Invasion Dynamics of A Termite, Reticulitermes flavipes, at Different Spatial Scales in France.

Termites are social insects that can also be major pests. A well-known problem species is the subterranean termite, . It is invasive in France and is thought to have arrived from Louisiana during the 18th century.

An American termite in Paris: temporal colony dynamics.

Termites of the genus Reticulitermes are widespread invaders, particularly in urban habitats. Their cryptic and subterranean lifestyle makes them difficult to detect, and we know little about their colony dynamics over time. In this study we examined the persistence of Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) colonies in the city of Paris over a period of 15 years.

Spatial structuring of the population genetics of a European subterranean termite species.

In population genetics studies, detecting and quantifying the distribution of genetic variation can help elucidate ecological and evolutionary processes. In social insects, the distribution of population-level genetic variability is generally linked to colony-level genetic structure. It is thus especially crucial to conduct complementary analyses on such organisms to examine how spatial and social constraints interact to shape patterns of intraspecific diversity.

Characterization of antibiosis and antixenosis to the woolly poplar aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in the bark of different poplar genotypes.

The woolly poplar aphid, Phloeomyzus passerinii (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a major pest of poplar plantations in the Mediterranean basin and the Near East. Aphids colonize poplar trunks and feed upon the cortical parenchyma. Despite the economic importance of poplar, little is known about the mechanisms involved in poplar resistance to this pest.

Exceptional plant penetration and feeding upon cortical parenchyma cells by the woolly poplar aphid.

Forty percent of aphids live wholly or partly on trees, most species being associated with leaves or petioles. Species able to exploit woody parts have either specific adaptations, such as extra long stylets that allow them to reach the phloem, or the ability to induce galls. The woolly poplar aphid, Phloeomyzus passerinii (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), colonizes the trunks and base of the lower branches of mature poplars and causes cortical necrosis leading to the death of trees where infestation is heavy.

Aphids in the face of global changes.

Global warming is one of the principal challenges facing insects worldwide. It affects individual species and interactions between species directly through effects on their physiology and indirectly through effects on their habitat. Aphids are particularly sensitive to temperature changes due to certain specific biological features of this group.