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Matsuda K, Adachi H, Gotoh H, Inoue Y, Kondo S. Adhesion and shrinkage transform the rounded pupal horn into an angular adult horn in Japanese rhinoceros beetle. Development 2024; 151:dev202082. [PMID: 38477641 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202082] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Clarifying the mechanisms underlying shape alterations during insect metamorphosis is important for understanding exoskeletal morphogenesis. The large horn of the Japanese rhinoceros beetle Trypoxylus dichotomus is the result of drastic metamorphosis, wherein it appears as a rounded shape during pupation and then undergoes remodeling into an angular adult shape. However, the mechanical mechanisms underlying this remodeling process remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the remodeling mechanisms of the Japanese rhinoceros beetle horn by developing a physical simulation. We identified three factors contributing to remodeling by biological experiments - ventral adhesion, uneven shrinkage, and volume reduction - which were demonstrated to be crucial for transformation using a physical simulation. Furthermore, we corroborated our findings by applying the simulation to the mandibular remodeling of stag beetles. These results indicated that physical simulation applies to pupal remodeling in other beetles, and the morphogenic mechanism could explain various exoskeletal shapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Matsuda
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Haruhiko Adachi
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0017, Japan
| | - Hiroki Gotoh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Shizuoka University, Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Inoue
- Department of Micro Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Kyoto 616-8540, Japan
| | - Shigeru Kondo
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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2
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Kim M, Noh MY, Mun S, Muthukrishnan S, Kramer KJ, Arakane Y. Functional importance of groups I and II chitinases, CHT5 and CHT10, in turnover of chitinous cuticle during embryo hatching and post-embryonic molting in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Insect Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 166:104087. [PMID: 38295884 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104087] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Chitinases (CHT) comprise a large gene family in insects and have been classified into at least eleven subgroups. Many studies involving RNA interference (RNAi) have demonstrated that depletion of group I (CHT5s) and group II (CHT10s) CHT transcripts causes lethal molting arrest in several insect species including the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, presumably due to failure of degradation of chitin in their old cuticle. In this study we investigated the functions of CHT5 and CHT10 in turnover of chitinous cuticle in T. castaneum during embryonic and post-embryonic molting stages. RNAi and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analyses indicate that CHT10 is required for cuticular chitin degradation at each molting period analyzed, while CHT5 is essential for pupal-adult molting only. We further analyzed the functions of these genes during embryogenesis in T. castaneum. Real-time qPCR analysis revealed that peak expression of CHT10 occurred prior to that of CHT5 during embryonic development as has been observed at post-embryonic molting periods in several other insect species. With immunogold-labeling TEM analysis using a fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated chitin-binding domain protein (FITC-CBD) probe, chitin was detected in the serosal cuticle but not in any other regions of the eggshell including the chorion and vitelline membrane layers. Injection of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) for CHT5 (dsCHT5), CHT10 (dsCHT10) or their co-injection (dsCHT5/10) into mature adult females had no effect on their fecundity and the resulting embryos developed normally inside the egg. There were no obvious differences in the morphology of the outer chorion, inner chorion and vitelline membrane among eggs from these dsRNA-treated females. However, unlike dsCHT5 eggs, dsCHT10 and dsCHT5/10 eggs exhibited failure of turnover of the serosal cuticle in which the horizontal chitinous laminae remained intact, resulting in lethal embryo hatching defects. These results indicate that group I CHT5 is essential for pupal-adult molting, whereas group II CHT10 plays an essential role in cuticular chitin degradation in T. castaneum during both embryonic hatching and all of the post-embryonic molts. CHT10 can serve in place of CHT5 in chitin degradation, except during the pupal-adult molt when both enzymes are indispensable to complete eclosion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myeongjin Kim
- Department of Applied Biology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Mi Young Noh
- Department of Forest Resources, AgriBio Institute of Climate Change Management, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea.
| | - Seulgi Mun
- Department of Applied Biology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Subbaratnam Muthukrishnan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Karl J Kramer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Yasuyuki Arakane
- Department of Applied Biology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea.
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Ji BY, Ma XT, Rong JD, Ren GD, Pan Z, Li XM. The adult, pupa, and larva of a new species of Gnaptorina Reitter, 1887 (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae, Blaptini) from the Tibetan Plateau, with molecular phylogenetic inferences. Zookeys 2024; 1190:91-106. [PMID: 38298407 PMCID: PMC10829047 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1190.113126] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The adult, pupa and larva of a new species, Gnaptorina (Gnaptorina) lhorongica Li, sp. nov., from northeastern Xizang, China are described and illustrated. The species was identified using molecular phylogenetic analyses based on three mitochondrial fragments and one nuclear gene fragment (COI, Cytb, 16S, and 28S-D2). The taxonomic status of the new species is confirmed using a combination of molecular and morphological datasets. This study provides valuable molecular and morphological data for phylogenetic studies of the tribe Blaptini.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Yue Ji
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, ChinaHebei UniversityHebeiChina
| | - Xing-Tao Ma
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, ChinaHebei UniversityHebeiChina
| | - Ji-Da Rong
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, ChinaHebei UniversityHebeiChina
| | - Guo-Dong Ren
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, ChinaHebei UniversityHebeiChina
| | - Zhao Pan
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, ChinaHebei UniversityHebeiChina
| | - Xiu-Min Li
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, ChinaHebei UniversityHebeiChina
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4
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Asenjo A, de Oliveira MPA, Oliveira RR, Pires ES, Valois M, Oliveira G, Vasconcelos S. The complete mitochondrial genome and description of a new cryptic Brazilian species of Metopiellus Raffray (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae). PeerJ 2023; 11:e15697. [PMID: 37525659 PMCID: PMC10387231 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15697] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Metopiellus Raffray, 1908 is a genus of South American rove beetles typically found in tropical humid forests. Here we describe a new cryptic species from Eastern Amazon, in northern Brazil, Metopiellus crypticus Asenjo sp. nov., and its major morphologic diagnostic features, which were photographed and illustrated. In addition, we bring the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of M. crypticus sp. nov., and its position within the phylogenetic context of the family, including previously available mitogenomes of Staphylinidae species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Renato R.M. Oliveira
- Instituto Tecnológico Vale, Belém, Pará, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Hsieh S, Łaska W, Uchman A. Intermittent and temporally variable bioturbation by some terrestrial invertebrates: implications for ichnology. Naturwissenschaften 2023; 110:11. [PMID: 36881175 PMCID: PMC9992032 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-023-01833-0] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Bedding planes and vertical sections of many sedimentary rock formations reveal bioturbation structures, including burrows, produced by diverse animal taxa at different rates and durations. These variables are not directly measurable in the fossil record, but neoichnological observations and experiments provide informative analogues. Comparable to marine invertebrates from many phyla, a captive beetle larva burrowing over 2 weeks showed high rates of sediment disturbance within the first 100 h but slower rates afterwards. Tunnelling by earthworms and adult dung beetles is also inconstant-displacement of lithic material alternates with organic matter displacement, often driven by food availability with more locomotion when hungry. High rates of bioturbation, as with locomotion generally, result from internal and external drives, slowing down or stopping when needs are filled. Like other processes affecting sediment deposition and erosion, rates can drastically differ based on measured timescale, with short bursts of activity followed by hiatuses, concentrated in various seasons and ontogenetic stages for particular species. Assumptions of constant velocities within movement paths, left as traces afterward, may not apply in many cases. Arguments about energetic efficiency or optimal foraging based on ichnofossils have often overlooked these and related issues. Single bioturbation rates from short-term experiments in captivity may not be comparable to rates measured at an ecosystem level over a year or generalized across multiple time scales where conditions differ even for the same species. Neoichnological work, with an understanding of lifetime variabilities in bioturbation and their drivers, helps connect ichnology with behavioural biology and movement ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Hsieh
- Faculty of Geography and Geology, Institute of Geological Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3a, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Weronika Łaska
- Faculty of Geography and Geology, Institute of Geological Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3a, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.,Institute of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 101, 02-089, Żwirki i Wigury, Poland
| | - Alfred Uchman
- Faculty of Geography and Geology, Institute of Geological Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 3a, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
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6
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Sudersan P, Kappl M. Mechanisms of detachment in fibrillar adhesive systems. J Theor Biol 2023; 557:111315. [PMID: 36332666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2022.111315] [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: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Several creatures can climb on smooth surfaces with the help of hairy adhesive pads on their legs. A rapid change from strong attachment to effortless detachment of the leg is enabled by the asymmetric geometry of the tarsal hairs. In this study, we propose mechanisms by which the hairy pad can be easily detached, even when the hairs possess no asymmetry. Here, we examine the possible function of the tibia-tarsus leg joint and the claws. Based on a spring-based model, we consider three modes of detachment: vertically pulling the pad while maintaining either a (1) fixed or a (2) free joint, or by (3) flexing the pad about the claw. We show that in all cases, the adhesion force can be significantly reduced due to elastic forces when the hairs deform non-uniformly across the array. Our proposed model illustrates the design advantage of such fibrillar adhesive systems, that not only provide strong adhesion, but also allow easy detachment, making them suitable as organs for fast locomotion and reliable hold. The presented approaches can be potentially used to switch the adhesion state in bio-inspired fibrillar adhesives, by incorporating artificial joints and claws into their design, without the need of asymmetric or stimuli-responsive fibrillar structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranav Sudersan
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael Kappl
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
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7
