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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 February 2026, Volume 69 Issue 2
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  • RESEARCH PAPERS
    Cloning, expression profiling and functional characterization of the gustatory receptor gene NlugGR17 in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)
    ZHONG Yu-Qing, ZONG Wen, SHENTU Xu-Ping, YU Xiao-Ping, LIU Yi-Peng
    2026, 69(2):  159-167.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.02.001
    Abstract ( 635 )   PDF (11341KB) ( 175 )   PDF（mobile） (11341KB) ( 56 )   　　
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    【Aim】The brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, is a devastating pest of rice worldwide. Functional characterization of the key gustatory receptor (GR) genes of N. lugens is essential for developing novel green management techniques. This study aims to clone the highly-expressed GR gene NlugGR17 in the adult antennae of N. lugens, ascertain its sequence features and expression pattern, and explore its role in N. lugens survival, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for future pest control strategies targeting gustatory receptors. 【Methods】The full-length cDNA sequence of NlugGR17 was cloned based on the transcriptomic data from the adult antennae of N. lugens. The transmembrane domains and phylogenetic relationships of NlugGR17 were analyzed via bioinformatics tools. The expression levels of NlugGR17 in the antennae of the 1st-5th instar nymphs and female and male adults, and the legs of female and male adults were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).  NlugGR17 expression was silenced through RNA interference (RNAi), and the subsequent changes in NlugGR17 expression levels in female and male adults of N. lugens post RNAi were detected, and the survival rate of N. lugens adults post RNAi was observed and counted.【Results】The full-length cDNA sequence of NlugGR17 was successfully cloned and obtained. It encodes a protein predicted to possess six transmembrane domains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that NlugGR17 clusters within a clade of known insect sugar receptors. qRT-PCR result indicated that NlugGR17 was expressed in the antennae of the 1st-5th instar nymphs and both sexes of adults, with the expression levels being significantly higher in female and male adult antennae than in the 1st-5th instar nymphal antennae, and showed weak expression in female and male adult legs. The results of the RNAi experiment showed that RNAi-mediated knockdown of NlugGR17 led to a significant decrease in the survival rate of both female and male adults of N. lugens compared to the control group injected with dsNlugGFP. 【Conclusion】NlugGR17 is a gustatory receptor gene indispensable for N. lugens survival, potentially through its involvement in sugar recognition and energy metabolism. These findings highlight NlugGR17 as a promising molecular target for the development of behavioral regulation-based control techniques against this major pest.
    Cloning, expression profiling and functional analysis of the cohesion complex subunit genes Zcsolo and Zcsunn in Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae)
    JIN Qian-Qian, MA Lu-Jie, LIN Xian-Wu, YAN Ri-Hui
    2026, 69(2):  168-177.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.02.002
    Abstract ( 367 )   PDF (13443KB) ( 67 )   PDF（mobile） (13443KB) ( 10 )   　　
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    【Aim】 To identify and explore the functions of cohesin complex subunits ZcSOLO and ZcSUNN in the reproductive processes of female and male Zeugodacus cucurbitae, thereby providing a basis for elucidating the role of the cohesin complex in meiosis and reproductive regulation of Z. cucurbitae. 【Methods】 The amino acid and nucleotide sequences of ZcSOLO and ZcSUNN of Z. cucurbitae were obtained through sequence alignment in the NCBI database, and the coding sequences (CDSs) of Zcsolo and Zcsunn were cloned from the cDNA that was synthesized from the total RNA extracted from the ovaries of mature Z. cucurbitae, subsequently sequenced and bioinformatically analyzed. The expression levels of Zcsolo and Zcsunn across different developmental stages ［embryo (15 s, and 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h after egg laying), larva (1-, 3- and 7-day-old), pupa (1-, 5- and 9-day-old) and adult (1-, 5-, 7-, 10- and 15-day-old)］ and 10-day-old adult tissues (head, thorax, abdomen, leg, testis and ovary) of Z. cucurbitae were examined by qPCR. RNAi-mediated knockdown of Zcsolo and Zcsunn in the 3-day-old adult of Z. cucurbitae was performed via dsRNA injection. Then the ovarian development of female adults was observed under a microscope. The ovarian area, the morphology and size of gonads, and the number of eggs laid in 10 d and egg hatching rate after mating were measured.【Results】 The correct CDSs of Zcsolo and Zcsunn of Z. cucurbitae were cloned. The CDS of Zcsolo consists of five exons with the length of 2 493 bp, while that of Zcsunn contains 15 exons with the length of 2 736 bp. SOLO and SUNN of Z. cucurbitae and Drosophila melanogaster shared very similar three-dimensional structure with high homology. Zcsolo and Zcsunn were specifically highly expressed in adult gonads, suggesting their roles related to fecundity. RNAi-mediated downregulation of Zcsolo and Zcsunn delayed the ovarian development and reduced the number of mature ovarian follicles. When the female adults after RNAi of Zcsolo and Zcsunn mated with the wild-type male adults, the number of eggs laid by female adults within 10 d and egg hatching rate significantly decreased. When the male adults after RNAi of Zcsolo and Zcsunn mated with the wild-type female adults, the number of eggs laid by the wild-type female adults within 10 d was not affected significantly, but the egg hatching rate after fertilization significantly reduced, indicating impaired male adult fecundity after RNAi of Zcsolo and Zcsunn. 【Conclusion】 This study demonstrates that Zcsolo and Zcsunn are essential for the fecundity of female and male Z. cucurbitae, providing a theoretical foundation for pest control strategies based on reproductive interference.
