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Yalemar JA, Nagamine WT, Bautista RC, Cho DY, Nakahara LM, Ramadan MM. Aroplectrus dimerus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), Ectoparasitoid of the Nettle Caterpillar, Oxyplax pallivitta (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae): Evaluation in the Hawaiian Islands. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:509. [PMID: 38672779 PMCID: PMC11051351 DOI: 10.3390/life14040509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The stinging nettle caterpillar, Oxyplax (syn. Darna) pallivitta (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae), is a serious invasive pest of agricultural products and a health hazard on the Hawaiian Islands first discovered in 2001. Nursery workers and homeowners have been stung by the caterpillars while handling their plants, especially rhapis palms (Rhapis sp.). Throughout its invaded range, it causes widespread damage, including the many cultivated and native palm species that have grown in Hawaii. Larvae contain urticating hairs that secrete a toxin, causing painful skin swelling and irritation on contact. Horticulture and nursery products impacted by the limacodid pest are estimated at $84.3 million (2018 value). Suppression efforts with pesticides and lure traps were ineffective, and the moth population continued to spread to major Hawaiian Islands (Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, Oahu). The introduction of specific biological control agents from the native region was thought to be the long-term solution for this invasive pest. Initial exploration in Indonesia and Thailand resulted in the introduction of a pupal ectoparasitoid, Nesolynx sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae), that was not specific. The oriental wasp, Aroplectrus dimerus Lin (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Eulophinae), idiobiont gregarious ectoparasitoid of the stinging nettle caterpillar, was introduced from Taiwan in 2004 for host specificity studies and biocontrol in Hawaii. Host range testing showed the parasitoid attacked only limacodid species, and it was approved for field release in 2010. The parasitoid identity, host specificity under containment facility conditions, reproductive performance, and colonization on the major infested sites were assessed. A total of 13,379 parasitoids were colonized on 162 release sites on four Hawaiian Islands. Evaluations were conducted using field surveys of larvae, pupal counts, and male lure traps. Field parasitism was thoroughly investigated on Oahu Island, averaging 18.9 ± 5.6% of 3923 collected larvae during 2010-2023. The numbers of male moths caught/trap/month were significantly reduced on Oahu Island (p < 0.05). Recently, the hyperparasitoid, Pediobius imbreus Walker (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Entedoninae), was detected, reducing the efficiency of A. dimerus in the field. The mean hyperparasitism of A. dimerus pupae was 27.3 ± 7.6% on Oahu Island. There was no detailed biological assessment for A. dimerus or its field evaluation available in scientific literature. Results were discussed regarding the potential use of A. dimerus in biocontrol elsewhere if the stinging nettle caterpillar was invaded in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mohsen M. Ramadan
- Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Division of Plant Industry, 1428 South King St., Honolulu, HI 96814, USA; (J.A.Y.); (W.T.N.); (D.Y.C.)
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Walker AA, Robinson SD, Paluzzi JV, Merritt DJ, Nixon SA, Schroeder CI, Jin J, Goudarzi MH, Kotze AC, Dekan Z, Sombke A, Alewood PF, Fry BG, Epstein ME, Vetter I, King GF. Production, composition, and mode of action of the painful defensive venom produced by a limacodid caterpillar, Doratifera vulnerans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2023815118. [PMID: 33893140 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2023815118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Venoms have evolved independently several times in Lepidoptera. Limacodidae is a family with worldwide distribution, many of which are venomous in the larval stage, but the composition and mode of action of their venom is unknown. Here, we use imaging technologies, transcriptomics, proteomics, and functional assays to provide a holistic picture of the venom system of a limacodid caterpillar, Doratifera vulnerans Contrary to dogma that defensive venoms are simple in composition, D. vulnerans produces a complex venom containing 151 proteinaceous toxins spanning 59 families, most of which are peptides <10 kDa. Three of the most abundant families of venom peptides (vulnericins) are 1) analogs of the adipokinetic hormone/corazonin-related neuropeptide, some of which are picomolar agonists of the endogenous insect receptor; 2) linear cationic peptides derived from cecropin, an insect innate immune peptide that kills bacteria and parasites by disrupting cell membranes; and 3) disulfide-rich knottins similar to those that dominate spider venoms. Using venom fractionation and a suite of synthetic venom peptides, we demonstrate that the cecropin-like peptides are responsible for the dominant pain effect observed in mammalian in vitro and in vivo nociception assays and therefore are likely to cause pain after natural envenomations by D. vulnerans Our data reveal convergent molecular evolution between limacodids, hymenopterans, and arachnids and demonstrate that lepidopteran venoms are an untapped source of novel bioactive peptides.