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Mancini E, Sabatelli S, Hu Y, Frasca S, Di Giulio A, Audisio P, Brown CD, Russell JA, Trizzino M. Uncovering Active Bacterial Symbionts in Three Species of Pollen-feeding Beetles (Nitidulidae: Meligethinae). Microb Ecol 2023; 85:335-339. [PMID: 35059821 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-022-01964-3] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microbial symbionts enable many phytophagous insects to specialize on plant-based diets through a range of metabolic services. Pollen comprises one-plant tissue consumed by such herbivores. While rich in lipids and proteins, its nutrient content is often imbalanced and difficult-to-access due to a digestibly recalcitrant cell wall. Pollen quality can be further degraded by harmful allelochemicals. To identify microbes that may aid in palynivory, we performed cDNA-based 16S rRNA metabarcoding on three related pollen beetles (Nitidulidae: Meligethinae) exhibiting different dietary breadths: Brassicogethes aeneus, B. matronalis, and Meligethes atratus. Nine bacterial symbionts (i.e., 97% OTUs) exhibited high metabolic activity during active feeding. Subsequent PCR surveys revealed varying prevalence of those from three Rickettsialles genera-Lariskella, Rickettsia, and Wolbachia-within beetle populations. Our findings lay the groundwork for future studies on the influence of phylogeny and diet on palynivorous insect microbiomes, and roles of symbionts in the use of challenging diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Mancini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies 'Charles Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 32, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Simone Sabatelli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies 'Charles Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 32, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Yi Hu
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, 3245 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Process and Resource Ecology and Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Sara Frasca
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies 'Charles Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 32, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Giulio
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Audisio
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies 'Charles Darwin', Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 32, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Christopher D Brown
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, 538B 415, Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19103, USA
| | - Jacob A Russell
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, 3245 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Marco Trizzino
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, 233 S 10TH street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
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8
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Scalet JM, Sprouse PA, Schroeder JD, Dittmer N, Kramer KJ, Kanost MR, Gehrke SH. Temporal changes in the physical and mechanical properties of beetle elytra during maturation. Acta Biomater 2022; 151:457-67. [PMID: 35933099 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.07.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Changes in physical properties of Tenebrio molitor and Tribolium castaneum elytra (hardened forewings) were studied to understand how the development of microstructure and chemical interactions determine cuticle mechanical properties. Analysis of these properties supports a model in which cuticular material is continuously secreted from epidermal cells to produce an extracellular matrix so that the outermost layers mature first. It is hypothesized that enzymatic crosslinking and pigmentation reactions along with dehydration help to stabilize the protein-chitin network within the initial layers of cuticle shortly after eclosion. Mature layers are proposed to bear most of the mechanical loads. The frequency dependence of the storage modulus and the tan δ values decreased during the beginning of maturation, reaching constant values after 48 h post-eclosion. A decrease of tan δ indicates an increase in crosslinking of the material. The water content declined from 75% to 31%, with a significant portion lost from within the open spaces between the dorsal and ventral cuticular layers. Dehydration had a less significant influence than protein crosslinking on the mechanical properties of the elytron during maturation. When Tribolium cuticular protein TcCP30 expression was decreased by RNAi, the tan δ and frequency dependence of E' of the elytron did not change during maturation. This indicates that TcCP30 plays a role in the crosslinking process of the beetle's exoskeleton. This study was inspired by previous work on biomimetic multicomponent materials and helps inform future work on creating robust lightweight materials derived from natural sources. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Examination of changes in the physical properties of the elytra (hardened forewings) of two beetle species advanced understanding of how the molecular interactions influence the mechanical properties of the elytra. Physical characterization, including dynamic mechanical analysis, determined that the outer portion of the elytra matured first, while epidermal cells continued to secrete reactive components until the entire structure reached maturation. RNA interference was used to identify the role of a key protein in the elytra. Suppression of its expression reduced the formation of crosslinked polymeric components in the elytra. Identifying the molecular interactions in the matrix of proteins and polysaccharides in the elytra together with their hierarchical architecture provides important design concepts in the development of biomimetic materials.
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Miyamoto H, Asano F, Ishizawa K, Suda W, Miyamoto H, Tsuji N, Matsuura M, Tsuboi A, Ishii C, Nakaguma T, Shindo C, Kato T, Kurotani A, Shima H, Moriya S, Hattori M, Kodama H, Ohno H, Kikuchi J. A potential network structure of symbiotic bacteria involved in carbon and nitrogen metabolism of wood-utilizing insect larvae. Sci Total Environ 2022; 836:155520. [PMID: 35508250 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Effective biological utilization of wood biomass is necessary worldwide. Since several insect larvae can use wood biomass as a nutrient source, studies on their digestive microbial structures are expected to reveal a novel rule underlying wood biomass processing. Here, structural inferences for inhabitant bacteria involved in carbon and nitrogen metabolism for beetle larvae, an insect model, were performed to explore the potential rules. Bacterial analysis of larval feces showed enrichment of the phyla Chroloflexi, Gemmatimonadetes, and Planctomycetes, and the genera Bradyrhizobium, Chonella, Corallococcus, Gemmata, Hyphomicrobium, Lutibacterium, Paenibacillus, and Rhodoplanes, as bacteria potential involved in plant growth promotion, nitrogen cycle modulation, and/or environmental protection. The fecal abundances of these bacteria were not necessarily positively correlated with their abundances in the habitat, indicating that they were selectively enriched in the feces of the larvae. Correlation and association analyses predicted that common fecal bacteria might affect carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Based on these hypotheses, structural equation modeling (SEM) statistically estimated that inhabitant bacterial groups involved in carbon and nitrogen metabolism were composed of the phylum Gemmatimonadetes and Planctomycetes, and the genera Bradyrhizobium, Corallococcus, Gemmata, and Paenibacillus, which were among the fecal-enriched bacteria. Nevertheless, the selected common bacteria, i.e., the phyla Acidobacteria, Armatimonadetes, and Bacteroidetes and the genera Candidatus Solibacter, Devosia, Fimbriimonas, Gemmatimonas Opitutus, Sphingobium, and Methanobacterium, were necessary to obtain good fit indices in the SEM. In addition, the composition of the bacterial groups differed depending upon metabolic targets, carbon and nitrogen, and their stable isotopes, δ13C and δ15N, respectively. Thus, the statistically derived causal structural models highlighted that the larval fecal-enriched bacteria and common symbiotic bacteria might selectively play a role in wood biomass carbon and nitrogen metabolism. This information could confer a new perspective that helps us use wood biomass more efficiently and might stimulate innovation in environmental industries in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirokuni Miyamoto
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Matsudo, Chiba 271-8501, Japan; RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan; Sermas Co., Ltd., Ichikawa, Chiba 272-0033, Japan; Japan Eco-science (Nikkan Kagaku) Co., Ltd., Chiba, Chiba 260-0034, Japan.
| | - Futo Asano
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Matsudo, Chiba 271-8501, Japan
| | | | - Wataru Suda
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | | | - Naoko Tsuji
- Sermas Co., Ltd., Ichikawa, Chiba 272-0033, Japan
| | - Makiko Matsuura
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Matsudo, Chiba 271-8501, Japan; Sermas Co., Ltd., Ichikawa, Chiba 272-0033, Japan
| | - Arisa Tsuboi
- Sermas Co., Ltd., Ichikawa, Chiba 272-0033, Japan; Japan Eco-science (Nikkan Kagaku) Co., Ltd., Chiba, Chiba 260-0034, Japan; RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Chitose Ishii
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan; Sermas Co., Ltd., Ichikawa, Chiba 272-0033, Japan
| | - Teruno Nakaguma
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Matsudo, Chiba 271-8501, Japan; Sermas Co., Ltd., Ichikawa, Chiba 272-0033, Japan; Japan Eco-science (Nikkan Kagaku) Co., Ltd., Chiba, Chiba 260-0034, Japan
| | - Chie Shindo
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Kato
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kurotani
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Hideaki Shima
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Shigeharu Moriya
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Matsudo, Chiba 271-8501, Japan; RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Masahira Hattori
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan; School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kodama
- Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, Matsudo, Chiba 271-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ohno
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan
| | - Jun Kikuchi
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan.
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Medina MND, Baul MJG, Cabras AA. Catalog of the genus Cylindrepomus Blanchard (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Dorcaschematini) in the Philippines, with description of a new species from northern Mindanao. Zookeys 2022; 1116:23-32. [PMID: 36760984 PMCID: PMC9848631 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1116.86906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A catalog of the genus Cylindrepomus Blanchard, 1853 in the Philippines, along with the description of a new species from northern Mindanao, is presented. Notes on the ecology, threats, and conservation of the new species are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milton Norman D. Medina
- Coleoptera Research Center, University of Mindanao, Davao City, PhilippinesUniversity of MindanaoDavao CityPhilippines
| | - Melbert James G. Baul
- Human Resources for Health Network, Department of Health Center for Health Development - Northern Mindanao, J.V. Seriña Street, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, PhilippinesHuman Resources for Health Network, Department of Health Center for Health Development - Northern MindanaoCagayan de Oro CityPhilippines
| | - Analyn A. Cabras
- Coleoptera Research Center, University of Mindanao, Davao City, PhilippinesUniversity of MindanaoDavao CityPhilippines
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Goka K. Conservation biology for the commercial insect trade in Japan: agricultural bumblebees and companion insects as examples. REV SCI TECH OIE 2022; 41:132-141. [PMID: 35925627 DOI: 10.20506/rst.41.1.3310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Japan imports a wide range of arthropods for industrial use and as companion animals. Such imports may threaten ecosystems locally and in their regions of origin. Two iconic insect imports that pose ecological problems are agricultural bumblebees and companion beetles. Colonies of the bumblebee Bombus terrestris have contributed significantly to agricultural production since they were first brought to Japan in the 1990s. But, in their progressive feralisation, they harm populations of native bumblebees through competition, hybridisation, and the introduction of parasites. They also threaten native plant reproduction. The species is currently permitted for agricultural use only in netted greenhouses. Since 2000, imports of companion beetles have thrived, with an estimated market size of many billions of yen. The popularity of rare species has led to a sharp rise in prices, overhunting, and smuggling from their native countries. These exotic species may also become invasive if they escape into nature. There are no clear restrictions on beetle imports, but a government campaign is aimed to improve ethical standards for breeding. In addition, imported tarantulas, centipedes and scorpions are becoming increasingly popular. These species pose similar threats as imported beetles and bees, but the actual state of importation and breeding is difficult to ascertain. Importing insects into Japan can create the following issues: the overexploitation of rare species collected from their native habitats; the traffic in species of which collection and sale is prohibited; the risk that escaped individuals will breed as invasive species; and the introduction of alien microorganisms and parasites.
