Insects

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12 pages, 2428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investment Trade-Off between Mating Behavior and Tonic Immobility in the Sweetpotato Weevil Cylas formicarius (Coleoptera: Brentidae)

by Haoyong Ouyang, Runzhi Zhang and Muhammad Haseeb

Insects 2023, 14(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14010073 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2706

Abstract

Numerous studies have confirmed that the trade-off between anti-predator behavior and mating behavior occurs in certain insect species. This suggests that insects invest more in anti-predator behavior, and fewer resources or time can be used in mating behavior. However, few studies focus on [...] Read more.

Numerous studies have confirmed that the trade-off between anti-predator behavior and mating behavior occurs in certain insect species. This suggests that insects invest more in anti-predator behavior, and fewer resources or time can be used in mating behavior. However, few studies focus on tonic immobility, an important anti-predator behavior in nature, and different stages in mating behavior. Tonic immobility (TI) is considered to be an important anti-predator behavior. Herein, we investigated the relationship between TI and mating behavior in the sweetpotato weevil (SPW), Cylas formicarius. As the first step, we artificially selected SPWs for the longer duration of TI (L-strain) and the shorter duration of TI (S-strain). The effect of courtship and copulation on the duration of TI in two artificial selection strains was tested. Furthermore, we compared the frequency and duration of two mating behaviors in four kinds of pairs (LF×LM, LF×SM, SF×LM, and SF×SM: LM—L-strain male; SM—S-strain male; LF—L-strain female; SF—S-strain female). Finally, we tested insemination success in four kinds of pairs (male and female SPWs from the L-strain or the S-strain). The courtship and copulation significantly reduced the duration of TI. Pairs with males from the L-strain showed lower frequency and longer duration of courtship than pairs with males from the S-strain. Similarly, males from L-strain pairs showed a longer period of copulation than pairs with males from the S-strain. However, there is no significant difference in the frequency of copulation and the success of insemination. These results support that there was a significant trade-off between TI and courtship as well as copulation in the SPW. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of True Weevils (Curculionidae))

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16 pages, 6698 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Distribution of Wild Host Plants of the Boll Weevil (Anthonomus grandis) in the United States and Mexico

by Uriel Jeshua Sánchez-Reyes, Robert W. Jones, Tyler J. Raszick, Raul Ruiz-Arce and Gregory A. Sword

Insects 2022, 13(4), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13040337 - 30 Mar 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2900

Abstract

The boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis Boheman) reproduces on a reported 13 species of wild host plants in North America, two in the United States and 12 in Mexico. The distributions of these plants are of economic importance to pest management and [...] Read more.

The boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis Boheman) reproduces on a reported 13 species of wild host plants in North America, two in the United States and 12 in Mexico. The distributions of these plants are of economic importance to pest management and provide insight into the evolutionary history and origin of the BW. However, detailed information regarding the distributions of many of these species is lacking. In this article, we present distribution models for all of the reported significant BW host plants from Mexico and the United States using spatial distribution modelling software. Host plant distributions were divided into two groups: “eastern” and “western.” In Mexico, Hampea nutricia along the Gulf Coast was the most important of the eastern group, and the wild cottons, Gossypium aridum and Gossypium thurberi were most important in the western group. Other species of Hampea, Gossypium, and Cienfuegosia rosei have relatively restricted distributions and are of apparent minimal economic importance. Cienfuegosia drummondii is the only truly wild host in the southern United States, east of New Mexico. Factors determining potential distributions were variable and indicated that species were present in five vegetation types. Ecological and economic considerations of host plant distributions are discussed, as well as threats to host plant conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of True Weevils (Curculionidae))

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13 pages, 1613 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cryoprotective Response as Part of the Adaptive Strategy of the Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, against Low Temperatures

by Trinidad León-Quinto and Arturo Serna

Insects 2022, 13(2), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13020134 - 27 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3766

Abstract

The red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, is one of the worst palm pests worldwide. In this work, we studied the physiological basis underlying its adaptive strategy against low temperatures. Specifically, we analyzed the main low-molecular-weight biochemical substances acting as possible endogenous [...] Read more.

