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Grula CC, Rinehart JD, Anacleto A, Kittilson JD, Heidinger BJ, Greenlee KJ, Rinehart JP, Bowsher JH. Telomere length is longer following diapause in two solitary bee species. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11208. [PMID: 38755232 PMCID: PMC11099051 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61613-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms that underlie senescence are not well understood in insects. Telomeres are conserved repetitive sequences at chromosome ends that protect DNA during replication. In many vertebrates, telomeres shorten during cell division and in response to stress and are often used as a cellular marker of senescence. However, little is known about telomere dynamics across the lifespan in invertebrates. We measured telomere length in larvae, prepupae, pupae, and adults of two species of solitary bees, Osmia lignaria and Megachile rotundata. Contrary to our predictions, telomere length was longer in later developmental stages in both O. lignaria and M. rotundata. Longer telomeres occurred after emergence from diapause, which is a physiological state with increased tolerance to stress. In O. lignaria, telomeres were longer in adults when they emerged following diapause. In M. rotundata, telomeres were longer in the pupal stage and subsequent adult stage, which occurs after prepupal diapause. In both species, telomere length did not change during the 8 months of diapause. Telomere length did not differ by mass similarly across species or sex. We also did not see a difference in telomere length after adult O. lignaria were exposed to a nutritional stress, nor did length change during their adult lifespan. Taken together, these results suggest that telomere dynamics in solitary bees differ from what is commonly reported in vertebrates and suggest that insect diapause may influence telomere dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney C Grula
- Insect Genetics and Biochemistry Edward T. Schafer Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Center, 1616 Albrecht Boulevard, Fargo, ND, 58102, USA.
| | - Joshua D Rinehart
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, 1340 Bolley Drive, 218 Stevens Hall, Fargo, ND, 58102, USA
| | - Angelo Anacleto
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, 1137 E. Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Kittilson
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, 1340 Bolley Drive, 218 Stevens Hall, Fargo, ND, 58102, USA
| | - Britt J Heidinger
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, 1340 Bolley Drive, 218 Stevens Hall, Fargo, ND, 58102, USA
| | - Kendra J Greenlee
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, 1340 Bolley Drive, 218 Stevens Hall, Fargo, ND, 58102, USA
| | - Joseph P Rinehart
- Insect Genetics and Biochemistry Edward T. Schafer Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Center, 1616 Albrecht Boulevard, Fargo, ND, 58102, USA
| | - Julia H Bowsher
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, 1340 Bolley Drive, 218 Stevens Hall, Fargo, ND, 58102, USA
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Vommaro ML, Donato S, Caputo S, Agostino RG, Montali A, Tettamanti G, Giglio A. Anatomical changes of Tenebrio molitor and Tribolium castaneum during complete metamorphosis. Cell Tissue Res 2024; 396:19-40. [PMID: 38409390 PMCID: PMC10997553 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03877-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
In holometabolous insects, extensive reorganisation of tissues and cells occurs at the pupal stage. The remodelling of the external exoskeleton and internal organs that intervenes during metamorphosis has been traditionally studied in many insect species based on histological or ultrastructural methods. This study demonstrates the use of synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast micro-computed tomography as a powerful, non-destructive tool for in situ morphological observation of anatomical structures at the pupal stage in two Tenebrionid beetles, i.e. Tribolium castaneum and Tenebrio molitor, known as important pests, as well as emerging and promising models in experimental biology. Virtual sections and three-dimensional reconstructions were performed on both males and females at early, intermediate, and late pupal stage. The dataset allowed us to observe the remodelling of the gut and nervous system as well as the shaping of the female and male reproductive system at different pupal ages in both mealworm and red flour beetles. Moreover, we observed that the timing and duration pattern of organ development varied between the species analysed, likely related to the species-specific adaptations of the pre-imaginal stages to environmental conditions, which ultimately affect their life cycle. This research provides new knowledge on the morphological modifications that occur during the pupal stage of holometabolous insects and provides a baseline set of information on beetle metamorphosis that may support future research in forensics, physiology, and ecology as well as an image atlas for educational purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luigia Vommaro
- University of Calabria, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, Rende, Italy
| | - Sandro Donato
- University of Calabria, Department of Physics and STAR research infrastructure, Rende, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Division of Frascati, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Caputo
- University of Calabria, Department of Environmental Engineering, Rende, Italy
| | - Raffaele G Agostino
- University of Calabria, Department of Physics and STAR research infrastructure, Rende, Italy
| | - Aurora Montali
- University of Insubria, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Varese, Italy
| | - Gianluca Tettamanti
- University of Insubria, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Varese, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-environmental Technology (BAT Center), University of Napoli Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Anita Giglio
- University of Calabria, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, Rende, Italy.