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Sandstrom DJ, Offord BW. Measurement of oxygen consumption in Tenebrio molitor using a sensitive, inexpensive, sensor-based coulometric microrespirometer. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:274941. [PMID: 35363315 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Coulometric respirometry is a highly sensitive method for measuring O2 consumption in small organisms but is not in widespread use among physiologists. Here we describe a coulometric microrespirometer based on a digital environmental sensor inside a sealed glass chamber and controlled by an Arduino™ microcontroller. As O2 is consumed, exhaled CO2 is removed, causing pressure to decrease in the chamber. The sensor detects the decreased pressure, and the controller activates electrolytic production of O2, returning pressure to the initial value. O2 consumption is calculated from electrolytic charge transfer. The effects of developmental stage, body mass, and temperature on O2 consumption of Tenebrio molitor beetles were easily measured by the apparatus. This straightforward design is a significant innovation in that it provides continuous data regarding environmental conditions inside the experimental chamber, can be fabricated easily, and is adaptable to a wide range of uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Sandstrom
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland College Park, Universities at Shady Grove, Rockville MD, 20850, USA
| | - Bruce W Offord
- Cypress Terrace Research Institute, San Diego, CA 92131, USA
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Murata S, Rivera J, Noh MY, Hiyoshi N, Yang W, Parkinson DY, Barnard HS, Arakane Y, Kisailus D, Arakaki A. Unveiling characteristic proteins for the structural development of beetle elytra. Acta Biomater 2022; 140:467-480. [PMID: 34954417 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Beetles possess a set of highly modified and tanned forewings, elytra, which are lightweight yet rigid and tough. Immediately after eclosion, the elytra are initially thin, pale and soft. However, they rapidly expand and subsequently become hardened and often dark, resulting from both pigmentation and sclerotization. Here, we identified changes in protein composition during the developmental processes of the elytra in the Japanese rhinoceros beetle, Trypoxylus dichotomus. Using mass spectrometry, a total of 414 proteins were identified from both untanned and tanned elytra, including 31 cuticular proteins (CPs), which constitute one of the major components of insect cuticles. Moreover, CPs containing Rebers and Riddiford motifs (CPR), the most abundant CP family, were separated into two groups based on their expression and amino acid sequences, such as a Gly-rich sequence region and Ala-Ala-Pro repeats. These protein groups may play crucial roles in elytra formation at different time points, likely including self-assembly of chitin nanofibers that control elytral macro and microstructures and dictate changes in other properties (i.e., mechanical property). Clarification of the protein functions will enhance the understanding of elytra formation and potentially benefit the development of lightweight materials for industrial and biomedical applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The beetle elytron is a light-weight natural bio-composite which displays high stiffness and toughness. This structure is composed of chitin fibrils and proteins, some of which are responsible for architectural development and hardening. This work, which involves insights from molecular biology and materials science, investigated changes in proteomic, architectural, and localized mechanical characteristics of elytra from the Japanese rhinoceros beetle to understand molecular mechanisms driving elytra development. In the present study, we identified a set of new protein groups which are likely related to the structural development of elytra and has potential for new pathways for processing green materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Murata
- Division of Biotechnology and Life Science, Institute of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Jesus Rivera
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California at Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Mi Yong Noh
- Department of Forestry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757, South Korea
| | - Naoya Hiyoshi
- Division of Biotechnology and Life Science, Institute of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Wen Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California at Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | | | | | - Yasuyuki Arakane
- Department of Applied Biology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757, South Korea
| | - David Kisailus
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California at Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California at Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Atsushi Arakaki
- Division of Biotechnology and Life Science, Institute of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan.
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Migliore LJ, Ccana-Ccapatinta GV, Curletti G, Casari SA, Biffi G, Mejía JAA, Carvalho JCAS, Bastos JK. A new species of jewel beetle (Coleoptera, Buprestidae, Agrilus) triggers the production of the Brazilian red propolis. Naturwissenschaften 2022; 109:18. [PMID: 35226184 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-022-01785-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Red propolis is a substance produced by bees by mixing resins from plants with wax, oils, and other secretions to protect the hive against natural enemies. Dalbergia ecastaphyllum (L.) Taub. (Fabaceae) is the primary botanical source of the Brazilian red propolis, where bees Apis mellifera L. collect a reddish resin from the stems to produce propolis. This species occurs in coastal dune and mangrove ecosystems, where local beekeepers install their beehives for propolis production. The induction of propolis production was virtually unknown. Previous reports and field evidence suggested that the reddish resin available in D. ecastaphyllum stems was not produced spontaneously but induced by the presence of a parasitic insect that feeds on the plant's stems. Research in the apiaries of the beekeepers' association of Canavieiras, Bahia, Brazil, led to the capture of a jewel beetle of an unknown species of the genus Agrilus Curtis (Buprestidae). It was confirmed that this jewel beetle is a red propolis production inductor. The adult and immature of this new species, Agrilus propolis Migliore, Curletti, and Casari sp. nov. are here described and illustrated. Behavioral information on the biology and chemical ecology confirms that the reddish resin of D. ecastaphyllum is directly related to the beetle attack and only occurs when Agrilus propolis sp. nov. adults emerge from the plant stem. This information is very important for Brazilian propolis producers interested in expanding red propolis production, which can have favorable effects on the economy of mangrove communities, promoting income generation, creating new business opportunities, and helping to sustain local communities and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia J Migliore
- Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Nazaré, 481 - Ipiranga, São Paulo, SP, 04263-000, Brazil.
| | - Gari V Ccana-Ccapatinta
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FCFRP-USP), Av. do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14040-903, Brazil.
| | - Gianfranco Curletti
- Museo civico di Storia Naturale, Parco Cascina Vigna, 10022, Carmagnola, Italia
| | - Sonia A Casari
- Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Nazaré, 481 - Ipiranga, São Paulo, SP, 04263-000, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Biffi
- Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Nazaré, 481 - Ipiranga, São Paulo, SP, 04263-000, Brazil
| | - Jennyfer A A Mejía
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FCFRP-USP), Av. do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14040-903, Brazil
| | - Jean C A S Carvalho
- Cooperativa de Apicultores de Canavieiras (COAPER), Av. Burundanga 1900, Canavieiras, Bahia, 45860-000, Brazil
| | - Jairo K Bastos
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FCFRP-USP), Av. do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14040-903, Brazil
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Liu QX, Su ZP, Liu HH, Lu SP, Zhao Y, Ma B, Hou YM, Shi ZH. Current understanding and perspectives on the potential mechanisms of immune priming in beetles. Dev Comp Immunol 2022; 127:104305. [PMID: 34718077 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104305] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Beetles are the most diverse group of insects in Insecta which can be found in almost every habitat and environment on Earth. The possessing of the rapid and effective immune defenses is one of the important factors for their success. It is generally recognized that beetles only rely on the non-specific innate immune defense, without immunological memory, to fight against pathogens. However, there was cumulative evidence for the innate immune memory in invertebrates, including beetles, over the last decades, implying that insect innate immunity is more complex and has more features than previously thought. In beetles, it has been well documented that the specific or nonspecific enhanced immunocompetence can persist throughout development within generations and can even be transferred to the descendents in the next generation. Although insect immune priming might be shaped by epigenetic modifications and transferring effectors, mRNA and microbial signals, the solid experimental evidence to support the causal relationship between any of them and immune priming is still scarce. The combined usage of 'omics' approaches and CRISPR/Cas9 in the appropriate insect models with well-known genetic background, Tribolium castaneum and Tenebrio molitor, will help us to decipher the molecular mechanisms by which immune priming occurs in beetles in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Xia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Zhi-Ping Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Hui-Hui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Sheng-Ping Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Bing Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - You-Ming Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Zhang-Hong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, College of Plant Protection, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
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Goto H, Komaba K, Kumai R. Sequential micro-Maltese cross array in the ground beetle Carabus insulicola. Micron 2021; 150:103136. [PMID: 34509885 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2021.103136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The exoskeleton of the ground beetle Carabus insulicola was observed using polarizing optical microscopy (POM) with simultaneous transmitted and reflected light. The surface showed iridescence owing to the periodic microstructure. A Maltese cross array of the inner layer of the elytra was observed. The matrix of the middle layer of the elytra is composed of protein with the arrangement of a cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC)-like helical structure. The scanning electron microscopy observations revealed the layers structure of the exoskeleton of the ground beetle. Synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurement evaluated crystallinity of the exoskeleton. Morphology of the Maltese cross array of the beetle has similarity with synthetic chiral-CLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromasa Goto
- Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8573, Japan.
| | - Kyoka Komaba
- Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8573, Japan
| | - Reiji Kumai
- Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0801, Japan
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Keefe M, Lei XG. Unveiling the keratinolytic transcriptome of the black carpet beetle (Attagenus unicolor) for sustainable poultry feather recycling. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:5577-87. [PMID: 34226961 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11427-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The black carpet beetle (BCB) is a household pest unique in its ability to digest complex proteins such as keratin that makes up the majority of feather structure. Despite voluminous yield and high protein content ( > 85%), feathers are poorly digested by most known organisms and are thereby rendered an environmental hazard. Furthermore, keratinolytic microbial strains are typically thermophilic and therefore economically and environmentally unsustainable. Given the BCB's ability to digest wool, feathers, and other keratin-rich materials, we assembled a de novo transcriptome of larvae fed on either feathers or standard chow. All proteolytic enzymes were identified via homology to the MEROPS database and subsequently annotated for a complete overview of enzymatic activity and distribution of peptidase clans in the transcriptome. Both differential expression and sequence homology screening were then used to identify potentially keratinolytic candidates from the assembly to be used in future expression experiments. The BCB transcriptome showed a high proportion of serine (22.6%) and cysteine (18.9%) proteases as well as metallopeptidases (25.5%) compared with other insect species. Regarding differential expression, serine and metalloproteases represented a large proportion of upregulated genes in the feather-fed group, constituting 42.9% and 57.1% of upregulated proteases, respectively. Additionally, several candidate transcripts identified through homology screening showed significant sequence overlap to seven existing keratinases, indicating a strong likelihood of keratinolytic function in this organism. KEY POINTS: • A de novo transcriptome of black carpet beetle larvae was assembled. • The transcriptome consisted of 67% of serine, cysteine, and metalloproteases. • Differential transcriptomes of beetles fed feather and chow were compared.
