Forest Entomology and Pathology:Volume 1:Entomology

Released July 1, 2023 by Springer, this 822 page book in English consists of 23 chapters. Chapters 1–8 address basic entomology concepts from morphology and function to general insect ecology, population dynamics, insect and natural enemy interactions, insect-plant interactions, and insect and forest succession.

Improvement and Exploration of Teaching Methods for General Entomology in Agriculture and Forestry Colleges and Universities

According to characteristics of General Entomology and existing problems in teaching process,it came up with methods and countermeasures for improving teaching General Entomology,including improving practical ability of students through enhancing all links of practice teaching,and stimulating learning interest of students through improving methods of course examination.

Characterization of insect-fauna of the free-ranging urban dog, Canis domesticus (L.) carcass in tropical region of Pakistan: A tool for forensic entomology

As the authors’ request, the following paper published in Vol.1, No.2, 29-37, 2013 has been withdrawn from the website.

Using DNA Sequences and Phylogenetic Trees as Tools for Teaching Entomology to Undergraduate Students: A Simple Approach

This technical note aims to show how any instructor teaching entomology can use the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) and the “one click” mode of Phylogeny.fr to teach undergraduate students about insect DNA similarity in a simple way. Teaching an entomology course requires the use of numerous tools to help students grasp different concepts. Knowing that there are more than one million described species of insects means that teaching students about insect identification and taxonomy can be challenging. However, here we present two easy exercises that could be used as classroom or take-home assignments to demonstrate various levels of DNA similarity among different insect taxa. Such exercises unlock students’ creativity and break the barrier of fear of bioinformatics. Moreover, they open up new ways for them to understand insect taxonomy through molecular biology and allow them to develop new skills that contribute to strengthening their scientific performance in the future, especially when they do research as graduate students. Finally, this note is an example of how to integrate simple bioinformatics tools into the teaching of entomology.

The uses of Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in forensic entomology

Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius,1794) occurs on every continent and is closely associated with carrion and decaying material in human environments.Its abilities to find dead bodies and carry pathogens give it a prominence in human affairs that may involve prosecution or litigation,and therefore forensic entomologists.The identification,geographical distribution and biology of the species are reviewed to provide a background for approaches that four branches of forensic entomology (urban,stored-product,medico-criminal and environmental) might take to investigations involving this fly.

Molecular Entomology

Molecular Entomology（ISSN 1925-198X）is an international,open access,peer reviewed journal,committed to publishing and disseminating significant original achievements pertaining to molecular entomology.

Molecular Entomology

Molecular Entomology(ISSN 1925-198X)is an international,open access,peer reviewed journal,committed to publishing and disseminating significant original achievements pertaining to molecular entomology.All papers chosen for publication should be innovative research work in the related field,including genome structure of insects,gene expression

Molecular Entomology

Molecular Entomology(ISSN 1925-198X)is an international,open access,peer reviewed journal,committed to publishing and disseminating significant original achievements pertaining to molecular entomology.All papers chosen for publication should be

Molecular Entomology

Molecular Entomology(ISSN 1925-198X)is an international,open access,peer reviewed journal,committed to publishing and disseminating significant original achievements pertaining to molecular entomology.All papers chosen for publication should be innovative research work in the related field,including genome structure of insects,gene expression and their function analysis,molecular evolution,molecular ecology,molecular genetics。

Molecular Entomology

Molecular Entomology(ISSN 1925-198X)is an international,open access,peer reviewed journal,committed to publishing and disseminating significant original achievements pertaining to molecular entomology.All papers chosen for publication should be innovative research work in the related field,including genome structure of insects,gene expression and their function analysis,molecular evolution,molecular ecology,molecular genetics,insect physiology and biochemistry.Meanwhile we also publish the articles related to

Lucilia sericata(Meigen)and Chrysomya megacephala(Fabricius)(Diptera:Calliphoridae)Development Rate and its Implications for Forensic Entomology

Forensic entomology is basically a science that is based on the scientific study of the invasion and succession pattern of arthropods with their developmental stages of different species found on the decomposed cadavers during legal investigations.The developmental rate of Lucilia sericata and Chrysomya megacephala was studied in beef liver for the correlation of time duration in each phase with the temperature and climate.The obtained data belong to L.sericata at temperatures between 22℃and 26℃(mean‑24℃)and relative humidity 50%±10%and C.megacephala at temperatures between 23℃and 27℃(mean‑25℃)and relative humidity 55%±10%.From the analysis of results,it was observed that in the climatic conditions of the study area,time since death assessment involving L.sericata was found to be with a potential of maximum 10-11 days and C.megacephala with 8-9 days.The data emerged as results from the present work would be beneficial for investigations involving decomposed dead body remains for the assessment of time since death.

