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  • Monthly, Founded in 1950
    Supervisor:Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Sponsor:Institute of Zoology,Chinese Academy of Sciences
    The Entomological Society of China
    Domestic postal code: 2-153
    Foreign issuance code: Q61
    ISSN 0454-6296
    CN 11-1832/Q
Table of Content
20 August 2025, Volume 68 Issue 8
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  • RESEARCH PAPERS
    Cloning, molecular characterization and spatio-temporal expression profiling of 14-3-3ζ gene in Apis cerana cerana (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
    CHEN Ying, KANG Jing, ZANG He, WANG Yong-Jie, ZHANG Kai-Yao, YE Dao-You, FENG Rui-Rong, CHEN Da-Fu, XU Guo-Jun, GUO Rui, QIU Jian-Feng
    2025, 68(8):  1031-1039.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.08.001
    Abstract ( 77 )   PDF (2247KB) ( 46 )   　　
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    【Aim】 This study aims to enrich the basic information of 14-3-3ζ gene of Apis cerana cerana, so as to provide a reference and basis for its further functional study. 【Methods】 The coding sequence (CDS) of 14-3-3ζ gene was amplified by RT-PCR, followed by TA cloning and Sanger sequencing. The physicochemical properties and molecular features of 14-3-3ζ were predicted using the relevant software, and the phylogenetic analysis of 14-3-3ζ was performed. RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression levels of 14-3-3ζ gene in different developmental stages (egg, larva, pre-pupa, pupa and adult), and different tissues (antennae, midgut, fat body, hypopharyngeal gland, brain, cuticle and venom gland) of the newly emerged adult workers of Ap. cerana cerana, as well as in the guts of the 4-, 5- and 6-day-old larvae of Ap. cerana cerana after inoculating the 3-day-old larval workers with Ascosphaera apis.【Results】 The CDS of 14-3-3ζ gene of Ap. cerana cerana was successfully cloned, including 744 nucleotides and encoding 247 amino acids. 14-3-3ζ of Ap. cerana cerana had the molecular weight of about 28.0 kD, included 26 phosphorylation sites, four structural domains and one conserved motif, but had no transmembrane domains and signal peptides. The 14-3-3ζ proteins of Ap. cerana cerana, Ap. mellifera, Ap. laboriosa, Ap. florea, Ceratina calcarata, Bombus pyrosoma, B. terrestris, Megachile rotundata, Osmia lignaria and Habropoda laboriosa all contained four identical conserved motifs and one same structural domain (14-3-3_1). The 14-3-3ζ proteins of Ap. cerana cerana and Ap. mellifera clustered into a single clade on the phylogenetic tree. The expression level of 14-3-3ζ gene in Ap. cerana cerana eggs was significantly higher than those in the 3-day-old larvae, 1-day-old prepupae, 2-day-old prepupae and 4-day-old pupae. The differences in the expression level of 14-3-3ζ gene in various day-old adult workers of Ap. cerana cerana were non-significant. The expression level of 14-3-3ζ gene in the venom gland of the newly emerged adult workers of Ap. cerana cerana was the highest, significantly higher than those in the antennae, midgut, hypopharyngeal gland, brain, cuticle and fat body. Following inoculation of the 3-day-old larval workers of Ap. cerana cerana with As. apis, the expression levels of 14-3-3ζ gene in the 4-, 5- and 6-day-old larval worker guts of Ap. cerana cerana were significantly down-regulated as compared with those in the control group.【Conclusion】 Ap. cerana cerana 14-3-3ζ gene is specifically and highly expressed in the venom gland and egg of worker, and the expression of 14-3-3ζ gene in the larval guts is activated in the process of As. apis infection. 14-3-3ζ is a putative hydrophilic, non-transmembrane and intracellular protein, and highly conserved in Ap. cerana cerana and the above other ten bee species. There is the closest genetic relationship between 14-3-3ζ of Ap. cerana cerana and Ap. mellifera.
