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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 May 2026, Volume 69 Issue 5
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  • RESEARCH PAPERS
    Characterization and functional analysis of odorant binding protein genes in Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)
    ZHENG Li-Zhen, HUANG Dao-Ling, LI Jian-Yu, SHI Meng-Zhu, CHEN Yan-Ting, FU Jian-Wei
    2026, 69(5):  629-643.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.05.001
    Abstract ( 125 )   PDF (4824KB) ( 40 )   PDF(mobile) (4824KB) ( 19 )     
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    【Aim】 To explore the molecular characteristics and biological functions of the odorant binding protein (OBP) genes in Paracoccus marginatus, laying the foundation for studying the function of OBPs in the olfactory perception process of P. marginatus. 【Methods】 An olfactory behavior analyzer was used to detect the selection rates of the 1st instar nymphs of P. marginatus to three plant-derived volatile compounds (decanal, pentadecane and benzyl isothiocyanate). The full-length cDNA sequences of nine PmOBP genes of P. marginatus were amplified using RT-PCR and subjected to bioinformatics analysis. Molecular docking simulation of benzyl isothiocyanate with PmOBP18 was conducted using AutoDock 4.2.6. qPCR was used to detect the expression levels of nine PmOBP genes at different developmental stages (egg, nymph, female adult and male adult) of P. marginatus. RNAi via soaking in dsRNA in vitro, was used to silence PmOBP18 and PmOBP5-3 in the 1st instar nymphs of P. marginatus, and the expression levels of PmOBP18 and PmOBP5-3 in nymphs of P. marginatus were detected by qPCR. The selection rate changes of P. marginatus to 10 μg/μL benzyl isothiocyanate were detected by an olfactory behavior analyzer after RNAi of PmOBP18 and PmOBP5-3.【Results】 The selection rate of the 1st instar nymphs of P. marginatus to 10 μg/μL benzyl isothiocyanate (65.78%) was significantly different from that of the control. The full-length cDNA sequences of nine PmOBP genes (PmOBP3-1, PmOBP5-1, PmOBP5-2, PmOBP5-3, PmOBP5-4, PmOBP10, PmOBP18, PmOBP19-1 and PmOBP19-2) of P. marginatus were obtained (GenBank accession numbers are OR211686, OR211687, and OR221183-OR221189, respectively). PmOBPs exhibited heat stable protein characteristics and were mainly located in the extracellular space. Their secondary and tertiary structures were mainly composed of α-helices and random coils. Sequence alignment analysis showed that PmOBP has a cysteine pattern recognition sequence typical of insect OBPs. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that all nine PmOBPs belong to the classical OBP family. Molecular docking simulation result revealed that Tyr99, Arg135 and Ile138 were the key amino acid residues mediating the interaction between PmOBP18 and benzyl isothiocyanate. The qPCR results showed significant differences in the expression levels of PmOBP genes between nymphs and male adults of P. marginatus. After successfully suppressing the expression of PmOBP18 and PmOBP5-3 by RNAi, the tendency of P. marginatus to benzyl isothiocyanate was significantly weakened.【Conclusion】 This study reveals the binding abilities of PmOBPs to benzyl isothiocyanate. Inhibiting the expression of PmOBP18 and PmOBP5-3 can alter the olfactory behavioral selection, providing a theoretical basis for studying the role of OBPs in olfactory recognition of P. marginatus and contributing to the development of novel control methods based on olfactory perception.
    Regulatory effect of neuropeptide SIFamide on the locomotor behavior of Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) adults
    PANG Xu-Dong, CHEN Jing-Li, MENG Ze-Li, LU Rui-Han, LIU Tong-Xian, GUI Shun-Hua
    2026, 69(5):  644-651.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.05.002
    Abstract ( 103 )   PDF (2830KB) ( 31 )   PDF(mobile) (2830KB) ( 7 )     
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    【Aim】 The neuropeptide SIFamide (SIFa) is a small protein that plays an important regulatory effect in insect life activities. This study aims to elucidate the regulatory effect of SIFa on the locomotor behavior of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, in order to deepen the understanding of SIFa function and provide a theoretical basis for novel pest control strategies targeting SIFa. 【Methods】 The nucleotide sequence of TcSIFa of T. castaneum was obtained through homology comparison and analyzed using bioinformatics methods. The three-dimensional structure of the SIFa receptor (SIFR) was predicted using the AlphaFold Server, followed by molecular docking simulation between TcSIFa and TcSIFR with Discovery Studio. The binding between TcSIFa and TcSIFR was validated via a Ca2+ flux assay. The expression profile of TcSIFa in different adult tissues (carcass without other tissues, female gonads, male gonads, fat body, rectal complex, Malpighian tubules, hindgut, posterior midgut, anterior midgut, brain and head) was obtained from the Beetle Atlas database. Immunohistochemistry was used to localize TcSIFa neurons in the adult brain of T. castaneum. TcSIFa in the 3-day-old adults of T. castaneum was silenced via RNAi by injecting dsRNA, and the locomotor behavior of adults was analyzed by tracking movement trajectories, movement distance, movement duration, rest time, active time, respiratory rate and heart rate. 【Results】 The nucleotide sequence of TcSIFa (GenBank accession number: XM_001814446.4) of T. castaneum was obtained based on homology alignment. The open reading frame of TcSIFa is 228 bp in length, encoding 75 amino acid residues. TcSIFa is relatively conserved, containing a mature peptide sequence TYRKPPFNGSIFamide. Molecular docking simulation results revealed six potential binding sites between TcSIFa and TcSIFR. The Ca2+ flux assay identified the active peptide of TcSIFa with a median effective concentration (EC50) value of 5.29 nmol/L. TcSIFa was highly expressed in the adult brain of T. castaneum. Immunohistochemical localization marked four neuronal signals in the pars intercerebralis of the adult brain of T. castaneum. Compared to the dsEGFP control group, knockdown of the expression level of TcSIFa of adult T. castaneum significantly decreased the movement distance, movement duration, rest time and active time of adults, while also reducing the respiratory rate and heart rate. 【Conclusion】 The neuropeptide TcSIFa plays a crucial regulatory effect on the locomotor behavior of T. castaneum adults, suggesting that TcSIFa could be used a potential target for pest control.