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Bian D, Ye W, Dai M, Lu Z, Li M, Fang Y, Qu J, Su W, Li F, Sun H, Zhang M, Li B. Phylogenetic relationships of Limacodidae and insights into the higher phylogeny of Lepidoptera. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 159:356-363. [PMID: 32387615 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
To determine the systematic status of family Limacodidae within Lepidoptera, the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Thosea sinensis (Lepidoptera: Zygaenoidea: Limacodidae) was sequenced. The genome is 15,544 base pairs (bp), including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs), and an AT-rich region. These characteristics are similar to of other lepidopterans. The gene order of T. sinensis is identical to that of Ditrysia lepidopterans. The nucleotide composition of the T. sinensis mitochondrial genome is highly biased toward A + T nucleotides (81.1%) and exhibits negative AT and GC skew. All the other 13 PCGs except cox1 are initiated by ATN codons. All tRNA genes are folded into the typical cloverleaf secondary structure, except for trnS1, which lacked the dihydrouridine (DHU) stem. There are 20 intergenic spacer regions ranging from 1 to 56 bp in length, and two gene overlap regions throughout the entire genome. The AT-rich region includes the ATAGA motif, followed by a 19-bp poly T stretch, a microsatellite-like (AT)10, and a poly-A element. Analysis of phylogenetic relationships indicated that T. sinensis belongs to the Limacodidae, and the monophyly of each lepidopteran family was well supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Bian
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Wentao Ye
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Minli Dai
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengting Lu
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengxue Li
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yilong Fang
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianwei Qu
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Wujie Su
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Fanchi Li
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Haina Sun
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Meiling Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing Li
- School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China; Sericulture Institute of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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Peng S, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Li Y, Huang Z, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Ding J, Geng X, Li J. Complete mitochondrial genome of Cnidocampa flavescens (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae). Mitochondrial DNA B Resour 2017; 2:534-535. [PMID: 33473889 PMCID: PMC7799976 DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2017.1365651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cnidocampa flavescens, lives in Nepal, Bhutan, China, Far East of Russia, Korea, and Japan, belongs to the Lepidoptera family Limacodidae. In this study, we describe the genomic features of the mitogenome sequences of the insects. The mitogenome of C. flavescens is 15,406 bp long consisting a typical set of genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes) and one major 415 bp non-coding A + T-rich region. All PCGs of C. flavescens start with ATN codons and end with TAA codons. The gene arrangement of C. flavescens mitogenome is same to Monema flavescens while the intergenic spacers and overlaps are different. The 415 bp A + T-rich region contains a conserved ATAGA motif followed a poly-T stretch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuying Peng
- College of Life Science, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- College of Life Science, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, P.R. China
| | - Xiaochun Zhang
- College of Life Science, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, P.R. China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Life Science, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, P.R. China
| | - Zhuoran Huang
- College of Life Science, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, P.R. China
| | - Yunfang Zhang
- College of Life Science, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, P.R. China
| | - Xu Zhang
- College of Life Science, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, P.R. China
| | - Jianhua Ding
- College of Life Science, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, P.R. China
| | - Xuexia Geng
- College of Life Science, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, P.R. China
| | - Jun Li
- College of Life Science, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, P.R. China
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Yong H, Ning T, Qiang C, Chao-Pin L. [Investigation on species of Limacodidae on Prunus cerasifera and sycamore in urban area of Wuhu City]. Zhongguo Xue Xi Chong Bing Fang Zhi Za Zhi 2016; 28:711-712. [PMID: 29469271 DOI: 10.16250/j.32.1374.2016040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the species of Limacodidae and the biological habits on Prunus cerasifera and sycamore in the urban area of Wuhu City, so as to provide the reference for the prevention and control of the diseases caused by Limacodidae. METHODS Two observation places were selected in the urban area of Wuhu City, and the survey period of the first observation place (A) was from 2014-5-4 to 2014-11-2, and eucleid caterpillar was observed and collected every Sunday (a total of 27 times); the survey period of the second observation place (B) was from 2014-1-5 to 2014-12-28, and eucleid caterpillar was observed and collected every Sunday (a total of 52 times). The eucleid caterpillars were collected by the visual inspection and artificial direct collecting method, and then they were identified and classified by the naked eye direct observation and the direct observation with the help of the anatomical lens in the laboratory. RESULTS There were seven kinds of identified Limacodidae from the two observation places and their occurrence regularity, the species composition ratio, and natural enemies were understood. CONCLUSIONS Limacodidae larvae not only are the defoliator of the ornamental forests, but also harm the health of residents, that is they can cause eucleid larva dermatitis. Therefore, we should strengthen the prevention and control of Limacodidae, reducing its impact on the lives of the residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yong
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Tao Ning