    Key words: Apis cerana cerana; 14-3-3; molecular features; expression pattern; Ascospaera apis
    Molecular features, phylogeny and gene expression pattern of DNA transmethylase 3 in Apis cerana (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
    GUO Si-Jia, LIU Xiao-Yu, WANG Meng-Yi, ZANG He, FAN Xiao-Xue, WU Tao, ZHANG Tian-Ze, YAN Ti-Zhen, LUO Qing-Ming, CHEN Da-Fu, QIU Jian-Feng, GUO Rui
    2025, 68(8):  1040-1049.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.08.002
    Abstract ( 36 )   PDF (3285KB) ( 24 )   　　
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    【Aim】 To analyze the molecular features, phylogeny and gene expression profiles of DNA methyltransferase 3 (DNMT3) from Apis cerana (AcDNMT3), so as to provide a reference and foundation for further functional analysis of AcDNMT3. 【Methods】 Bioinformatics tools were used to predict and analyze the physicochemical properties, molecular features, structural domains, conserved motifs and phylogeny of AcDNMT3 in Ap. cerana. RT-qPCR was used to measure the relative expression levels of AcDNMT3 in different developmental stages (egg, 3-day-old larva, 1-day-old prepupa, 2-day-old prepupa, 4-day-old pupa, and 1-, 2-,6-,12-,15- and 18-day-old adults) of Ap. cerana workers, and various adult tissues (antennae, hypopharyngeal gland, brain, cuticle, midgut, fat body and venom gland) of Ap. cerana workers, as well as in the guts of the 4-6-day-old larval workers of Ap. cerana after inoculating the 3-day-old larval workers with Ascosphaera apis and the midguts of the 2-5-day-old adults after inoculating the 1-day-old adult workers with Nosema ceranae. 【Results】 AcDNMT3 contains 758 amino acids with the approximate molecular weight of 88.24 kD, the molecular formula of C3945H6182N1076O1134S44, the theoretical isoelectric point (pI) of 8.32, and the average hydrophilic index of -0.454. AcDNMT3 was predicted to interact with ten proteins, including adenosylhomocysteinase (A0A2A3ECJ8). DNMT3 proteins from Ap. cerana, Ap. mellifera, Ap. dorsata, Ap. laboriosa, Bombus terrestris, Frieseomelitta varia, Osmia lignaria, Colletes gigas, Eciton burchellii, Nylanderia fulva, Linepithema humile, Solenopsis invicta, Monomorium pharaonis and Vollenhovia emeryi contained four common structural domains (PWWP_DNMT3, ADDz_Dnmt3, Dcm domain and PWWP domain) and five common conserved motifs (Motif1, Motif2, Motif3, Motif4 and Motif5). AcDNMT3 was clustered with Ap. mellifera DNMT3 on the phylogenetic tree. AcDNMT3 was differentially expressed in the eggs, larvae, prepupae and pupae of Ap. cerana workers, with the highest expression level in the 2-day-old prepupae which was significantly higher than those in eggs, the 3-day-old larvae, 1-day-old prepupae and 4-day-old pupae. AcDNMT3 was differentially expressed in adult workers of Ap. cerana at the 1-, 2-, 6-, 12-, 15- and 18-day-old, with the highest expression level in the 1-day-old adults which was significantly higher than those in the 2-, 6-, 12-, 15- and 18-day-old adults. Differential expression of AcDNMT3 was observed across various adult worker tissues including antennae, venom gland, brain, midgut, fat body, cuticle and hypopharyngeal gland of Ap. cerana, with the highest expression level in the antennae and the lowest expression level in the midgut. After infecting the 3--day-old larval workers of Ap. cerana with As. apis, the expression level of AcDNMT3 in the gut of the 4-day-old larval workers was significantly down-regulated as compared with that of the control. After inoculation of the 1-day-old adult workers of Ap. cerana with N. ceranae, the expression levels of AcDNMT3 in the midguts of the 2-, 4- and 5-day-old adult workers were significantly up-regulated and that in the 3-day-old adult workers was extremely significantly down-regulated as compared with those of the control. 【Conclusion】 AcDNMT3 is a putative hydrophilic, intracellular, non-transmembrane protein that is highly conserved across Ap. cerana and the above other insect species. AcDNMT3 shows the highest homology with DNMT3 of Ap. mellifera.AcDNMT3 may play a role in the development of Ap. cerana workers, in the larval responses to As. apis infection, and in the adult responses to N. ceranae infection.
    Dynamic analysis of expression of Junonia coenia densovirus structural protein genes vp1－4 in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae
    PENG Qian, CHEN Yan-Ning, LI Ru-Yu, FU Yue, CHEN Zu-Wen
    2025, 68(8):  1050-1056.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.08.003
    Abstract ( 30 )   PDF (6679KB) ( 37 )   　　
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    【Aim】 Junonia coenia densovirus (JcDV) encodes four viral structural proteins, namely VP1, VP2, VP3 and VP4 via leaky scanning. This study aims to explore the expression characteristics of four viral structural protein genes (vp1-4) of JcDV in Spodoptera frugiperda larvae, so as to provide the basis for further studying on the function of the virus structural proteins VP1-4 and the mechanism of their assembly. 【Methods】 The subcellular localization of VP1-4 within Hi5 cells transfected with pJcDV plasmid was detected by immunofluorescence. The expression levels of vp1-4 in the 2nd instar larvae of S. frugiperda at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h after infection by JcDV were analyzed through RT-PCR. The expression levels of VP1-4 in the 2nd instar larvae of S. frugiperda at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h after infection by JcDV were detected by Western blot. Immunohistochemistry was adopted to detect the tissue expression characteristics of VP1-4 in the 2nd instar larvae of S. frugiperda at 0, 24 and 96 h after infection by JcDV. 【Results】 VP1-4 were mainly located in the cytoplasm of Hi5 cells and only distributed in small amounts in the nucleus in the form of polymers. The transcription of vp1-4 could be detected in the 2nd instar larvae of S. frugiperda at 3 h after infection by JcDV, and stably extended to at least 120 h. VP1-4 were expressed at 24－120 h after infection by JcDV. The expression of VP1-4 was detected in the cuticle and trachea of the 2nd instar larvae of S. frugiperda at 96 h after infection by JcDV, however, there were no obvious expression signals in the muscle and fat body. 【Conclusion】 The transcription and translation of the viral structural protein genes vp1-4 could be detected in the 2nd instar larvae of S. frugiperda at 3 and 24 h, respectively, after infection by JcDV, indicating that VP1-4 might play an important role in the early stages of infection. JcDV could infect the cuticle and trachea of S. frugiperda larvae, which might be one of the causes accounting for their death.