    Validation of the interaction between the BTB domain of PxyBrC-Z2/3 and PxyRACK1 in Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)
    WANG Ying-Bo, HU Xiao-Han, LIN Yu-Bin, ZHENG Shun, ZHAO Shan-Shan, GU Xiao-Jun, HUANG Jin-Fei
    2026, 69(5):  652-660.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.05.003
    Abstract ( 118 )   PDF (5904KB) ( 34 )   PDF(mobile) (5904KB) ( 7 )     
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    【Aim】 To verify whether the Plutella xylostella BrC family isoform Z2/3 (PxyBrC-Z2/3) interacts at the protein level with the receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) via its BTB domain. 【Methods】 Following phylogenetic analysis and homology alignment of BrC protein family of P. xylostella based on C2H2 zinc finger structure and BTB domains, AlphaFold 3.0 was used to perform molecular docking simulations between BrC family isoforms PxyBrC-Z1, PxyBrC-Z2/3, PxyBrC-Z4 and PxyBrC-Z7, and PxyRACK1 of P. xylostella. The cDNA fragments of PxyBrC-Z2/3 and PxyRACK1 were cloned to construct recombinant plasmids, and the interaction between the BTB domain of isoform PxyBrC-Z2/3 and PxyRACK1 of P. xylostella was validated using yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and GST Pull-Down technique. 【Results】 Homology alignment result indicated 100% homology among the BTB domains of isoforms PxyBrC-Z1, PxyBrC-Z2/3 and PxyBrC-Z4 of P. xylostella. Molecular docking simulation predicted that the bindings of PxyBrC-Z1, PxyBrC-Z2/3, PxyBrC-Z4 and PxyBrC-Z7 to PxyRACK1 all primarily occur at the BTB domain. Y2H and GST Pull-Down experiment further confirmed that isoform PxyBrC-Z2/3 forms a stable interaction complex with PxyRACK1 both in vivo and in vitro. 【Conclusion】This study verified at the molecular level that the transcription factor PxyBrC-Z2/3 specifically interacts with PxyRACK1 in P. xylostella, clarified the molecular basis by which PxyBrC-Z2/3 mediates hormone signal transduction through the BTB domain, and improved the signal transduction mechanism underlying the regulation of metamorphic development by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E).
    Antibody preparation and expression analysis of the hexamerin Hex70a of Bombus terrestris (Hymenoptera: Apidae) under different nutritional conditions
    GUO Shuai, WANG Shuang, XUE Yun-Fei, ZHOU Yu, SHI Xiang-Yu, CHEN Yu-Bo, YUE Dan, DONG Kun, TIAN Ya-Kai
    2026, 69(5):  661-668.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.05.004
    Abstract ( 61 )   PDF (1597KB) ( 12 )   PDF(mobile) (1597KB) ( 3 )     
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    【Aim】As an important hexamerin, bumblebee Hex70a provides nutrients for the basic metabolism and growth and development of bumblebees, especially playing a key role in maintaining nutritional metabolism during the diapause of bumblebee queens. This study aims to prepare Hex70a antibodies and examine the effects of different nutritional conditions on the expression of Hex70a in bumblebees. 【Methods】Bioinformatics software was used to analyze the physicochemical properties of the Bombus terrestris Hex70a, including hydrophobicity, antigenicity and hydrophilicity. The antibody polypeptide for Hex70a was designed and prepared, then the synthesized peptide with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) was conjugated and used to immunize New Zealand white rabbits. The rabbit antiserum was collected, and the antibody titer was identified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The queens of B. terrestris were fed with 50% sugar water, or a mixture of 50% sugar water and pollen for 3 d, and Western blot was used to detect the expression level of Hex70a. 【Results】 The 426th-437th amino acid sequence of Hex70a has higher hydrophilicity and antigenicity than other amino acid sequence fragments. The synthesized polypeptide is CRYKMHQTPYNKD. After immunizing New Zealand white rabbits, Hex70a antibodies were obtained with a titer of 1∶256 000. Western blot results showed that clear bands of Hex70a in the group treated with a mixture of 50% sugar water and pollen were detected, indicating strong specificity, whereas no band of Hex70a in the group treated with 50% sugar water was detected. 【Conclusion】This study successfully prepared the Hex70a antibody of B. terrestris, which can specifically recognize Hex70a of B. terrestris, providing a reliable tool for accurately detecting the expression level of Hex70a in B. terrestris, offering an effective method for assessing the nutritional health level of bumblebees, and laying a foundation for further research into the role of hexamerins in bumblebee development.