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Jansen MA, Niverty S, Chawla N, Franz NM. Reducing the risk of rostral bending failure in Curculio Linnaeus, 1758. Acta Biomater 2021; 126:350-371. [PMID: 33753315 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
With over 300 species worldwide, the genus Curculio Linnaeus, 1758 is a widespread, morphologically diverse lineage of weevils that mainly parasitize nuts. Females use the rostrum, an elongate cuticular extension of the head, to excavate oviposition sites. This process causes extreme bending and deformation of the rostrum, without apparent harm to the structure. The cuticle of the rostral apex exhibits substantial modifications to its composite structure that enhance the elasticity and resiliency of this structure. Here we develop finite element models of the head and rostrum for three Curculio species representing disparate North American clades and rostral morphotypes. The models were subjected to varying apical loads and to prescribed dislocation of the head capsule, with and without representing the cuticular modifications of the rostral apex. We found that the altered layer thicknesses and macrofiber orientation angles of the rostral apex fully explain the observed elasticity of the rostrum. These modifications have a synergistic effect that greatly enhances the flexibility of the rostral apex. Consequently, the cuticle composite profile of the rostral apex substantially mitigates the risk of fracture in dorso-apical flexion. Removing the cuticular modifications, in turn, causes a negative margin of safety for rostral bending, implying strong risk of catastrophic structural failure. The occipital sulci were identified as an important source of biomechanical constraint upon the elasticity of the rostrum, and exhibit the greatest risk of failure within this structure. The apical cuticle profile greatly reduced the maximum stresses and strain energy accumulated in the rostrum, thereby resulting in a positive margin of safety and reducing the risk of fracture. Our findings imply that the primary selective pressure influencing the evolution of the rostral cuticle was most likely negative selection of structural failure caused by bending. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Weevils are among the most diverse and evolutionarily successful animal lineages on Earth. Their success is driven in part by a structure called the rostrum, which gives weevil heads a characteristic "snout-like" appearance. Nut weevils in the genus Curculio use the rostrum to drill holes into developing fruits and nuts, into which they deposit their eggs. During oviposition this exceedingly slender structure is bent into a straightened configuration - in some species up to 90∘ - but does not suffer any damage during this process. Using finite element models of the rostra of three morphologically distinct species, we show that the Curculio rostrum is only able to withstand repeated, extreme bending because of modifications to the composite structure of the cuticle in the rostral apex. These modifications were shown previously to enhance the intrinsic toughness of the cuticle; in this study, we demonstrate that modification of the rostral cuticle also results in more evenly distributed bending stresses, further reducing the risk of fracture. This is the first time that the laminate profile, orthotropic behavior, and functional gradation of the cuticle have been incorporated into a three-dimensional finite element model of an insect cuticular structure. Our models highlight the significance of biomechanical constraint - i.e., avoidance of catastrophic structural failure - on the evolution of insect morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Andrew Jansen
- Institut für Evolutionsbiologie und Zooökologie, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn 53113, Germany.
| | - Sridhar Niverty
- School of Materials Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Nikhilesh Chawla
- School of Materials Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Nico M Franz
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
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Song Z, Tong J, Pfleging W, Sun J. A review: Learning from the flight of beetles. Comput Biol Med 2021; 133:104397. [PMID: 33895456 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Some Coleoptera (popularly referred to as beetles) can fly at a low Reynolds number with their deployable hind wings, which directly enables a low body weight-a good bioinspiration strategy for miniaturization of micro-air vehicles (MAVs). The hind wing is a significant part of the body and has a folding/unfolding mechanism whose unique function benefits from different structures and materials. This review summarizes the actions, factors, and mechanisms of beetle flight and bioinspired MAVs with deployable wings. The elytron controlled by muscles is the protected part for the folded hind wing and influences flight performance. The resilin, the storage material for elasticity, is located in the folding parts. The hind wings' folding/unfolding mechanism and flight performance can be influenced by vein structures of hollow, solid and wrinkled veins, the hemolymph that flows in hollow veins and its hydraulic mechanism, and various mechanical properties of veins. The action of beetle flight includes flapping flight, hovering, gliding, and landing. The hind wing is passively deformed through force and hemolymph, and the attack angle of the hind wing and the nanomechanics of the veins, muscles and mass body determine the flight performance. Based these factors, bioinspired MAVs with a new deployable wing structure and new materials will be designed to be much more effective and miniaturized. The new fuels and energy supply are significant aspects of MAVs.
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Deyrup ST, Stagnitti NC, Perpetua MJ, Wong-Deyrup SW. Drug Discovery Insights from Medicinal Beetles in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2021; 29:105-126. [PMID: 33632986 PMCID: PMC7921859 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2020.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was the primary source of medical treatment for the people inhabiting East Asia for thousands of years. These ancient practices have incorporated a wide variety of materia medica including plants, animals and minerals. As modern sciences, including natural products chemistry, emerged, there became increasing efforts to explore the chemistry of this materia medica to find molecules responsible for their traditional use. Insects, including beetles have played an important role in TCM. In our survey of texts and review articles on TCM materia medica, we found 48 species of beetles from 34 genera in 14 different families that are used in TCM. This review covers the chemistry known from the beetles used in TCM, or in cases where a species used in these practices has not been chemically studied, we discuss the chemistry of closely related beetles. We also found several documented uses of beetles in Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), and included them where appropriate. There are 129 chemical constituents of beetles discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen T Deyrup
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Siena College, Loudonville, NY 12309, USA
| | - Natalie C Stagnitti
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Siena College, Loudonville, NY 12309, USA
| | - Mackenzie J Perpetua
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Siena College, Loudonville, NY 12309, USA
| | - Siu Wah Wong-Deyrup
- The RNA Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
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Romano D, Benelli G, Kavallieratos NG, Athanassiou CG, Canale A, Stefanini C. Beetle-robot hybrid interaction: sex, lateralization and mating experience modulate behavioural responses to robotic cues in the larger grain borer Prostephanus truncatus (Horn). Biol Cybern 2020; 114:473-483. [PMID: 32737587 DOI: 10.1007/s00422-020-00839-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ethorobotics, a new fascinating field of biorobotics, proposes the use of robotic replicas as an advanced method for investigating animal behaviour. This novel research approach can also encourage the development of advanced bioinspired robots. In the present study, we investigated the pushing behaviour, a particular display occurring in several beetle species, such as the larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus, during both male-female and male-male contexts. We developed a robotic apparatus actuating female and male-mimicking dummies to study if sex, mating experience and asymmetries of robotic cues can modulate the escalation of pushing behaviour. Results showed that the time needed by P. truncatus to react to female-smelling biomimetic dummies was chiefly affected by their mating experience and the dummy odour. This was likely due to reduce waste of costly sperm in mated males during the subsequent sexual interactions. The pushing behaviour was performed longer and with a higher number of acts when virgin females were approached from their right side. More and longer pushing acts were noted when virgin males were approached from their left side. Dedicated neural circuits would likely act in opposite direction in females and males producing population-level lateralized sensory-motor displays, which may be evolved to promote male approaches from the left side of females, thus improving short-distance sex recognition. Overall, this study provides new insights on the behavioural ecology of stored-product beetles, as well as on self-organization and decentralized decision making that can be exploited to develop bioinspired algorithms for task optimization, involving real-world scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Romano
- The BioRobotics Institute, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy.
- Department of Excellence in Robotics, A.I., Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, 56127, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Benelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nickolas G Kavallieratos
- Laboratory of Agricultural Zoology and Entomology, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos str, 11855, Athens, Attica, Greece
| | - Christos G Athanassiou
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou str, 38446, N. Ionia, Magnissia, Greece
- Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center (HEIC), Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Angelo Canale
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cesare Stefanini
- The BioRobotics Institute, Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics, A.I., Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, 56127, Pisa, Italy
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Marciniak P, Urbański A, Lubawy J, Szymczak M, Pacholska-Bogalska J, Chowański S, Kuczer M, Rosiński G. Short neuropeptide F signaling regulates functioning of male reproductive system in Tenebrio molitor beetle. J Comp Physiol B 2020; 190:521-34. [PMID: 32749520 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-020-01296-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides of short neuropeptides F family (sNPF) have been identified in various arthropods. They are pleiotropic neuromolecules which so far have been mainly associated with regulation of feeding and metabolism, as well as growth and development, locomotion, circadian rhythm or learning and memory. Here, we describe the effects of Tenebrionid sNPF peptide (SGRSPSLRLRFa) on various aspects of the male reproductive physiology in the Tenebrio molitor beetle. We identified in silico the putative sNPF receptor Tenmo-sNPFR. Based on RT-PCR technique, it was shown that the receptor might be present in the male reproductive tissues of this beetle. The analysis of receptor amino acid sequence showed that it is similar to other beetle sNPFRs, as well as other insect species, and belongs rhodopsin-like G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Injections of Trica-sNPF and its shorter form Trica-sNPF(4–11) caused differentiated effects in T. molitor male reproductive tissues. After 24 h post injections, the peptides decreased the concentration of the soluble protein fraction in testes of 4- and 8-day-old beetles as well as the dry mass of these organs but only in 8-day-old individuals. The same effects were shown with regard to accessory glands. Both peptides decrease the concentration of the soluble protein fraction but do not affect the dry mass of this organ. Furthermore, injections of Trica-sNPF at the 10–7 M concentration decrease the total sperm number in the reproductive system. Surprisingly, the same concentration of the shorter form, Trica-sNPF(4–11) increased the sperm number. It was also shown that both peptides in different manner influence contractions of ejaculatory duct. The data presented in this article give new evidence that sNPFs are involved in the regulation of reproductive events in beetles, which might be the part of a larger neuropeptide network combining feeding, growth and development with the physiology of reproduction.
