Micro-CT data of complete metamorphosis process in Harmonia axyridis.

Insect metamorphosis involves significant changes in insect internal structure and is thus a critical focus of entomological research. Investigating the morphological transformation of internal structures is vital to understanding the origins of adult insect organs. Beetles are among the most species-rich groups in insects, but the development and transformation of their internal organs have yet to be systematically documented. In this study, we have acquired a comprehensive dataset that includes 27 detailed whole-body tomographic image sets of Harmonia axyridis, spanning from the prepupal to the pupal stages. Utilizing this data, we have created intricate 3D models of key internal organs, encompassing the brain, ventral nerve cord, digestive and excretion systems, as well as the body wall muscles. These data documented the transformation process of these critical organs and correlations between the origin of adult and larval organs and can be used to enhance the understanding of holometabolous adult organ genesis and offers a valuable reference model for investigating complete metamorphosis in insects.

Exploring the transcriptome of immature stages of Ornithodoros hermsi, the soft-tick vector of tick-borne relapsing fever.

Blood-feeding behavior has independently evolved in arthropods multiple times. Unlike hard ticks, soft ticks employ a rapid-feeding strategy for hematophagy, and there are comparatively limited studies on the transcriptomes of these organisms. This study investigates the soft tick Ornithodoros hermsi, conducting histopathological examinations at bitten skin sites and tick whole-body transcriptomic analyses across various developmental and feeding stages, including larvae, 1st-nymphal, and 2nd-nymphal stages. The results revealed the ability of O. hermsi to induce skin hemorrhage at the bite sites. Transcriptomic analyses identified three consistent transcriptional profiles: unfed, early-fed (6 h, 12 h, 24 h), and late-fed (5 days). The unfed profile exhibited high transcriptional activity across most of the functional classes annotated. In contrast, early-fed stages exhibited decreased expression of most functional classes, except for the unknown, which is highly expressed. Finally, transcriptional expression of most functional classes increased in the late-fed groups, resembling the baseline expression observed in the unfed groups. These findings highlight intense pre-feeding transcriptional activity in O. hermsi ticks, aligning with their rapid-feeding strategy. Moreover, besides shedding light on the temporal dynamics of key pathways during blood meal processing and tick development, this study contributes significantly to the transcriptome repertoire of a medically relevant soft tick species with relatively limited prior knowledge.

Metabolic plasticity drives mismatches in physiological traits between prey and predator.

Metabolic rate, the rate of energy use, underpins key ecological traits of organisms, from development and locomotion to interaction rates between individuals. In a warming world, the temperature-dependence of metabolic rate is anticipated to shift predator-prey dynamics. Yet, there is little real-world evidence on the effects of warming on trophic interactions. We measured the respiration rates of aquatic larvae of three insect species from populations experiencing a natural temperature gradient in a large-scale mesocosm experiment. Using a mechanistic model we predicted the effects of warming on these taxa's predator-prey interaction rates. We found that species-specific differences in metabolic plasticity lead to mismatches in the temperature-dependence of their relative velocities, resulting in altered predator-prey interaction rates. This study underscores the role of metabolic plasticity at the species level in modifying trophic interactions and proposes a mechanistic modelling approach that allows an efficient, high-throughput estimation of climate change threats across species pairs.

Physico-chemical characterization of Anopheles gambiae s.l. breeding sites and kdr mutations in urban areas of Cotonou and Natitingou, Benin.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the physicochemical characteristics of An. gambiae s.s. and An. coluzzii breeding sites, the susceptibility profiles to commonly used insecticides in public health, and the underlying insecticide resistance mechanisms. METHODS: Anopheles breeding sites surveys were conducted in Cotonou and Natitingou in September 2020, January and August 2021. Physicochemical properties and bacterial loads were determined in individual breeding sites. The WHO susceptibility assays were carried out using the female of the emerging adult mosquitoes. Anopheles species were identified through PCR techniques. Kdr L1014F/S, N1575Y and G119S mutations were investigated using TaqMan genotyping assays. RESULTS: Molecular analysis showed that all mosquitoes analyzed in Cotonou were Anopheles coluzzii, while those of Natitingou were Anopheles gambiae s.s. Fecal coliforms were identified as playing a role in this distribution through their significant influence on the presence of An. coluzzii larvae. WHO susceptibility assay indicated a high level of resistance to deltamethrin in the two cities. The resistance levels to deltamethrin were higher in Cotonou (X2 = 31.689; DF = 1; P < 0.0001). There was a suspected resistance to bendiocarb in Cotonou, whereas the mosquito population in Natitingou was resistant. The kdr L1014F mutation was highly observed in both mosquito populations (frequence: 86-91%), while the Ace-1 mutation was found in a small proportion of mosquitoes. In Cotonou, salinity was the only recorded physicochemical parameter that significantly correlated with the resistance of Anopheles mosquitoes to deltamethrin (P < 0.05). In Natitingou, significant correlations were observed between the allelic frequencies of the kdr L1014F mutation and pH, conductivity, and TDS. CONCLUSION: These results indicate a high level of pyrethroid resistance in the anopheles populations of both Cotonou and Natitingou. Moreover, this study report the involvement of abiotic factors influencing Anopheles susceptibility profile.