    Effects of Beauveria bassiana-maize symbiont on the feeding, digestion and survival of Ostrinia furnacalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae under elevated CO2 concentration
    WANG Lu-Xin, DONG Wei-Jin, LI Qi-Yun, LU Yang, LI Xiao-Yu, SUI Li, ZHANG Zheng-Kun
    2026, 69(5):  669-677.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.05.005
    Abstract ( 101 )   PDF (2355KB) ( 19 )   PDF(mobile) (2355KB) ( 5 )     
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    【Aim】 This study aims to clarify the effects of endophytic colonization of maize by Beauveria bassiana on the feeding, digestion and survival of the Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis) larvae under elevated CO2 concentration.【Methods】 Open-top chambers (OTCs) were used to simulate normal CO2 concentration [(400±50) μmol/mol] and elevated CO2 concentration [(600±50) μmol/mol]. B. bassiana-maize symbiotic system was established by the root irrigation method, and the effects of B. bassiana-maize symbionts under different CO2 concentrations on the food intake, approximate digestibility and cumulative survival rate of the 2nd instar larvae of O. furnacalis were measured.【Results】 Under both the normal and elevated CO2 concentrations, B. bassiana colonization significantly reduced the food intake, approximate digestibility and cumulative survival rate of O. furnacalis larvae, compared to non-inoculation with B. bassiana. Under elevated CO2 concentration and B. bassiana colonization, the cumulative survival rate and approximate digestibility of O. furnacalis larvae were lower than those under the normal CO2 concentration and B. bassiana colonization. Correlation analysis indicated that under the influence of B. bassiana, the food intake, approximate digestibility and cumulative survival rate of O. furnacalis larvae were all extremely significantly negatively correlated with B. bassiana colonization. Under elevated CO2 concentration, the larval food intake was significantly positively correlated with CO2 concentration, whereas the approximate digestibility and cumulative survival rate were extremely significantly negatively correlated with CO2 concentration. Moreover, under the interactive effects of elevated CO2 concentration and B. bassiana, approximate digestibility and cumulative survival rate showed a extremely significantly negative correlation with the combined effect of elevated CO2 concentration and B. bassiana colonization.【Conclusion】 Under elevated CO2 concentration, the B. bassiana-maize symbiotic system can significantly reduce the survival rate of O. furnacalis larvae by inhibiting their feeding and digestion. This study provides a theoretical basis for the ecological regulation of pests using insect pathogenic fungus-crop symbiotic systems under climate change.
