A review on natural phenylbutanoid attractants: Occurrence, distribution, and role in nature, especially in relation to Dacini fruit fly behavior and pollination.

The natural occurrence, distribution (within a plant) and roles of four phenylbutanoid compounds (anisyl acetone, cue-lure, raspberry ketone and zingerone) are elucidated for the Asia-Pacific and Oceania regions. These phenylbutanoids may act individually or in combination to attract true fruit fly males belonging to a tribe Dacini of subfamily Dacinae (Diptera: Tepritidae). Of special interest are the mutualistic interactions between the Dacini fruit fly males and the tropical daciniphilous (attracting exclusively Dacini fruit flies) orchids - leading to cross pollination for the orchids and enchanced mating success for the flies. When offered to male flies, anisyl acetone and cue-lure are generally converted to raspberry ketone. Upon consumption, raspberry ketone and zingerone are individually sequestered in the male rectal (pheromonal) gland unchanged. Attracted male flies readily imbibe the phenylbutanoid(s) in the floral synomone to compliment the endogenously synthesized male sex pheromonal components - to enhance attraction of conspecific females during courtship as well as attract conspecific males to form 'leks'. The phenylbutanoid(s) may also act as an allomone to deter vertebrate predators, especially geckos, besides possessing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Cue-lure, raspberry ketone and zingerone are important attractants/lures used in pest surveillance and mass trapping under the integrated pest management (IPM) program against quarantine Dacini fruit fly pest species, particularly Bactrocera tryoni and Zeugodacus cucurbitae.

The possible role of haematophagous flies in the incidence of bovine teat papillomatosis.

The relationship between the incidence of bovine teat papillomatosis and the activity of haematophagous flies was investigated in Japan. A total of 15,737 flies consisting of 33 species were collected by dry ice-baited mosquito net (DMN) trap and a sweep net from udders of cattle. Simulium aokii (Takahasi) of Simuliidae (black flies) was the predominant species, followed by S. tobetsuense Ono and S. iwatense (Shiraki). Simulium aokii had the highest peak in October, followed by September. Numbers of blood spots from the bites per teat in nulliparous cattle were significantly correlated with numbers of S. aokii collected by DMN trap. Numbers of teats with warts and spots of blood from the bites per teat were significantly more abundant in anterior teats than posterior teats. The average incidence of teat papillomatosis in nulliparous cattle was significantly higher than that in parous cattle, and the highest incidence by month was in May, followed by April. Although bovine papillomavirus (BPV) DNA was not detected in flies examined, the presence of black flies and blood spots from their bites were associated with subsequent high incidence of growing warts. In particular, it would pay to give attention to species such as S. aokii that severely attack udders in the present locality. Further investigations for the detection of BPV DNA from flies parasitizing on teats are needed.

In Vitro Evaluation of Essential Oils and Saturated Fatty Acids for Repellency against the Old-World Sand Fly, Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli) (Diptera: Psychodidae).

The sand fly, Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli, 1786), is a major vector for Leishmania major in the Middle East, which has impacted human health and US military operations in the area, demonstrating the need to develop effective sand fly control and repellent options. Here, we report the results of spatial repellency and avoidance experiments in a static air olfactometer using the female P. papatasi testing essential oils of Lippia graveolens (Mexican oregano), Pimenta dioica (allspice), Amyris balsamifera (amyris), Nepeta cataria (catnip), Mentha piperita (peppermint), and Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree); the 9-12 carbon saturated fatty acids (nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, and dodecanoic acid); and the synthetic repellents DEET and IR3535. The materials applied at 1% exhibited varying activity levels but were not significantly different in mean repellency and avoidance from DEET and IR3535, except in regards to nonanoic acid. Some materials, particularly nonanoic and undecanoic acids, produced sand fly mortality. The observed trends in mean repellency over exposure time included the following: (1) P. dioica oil, M. alternifolia oil, decanoic acid, undecanoic acid, DEET, and IR3535 exhibited increasing mean repellency over time; (2) oils of N. cataria, A. balsamifera, M. piperita, and dodecanoic acid exhibited relatively constant mean repellency over time; and (3) L. graveolens oil and nonanoic acid exhibited a general decrease in mean repellent activity over time. These studies identified the essential oils of N. cataria and A. balsamifera as effective spatial repellents at reduced concentrations compared to those of DEET. Additional research is required to elucidate the modes of action and potential synergism of repellents and essential oil components for enhanced repellency activity.

Limited impact of vector control on the population genetic structure of Glossina fuscipes fuscipes from the sleeping sickness focus of Maro, Chad.

