The genome sequence of the Yellow-dotted Stilt, Euspilapteryx auroguttella Stephens, 1835.

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Euspilapteryx auroguttella (the Yellow-dotted Stilt; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Gracillariidae). The genome sequence is 331.9 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 30 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.94 kilobases in length.

The genome sequence of Blair's Shoulder-knot, Lithophane leautieri (Boisduval, 1829).

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Lithophane leautieri (Blair's Shoulder-knot; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence is 521.7 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.4 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 12,254 protein coding genes.

The genome sequence of the Heart and Dart moth, Agrotis exclamationis (Linnaeus, 1758).

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Heart and Dart moth, Agrotis exclamationis (Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 725.10 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the W and Z sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.39 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 20,008 protein-coding genes.

Weighting of sensory cues reflect changing patterns of visual investment during ecological divergence in Heliconius butterflies.

Integrating information across sensory modalities enables animals to orchestrate a wide range of complex behaviours. The relative importance placed on one sensory modality over another reflects the reliability of cues in a particular environment and corresponding differences in neural investment. As populations diverge across environmental gradients, the reliability of sensory cues may shift, favouring divergence in neural investment and the weight given to different sensory modalities. During their divergence across closed-forest and forest-edge habitats, closely related butterflies Heliconius cydno and Heliconius melpomene evolved distinct brain morphologies, with the former investing more in vision. Quantitative genetic analyses suggest that selection drove these changes, but their behavioural consequences remain uncertain. We hypothesized that divergent neural investment may alter sensory weighting. We trained individuals in an associative learning experiment using multimodal colour and odour cues. When positively rewarded stimuli were presented in conflict, i.e. pairing positively trained colour with negatively trained odour and vice versa, H. cydno favoured visual cues more strongly than H. melpomene. Hence, differences in sensory weighting may evolve early during divergence and are predicted by patterns of neural investment. These findings, alongside other examples, imply that differences in sensory weighting stem from divergent investment as adaptations to local sensory environments.

Key questions on the evolution and biogeography of New Zealand alpine insects.

New Zealand alpine environments host a diverse assemblage of insect lineages, with virtually every major insect group represented. The modern mountain ranges of New Zealand are relatively young and large areas of habitat above the tree line have only been in continual existence for the past one million years. We discuss the geological history and physical characteristics of New Zealand alpine environments and the resulting selective pressures placed on insect species. Some notable alpine taxa and previous faunistic research is highlighted. We discuss examples where single lineages have colonised the alpine zone and contrast these with larger radiations of alpine species which in some cases are the result of multiple colonisation events. The age of most alpine lineages is consistent with the young geological age of the mountains, nevertheless there are some much older alpine lineages of uncertain evolutionary history. We show that alpine species have employed a very broad range of morphological, physiological, and behavioural adaptations to survive in the alpine zone, and new studies are starting to unpick their genomic basis. Finally, we look to the future and assess threats to the unique New Zealand alpine insect fauna.

The genome sequence of the Hebrew Character, Orthosia gothica (Linnaeus, 1758).

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Orthosia gothica (the Hebrew character; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence is 1,065.1 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 37 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.38 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 13,691 protein coding genes.

The genome sequence of the Sandhill Rustic moth Luperina nickerlii (Freyer, 1845) subspecies leechi Goater, 1976.

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Luperina nickerlii (the Sandhill Rustic; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence is 662.0 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The specimen was confirmed to be a ZO female. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.47 kilobases in length.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Parotis chlorochroalis (Hampson, 1912) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Parotis chlorochroalis was sequenced, revaeling a length of 15239 bp with 37 genes and an A + T-rich region. All c13 PCGs begin with typical ATN codons, except COI gene, which starts with CGA. Eleven genes terminate with TAA, two with T-. All 22 tRNA genes exhibit typical cloverleaf structure except for trnS1 P. chlorochroalis has two relatively conserved intergenic regions and two relatively conserved overlapping regions. Phylogenetic analysis support P. chlorochroalis belongs to subfamily Spilomelinae, the topologies of Crambidae are highly congruent with previous studies. This newly sequences mitochondrial genome provides valuable resources for taxonomic inference and evolutionary studies of genus Parotis.

The burst of satellite DNA in Leptidea wood white butterflies and their putative role in karyotype evolution.