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Liu SP, Yin HD, Li WJ, Qin ZH, Yang Y, Huang ZZ, Zong L, Liu XK, Du Z, Fan WL, Zhang YQ, Zhang D, Zhang YE, Liu XY, Yang D, Ge SQ. The Morphological Transformation of the Thorax during the Eclosion of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae). INSECTS 2023; 14:893. [PMID: 37999092 PMCID: PMC10671814 DOI: 10.3390/insects14110893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The model organism Drosophila melanogaster, as a species of Holometabola, undergoes a series of transformations during metamorphosis. To deeply understand its development, it is crucial to study its anatomy during the key developmental stages. We describe the anatomical systems of the thorax, including the endoskeleton, musculature, nervous ganglion, and digestive system, from the late pupal stage to the adult stage, based on micro-CT and 3D visualizations. The development of the endoskeleton causes original and insertional changes in muscles. Several muscles change their shape during development in a non-uniform manner with respect to both absolute and relative size; some become longer and broader, while others shorten and become narrower. Muscular shape may vary during development. The number of muscular bundles also increases or decreases. Growing muscles are probably anchored by the tissues in the stroma. Some muscles and tendons are absent in the adult stage, possibly due to the hardened sclerites. Nearly all flight muscles are present by the third day of the pupal stage, which may be due to the presence of more myofibers with enough mitochondria to support flight power. There are sexual differences in the same developmental period. In contrast to the endodermal digestive system, the functions of most thoracic muscles change in the development from the larva to the adult in order to support more complex locomotion under the control of a more structured ventral nerve cord based on the serial homology proposed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Pei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (S.-P.L.); (H.-D.Y.); (W.-J.L.); (Z.-H.Q.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-Z.H.); (L.Z.); (X.-K.L.); (Z.D.); (W.-L.F.); (Y.-Q.Z.); (D.Z.); (Y.E.Z.)
| | - Hao-Dong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (S.-P.L.); (H.-D.Y.); (W.-J.L.); (Z.-H.Q.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-Z.H.); (L.Z.); (X.-K.L.); (Z.D.); (W.-L.F.); (Y.-Q.Z.); (D.Z.); (Y.E.Z.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100086, China
| | - Wen-Jie Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (S.-P.L.); (H.-D.Y.); (W.-J.L.); (Z.-H.Q.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-Z.H.); (L.Z.); (X.-K.L.); (Z.D.); (W.-L.F.); (Y.-Q.Z.); (D.Z.); (Y.E.Z.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100086, China
| | - Zhuang-Hui Qin
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (S.-P.L.); (H.-D.Y.); (W.-J.L.); (Z.-H.Q.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-Z.H.); (L.Z.); (X.-K.L.); (Z.D.); (W.-L.F.); (Y.-Q.Z.); (D.Z.); (Y.E.Z.)
| | - Yi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (S.-P.L.); (H.-D.Y.); (W.-J.L.); (Z.-H.Q.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-Z.H.); (L.Z.); (X.-K.L.); (Z.D.); (W.-L.F.); (Y.-Q.Z.); (D.Z.); (Y.E.Z.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100086, China
| | - Zheng-Zhong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (S.-P.L.); (H.-D.Y.); (W.-J.L.); (Z.-H.Q.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-Z.H.); (L.Z.); (X.-K.L.); (Z.D.); (W.-L.F.); (Y.-Q.Z.); (D.Z.); (Y.E.Z.)
| | - Le Zong
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (S.-P.L.); (H.-D.Y.); (W.-J.L.); (Z.-H.Q.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-Z.H.); (L.Z.); (X.-K.L.); (Z.D.); (W.-L.F.); (Y.-Q.Z.); (D.Z.); (Y.E.Z.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100086, China
| | - Xiao-Kun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (S.-P.L.); (H.-D.Y.); (W.-J.L.); (Z.-H.Q.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-Z.H.); (L.Z.); (X.-K.L.); (Z.D.); (W.-L.F.); (Y.-Q.Z.); (D.Z.); (Y.E.Z.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100086, China
| | - Zhong Du
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (S.-P.L.); (H.-D.Y.); (W.-J.L.); (Z.-H.Q.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-Z.H.); (L.Z.); (X.-K.L.); (Z.D.); (W.-L.F.); (Y.-Q.Z.); (D.Z.); (Y.E.Z.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100086, China
| | - Wei-Li Fan
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (S.-P.L.); (H.-D.Y.); (W.-J.L.); (Z.-H.Q.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-Z.H.); (L.Z.); (X.-K.L.); (Z.D.); (W.-L.F.); (Y.-Q.Z.); (D.Z.); (Y.E.Z.)
