The armoured cuticle of the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens.

We characterise in detail the larval and pupal cuticle of the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), a key insect species in circular economy. In particular, we focus on ultrastructure using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, material characterization and composition (elements and minerals) with confocal laser scanning microscope, energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis, powder X-ray diffraction and mechanical properties with nanoindentation measurements.

Effect of Leaf Trichomes in Different Species of Cucurbitaceae on Attachment Ability of the Melon Ladybird Beetle .

This study investigates the attachment ability of the oligophagous melon ladybird beetle to leaves of several Cucurbitaceae species. Using cryo-SEM, we described adult and larva tarsal attachment devices and leaf surface structures (glandular and non-glandular trichomes) in , , , , , and . Using traction force experiments and centrifugal force tests, we measured the friction force exerted by females and larvae on plant leaves.

Coleoptera claws and trichome interlocking.

The present study tests the hypothesis that the specialized claws with a basal tooth found in some coccinellid beetles represent an adaptation to interlock with flexible unbranched trichomes of different plants. We compared the attachment ability of three Coleoptera species, Chnootriba elaterii, Harmonia axyridis (both Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and Chrysolina herbacea (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) with claws of different shape. The attachment ability of insect individuals with or without claws to a plant with leaves bearing straight non-branched trichomes (Cucurbita moschata) and to a plant with smooth leaves (Prunus laurocerasus) was measured in traction force experiments.

Pheromone-Mediated Mating Disruption as Management Option for spp. in Chestnut Orchard.

(1) Background: Pheromone-based devices are successfully used to control insect pests in agriculture. (2) Methods: Investigations were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of mating disruption (MD) to control the chestnut tortrix moths, and . Surveys were performed in northern Italy in 2019-2020.

Performance of Pheromone-Baited Traps to Monitor the Seasonal Abundance of Tortrix Moths in Chestnut Groves.

(1) : (L.), (Zeller), and (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) are considered key moth pests of chestnut in Europe. (2) : Investigations were performed in 2018-2019 in northern Italy.