    Effects of fat and protein contents in diets on the biological characteristics and larval gut microbiota of Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
    XIE Jiu-Feng, YAO Shuai-Chen, DENG Xin, ZHOU Xin-Hao, LIU Wei, ZHANG Ji-Ran, YANG Sen
    2026, 69(5):  678-692.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.05.006
    Abstract ( 116 )   PDF (7433KB) ( 19 )   PDF(mobile) (7433KB) ( 8 )     
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    【Aim】 The utilization of food waste is a critical challenge that must be addressed during current economic development in China. To promote the biological conversion of food waste by Chrysomya megacephala, it is necessary to elucidate its gut microbial molecular ecology mechanisms. This study aims to explore the effects of fat and protein contents in diets on the biological characteristics of C. megacephala and the larval gut microbiota.【Methods】 The feeding treatments of the 3rd instar larval C. megacephala were set up, including the control diet group (42.7% crude protein and 6.6% crude fat content), high-fat diet group (44.4% crude fat in the diet), and high-protein diet group (55.6% crude protein in the diet) to simulate the successive feeding of kitchen waste. Biological traits such as larval duration, pupal duration, larval weight, pupal weight and emergence rate, and the utilization of crude fat and crude protein were measured. Using the PacBio 3rd-generation sequencing platform, 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing and transcriptome sequencing of the larval gut microbiota of C. megacephala of the above three groups were performed to analyze the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota, and screen the differentially expressed genes which were subjected to GO functional annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment.【Results】 By the 11th generation of C. megacephala, the larval duration, pupal duration, larval weight, pupal weight and emergence rates of all the three groups tended to be consistent. The adult emergence rates correlated positively with the crude protein content in the diet, ranking as follows in a descending order: high-protein diet group (emergence rate 89.8%)>control diet group (emergence rate 80.5%)>high-fat diet group (emergence rate 76.3%). A total of 316 species of 139 genera of six phyla of the larval gut microbiota of C. megacephala were identified based on operational taxonomic unit (OTU). The high-protein diet group exhibited the highest number of dominant genera, while the control diet group had the largest number of species, followed by the high-fat diet group. There were obvious differences in the microbial community composition and gene expression in the midgut of the 3rd instar larva of C. megacephala fed with different diets. There were obvious differences in the enriched metabolic pathways of differentially expressed genes in the gut microbiota of the 3rd instar larvae of C. megacephala in three diet groups, and the metabolic pathways mainly concentrated in digestion and absorption, energy metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and growth and development.【Conclusion】The results of this study will expand the theoretical framework of C. megacephala within the field of molecular nutritional ecology and offer a theoretical basis for elucidating the molecular mechanisms governing its biological traits.
    Effects of dinotefuran at sublethal doses on the growth, development and reproduction, and the expression of genes related to insecticide resistance in Blattella germanica (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)
    ZHAN Xin-Yu, LI Xin, CHEN Jiang-Ling, HUANG Zi-Shan, HE Shu-Lin, ZHANG Bing-Chuan, LI Fei, XU Tie-Long, ZHOU Cao
    2026, 69(5):  693-702.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.05.007
    Abstract ( 123 )   PDF (2268KB) ( 25 )   PDF(mobile) (2268KB) ( 6 )     
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    【Aim】This study aims to explore the sublethal effects of dinotefuran on Blattella germanica, providing a theoretical basis for the rational use of insecticides in its control. 【Methods】 The toxicity of dinotefuran to the newly emerged female adults of B. germanica within 24 h was determined using the topical application method. The newly emerged female adults were exposed to LD25 dose dinotefuran, and the duration of each developmental stage, adult pre-oviposition period (APOP), total pre-oviposition period (TPOP) and number of eggs laid per female of the F1 generation were recorded to construct age-stage, two-sex life tables. The newly emerged female adults were stressed by LD25 dose dinotefuran, and the relative expression levels of resistance-related genes (BgCYP6K1, BgCYP6J1, BgCYP6ER1, BgGSTd1 and BgGSTs1) in female adults of the F1 generation of B. germanica were measured by RT-qPCR. 【Results】The LD25 value of dinotefuran against adult B. germanica within 72 h was 0.026 μg/ind. Compared with the control group, exposure of the newly emerged female adults to LD25 dose dinotefuran significantly prolonged the total developmental duration of the F1 females of B. germanica and significantly shortened that of the F1 males, reduced the survival rate of the F1 generation, significantly extended both APOP and TPOP of adults of the F1 generation, but had no significant effect on the number of eggs laid by the F1 female adults. Compared with the control group, LD25 dose dinotefuran stress significantly decreased the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ), but significantly prolonged the mean generation time (T) of the F1 generation and significantly upregulated the expression levels of BgCYP6J1 and BgGSTs1 in the F1 female adults of B. germanica. 【Conclusion】Sublethal dose stress of dinotefuran can inhibit the growth, development and survival rate of B. germanica, thereby partially inhibiting the population growth of its offspring. In addition, sublethal dose stress of dinotefuran led to a significant upregulation of genes related to resistance in B. germanica. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the rational application of dinotefuran in the management of B. germanica.