    Cloning, expression profiling and functional analysis of the juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase gene AsJHEH in Anopheles sinensis (Diptera: Culicidae)
    XING Xiao-Qing, LI Quan-Run, CHEN Bin, SI Feng-Ling
    2026, 69(2):  178-189.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.02.003
    Abstract ( 337 )   PDF (4542KB) ( 63 )   PDF（mobile） (4542KB) ( 14 )   　　
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    【Aim】Juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase (JHEH) is a key enzyme in the juvenile hormone (JH) metabolic pathway, playing a crucial role in insect growth, development and reproductive regulation. Anopheles sinensis, a major vector of malaria, has not been well-studied regarding the function of its JHEH gene. This study aims to characterize the molecular properties and gene expression patterns of JHEH in An. sinensis, and to explore the role of JHEH in the reproduction of An. sinensis.【Methods】Based on the transcriptomic and genomic data of An. sinensis, the cDNA sequence of AsJHEH was amplified using PCR. Bioinformatics tools were employed to predict the physicochemical properties and structural features of AsJHEH, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA11.0. The expression levels of AsJHEH in different developmental stages of An. sinensis (eggs, 1st-4th instar larvae, female pupae, male pupae, and female and male adults, 0, 10, 20 and 30 h after pupation, late female pupae, as well as female adults at 0, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 h after eclosion), different female and male adult tissues (head, thorax and abdomen), and different tissues of female adults (midgut, Malpighian tubules, fat body, ovaries and integument) were detected using RT-qPCR. The pET32a-AsJHEH prokaryotic expression vector was constructed to induce protein expression and purify the recombinant protein, followed by the preparation of AsJHEH polyclonal antibody. RNAi was performed by injecting dsAsJHEH into the late female pupae of An. sinensis. The gene silencing efficiency was verified by RT-qPCR and Western blotting, and the eclosion rate, ovarian development, number of eggs laid per female adult of An. sinensis and the expression levels of AsVg in eclosed adults at 24 and 48 h post blood-feeding were observed and determined.【Results】The cDNA sequence of AsJHEH (GenBank accession no.: PV466834) of An. sinensis was successfully cloned and obtained. It was 1 389 bp in length, encoding 462 amino acids. The predicted molecular weight and isoelectric point (pI) of the encoded protein were 53.02 kD and 6.20, respectively. AsJHEH contained conserved structural motifs, including a catalytic triad (Asp234-Glu411-His438), an oxyanion hole (Tyr306 and Tyr381), and the XWG and HGXP motifs. AsJHEH was most closely related to JHEHs from other Culicidae species. Spatio-temporal expression patterns revealed that AsJHEH was expressed in all developmental stages and adult tissues of An. sinensis, with the highest expression level in the 2nd instar larvae (888.98-fold as high as that in adult females) and male adult head (1 198.54-fold as high as that in the ovary of female adult). The recombinant AsJHEH was successfully prepared by prokaryotic expression system, yielding polyclonal antibody with a titer of 1∶128 000. After RNAi of AsJHEH, the expression levels of AsJHEH at the mRNA and protein levels in An. sinensis were significantly reduced as compared to those in the control group injected with dsEGFP. RNAi of AsJHEH led to a 26.67% decrease in eclosion rate, abnormal ovarian development, a 1.8-fold upregulation of AsVg expression level in eclosed adults at 48 h post blood-feeding, a 52.23% reduction in the number of eggs laid per female, and the production of elongated eggs (0.2-fold longer eggs) that failed to hatch compared to the control group injected with dsEGFP.【Conclusion】This study elucidates the critical role of AsJHEH in the growth, development and reproductive regulation in An. sinensis for the first time, not only laying a theoretical foundation for controlling An. sinensis through the JH degradation pathway but also supplying potential molecular targets for JH metabolism-based biocontrol strategies, which has important theoretical significance and practical value.
    Combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of detoxification metabolisms in Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) under imidacloprid stress
    LIU Bao-Zhi, BAI Yan-Yan, LIU Xin-Yu, QI Yu, ZHAO Ying-Ying, YANG Jia-Ting, LÜ Shu-Jie, XIE Shou-An
    2026, 69(2):  190-202.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.02.004
    Abstract ( 324 )   PDF (9038KB) ( 75 )   PDF（mobile） (9038KB) ( 16 )   　　
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    【Aim】This study aims to lay the foundation for further research on the detoxification mechanisms of insects through identifying the genes and metabolites related to detoxification metabolisms in Lycorma delicatula.【Methods】Indoor toxicity of imidacloprid to adult L. delicatula was determined using the leaf dipping method to definite the sublethal concentration LC10 value and the median lethal concentration (LC50) value in 24 h. Adult L. delicatula treated with LC10 of imidacloprid underwent high-throughput sequencing via the Illumina HiSeq 2000 and TripleTOF 6600+platforms. The nonredundant sequences of genes and metabolites were annotated against NR, Swiss-Prot, Pfam, GO, COG/KOG, KEGG and TrEMBL databases to obtain the annotation information of unigenes. The differentially expressed detoxification enzyme genes and detoxification-related metabolites were screened by DESeq2［with the thresholds of ｜log2(fold change)｜≥1 and false discovery rate (FDR)≤0.05］ and PLS-DA［variable important in projection (VIP)>1, P<0.05］, respectively. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were annotated against the KEGG database to identify the commonly enriched metabolic pathways, so as to explore the associations between DEGs and DEMs.【Results】 The LC10 and LC50 values of imidacloprid to adult L. delicatula in 24 h were 20.799 and 68.707 mg/L, respectively, with the toxicity regression equation of y=-4.533+2.467x. A total of 93 157 unigenes and 179 317 transcripts were obtained by transcriptome sequencing of adult L. delicatula treated with LC10 of imidacloprid. The KEGG annotation result revealed that 168 DEGs involved in 11 metabolic pathways were screened from the transcriptomes between the group treated with LC10 of imidacloprid and the clean water control group, with the DEGs involved in carbohydrate metabolism (50 DEGs) and amino acid metabolism (24 DEGs) being the most prominent. Six detoxification-related DEGs from the cytochrome P450 and UGT families were screened between the group treated with LC10 of imidacloprid and the clean water control group. In addition, 134 DEMs were screened from the metabolomes between the group treated with LC10 of imidacloprid and the clean water control group, including 87 down-regulated metabolites and 47 up-regulated metabolites, predominantly benzene derivatives, amino acids and their metabolites, organic acids and their derivatives, heterocyclic compounds, aldehydes, ketones, and esters. 【Conclusion】 The transcriptome and metabolome databases for adult L. delicatula treated with LC10 of imidacloprid was established, and the key detoxification-related DEGs (for example, cytochrome P450 and UGT genes) and some DEMs were identified. These findings preliminarily elucidate the detoxification mechanisms of L. delicatula, providing a reference for research on the other hemipteran insects and laying a foundation for functional analysis of detoxification enzyme genes and further detoxification mechanism studies of L. delicatula.
    Emamectin benzoate stress regulates the survival, reproduction, and autophagy-related gene expression of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) under rapamycin induction
    ZHANG Lin-Yuan, XUE Qi, WANG Yong, CAO Xia-Yi, MIN Li-Jing, ZHANG Li-Qin, LIU Hao-Ran, ZHANG Xue-Ke
    2026, 69(2):  203-213.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.02.005
    Abstract ( 269 )   PDF (1928KB) ( 43 )   PDF（mobile） (1928KB) ( 4 )   　　
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    【Aim】This study aims to explore the role of autophagy in the resistance of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus to environmentally friendly pesticide emamectin benzoate stress, so as to address the issue of drug resistance caused by long-term single-agent application.【Methods】The dip method was employed to determine the toxicity of emamectin benzoate to B. xylophilus adults in 24 h. Autophagy was induced in B. xylophilus using 0.5 and 50 mmol/L rapamycin followed by treatment with emamectin benzoate at the concentrations of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 mg/L for 24 h, and the mortality rate of B. xylophilus adults was calculated. The reproduction rates of B. xylophilus adults were measured at 7 d after exposure to emamectin benzoate at LC20 (0.30 mg/L) and median lethal concentration (LC50)(1.14 mg/L) following the treatment with 50 mmol/L rapamycin for 1 h. Autophagy-related genes BxATG2, BxATG11 and BxATG18 of B. xylophilus were cloned by PCR and bioinformatically analyzed. qRT-PCR was employed to detect the expression levels of the key autophagy-related genes (BxATG2, BxATG6, BxATG10, BxATG11, BxATG12 and BxATG18) in B. xylophilus adults after exposure to 50 mmol/L rapamycin followed by emamectin benzoate at LC50 (1.14 mg/L) and a high concentration (3.20 mg/L) for 24 h.【Results】 The mortality rates of B. xylophilus adults increased with the concentrations of emamectin benzoate rising. The LC20 and LC50 values of emamectin benzoate against B. xylophilus adults in 24 h were 0.30 and 1.14 mg/L, respectively. After rapamycin-induced autophagy, the lethality of emamectin benzoate to B. xylophilus adults decreased. The reproduction rates of B. xylophilus adults declined with the concentrations of emamectin benzoate increasing, and showed a slight but non-significant increase following rapamycin induction. The proteins encoded by the successfully cloned autophagy-related genes BxATG2, BxATG11 and BxATG18 exhibited high amino acid sequence identities with the homologs from the closely related nematodes. BxATG2, BxATG11 and BxATG18 were acidic and hydrophobic proteins, lacking signal peptides and transmembrane domains. BxATG2, BxATG11 and BxATG18 were most closely related to their counterparts in nematodes of the genus Bursaphelenchus. Rapamycin pretreatment (50 mmol/L) alone significantly altered the expression of BxATG11 and BxATG12, both 1.14 and 3.20 mg/L emamectin benzoate upregulated the expression of BxATG2, BxATG6, BxATG10, BxATG11 and BxATG18, and after induction by 50 mmol/L rapamycin, the upregulated effects of emamectin benzoate (particularly at the high concentration of 3.20 mg/L) on BxATG2, BxATG6, BxATG11, BxATG12 and BxATG18 were further enhanced.【Conclusion】 Cellular autophagy plays a critical role in the defense of B. xylophilus adults against emamectin benzoate stress. Resistance to emamectin benzoate in B. xylophilus adults can be enhanced by the expression induction of autophagy-related genes (such as BxATG2, BxATG6, BxATG10, BxATG11 and BxATG18) through rapamycin. This study deepens the understanding of biological adaptive evolution and provides a theoretical basis and reference for developing novel prevention and control strategies against pine wilt disease based on regulating the autophagy pathway.