An initial study of insect succession on decomposing rabbit carrions in Harare,Zimbabwe

Objective:To investigate insects visiting sun exposed and shaded decomposing rabbit carcasses and to establish the relationship between insects and carcasses which may be of forensic importance in Harare.Methods:Two rabbits weighing 2.3 kg and 2.5 kg were killed by sharp blows on the head.One was exposed to the sun while the other was placed under shade.The carcasses were allowed to decompose and insects were collected twice a day for the first week and thereafter once a day up to the end of the 7 weeks.Maggots were also collected from the decomposing carcasses and reared.Results:Five dipteran families(Galliphoridae,Muscidae,Sarcophagidae,Phoridae and Drosophilidae)were identified from the sun-exposed carcass.Species collected included Lucilia cuprina(L.cuprina),Chrysomya albiceps(C.albiceps),Musca domestica,Sarcophaga sp.and Drosophila sp.Four families(Calliphoridae,Muscidae,Phoridae,Anthomyiidae)were identified from the shaded carcass.Representatives of these families included L cuprina,C.albiceps,Musca domestica,and Hydrotaea sp.Three Coleopteran families(Histeridae,Cleridae and Dermestidae)were identified from hodt carcasses.The observed species were Saprinus sp,Necrobia rufipes and Dermestes sp.Fomicidae(Hymenoptera)was represented by only one species(Pheidoie sp.)Flies which emerged from the rearing units were L cuprina,Lucilia sp.,C.albiceps,Sarcophaga sp.and Sepsis sp.).Conclusions:Of the dipteran species collected during the study,L cuprina and C.albiceps could be important for further forensic studies since they were collected from the carcasses and also observed from the rearing units.

A Biological Restoration Model for Contaminated Coastal Marshes and Islands Using the Life Cycle of Acheta domesticus to Establish Environmental Sustainability

Insects such as Acheta domesticus account for over half of marsh fish and migratory bird diet. Therefore, insects are very important to marsh and island ecosy stems and are susceptible to oil contamination, but little research has been done to study the effects of oil spills on cricket populations. The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effects of an oil spill event on Acheta domesticus mortality and hatch rate to establish environmental sustainability. The treatment groups included 0% oil contamination, 5% oil contamination and 10% oil contamination. The scientist counted the number of deaths in two-week, four-week, and six-week-old crickets after oil contamination. In addition, the scientist counted the number of hatchlings among treated cricket eggs. Error bar lines in the results section supported the scientist’s hypothesis that the crickets would be affected by oil contamination. In fact, over 90% of the 10% oil treatment group died and over 80% of the 5% oil treatment group died after five days of oil contamination in the six-week-old experiment. The scientist used a Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer to determine if benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, or xylene (total) were present in the sediment samples. BTEX exposure is suspected to possibly cause insect mortality. These volatile organic compounds were present in the samples and were found in higher quantities in samples with higher concentrations of oil. The highest quantity of volatile organic compounds present was xylene. After studying the population dynamics of the tested Acheta domesticus, the scientist found that the two-week and four-week-old crickets’ survivability could fit a linear model while the six-week-old crickets fit an exponential model. The scientist used these models to observe how long it took each treatment group to approach zero, and the oiled groups grew closer to a population of zero significantly faster. For example, it took about twenty-seven days for the 10% treatment group’s population to approach zero whereas the control, 0% treatment group, took about seven days in the two-week-old cricket experiment. Overall, the six-week-old crickets had the highest mortality, and the cricket egg experiment resulted in extremely low hatch rate. Specifically, the highest number of crickets that hatched in an oiled replication either 5% or 10% oil was eight out of the five thousand eggs laid. Since the adult crickets are the most physically able to reproduce and the cricket eggs had low hatch rates, the cricket population would significantly decrease after an oil spill with 5% or more soil contamination. However, if the plant matter that crickets consume is still present in their environment, they may be able to recover.

Influence and Expression of Modern Technological Revolution on Entomological Research

Influence and expression of modern technological revolution on entomological research were analyzed from biotechnology and information technology. The application and expression of transgenic plants, transgenic insects, recombinant microorganism, insect tissue culture and informa- tion technology in entomology were discussed in this study, which showed that modern technological revolution brought about a qualitative leap for entomology with a great pushing effect.

The First Record for Two Species of the Soldier Flies （Diptera： Stratiomyidae）from Turkey

Known data on the distribution of Alliocera graeca Saunders, 1845 and Ber＆ chalybata （Forster, 1771） in Europe are summarized. A. graeca has been reliable recorded from Albania, Croatia and Greece. B. chalybata has been reliable recorded from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Roumania, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzeland. A. graeca and B. chalybata, known as European species, are new records for the Turkish Fauna. In this study, the female ofA. graeca and the female ofB. chalybata are presented and photographs of two species are accompanied. Distribution of these species treated is briefly discussed.