    Effects of chronic bee paralysis virus infection on the immune and gut microbiota in Apis cerana cerana(Hymenoptera: Apidae)
    ZOU De-Xin, YUAN Chun-Ying, JIN Hong-Mei, YANG Yang, YANG Xi-Ai, MA Ming-Xiao, HOU Chun-Sheng, FEI Dong-Liang, DENG Yan-Chun
    2025, 68(8):  1057-1066.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.08.004
    Abstract ( 21 )   PDF (2582KB) ( 30 )   　　
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    【Aim】 The objective of this study is to explore the effects of chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) infection on the immunity and gut microbiota of Apis cerana cerana. 【Methods】 The newly emerged adult workers of A. c. cerana were infected with CBPV by injecting CBPV RNA, and the survival rate was recorded. qRT-PCR was used to detect the genomic copy number of CBPV and the expression levels of 15 immune-related genes (PGRP-S2, Cactus1, Toll, PGRPLC-like, Relish, Defensin1, Hymenoptaecin, SP14, PPO, Dicer, HSP70, HSP90, Stat, Stam and PISA3) in the CBPV-infected A. c. cerana workers. Metagenomic sequencing was used to detect the change of the gut microbiota structure in the CSBV-infected A. c. cerana workers, and alpha- and beta- diversity analyses of gut microbiota were performed. 【Results】The survival rate of A. c. cerana adult workers infected with CBPV gradually decreased as compared with that of the control group injected with 1×PBS, and the cumulative survival rate decreased to 27% on the 7th day after infection. The overall trend of the genomic copy number of CBPV increased sharply and steadily from the 1st-4th day, with a 106-fold increase of genomic copy number on the 4th day after infection. Meanwhile, CBPV infection significantly activated the Toll immune pathway genes, especially the antimicrobial peptide genes Defensin1 and Hymenoptaecin, with their expression levels significantly up-regulated on the 1st-5th day after CBPV infection and more than 10-fold on the 5th day. Metagenomic sequencing result showed that CBPV infection affected the gut microbiota structure, and significantly changed the gut microbiota diversity of A. c. cerana workers, especially the relative abundance of Lactobacillus apis and Snodgrassella alvi was significantly down-regulated in the CBPV-infected A. c. cerana as compared with that in the control. 【Conclusion】 CBPV infection can cause the death of A. c. cerana workers, activate the expression of antimicrobial peptide genes and significantly reduce the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria in the gut. The results provide an important theoretical basis for developing bees’ new health management strategies and prevention and control measures.
    Effects of a sublethal concentration of plumbagin on the growth, development, reproduction and detoxifying enzyme activities of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
    YAN Ze-Tong, SUN Xiao-Yu, SHI Wang-Peng, HUANG Xin-Zheng, ZHEN Cong-Ai, DONG Min
    2025, 68(8):  1067-1076.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.08.005
    Abstract ( 44 )   PDF (3077KB) ( 25 )   PDF（mobile） (3077KB) ( 2 )   　　
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    【Aim】 To determine the toxicity of plumbagin (an important plant secondary substance from Chinese medicine Plumbago zeylanica) to the 2nd instar larvae of Spodoptera frugiperda and ascertain the sublethal effect of a sublethal concentration (LC25) of plumbagin on the growth, development and detoxifying enzyme activities of the F0 and F1 generations of S. frugiperda. 【Methods】 The toxicity of plumbagin against the 2nd instar larvae of S. frugiperda (the 2nd day after ecdysis) was determined using insecticide incorporated artificial diet bioassay. After the 2nd instar larvae were exposed to LC25 (0.343 mg/g) of plumbagin, the larval duration, pupation rate, pupal duration, female and male adult longevity, and number of eggs laid per female adult of the F0 and F1 generations of S. frugiperda were recorded, the age-stage, two-sex life table was constructed, and the activities of three detoxifying enzymes including carboxylesterase (CarE), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP450) were determined at 24 h after treatment. 【Results】 The median lethal concentration (LC50) and LC25 values of plumbagin against the 2nd instar larvae of S. frugiperda in 7 d were 0.607 and 0.343 mg/g, respectively. For the parental generation (F0) of S. frugiperda, LC25 of plumbagin significantly decreased the pupation rate by 25.13%, significantly shortened the female and male pupal duration by 1.29 and 1.08 d, respectively, significantly decreased the number of eggs laid per female by 47%, and significantly shortened the oviposition period and adult longevity by 1.75 and 1.19 d, respectively, compared to the vehicle control (0.1% acetone). For the offspring generation (F1) of S. frugiperda, LC25 of plumbagin only significantly shortened the mean generation time (T) by 0.91 d, compared to the vehicle control. LC25 of plumbagin significantly induced the activities of the three detoxifying enzymes CarE, GST and CYP450 in the 2nd instar larvae of S. frugiperda after treatment for 24 h, which were increased to 1.28-, 1.30- and 1.42-fold as high as those in the vehicle control. 【Conclusion】 LC25of plumbagin had obvious adverse effects on the growth, development and fecundity of the F0 generation of S. frugiperda, and significantly increased the activities of the three detoxifying enzymes CarE, GST and CYP450 in the 2nd instar larvae after treatment for 24 h, which will be helpful for using the plant secondary substance plumbagin as one of potent biocontrol strategies for this pest.