Relationships of primary productivity with anuran abundance, richness, and community composition in tropical streams.

The relationship between primary productivity and diversity has been demonstrated across taxa and spatial scales, but for organisms with biphasic life cycles, little research has examined whether productivity of larval and adult environments influence each life stage independently, or whether productivity of one life stage's environment outweighs the influence of the other. Experimental work demonstrates that tadpoles of stream-breeding anurans can exhibit a top-down influence on aquatic primary productivity (APP), but few studies have sought evidence of a bottom-up influence of primary productivity on anuran abundance, species richness and community composition, as seen in other organisms. We examined aquatic and terrestrial primary productivity in two forest types in Borneo, along with amphibian abundance, species richness, and community composition at larval and adult stages, to determine whether there is evidence for a bottom-up influence of APP on tadpole abundance and species richness across streams, and the relative importance of aquatic and terrestrial primary productivity on larval and adult phases of anurans. We predicted that adult richness, abundance, and community composition would be influenced by terrestrial primary productivity, but that tadpole richness, abundance, and community composition would be influenced by APP. Contrary to expectations, we did not find evidence that primary productivity, or variation thereof, predicts anuran richness at larval or adult stages. Further, no measure of primary productivity or its variation was a significant predictor of adult abundance, or of adult or tadpole community composition. For tadpoles, we found that in areas with low terrestrial primary productivity, abundance was positively related to APP, but in areas with high terrestrial primary productivity, abundance was negatively related to APP, suggesting a bottom-up influence of primary productivity on abundance in secondary forest, and a top-down influence of tadpoles on primary productivity in primary forest. Additional data are needed to better understand the ecological interactions between terrestrial primary productivity, aquatic primary productivity, and tadpole abundance.

Hedgehog signaling is required for larval muscle development and larval metamorphosis of the mussel Mytilus coruscus.

Understanding the developmental processes and signaling pathways involved in larval myogenesis and metamorphosis is crucial for comprehending the life history and adaptive strategies of marine organisms. In this study, we investigated the temporal and spatial patterns of myogenesis in the mussel Mytilus coruscus (Mc), focusing on the emergence and transformation of major muscle groups during different larval stages. We also explored the role of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway in regulating myogenesis and larval metamorphosis. The results revealed distinct developmental stages characterized by the emergence of specific muscular components, such as velum retractor muscles and anterior adductor muscles, in D-veliger and umbo larvae, which are responsible for the planktonic stage. In the pediveliger stage, posterior ventral, posterior adductor, and foot muscles appeared. After larval metamorphosis, the velum structure and its corresponding retractor muscles degenerate, indicating the transition from planktonic to benthic life. We observed a conserved pattern of larval musculature development and revealed a high degree of conservation across bivalve species, with comparable emergence times during myogenesis. Furthermore, exposure to the Hh signaling inhibitor cyclopamine impaired larval muscle development, reduced larval swimming activity, and inhibited larval metamorphosis in M. coruscus. Cyclopamine-mediated inhibition of Hh signaling led to reduced expression of four key genes within the Hh signaling pathway (McHh, McPtc, McSmo, and McGli) and the striated myosin heavy chain gene (McMHC). It is hypothesised that the abnormal larval muscle development in cyclopamine-treated groups may be an indirect effect due to disrupted McMHC expression. We provide evidence for the first time that cyclopamine treatment inhibited larval metamorphosis in bivalves, highlighting the potential involvement of Hh signaling in mediating larval muscle development and metamorphosis in M. coruscus. The present study provides insights into the dynamic nature of myogenesis and the regulatory role of the Hh signaling pathway during larval development and metamorphosis in M. coruscus. The results obtained in this study contribute to a better understanding of the evolutionary significance of Hh signaling in bivalves and shed light on the mechanisms underlying larval muscle development and metamorphosis in marine invertebrates.