Satellite DNAs (satDNAs) are abundant components of eukaryotic genomes, playing pivotal roles in chromosomal organization, genome stability and evolution. Here, we combined cytogenetic and genomic methods to characterize the satDNAs in the genomes of Leptidea butterflies. Leptidea is characterized by the presence of a high heterochromatin content, large genomes and extensive chromosomal reshuffling as well as the occurrence of cryptic species. We show that, in contrast to other Lepidoptera, satDNAs constitute a considerable proportion of Leptidea genomes, ranging between 4.11%-11.05%. This amplification of satDNAs, together with the hyperactivity of transposable elements, contributes to the substantial genome expansion in Leptidea. Using chromosomal mapping, we show that, particularly LepSat01-100 and LepSat03-167 satDNAs, are preferentially localized in heterochromatin exhibiting variable distribution that could influence in the highly diverse karyotypes within the genus. The satDNAs also exhibit W-chromosome accumulation, suggesting their involvement in sex chromosome evolution. Our results provide insights into the dynamics of satDNAs in Lepidoptera genomes and highlight their role in genome expansion and chromosomal organization, which could influence the speciation process. The high proportion of repetitive DNAs in the genomes of Leptidea underscores the complex evolutionary dynamics revealing the interplay between repetitive DNAs and genomic architecture in the genus.

Evidence of Cuticle Chemicals of Heortia vitessoides (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) Larvae Influencing the Aggregation Behavior of Conspecific Larvae.

Heortia vitessoides (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a severe pest of Aquilaria plants, which produce high-priced agarwood. The larval stage of this pest is gregarious, usually forming large aggregates during young instars and becoming solitary during the fifth instar. We hypothesize that the cuticle chemicals of young-instar H. vitessoides larvae could promote larval aggregating, whereas the cuticle chemicals of late-instar larvae would no longer attract young-instar larvae. In this study, two-choice tests were conducted to evaluate the effect of cuticle extracts of second- and fifth-instar H. vitessoides larvae on the aggregation preference of second-instar larvae. Results show that significantly more larvae aggregated on the leaves treated with the hexane extract of second-instar H. vitessoides larvae than on untreated leaves. However, the hexane extract of fifth-instar larvae had no significant effect on the aggregation preference of the second-instar conspecific larvae. Interestingly, acetone extracts of both second- and fifth-instar H. vitessoides larvae repelled the second-instar conspecific larvae throughout the 8 h experiment. Our study shows that cuticle chemicals of H. vitessoides larvae may play a role in the group dynamics of this pest, which may contribute to screening novel attractants and repellents for H. vitessoides. Detailed chemical analyses of the extracts and identification of the compounds involved in larval attracting and repelling would be valuable in future studies.

Multi-Annual Study of Eriogaster catax (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera, Lasiocampidae) Oviposition Strategy in Transylvania's Largest Population: Key Insights for Species Conservation and Local Land Management.

This study provides new insights into the oviposition strategy of Eriogaster catax (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera, Lasiocampidae), an endangered species of moth found in semi-natural habitats within agricultural landscapes. Protected under various European directives and listed as Data Deficient by the IUCN, E. catax inhabits warmer regions of the Western Palearctic. Despite noted geographic variations in its ecological preferences, few studies have statistically significant data on its ecology. Our six-year study, conducted within the largest known population of E. catax. in Romania, reveals critical data on its oviposition preferences, including the species' tendency to utilize Prunus spinosa L. and Crataegus monogyna Jacq. shrubs at an average height of 80.48 ± 34.3 cm, with most nests placed within the 41-80 cm range and containing an average of 186 ± 22 eggs. The study also addresses the species' vulnerability to human activities such as bush trimming, agricultural burning, and uncontrolled grazing, particularly due to its low oviposition height. These findings underscore the negative impact of overgrazing and burning practices, particularly when conducted on a large scale, on the conservation of E. catax. The detailed ecological requirements identified in this study are essential for developing effective conservation strategies and habitat management practices. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of local community involvement and public education in raising awareness about biodiversity and the conservation of endangered species.

Conserved fungal effector NLS1 suppresses Lepidoptera insect immunity by targeting the host defense protein Hdd11.

Entomopathogenic fungi have been widely used as the main mycoinsecticide for controlling agricultural and forest pests. The effector molecules of these mycopathogens have evolved to adapt to their hosts. The role of fungal effectors in evading the host immune system in insects remains mainly unclear. We characterized the widely distributed fungal effector necrosis-inducing-like secreted protein 1 (NLS1) in the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium robertsii. Our findings revealed the presence of M. robertsii NLS1 (MrNLS1) in host hemocytes during the early stage of hemocoel infection. MrNLS1 knock down (ΔMrNLS1) reduced fungal pathogenicity during infection and altered the expression of host immune genes. The molecular docking results and the yeast 2-hybrid assay confirmed that MrNLS1 interacts with the host defense protein Hdd11. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that Hdd11 is conserved across a broad range of Lepidoptera species. Knock down of hdd11 in Helicoverpa armigera, Bombyx mori, and Galleria mellonella markedly suppressed their immune responses against M. robertsii. However, no significant difference was observed in the mean lethal time between hdd11-knockdown Lepidoptera species infected with ΔMrNLS1 and those infected with wild-type M. robertsii. Therefore, in Lepidoptera insects, Hdd11 is essential for fungal defense. In conclusion, M. robertsii infects Lepidoptera insects by targeting host Hdd11 through its protein MrNLS1, thereby suppressing the host immune response. Our findings clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying fungal infection pathogenesis.

