Editorial

4 pages, 201 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Bark and Wood Boring Insects—Past, Present, and the Future Knowledge We Need

by Dimitrios N. Avtzis and Ferenc Lakatos

Insects 2021, 12(1), 28; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects12010028 - 04 Jan 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1905

Bark and wood-boring insects represent a very diverse group of insects that includes bark and ambrosia beetles, cerambycids, weevils, jewel beetles, or even anobiids from the order of beetles (Coleoptera), but in the broader sense other insect orders like Lepidoptera (e [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bark and Wood Boring Insects - Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need)

Research

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14 pages, 4160 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Morphologic Characters of the Rostrum in Two Weevils, Eucryptorrhynchus scrobiculatus Motschulsky and E. brandti Harold (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Cryptorrhychinae)

by Ganyu Zhang, Ruihong Sun, Huijuan Li and Junbao Wen

Insects 2023, 14(1), 71; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects14010071 - 11 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1670

Abstract

(1) Eucryptorrhynchus scrobiculatus and E. brandti (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Cryptorrhychinae) are both pests of Ailanthus altissima, found in China. During ovipositing, gravid females of the two weevils need to excavate a cavity in the oviposition substrate with their rostrum, while their oviposition sites [...] Read more.

(1) Eucryptorrhynchus scrobiculatus and E. brandti (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Cryptorrhychinae) are both pests of Ailanthus altissima, found in China. During ovipositing, gravid females of the two weevils need to excavate a cavity in the oviposition substrate with their rostrum, while their oviposition sites are different. (2) In this study, to explore the boring mechanism of E. scrobiculatus and E. brandti during ovipositing, the morphologic characters of the rostra of two weevils were studied in detail by scanning electron microscopy and micro-CT. (3) Their rostra appear similar, but the rostrum surface of E. scrobiculatus is rougher than that of E. brandti; their fine structures of rostrum and sensilla distribution are similar, but the sensilla twig basiconica 3 is distributed at the apex of labial palpus in E. brandti females, while not at the apex of labial palpus in E. scrobiculatus females; their rostra are hollow and their cuticle thickness is constantly changing, but the proportion of the whole rostrum tube cuticle in E. scrobiculatus is significantly larger than that of E. brandti. The above structural differences make E. scrobiculatus more conducive to oviposition in the soil and E. brandti more conducive to oviposition in the trunk of A. altissima. (4) Overall, this study not only plays an important role in exploring the excavating mechanism during the oviposition of the two weevils, but also provides new insights into the coexistence of two weevil species on the same host A. altissima. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bark and Wood Boring Insects - Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need)

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12 pages, 6417 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky) on Cocoa Pods (Theobroma cacao L.): Matter of Bugs and Fungi

by Shivaji Hausrao Thube, R. Thava Prakasa Pandian, Arulappan Josephrajkumar, Anthara Bhavishya, B. J. Nirmal Kumar, Dnyaneshwar M. Firake, Vivek Shah, T. N. Madhu and Enrico Ruzzier

Insects 2022, 13(9), 809; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects13090809 - 05 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1895

Abstract

Exudation of mucilage from pinhead-sized boreholes in cocoa pods was recorded in Karnataka, India, during 2021. Further investigations showed the association of scolytine beetles with infested pods. The identity of the pest, Xylosandrus crassiusculus, was confirmed through morphological characterization and sequencing of [...] Read more.

Exudation of mucilage from pinhead-sized boreholes in cocoa pods was recorded in Karnataka, India, during 2021. Further investigations showed the association of scolytine beetles with infested pods. The identity of the pest, Xylosandrus crassiusculus, was confirmed through morphological characterization and sequencing of the mitochondrial COI gene. We studied the predisposing factors for its infestation, visible and concealed damaging symptoms, and fungal symbionts. In addition to its well-known symbiotic fungus, Ambrosiella roeperi, a new association of yeast, Ambrosiozyma monospora, was discovered. We also traced the possible role of the mirid bug, Helopeltis theivora, in host selection by X. crassiusculus. Overall results indicated that a ‘mirid bug-ambrosia beetle–pathogen complex’ is responsible for the severe damage to cocoa pods in South India. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bark and Wood Boring Insects - Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need)

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27 pages, 4023 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geographical Distribution of Three Forest Invasive Beetle Species in Romania

by Nicolai Olenici, Mihai-Leonard Duduman, Ionel Popa, Gabriela Isaia and Marius Paraschiv

Insects 2022, 13(7), 621; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects13070621 - 12 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1944

Abstract

Ips duplicatus (Sahlberg, 1836), Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford, 1894) and Neoclytus acuminatus (Fabricius, 1775) are invasive species reported in Romania, but their current distribution is poorly known. The research aim was to provide new information on this issue. A survey was conducted over the [...] Read more.

