Identification of candidate chemosensory receptors in the antennal transcriptome of the large black chafer Holotrichia parallela Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).

Olfaction and gustation play critical roles in the daily activities of insects by mediating important behaviors, such as locating host plants, mates and oviposition sites. These behaviors are mediated by a series of chemosensory receptor proteins, including odorant receptors (ORs), gustatory receptors (GRs) and ionotropic receptors (IRs). Holotrichia parallela is a worldwide pest on many crops and particularly on peanuts in China.

Identification and characterization of microRNAs expressed in antennae of Holotrichia parallela Motschulsky and their possible roles in olfactory regulation.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that play posttranscriptional, regulatory roles in various biological processes. However, there has been limited investigation into the potential function of miRNAs in olfaction. The coleopteran Holotrichia parallela is an economically important pest, and miRNAs have been identified in only one coleopteran (Tribolium castaneum).