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Song X, Yang T, Yan X, Zheng F, Xu X, Zhou C. Comparison of microsatellite distribution patterns in twenty-nine beetle genomes. Gene 2020; 757:144919. [PMID: 32603771 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) represent an important source of genetic variation that provides a basis for adaptation to different environments in organisms. In this study, we examined the distribution patterns of SSRs in twenty-nine beetle genomes and carried out Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of CDSs embedded with perfect SSRs (P-SSRs). The results demonstrated that imperfect SSRs (I-SSRs) represented the most abundant SSR category in beetle genomes and in different genomic regions (CDS, exon, and intron regions). The numbers of P-SSRs, I-SSRs, compound SSRs, and variable number tandem repeats were positively correlated with beetle genome size, whereas neither the frequency nor the density of the SSRs was correlated with genome size. Moreover, our results demonstrated that common genomic features of P-SSRs within the same suborder or family of Coleoptera were rare. Mono-, di-, tri-, or tetranucleotide SSRs were the most abundant P-SSR categories in beetle genomes. The preferred predominant repeat motif among the mononucleotide P-SSRs was (A)n, but the most frequent repeat motifs for other length classes varied differentially among these genomes. Furthermore, the P-SSR type with the highest GC content differed in the beetle genomes and in different genomic regions. CV (coefficient of variability) analysis demonstrated that the repeat copy numbers of P-SSRs presented relatively higher variation in introns than in CDSs and exons. The GO terms of CDSs containing P-SSRs for molecular functions were mainly enriched in "binding" and "transcription". Our findings will be useful for studying the functional roles of microsatellite heterogeneity in beetle adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhao Song
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, Sichuan Province, China.
| | - Tingbang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xianghui Yan
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Fake Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiaoqin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Caiquan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation (Ministry of Education), China West Normal University, Nanchong 637009, Sichuan Province, China.
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Huwiler M, Papach A, Cristina E, Yañez O, Williams GR, Neumann P. Deformed wings of small hive beetle independent of virus infections and mites. J Invertebr Pathol 2020; 172:107365. [PMID: 32201240 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2020.107365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Insect wing deformities can be caused by viruses, mites and other environmental stressors during development. Here we conducted differential diagnostics of deformed wings in small hive beetles, Aethina tumida (SHB). Adult SHB with and without deformed wings from individual and mass reared scenarios were evaluated for the mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae and for deformed wing virus. Viral load and mite number were similar for SHB with deformed wings and unaffected beetles. Because deformed wings were only observed in individually pupating SHB, a humidity challenge most likely explains the observed clinical symptoms. Our observations support the importance of differential diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meret Huwiler
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anna Papach
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Elodie Cristina
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Orlando Yañez
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Geoffrey R Williams
- Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Peter Neumann
- Institute of Bee Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Switzerland; Agroscope, Swiss Bee Research Centre, Bern, Switzerland
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25
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Kiss J, Rádai Z, Rosa ME, Kosztolányi A, Barta Z. Seasonal changes in immune response and reproductive investment in a biparental beetle. J Insect Physiol 2020; 121:104000. [PMID: 31863762 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2019.104000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Immunity and reproduction are physiologically demanding processes, therefore trade-offs are expected between these life history traits. Furthermore, investments in these traits are also known to be affected by factors such as sex, body size, individual condition, seasonal changes and parasite infection. The relationship between immunity and reproduction and the effect of other factors on this relationship were investigated in many species, but there are a small number of studies on these patterns in biparental invertebrates. Lethrus apterus is an iteroparous biparental beetle with predominant female care in respect of collecting and processing food for larvae. Males guard the nest built underground and also their mate. Here we investigate how sex, body size, time within the reproductive season and parasite load may influence the relationship between immunocompetence and reproductive investment in this species. In beetles from a natural population we quantified immune response by measuring the encapsulation response, antimicrobial activity of hemolymph, the investment into reproductive tissues by measuring the size of testis follicles in males and total egg size in females, and parasite load by counting the number of mites on the beetles. We found that the encapsulation response is condition-dependent, as large individuals showed significantly higher encapsulation ability than small ones. Antimicrobial capacity was significantly higher in females than in males. In case of antimicrobial activity there was also a seasonal change in the relationship between immunity and reproductive investment, but only under heavy mite load. Reproductive investment was influenced by the interaction between body size and season (in females) and by body size and season (in males). Furthermore in females the interaction between antimicrobial activity and season indicated that reproductive investment increased with antimicrobial activity early in the reproductive season. By investigating the relationship between immunity and reproductive investment in a natural population of a biparental beetle species, we can conclude that investments into these important life history traits are governed by complex interactions between physiological and environmental factors. Our results are discussed in the context of life history evolution, highlighting the role of the assessed factors in shaping trade-offs themselves (in invertebrates).
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Kiss
- MTA-DE Behavioural Ecology Research Group, Department of Evolutionary Zoology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary; Department of Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Zoltán Rádai
- MTA-DE Behavioural Ecology Research Group, Department of Evolutionary Zoology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Márta Erzsébet Rosa
- Department of Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, Hungary; Doctoral School of Biological Sciences, Szent István University, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - András Kosztolányi
- Department of Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Barta
- MTA-DE Behavioural Ecology Research Group, Department of Evolutionary Zoology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Abstract
Surface structures that trap light leading to near complete structural absorption creates an appearance of "super black." Well known in the natural world from bird feathers and butterfly scales, super black has evolved independently from various anatomical structures. Due to an exceptional ability to reduce specular reflection, these biological materials have garnered interest from optical industries. Here we describe the false eyes of the eyed elater click beetle, which, while not classified as super black, still attains near complete absorption of light partly due to an array of vertically-aligned microtubules. These cone-shaped microtubules are modified hairs (setae) that are localized to eyespots on the dorsum of the beetle, and absorb 96.1% of incident light (at a 24.8° collection angle) in the spectrum between 300-700 nm. Filled with melanin, the setae combine structure and pigment to generate multiple reflections and refractions causing light to travel a greater distance. This light-capturing architecture leaves little light available to receivers and the false eyes appear as deep black making them appear more conspicuous to predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Wong
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA, United States of America.,Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States of America
| | - Paul E Marek
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA, United States of America
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Muratspahić E, Monjon E, Duerrauer L, Rogers SM, Cullen DA, Vanden Broeck J, Gruber CW. Oxytocin/vasopressin-like neuropeptide signaling in insects. Vitam Horm 2020; 113:29-53. [PMID: 32138952 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2019.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The origin of the oxytocin (OT)/vasopressin (VP) signaling system is thought to date back more than 600million years. OT/VP-like peptides have been identified in numerous invertebrate phyla including molluscs, annelids, nematodes and insects. However, to date we only have a limited understanding of the biological role(s) of this GPCR-mediated signaling system in insects. This chapter presents the current knowledge of OT/VP-like neuropeptide signaling in insects by providing a brief overview of insect OT/VP-like neuropeptides, their genetic and structural commonalities, and their experimentally tested and proposed functions. Despite their widespread occurrence across insect orders these peptides (and their endogenous receptors) appear to be absent in common insect model species, such as flies and bees. We therefore explain the known functionalities of this signaling system in three different insect model systems: beetles, locusts, and ants. Additionally, we review the phylogenetic distribution of the OT/VP signaling system in arthropods as obtained from extensive genome/transcriptome mining. Finally, we discuss the unique challenges in the development of selective OT/VP ligands for human receptors and share our perspective on the possible application of insect- and other non-mammalian-derived OT/VP-like peptide ligands in pharmacology.
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Meng F, Bar-Shmuel N, Shavit R, Behar A, Segoli M. Gut bacteria of weevils developing on plant roots under extreme desert conditions. BMC Microbiol 2019; 19:311. [PMID: 31888482 PMCID: PMC6937996 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-019-1690-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many phytophagous insects, whose diet is generally nitrogen-poor, rely on gut bacteria to compensate for nutritional deficits. Accordingly, we hypothesized that insects in desert environments may evolve associations with gut bacteria to adapt to the extremely low nutrient availability. For this, we conducted a systematic survey of bacterial communities in the guts of weevils developing inside mud chambers affixed to plant roots in the Negev Desert of Israel, based on 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. RESULTS Our analyses revealed that gut bacterial communities in weevil larvae were similar across a wide geographical range, but differed significantly from those of the mud chambers and of the surrounding soils. Nevertheless, a high proportion of bacteria (including all of the core bacteria) found in the weevils were also detected in the mud chambers and soils at low relative abundances. The genus Citrobacter (of the Enterobacteriaceae family) was the predominant group in the guts of all individual weevils. The relative abundance of Citrobacter significantly decreased at the pupal and adult stages, while bacterial diversity increased. A mini literature survey revealed that members of the genus Citrobacter are associated with nitrogen fixation, recycling of uric acid nitrogen, and cellulose degradation in different insects. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that although weevils could potentially acquire their gut bacteria from the soil, weevil host internal factors, rather than external environmental factors, were more important in shaping their gut bacterial communities, and suggest a major role for Citrobacter in weevil nutrition in this challenging environment. This study highlights the potential involvement of gut bacteria in the adaptation of insects to nutritional deficiencies under extreme desert conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengqun Meng
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, The Swiss Institute for Dryland Environmental and Energy Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel.
| | - Nitsan Bar-Shmuel
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, The Swiss Institute for Dryland Environmental and Energy Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Reut Shavit
- French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
| | - Adi Behar
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Michal Segoli
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, The Swiss Institute for Dryland Environmental and Energy Research, The Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
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Miyatake T, Matsumura K, Kitayama R, Otsuki K, Yuhao J, Fujisawa R, Nagaya N. Arousal from Tonic Immobility by Vibration Stimulus. Behav Genet 2019; 49:478-483. [PMID: 31227945 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-019-09962-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Tonic immobility (TI) is an effective anti-predator strategy. However, long immobility status on the ground increases the risk of being eaten by predators, and thus insects must rouse themselves when appropriate stimulation is provided. Here, the strength of vibration causing arousal from the state of TI was examined in strains artificially selected for longer duration of TI (L-strains: long sleeper) in a beetle. We provided different strengths of vibration stimuli to the long sleepers in Tribolium castaneum. Although immobilized beetles were never awakened by the stimuli from 0.01 to 0.12 mm in amplitude, almost of the beetles were aroused from immobilized status by the stimulus at 0.21 mm. There was a difference in sensitivity of individuals when the stimuli of 0.14 mm and 0.18 mm were provided. F2 individuals were also bred by crossing experiments of the strains selected for shorter and longer duration of TI. The arousal sensitivity to vibration was well separated in the F2 individuals. A positive relationship was observed between the duration of TI and the vibration amplitude, suggesting that immobilized beetles are difficult to arouse from a deep sleep, while light sleepers are easily aroused by even small vibrations. The results indicate a genetic basis for sensitivity to arousal from TI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahisa Miyatake
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan.