Estimation of Accumulated Degree Day Value of Six Landmarks within the Pupal Stage of Lucilia sericata

The present paper investigates the pupal development times ofLucilia sericata which were studied in the laboratory at six different constant temperatures （20, 22, 24, 26, 28 ℃ each ± ℃）. Lower thresholds （tL） for development were estimated from the linear regression of the developmental rates on each temperature. These data have made it possible to calculate the ADD （Accumulated Degree-Days） necessary for L. sericata to complete the larval stage and to achieve adult emergence. The minimal duration of development from oviposition to adult emergence was found to be inversely related to temperature. Additionally, six landmarks in pupal development are showed and for each of the landmarks the ADD value was calculated for every rearing temperature involved. These data assist in calculating the duration of the pupal stage based on morphological characteristics and would be of great value for future forensic entomological casework.

Abnormal Succession of Insect Fauna on Pig Carcasses in Tandil (Argentina, Buenos Aires Province)

This project was an attempt to reconstruct a death in dubious circumstance which happened in December 2002 in Tandil (Buenos Aires Province). Although the body was in open air, the entomological expertise discovered signs of delayed colonization. In this experiment, pig carcasses used as models to reconstruct the case. One was placed in shadow and another in sunlight (control). The hypothesis was that the climate and the topography affect the necrophagous insect succession in a mountain site. The families of Coleoptera found on the baits were: Silphidae, Dermestidae, Cleridae, Histeridae;of Díptera: Calliphoridae, Sarcophagidae;Asilidae;of Hymenoptera: Formicidae, Encyrtidae and Vespidae.

Letter to the Editor

Open-access journals;Advances in

Effect of Bendiocarb (Ficam^®80% WP) on Entomological Indices of Malaria Transmission by Indoor Residual Spraying in Burkina Faso, West Africa

Context: The vector control is essential in malaria prevention strategies in several endemic countries in Africa including Burkina Faso. The high transmission of malaria occurs during the period of high vector abundance (August to October) in Burkina Faso. Therefore, a vector control strategy based on the use of indoor residual spraying targeting this period should provide effective protection against malaria. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of bendiocarb applied in indoor residual spraying on entomological parameters of malaria transmission in a pyrethroid resistance area in southwestern, Burkina Faso. Methods: CDC light trap and early morning collections by pyrethrum spray catches were performed monthly to determine the change in entomological parameter within malaria vector in sprayed (Diebougou) and unsprayed sites (Dano). The female’s malaria vectors collected by both methods were used to determine their blood feeding pattern, biting and sporozoites rates as well as the malaria transmission risk estimated by entomological inoculation rate. Results: A total of 26,276 mosquitoes (13,555 anopheline and 12,721 other culicines) were collected using both CDC light trap (9158 mosquitoes) and PSC collection methods (17,118 mosquitoes) from June to December 2012. An. gambiae complex was the predominant species collected. An. gambiae was the predominant species collected (P = 0.0005), comprising 88% of the total collected and the most infected species. Malaria vectors densities were significantly lower in sprayed villages (n = 4303) compared with unsprayed villages (n = 12,569) during post-spraying period (P = 0.0012). In addition, mean human biting rate of An. gambiae s.l. and An. funestus s.l. were significantly lower in sprayed areas compared to unsprayed areas (P < 0.05). Overall, malaria vector transmission risk was significant four-fold lower in villages which received IRS (P = 0.0001) whatever the malaria vectors species (An. gambiae s.l. and An. An. funestus s.l.). Conclusions: The results showed that in the sprayed area (Diebougou), vector densities, human biting rates and malaria transmission risks were very lower than unsprayed areas (Dano). The findings also showed a change in vector behavior especially within An. funestus s.l. which became more zoophagic following IRS. The indoor residual spraying could be promoted as a control tool in areas where malaria transmission occurs during a given period of year.

Comparative Evaluation of the Regular Ovitrap vs an Innovated Larvitrap for <i>Aedes</i>Entomological Surveillance in Tapachula

Objective: The objective is to compare a regular ovitrap versus an innovated larvitrap for monitoring Aedes spp. populations. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 regular ovitraps and 20 innovated larvitraps were placed in pairs in 20 houses from the 5 de Febrero neighborhood in Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico. The innovation consisted in the incorporation of a valve in the lower part of a half tire to drain the contents in a 2 L collection container. The evaluation was carried out during five weeks, collecting eggs and larvae from the ovitraps and innovated larvitraps, respectively. Positivity indexes and insectary production of adult Aedes spp. mosquitoes were compared by collection type. Results: Average positivity index for the five weeks period were 60% for ovitraps and 91.25% for innovated larvitraps. During the five weeks, 4043 Ae. aegypti and 703 Ae. albopictus adult mosquitoes were produced in the insectary from the eggs collected from ovitraps, while from innovated larvitraps were 9014 Ae. aegypti, 1205 Ae. albopictus, and 15 Culex spp. Conclusion: Collection by the innovated larvitrap was more efficient, collecting 3.56 times more Ae. aegypti than with ovitraps, using approximately the same effort in time for replacing the filter paper from traditional 1 L ovitraps. Since the logistics for the storage and placement of larvitraps may still be a disadvantage in comparison with ovitraps, their use could be specifically intended in sentinel sites for mosquito population monitoring for entomological surveillance purposes.