    Laboratory virulence assay and greenhouse control efficacy of three entomogenous fungi against the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) larvae
    TIAN Hao-Ran, YAN Xiao-Xi, LI Jin-Peng, BAI Ming, WANG Xin-Pu, HONG Bo, JIA Yan-Xia
    2026, 69(2):  214-222.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.02.006
    Abstract ( 275 )   PDF (1583KB) ( 60 )   PDF（mobile） (1583KB) ( 29 )   　　
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     【Aim】 This study aims to clarify the insecticidal effects of three entomogenous fungi against Tuta absoluta, so as to provide a theoretical reference for its biological control. 【Methods】 Using the topical application method, the laboratory virulence of the spore suspensions of three entomogenous fungi (Lecanicillium lecanii JMC-01, Fusarium equiseti JMF-01, and the UV-mutated strain YB4 of Penicillium raistrickii F-1) at different concentrations (1.0×106, 1.0×107 and 1.0×108 cfu/mL) against the 1st-2nd instar larvae of T. absoluta was tested. Based on the laboratory virulence test result, the spore suspensions of the three entomogenous fungi at the concentration of 1.0×108 cfu/mL were then used to evaluated their control efficacy against T. absoluta larvae in a greenhouse using a randomized block design.【Results】 The laboratory virulence test results demonstrated that all the three entomogenous fungi exhibited significant virulence against the 1st-2nd instar larvae of T. absoluta. At the highest tested concentration (1.0×108 cfu/mL), the spore suspensions of L. lecanii JMC-01, the UV-mutated strain YB4 of P. raistrickii F-1 and F. equiseti JMF-01 caused the 5-d cumulative corrected mortality rates of the 1st-2nd instar larvae of T. absoluta to reach 71.79%, 61.54% and 58.97%, respectively. The median lethal time (LT50) values of the spore suspensions of L. lecanii JMC-01, the UV-mutated strain YB4 of P. raistrickii F-1 and F. equiseti JMF-01 at the concentration of 1.0×108 cfu/mL to the 1st-2nd instar larvae of T. absoluta were 75.5166, 89.1429 and 96.4826 h, respectively. In greenhouse control efficacy trials, at the concentration of 1.0×108 cfu/mL, L. lecanii JMC-01 demonstrated the control efficacy of 69.28% against T. absoluta larvae at 7 d after the 2nd application, whereas the UV-mutated strain YB4 of P. raistrickii F-1 and F. equiseti JMF-01 achieved the control efficacy of 52.69% and 52.30%, respectively, against T. absoluta at 7 d after the 2nd application. 【Conclusion】All the three entomogenous fungi have certain control efficacy against the 1st-2nd instar larvae of T. absoluta larvae, and L. lecanii JMC-01 shows the highest control efficacy, with the potential as a biocontrol agent.
