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Sousa M, Ignell R, Pollet M, Green KK, Becher PG, Birgersson G. Antennal and maxillary palp morphology, and sensillar equipment, of the spruce bark beetle predators, Medetera signaticornis and Medetera infumata (Diptera: Dolichopodidae). ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2023; 72:101229. [PMID: 36652838 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2022.101229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Many long-legged Medetera flies are natural enemies of bark beetle pests, which they detect using olfactory cues, likely through olfactory sensilla on the antennae and maxillary palps. Morphological characterisation of olfactory sensilla among insects can provide a basis for future taxonomic, phylogenetic or electrophysiological studies. Scanning electron microscopy was used to describe the morphology of olfactory organs and sensillar equipment of Medetera signaticornis and M. infumata. Three different olfactory sensillum types were found in both fly species, sensilla trichodea, s. basiconica and grooved pegs. Based on size and wall structure, s. trichodea and s. basiconica were categorised into different subtypes. Sharp-tipped curved s. trichodea, and small, large and thin s. basiconica were found on the antennal postpedicel of M. signaticornis adults, while grooved s. basiconica were found in M. infumata. The density of sharp-tipped long s. trichodea was significantly higher in males compared to females, and in M. signaticornis compared to M. infumata. Long-grooved s. basiconica were found grouped in a small pit on the maxillary palps of both species. Comparison of our results with the limited available ecological data suggests that differences in numbers of specific sensillum types may reflect adaptations related to olfactory-driven behaviours such as host seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sousa
- Unit of Chemical Ecology, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 190, SE 234 22, Lomma, Sweden.
| | - Rickard Ignell
- Unit of Chemical Ecology, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 190, SE 234 22, Lomma, Sweden
| | - Marc Pollet
- Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO), Herman Teirlinckgebouw, Havenlaan 88 Bus 73, B-1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kristina K Green
- Unit of Chemical Ecology, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 190, SE 234 22, Lomma, Sweden
| | - Paul G Becher
- Unit of Chemical Ecology, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 190, SE 234 22, Lomma, Sweden
| | - Göran Birgersson
- Unit of Chemical Ecology, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 190, SE 234 22, Lomma, Sweden
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Nardiello M, Scieuzo C, Salvia R, Farina D, Franco A, Cammack JA, Tomberlin JK, Falabella P, Persaud KC. Odorant binding proteins from Hermetia illucens: potential sensing elements for detecting volatile aldehydes involved in early stages of organic decomposition. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 33:205501. [PMID: 35114654 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac51ab] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Organic decomposition processes, involving the breakdown of complex molecules such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats, release small chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), smelly even at very low concentrations, but not all readily detectable by vertebrates. Many of these compounds are instead detected by insects, mostly by saprophytic species, for which long-range orientation towards organic decomposition matter is crucial. In the present work the detection of aldehydes, as an important measure of lipid oxidation, has been possible exploiting the molecular machinery underlying odour recognition inHermetia illucens(Diptera: Stratiomyidae). This voracious scavenger insect is of interest due to its outstanding capacity in bioconversion of organic waste, colonizing very diverse environments due to the ability of sensing a wide range of chemical compounds that influence the choice of substrates for ovideposition. A variety of soluble odorant binding proteins (OBPs) that may function as carriers of hydrophobic molecules from the air-water interface in the antenna of the insect to the receptors were identified, characterised and expressed. An OBP-based nanobiosensor prototype was realized using selected OBPs as sensing layers for the development of an array of quartz crystal microbalances (QCMs) for vapour phase detection of selected compounds at room temperature. QCMs coated with four recombinantH. illucensOBPs (HillOBPs) were exposed to a wide range of VOCs indicative of organic decomposition, showing a high sensitivity for the detection of three chemical compounds belonging to the class of aldehydes and one short-chain fatty acid. The possibility of using biomolecules capable of binding small ligands as reversible gas sensors has been confirmed, greatly expanding the state-of the-art in gas sensing technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Nardiello
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - Carmen Scieuzo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - Rosanna Salvia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - Donatella Farina
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - Antonio Franco
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - Jonathan A Cammack
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey K Tomberlin
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Patrizia Falabella
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l., University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - Krishna C Persaud
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Bruno D, Montali A, Mastore M, Brivio MF, Mohamed A, Tian L, Grimaldi A, Casartelli M, Tettamanti G. Insights Into the Immune Response of the Black Soldier Fly Larvae to Bacteria. Front Immunol 2021; 12:745160. [PMID: 34867970 PMCID: PMC8636706 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.745160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In insects, a complex and effective immune system that can be rapidly activated by a plethora of stimuli has evolved. Although the main cellular and humoral mechanisms and their activation pathways are highly conserved across insects, the timing and the efficacy of triggered immune responses can differ among different species. In this scenario, an insect deserving particular attention is the black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae). Indeed, BSF larvae can be reared on a wide range of decaying organic substrates and, thanks to their high protein and lipid content, they represent a valuable source of macromolecules useful for different applications (e.g., production of feedstuff, bioplastics, and biodiesel), thus contributing to the development of circular economy supply chains for waste valorization. However, decaying substrates bring the larvae into contact with different potential pathogens that can challenge their health status and growth. Although these life strategies have presumably contributed to shape the evolution of a sophisticated and efficient immune system in this dipteran, knowledge about its functional features is still fragmentary. In the present study, we investigated the processes underpinning the immune response to bacteria in H. illucens larvae and characterized their reaction times. Our data demonstrate that the cellular and humoral responses in this insect show different kinetics: phagocytosis and encapsulation are rapidly triggered after the immune challenge, while the humoral components intervene later. Moreover, although both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria are completely removed from the insect body within a few hours after injection, Gram-positive bacteria persist in the hemolymph longer than do Gram-negative bacteria. Finally, the activity of two key actors of the humoral response, i.e., lysozyme and phenoloxidase, show unusual dynamics as compared to other insects. This study represents the first detailed characterization of the immune response to bacteria of H. illucens larvae, expanding knowledge on the defense mechanisms of this insect among Diptera. This information is a prerequisite to manipulating the larval immune response by nutritional and environmental factors to increase resistance to pathogens and optimize health status during mass rearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Bruno
