Abstract Because insects are ectotherms, their physiology, behaviour and fitness influenced by the ambient temperature. Any changes in environmental temperatures may impact life history traits of and, thus, affect population dynamics. Here, we experimentally tested heat shock on adults aphid parasitoid Aphidius avenae later repercussions for progeny. Our results show that short exposure (1 h) to an elevated temperature (36°C), which is frequently experienced parasitoids during summer,...

Accumulating evidence indicates that species interactions such as competition and predation can indirectly alter with other community members, including parasites. For example, presence of predators induce behavioural defences in the prey, resulting a change susceptibility to Such predator-induced phenotypic changes may be especially pervasive prey discrete larval adult stages, for which exposure during development have strong carry-over effects on phenotypes. To best our knowledge, no study...

We assessed the occurrence of algae in five species tank-bromeliads found contrasting environmental sites a Neotropical, primary rainforest around Nouragues Research Station, French Guiana. The distributions both algal abundance and biomass were examined based on physical parameters, morphological characteristics bromeliad with regard to structure other aquatic microbial communities held tanks. Algae retrieved all mean densities ranging from ∼102 104 cells/mL. Their was positively correlated...

Abstract Exposure to stress during an insect’s larval development can have carry-over effects on adult life history traits and susceptibility pathogens. We investigated the of nutritional for first time using field mosquito vectors malaria parasites. In contrast previous studies, we show that may affect human transmission antagonistically: nutritionally deprived larvae showed lower parasite prevalence only one gametocyte carrier; they also had fecundity. However, greater survival rates were...

Although several species of the genus Cotesia are used in biological control programs against insect caterpillars throughout world, little is known their oviposition behavior. We describe here types and distribution antennal sensilla plutellae, a larval parasitoid Plutella xylostella, we analyze its Seven were found on both males females. Only trichodea type II, with putative contact chemoreceptive function, was significantly more abundant females than males, morphology position antennomeres...

Abstract The ontogeny of the cuticular hydrocarbons three dipterans importance to forensic entomology, Calliphora vomitoria (Linné), vicina (Robineau‐Desvoidy) and Protophormia terraenovae (Diptera: Calliphoridae), was explored using gas chromatography analysis. stages examined ranged from eggs 8‐day‐old adults. Cuticular hydrocarbon profiles revealed that odd linear alkanes dominate in all species. Short‐chain carbon compounds larvae post‐feeding were seen evolve long‐chain pupae...

Climatic changes result in an increased mean temperature and a higher incidence of extreme weather events such as heat cold waves. For ectotherms, insect parasitoids, the ability to remain active under climatic conditions is significant key fitness. The body size individuals, particular their surface volume ratio, may play role resistance thermal conditions. tolerances are investigated two closely‐related sympatric parasitoid species [ Aphidius avenae Haliday rhopalosiphi De Stefani‐Perez...

Mating swarm segregation in closely related insect species may contribute to reproductive isolation. Visual markers are used for formation; however, it is unknown whether they play a key role location, and sex aggregation. Using two sympatric of the Anopheles gambiae complex, An. coluzzii (s.s.), we investigated both laboratory semi-field conditions (i) males use visual (black cloths) locate their swarm; (ii) presence/absence size marker differentially affect characteristics. We also...

Understanding the factors that account for male mating competitiveness is critical to development of sterile insect technique (SIT). Here, effects partial sterilization with 90 Gy radiation on sexual Anopheles coluzzii allowed mate in different ratios untreated males have been assessed. Moreover, was compared between one versus two days contact females.Sterile and four six age were released large cages (~1.75 sq m) females similar at following males: virgin females: 100:100:100, 300:100:100,...

Plant-ants live in a mutualistic association with host plants known as "myrmecophytes" that provide them nesting place and sometimes extra-floral nectar (EFN) and/or food bodies (FBs); the ants can also attend sap-sucking Hemiptera for their honeydew. In return, plant-ants, like most other arboreal ants, protect from defoliators. To satisfy nitrogen requirements, however, some have optimized ability to capture prey restricted environment represented by crowns of trees using elaborate hunting...

Summary Predation is a major evolutionary force driving speciation. The threat‐sensitive response hypothesis predicts that prey adjust and balance the time spent on costly antipredator with other activities enhance their fitness. Thus, able to develop an proportional risk intensity should have selective advantage. Knowledge how evolution has shaped threat sensitivity among closely related species exposed different predation pressures scarce, prompting investigations better predict explain...

Abstract Anopheles mosquitoes mate at sunset in aerial swarms. The development of mating-based methods for effective malaria vector control requires a good knowledge the flight behaviour species mating However, process how swarms are formed and maintained remains poorly understood. Here, we characterized three-dimensional spatial temporal kinematics coluzzii males swarming above ground marker. We observed that location, shape volume were highly stereotypic, consistent over duration,...

Malaria mosquitoes mate in swarms, but how these swarms are formed and maintained remains poorly understood. We characterized three-dimensional spatial-temporal flight kinematics of Anopheles coluzzii males swarming at sunset above a ground marker. The location, shape volume were highly stereotypic, consistent over the complete duration. Swarms have an elliptical cone shape; mean varies spatially within swarm, remain rather throughout Using sensory system-informed model, we show that use...

A recommendation of: Samantha E.M. Blackwell, Laura Pasquier, Simon Dupont, Séverine Devers, Charlotte Lécureuil, *Joël Meunier Relationship between weapon size and six key behavioural physiological traits in males of the European earwig https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.03.20.585871

In mutualisms, each interacting species obtains resources from its partner that it would obtain less efficiently if alone, and so derives a net fitness benefit. exchange for shelter (domatia) food, mutualistic plant-ants protect their host myrmecophytes herbivores, encroaching vines fungal pathogens. Although selective filters enable to those ant most favorable fitness, some insects can by-pass these filters, exploiting the rewards supplied whilst providing nothing in return. This is case...

Given the unsurpassed sound sensitivity of mosquitoes among arthropods and source power required for long-range hearing, we investigated distance over which female detect species-specific cues in station-keeping mating swarms. A common misunderstanding, that cannot hear at long range because their hearing organs are ‘particle-velocity’ receptors, has clouded fact particle velocity is an intrinsic component whatever to source. We exposed free-flying Anopheles coluzzii females pre-recorded...

The sterile insect technique (SIT) aims at suppressing or decreasing pest populations by introducing insects into wild populations. SIT requires the mass-production of and their sterilization through, for example, radiation. However, both mass-rearing radiation can affect life history traits making them less competitive than counterparts. In malaria mosquito Anopheles arabiensis, some progress has been made to improve mating competitiveness mass-reared irradiated males. date, no study...