    Comparison of the growth, development and fecundity of Thrips tabaci (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on three host plants
    CHANG Yi-Fang, SUN Hao-Yu, LI Wen-Yu, SUN Li-Juan, ZHENG Chang-Ying
    2026, 69(2):  223-231.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.02.007
    Abstract ( 251 )   PDF (3026KB) ( 74 )   PDF（mobile） (3026KB) ( 13 )   　　
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    【Aim】 Thrips tabaci is a significant pest on Allium crops and causes damage across all provinces (autonomous regions or municipalities) in China. Its host range encompasses dozens of crops, including welsh onion Allium fistulosum, garlic, tomato, potato, cucurbits, legumes, Brassicaceae vegetables, as well as tobacco and cotton. However, research on its biological characteristics across different host plants remains limited. In this study, we constructed the age-stage, two-sex life table of T. tabaci on three host plants (A. fistulosum leaves, A. tuberosum leaves and Phaseolus vulgaris pods) to investigate the growth, development and reproductive characteristics of T. tabaci on these plants, thereby grasping its biological characteristics and providing a basis for indoor population rearing and scientific control.【Methods】 Under the controlled laboratory conditions of temperature (25±0.5) ℃, relative humidity 55%±5% and photoperiod 16L∶8D, an age-stage, two-sex life table was constructed to study the effects of A. fistulosum leaves, A. tuberosum leaves and Phaseolus vulgaris pods on the population of T. tabaci. The parameters such as developmental duration, total pre-oviposition period, number of eggs laid per female， life expectancy and reproductive value were calculated by using the TWOSEX-MSChart program, and the population trend was predicted by using the TIMING-MSChart program.【Results】 The immature period (14.71 d), adult longevity (15.80 d) and average generation time T (26.34 d) of T. tabaci fed on P. vulgaris pods were significantly longer than those fed on A. fistulosum leaves (13.93, 11.11 and 23.45 d, respectively), and those fed on A. tuberosum leaves (13.90, 10.80 and 23.01 d, respectively). The net reproductive rate R0(11.08), intrinsic rate of increase r(0.0913 d-1), and finite rate of increase λ(1.09 d-1) of T. tabaci fed on P. vulgaris pods were significantly higher than those fed on A. fistulosum leaves (4.32, 0.0624 d-1and 1.06 d-1, respectively), and those fed on A. tuberosum leaves (4.28, 0.0632 d-1 and 1.06 d-1, respectively), but those fed on A. fistulosum leaves and A. tuberosum leaves showed no significant difference. 【Conclusion】 Reared indoors, T. tabaci can complete its life cycle on A. fistulosum leaves, A. tuberosum leaves and P. vulgaris pods. T. tabaci that feeds on P. vulgaris pods has a longer immature period than that feeds on the other two host plants, but has the highest fecundity and the strongest population reproductive capacity, making P. vulgaris more conducive to its population growth. This study provides a theoretical basis for predicting T. tabaci populations and implementing field control measures.
    Regulation of the olfactory and oviposition behaviors of female moths of Grapholita molesta (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) by honey fermentation volatiles
    NIU Guo-Fei, WEI Xiao-Xue, WANG Yi, DONG A-Mei, LI Jie, MA Rui-Yan, KONG Wei-Na
    2026, 69(2):  232-243.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.02.008
    Abstract ( 663 )   PDF (1687KB) ( 54 )   PDF（mobile） (1687KB) ( 10 )   　　
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    【Aim】Grapholita molesta is a globally distributed significant pest of Rosaceae fruit trees. After eclosion, female moths require feeding to promote reproductive development. In laboratory settings, honey is commonly provided as a food source. However, honey is prone to fermentation, and the impact of its volatile compounds on the olfactory behavior of female moths of G. molesta remains unclear. 【Methods】The commonly used non-host plant-derived honey (Guanshengyuan) in the laboratory and two host plant-derived honey (Jiangshanqing and Yanglaosi) were selected. Headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) was employed to analyze the changes in volatile components before and after honey fermentation, and the key differential volatile compounds were screened. Electroantennogram (EAG) measurement and oviposition preference behavioral assay were conducted to clarify the olfactory behavioral responses of the 3-day-old mated female moths of G. molesta to four volatile compounds (isoamyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate and n-octane) at five concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 μg/μL). 【Results】A total of 40 volatile components were detected from three honey samples, and differences in volatile components and their contents were observed in all the three honey samples before and after fermentation. Ethyl acetate, ethanol and isoamyl acetate were present in all samples, while n-octane was detected in both fermented and unfermented Guanshengyuan and Yanglaosi honey. The three fermented honey samples exhibited relatively high level of isoamyl alcohol, whereas the fermented Jiangshanqing honey lacked the otherwise abundant n-octane in the unfermented status. EAG test results demonstrated that 10 μg/μL isoamyl alcohol, 100 μg/μL ethyl acetate, 100 μg/μL isoamyl acetate and 1 μg/μL n-octane could elicit strong olfactory responses in female moths of G. molesta. Oviposition selection test results revealed concentration-dependent behavioral effects of the fermented honey volatile compounds on the female moths of G. molesta. Isoamyl alcohol showed attractant effects on the female moths of G. molesta at the concentrations of 0.01 and 1 μg/μL, but exhibited repellent effects on the female moths of G. molesta at the concentrations of 10 and 100 μg/μL. Both ethyl acetate and isoamyl acetate at high concentrations (10-100 μg/μL) exhibited attractant effects on the female moths of G. molesta. n-Octane displayed repellent effect on the female moths of G. molesta only at the concentration of 0.1 μg/μL, but demonstrated attractant effects on the female moths of G. molesta at the concentrations of 0.01, 1 and 100 μg/μL. 【Conclusion】 The above results reveal that honey fermentation significantly alters the volatile components and their contents, and isoamyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate and n-octane exhibit concentration-dependent regulatory effects on the olfactory and oviposition behaviors of female G. molesta moths, providing theoretical support for the development of olfactory behavior regulation technologies.