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Aurora Montali
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Maristella Mastore
- Laboratory of Comparative Immunology, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Maurizio Francesco Brivio
- Laboratory of Comparative Immunology, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Amr Mohamed
- Laboratory of Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Sciences, Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ling Tian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Guangdong Provincial Sericulture and Mulberry Engineering Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Annalisa Grimaldi
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Morena Casartelli
- Laboratory of Insect Physiology and Biotechnology, Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, Milan, Italy.,Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Center), University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluca Tettamanti
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.,Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Center), University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Liu G, Wang Q, Liu X, Li X, Pang X, Zhang D. Antennal and palpal sensilla of three predatory Lispe species (Diptera: Muscidae): an ultrastructural investigation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18357. [PMID: 34526584 PMCID: PMC8443604 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97677-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Antennae and maxillary palps are the most important chemical reception organs of flies. So far, the morphology of antennae and maxillary palps of flies of most feeding habits have been well described, except for that of relatively rare aquatic predatory species. This study describes sensilla on antennae and maxillary palps of three aquatic predatory Lispe species: Lispe longicollis, L. orientalis and L. pygmaea. Types, distribution, and density of sensilla are characterised via light and scanning electron microscopy. One type of mechanoreceptors is found on antennal scape. Mechanoreceptors (two subtypes) and one single pedicellar button (in L. pygmaea) are located on antennal pedicel. Four types of sensilla are discovered on antennal postpedicel: trichoid sensilla, basiconic sensilla (three subtypes), coeloconic sensilla and clavate sensilla. A unique character of these Lispe species is that the coeloconic sensilla are distributed sparsely on antennal postpedicel. Mechanoreceptors and basiconic sensilla are observed on the surface of maxillary palps in all three species. We demonstrated clear sexual dimorphism of the maxillary palps in some of the Lispe species, unlike most other Muscidae species, are larger in males than females. This, along with their courtship dance behaviour, suggest their function as both chemical signal receiver and visual signal conveyer, which is among the few records of a chemical reception organ act as a signal conveyer in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genting Liu
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Qike Wang
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Xianhui Liu
- University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Xinyu Li
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road No. 35, Mailbox 162, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Xiunan Pang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road No. 35, Mailbox 162, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- School of Ecology and Nature Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Qinghua East Road No. 35, Mailbox 162, Beijing, 100083, China.
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Scieuzo C, Nardiello M, Farina D, Scala A, Cammack JA, Tomberlin JK, Vogel H, Salvia R, Persaud K, Falabella P. Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Odorant Binding Proteins and Their Interactions with Selected Volatile Organic Compounds: An In Silico Approach. INSECTS 2021; 12:814. [PMID: 34564254 PMCID: PMC8469849 DOI: 10.3390/insects12090814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), has considerable global interest due to its outstanding capacity in bioconverting organic waste to insect biomass, which can be used for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture feed. Mass production of this insect in colonies requires the development of methods concentrating oviposition in specific collection devices, while the mass production of larvae and disposing of waste may require substrates that are more palatable and more attractive to the insects. In insects, chemoreception plays an essential role throughout their life cycle, responding to an array of chemical, biological and environmental signals to locate and select food, mates, oviposition sites and avoid predators. To interpret these signals, insects use an arsenal of molecular components, including small proteins called odorant binding proteins (OBPs). Next generation sequencing was used to identify genes involved in chemoreception during the larval and adult stage of BSF, with particular attention to OBPs. The analysis of the de novo adult and larval transcriptome led to the identification of 27 and 31 OBPs for adults and larvae, respectively. Among these OBPs, 15 were common in larval and adult transcriptomes and the tertiary structures of 8 selected OBPs were modelled. In silico docking of ligands confirms the potential interaction with VOCs of interest. Starting from the information about the growth performance of H. illucens on different organic substrates from the agri-food sector, the present work demonstrates a possible correlation between a pool of selected VOCs, emitted by those substrates that are attractive for H. illucens females when searching for oviposition sites, as well as phagostimulants for larvae. The binding affinities between OBPs and selected ligands calculated by in silico modelling may indicate a correlation among OBPs, VOCs and behavioural preferences that will be the basis for further analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Scieuzo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (C.S.); (M.N.); (D.F.); (A.S.)
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Marisa Nardiello
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (C.S.); (M.N.); (D.F.); (A.S.)
| | - Donatella Farina
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (C.S.); (M.N.); (D.F.); (A.S.)
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Andrea Scala
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (C.S.); (M.N.); (D.F.); (A.S.)
| | - Jonathan A. Cammack
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (J.A.C.); (J.K.T.)
| | - Jeffery K. Tomberlin
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (J.A.C.); (J.K.T.)
| | - Heiko Vogel
- Department of Entomology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Straße 8, D-07745 Jena, Germany;
| | - Rosanna Salvia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (C.S.); (M.N.); (D.F.); (A.S.)
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Krishna Persaud
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Patrizia Falabella
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (C.S.); (M.N.); (D.F.); (A.S.)
- Spinoff XFlies s.r.l, University of Basilicata, via dell’Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
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