Tsetse flies (genus Glossina) transmit deadly trypanosomes to human populations and domestic animals in sub-Saharan Africa. Some foci of Human African Trypanosomiasis due to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (g-HAT) persist in southern Chad, where a program of tsetse control was implemented against the local vector Glossina fuscipes fuscipes in 2018 in Maro. We analyzed the population genetics of G. f. fuscipes from the Maro focus before control (T0), one year (T1), and 18 months (T2) after the beginning of control efforts. Most flies captured displayed a local genetic profile (local survivors), but a few flies displayed outlier genotypes. Moreover, disturbance of isolation by distance signature (increase of genetic distance with geographic distance) and effective population size estimates, absence of any genetic signature of a bottleneck, and an increase of genetic diversity between T0 and T2 strongly suggest gene flows from various origins, and a limited impact of the vector control efforts on this tsetse population. Continuous control and surveillance of g-HAT transmission is thus recommended in Maro. Particular attention will need to be paid to the border with the Central African Republic, a country where the entomological and epidemiological status of g-HAT is unknown.

Title: Impact limité de la lutte antivectorielle sur la structure des populations de Glossina fuscipes fuscipes dans le foyer de la maladie du sommeil de Maro, Tchad. Abstract: Les mouches tsé-tsé (genre Glossina) transmettent des trypanosomes mortels aux populations humaines ainsi qu'aux animaux domestiques en Afrique sub-saharienne. Certains foyers de la trypanosomiase humaine Africaine due à Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (THA-g) persistent au sud du Tchad, où un programme de lutte antivectorielle a été mis en place contre le vecteur local de la maladie, Glossina fuscipes fuscipes, en particulier à Maro en 2018. Nous avons analysé la structure génétique des populations de G. f. fuscipes de ce foyer à T0 (avant lutte), une année après le début de la lutte (T1), et 18 mois après (T2). La plupart des mouches capturées après le début de la lutte ont montré un profil génétique local (survivants locaux), mais quelques-unes d'entre elles présentaient des génotypes d'individus atypiques. Par ailleurs, la présence de perturbations des signatures d'isolement par la distance (augmentation de la distance génétique avec la distance géographique), l'absence de signature génétique d'un goulot d'étranglement, et un accroissement de la diversité génétique entre T0 et T2 sont des arguments forts en faveur de la recolonisation de la zone par des mouches d'origines variées, tout en témoignant des effets limités de la campagne de lutte dans ce foyer. Ces résultats conduisent à recommander une lutte et une surveillance continues dans le foyer de Maro. Une attention particulière devra par ailleurs être prêtée à l'autre côté de la rive, située côté République Centre Africaine, dont le statut épidémiologique reste inconnu concernant les tsé-tsé et la THA-g.

Ecology and Infection Status of Sand Flies in Rural and Urban Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Endemic Areas in Northwest Ethiopia.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) caused by Leishmania aethiopica is transmitted by Phlebotomus longipes in northern Ethiopia. No studies have been conducted to investigate the transmission dynamics of CL, despite its high endemicity in both rural and urban settings. Evidence on the ecology and behavior of the vector from this area are required to develop integrated disease control strategies. Sand flies were collected in the dry and wet seasons in 2021 in CL-endemic rural Gindmeteaye and urban Addis-Alem in northwest Ethiopia. Trapping was performed with sticky and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps in three habitats, including inside patients' houses, peridomestic areasand in caves/rocky areas. Sand flies were morphologically identified to species level. Female Phlebotomus species were categorized according to blood feeding status and tested by spliced-leader (SL-) ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to screen for Leishmania infection. Of 1161 sand flies, the majority (77%) were P. longipes, six (0.5%) were P. orientalis and the remaining were Sergentomyia. The abundance of the 430 female P. longipes was significantly linked to seasonality (p < 0.001), with the majority in the dry season occurring in the outdoor rocky (37%) and peridomestic (34%) sites, while, in the wet season, most (62%) were captured indoors. This seasonality was more pronounced in rural Gindmeteaye, where housing construction is poor. The number of blood-fed and gravid P. longipes was significantly higher in the wet (31%; 22%), compared to the dry season (13%; 8%), and their proportion was highest indoors. Eighteen (4%) female P. longipes were Leishmania positive, with highest infection prevalence in caves (7% compared to 3% indoors, p = 0.022), and in the dry season (6%, p < 0.001). Phlebotomus orientalis specimens were all captured in May in rural Gindmeteaye, five indoors and one in a peridomestic site. Further research should be conducted to investigate the absolute contribution of humans and indoor transmission to the transmission cycle of CL. Inhabitants of endemic villages should be made aware that evening outdoor activities near caves may increase their exposure to infectious sand flies. Whether P. orientalis can breed and become infected at high altitudes should be further studied.

Long-term impact of rearing substrates on susceptibility to insecticides and metabolic enzyme activities in the house fly Musca domestica.