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Chai Qiang
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Li Chao-Pin
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
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Wu S, Chang W. Review of the Parasa undulata (Cai, 1983) species group with the first conifer-feeding larva for Limacodidae and descriptions of two new species from China and Taiwan (Lepidoptera, Limacodidae). Zookeys 2013:29-46. [PMID: 24194663 PMCID: PMC3817441 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.345.6179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the caterpillars are well-known for the stings and magnificent coloration, the systematics of Limacodidae is historically neglected and chaotic due to the difficulty in matching the larval with adult stages as well as the very conservative and convergent adult morphology. One of the biggest taxonomic problems surrounds a collective group from Southeastern Asia, termed the “green limacodid moths”, which harbours at least 90 species placed in the genus Parasa Walker, 1859 and 14 “subunits”. The P. undulata group was previously composed of 3 species from China and Taiwan, and characterized only by wing pattern. This species group is extensively studied herein with two new species described, i.e. P. viridiflammasp. n. (Taiwan) and P. minwangisp. n. (S. China), and discovery of female genitalia of three species, presenting new phylogenetic insights in this potentially paraphyletic genus. In addition, one limacodid larva was found to be feeding exclusively on Picea (Pinaceae) in Taiwan. Its identity, Parasa pygmy Solovyev, 2010 in P. undulata group, is confirmed through matching its COI sequence to the adult. This discovery is also biologically significant because the previous known host breadth of Parasa was of polyphagy on various angiosperm plant families. This case, therefore, represents the first record of conifer-feeding behavior in this family as well as the first of specialized herbivory in the genus. Meanwhile, the background match between Picea leaves and larval coloration is shared with other Picea-feeding insects. This phenomenon is worth of further investigation in the aspect of convergent evolution of crypsis associated with a particular plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipher Wu
- Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. Address: 27, Lane 113, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, Taiwan
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Wang Y, Carrillo J, Siemann E, Wheeler GS, Zhu L, Gu X, Ding J. Specificity of extrafloral nectar induction by herbivores differs among native and invasive populations of tallow tree. Ann Bot 2013; 112:751-6. [PMID: 23761685 PMCID: PMC3736772 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mct129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Invasive plants can be released from specialist herbivores and encounter novel generalists in their introduced ranges, leading to variation in defence among native and invasive populations. However, few studies have examined how constitutive and induced indirect defences change during plant invasion, especially during the juvenile stage. METHODS Constitutive extrafloral nectar (EFN) production of native and invasive populations of juvenile tallow tree (Triadica sebifera) were compared, and leaf clipping, and damage by a native specialist (Noctuid) and two native generalist caterpillars (Noctuid and Limacodid) were used to examine inducible EFN production. KEY RESULTS Plants from introduced populations had more leaves producing constitutive EFN than did native populations, but the content of soluble solids of EFN did not differ. Herbivores induced EFN production more than simulated herbivory. The specialist (Noctuid) induced more EFN than either generalist for native populations. The content of soluble solids in EFN was higher (2·1 times), with the specialist vs. the generalists causing the stronger response for native populations, but the specialist response was always comparable with the generalist responses for invasive populations. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that constitutive and induced indirect defences are retained in juvenile plants of invasive populations even during plant establishment, perhaps due to generalist herbivory in the introduced range. However, responses specific to a specialist herbivore may be reduced in the introduced range where specialists are absent. This decreased defence may benefit specialist insects that are introduced for classical biological control of invasive plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Institute/Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430074 China
- Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049 China
| | - Juli Carrillo
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005 USA
| | - Evan Siemann
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005 USA
| | - Gregory S. Wheeler
- Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, 3225 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA
| | - Lin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Institute/Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430074 China
- Institute of Environmental Biology and Insect Resources, College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agriculture University, Taian, Shandong 271018, China
| | - Xue Gu
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Institute/Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430074 China
- Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049 China
| | - Jianqing Ding
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Botany and Watershed Ecology, Wuhan Botanical Institute/Wuhan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430074 China
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Abstract
Four species and one subspecies of the genus Monema Walker, 1855 are recognized from China, in which Monema tanaognatha Wu & Pan sp. n. is described as new, Monema coralina Dudgeon, 1895 and Monema meyi Solovyev & Witt, 2009 are newly recorded for China. The female of Monema meyi is reported for the first time. Monema nigrans de Joannis, 1901 and Monema melli Hering, 1931 are synonymized with Monema flavescens Walker, 1855. Cnidocampa rubriceps Matsumura, 1931 is regarded here as a subspecies of Monema flavescens Walker, 1855. The photographs of moths and their genitalia are given. A key to the species of the genus is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Pan
- Institute of Plateau Ecology, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry College of Tibet University, Linzhi 860000, P.R. China
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