    Sublethal effects of lambda-cyhalothrin on the development and reproduction of Anopheles sinensis (Diptera: Culicidae)
    ZHANG Shi-Yan, CHEN Jiang-Ling, LI Xin, ZHANG Yang, LEI Xin-Yi, HE Shu-Lin, CHEN Bin, QIAO Liang, ZHOU Cao
    2026, 69(5):  703-713.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.05.008
    Abstract ( 124 )   PDF (2392KB) ( 21 )   PDF(mobile) (2392KB) ( 5 )     
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    【Aim】The aim of this study is to explore the sublethal effects of lambda-cyhalothrin, a second-generation pyrethroid insecticide, on Anopheles sinensis.【Methods】The toxicity of lambda-cyhalothrin against the 4th instar larvae of An. sinensis was assessed using the WHO-recommended larval immersion method. The 4th instar larvae of An. sinensis were exposed to sublethal concentrations (LC10 and LC30) of lambda-cyhalothrin, and the duration of various developmental stages of the F1 generation and daily number of eggs laid per female were recorded. The age-stage, two-sex life table was constructed. Population dynamics projections in subsequent 60 d were generated using TIMING-MSChart. 【Results】The LC10 and LC30 values of lambda-cyhalothrin against the 4th instar larvae of An. sinensis in 24 h were 0.95×10-3 and 2.17×10-3 mg/L, respectively. Compared with the control (dechlorinated tap water), LC10 of lambda-cyhalothrin significantly shortened the female egg and 2nd instar larval duration of the F1 generation of An. sinensis, but significantly prolonged the 1st and 3rd instar larval and pupal duration of F1 females, thus leading to an extended total developmental duration. In contrast, male individuals of the F1 generation in the treatment group with LC10 of lambda-cyhalothrin exhibited significantly prolonged 1st and 2nd instar larval duration and pupal duration, but showed significantly shortened 3rd instar larval duration and adult longevity. Compared with the control, LC30 of lambda-cyhalothrin significantly prolonged the 3rd instar larval and pupal duration, and the total developmental duration of the F1 females of An. sinensis, while significantly shortened the 1st and 4th instar larval duration of An. sinensis. Compared with the control, LC30 of lambda-cyhalothrin significantly prolonged the 1st instar male larval duration, and significantly shortened the 2nd and 3rd instar larval duration and pre-adult period of An. sinensis. Furthermore, LC10 of lambda-cyhalothrin significantly shortened both the adult pre-oviposition period (APOP) and mean generation time (T), whereas LC30 of lambda-cyhalothrin conversely caused significant prolongation of T of An. sinensis. Both concentrations of lambda-cyhalothrin significantly inhibited the number of eggs laid by female adult of the F1 generation of An. sinensis, with LC30 of lambda-cyhalothrin exhibiting a more pronounced inhibitory effect. 【Conclusion】Sublethal concentrations of lambda-cyhalothrin significantly affected the growth, development and fecundity of An. sinensis. LC10 of lambda-cyhalothrin slightly promoted population growth by shortening developmental duration and increasing generation number, whereas LC30 of lambda-cyhalothrin significantly suppressed female fecundity and ultimately inhibited the population growth of An. sinensis. The findings of this study provide an instruction for the rational application of lambda-cyhalothrin in controlling An. sinensis.
    Phototactic behavior of adult Adoretus puberulus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) to different monochromatic lights and light intensities
    LI Xian-Chun, WANG Wei-Long, LIU Dong-Yuan, GAO Yu, HE Jiang, GUO Yong-Hong, XI Rui-Feng, WEI Cong, ZUO Guan-Chen, LIU Chen-Xi, LI Zhen, LIU Xiao-Xia
    2026, 69(5):  714-722.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.05.009
    Abstract ( 147 )   PDF (1441KB) ( 22 )   PDF(mobile) (1441KB) ( 2 )     
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    【Aim】 This study aims to explore the differences in phototactic behavior of Adoretus puberulus adults in response to monochromatic lights of different wavelengths and varying light intensities, thereby providing a scientific basis for optimizing insect trap lamps for this pest in pear orchards. 【Methods】 The phototactic and photophobic responses of A. puberulus adults to white light and five monochromatic lights (orange, yellow, green, blue and violet lights) were tested at a distance of 70 cm from the light source using a laboratory phototactic behavior response device. The trapping effects of field insect trap lamps with nine wavelengths (365-605 nm) on A. puberulus adults were evaluated. Furthermore, the effects of different light intensities (violet light: 84-2 765 lx; yellow light: 498-2 231 lx) on the phototactic response rates were measured and analyzed under the sensitive wavelengths (395 nm violet light for male adults and 575 nm yellow light for female adults) using the indoor phototactic behavior response device. 【Results】 Laboratory behavioral response assays demonstrated that A. puberulus adults exhibited significant phototactic behavior under white light stimulation, with the phototactic response rate of males (62.00%) being significantly higher than that of females (48.00%). The photophobic response rates of males and females were 8.00% and 3.33%, respectively. Under the treatment of five monochromatic lights, both female and male adults displayed varying degrees of phototactic and photophobic behavioral responses. Specifically, male adults exhibited the highest phototactic response rates (78.34% and 76.67%, respectively) under blue and violet lights, while female adults showed the highest phototactic response rates (both 79.33%) under green and yellow lights. Field trapping results of insect trap lamp indicated that the sensitive spectral range for the phototactic behavior of A. puberulus was primarily located in the ultraviolet light (365 nm) and violet light (395 nm) regions. Furthermore, light intensity significantly influenced the phototactic response rate of A. puberulus adults. The highest phototactic response rates were observed at 498 lx for female adults and 574 lx for male adults, reaching 73.33% and 75.33%, respectively. 【Conclusion】 A. puberulus adults exhibit significant behavioral responses to light, characterized by distinct sexual dimorphism and specific preferences for light spectrum and light intensity. Based on the combined results of field and laboratory experiments, it is recommended to prioritize the use of trap light sources with the wavelengths of 365-395 nm (ultraviolet or violet lights) and light intensities of 498-574 lx (corresponding to a light source power of 10-20 W) for physical control in pear orchards to achieve the optimal trapping effects. Clarifying the sensitive light spectral range and optimal light intensity threshold is of great significance for improving the accuracy of field monitoring and early warning and the efficiency of targeted control. These findings provide a theoretical basis for elucidating the phototactic mechanism of A. puberulus and offer scientific references for the development of high-efficiency trapping equipment and the optimization of green pest control systems in orchards.