| | - Ya-Qiong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (S.-P.L.); (H.-D.Y.); (W.-J.L.); (Z.-H.Q.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-Z.H.); (L.Z.); (X.-K.L.); (Z.D.); (W.-L.F.); (Y.-Q.Z.); (D.Z.); (Y.E.Z.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100086, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (S.-P.L.); (H.-D.Y.); (W.-J.L.); (Z.-H.Q.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-Z.H.); (L.Z.); (X.-K.L.); (Z.D.); (W.-L.F.); (Y.-Q.Z.); (D.Z.); (Y.E.Z.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100086, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Genome Editing and Cell Therapy, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Yong E. Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (S.-P.L.); (H.-D.Y.); (W.-J.L.); (Z.-H.Q.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-Z.H.); (L.Z.); (X.-K.L.); (Z.D.); (W.-L.F.); (Y.-Q.Z.); (D.Z.); (Y.E.Z.)
| | - Xing-Yue Liu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (X.-Y.L.); (D.Y.)
| | - Ding Yang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (X.-Y.L.); (D.Y.)
| | - Si-Qin Ge
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; (S.-P.L.); (H.-D.Y.); (W.-J.L.); (Z.-H.Q.); (Y.Y.); (Z.-Z.H.); (L.Z.); (X.-K.L.); (Z.D.); (W.-L.F.); (Y.-Q.Z.); (D.Z.); (Y.E.Z.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100086, China
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Windfelder AG, Steinbart J, Flögel U, Scherberich J, Kampschulte M, Krombach GA, Vilcinskas A. A quantitative micro-tomographic gut atlas of the lepidopteran model insect Manduca sexta. iScience 2023; 26:106801. [PMID: 37378344 PMCID: PMC10291339 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The tobacco hornworm is used extensively as a model system for ecotoxicology, immunology and gut physiology. Here, we established a micro-computed tomography approach based on the oral application of the clinical contrast agent iodixanol, allowing for a high-resolution quantitative analysis of the Manduca sexta gut. This technique permitted the identification of previously unknown and understudied structures, such as the crop or gastric ceca, and revealed the underlying complexity of the hindgut folding pattern, which is involved in fecal pellet formation. The acquired data enabled the volume rendering of all gut parts, the reliable calculation of their volumes, and the virtual endoscopy of the entire alimentary tract. It can provide information for accurate orientation in histology uses, enable quantitative anatomical phenotyping in three dimensions, and allow the calculation of locally effective midgut concentrations of applied chemicals. This atlas will provide critical insights into the evolution of the alimentary tract in lepidopterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton G. Windfelder
- Branch Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Giessen, Germany
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jessica Steinbart
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University-Hospital Giessen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Flögel
- Experimental Cardiovascular Imaging, Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan Scherberich
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Marian Kampschulte
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University-Hospital Giessen, Germany
| | - Gabriele A. Krombach
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University-Hospital Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Branch Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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5
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Geier B, Gil-Mansilla E, Liutkevičiūtė Z, Hellinger R, Vanden Broeck J, Oetjen J, Liebeke M, Gruber CW. Multiplexed neuropeptide mapping in ant brains integrating microtomography and three-dimensional mass spectrometry imaging. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad144. [PMID: 37215633 PMCID: PMC10194420 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are important regulators of animal physiology and behavior. Hitherto the gold standard for the localization of neuropeptides have been immunohistochemical methods that require the synthesis of antibody panels, while another limiting factor has been the brain's opacity for subsequent in situ light or fluorescence microscopy. To address these limitations, we explored the integration of high-resolution mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) with microtomography for a multiplexed mapping of neuropeptides in two evolutionary distant ant species, Atta sexdens and Lasius niger. For analyzing the spatial distribution of chemically diverse peptide molecules across the brain in each species, the acquisition of serial mass spectrometry images was essential. As a result, we have comparatively mapped the three-dimensional (3D) distributions of eight conserved neuropeptides throughout the brain microanatomy. We demonstrate that integrating the 3D MSI data into high-resolution anatomy models can be critical for studying organs with high plasticity such as brains of social insects. Several peptides, like the tachykinin-related peptides (TK) 1 and 4, were widely distributed in many brain areas of both ant species, whereas others, for instance myosuppressin, were restricted to specific regions only. Also, we detected differences at the species level; many peptides were identified in the optic lobe of L. niger, but only one peptide (ITG-like) was found in this region in A. sexdens. Building upon MS imaging studies on neuropeptides in invertebrate model systems, our approach leverages correlative MSI and computed microtomography for investigating fundamental neurobiological processes by visualizing the unbiased 3D neurochemistry in its complex anatomic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zita Liutkevičiūtė
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Roland Hellinger
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Group, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Janina Oetjen
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: (J.O.); (M.L.); (C.W.G.)