Ips duplicatus (Sahlberg, 1836), Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford, 1894) and Neoclytus acuminatus (Fabricius, 1775) are invasive species reported in Romania, but their current distribution is poorly known. The research aim was to provide new information on this issue. A survey was conducted over the period 2015–2017 in 82 locations, using flight-interception traps and bottle traps, baited with different attractants. Data obtained in our other unpublished studies were also taken into account. A total of 35,136 I. duplicatus beetles were collected in 30 survey locations. The highest captures were in the log yards of some factories processing logs of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.). Considering all known records so far, most of these are in the eastern part of Romania, where an outbreak took place during the years 2005–2014, mainly in spruce stands growing outside their natural range. During the survey, 4259 specimens of X. germanus were collected in 35 locations, but in our other studies the species was found in 13 additional places. It was collected at altitudes of 18–1200 m, and the largest catches were from beech stands, growing at 450–950 m. N. acuminatus was found in only six locations, in the western and southern parts of the country, at low altitudes, in tree stands composed of Fraxinus excelsior L., Quercus spp. and other broadleaf species, as well as in broadleaf log yards. The results suggest that I. duplicatus is established in most parts of the Norway spruce’s range, X. germanus is still spreading in the country, with some areas having quite high populations, while N. acuminatus is present only in the warmest regions of the country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bark and Wood Boring Insects - Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need)

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12 pages, 4640 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Its Fungal Symbiont Ambrosiella roeperi Associated with Arecanut Kernel Decay in Karnataka, India

by Shivaji Hausrao Thube, Thava Prakasa Pandian, Anthara Bhavishya, Merin Babu, Arulappan Josephrajkumar, Muddumadiah Chaithra, Vinayaka Hegde and Enrico Ruzzier

Insects 2022, 13(1), 67; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects13010067 - 06 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2495

Abstract

Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is reported causing damage to areca palm plantations (Areca catechu L.—Arecaceae) in Karnataka (India). In particular, X. crassiusculus has been observed attacking and successfully reproducing on areca nuts; besides the new host plant record, the data provided [...] Read more.

Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) is reported causing damage to areca palm plantations (Areca catechu L.—Arecaceae) in Karnataka (India). In particular, X. crassiusculus has been observed attacking and successfully reproducing on areca nuts; besides the new host plant record, the data provided here represent the first documented case of spermatophagy for this xyleborine beetle. All infestation symptoms of this polyphagous pest were documented and illustrated. The identity of the scolytid, besides morphologically, was confirmed by its DNA barcoding. Eggs, larvae and pupae were found within the galleries of infested kernels. All galleries of the infested kernels were characterized by the presence of whitish to greyish fungal growth. The fungus was identified as Ambrosiella roeperi, a known symbiont of Xylosandrus crassiusculus. Incidence of this symbiotic insect-fungus complex in the economic part of arecanut, i.e., the kernel, is of serious concern. In a climate change scenario, this beetle with fungal symbionts may pose a serious threat to arecanut production in India and elsewhere. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bark and Wood Boring Insects - Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need)

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11 pages, 9776 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Low Heat Availability Could Limit the Potential Spread of the Emerald Ash Borer to Northern Europe (Prognosis Based on Growing Degree Days per Year)

by Marina J. Orlova-Bienkowskaja and Andrzej O. Bieńkowski

Insects 2022, 13(1), 52; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects13010052 - 02 Jan 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2198

Abstract

Emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is one of 20 priority quarantine pests of the European Union. It is native to Asia and is established in the USA, Canada, European Russia, and Ukraine. We made the first prognosis of the potential range [...] Read more.

Emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is one of 20 priority quarantine pests of the European Union. It is native to Asia and is established in the USA, Canada, European Russia, and Ukraine. We made the first prognosis of the potential range of A. planipennis in Europe based on heat availability. Mean annual growing degree days base 10 °C (AGDD₁₀) was calculated for each grid square (0.25° × 0.25° latitude x longitude degrees) on the Earth’s surface. Minimal AGDD₁₀ recorded in the grid squares currently occupied by A. planipennis was 714° in Asia, 705° in North America, and 711° in European Russia. Agrilus planipennis has never been recorded in localities with AGDD₁₀ below 700°. If the phenotypic plasticity would not allow this species to overcome this threshold, cold regions of Europe would probably not be invaded by A. planipennis. Thus, Fraxinus excelsior could potentially escape from A. planipennis in some regions of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Ireland, and Great Britain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bark and Wood Boring Insects - Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need)