    Toxicity of triterpenoid compounds from Tithonia diversifolia to Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) larvae and their effects on the activities of acetylcholinsterase and detoxification enzymes
    WANG Zhan-Di, DAO Cui-Ping, WANG Yan-Dan, SHI Rui-Xue, JIANG Qi-Jun, ZHOU Yuan-Qing
    2025, 68(8):  1077-1087.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.08.006
    Abstract ( 24 )   PDF (15590KB) ( 16 )   　　
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    【Aim】 To explore the toxicity of terpenoid compounds from Tithonia diversifolia against Spodoptera litura larvae and their effects on the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and detoxification enzymes, and to screen new active ingredients for the control of S. litura. 【Methods】 The stomach toxicity of three terpenoid compounds including squalene, caryophyllene oxide and α-pinene against Spodoptera litura larvae in 10 d was evaluated with laboratory bioassay by feeding the 3rd instar larvae with the diets supplemented with S-methoprene (positive control) and different concentrations of terpenoid compounds, respectively, and the larval weight was determined at 7 d after treatment. Enzyme-linked immunosorbnent assay was used to measure the effects of different concentrations of caryophyllene oxide on the activities of AChE and detoxification enzymes［carboxylesterase (CarE), cytochrome P450 (CYP450), and glutathione S-transferase (GST)］ in S. litura larvae after treatment for 3 d. Finally, molecular docking techniques were employed to simulate the binding affinity and binding sites of squalene, caryophyllene oxide and α-pinene with AChE, CarE, CYP450 and GST.【Results】 Within 3-5 d after the 3rd instar larvae of S. litura were fed with the diets supplemented with different concentrations of terpenoid compounds, 1×10-1-1×10-4 mg/mL caryophyllene oxide exhibited obvious toxicity to S. litura larvae, causing the corrected larval mortality rates significantly higher than squalene, α-pinene and the positive control. At 7 d after treatment, caryophyllene oxide significantly inhibited larval weight gain of S. litura, and the high-concentration caryophyllene oxide treatment group (1×10－1 mg/mL) showed significantly lower larval weight than the positive control group. At 3 d after treatment with 1×10-5-1×10-3 mg/mL caryophyllene oxide, the activities of AChE, CarE and GST in S. litura larvae were significantly reduced, as compared with those in the positive control group, and the CYP450 activity was also significantly reduced as compared with that in the vehicle control (95% alcohol). Notably, when the test concentration of caryophyllene oxide was 1×10－1 mg/mL, the AChE activity in S. litura larvae was negative. Molecular docking results further demonstrated that caryophyllene oxide had the strongest binding affinity to AChE, with the binding free energy lower than its interactions with CarE, CYP450 and GST. 【Conclusion】 Caryophyllene oxide exhibits high toxicity against S. litura larvae. It exerts insecticidal effects on S. litura by inhibiting AChE activity, highlighting its potential as a green control resource. This provides novel insights for the development and utilization of terpenoid compounds from T. diversifolia.
    Effects of flonicamid on the predation ability of Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) larvae on Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) adults
    YANG Meng-Di, WANG Wei-Qiang, LI An-Qi, YAO Yong-Sheng, SU Yue
    2025, 68(8):  1088-1093.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.08.007
    Abstract ( 36 )   PDF (1617KB) ( 17 )   　　
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    【Aim】 The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of flonicamid on the predation ability of the 3rd instar larvae of Harmonia axyridis. 【Methods】 The residual film method was employed to observe and analyze the effects of exposure of the 3rd instar larvae of H. axyridis to 0.146 and 0.292 mg/mL of flonicamid on their predation ability on Aphis gossypii adults, including the predation amount, instantaneous attack rate, handling time and searching efficiency.【Results】 The predatory functional responses of the 3rd instar larvae of H. axyridis treated with 0.146 and 0.292 mg/mL of flonicamid to A. gossypii adults followed the type Ⅱ functional responses, which can be described by Holling’s disc equation. Compared with the control group treated with acetone, exposure of 0.146 and 0.292 mg/mL of flonicamid had negative impacts on the predation functional response parameters and searching efficiency of the 3rd instar larvae of H. axyridis， and the effects on the predation and searching ability became more significant with the increase of the concentration of flonicamid. In the control group, and treatment groups with 0.146 and 0.292 mg/mL of flonicamid, the instantaneous attack rates of the 3rd instar larvae of H. axyridis were 0.9260, 1.4451 and 2.1197, respectively, the maximum daily predation amounts were 392.62, 52.63 and 32.15 individuals, respectively, and the handling time was 0.0025, 0.0190 and 0.0311 h, respectively. 【Conclusion】 Exposure of the 3rd instar larvae of H. axyridis to flonicamid has negative impacts on their predation function on A. gossypii adults. Therefore, in order to better protect and utilize natural enemies, when implementing the prevention and control of A. gossypii using H. axyridis, consideration should be given to reducing or not using chemical pesticides.