    Identification and biological characteristic observation of Asobara pleuralis (Hymenoptera: Braconidea) from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, southwestern China, and evaluation of its biocontrol potential against Drosophila pest species
    WANG Ze-Ying, ZHU Hong-Yi, FU Li-Di, FENG Hong-Yu, WANG Ying, HUANG Jian-Hua, CHEN Jia-Ni
    2026, 69(2):  244-254.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.02.009
    Abstract ( 283 )   PDF (15550KB) ( 47 )   PDF（mobile） (15550KB) ( 15 )   　　
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    【Aim】This study aims to clarify the biological characteristics of the parasitoid wasp Asobara pleuralis from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, southwestern China (Banna population) and its potential for controlling Drosophila pests, providing a theoretical basis for establishing biological control strategies against the berry pests like D. suzukii.【Methods】Species identification of adult wasps emerged from Drosophila species collected from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, was conducted through molecular analysis of the COⅠ gene and observation of morphological characteristics. Under laboratory conditions, the morphological characteristics and duration of various developmental stages of the dentified parasitoid wasp were observed and recorded, the adult longevity was counted, and the oviposition rate, parasitism rate, wasp emergence rate and sex ratio (female to male ratio) of the parasitoid wasp were measured using the 2nd instar larvae of D. melanogaster as a host under varying parasitization duration (0.5, 1 and 2 h). Subsequently, the parasitic capabilities of this wasp against the 2nd instar larvae of nine different Drosophila species were further assessed.【Results】Integrated morphological and molecular identification confirmed the parasitoid species as A. pleuralis. Under the conditions of temperature (25±1) ℃, 50%±1% relative humidity and photoperiod of 16L∶8D, the egg, larval, female pupal and male pupal duration of A. pleuralis was (1.87±0.01), (4.39±0.02), (7.12±0.06) and (5.34±0.05) d, respectively, and the median survival time of female adults of A. pleuralis was 38 d, significantly longer than that of male adults (12 d). In a 2-h parasitism assay, A. pleuralis achieved the optimal parasitism efficacy against the 2nd instar larvae of D. melanogaster, with the oviposition rate, parasitism rate and wasp emergence rate reaching 100%, 100% and 81.17%±2.81%, respectively, which were higher than those observed in 0.5-h treatment group (92.50%±1.26%, 91.00%±0.88% and 64.17%±1.29%, respectively) and 1-h treatment group (100%, 97.84%±0.42% and 68.67%±1.42%, respectively). This optimal parasitization duration enabled A. pleuralis to efficiently parasitize various Drosophila pest species, including D. suzukii. The parasitism rates of A. pleuralis against the 2nd instar larvae of seven Drosophila host species exceeded 90%, with an impressive 97.56%±0.44% parasitism rate specifically against the 2nd instar larvae of D. suzukii.【Conclusion】A. pleuralis exhibits high parasitism efficiency against D. suzukii and possesses a broad host range. This study establishes the theoretical basis for developing a control system against D. suzukii based on multiple parasitoid releases, and provides technical support for mass rearing of A. pleuralis using productive host species.
    Droplet digital PCR for the multiplex and precise identification of three common quarantine mealybug species (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)
    LI Xin, LI Hui, LI Li-Mei, YANG Li-Feng, MENG Fan-Ze, CHU Dong, FU Hai-Bin
    2026, 69(2):  255-265.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.02.010
    Abstract ( 180 )   PDF (7640KB) ( 25 )   PDF（mobile） (7640KB) ( 5 )   　　
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    Abstract: 【Aim】To apply the droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) technology to establish a multiplex and precise detection method for three quarantine mealybug species, Planococcus minor, Pl. lilacinus and Paracoccus marginatus intercepted at high frequency. 【Methods】Using common mealybug species Pl. minor, Pl. lilacinu, Pa. marginatus, Dysmicoccus neobrevipes, Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi, Maconellicoccus hirsutus, Ps. comstocki and Pl. citri intercepted at ports and collected domestically as test insects, the COⅠ gene sequence was used as the target. Homology alignment and design of specific primers and probes were performed using the GenBank database, MEGA11 and Beacon Designer 8. Based on the single ddPCR detection system of the three mealybug species Pl. minor, Pl. lilacinus and Pa. marginatus, the reaction system was optimized by screening the optimal concentrations of primers and probes, thereby establishing a multiplex ddPCR method for the rapid and absolute quantitative detection of the genomic copy numbers of Pl. minor, Pl. lilacinus and Pa. marginatus in the same reaction system, and compared with TaqMan qPCR method to determine the sensitivity, quantification limit and accuracy of this method. 【Results】 All sets of primers and probes could amplify the genomes of target mealybugs in the multiplex ddPCR detection system without cross-reactivity, and the lowest DNA concentration detected was consistent with that of TaqMan qPCR. The lower limit of absolute quantification of this nultiplex ddPCR detection system for the genomic detection of Pl. minor was 0.44 copies/μL, that for the genomic detection of Pl. lilacinus was 0.43 copies/μL, and that for the genomic detection of Pa. marginatus was 0.44 copies/μL. The linear coefficients of determination R2 for the quantitative assay of this nultiplex ddPCR detection system were all greater than 0.99 within the range of quantification, and the reproducibility and linear correlation were good. 【Conclusion】The multiplex ddPCR detection method established in this study can realize the rapid and precise identification of three quarantine mealybug species Pl. minor, Pl. lilacinus and Pa. marginatus intercepted at high frequency, and provide technical service and support for the prevention and control of foreign pests at ports and the protection of China’s ecological security.