Ophthalmomyiasis Case Caused by Two Blow Fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Species in North America.

Ophthalmomyiasis is the result of fly larvae feeding on the tissues of the eye. Commonly associated with poor hygiene and open wounds, this condition is rare and often stigmatized. Treatment can be straightforward, and full recovery is common. Identifying the species responsible for ophthalmomyiasis is important for the medical, forensic, and entomological communities. Here, we present a case of ophthalmomyiasis where 30-40 blow fly (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae were removed from the eye of a human male. A representative subsample of five larvae was used for taxonomic identification via two approaches (a) DNA analysis, via sequencing of the complete mitochondrial genome (mtGenome) and comparison of the mtGenome and mitochondrial COI barcode region to GenBank, and (b) morphology, examination of the posterior spiracles using microscopy, and comparison to published larval descriptions of blow flies. Two species of blow flies were identified from the DNA analysis: Lucilia coeruleiviridis and Phormia regina. Morphological examination could only confirm L. coeruleiviridis as being present. To our knowledge, finding two blow fly species causing ophthalmomyiasis in a single individual has not been previously reported in the scientific literature. Neither P. regina nor L. coeruleiviridis prefers living tissue for larva development, but since they fill similar ecological niches, perhaps this was a show of competition rather than a normal feeding habit. Knowing these blow fly species can resort to this behavior, and that it can affect human populations, is valuable to the education of patients and providers.

The effect of infection with the entomopathogenic fungus Conidiobolus coronatus (Entomopthorales) on eighteen cytokine-like proteins in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera) larvae.

Background: In response to the replace mammal research models with insects in preliminary immunological studies, interest has grown in invertebrate defense systems. The immunological response is regulated by cytokines; however, while their role in mammals is well understood, little is known of their function in insects. A suitable target for studies into insect immunology is Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera), the wax moth: a common host for human fungal and bacterial pathogens. G. mellonella is also a perfect subject for studies into the presence of cytokine-like proteins. Specific objectives: The main goal of present research was detection in insect immunocompetent cells the 18 mammalian cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-12, IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, IL-19, IFN-γ, TNF-α, TNF-ß, GM-CSF, M-CSF, G-CSF), which play important role in immunological response and indication how their level change after fungal infection. Methodology: The changes of cytokine-like proteins level were detected in hemocytes taken from G. mellonella larvae infected with entomopathogenic fungus, C. coronatus. The presence of cytokine-proteins was confirmed with using fluorescence microscopy (in cultured hemocytes) and flow cytometry (in freshly collected hemolymph). The ELISA test was used to detect changes in concentration of examined cytokine-like proteins. Results: Our findings indicated the presence of eighteen cytokine-like molecules in G. mellonella hemocytes during infection with C. coronatus. The hemocytes taken from infected larvae demonstrated higher fluorescence intensity for six cytokine-like proteins (GM-CSF, M-CSF, IL-3, IL-15, IL-1ß and IL-19) compared to untreated controls. ELISA test indicated significantly higher IL-3 and IL-15. M-CSF, IL-1α and IL-19 concentration in the hemolymph after fungal infection, and significantly lower TNF-ß and G-CSF. Conclusions: Our findings confirm that the selected cytokine-like molecules are present in insect hemocytes and that their concentrations change after fungal infection, which might suggest that they play a role in the anti-fungal immunological response.

Mining tailings alter insects: revealing fluctuating asymmetry in the caddisfly Smicridea coronata.

The Samarco/Vale/BHP mine tailing dam breach that took place in Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, in 2015, deposited high concentrations of metals and metalloids in the Rio Doce basin, severely impacting freshwater and riverine forest ecosystems. To assess developmental instability of caddisflies in response to the environmental impacts of the dam breach, we investigated the fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in the species Smicridea (Rhyacophylax) coronata (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae). FA was assessed at individual and populational scales using geometric morphometric methods in the cephalic capsule and mandibles of larvae and also on the forewings of adults, both collected under the impacted condition, and under the least disturbed condition. The levels of FA increased in response to stressors on the forewings at the populational scale, and on the mandibles, at individual scale. These morphological variations in the larval and adult stages may lead to detrimental effects and result in high mortality rates as well as lower adult fitness. Trichoptera forewings are revealed as suitable traits for assessing FA, holding potential for applications in biomonitoring programs. Directional asymmetry levels were higher than FA levels for all traits, and this correlation could be explained by a transition from fluctuating to directional asymmetry in the presence of heightened disturbance. Our results validate the relationship between the impacts from the dam breach and increased developmental instability in this species with likely cascade effects on the insect community.