| | - Kentarou Matsumura
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan
| | - Ryota Kitayama
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan
| | - Keiichi Otsuki
- Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering, Kyoto Sangyo University, Motoyama, Kamigamo, Kita-ku, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ji Yuhao
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, Kita-ku, Okayama, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Fujisawa
- School of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 680-4 Kawazu, Iizuka-shi, Fukuoka, 820-8502, Japan
| | - Naohisa Nagaya
- Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering, Kyoto Sangyo University, Motoyama, Kamigamo, Kita-ku, Kyoto, Japan
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30
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Veenstra JA. Coleoptera genome and transcriptome sequences reveal numerous differences in neuropeptide signaling between species. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7144. [PMID: 31245184 PMCID: PMC6585902 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [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: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Insect neuropeptides are interesting for the potential their receptors hold as plausible targets for a novel generation of pesticides. Neuropeptide genes have been identified in a number of different species belonging to a variety of insects. Results suggest significant neuropeptide variation between different orders, but much less is known of neuropeptidome variability within an insect order. I therefore compared the neuropeptidomes of a number of Coleoptera. Methodology Publicly available genome sequences, transcriptomes and the original sequence data in the form of short sequence read archives were analyzed for the presence or absence of genes coding neuropeptides as well as some neuropeptide receptors in seventeen beetle species. Results Significant differences exist between the Coleoptera analyzed here, while many neuropeptides that were previously characterized from Tribolium castaneum appear very similar in all species, some are not and others are lacking in one or more species. On the other hand, leucokinin, which was presumed to be universally absent from Coleoptera, is still present in non-Polyphaga beetles. Conclusion The variability in neuropeptidome composition between species from the same insect order may be as large as the one that exists between species from different orders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan A Veenstra
- INCIA UMR 5287 CNRS, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, Pessac, France
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31
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Khaldy L, Tocco C, Byrne M, Baird E, Dacke M. Straight-line orientation in the woodland-living beetle Sisyphus fasciculatus. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2019; 206:327-335. [PMID: 30955076 PMCID: PMC7192865 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-019-01331-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To transport their balls of dung along a constant bearing, diurnal savannah-living dung beetles rely primarily on the sun for compass information. However, in more cluttered environments, such as woodlands, this solitary compass cue is frequently hidden from view by surrounding vegetation. In these types of habitats, insects can, instead, rely on surrounding landmarks, the canopy pattern, or wide-field celestial cues, such as polarised skylight, for directional information. Here, we investigate the compass orientation strategy behind straight-line orientation in the diurnal woodland-living beetle Sisyphus fasciculatus. We found that, when manipulating the direction of polarised skylight, Si. fasciculatus responded to this change with a similar change in bearing. However, when the apparent position of the sun was moved, the woodland-living beetle did not change its direction of travel. In contrast, the savannah-living beetle Scarabaeus lamarcki responded to the manipulation of the solar position with a corresponding change in bearing. These results suggest that the dominant compass cue used for straight-line orientation in dung beetles may be determined by the celestial cue that is most prominent in their preferred habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana Khaldy
- Department of Biology, Lund Vision Group, Lund University, Sölvegatan 35, 223 62, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Claudia Tocco
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Marcus Byrne
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Emily Baird
- Department of Biology, Lund Vision Group, Lund University, Sölvegatan 35, 223 62, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Zoology, Functional Morphology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Dacke
- Department of Biology, Lund Vision Group, Lund University, Sölvegatan 35, 223 62, Lund, Sweden.,School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Shao KM, Sun Y, Wang WK, Chen L. A SEM study of antennal sensilla in Maladera orientalis Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae). Micron 2019; 119:17-23. [PMID: 30639944 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The external morphology of antenna and fine structure of its sensilla of Maladera orientalis were studied using scanning electron microscopy. The antenna consists of scape, pedicel, funicle and a club composed of three lamellae. Funicle has five, sometimes, four segments. Böhm bristles, three subtypes of sensilla chaetica, one subtype of sensilla trichodea, one subtype of sensilla coeloconica, four subtypes of sensilla basiconica, and one subtype of sensilla placodea were described. No sexual differences were found in number, type and distribution of sensilla on all antennomeres. The most notable feature of sensilla on antennae of M. orientalis is the presence of long and narrow strip-like sensilla placodea on both sides of all club lamellae. These porous sensilla placodea are slightly depressed below the lamella surface and tend to lie in parallel with the lamella axe. They are similar to sensilla placodea found in hymenopteran species but very different from those round plate-like sensilla placodea occurring on the lamellae of scarab beetles.
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33
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Abu ElEla SA, Agathokleous E, Ghazawy NA, Amin TR, ElSayed WM, Koike T. Enzyme activity modification in adult beetles (Agelastica coerulea) inhabiting birch trees in an ozone-enriched atmosphere. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2018; 25:32675-32683. [PMID: 30244439 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3243-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Tropospheric ozone (O3) is a naturally occurring gas in the atmosphere. However, the concentration of O3 increased in the twentieth century. Although the effects of O3 on vegetation have been extensively studied since the 1950s, limited information exists regarding the effects of O3 on insect herbivores. In particular, evidence is lacking regarding the effects of O3 on the biology of insect herbivores. Agelastica coerulea Baly (1874) is a coleopteran species that grazes on Betulaceae plants. In this study, to investigate the effects of O3 on A. coerulea biology for the first time, female adult insects were collected from Japanese white birch trees grown in a Free Air Controlled Exposure System (FACE) in Sapporo, Japan. These beetles inhabited trees exposed either to ambient or to elevated O3 for 23 days. After collection, the enzyme activities in the beetles were measured. Elevated O3 led to a greater total antioxidant activity and lower α- and β-esterase activities, a phenomenon that may suggest an increased resistance of the beetles to stress. Our results are further discussed with regard to biological and toxicological aspects. Collectively, our findings indicate that total antioxidants and α- and β-esterase activities can serve as effective O3 biomarker systems in this beetle species. This adaptive response of the beetle, which was induced by moderate O3 exposure, should be further tested across generations and for its protection against greater exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evgenios Agathokleous
- Hokkaido Research Center, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute (FFPRI), Forest Research and Management Organization, 7 Hitsujigaoka, Sapporo, 062-8516, Japan.
- Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-85889, Japan.
| | - Nirvina A Ghazawy
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Tarek R Amin
- Plant Protection Research Institute, Agricultural Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Wael M ElSayed
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt
| | - Takayoshi Koike
- Research Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-85889, Japan.
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34
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Gomez-Puerta LA, Garcia HH, Gonzalez AE. Experimental porcine cysticercosis using infected beetles with Taenia solium eggs. Acta Trop 2018; 183:92-94. [PMID: 29626435 PMCID: PMC5935534 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Beetles are intermediate hosts for human and animal parasites, and several beetle species have been shown to carry Taenia eggs. An experimental porcine cysticercosis infection model was developed using beetles (Ammophorus rubripes) infected with Taenia solium eggs and then using these beetles for oral pig challenge. A total of 18 three months-old Landrace pigs were divided in four groups. Pigs from groups 1, 2, and 3 (n = 6 pigs per group) were challenged with one, three, and six beetles infected with T. solium eggs, containing approximately 52, 156 or 312 eggs respectively. Pigs were necropsied 12 weeks after infection to assess the presence of T. solium metacestode. Porcine cysticercosis by T. solium was produced in 17 out of 18 pigs (94.4%) challenged with infected beetles, all infected pigs had viable cysts. Only one pig from group 1 was negative to the presence of cysts. The median number of metacestodes per pig in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 2 (range 0-71), 26 (range 5-33) and 40 cysts (range 4-111), respectively. Experimental porcine cysticercosis infection is consistently obtained using beetles as mechanical vectors for T. solium eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Gomez-Puerta
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru.