    Analysis of the sublethal effects of lambda-cyhalothrin on Conogethes punctiferalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) based on age-stage， two-sex life table
    LI Kai, LI Zhen, WANG Xiao-Long, XI Yu-Qiang, LI Zhen-Ya, YIN Xin-Ming
    2025, 68(8):  1094-1104.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.08.008
    Abstract ( 53 )   PDF (6875KB) ( 23 )   　　
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    【Aim】 This study aims to explore the sublethal effects oflambda-cyhalothrin on Conogethes punctiferalis, so as to provide a theoretical basis for its scientific application in field management of this pest. 【Methods】 The 48-h toxicity of lambda-cyhalothrin to the 3-day-old adults of C. punctiferalis was determined using the residual film method. Sublethal concentrations (LC1, LC5 and LC10) of lambda-cyhalothrin were applied to the 3-day-old adults of C. punctiferalis, the adult longevity, fecundity and survival rate of the F0 generation, and the larval and pupal duration, fecundity, hatching rate, pupation rate and emergence rate of the F1 generation were observed and recorded. The age-stage, two-sex life table was constructed for the F1 generation. 【Results】 Within 48-h exposure, the LC1, LC5 and LC10 values of lambda-cyhalothrin against the 3-day-old adults of C. punctiferalis were 0.233, 0.601 and 0.995 mg/L, respectively. Exposure of the 3-day-old adults of C. punctiferalis to LC1, LC5 and LC10 of lambda-cyhalothrin resulted in reductions in the average number of eggs laid per female by 5.56%, 24.55% and 51.06%, respectively. After the 3-day-old adults of C. punctiferalis were exposed to LC10 of lambda-cyhalothrin, the adult longevity of the F0 generation was significantly shortened by 1.60 d, and the oviposition period significantly decreased by 1.29 d, as compared to those in the control group exposed to acetone. The results for the F1 population showed that, in the treatment groups with LC1, LC5 and LC10 of lambda-cyhalothrin, the survival rates at the egg stage decreased by 8.70%, 13.75% and 30.38%, respectively, the average number of eggs laid per female decreased by 38.05%, 30.75% and 24.84%, respectively, and the survival rates at the pupal stage decreased by 2.70%, 13.87% and 27.68%, respectively, as compared to those in the control group. In addition, in the treatment groups with LC1, LC5 and LC10 of lambda-cyhalothrin, the peak values of the age-specific reproductive rate (fx) curve in the F1 generation of C. punctiferalis decreased by 39.76%, 34.68% and 39.56%, respectively, and the pre-oviposition period, the peak of the female age-specific fecundity, intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ) and net rate of increase of the F1 generation (R0) were all significantly reduced as compared to those in the control group. 【Conclusion】 Sublethal concentrations of lambda-cyhalothrin significantly reduced the longevity and fecundity of the F0 generation of C. punctiferalis, and also caused a significant decline in the number of eggs laid of the F1 generation, thereby suppressing population growth. The results of this study provide a theoretical foundation for the scientific application of lambda-cyhalothrin in the management of C. punctiferalis.
    Growth, development and reproduction of the Asian longhorned beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), reared on artificial diet
    SHI Yue, WANG Shao-Bo, KONG De-Zhi, LIU Yun-Peng, ZHAO Ji-Cheng, LIU Hao-Yu, QU Liang-Jian
    2025, 68(8):  1105-1114.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.08.009
    Abstract ( 35 )   PDF (1726KB) ( 16 )   　　
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    【Aim】To explore the effects of artificial diet-based rearing technology on the growth, development and reproduction of Anoplophora glabripennis, to clarify the duration and reproductive parameters of A. glabripennis at different developmental stages, and to establish a system of indoor pass-on technology of A. glabripennis based on artificial diet, so as to provide basic data and technical support for the in-depth basic research on A. glabripennis and the development of new preventive and control technologies in the future. 【Methods】 The duration and mortality rates of different developmental stages of A. glabripennis reared on artificial diet were observed and counted. The effects of feeding different host plants (Salix babylonica and Acer negundo branches) on the adult longevity and number of eggs laid by female adult of A. glabripennis were observed and compared to clarify the feeding preference of A. glabripennis adults for different host plants, and to explore the host plant species suitable for indoor nutrient supplementation of A. glabripennis adults. The differences in the adult longevity and number of eggs laid per female of A. glabripennis of different sources (reared on artificial diet indoors and collected in the field) to evaluate the effects of different growing environments on the development and breeding biology of adult A. glabripennis. The pupal weight of A. glabripennis reared on artificial diet indoors and collected in the field was determined to clarify the effects of different growing environments on the pupal weight of A. glabripennis. 【Results】 Under the condition of the temperature 25 ℃, relative humidity of 60% and photoperiod of 16L∶8D, the egg duration of A. glabripennis was (10.39±0.09) d, and the entire larval duration was (153.78±5.93) d. The larval stage of A. glabripennis reared on artificial diet indoors was divided into five instars, and the 1st-5th instar larval duration was (18.28±0.23), (24.75±0.20), (33.30±0.27), (37.67±0.27) and (39.85±0.31) d, respectively. The pupal duration of A. glabripennis was (15.05±0.06) d, and the survival rates of various developmental stages were maintained at more than 90.0%. Nutrient supplementation with A. negundo branches significantly increased the number of eggs laid per female and adult longevity of A. glabripennis, with the average values of (112.97±3.64) grains, (39.90±4.69) d and (30.93±6.75) d, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of females with nutrient supplemention with S. babylonica branches ［(26.33±0.97) grains, (15.23±3.41) d and (15.50±4.35) d, respectively］. In comparison, there were no significant differences in the number of eggs laid per female and female and male adult longevity of A. glabripennis reared on artificial diet indoors ［(101.50±34.17) grains, (41.00±3.82) d, and (30.50±8.23) d, respectively］ and those collected in the field ［(94.25±18.59) grains, (38.63±6.12) d and (25.88±6.60) d, respectively］. In addition, the pupal weight of A. glabripennis reared on artificial diet indoors was (0.95±0.20) g, which was not significantly different from that collected in the field ［(0.93±0.12) g］. 【Conclusion】 The artificial diet rearing method in this study can not only greatly improve the survival rate of artificially bred A. glabripennis, but also achieve the indoor 2 generations/year pass.on rearing, which greatly shortens the breeding cycle of A. glabripennis, and can provide a stable source of test worms for the basic research of A. glabripennis, and lays a foundation for further development of new prevention and control technologies.