    Regulatory strategies for conversion parameters of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens)(Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae oriented to different temperature control objectives
    MEI Hang, YANG Xia, MAI Li-Wen, LIN Jia-Cong, PENG Shi-Liang, WANG Ding-Mei, LI Qin-Fen
    2026, 69(5):  723-738.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.05.010
    Abstract ( 86 )   PDF (4915KB) ( 13 )   PDF(mobile) (4915KB) ( 1 )     
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    【Aim】 Substrate temperature is a critical factor in the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) conversion system. The regulation on the relative stability of temperature during the H. illucens conversion is the key to ensuring the efficient conversion. Temperature regulation methods for the conversion process of H. illucens are not well-documented, and there is a scarcity of guidance on control strategies for multiple temperature control objectives. As a result, the establishment of an industrialized system for large-scale waste conversion using H. illucens has been somewhat constrained. This study ains to investigate the regulation of substrate temperature and its key impact on the efficiency of H. illucens conversion. 【Methods】 Using a four-factor, three-level orthogonal experimental design, we examined how substrate water saturation (RMC)(factor A)(85%, 95% and 105%), ambient temperature (T)(factor D)(25, 30 and 35 ℃), single-maggot feeding rate (d)(factor C)(0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 g), and substrate thickness (H)(factor B)(2, 5 and 8 cm) influenced substrate temperature and their coupling effects on conversion efficiency. Through response surface analysis, we established a quantitative relationship model between the maximum substrate temperature (Tmax) and conversion efficiency indicators. Additionally, we developed a multi-objective optimization control scheme based on larval production rate from substrate (PRL), 10-insect fresh weight (FW10) and dry matter reduction rate (DMRR). 【Results】 In the test conditions, the predicted model for Tmax and conversion efficiency was: Tmax=38.24-5.17A-2.08B + 0.42C+2.33D+3AB-1.25AC+0.25AD+2BD. RMC was identified as the primary factor influencing Tmax regulation, followed by T and d. A significant interaction between RMC and d existed, suggesting that substrate temperature regulation is mainly controlled by moisture-related thermal factors, with additional influences from environmental parameters. This led to nonlinear heat accumulation in the substrate, indicating the need to adjust operating scenanios gradually based on specific production goals. To achieve the highest PRL (37.40%), required the optimal operating scenarios including high moisture levels, moderate temperature and low larval density (RMC=99%, T=28 ℃, d=0.1 g, and H≤2 cm). Achieving the maximum FW10 (2.31 g) required the optimal operating scenanios such as high moisture, moderate temperature and a high H (RMC=104%, T=28 ℃, d=0.5 g, and H≥8 cm). Achieving the maximum DMRR(73.5%) required the optimal operating scenanios such as moderate moisture, high temperature, and a thin substrate layer (RMC=94%, T=32 ℃, d=0.2 g, and H≤3.6 cm). 【Conclusion】 This study created a multi-parameter coupled temperature control model based on substrate temperature characteristics for the H. illucens conversion. It also devised a coordinated multi-parameter control strategy to achieve various goals. This research offers scientific support for maintaining the stable operation of H. illucens-based waste bioconversion systems.