| | - Hector H Garcia
- Cysticercosis Elimination Program and Center for Global Health Tumbes, Cayetano Heredia University, Tumbes, Peru; Department of Microbiology, School of Sciences, Cayetano Heredia University, Lima, Peru
| | - Armando E Gonzalez
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
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Goczał J, Rossa R, Tofilski A. Elytra reduction may affect the evolution of beetle hind wings. ZOOMORPHOLOGY 2017; 137:131-138. [PMID: 29568156 PMCID: PMC5847043 DOI: 10.1007/s00435-017-0388-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Beetles are one of the largest and most diverse groups of animals in the world. Conversion of forewings into hardened shields is perceived as a key adaptation that has greatly supported the evolutionary success of this taxa. Beetle elytra play an essential role: they minimize the influence of unfavorable external factors and protect insects against predators. Therefore, it is particularly interesting why some beetles have reduced their shields. This rare phenomenon is called brachelytry and its evolution and implications remain largely unexplored. In this paper, we focused on rare group of brachelytrous beetles with exposed hind wings. We have investigated whether the elytra loss in different beetle taxa is accompanied with the hind wing shape modification, and whether these changes are similar among unrelated beetle taxa. We found that hind wings shape differ markedly between related brachelytrous and macroelytrous beetles. Moreover, we revealed that modifications of hind wings have followed similar patterns and resulted in homoplasy in this trait among some unrelated groups of wing-exposed brachelytrous beetles. Our results suggest that elytra reduction may affect the evolution of beetle hind wings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Goczał
- Institute of Forest Ecosystem Protection, Faculty of Forestry, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 29 Listopada 46, 31-425, Krakow, Poland
| | - Robert Rossa
- Institute of Forest Ecosystem Protection, Faculty of Forestry, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 29 Listopada 46, 31-425, Krakow, Poland
| | - Adam Tofilski
- Department of Pomology and Apiculture, Faculty of Biotechnology and Horticulture, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 29 Listopada 54, 31-425 Krakow, Poland
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Kawasaki Y, Nishimura H, Shiga S. Plausible link between circa'bi'dian activity rhythms and circadian clock systems in the large black chafer Holotrichia parallela. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 220:4024-4034. [PMID: 28877922 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.163253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Two-day rhythms, referred to as circa'bi'dian rhythms, have been reported in humans and mosquitos. However, these rhythms only appear under constant conditions, and the functional mechanisms of 2-day rhythms were unknown. Here, we report clear circabidian rhythms of large black chafers (Holotrichia parallela, Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in both the laboratory and field. Under 12 h:12 h light:dark (L:D) conditions at 25°C, H. parallela appeared on the ground at the beginning of the dark phase every 2 days. Under constant darkness, H. parallela exhibited free-running with a period of 47.9±0.3 h, suggesting the existence of a clear circabidian rhythm entrained to two 12 h:12 h L:D cycles. Phase responses of the circabidian rhythm to light pulses occurred under constant darkness in a phase-dependent manner. Phase responses suggest that there are two circadian cycles, each consisting of a less-responsive and more-responsive period, in a circabidian oscillation, and the circabidian rhythm is driven by the circadian clock. A mark-recapture study showed that beetles repeatedly appeared on the same tree approximately every 2 days. However, the periodicity was not as rigid as that observed under laboratory conditions in that individuals often switched appearance days. For instance, a large precipitation made the 2-day rhythm shift phase by half a cycle of the rhythm at a time. We propose a novel function of the circadian clock characterized by the release of an output signal every two cycles to produce the 2-day rhythm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Kawasaki
- Department of Biology and Geosciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Sumiyoshi, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Nishimura
- Department of Biology and Geosciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Sumiyoshi, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
| | - Sakiko Shiga
- Department of Biology and Geosciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Sumiyoshi, Osaka 558-8585, Japan .,Department of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Machikaneyama, Toyonaka 560-0043, Japan
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Xiang J, Reding K, Heffer A, Pick L. Conservation and variation in pair-rule gene expression and function in the intermediate-germ beetle Dermestes maculatus. Development 2017; 144:4625-4636. [PMID: 29084804 DOI: 10.1242/dev.154039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A set of pair-rule (PR) segmentation genes (PRGs) promotes the formation of alternate body segments in Drosophila melanogaster Whereas Drosophila embryos are long-germ, with segments specified more or less simultaneously, most insects add segments sequentially as the germband elongates. The hide beetle Dermestes maculatus represents an intermediate between short- and long-germ development, ideal for comparative study of PRGs. We show that eight of nine Drosophila PRG orthologs are expressed in stripes in Dermestes Functional results parse these genes into three groups: Dmac-eve, -odd and -run play roles in both germband elongation and PR patterning; Dmac-slp and -prd function exclusively as complementary, classic PRGs, supporting functional decoupling of elongation and segment formation; and orthologs of ftz, ftz-f1, h and opa show more variable function in Dermestes and other species. While extensive cell death generally prefigured Dermestes PRG RNAi-mediated cuticle defects, an organized region with high mitotic activity near the margin of the segment addition zone is likely to have contributed to truncation of eveRNAi embryos. Our results suggest general conservation of clock-like regulation of PR stripe addition in sequentially segmenting species while highlighting regulatory rewiring involving a subset of PRG orthologs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xiang
- Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Katie Reding
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Alison Heffer
- Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Leslie Pick
- Program in Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA .,Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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Urbański A, Adamski Z, Rosiński G. Developmental changes in haemocyte morphology in response to Staphylococcus aureus and latex beads in the beetle Tenebrio molitor L. Micron 2017; 104:8-20. [PMID: 29049928 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The evolutionary success of insects is undoubtedly related to a well-functioning immune system. This is especially apparent during insect development by the adaptation of individuals to the changing risk of infection. In addition, current studies show that the insect immune system is characterized by some specificity in response to natural pathogens (for example, bacteria, viruses or fungi) and artificial challengers (for example, latex beads or nylon filaments). However, developmental changes and the specificity of immune system reactions simultaneously have not been analysed. Thus, the aim of the present research was to determine changes in haemocyte morphology in response to attenuated Staphylococcus aureus and latex beads across each developmental stage of the beetle Tenebrio molitor. The results of the present research clearly showed differences in the morphology of T. molitor haemocytes during development. The haemocytes of larvae and 4-day-old adult males were characterized by the highest adhesion ability, which was expressed as the largest average surface area, filopodia length and number of filopodia. In contrast, the haemocytes of pupae and 30-day-old adult males had a significantly lower value for these morphological parameters, which was probably related to metamorphosis (pupae) and immunosenescence (30-day-old adults). The haemocytes of the tested individuals reacted differently to the presence of S. aureus and latex beads. The presence of S. aureus led to a significant decrease in all previously mentioned morphological parameters in larvae and in both groups of adult individuals. In these groups, incubation of haemocytes with latex beads caused only a slight decrease in surface area and filopodia length and number. This morphological response of haemocytes to biotic and artificial challengers might be related to an increase in the migration abilities of haemocytes during infection. However, the differences in haemocyte reactivity towards S. aureus and latex beads might be explained by differences in pathogen recognition. Conversely, increased adhesive abilities of pupal haemocytes were also observed, which might be related to the specificity of metamorphosis and the hormonal titre during this developmental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Urbański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland.
| | - Zbigniew Adamski
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland; Electron and Confocal Microscope Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Rosiński
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland
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Tusong K, Guo X, Meng S, Liu X, Ma J. Comparative analysis of the transcriptome of the overwintering desert beetle Microdera punctipennis. Cryobiology 2017; 78:80-89. [PMID: 28778690 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The cold tolerance mechanisms of insect have been studied extensively on the model species Drosophila and a few other species at the transcriptional level. However studies on insects that inherit strong cold tolerance are limited. Cold hardy Tenebrionid beetle Microdera punctipennis is endemic to Gurbantonggut Desert, northwest of China. However, its genomic information is lacking. To investigate the overwintering mechanisms of M. punctipennis adult, RNA-seq was performed on the winter adults and the control adults that were kept in laboratory at 30 °C. A total of 175,247 unigenes were acquired with an average length of 645 bp. By using DESeq package, we identified 3367 unigenes that were up-regulated and 7988 down-regulated in the winter adults compared with the controls. To further our understanding of these differentially expressed genes (DEGs), Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed. Pathway analysis showed that the "ECM-receptor interaction", "PI3K-Akt signaling pathway", "Estrogen signaling pathway", "Tight junction", and "Regulation of actin cytoskeleton", etc. might play important roles in M. punctipennis overwintering. The DEGs results from the RNA-Seq were confirmed partially by qRT-PCR for 13 DEGs, which showed high consistence with a Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.851. Overall, the sequence data will provide basic information for subsequent bioinformatical analysis and mining of the genes responsible for cold tolerance in M. punctipennis, as well as for understanding the molecular mechanisms of desert beetle overwintering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuerban Tusong
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, 666 Shengli Road, Urumqi 830046, China.
| | - Xiaoxing Guo
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, 666 Shengli Road, Urumqi 830046, China
| | - Shanshan Meng
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, 666 Shengli Road, Urumqi 830046, China
| | - Xiaoning Liu
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, 666 Shengli Road, Urumqi 830046, China
| | - Ji Ma
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, 666 Shengli Road, Urumqi 830046, China.
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Roux-Pertus C, Oliviero E, Viguier V, Fernandez F, Maillot F, Ferry O, Fleutot S, Mano JF, Cleymand F. Multiscale characterization of the hierarchical structure of Dynastes hercules elytra. Micron 2017; 101:16-24. [PMID: 28586698 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Beetle elytra are thickened forewings, they are lightweight and tough to protect the hindwings without hindering flight capacities. Dynastes hercules elytra are known for their hygrochromic properties. However, the whole structure of the elytron remains to be characterized. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and to our knowledge for the first time X-Ray tomography were undertaken on adult male Dynastes hercules to characterize their multi-scale structure. Trabeculae present a periodic arrangement over a short distance. Two inferred models describe the heights of plies in endocuticles of dorsal and ventral cuticles. We hypothesize that this study could provide inspiration for biomimetic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erwan Oliviero
- Institut Charles Gerhardt Montpellier, CNRS Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Microscopie Electronique et Analytique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Véronique Viguier
- Microscopie Electronique et Analytique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Frédéric Fernandez
- Microscopie Electronique et Analytique, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | | | - Olivier Ferry
- Institut Jean Lamour, CNRS Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Solenne Fleutot
- Institut Jean Lamour, CNRS Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France.
| | - João F Mano
- Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Franck Cleymand
- Institut Jean Lamour, CNRS Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France.
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Dar MI, Green ID, Naikoo MI, Khan FA, Ansari AA, Lone MI. Assessment of biotransfer and bioaccumulation of cadmium, lead and zinc from fly ash amended soil in mustard-aphid- beetle food chain. Sci Total Environ 2017; 584-585:1221-1229. [PMID: 28153402 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.01.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 11/26/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigates the extent of biotransfer and bioaccumulation of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) from fly ash amended soil in mustard (Brassica juncea)-aphid (Lipaphis erysimi)-beetle (Coccinella septempunctata) food chain and its subsequent implications for the beetle. The soil was amended with fly ash at the rates of 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40% (w/w). Our results showed that the uptake of Cd, Pb and Zn from soil to mustard root increased with the increase in fly ash application rates, but their root to shoot translocation was relatively restricted. Increase in chlorophyll content and dry mass of mustard plant on treatments ≥20% even at elevated accumulation of Cd (1.67mgkg-1), Pb (18.25mgkg-1) and Zn (74.45mgkg-1 dry weight) in its shoot showed relatively higher tolerance of selected mustard cultivar to heavy metal stress. The transfer coefficient (TC1) of Cd from mustard shoot to aphid was always >1, indicating that Cd biomagnified in aphids at second trophic level. But, there was no biomagnification of Cd in adult beetles at third trophic level. Zinc accumulation was 2.06 to 2.40 times more in aphids than their corresponding host shoots and 1.26-1.35 times more in adult beetles than their prey (aphids) on which they fed. Lead was only metal whose TC was <1 at both second and third trophic levels. The elimination of Cd via honeydew of aphids was most efficient as the ratio of metal in honeydew to aphid (ranging from 0.21 to 0.26) was higher than the Pb (0.16 to 0.20) and Zn (0.07 to 0.09). The statistically consistent (p>0.05) biomass and predation rate of predatory beetles indicated that all levels of soil amendments with fly ash did not have any lethal or sub-lethal effects on beetles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudasir Irfan Dar
- Environmental Botany Division, Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh 202002, India.