    Occurrence dynamics of Adoretus puberulus (Coleoptera: Rutelidae) in pear orchard of Pu County, Shanxi Province, North China and the toxicity determination of three botanical insecticides to its adults
    WANG Wei-Long, GAO Yu, HE Jiang, XI Rui-Feng, GUO Yong-Hong, WEI Cong, ZUO Guan-Chen, ZHANG Song-Dou, LI Zhen, LIU Xiao-Xia
    2025, 68(8):  1115-1122.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.08.010
    Abstract ( 18 )   PDF (1700KB) ( 10 )   　　
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    【Aim】 The occurrence regularity of Adoretus puberulus and the peak period of daily activity of adults were investigated to provide a reference for the key period of the prevention and control of this pest, and the insecticides with good control efficacy were screened out to provide a reference for the control of A. puberulus using pesticides. 【Methods】 In pear orchard of Pu County, Shanxi Province, North China from April 25 to July 22, 2024, through the investigation of underground grubs, the pupation of overwintering mature larvae, the stinging of adults, and the time of oviposition and egg hatching were investigated. From June 12 to August 6, 2024, the daily number of eggs laid per female was investigated in the laboratory to study the law of oviposition. From May 6 to August 23, 2024, the occurrence law of adults was studied by trapping lamp, and the peak period of daily activity of adults was studied by trapping tent from July 10 to August 4, 2023. One percent matrine soluble concentrate (SL) was used for gradient dilution, and the final concentrations were 50, 100, 500, 1 000 and 5 000 mg/L matrine, respectively. Zero point three percent azadirachtin emulsifiable concentrate (EC) was used for gradient dilution, and the final concentrations were 5, 10, 20, 25 and 50 mg/L azadirachtin, respectively. And 6% rotenone microemulsion (ME) was used for gradient dilution, and the final concentrations were 5, 20, 50, 100 and 1 000 mg/L rotenone, respectively. The toxicity of these botanical insecticides to A. puberulus adults was determined by immersion method. 【Results】 In Pu County, Shanxi Province, the mature larvae of A. puberulus began to pupate in mid-May. Adults began to damage in early June, the adults emerged in mid-June began to lay eggs, and the peak period of adult oviposition was in early and middle July. At the end of June, the eggs began to hatch into larvae, and the egg duration was about 2 weeks. The peak period of adults was from mid-late June to early July. The number of adults trapped was the largest during 20: 00-22: 00, and the main activity time of adults was 20:00-24:00. The median lethal concentration (LC50) values of three botanical insecticides matrine, azadirachtin and rotenone against A. puberulus adults were 515.6, 18.6 and 33.2 mg/L, respectively. 【Conclusion】 By clarifying the occurrence regularity and the peak period of evening activity of A. puberulus adults, it is recommended that light trapping and artificial capture of adults should be carried out during 20:00-24:00 every day from mid-late June to early July. Six percent rotenone in 500-fold dilution (120 mg/L rotenone) can be used for the management of A. puberulus in the pear orchard.
    Effects of feeding by Hyphantria cunea (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) larvae on the induced defense of low-fitness host plant Albizia kalkora
    WANG Rui-Qi, WANG Ying, ZHANG Ao-Ying, TAN Ming-Tao, HE Yu-Bin, JIANG Dun, YAN Shan-Chun
    2025, 68(8):  1123-1135.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.08.011
    Abstract ( 22 )   PDF (2248KB) ( 10 )   　　
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    【Aim】 Albizia kalkora is a low-fitness host plant for Hyphantria cunea larvae. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of H. cunea larval feeding on the induced defense of A. kalkora and the effects of induced defense of A. kalkora on the fitness of the 2nd batch of H. cunea larvae. 【Methods】 On the 7th and 21st days after feeding by the 4th instar larvae of H. cunea at low-density (LD) (30 individuals/plant) and high-density (HD) (50 individuals/plant), the contents of nutrients (amino acids, soluble sugar and total proteins) and secondary substances (tannin, total phenols, total flavones, lignin and total alkaloids) in the damaged and healthy leaves of A. kalkora were measured. The expression levels of the key genes PGT1, CHS7 and ANR in flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, and AOC2, OPCL1 and LOX2S in α-linolenic acid pathway in the damaged and healthy leaves of A. kalkora were measured by RT-qPCR. On the 3rd and 7th days after feeding the 3rd instar larvae of the 2nd batch of H. cunea with the damaged leaves of A. kalkora, the mortality, body weight, body length and head shell width of larvae were measured, and the expression levels of GADD45 and MYC related to growth and development, HK1 and OGDH related to energy metabolism, digestive enzyme genes TRY7, AMY2 and LIP10, and detoxification enzyme genes GST18, CARE14 and CYPAE178 in the 2nd batch of H. cunea larvae were measured by RT-qPCR. 