    Effects of environmental factors on the altitudinal distribution patterns of functional trait diversity in Tentyriini insect communities across the Alxa Plateau
    CHEN Li-Juan, JIA Long, HAN Yue, ZHANG Jian-Ying
    2026, 69(5):  739-753.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.05.011
    Abstract ( 86 )   PDF (2592KB) ( 16 )   PDF(mobile) (2592KB) ( 4 )     
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    【Aim】 This study aims to investigate the distribution patterns of functional trait diversity in the insect communities of the Tenebrionini tribe along an altitudinal gradient, and to explore the relationship between environmental factors and the functional traits of communities. 【Methods】 From July to August 2024, a total of 47 sampling plots were set up across five altitudinal zones in the Alxa Plateau: 900-1 100, 1 100-1 300, 1 300-1 500, 1 500-1 700 and 1 700-1 900 m. Species composition and distribution data were obtained using active collection methods, which included turning over soil, rocks and various obstacles, as well as excavating burrows and soil mounds. Linear and quadratic regression models were applied to analyze the correlations between the community-weighted mean (CWM) of seven functional traits (body length, antenna length, head width, pronotum width, elytra width, hind leg length and body weight), and functional diversity indices in Tenebrionini insects obtained from sampling and altitude. Additionally, a random forest model was applied to assess the effects of meteorological, topographic, soil and vegetation factors on the functional trait diversity of Tentyriini insects. 【Results】 A total of 2 343 adult insects belonging to nine species of two genera of Tentyriini were identified and recorded. Among them, Anatolica mucronata, Anatolica nureti and Anatolica potanini were the dominant species, accounting for 36.76%, 30.09% and 14.13% of the total samples, respectively. Cluster analysis result indicated that the Tentyriini insect communities in the 1 500-1 700 and 1 700-1 900 m altitudinal zones exhibited the highest similarity, followed by those in the 900-1 100 and 1 100-1 300 m altitudinal zones. The communities in the 1 700-1 900 and 1 300-1 500 m altitudinal zones showed the lowest similarity. The fitting results from linear and quadratic models showed that the antenna length, head width, pronotum width and elytra width exhibited significantly monotonically decreasing trends with altitude increasing. The functional divergence index also decreased significantly with altitude increasing, while the functional dispersion index and Rao’s quadratic entropy index showed unimodal (inverted “U”-shaped) change trends with altitude increasing. Random forest model analysis result revealed that the strength and key drivers of environmental factors regulating different functional traits varied obviously. Soil organic carbon content and altitude were common key explanatory factors for multiple traits. Mean annual temperature and normalized difference vegetation index had significant effects only on specific traits, whereas topographic factors showed no significant influence on any functional traits. 【Conclusion】The functional trait diversity of Tentyriini insects in the Alxa Plateau exhibits a significant linear relationship with altitude. Soil organic carbon content and altitude are the primary factors influencing the functional traits of the Tentyriini insect communities.
    Developmental stage identification and characteristic analysis of Aphis craccivora (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on the host Vicia faba
    DENG Chen-Rui, SHENG Jin-Ming, ZHAO Yang, XIAO Liu-Bin, TAN Yong-An, ZHAO Jing,
    2026, 69(5):  754-763.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.05.012
    Abstract ( 78 )   PDF (9486KB) ( 13 )   PDF(mobile) (9486KB) ( 5 )     
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    【Aim】This study aims to clarify the external morphological characteristics for identifying nymphs at different instars and adults, so as to establish a rapid and accurate developmental stage identification system, and provide a theoretical basis for biological research and scientific control of Aphis craccivora. 【Methods】The tested A. craccivora individuals were collected from Vicia faba plants in the experimental field of Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and were continuously reared on V. faba for multiple generations in the laboratory. Using a stereoscopic depth-of-field microscope, the cauda morphology and number of antennal segments of different developmental stages of both wingless and winged A. craccivora individuals were observed. Meanwhile, seven quantitative indexes, including body length, body width, head width, antennal length, cornicle length, hind tibia length and cauda length, were measured. The morphological characteristics of different wing morphs of A. craccivora at different developmental stages were analyzed and compared by biostatistical methods.【Results】The number of antennal segments of A. craccivora can be used to distinguish the 1st instar nymph from the other instar nymphs, with the 1st instar nymph having four antennal segments and other instar nymphs having 5-6 antennal segments. The morphology of cauda can be used to distinguish nymphs from adults: the cauda of nymphs is conical, while that of adults is clavate. Cornicle length and cauda length show no overlap in some developmental stages and can serve as the key characteristics for identifying the developmental stages from the 3rd instar nymph to adult of wingless morphs. Body width exhibits slight overlap between the 2nd and 3rd instar nymphs of wingless morphs, and can be used as an important auxiliary feature to distinguish these two instars. Additionally, winged A. craccivora develops wing buds starting from the 3rd instar, and the 3rd instar nymph to adult can be accurately identified according to the degree of wing base development.【Conclusion】For wingless morphs, the identification of developmental stages of A. craccivora primarily relies on the length of cauda and cornicle, whereas it is based mainly on the degree of wing base development for winged morphs. Combining these with the other characteristics such as the number of antennal segments, cauda morphology, body width, characteristic ratios and body color change across different developmental stages enables accurate identification of different developmental stages of both wingless and winged A. craccivora.
