membrane protein (SNMP) genes were identified. After comparison of the antennal transcriptome of female and male adults, 357 differentially expressed genes including eight OR genes and one IR gene were screened. Of the 357 differentially expressed genes, 152 genes were highly expressed in the antennae of females and 205 in the antennae of males. In addition, qRT-PCR results showed that six olfaction-related genes ( MdorCSP3, MdorIR2, MdorIR6, MdorGR10, MdorSNMP2 and MdorSNMP3) were highly expressed in the female adult antennae of M. dorsalis, while four olfaction-related genes ( MdorOBP15, MdorOBP22, MdorORco and MdorGR8) were highly expressed in the male adult antennae.【Conclusion】 In this study, we obtained the antennal transcriptome data of adult M. dorsalis, and identified the candidate genes related to olfaction. The results have laid a molecular foundation for the further study of the gene function and olfactory sensing mechanism of M. dorsalis.-

【Aim】 The morphological and biological characteristics of Geocoris xishaensis were clarified to provide a scientific basis for its taxonomic identification and propagation.【Methods】 At the constant temperature of (26±1) ℃, the eggs of Corcyra cephalonica were used as the food to feed G. xishaensis. The main morphological characteristics, the individual development from egg to adult, survival and fecundity of G. xishaensis were recorded by the individual rearing method, and the behaviors such as feeding, predation, mating and oviposition, eclosion and cannibalism were observed and described. 【Results】 The development of G. xishaensis includes egg, 1st-5th instar nymphs and adult. Eggs are milky white and turn to pink with obvious eyespots before hatching. There are white markings on the dorsal side of abdomen of the 2nd-5th instar nymphs. The wing bud appears in the 5th instar nymph. The body length, eye width and abdominal width increase with the increase of developmental stage. The head of the adult is wide and in yellowish brown. The pronotum is in yellowish-brown, with a dark spot in the mid-region. The scutellum has black markings. G. xishaensis usually lifts its preys in the air for sucking. The mating postures of female and male adults are tail to tail in a straight line. The upper body of G. xishaensis is raised upward while the abdomen is facing down during the oviposition. When the nymphs molt, the head and neck are separated from the exuvium first, and then sequentially detach the leg and body. The cannibalism behavior appears in the same and different developmental stages of G. xishaensis. But the early instar nymphs are easier to be killed by the adults and late instar nymphs. The egg duration, nymphal duration, pre-oviposition period, generation time and adult longevity of G. xishaensis were 9.24, 26.63, 4.80, 40.45 and 46.53 d, respectively. 【Conclusion】 In this study, the main morphological characteristics, developmental duration and fecundity of G. xishaensis have been clarified, and the behaviors of predation, mating, oviposition and eclosion, and the cannibalism behavior of adults and nymphs have been preliminarily revealed. Based on the current studies, the white markings on the dorsal side of abdomen and the wing bud development can be used as the main morphological characteristics to identify the instar of nymphs.

【Aim】 To clone the odorant receptor (OR) gene HvarOR21 highly expressed in the antennae of the variegated lady beetle, Hippodamia variegata and clarify the ligand binding characteristics of HvarOR21, so as to provide a theoretical basis for revealing the recognition mechanism of the localization of prey habitats for H. variegata. 【Methods】 Based on the adult antennal transcriptome sequencing data and the identification results of odorant receptors of H. variegata, the cDNA sequence of HvarOR21 with a complete open reading frame (ORF) was cloned using PCR. Phylogenetic analysis and sequence analysis were used to study the classification and sequence structure characteristics of HvarOR21, respectively. Through the heterologous expression in Xenopus oocytes coupled with two-electrode voltage clamp recording, the electrophysiological responses of the recombinant HvarOR21 to 66 candidate odorant compounds were determined. Using homology modeling and molecular docking simulation analysis, the binding sites between HvarOR21 and decanal were predicted. 【Results】 The full-length cDNA sequence of HvarOR21 (GenBank accession no.: PP236119) of H. variegata was cloned and the deduced protein has seven transmembrane domains with an intracellular N-terminus and an extracellular C-terminus, which conforms to the typical structure of insect odorant receptors, belonging to the coleopteran OR group 5 subfamily. The recombinant HvarOR21 specifically tuned to decanal in a dose-dependent manner. HvarOR21 bound multiple amino acid residues with decanal through hydrophobic interactions and van der Waals forces, with the binding energy of －22.18 kJ/mol.【Conclusion】 Decanal is a volatile compound emitted from cotton plants infested by Aphis gossypii. HvarOR21 has a specific electrophysiological response to decanal with strong binding affinity, suggesting that HvarOR21 plays an important role in the localization of prey habitats for H. variegata.

【Aim】Apterous (Ap) is a developmental regulatory protein belonging to the LIM domain family. This study aims to elucidate the role of the Ap gene in the wing development of the white-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera. 【Methods】 Based on the genome and transcriptome databases of S. furcifera, the cDNA sequence of SfAp was verified by RT-PCR and subjected to bioinformatic analysis. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression levels of SfAp in different developmental stages (1st－5th instar nymphs, and female and male adults) and various adult tissues (head, thorax, abdomen, leg, wing, integument, fat body and gut) of S. furcifera. The growth and development of S. furcifera were observed after silencing SfAp in the 3rd instar nymphs using RNAi, and the survival rate, total mortality rate, and wing deformity rate after RNAi were counted, while the expression levels of the key genes involved in wing development signaling pathways (bursicon genes SfBurs-α and SfBurs-β, Hippo signaling pathway genes SfHippo and SfSal, Wnt signaling pathway gene SfWg, Hedgehog signaling pathway genes SfHh and SfDpp, and SfHOW) were measured using RT-qPCR. 【Results】 The open reading frame of SfAp (GenBank accession no.: PP901867) of S. furcifera was cloned, with the length of 1 287 bp encoding a protein of 428 amino acids. The encoded protein has the predicted molecular weight of 47.41 kD and the theoretical isoelectric point of 8.99. SfAp has the conserved typical LIM domain. SfAp was closely related to NlAp of Nilaparvata lugens, and their amino acid sequence identity was 84.86%. Developmental expression profile result revealed that SfAp exhibited high expression levels before the 4th instar nymph followed by a gradual decline, a significant increase on the 3rd day of the 5th instar nymph, and a subsequent decrease after adult eclosion. Tissue expression profile result showed that the expression level of SfAp in the adult thorax was the highest, followed by those in the abdomen, fat body, and gut. Microinjection of dsSfAp resulted in the impaired wing extension and wing deformation of the eclosed adults, and significantly suppressed the expression of the wing development-related genes SfBurs-α, SfBurs-β, SfHippo, SfSal, SfWg, SfHh, SfDpp and SfHOW. 【Conclusion】 SfAp influences wing expansion and development of S. furcifera by modulating the expression levels of the key genes involved in the wing development signaling pathway.

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.-