【Results】 The contents of soluble sugar and total proteins in the leaves of A. kalkora in various treatment groups decreased significantly at different time points after feeding the 4th instar larvae of H. cunea with A. kalkora leaves as compared with those in the non-feeding control (CK) group. On the 7th day after feeding, the contents of total phenols, total flavones and lignin in the damaged leaves of A. kalkora in LD and HD feeding groups were significantly increased and the tannin content in the damaged leaves of A. kalkora in the LD feeding group was significantly increased, as compared with those in the CK group. The contents of total phenols and total flavonoids in the healthy leaves of A. kalkora in the HD feeding group were significantly increased as compared with those in the CK group. On the 21st day after feeding the 4th instar larvae of H. cunea with A. kalkora leaves, the contents of tannin and total flavonoids in the damaged A. kalkora leaves in LD and HD feeding groups were significantly increased, the content of total alkaloids in the healthy A. kalkora leaves in the LD feeding group was significantly increased, and the contents of tannin, total phenols and total alkaloids in healthy A. kalkora leaves in the HD feeding group were significantly increased, as compared with those in the CK group. On the 7th day after feeding by the 4th instar larvae of H. cunea, the expression levels of ANR and CHS7 in both the damaged and healthy A. kalkora leaves were significantly up-regulated as compared with those in the CK group. On the 21st day after feeding by the 4th instar larvae of H. cunea, the expression levels of PGT1 and CHS7 in both the damaged and healthy A. kalkora leaves were significantly up-regulated as compared with those in the CK group. On the 7th and 21st days after feeding by the 4th instar larvae of H. cunea, the expression levels of OPCL1 and LOX2S in both the damaged and healthy A. kalkora leaves were significantly up-regulated as compared with those in the CK group. On the 21st day after feeding by the 4th instar larvae of H. cunea, the expression levels of AOC2 in both the damaged and healthy A. kalkora leaves was significantly up-regulated as compared with those in the CK group. On the 3rd and 7th days after feeding on the A. kalkora leaves in which the induced defense had been activated in LD and HD feeding groups, the body weight, body length and head shell width of the 2nd batch of H. cunea larvae decreased significantly, and the larval mortality increased to a certain extent as compared with those in the CK group. The expression levels of GADD45 in the 2nd batch of H. cunea larvae in the LD feeding group on the 3rd and 7th days after feeding were significantly up-regulated and those of MYC in the 2nd batch of H. cunea larvae in LD and HD groups on the 7th day after feeding were significantly up-regulated, as compared with those in the CK group. On the 3rd and 7th days after feeding, the expression levels of TRY7, AMY2, LIP10, HK1, OGDH, GST18, CARE14 and CYPAE178 in the 2nd batch of H. cunea larvae in LD and HD feeding groups were significantly down-regulated as compared with those in the CK group. 【Conclusion】 H. cunea larval feeding activates the induced defense of A. ralkora, and the 2nd batch of H. cunea larvae can not form an effective counter-defense strategy to the induced defense of A. kalkora, which may be an important reason why A. kalkora is a low-fitness host plant for H. cunea larvae.
    Relationship between the distribution pattern of species diversity of the tenebrionid beetle community and topographic factors in the northern Qilian Mountains, northwestern China
    HAN Yue, ZHANG Jian-Ying, TANG Xin-Jie, JIA Long,
    2025, 68(8):  1136-1149.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.08.012
    Abstract ( 27 )   PDF (2084KB) ( 10 )   　　
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    【Aim】 Tenebrionid beetles are a group of ground-dwelling insects with strong adaptability, complex feeding habits and robust reproductive capabilities. The impact of topographic factors on the distribution of tenebrionid beetles in the northern Qilian Mountains, northwestern China was analyzed, aiming to reveal the diversity distribution patterns of tenebrionid beetles under different topographic conditions. 【Methods】 During July-August, 2022, 65 sampling sites were selected across four altitude gradients in the northern Qilian Mountains region: 1 000-2 000, 2 000-3 000, 3 000-4 000, and above 4 000 m. Active trapping method was employed to investigate the species composition and distribution of tenebrionid beetles. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and curve regression fitting were utilized to analyze the relationships between the diversity distribution of tenebrionid beetles and topographic factors in the northern Qilian Mountains. 【Results】 A total of 5 682 adult tenebrionid beetles, belonging to 124 species of 34 genera, were identified and counted. Among them, Anatolica potanini and Scleropatrum horridum horridum were the dominant species, accounting for 14.4% and 24.8% of the total captured individuals, respectively. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index and Simpson dominance index of tenebrionid beetles were the highest at the altitudes between 2 000-3 000 m, the Margalef’s richness index of tenebrionid beetles was the highest at the altitudes between 1 000-2 000 m, and the Pielou’s evenness index of tenebrionid beetles was the highest at the altitudes between 3 000-4 000 m. At the altitudes above 4 000 m, only a few sciophilous and hygrophilous species of Blaptini and Platyscelidini were found. CCA result showed that altitude and slope had significant effects on the distribution pattern of tenebrionid beetles, with altitude having the highest explanatory power. The Margalef’s richness index and Shannon-Wiener diversity index of tenebrionid beetles showed significant linear relationships with altitude. The Margalef’s richness index of tenebrionid beetles was significantly negatively correlated with slope. The individual number of the dominant species A. potanini showed no significant correlation with any of the five topographic factors, and A. potanini was distributed near the origin of the CCA ordination axis, indicating its widespread distribution in the Northern Qilian Mountains. The individual number of the dominant species S. horridum horridum was only significantly negatively correlated with altitude. The plane curvature of tenebrionid beetles showed a significant normal curve distribution relationship with their individual numbers. 【Conclusion】 The distribution pattern of tenebrionid beetles in the northern Qilian Mountains is influenced by a combination of multiple topographic factors, with altitude being the dominant factor.