The genome sequence of the Green Oak Leaf Roller, Tortrix viridana (Linnaeus, 1758).

We present a genome assembly from a female Tortrix viridana (the Green Oak Leaf Roller; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Tortricidae). The genome sequence is 456.6 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z and W sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.43 kilobases in length.

The genome sequence of the Muslin Footman moth, Nudaria mundana (Linnaeus, 1761).

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Nudaria mundana (the Muslin Footman moth; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Erebidae). The genome sequence is 643.9 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.14 kilobases in length.

The genome sequence of the Lunar Marbled Brown, Drymonia ruficornis (Hufnagel, 1766).

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Drymonia ruficornis (the Lunar Marbled Brown; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Notodontidae). The genome sequence is 369.6 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 29 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.11 kilobases in length.

Habitat associations of day-flying Lepidoptera and their foodplants within nature reserves in Bedfordshire, UK.

Abstract: Species often associate with specific habitat characteristics, resulting in patchy distributions, whereby they only occupy a proportion of available habitat. Understanding which characteristics species require is a valuable tool for informing conservation management. We investigated the associations of eleven species of day-flying Lepidoptera larvae and their foodplants with habitat characteristics within calcareous grassland reserves in Bedfordshire, UK, across two scales relevant to land managers and target species: the reserve (cardinal aspect, vegetation type) and foodplant patch scale (foodplant height and density). We investigated whether ecological traits (habitat specialism, as defined at a national-scale, and overwintering life stage) influenced the strength of associations. At the reserve scale, we found variation in associations with habitat characteristics across species, with species that overwinter at non-adult life stages having more restricted associations, indicating that they may be more vulnerable to environmental change. Associations were generally stronger with vegetation type than aspect, which can be manipulated more easily by land managers. Seven species had similar associations with habitat characteristics to their foodplants, implying that management to benefit foodplants will also benefit larvae. However, the remaining four species had different associations to their foodplants, and may require alternative management approaches. At the foodplant patch scale, four species were associated with foodplant characteristics, which could be used to inform effective fine-scale management. Implications for insect conservation: Implications for insect conservation: Diverse habitat associations imply that topographic and vegetation variation are valuable for supporting diverse assemblages of butterflies and their foodplants. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10841-024-00554-7.

Heatwave predicts a shady future for insects: impacts of an extreme weather event on a chalk grassland in Bedfordshire, UK.

Climate change is set to become one of the leading causes of biodiversity loss worldwide, with extreme weather events projected to increase in frequency. Ectothermic animals such as insects are at particular risk, especially when they are isolated and unable to move through the landscape to track suitable climate. To protect such taxa, it is important to understand how they are impacted by extreme weather events and whether management could provide effective microclimate refuges. However, potential management interventions remain untested for many species. Here, we show that the extreme high temperatures experienced in the UK on 19th July 2022 resulted in a community of butterflies becoming inactive, but that shaded areas, including artificial slopes created as part of conservation management for climate change, provided a refuge during this period. Our results indicate that future high temperatures could force butterflies to shelter in the shade, potentially being unable to fly, feed or mate during these periods, with possible long-term impacts, particularly if multiple consecutive high temperature days are experienced. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10841-024-00556-5.

The genome sequence of the Essex Skipper butterfly, Thymelicus lineola (Ochsenheimer, 1808).

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Essex Skipper butterfly, Thymelicus lineola (Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Hesperiidae). The genome sequence spans 511.80 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 30 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z and W sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.24 kilobases in length.

The genome sequence of the Cotton Bollworm moth, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner, 1808).

We present a genome assembly from an adult female Cotton Bollworm moth, Helicoverpa armigera (Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 362.20 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the W and Z sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.36 kilobases in length.

The genome sequence of the Rusty-dot Pearl moth, Udea ferrugalis (Hübner, 1796).

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Udea ferrugalis (the Rusty-dot Pearl moth; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Crambidae). The genome sequence is 495.6 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.39 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 18,035 protein coding genes.