Predicting and reducing potential parasite infection between migratory livestock and resident Asiatic ibex of Pin valley, India.

Disease cross-transmission between wild and domestic ungulates can negatively impact livelihoods and wildlife conservation. In Pin valley, migratory sheep and goats share pastures seasonally with the resident Asiatic ibex (Capra sibirica), leading to potential disease cross-transmission. Focussing on gastro-intestinal nematodes (GINs) as determinants of health in ungulates, we hypothesized that infection on pastures would increase over summer from contamination by migrating livestock. Consequently, interventions in livestock that are well-timed should reduce infection pressure for ibex. Using a parasite life-cycle model, that predicts infective larval availability, we investigated GIN transmission dynamics and evaluated potential interventions. Migratory livestock were predicted to contribute most infective larvae onto shared pastures due to higher density and parasite levels, driving infections in both livestock and ibex. The model predicted a c.30-day antiparasitic intervention towards the end of the livestock's time in Pin would be most effective at reducing GINs in both hosts. Albeit with the caveats of not being able to provide evidence of interspecific parasite transmission due to the inability to identify parasite species, this case demonstrates the usefulness of our predictive model for investigating parasite transmission in landscapes where domestic and wild ungulates share pastures. Additionally, it suggests management options for further investigation.

Behavioral Assays Dissecting NMDA Receptor Function in Zebrafish.

Zebrafish are a powerful system to study brain development and to dissect the activity of complex circuits. One advantage is that they display complex behaviors, including prey capture, learning, responses to photic and acoustic stimuli, and social interaction (Dreosti et al., Front Neural Circuits 9:39, 2015; Bruckner et al., PLoS Biol 20:e3001838, 2022; Zoodsma et al., Mol Autism 13:38, 2022) that can be probed to assess brain function. Many of these behaviors are easily assayed at early larval stages, offering a noninvasive and high-throughput readout of nervous system function. Additionally, larval zebrafish readily uptake small molecules dissolved in water making them ideal for behavioral-based drug screens. Together, larval zebrafish and their behavioral repertoire offer a means to rapidly dissect brain circuitry and can serve as a template for high-throughput small molecule screens.NMDA receptor subunits are highly conserved in zebrafish compared to mammals (Zoodsma et al., Mol Autism 13:38, 2022; Cox et al., Dev Dyn 234:756-766, 2005; Zoodsma et al., J Neurosci 40:3631-3645, 2020). High amino acid and domain structure homology between humans and zebrafish underlie conserved functional similarities. Here we describe a set of behavioral assays that are useful to study the NMDA receptor activity in brain function.

Spatial distribution of settlement of Diadema antillarum around Saba, Dutch Caribbean.

The mass mortality event of the herbivorous sea urchin Diadema antillarum in 1983-1984 has been a major contributor to the diminished resilience of coral reefs throughout the Caribbean. The reduction in grazing pressure resulted in algae proliferation, which inhibited coral recruitment after disturbances such as disease, hurricanes, pollution and climatic change induced marine heat waves. Natural recovery of D. antillarum after the 1983-1984 die-off has been slow. However, the few locations with recovered populations exhibit signs of improvement in coral reef health, prompting interest in D. antillarum restoration. Current restoration strategies include translocation of wild individuals, the restocking of juveniles that are either cultured from gametes or collected as settlers and head-started in a nursery, and assisted natural recovery by providing suitable settlement substrate. Both the collection of wild settlers and assisted natural recovery necessitate an understanding of the local, spatiotemporal trends in settlement. In this study, which was carried out on the Dutch Caribbean Island of Saba, artificial turf settlement collectors were deployed at nine locations around the island and monitored from June 2019 till July 2020 (13 months). The primary objective was to identify trends in larval settlement in space and time, to be able to optimize restoration efforts. Additionally, the small size of Saba allowed us to deploy settlement collectors around the island and compare D. antillarum settlement between windward and leeward sides. Our study showed that on Saba, D. antillarum settlement peaked in June and July, following similar seasonal trends observed around other islands in the Northeastern Caribbean. By far the most settlement occurred at the leeward side of the island, suggesting that hydrodynamic forces entrained D. antillarum larvae in the lee of Saba and/or calmer waters facilitated settlement. Limited settlement occurred on the more exposed windward locations. The identified high settlement locations are candidates for settler collection and restoration attempts. Continued monitoring of D. antillarum settlement, especially in light of the 2022 D. antillarum die-off, holds significance as it can provide insights into the potential of natural recovery.