| | - Manuel Liebeke
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: (J.O.); (M.L.); (C.W.G.)
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Thomson BR, Hagenbucher S, Zboray R, Oesch MA, Aellen R, Richter H. Automated computed tomography based parasitoid detection in mason bee rearings. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275891. [PMID: 36227883 PMCID: PMC9560145 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, insect husbandry has seen an increased interest in order to supply in the production of raw materials, food, or as biological/environmental control. Unfortunately, large insect rearings are susceptible to pathogens, pests and parasitoids which can spread rapidly due to the confined nature of a rearing system. Thus, it is of interest to monitor the spread of such manifestations and the overall population size quickly and efficiently. Medical imaging techniques could be used for this purpose, as large volumes can be scanned non-invasively. Due to its 3D acquisition nature, computed tomography seems to be the most suitable for this task. This study presents an automated, computed tomography-based, counting method for bee rearings that performs comparable to identifying all Osmia cornuta cocoons manually. The proposed methodology achieves this in an average of 10 seconds per sample, compared to 90 minutes per sample for the manual count over a total of 12 samples collected around lake Zurich in 2020. Such an automated bee population evaluation tool is efficient and valuable in combating environmental influences on bee, and potentially other insect, rearings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart R. Thomson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neuroscience Center, Universitätsspital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Internal Medicine, Universitätsspital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Robert Zboray
- Center for X-ray Analytics, EMPA, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Henning Richter
- Diagnostic Imaging Research Unit, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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Raś M, Wipfler B, Dannenfeld T, Iwan D. Postembryonic development of the tracheal system of beetles in the context of aptery and adaptations towards an arid environment. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13378. [PMID: 35855904 PMCID: PMC9288169 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The tracheal system comprises one of the major adaptations of insects towards a terrestrial lifestyle. Many aspects such as the modifications towards wing reduction or a life in an arid climate are still poorly understood. To address these issues, we performed the first three-dimensional morphometric analyses of the tracheal system of a wingless insect, the desert beetle Gonopus tibialis and compared it with a flying beetle (Tenebrio molitor). Our results clearly show that the reduction of the flight apparatus has severe consequences for the tracheal system. This includes the reduction of the tracheal density, the relative volume of the trachea, the volume of the respective spiracles and the complete loss of individual tracheae. At the same time, the reduction of wings in the desert beetle allows modifications of the tracheal system that would be impossible in an animal with a functional flight apparatus such as the formation of a subelytral cavity as a part of the tracheal system, the strong elongation of the digestive tract including its tracheal system or the respiration through a single spiracle. Finally, we addressed when these modifications of the tracheal system take place during the development of the studied beetles. We can clearly show that they develop during pupation while the larvae of both species are almost identical in their tracheal system and body shape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Raś
- Zoological Museum, Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Benjamin Wipfler
- Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, Leibniz-Institut zur Analyse des Biodiversitätswandels, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tim Dannenfeld
- Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, Leibniz-Institut zur Analyse des Biodiversitätswandels, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dariusz Iwan
- Zoological Museum, Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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8
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Martín-Vega D, Wicklein M, Simonsen TJ, Garbout A, Ahmed F, Hall MJ. Anatomical reconfiguration of the optic lobe during metamorphosis in the blow fly Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) revealed by X-ray micro-computed tomography. ZOOL ANZ 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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9
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Mohorič A, Božič J, Mrak P, Tušar K, Lin C, Sepe A, Mikac U, Mikhaylov G, Serša I. In vivo continuous three-dimensional magnetic resonance microscopy: a study of metamorphosis in Carniolan worker honey bees ( Apis mellifera carnica). J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb225250. [PMID: 33023924 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.225250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) is a modality of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) optimized for the best resolution. Metamorphosis of the Carniolan worker honey bee (Apis mellifera carnica) was studied in vivo under controlled temperature and humidity conditions from sealed larvae until the emergence of an adult. The 3D images were analyzed by volume rendering and segmentation, enabling the analysis of the body, tracheal system and gastrointestinal tract through the time course of volume changes. Fat content sensitivity enabled the analysis of flight muscles transformation during the metamorphosis by the signal histogram and gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM). Although the transformation during metamorphosis is well known, MRM enables an alternative insight to this process, i.e. 3D in vivo, which has relatively high spatial and temporal resolutions. The developed methodology can easily be adapted for studying the metamorphosis of other insects or any other incremental biological process on a similar spatial and temporal scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleš Mohorič