    Analysis of the diversity and temporal-spatial dynamics of pollen-source plants of Apis cerana cerana (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Simian Mountain, Chongqing, southwestern China, based on mixed pollens in bee bread7
    LONG Jin-Gui, ZHANG Ke, DENG Fei, WANG Ya-Mei, SHI Qing-Hui, HUANG Dun-Yuan
    2025, 68(8):  1150-1163.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.08.013
    Abstract ( 27 )   PDF (2157KB) ( 11 )   　　
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    【Aim】 This study aims to explore the effects of altitude and seasonal changes on the composition and diversity of pollen-source plants of Apis cerana cerana. 【Methods】 Pollen-source plant DNA was extracted for PCR amplification targeting the ITS2 region by collecting the bee bread of A. c. cerana at various altitude gradients (500, 700, 900, 1 100 and 1 300 m) across different months (March, May, July, September and November) in Simian Mountain, Chongqing, southwestern China. Sequencing was performed using Illumina PE250 second-generation high-throughput sequencing technology. Bioinformatics methods were employed to analyze the composition, abundance and diversity of pollen-source plants of A. c. cerana. 【Results】 A total of 162 species belonging to 128 genera of 61 families across 30 orders were identified among the pollen-source plants of A. c. cerana in Simian Mountain, Chongqing, including 101 species of woody plants (accounting for 62.35%), 51 species of herbaceous plants (accounting for 31.48%) and 10 species of lianas (accounting for 6.17%). Among these pollen-source plants, the order Rosales exhibited the highest number of plant species (21), followed by Fagales and Astererales, which comprised 19 and 15 species, respectively. Analysis of the composition of pollen-source plants of A. c. cerana based on the operational taxonomic units (OTUs) indicated that there were 17 species of pollen-source plants accounting for over 1%, with the top five being Castanea seguinii (accounting for 18.9%), Eurya nitida (accounting for 11.3%), Rhus chinensis(accounting for 8.5%), Brassica oleracea (accounting for 6.3%) and Aralia chinensis (accounting for 5.3%). The results of alpha-diversity analysis showed that the diversity of pollen-source plants of A. c. cerana in Simian Mountain, Chongqing increased first and then decreased with the increase of altitude, and was the lowest in May and had no significant difference between the other months. 【Conclusion】 The pollen-source plant resources of A. c. cerana in the Simian Mountain region of Chongqing are abundant. The diversity of these pollen-source plants does not significantly vary by month, however, it exhibits a trend of initially increasing and then decreasing with altitudes. This study elucidates the characteristics of spatiotemporal variations in plant composition and diversity of pollen-source plants of A. c. cerana in Simian Mountain of Chongqing. The findings offer a novel perspective for further research and conservation efforts concerning A. c. cerana populations in this area, and provide valuable insights for local beekeepers in selecting appropriate apiary locations, ensuring a steady supply of pollen resources, enhancing honeybee survival rates, and ultimately increasing the yield of bee products.
    Analysis of the morphological differentiation of Apis cerana cerana (Hymenoptera: Apidae) workers in Guizhou Province, Southwest China based on machine learning
    WANG Yin-Chen, YUAN Yang, REN Chang-Shi, ZHAO Tian, DENG Meng-Qing, REN Rong-Qing, WANG Hua, FANG Xiao-Ming, LIAO Yan, WANG Hai-Long, FANG Yu
    2025, 68(8):  1164-1174.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2025.08.014
    Abstract ( 42 )   PDF (3168KB) ( 19 )   　　
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    【Aim】The morphology of Apis cerana cerana is influenced by geographical and ecological differences. This study aims to explore the morphological differences of A. c. cerana in different regions of Guizhou Province, Southwest China, so as to provide a reference for understanding its morphological differentiation across regions. 【Methods】A total of 7 524 worker samples of the A. c. cerana Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau ecotype were collected from 33 regions across Guizhou Province. The morphological parameters related to proboscis, legs, tergites, sternites and forewings were measured post-dissection. The random forest (RF), neural network (NN) and support vector machine (SVM) methods were employed for parameter tuning to identify the optimal morphological analysis model and screen the importance of variables. The K-means unsupervised cluster analysis was conducted based on the importance of variables. The Pearson correlation analysis was performed between important variables and temperature, precipitation and vegetation values. 【Results】 The machine learning results indicated that the optimal parameter tuning was achieved with the mtry set at 5 and random tree at 550. Among the three models, SVM outperformed RF and NN in terms of precision, recall and F1 score. The importance values for the wax mirror interval on sternite Ⅲ, wax mirror length on sternite Ⅲ, wax mirror width on sternite Ⅲ, cubital2 and forewing length were notably high. The cluster analysis results revealed that the worker samples of A. c. cerana from 12 regions such as Zhijin, Zhenfeng and Chishui clustered into one group, those from 8 regions such as Nayong, Hezhang and Ceheng clustered into another, while those from 13 regions such as Xifeng, Pingtang and Luodian were distributed across both groups. The correlation analysis result showed a highly significant positive correlation between the wax mirror length on sternite Ⅲ and the wax mirror width on sternite Ⅲ and forewing width, and the wax mirror width on sternite Ⅲ was also highly positively correlated with the forewing width. The wax mirror interval on sternite Ⅲ was significantly negatively correlated with the cumulative spring-winter temperature difference over three years, and cubital2 exhibited a significant negative correlation with the cumulative spring-winter temperature difference over three years. 【Conclusion】 The machine learning results indicate morphological differentiation of A. c. cerana across different regions in Guizhou Province. This SVM method offers new insights into bee classification and aids in understanding the evolutionary trends of A. c. cerana morphology within Guizhou Province. It also has implications for the conservation of local A. c. cerana germplasm resources in Guizhou Province.
    CONTENTS
    Contents of Vol. 68 Issue 8
    2025, 68(8):  1175-1175. 
    Abstract ( 17 )   PDF (561KB) ( 5 )   　　
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