Trichinella spiralis Larval Extract as a Biological Anti-Tumor Therapy in a Murine Model of Ehrlich Solid Carcinoma.

Trichinella spiralis (T. spiralis) is an immunomodulating parasite that can adversely affect tumor growth and extend host lifespan. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms by which T. spiralis larval antigens achieve this effect using Ehrlich solid carcinoma (ESC) murine model. Assessment was done by histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of caspase-3, TNF-α, Ki-67 and CD31. Additionally, Bcl2 and Bcl2-associated protein X (Bax) relative gene expression was assessed by molecular analysis for studying the effect of T. spiralis crude larval extract (CLE) antigen on tumor necrosis, apoptosis, cell proliferation and angiogenesis. We found that both T. spiralis infection and CLE caused a decrease in the areas of necrosis in ESC. Moreover, they led to increased apoptosis through activation of caspase-3, up-regulation of pro-apoptotic gene, Bax and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic gene, Bcl2. Also, T. spiralis infection and CLE diminished ESC proliferation, as evidenced by decreasing Ki-67. T. spiralis infection and CLE were able to suppress the development of ESC by inhibiting tumor proliferation, inducing apoptosis and decreasing tumor necrosis, with subsequent decrease in tumor metastasis. T. spiralis CLE antigen may be considered as a promising complementary immunotherapeutic agent in the treatment of cancer.

Selfish herd effects in aggregated caterpillars and their interaction with warning signals.

Larval Lepidoptera gain survival advantages by aggregating, especially when combined with aposematic warning signals, yet reductions in predation risk may not be experienced equally across all group members. Hamilton's selfish herd theory predicts that larvae that surround themselves with their group mates should be at lower risk of predation, and those on the periphery of aggregations experience the greatest risk, yet this has rarely been tested. Here, we expose aggregations of artificial 'caterpillar' targets to predation from free-flying, wild birds to test for marginal predation when all prey are equally accessible and for an interaction between warning coloration and marginal predation. We find that targets nearer the centre of the aggregation survived better than peripheral targets and nearby targets isolated from the group. However, there was no difference in survival between peripheral and isolated targets. We also find that grouped targets survived better than isolated targets when both are aposematic, but not when they are non-signalling. To our knowledge, our data provide the first evidence to suggest that avian predators preferentially target peripheral larvae from aggregations and that prey warning signals enhance predator avoidance of groups.

In vitro evaluation of the potential of mites of the family Macrochelidae (Acari: Mesostigmata) as macrobiological agents against the nematode Haemonchus contortus (Strongylida: Trichostrongylidae).

Small ruminants (sheep and goats) constantly suffer from endoparasitoses caused by gastrointestinal nematodes. Among these, the species Haemonchus contortus (Rudolphi, 1803) is considered to be the one of greatest importance within sheep farming. This nematode is difficult to control due to its resistance to most commercial anthelmintics. The aim of the present study was to assess the potential of macrochelid mites as macrobiological agents for controlling endoparasitoses of sheep caused by the nematode, H. contortus. For this, novel in vitro methodology was used, in which assessments were made not only of the predatory ability but also the population growth of mite species (Macrocheles merdarius, Macrocheles robustulus and Holostaspella bifoliata) when offered larvae of the nematode, H. contortus. The predatory ability of the mites, M. merdarius and H. bifoliata were efficient regarding their predatory ability against H. contortus nematode larvae. The mite, M. merdarius exhibited the highest predation rate with mean distribution values for the treated group of 18656 ± 10091 and for the control group of 1178 ± 712 (P < 0.0001). The species, H. bifoliata presented the highest population growth rate, with a percentage acarid recovery rate of 263% in relation to the number added initially. The data from this in vitro predation experiment suggest that, M. merdarius and H. bifoliata showed promise as macrobiological agents for controlling gastrointestinal endoparasitoses of sheep caused by the nematode, H. contortus given that both species reduced the population of this helminth by more 70% and the number of mites recovered was three times greater than the number added.

Probiotic potential of a novel endophytic Streptomyces griseorubens CIBA-NS1 isolated from Salicornia sp. against Vibrio campbellii infection in shrimp.