    Key words: Planococcus minor; Planococcus lilacinus; Paracoccus marginatus; molecular identification; molecular marker; droplet digital PCR
    Butterfly image recognition based on MATLAB technology: A case study with butterflies of the Liancheng National Nature Reserve in Gansu Province, northwestern China
    ZHOU Yuan-Zhi, LIU Xue-Chun, HU Yu-Pei, WANG Li-Xiang, CHEN Xiao-Xiao, SHANG Su-Qin
    2026, 69(2):  266-275.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.02.011
    Abstract ( 289 )   PDF (12377KB) ( 42 )   PDF（mobile） (12377KB) ( 9 )   　　
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    【Aim】Based on feature extraction by convolutional neural network, this study aims to explore the feasibility of accurately identifying wild butterflies by integrating the GoogLeNet network model with digital image feature information.【Methods】Nine species of Lepidoptera butterflies belonging to 4 families with high richness in Liancheng National Nature Reserve, Gansu Province, northwestern China were selected, among them, 3 704 adult specimen images were used to construct a butterfly image recognition model, and 376 butterfly images with interfering factors were collected to screen out the optimal model with the highest recognition precision. By modifying the internal structure and adjusting the parameters of the GoogLeNet network model, and using PhotoShop for post-processing of images, the activation function was optimized, the number of parameters was reduced, and the calculation speed and feature extraction ability were improved to accurately identify butterfly species.【Results】 Ten models were trained using MATLAB software platform, among them four models demonstrating the optimal performance in terms of model size, accuracy and recognition efficiency were screened. The best-performing model was selected to construct a diagnostic system for the nine representative butterfly species including Melanargia halimede, Pieris rapae, Colias fieldii, Papilio xuthus, Gonepteryx rhamni, Seokia pratti, Hipparchia autonoe, Aglais urticae and Neptis alwina. After 60-min training on the platform, the model achieved 100.0% diagnostic accuracy on the validation dataset. Even when artificial interference items were introduced, the modified GoogLeNet model maintained an accuracy of 94.7%. Upon completion of training with multiple data models, we confirmed that increasing dataset size and image quality directly improved the model’s recognition precision.【Conclusion】 To a certain extent, the model constructed in this study overcomes the shortcomings of identifying butterfly species using a single feature, improves the accuracy of wild butterfly identification, and has strong model stability. It can provide technical support for the intelligent identification of butterflies and lay the foundation for the subsequent development of the recognition platform.
    REVIEW ARTICLES
    Research advances of the impacts of light pollution on insects
    YANG Xiao-Fan, ZHANG Fan, JIANG Yue-Li, LI Jian-Cheng, QIN Qiu-Ju, MA Ai-Hong, WEI Guo-Shu
    2026, 69(2):  276-287.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.02.012
    Abstract ( 368 )   PDF (2459KB) ( 81 )   PDF（mobile） (2459KB) ( 16 )   　　
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     Since the widespread adoption of electric lighting in the early 20th century, the excessive or improper use of artificial light at night (ALAN) has led to increasingly severe light pollution worldwide, emerging as an emerging environmental issue of growing concerns in the context of global change. Light pollution disrupts insects’ accurate perception of spatial location, direction and time by significantly altering the key parameters of the natural nocturnal light environments, such as light intensity, light spectral composition, light-dark cycles, and polarized light characteristics. Research indicates that light pollution exerts multi-level negative impacts on insects, ranging from individuals to ecosystems, including disrupted phototactic behavior, orientation and navigation impairment, biological rhythm disorder, development and reproduction inhibition, population decline, and alterations in community structure. These effects pose a serious threat to insect diversity and ecosystem functioning. Given the current limitations and gaps in light pollution research in China, in this article we reviewed the progress in this field from three aspects, including the characteristics and ecological impacts of light pollution, its effects on insect behaviors, growth, development and reproduction, and its influence on insect populations and community structure. Additionally, we proposed the following key research directions: (1) the long-term cumulative ecological effects of light pollution; (2) the trade-offs between ecological risk and benifits of pest control technologies using light; (3) the cross-scale regulatory mechanisms of ALAN on insect physiology and behaviors; (4) the adaptation mechanisms of insects to light pollution; and (5) the interactive effects of light pollution and climate warming on insects. The aim of this article is to provide important references and new insights for the ecological risk assessment of light pollution and the development of pest control strategies.
