Population Density-Dependent Developmental Regulation in Migratory Locust.

Insect development is intricately governed by hormonal signaling pathways, yet the pivotal upstream regulator that potentiates hormone activation remains largely elusive. The migratory locust, , exhibits population density-dependent phenotypic plasticity, encompassing traits such as flight capability, body coloration, and behavior. In this study, we elucidated a negative correlation between population density and ontogenetic development during the nymphal stage of locusts.

The Characteristics of Chemosensory and Opsin Genes in Newly Emerged and Sexually Mature , an Important Quarantine Forest Beetle.

The emerald ash borer (EAB), , is a highly destructive quarantine pest. The olfactory and visual systems of play different but critical roles at newly emerged and sexually mature stages; however, the molecular basis underlying these differences remain unclear. Consequently, based on deep transcriptome sequencing, we evaluated the expression levels of chemosensory-related proteins and opsins at the two developmental stages of .

Coding and Non-coding RNAs: Molecular Basis of Forest-Insect Outbreaks.

Insect population dynamics are closely related to 'human' ecological and economic environments, and a central focus of research is outbreaks. However, the lack of molecular-based investigations restricts our understanding of the intrinsic mechanisms responsible for insect outbreaks. In this context, the moth Walker can serve as an ideal model species for insect population dynamics research because it undergoes periodic outbreaks.

Chromosome-level genome assembly of an important pine defoliator, Dendrolimus punctatus (Lepidoptera; Lasiocampidae).

Dendrolimus spp. are important destructive pests of conifer forests, and Dendrolimus punctatus Walker (Lepidoptera; Lasiocampidae) is the most widely distributed Dendrolimus species. During periodic outbreaks, this species is said to make "fire without smoke" because large areas of pine forest can be quickly and heavily damaged.

Evolution of sex pheromone receptors in Dendrolimus punctatus Walker (lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) is divergent from other moth species.

Dendrolimus punctatus Walker (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) is a pine caterpillar moth distributed in most areas of southern China and is an economically important pest of pine, due to its defoliation activity. Understanding fundamental sex pheromone perception mechanisms in D. punctatus may provide effective and sustainable options for novel control strategies.

Morphological analysis of sensilla on different organs in Pachyneuron aphidis, a hyperparasitoid of Myzus persicae.

Aphidius gifuensis is the main enemy of Myzus persieae. While its parasitic rate can be influenced by the hyperparasitoid, Pachyneuron aphidis. As important parts of insects to sense odors from various environments, study of sensilla can lay the foundation of the further study about the parasitic mechanisms, reduce the hyperparasitic rate, and make the most effect usage of A.

Sensilla on organs of female and male Aphidius gifuensis (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae).

Aphidius gifuensis Ashmaed parasitizes several species of aphids that cause economic damage to globally important crops; however, the mechanism of host location in this species is unclear. Here, we studied the sensory system in A. gifuensis to explore the likely mechanisms of host location that could be useful in the improved application of this species in aphid biological control programs.