A novel endophytic Streptomyces griseorubens CIBA-NS1 was isolated from a salt marsh plant Salicornia sp. The antagonistic effect of S. griseorubens against Vibrio campbellii, was studied both in vitro and in vivo. The strain was validated for its endophytic nature and characterized through scanning electron microscopy, morphological and biochemical studies and 16SrDNA sequencing. The salinity tolerance experiment has shown that highest antibacterial activity was at 40‰ (16 ± 1.4 mm) and lowest was at 10 ‰ salinity (6.94 ± 0.51 mm). In vivo exclusion of Vibrio by S. griseorubens CIBA-NS1 was studied in Penaeus indicus post larvae and evaluated for its ability to improve growth and survival of P. indicus. After 20 days administration of S. griseorubens CIBA-NS1, shrimps were challenged with V. campbellii. The S. griseorubens CIBA-NS1 reduced Vibrio population in test group when compared to control, improved survival (60.5 ± 6.4%) and growth, as indicated by weight gain (1.8 ± 0.05g). In control group survival and growth were 48.4 ± 3.5% and 1.4 ± 0.03 g respectively. On challenge with V. campbellii, the S. griseorubens CIBA-NS1 administered group showed better survival (85.6 ± 10%) than positive control (64.3 ± 10%). The results suggested that S. griseorubens CIBA-NS1 is antagonistic to V. campbellii, reduce Vibrio population in the culture system and improve growth and survival. This is the first report on antagonistic activity of S. griseorubens isolated from salt marsh plant Salicornia sp, as a probiotic candidate to prevent V. campbellii infection in shrimps.

A Galleria Model of Cryptococcus neoformans Infection.

Galleria mellonella larvae are a popular and simple model organism for infectious disease research. Last instar larvae can be purchased inexpensively from commercial suppliers and infected with Cryptococcus. Injection into the proleg of larvae results in systemic infections. Larvae may then be monitored for survival or homogenized to determine fungal burden. Fixation of infected larvae produces samples suitable for histological staining and analysis.

Haemolymph transfusions transfer heritable learned novel odour preferences to naive larvae of Bicyclus anynana butterflies.

The mechanisms whereby environmental experiences of parents are transmitted to their offspring to impact their behaviour and fitness are poorly understood. Previously, we showed that naive Bicyclus anynana butterfly larvae, whose parents fed on a normal plant feed but coated with a novel odour, inherited an acquired preference towards that odour, which had initially elicited avoidance in the naive parents. Here, we performed simple haemolymph transfusions from odour-fed and control-fed larvae to naive larval recipients. We found that larvae injected with haemolymph from odour-fed donors stopped avoiding the novel odour, and their naive offspring preferred the odour more, compared to the offspring of larvae injected with control haemolymph. These results indicate that factors in the haemolymph, potentially the odour molecule itself, play an important role in odour learning and preference transmission across generations. Furthermore, this mechanism of odour preference inheritance, mediated by the haemolymph, bypasses the peripheral odour-sensing mechanisms taking place in the antennae, mouthparts or legs, and may mediate food plant switching and diversification in Lepidoptera or more broadly across insects.

Effects of ivermectin on development of Calliphora vicina, Robineau-Desvoidy 1830 (Diptera, Calliphoridae).

Ivermectin is one of the most widely used drugs for parasite control. Previous studies have shown a reduction in the abundance and diversity of "non-target" coprophilous organisms due to the presence of ivermectin (IVM) in bovine faecal matter (FM). Due to its breadth of behavioural habits, Calliphora vicina is a suitable dipteran species to evaluate the effects of IVM in FM. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of five concentrations of IVM in FM (3000, 300, 100, 30, and 3 ng/g) on the development of C. vicina. The following endpoints were evaluated: survival (between the first larval stage and emergence of new adults), larval development times to pupation and pupation times to adult, and adult emergence (% sex) and LC50. Sampling was performed from larval hatching at 60 and 120 min and at 3, 4, 5, and 12 h, and every 24 h specimens were weighed until pupae were observed. Data were analysed by ANOVA using a non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test and as a function of elapsed development time and accumulated degree hours (ADH). Mortality at 3000 and 300 ng/g was 100% and 97%, respectively. There were statistically significant delays in adult emergence time (p = 0.0216) and in the ADH (p = 0.0431) between the control group (C) and 100 ng/g. The LC50 was determined at 5.6 ng/g. These results demonstrate the lethal and sub-lethal effects of IVM on C. vicina, while highlighting the usefulness of this species as a bioindicator for ecotoxicological studies.