    REVIEW ARTICLES
    Advances in paternal genome elimination (PGE) research in insects
    SUN Sheng-Yuan, NI Ming, CHEN Zhi-Dong, CHEN Yu-Ang, WANG Jin-Jun, WEI Dan-Dan
    2026, 69(5):  764-774.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.05.013
    Abstract ( 134 )   PDF (2375KB) ( 20 )   PDF(mobile) (2375KB) ( 3 )     
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    Paternal genome elimination (PGE) is a bioecological phenomenon of non-Mendelian inheritance, characterized by the specific elimination or silencing of paternal chromosomes during offspring development, thereby preventing the transmission of paternally derived genetic materials to subsequent generations. As a genetic pattern widely present in insects, PGE involves complex genetic mechanism. Although considerable progress has been made in recent years regarding the fundamental principles and species distribution of PGE, its molecular regulatory networks and evolutionary drivers remain poorly understood. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of PGE in insects will not only help clarify the origin and evolution of asymmetric genetic patterns, but also provide a theoretical basis for innovating sterility-based pest control technologies. In this review, we systematically summarized the current research progress in the genetic patterns of PGE, focusing on its conceptual foundations and biological characteristics, distribution and classification among insects, potential molecular regulatory mechanisms, and the key investigative methodologies. The main contents were as follows: (1) PGE species share common biological characteristics such as specialized reproductive strategies, sex ratio bias, pronounced sexual dimorphism and genome compactness; (2) The PGE sex genetic pattern has evolved independently and stably in multiple insect lineages, having been confirmed in orders including Hemiptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Psocodea and Hymenoptera; (3) Based on the timing of paternal chromosome elimination, PGE could be classified into germline elimination and embryonic elimination types; (4) The core regulatory mechanisms of PGE in insects primarily involve histone modifications and epigenetic regulation of the coordinated DNA methylation. Future studies should integrate multi-omics technologies to further decipher the molecular mechanisms of PGE, and explore its ecological and evolutionary significance. Meanwhile, PGE manipulation strategies based on gene drive and RNAi technologies should be developed to provide new avenues for green pest management.
    SHORT COMMUNICATIONS
    Construction of transgenic Anopheles sinensis lines expressing Cas9 in the integument
    XIE Xin-Yuan, YANG Yong-Xin, LING Xia, ZOU Qi-Li, JIANG Yan-Ping, WANG Si-Yi, LUO Can, HU Min, CHEN Bin, ZHOU Cao, QIAO Liang
    2026, 69(5):  775-782.  doi:10.16380/j.kcxb.2026.05.014
    Abstract ( 107 )   PDF (5085KB) ( 22 )   PDF(mobile) (5085KB) ( 7 )     
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    【Aim】 To develop a genetically modified Anopheles sinensis line capable of transcribing Cas9 specifically in the integument during pupal to adult stages, using the promoter of the highly expressed cuticular protein gene AsCPR75 during the late pupal to adult stages as a regulatory element. 【Methods】 Based on transcriptomic datasets derived from multiple tissues of An. sinensis, including midgut, Malpighian tubules, ovary, fat body, antennae, salivary gland, testes and integument, cuticular protein genes with high expression levels in the integument were systematically screened. qPCR was used to validate the expression levels of candidate genes across different developmental stages (egg, 1st-4th instar larvae, pupa and adult) as well as in the adult head-thorax and abdomen. A 4 000 bp sequence upstream of the translational start site of target gene was selected as a putative promoter region to construct a transgenic plasmid capable of conditionally driving Cas9 transcription, and the plasmid was introduced into the female adult of An. sinensis via embryo microinjection. Transgenic progeny was screened based on fluorescent markers, and the genomic insertion sites of the transgene cassette in positive individuals were identified using inverse PCR. qPCR was employed to examine the expression levels of Cas9 in the transgenic lines at different developmental stages (pupa and adult) and in the adult integument at 0 h after emergence. 【Results】 A cuticular protein gene AsCPR75 highly expressed in the integument from late pupal to adult stages of An. sinensis was screened. qPCR analysis confirmed that the AsCPR75 expression was upregulated from 24 h during the pupal stage and reached its highest level at 0 h in adult stage. AsCPR75 was highly expressed in the adult head-thorax and abdomen, with significantly higher expression level in the abdominal integument than that in the other abdominal parts. The transgenic plasmid pBac-[3XP3-EGFP-SV40-AsCPR75-promoter-Cas9-SV40] was constructed. In the G1 generation, transgenic individuals exhibiting green fluorescence in the larval ocelli and adult compound eyes were identified. Inverse PCR analysis confirmed that the exogenous expression cassette was inserted at position 487 522 bp on scaffold25 in one transgenic line and at position 29 949 095 bp on scaffold14. Further analyses demonstrated that Cas9 transcripts were detectable in transgene-positive individuals, and the temporal expression trend of Cas9 was largely consistent with that of the endogenous AsCPR75.【Conclusion】 This study successfully established transgenic An. sinensis lines capable of stably expressing Cas9 in the integument. These lines provide valuable genetic tools for future research involving integument-conditional genome editing in An. sinensis, and for developing mosquito genetic control strategies targeting the integument.
    CONTENTS
    Contents of Vol. 69 Issue 5
    2026, 69(5):  783-783. 
    Abstract ( 46 )   PDF (533KB) ( 15 )     
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