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janko Božič
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Polona Mrak
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Kaja Tušar
- Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Chenyun Lin
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ana Sepe
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urša Mikac
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Igor Serša
- Jožef Stefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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10
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Voulgari-Kokota A, Steffan-Dewenter I, Keller A. Susceptibility of Red Mason Bee Larvae to Bacterial Threats Due to Microbiome Exchange with Imported Pollen Provisions. INSECTS 2020; 11:E373. [PMID: 32549328 PMCID: PMC7348846 DOI: 10.3390/insects11060373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Solitary bees are subject to a variety of pressures that cause severe population declines. Currently, habitat loss, temperature shifts, agrochemical exposure, and new parasites are identified as major threats. However, knowledge about detrimental bacteria is scarce, although they may disturb natural microbiomes, disturb nest environments, or harm the larvae directly. To address this gap, we investigated 12 Osmia bicornis nests with deceased larvae and 31 nests with healthy larvae from the same localities in a 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene metabarcoding study. We sampled larvae, pollen provisions, and nest material and then contrasted bacterial community composition and diversity in healthy and deceased nests. Microbiomes of pollen provisions and larvae showed similarities for healthy larvae, whilst this was not the case for deceased individuals. We identified three bacterial taxa assigned to Paenibacillus sp. (closely related to P. pabuli/amylolyticus/xylanexedens), Sporosarcina sp., and Bacillus sp. as indicative for bacterial communities of deceased larvae, as well as Lactobacillus for corresponding pollen provisions. Furthermore, we performed a provisioning experiment, where we fed larvae with untreated and sterilized pollens, as well as sterilized pollens inoculated with a Bacillus sp. isolate from a deceased larva. Untreated larval microbiomes were consistent with that of the pollen provided. Sterilized pollen alone did not lead to acute mortality, while no microbiome was recoverable from the larvae. In the inoculation treatment, we observed that larval microbiomes were dominated by the seeded bacterium, which resulted in enhanced mortality. These results support that larval microbiomes are strongly determined by the pollen provisions. Further, they underline the need for further investigation of the impact of detrimental bacterial acquired via pollens and potential buffering by a diverse pollen provision microbiome in solitary bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Voulgari-Kokota
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany;
- Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Hubland Nord, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
- Current Address: Faculty of Science and Engineering, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter
- Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Alexander Keller
- Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany;
- Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Hubland Nord, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
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Alba-Alejandre I, Alba-Tercedor J, Hunter WB. Anatomical study of the female reproductive system and bacteriome of Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, (Insecta: Hemiptera, Liviidae) using micro-computed tomography. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7161. [PMID: 32346040 PMCID: PMC7189384 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64132-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Huanglongbing (HLB) (citrus greening disease) is one of the most serious bacterial diseases of citrus. It is caused by (1) Candidatus Liberibacter africanus, transmitted by Trioza erytreae and (2) C.L. asiaticus and C.L. americanus, transmitted by Diaphorina citri. As part of a multidisciplinary project on D. citri (www.citrusgreening.org), we made a detailed study, using micro-computed tomography, of the female abdominal terminalia, reproductive system (ovaries, accessory glands, spermatheca, colleterial (= cement) gland, connecting ducts, and ovipositor) and bacteriome, which we present here. New terms and structures are introduced and described, particularly concerning the spermatheca, ovipositor and bacteriome. The quality of images and bacteriome reconstructions are comparable, or clearer, than those previously published using a synchrotron or fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH). This study: reviews knowledge of the female reproductive system and bacteriome organ in D. citri; represents the first detailed morphological study of D. citri to use micro-CT; and extensively revises existing morphological information relevant to psylloids, hemipterans and insects in general. High quality images and supplementary videos represent a significant advance in knowledge of psylloid anatomy and are useful tools for future research and as educational aids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Alba-Alejandre
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Campus de Fuentenueva, Granada, Spain.