The red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, is one of the worst palm pests worldwide. In this work, we studied the physiological basis underlying its adaptive strategy against low temperatures. Specifically, we analyzed the main low-molecular-weight biochemical substances acting as possible endogenous cryoprotectants, as well as their efficiency in reducing cold injury by preserving K⁺/Na⁺ homeostasis. Wild pre-pupae were cold-treated (5.0 ± 0.5 °C) or non-treated (23 ± 1 °C) for 7 days. We then determined the levels of: (a) glucose, trehalose and glycerol, spectrophotometrically, (b) amino acids, by liquid chromatography and (c) potassium and sodium, by inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. Cold-treated larvae increased their potassium level, suggesting some degree of chill injury. However, part of the cold-exposed animals was able to develop an efficient overall cryoprotective response which primarily includes glucose, as well as glycerol and several amino acids (mainly alanine). Our study shows for the first time that RPW is capable of deploying effective physiological mechanisms for a rapid response to cold, which could be relevant to improving predictive models of geographic distribution, especially in a context of climate change. The knowledge of the specific molecules involved would allow future studies to try to prevent its adaptive strategy, either by natural or chemical methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of True Weevils (Curculionidae))

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14 pages, 730 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biology of Anthonomus testaceosquamosus Linell, 1897 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): A New Pest of Tropical Hibiscus

by Alexandra M. Revynthi, Yisell Velazquez Hernandez, Maria A. Canon, A. Daniel Greene, German Vargas, Paul E. Kendra and Catharine M. Mannion

Insects 2022, 13(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13010013 - 22 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3682

Abstract

Originating in northeastern Mexico and southern Texas, the hibiscus bud weevil (HBW), Anthonomus testaceosquamosus Linell 1897, was discovered infesting China rose hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.) in south Florida in May 2017. Although the biologies of the congeneric boll weevil, A. grandis Boheman [...] Read more.

Originating in northeastern Mexico and southern Texas, the hibiscus bud weevil (HBW), Anthonomus testaceosquamosus Linell 1897, was discovered infesting China rose hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.) in south Florida in May 2017. Although the biologies of the congeneric boll weevil, A. grandis Boheman 1843, and pepper weevil, A. eugenii Cano 1894 are well documented, no data are available regarding the biology of HBW. Here, we present a comprehensive study on the biology of this pest when reared at 10, 15, 27 and 34 °C and on different food sources. This weevil has three larval instars and its life cycle was completed only at 27 ± 1 °C. Weevil development was similar on an artificial diet when compared with a diet of hibiscus buds. Adult HBW could survive solely on pollen, but reproduction did not occur. Without water, HBW survived for ≈15 days; survival times reached nearly 30 days when water was accessible. Our results suggest that if left unmanaged, HBW has the potential to cause significant economic damage to the hibiscus industry. Given that a comprehensive understanding of a pest’s biology is critical for development of effective integrated pest management, our results provide a foundation for future research endeavors to mitigate the impact of this weevil in south Florida. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of True Weevils (Curculionidae))

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14 pages, 2258 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Patterns of Seed Penetration by the Date Stone Beetle Coccotrypes dactyliperda (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae)

by Dirk H. R. Spennemann

Insects 2022, 13(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13010010 - 22 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3189

Abstract

The cryptic spermatophagus date stone beetle (Coccotrypes dactyliperda Fabricius, 1801) tunnels into palm seeds for oviposition and subsequent establishment of brood galleries. Based on behavioral observations this paper describes the biomechanical and gustatory parameters that govern the initial excavation of the tunnels [...] Read more.

The cryptic spermatophagus date stone beetle (Coccotrypes dactyliperda Fabricius, 1801) tunnels into palm seeds for oviposition and subsequent establishment of brood galleries. Based on behavioral observations this paper describes the biomechanical and gustatory parameters that govern the initial excavation of the tunnels and the subsequent establishment of the galleries. When tunneling into Canary Islands Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis Chabaud, 1882) seeds, penetration principally occurs at the dorsal side of the seed, in particular the groove, which allows the beetle to gain the required traction. Tunneling is executed in a circular fashion with clockwise or counter-clockwise repositioning in approximately one-eighth to one-quarter turns. Biomechanically, the three pairs of legs provide thrust (hind legs), pivoting (mid legs), and lateral control (fore legs). Gustatory cues, the nature of which remains unclear at this point, prevent the beetle from tunneling through to the other side. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of True Weevils (Curculionidae))