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14 pages, 1699 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Olean (1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane): A Novel Intraspecific Chemical Cue in Coraebus undatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

by Sergio López, José María Álvarez-Calero, Josep Maria Riba-Flinch, María Milagro Coca-Abia, Antoni Torrell and Carmen Quero

Insects 2021, 12(12), 1085; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects12121085 - 03 Dec 2021

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Abstract

The main aim of this work was to identify semiochemicals from the jewel beetle Coraebus undatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) that may aid in the improvement of current monitoring tools. First, HS-SPME collections revealed that individually sampled adults (>7 days old) of both sexes [...] Read more.

The main aim of this work was to identify semiochemicals from the jewel beetle Coraebus undatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) that may aid in the improvement of current monitoring tools. First, HS-SPME collections revealed that individually sampled adults (>7 days old) of both sexes release the spiroacetal 1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane (olean). Electroantennographic recordings from both sexes exposed to increasing amounts of olean followed a dose-dependent pattern, with females being more responsive than males to the highest amount of the compound (100 µg). In double-choice assays, adults older than seven days were significantly attracted to olean, whereas this attraction was not detected in insects aged less than seven days. Indeed, a repellent effect was observed in young females. Subsequent field trials employing sticky purple prism traps revealed that there were no differences among the number of insects caught in control and olean-baited traps at two different release rates (0.75 and 3.75 mg/day). Interestingly, all the trapped specimens were determined as mated females, regardless of the presence of olean. Overall, these findings provide a basis for unraveling the chemical ecology of the species, although further research is still needed to determine the specific role of this compound within the chemical communication of the species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bark and Wood Boring Insects - Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need)

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14 pages, 38553 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Successful Eradication of the Asian Longhorn Beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis, from North-Eastern Italy: Protocol, Techniques and Results

by Matteo Marchioro and Massimo Faccoli

Insects 2021, 12(10), 877; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects12100877 - 28 Sep 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3067

Abstract

The Asian Longhorn Beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is an important and extremely polyphagous wood-boring beetle native to Asia. In the 1990s, ALB was accidentally introduced into North America and Europe. In 2009, a large ALB infestation was found in the Veneto [...] Read more.

The Asian Longhorn Beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is an important and extremely polyphagous wood-boring beetle native to Asia. In the 1990s, ALB was accidentally introduced into North America and Europe. In 2009, a large ALB infestation was found in the Veneto Region (north-eastern Italy), in the municipality of Cornuda (Treviso province). Eradication actions were immediately undertaken, based on delimitation of infested and buffer zones, tree visual inspections, felling and chipping of infested trees, trapping protocols, and citizen alerts. A total of 36,361 trees, belonging to 16 genera, were surveyed twice a year over an area of 7594 hectares. In 2020, after 11 years of eradication measures, the ALB population of Cornuda was declared eradicated. Overall, 2361 trees belonging to 8 genera were felled and destroyed, of which 1157 were found to be infested by ALB. This paper describes all the actions carried out and the procedures applied in order to eradicate ALB from north-eastern Italy, providing a useful example for current and future ALB eradication programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bark and Wood Boring Insects - Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need)

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Review

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12 pages, 1369 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Bark Beetle Phloeotribus rhododactylus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Has a Stable Range in Europe

by Tomáš Fiala and Jaroslav Holuša

Insects 2020, 11(12), 856; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/insects11120856 - 02 Dec 2020

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Abstract

The bark beetle Phloeotribus rhododactylus feeds mainly on the shrub Cytisus scoparius. The range of P. rhododactylus extends from Spain in the south to southern Sweden, Denmark, and Scotland in the north. Its range to the east extends to Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary, [...] Read more.

The bark beetle Phloeotribus rhododactylus feeds mainly on the shrub Cytisus scoparius. The range of P. rhododactylus extends from Spain in the south to southern Sweden, Denmark, and Scotland in the north. Its range to the east extends to Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary, but single localities are known further east in Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece. It is clear that the range of the beetle matches that of its main host. C. scoparius is adapted to Mediterranean and coastal climates, and its range is limited by low winter temperatures. P. rhododactylus is, therefore, rare in Central Europe. It infests either individuals of C. scoparius that have been damaged by mammalian herbivores or snow or that are drought-stressed. Although C. scoparius is an invasive plant in agricultural and natural ecosystems, P. rhododactylus has not been found in any of the areas where C. scoparius has invaded. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bark and Wood Boring Insects - Past, Present and the Future Knowledge We Need)

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