| | - Javier Alba-Tercedor
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Campus de Fuentenueva, Granada, Spain.
| | - Wayne B Hunter
- U.S. Department Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Fort Pierce, Florida, USA
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12
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Alba-Alejandre I, Alba-Tercedor J, Vega FE. Anatomical study of the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) using micro-computed tomography. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17150. [PMID: 31748574 PMCID: PMC6868283 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53537-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, the study of anatomy in insects has been based on dissection techniques. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) is an X-ray based technique that allows visualization of the internal anatomy of insects in situ and does not require dissections. We report on the use of micro-CT scans to study, in detail, the internal structures and organs of the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei), the most damaging insect pest of coffee worldwide. Detailed images and videos allowed us to make the first description of the aedeagus and the first report of differences between the sexes based on internal anatomy (flight musculature, midgut shape, hindgut convolutions, brain shape and size) and external morphology (lateral outline of the pronotum and number of abdominal tergites). This study is the first complete micro-CT reconstruction of the anatomy of an insect and is also the smallest insect to have been evaluated in this way. High quality rendered images, and additional supplementary videos and 3D models are suitable for use with mobile devices and are useful tools for future research and as teaching aids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Alba-Alejandre
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Campus de Fuentenueva, 18071, Granada, Spain
| | - Javier Alba-Tercedor
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Campus de Fuentenueva, 18071, Granada, Spain.
| | - Fernando E Vega
- Sustainable Perennial Crops Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA.
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Hall MJR, Martín-Vega D. Visualization of insect metamorphosis. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20190071. [PMID: 31438819 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Metamorphosis and, in particular, holometaboly, the development of organisms through a series of discrete stages (egg, larva, pupa, adult) that hardly resemble one another but are finely adapted to specific roles in the life cycle of the organism, has fascinated and mystified humans throughout history. However, it can be difficult to visualize the dramatic changes that occur during holometaboly without destructive sampling, traditionally through histology. However, advances in imaging technologies developed mainly for medical sciences have been applied to studies of insect metamorphosis over the past couple of decades. These include micro-computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and optical coherence tomography. A major advantage of these techniques is that they are rapid and non-destructive, enabling virtual dissection of an organism in any plane by anyone who has access to the image files and the necessary software. They can also be applied in some cases to visualize metamorphosis in vivo, including the periods of most rapid and dramatic morphological change. This review focusses on visualizing the intra-puparial holometabolous metamorphosis of cyclorraphous flies (Diptera), including the primary model organism for all genetic investigations, Drosophila melanogaster, and the blow flies of medical, veterinary and forensic importance, but also discusses similar studies on other insect orders. This article is part of the theme issue 'The evolution of complete metamorphosis'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin J R Hall
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Daniel Martín-Vega
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD, UK.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
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Tong X, Hua BZ. The sperm pump and genital coupling of Panorpodes kuandianensis (Mecoptera: Panorpodidae). ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2019; 50:15-23. [PMID: 30890365 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Males of Panorpodidae possess a special sperm pump, through which they directly transfer seminal fluid to the female spermatheca. However, the sperm pump has not been studied in Panorpodes to date. Here, the structure of the sperm pump and the internal coupling of genitalia were investigated in the short-faced scorpionfly Panorpodes kuandianensis Zhong, Zhang, and Hua, 2011 using light and scanning electron microscopy. The sperm pump mainly consists of a piston, a pumping chamber, the anterior region of the aedeagal complex, the posterior region of the ejaculatory sac, and associated muscles. The piston as a propulsion apparatus is controlled by levator and depressor muscles. Its posterior region connects dorsally to the aedeagus via a joint. The pumping chamber is located between the piston and the aedeagus. The dorsal and ventral parameres were attached by retractor muscles. During copulation, the male phallotreme connects to the female copulatory pore to transfer sperm. Male gonostyli and parameres grasp the female to restrict the genitalia movement and impede her medigynium from retreating. The sperm ejaculatory mechanism of Panorpodes and the evolution of sperm transfer mode in insects are briefly discussed based on the structure of the sperm pump and the internal coupling of genitalia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Tong
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Bao-Zhen Hua
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
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