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17 pages, 2393 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Domestication of Chili Pepper Has Altered Fruit Traits Affecting the Oviposition and Feeding Behavior of the Pepper Weevil

by Yosra Chabaane, Muhammad Haseeb and Betty Benrey

Insects 2021, 12(7), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12070630 - 12 Jul 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5862

Abstract

The pepper weevil, Anthonomus eugenii, Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is one of the most destructive pests of chili pepper. It causes extensive damage on varieties selected for consumption. However, the occurrence of this pest on wild and ornamental peppers remains unknown. We investigated [...] Read more.

The pepper weevil, Anthonomus eugenii, Cano (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is one of the most destructive pests of chili pepper. It causes extensive damage on varieties selected for consumption. However, the occurrence of this pest on wild and ornamental peppers remains unknown. We investigated the consequences of chili domestication on the feeding and oviposition of A. eugenii on fruits and flowers. We used plants of one wild accession, Bird Eye Pepper, five ornamental varieties (Pops Yellow, Black Pearl, Sedona Sun, Chilli Chilli, and Salsa Deep), and two domesticated varieties selected for consumption (Scotch Bonnet and Jalapeño). First, we characterized the plants according to their fruit and flower sizes, pericarp thickness, capsaicin level, fruit position, and flower color. Then, we evaluated the susceptibility of fruits and flowers to A. eugenii. Overall, domestication increased fruit and flower sizes and pericarp thickness, altered capsaicin levels, and altered fruit position and flower color. Weevils laid more eggs and caused more feeding damage on varieties selected for consumption than on wild and ornamental plants. Our results add to the growing literature on the consequences of crop domestication on herbivores. This knowledge could be integrated into breeding programs to select varieties resistant against the pepper weevil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of True Weevils (Curculionidae))

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12 pages, 2764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Eugenol and Thymol Derivatives as Antifeedant Agents against Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) Larvae

by Tay Karh Yan, Asnuzilawati Asari, Siti Aishah Salleh and Wahizatul Afzan Azmi

Insects 2021, 12(6), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12060551 - 13 Jun 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3822

Abstract

Coconut palms in Malaysia are infested by a destructive invasive pest, RPW since 2007, and the pest’s population is difficult to control. At present, RPW control management mainly relies on the use of monocrotophos, which is administered by the trunk injection method. However, [...] Read more.

Coconut palms in Malaysia are infested by a destructive invasive pest, RPW since 2007, and the pest’s population is difficult to control. At present, RPW control management mainly relies on the use of monocrotophos, which is administered by the trunk injection method. However, this pesticide can negatively impact human health and the ecosystem. Plant EO that can be used as a bio-pesticide is highly recommended as an alternative to monocrotophos because of its target-specific and eco-friendly properties. The antifeedant activity of eight eugenol and thymol derivatives from clove and thyme EOs were tested against the fourth instar larvae of RPW through oral bioassay for 14 days. Relative growth rate (RGR), relative consumption rate (RCR), the efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI), and the feeding deterrent index (FDI) were compared and analyzed. All of the derivatives showed antifeedant activity, particularly the eugenol derivative, 4-allyl-2-methoxy-1-(4-trifluoromethyl-benzyloxy)-benzene (FDI = 54.14%) and the thymol derivative, 2-isopropyl-4-methyl-2-((4-nitrobenzyl) oxy) benzene (FDI = 53.88%). Both of them showed promising results on their ability to be the most effective antifeedant agents in each derivative group. There was no significant difference in the effectiveness of the eugenol-based and thymol-based derivatives, but the ether derivative group (FDI = 45.63%) had a significantly stronger effect than the ester derivative group (FDI = 39.71%). This study revealed that the compound in ether form is more effective than the compound in ester form as an antifeedant agent against RPW larvae, regardless of the plant EO that the compound is derived from. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of True Weevils (Curculionidae))

9 pages, 1644 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adult Feeding Preference and Fecundity in the Large Pine Weevil, Hylobius abietis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

by Petr Doležal, Lenka Kleinová and Markéta Davídková

Insects 2021, 12(5), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12050473 - 19 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2744

Abstract

Adult feeding preferences of Hylobius abietis on Picea abies, Larix decidua, Pinus sylvestris, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Abies alba and Betula pendula were tested in outdoor conditions. The preferred food source was P. menziesii, and the mean bark area consumed [...] Read more.