    Ecological risk assessment of pesticides on bees: Exposure assessment, effect assessment and risk characterization
    XU Chao-Long, XUN Yang, ZHOU Lei, YUAN Shan-Kui, YIN Xiao-Hui
    2026, 69(2):  288-301.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.02.013
    Abstract ( 233 )   PDF (1881KB) ( 46 )   PDF（mobile） (1881KB) ( 11 )   　　
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     Bees are key pollinators in agricultural ecosystems, and the association between their population decline and pesticide exposure has become a global research hotspot. Different types of pesticides have different toxic effects on bees. Conducting ecological risk assessment of pesticides on bees is particularly important for protecting bee populations. In this article, we reviewed the research progress of ecological risk assessment of pesticides on bees in the European Union, the United States and China from the aspects of exposure assessment, effect assessment and risk characterization. In the exposure assessment, the European Union, the United States and China have adopted different exposure models. Studies have shown that the European Union has achieved quantitative risk prediction through the parameterized exposure model and the three-level assessment system (from screening level to field test). The exposure model in the United States features multi-factor simulation, and assessment based on real-world data. China although has established its own assessment standards, it still has shortcomings in the accumulation of data on mixed toxicity assessment, bee colony dynamic models and native bee species. In effect assessment, the European Union, the United States and China all adopt an assessment approach from low to high levels, including individual toxicity effects, population toxicity effects and molecular toxicity effects. In risk characterization, the United States uses the risk quotient (RQ) for assessment ［RQ=Estimated environmental concentration (EEC)/median lethal dose (LD50)］, and if RQ>level of concern (LOC), further assessment is required. The European Union uses the hazard quotient (HQ) ［HQ=Application rate (AR)/LD50］ for assessment, and when HQ>50, advanced risk assessment must be conducted. In China, double-line assessment frame is adopted: in the spraying scenario, RQ=AR/LD50×50, and in the soil or seed treatment scenario, RQ=Predicted exposure dose (PED)/predicted no-effect dose (PNED). If RQ≤1, the risk is considered acceptable, and if RQ>1, the risk is unacceptable. Overall, the European Union’s assessment system is relatively complete, including bumblebees and solitary bees in the assessment system, and covering methods and processes for risk assessment of pesticide metabolites and mixtures on bees. China should establish a relevant assessment system as soon as possible, improve assessment standards, and provide practical and feasible solutions for the effective management of pesticides and the protection of bee populations.
    Research progresses of the classification，phylogeny and genome of the Cyclorrhapha (Insecta: Diptera)
    YUAN Huan, CHEN Bin
    2026, 69(2):  302-318.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.02.014
    Abstract ( 532 )   PDF (2289KB) ( 39 )   PDF（mobile） (2289KB) ( 9 )   　　
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    Cyclorrhapha represents the most extensive adaptive radiation group within the Brachycera suborder of Diptera of Insecta, encompassing approximately 43% of the overall species diversity within this order. This group exhibits cosmopolitan distribution and enormously diverse living habits, and plays an important role in ecosystems. Cyclorrhapha is not only hotspots in multiple fields, including vector organisms, pollinators, forensic medicine insects and natural enemy insects, but also serves as a critical group for understanding the systematic evolution of Brachycera and its adaptive radiation, but its classification system is chaotic, and its phylogenetic relationship is far from clear. To reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships within the Cyclorrhapha, numerous dipterists have conducted investigations across various taxonomic levels employing diverse data types and methods. Cyclorrhapha is robustly supported as a monophyletic group, and it is further categorized into paraphyletic Aschiza and monophyletic Schizophora. There are about 103 families of 15 superfamilies in Cyclorrhapha. However, the systematic position of the member families of Platypezoidea and Syrphoidea, at the base of Cyclorrhapha remains contentious. The monophyly of Syrphoidea is inconsistent with morphological and molecular evidence, and the taxonomic status of several families within Schizophora, including Acartophthalmidae, Megamerinidae, Fergusoninidae, Mormotomyiidae, Marginidae, Sepsidae, Lonchaeidae and so on, is still ambiguous. Additionally, the elevation of certain subfamilies, such as Sciadoceridae, Tethinidae, Stenomicridae, Campichoetidae and Heteromyzidae, to family status is also debated. While significant advancements have been made in the phylogenetic research of Calyptratae, other groups within Cyclorrhapha are hindered by limited sampling coverage, uneven molecular data coverage, and a lack of fossil evidence, leaving many aspects of their phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history unresolved. In this article, we systematically reviewed the historical changes of the classification systems of Cyclorrhapha, and comprehensively reviewed the current research progress of its phylogeny, summarized the existing phylogenetic controversy and the present status of genome data, and put forward relevant research suggestions, providing theoretical guidance for future explorations of the phylogenetic relationship and evolution history based on phylogenomics.
    CONTENTS
    Contents of Vol. 69 Issue 2
    2026, 69(2):  319-319. 
    Abstract ( 300 )   PDF (532KB) ( 14 )   PDF（mobile） (532KB) ( 5 )   　　
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