| | - Iain D Green
- Department of Life and Environmental Science, The Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus, Poole, Dorset BH12 5BB, UK
| | - Mohd Irfan Naikoo
- Environmental Botany Division, Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh 202002, India
| | - Fareed Ahmad Khan
- Environmental Botany Division, Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh 202002, India
| | - Abid Ali Ansari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohd Iqbal Lone
- Gene Tox Laboratory, Division of Genetics, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh 202002, India
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Wang B, Chen G, Li C, Sun W. Floral characteristics and pollination ecology of Manglietia ventii (Magnoliaceae), a plant species with extremely small populations (PSESP) endemic to South Yunnan of China. Plant Divers 2017; 39:52-59. [PMID: 30159491 PMCID: PMC6112231 DOI: 10.1016/j.pld.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Manglietia ventii is a highly endangered plant species endemic to Yunnan province in China, where there are only five known small populations. Despite abundant flowering there is very low fruit and seed set, and very few seedlings in natural populations, indicating problems with reproduction. The causes of low fecundity in M. ventii are not known, largely because of insufficient knowledge of the species pollination ecology and breeding system. We conducted observations and pollination experiments, and analyzed floral scents to understand the pollinator-plant interactions and the role of floral scent in this relationship, as well as the species breeding system. Like the majority of Magnoliaceae, M. ventii has protogynous and nocturnal flowers that emit a strong fragrance over two consecutive evenings. There is a closing period (the pre-staminate stage) during the process of anthesis of a flower, and we characterize the key flowering process as an "open-close-reopen" flowering rhythm with five distinct floral stages observed throughout the floral period of this species: pre-pistillate, pistillate, pre-staminate, staminate, and post-staminate. Flowers are in the pistillate stage during the first night of anthesis and enter the staminate stage the next night. During anthesis, floral scent emission occurs in the pistillate and staminate stages. The effective pollinators were weevils (Sitophilus sp.) and beetles (Anomala sp.), while the role of Rove beetles (Aleochara sp.) and thrips (Thrips sp.) in pollination of M. ventii appears to be minor or absent. The major chemical compounds of the floral scents were Limonene, β-Pinene, α-Pinene, 1,8-Cineole, Methyl-2-methylbutyrate, p-Cymene, Methyl-3-methyl-2-butenoate and 2-Methoxy-2-methyl-3-buten, and the relative proportions of these compounds varied between the pistillate and staminate stages. Production of these chemicals coincided with flower visitation by weevils and beetles. The results of pollination experiments suggest that M. ventii is pollinator-dependent, and low seed set in natural populations is a result of insufficient pollen deposition. Thus, conservation of the species should focus on improving pollination service through the introduction of genetically variable individuals and increase in density of reproducing trees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- Kunming Botanical Garden, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, Yunnan, China
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, Yunnan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Gao Chen
- Kunming Botanical Garden, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, Yunnan, China
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, Yunnan, China
| | - Congren Li
- Kunming Botanical Garden, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, Yunnan, China
| | - Weibang Sun
- Kunming Botanical Garden, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, Yunnan, China
- Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650204, Yunnan, China
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Kim HG, Margolies D, Park Y. The roles of thermal transient receptor potential channels in thermotactic behavior and in thermal acclimation in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. J Insect Physiol 2015; 76:47-55. [PMID: 25813190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2015.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
To survive in variable or fluctuating temperature, organisms should show appropriate behavioral and physiological responses which must be mediated through properly attuned thermal sensory mechanisms. Transient receptor potential channels (TRPs) are a family of cation channels a number of which, called thermo-TRPs, are known to function as thermosensors. We investigated the potential role of thermo-TPRs that have been previously identified in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, in thermotaxis and thermal acclimation in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Phylogenetic analysis of the trp genes showed generally one-to-one orthology between those in D. melanogaster and in T. castaneum, although there are putative gene-losses in two TRP subfamilies of D. melanogaster. With RNA interference (RNAi) of T. castaneum thermo-TRP candidates painless, pyrexia and trpA1, we measured thermal avoidance behavior. RNAi of trpA1 resulted in reduced avoidance of high temperatures, 39 and 42 °C. We also measured the effects of RNAi on heat-induced knockout and death under a short exposure to high temperature (1min at 52 °C) either with or without a 10-min acclimation period at 42 °C. Relatively short exposure to high temperature was enough to induce high temperature thermal acclimation. RNAi of trpA1 led to faster knockout at 52 °C. RNAi of painless showed lower recovery rates from heat-induced knockout after thermal acclimation, and RNAi of pyrexia showed lower long-term survivorship without thermal acclimation. Therefore, we concluded that trpA1 is important in high temperature sensing and also in enhanced tolerance to high-temperature induced knockout; painless plays a role in rapid acclimation to high temperature; and pyrexia functions in protecting beetles from acute heat stress without acclimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Geun Kim
- 123 Waters Hall, Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, United States
| | - David Margolies
- 123 Waters Hall, Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, United States.
| | - Yoonseong Park
- 123 Waters Hall, Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, United States.
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King B, Denholm B. Malpighian tubule development in the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum). Arthropod Struct Dev 2014; 43:605-613. [PMID: 25242057 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2014.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 06/17/2014] [Revised: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Malpighian tubules (MpTs) are the major organ for excretion and osmoregulation in most insects. MpT development is characterised for Drosophila melanogaster, but not other species. We therefore do not know the extent to which the MpT developmental programme is conserved across insects. To redress this we provide a comprehensive description of MpT development in the beetle Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera), a species separated from Drosophila by >315 million years. We identify similarities with Drosophila MpT development including: 1) the onset of morphological development, beginning when tubules bud from the gut and proliferate to increase organ size. 2) the tubule is shaped by convergent-extension movements and oriented cell divisions. 3) differentiated tip cells activate EGF-signalling in distal MpT cells through the ligand Spitz. 4) MpTs contain two main cell types - principal and stellate cells, differing in morphology and gene expression. We also describe development of the beetle cryptonephridial system, an adaptation for water conservation, which represents a major modification of the MpT ground plan characterised by intimate association between MpTs and rectum. This work establishes a new model to compare MpT development across insects, and provides a framework to help understand how an evolutionary novelty - the cryptonephridial system - arose during organ evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedict King
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.
| | - Barry Denholm
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.
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Velusamy R, Abdul Basith S, Harikrishnan TJ, Ponnudurai G, Anna T, Ramakrishnan S. Ground beetle, Opatroides frater (Coleoptera) as natural intermediate host for the poultry tapeworm, Raillietina cesticillus. J Parasit Dis 2014; 38:128-31. [PMID: 24505191 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-012-0202-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [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: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Poultry farms in and around Namakkal with a history of tapeworm infection were surveyed for the presence of beetles which could act as intermediate host for the tapeworms. Beetles collected from different poultry farms with suspected tapeworm infection were examined for the presence of metacestode stage of the parasite. A total of 1,880 beetles were collected from 12 poultry farms with suspected tapeworm infection to study the vector potentiality. Out of these, 205 beetles (10.9 %) from nine farms were found to harbour cysticercoids. The percentage of cysticercoid infection in beetles was 8.24, 10.34 and 16.66 % respectively in three different surveys. The beetles harbouring the cysticercoids were identified as Opatroides frater, which may be a natural intermediate host for Raillietina cesticillus. Infection free young chicks (4 weeks old) were experimentally infected with specific number of cysticercoids and prepatent period of tapeworms was found to be between 12 and 13 days. Gravid segments were expelled between 3 and 4 p.m. consistently. The results of this study would help to formulate suitable control measures against the above tapeworm infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Velusamy
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, 637 002 India
| | - S Abdul Basith
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai, 600007 India
| | - T J Harikrishnan
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, 637 002 India
| | - G Ponnudurai
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, 637 002 India
| | - T Anna
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, 637 002 India
| | - S Ramakrishnan
- Department of Livestock Production and Management, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal, 637 002 India
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Dekeirsschieter J, Frederick C, Verheggen FJ, Drugmand D, Haubruge E. Diversity of forensic rove beetles (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) associated with decaying pig carcass in a forest biotope. J Forensic Sci 2013; 58:1032-40. [PMID: 23550535 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 09/01/2011] [Revised: 01/14/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Most forensic studies are focused on Diptera pattern colonization while neglecting Coleoptera succession. So far, little information is available on the postmortem colonization by beetles and the decomposition process they initiate under temperate biogeoclimatic countries. These beetles have, however, been referred to as being part of the entomofaunal colonization of a dead body. Forensic entomologists need increased databases detailing the distribution, ecology, and phenology of necrophagous insects, including staphylinids (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae). While pig carcasses are commonly used in forensic entomology studies to surrogate human decomposition and to investigate the entomofaunal succession, very few works have been conducted in Europe on large carcasses. Our work reports the monitoring of the presence of adult rove beetles (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) on decaying pig carcasses in a forest biotope during four seasons (spring, summer, fall, and winter). A total of 23 genera comprising 60 species of rove beetles were collected from pig carcasses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Dekeirsschieter
- Department of functional and evolutionary Entomology, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liege, Passage des Déportés 2, Gembloux, B-5030, Belgium.
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Vasudevan B, Joshi DC. Irritant Dermatitis to Staphylinid Beetle in Indian Troops in Congo. Med J Armed Forces India 2011; 66:121-4. [PMID: 27375320 DOI: 10.1016/s0377-1237(10)80122-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 11/01/2009] [Accepted: 01/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contact dermatitis to Staphylinid beetle is a well known entity worldwide. Paederus sabaeus (Econda) species of this insect was responsible for a widespread occurrence of this dermatitis in United Nations (UN) troops posted in Congo. This study was undertaken to observe the various aspects of this unique dermatitis in the mission area. METHODS All clinically diagnosed cases of contact dermatitis to Econda occurring in Indian troops posted to UN mission in Congo during the study period were included. Their epidemiological and clinical characteristics with treatment options were studied in detail. RESULT A wide range of dermatological manifestations were seen in the subjects under study. Few of the manifestations observed in the study have not been reported earlier in literature. Most of the reactions occurred on the exposed areas. Treatment options were guided by the site and the severity of the reaction. CONCLUSION Contact dermatitis to Staphylinid beetle can mimic various other dermatoses and has to be considered in the differential diagnosis in all dermatological consultations during the peak season in the Congo mission area. The insect was found to have certain definite behavioural patterns, the knowledge of which would help in preventing this dermatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Vasudevan
- Graded Specialist (Dermatology), MH Shillong-793001
| | - D C Joshi
- Project Officer, Command Hospital (SC), Pune-40
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