Adult feeding preferences of Hylobius abietis on Picea abies, Larix decidua, Pinus sylvestris, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Abies alba and Betula pendula were tested in outdoor conditions. The preferred food source was P. menziesii, and the mean bark area consumed per seedling was 440.8 ± 147.9 mm². The second most preferred host was P. abies. The coniferous species that suffered the least damage was A. alba (76.8 ± 62.56 mm² per seedling). B. pendula was the least preferred source of food, and it caused mortality of 60% of weevils that fed on it. Weevils exhibited large differences in fecundity when fed with different tree species in a laboratory experiment. The largest number of eggs was laid by females fed with P. abies. Mean egg numbers reached 26.4 ± 24.89 eggs per experiment for P. abies. Similar fecundity was observed in weevils fed with twigs of P. sylvestris. Oviposition was approximately six times lower in females fed with L. decidua and P. menziesii. The maximum number of eggs laid by a single female during a one-month experiment was 90. The results are discussed in relation to management of H. abietis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of True Weevils (Curculionidae))

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18 pages, 2160 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Oil Palm Pollinating Weevil (Elaeidobius kamerunicus) Population Density in Biparental dura × pisifera Hybrids on Deep Peat-Soil in Perak State, Malaysia

by Senesie Swaray, Mohd Y. Rafii, Mohd Din Amiruddin, Mohd Firdaus Ismail, Syari Jamian, Momodu Jalloh, Yusuff Oladosu, Mohd Mustakim Mohamad, Marhalil Marjuni, Olalekan Kazeem Kolapo and Samuel Chibuike Chukwu

Insects 2021, 12(3), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12030221 - 4 Mar 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6653

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the Elaeidobius kamerunicus (EK) population density among the biparental dura × pisifera hybrids’ palms on deep peat-soil. Twenty-four hybrids derived from 10 genetic sources were used. Variance analysis showed that the EK population density varies between different [...] Read more.

This study was conducted to assess the Elaeidobius kamerunicus (EK) population density among the biparental dura × pisifera hybrids’ palms on deep peat-soil. Twenty-four hybrids derived from 10 genetic sources were used. Variance analysis showed that the EK population density varies between different oil palm hybrids, with a more noticeable variation of a low population mean in the male weevil across the hybrids. The highest weevil population mean/spikelet was attained on the third day of anthesis. The maximum monthly population of EK/spikelet (12.81 ± 0.23) and population density of EK (1846.49 ± 60.69) were recorded in January. Accordingly, 41.67% of the hybrids recorded an EK population density greater than the trial means of 973.68 weevils. Hybrid ECPHP550 had the highest mean of EK/spikelet (10.25 ± 0.11) and the highest population density of EK/palm (1241.39 ± 73.74). The parental mean population was 963.24 weevils and parent Deli-Banting × AVROS recorded the highest EK population density (1173.01). The overall results showed a notable disparity in the EK population among the biparental hybrids. Parental Deli-Banting × AVROS and hybrid ECPHP550 could be more useful to optimize the weevil population for pollination improvements in palm plantations. However, we suggest that volatile production should be included as a desirable trait in oil palm selective breeding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of True Weevils (Curculionidae))

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12 pages, 9209 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimating Potential Distribution of Sweetgum Pest Acanthotomicus suncei and Potential Economic Losses in Nursery Stock and Urban Areas in China

by You Li, Yuxuan Wan, Wei Lin, A. Simon Ernstsons and Lei Gao

Insects 2021, 12(2), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12020155 - 11 Feb 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2669

Abstract

American sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua (Altingiaceae) was first introduced to China over 60 years ago. It is an important tree species for increasing landscape value and promoting afforestation in urbanized areas of eastern China in the past 20 years. Sweetgum inscriber Acanthotomicus suncei (Coleoptera: [...] Read more.

American sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua (Altingiaceae) was first introduced to China over 60 years ago. It is an important tree species for increasing landscape value and promoting afforestation in urbanized areas of eastern China in the past 20 years. Sweetgum inscriber Acanthotomicus suncei (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a local bark beetle pest and lethal to the introduced American sweetgum. To provide preliminary estimates of the potential economic losses caused by the sweetgum inscriber, a field investigation was conducted to survey the beetles’ natural distribution in China. Based on field collections, potential distribution was predicted using Maxent. All nurseries stocking American sweetgum were in the high and very high suitability area of sweetgum inscriber. Additionally, we employed a model of direct loss incorporating tree and removal cost. A questionnaire was sent to maintenance companies, growers, and gardener associations for tree removal prices. We estimated the removal cost of each tree. In addition, the market price and inventory were also gained from telephone interview. Our economic analysis indicates that if sweetgum inscriber were to become established in the main American sweetgum business, the potential losses of nursery stock and urban area could range from USD 12.81 to 14.41 million. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of True Weevils (Curculionidae))

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13 pages, 1838 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantification of the Life Time Flight Capabilities of the South American Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus palmarum (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

by Mark S. Hoddle, Christina D. Hoddle and Ivan Milosavljević

Insects 2021, 12(2), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12020126 - 1 Feb 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2833

Abstract

The life time flight capabilities of an invasive palm pest, Rhynchophorus palmarum, were assessed using flight mill assays under controlled conditions in the laboratory. A total of 101 weevils were used for experiments and subjected to repeat flight assays. A total of [...] Read more.

The life time flight capabilities of an invasive palm pest, Rhynchophorus palmarum, were assessed using flight mill assays under controlled conditions in the laboratory. A total of 101 weevils were used for experiments and subjected to repeat flight assays. A total of 17 flight trials were run, of which the first 14 provided useful data prior to weevil death. Male and female weevils exhibited a strong capacity for repeat long distance flights. Flight metrics of interest were not affected by weevil sex or mating status. Cumulative lifetime flight distances for male and female R. palmarum averaged ~268 km and ~220 km, respectively. A maximum lifetime cumulative flight distance of ~758 km and ~806 km was recorded for one male of unknown mating status and one unmated female weevil, respectively. Dispersal data for individual flights (i.e., trials 1 through 9, 10–14 combined) and all flight trial data (i.e., flights 1–14 combined) exhibited platykurtic distributions. The results presented here may have important implications for modeling the spread of this invasive pest and for the development of monitoring and management plans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of True Weevils (Curculionidae))

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10 pages, 2039 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Different Infra-Red Irradiations on the Survival of Granary Weevil Sitophilus granarius: Bioefficacy and Sustainability

by Sándor Keszthelyi, Helga Lukács and Ferenc Pál-Fám

Insects 2021, 12(2), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12020102 - 25 Jan 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2581

Abstract

Sitophilus granarius (L.) is an important pest of stored grain worldwide. In recent years, sustainable methods against it have received attention as grain stock protective means. Our aim was to obtain information about the efficacy of infrared irradiation (IR) against S. granarius in [...] Read more.

Sitophilus granarius (L.) is an important pest of stored grain worldwide. In recent years, sustainable methods against it have received attention as grain stock protective means. Our aim was to obtain information about the efficacy of infrared irradiation (IR) against S. granarius in laboratory conditions. The change in adult-activity and median lethal dose (LD₅₀) triggered by IR in S. granarius was examined. The insecticidal efficacy in the infested grains was also analyzed at 12, 24, 48, and 72h following exposure to IR (250W), and the progeny-production was assessed 45 days upon the treatment. Based on our findings, total mortality ensued in a grain stock of 50 g at 412 s and a for 100 g grain at 256 s. A significant increase in S. granarius mortality could be observed in the higher grain weight regime, which can be accounted for by the higher heat-absorbance of objects with higher weight. The activity of pests immediately after the beginning of IR increased and subsequently became moderated. The observation of activity-peak brought about by irradiation contribute to the optimization of chemical intervention. This treatment could provide an effective and sustainable technique in integrated pest management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management of True Weevils (Curculionidae))

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