Musca domestica Linnaeus is a devastating insect pest of medical and veterinary importance with reports of resistance development to commonly used insecticides worldwide. Rearing substrates usually play a crucial role in determining susceptibility to insecticides and control of insect pests. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of five rearing substrates of M. domestica on its susceptibility to different insecticides and activities of metabolic enzymes. After 30 generations of rearing, susceptibility of M. domestica to tested insecticides, viz., malathion, pirimiphos-methyl, alpha-cypermethrin, deltamethrin, methomyl, propoxur, spinetoram, and chlorfenapyr had evident differences. Musca domestica reared on hen liver exhibited reduced susceptibility to all insecticides followed by the strain reared on poultry manure. However, M. domestica reared on milk-based diet showed the highest susceptibility to tested insecticides followed by the strain reared on manures of buffalo and horse. In addition, M. domestica reared on different substrates exhibited significant differences (p < 0.01) in the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase, and carboxylesterase (CarE). Overall, hen liver and poultry manure strains exhibited higher activities of metabolic enzymes than those of the milk-based diet, buffalo, and horse manure strains. In conclusion, the data of the present study exhibited a significant effect of rearing substrates on the susceptibility to insecticides and activities of metabolic enzymes in M. domestica. These results could be helpful for the sustainable management of M. domestica on different hosts by selecting appropriate insecticides.

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) leaf and seed extracts alleviate neuronal dysfunction in aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity in Drosophila melanogaster Meigen model.

Ocimum basilicum is an important medicinal plant and culinary herb generally known as sweet basil (SB). These plants are effective radical scavengers, that have been employed in treatment of nervous system disorders, and thus, could be beneficial for the management of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Current clinical treatments for NDs present several side effects, therefore, there is need to develop new treatments that can mitigate these deadly diseases. Hence, this study investigated the neuroprotective activities of SB leaf and seed in aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. HPLC characterization of the leaves and seeds were carried out. AlCl3-diet was used to induce neurodegeneration and treated flies received SB leaf and seed extracts-supplemented diet. Survival and locomotor performance activities/levels of oxidative biomarkers [reactive oxygen species (ROS), thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), total thiol, catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST)], enzymes linked with neurodegeneration (acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO)) were investigated. SB leaf had significantly (p < 0.05) higher polyphenol contents; gallic acid and P-coumaric acid were the most abundant polyphenol in the leaf and seed respectively. Percentage survival and locomotor rates, level/activities of total thiol, catalase, SOD and GST were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced while ROS, TBARS, AChE and MAO activities were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in AlCl3-diet-fed flies. Treatment with SB leaf and seed diet lessened these observed impairments. However, SB leaf had better neuroprotective activities that could be related to the observed higher phenolic constituents. Hence, SB leaf diet may offer improved therapeutic effect in NDs.

Diversity response of necrophagous dipteran communities and their functional groups to an anthropization gradient.

The anthropization process exerts a profound effect on ecosystems, causing alterations in biodiversity, habitat structure, and species composition, ultimately disrupting the delicate balance of natural environments. The aim of the present study was to explore the ecological dynamics of necrophagous Sarcophagidae and Calliphoridae flies along an anthropization gradient. This research investigated alpha and beta diversity patterns to unravel the impact of human-induced environmental changes on these insect communities and also assesses the dynamics of functional groups in relation to their impact on medical and forensic fields. Five distinct habitats, ranging from urban to forested areas, were surveyed in two Departments in the Province of Chaco, Argentina. Necrophagous flies were collected using van Someren-Rydon canopy traps across three seasons. Two main functional groups were analyzed: oviparous flies (Calliphoridae) and larviparous flies (Sarcophagidae). Results indicated a significant negative correlation between Sarcophagidae species richness and anthropization, whereas Calliphoridae showed increased abundance in highly anthropized sites. The combined assemblage of Calliphoridae+Sarcophagidae exhibited significant relationships across all community parameters evaluated. Beta diversity analysis revealed turnover as the main process shaping dipteran communities along the anthropization gradient, with spatial species replacement dominating. This underscores the importance of interspecific spatial segregation in dipteran community composition. In conclusion, this study enhances our understanding of the ecological adaptations of necrophagous dipterans to anthropogenic disturbances. The observed shifts in diversity and abundance have implications for forensic investigations and public health, emphasizing the need for nuanced monitoring and conservation strategies. This research contributes valuable insights into the intricate ecological interactions of these insect communities within changing ecosystems.

A defined diet for pre-adult Drosophila melanogaster.

Drosophila melanogaster is unique among animal models because it has a fully defined synthetic diet available to study nutrient-gene interactions. However, use of this diet is limited to adult studies due to impaired larval development and survival. Here, we provide an adjusted formula that reduces the developmental period, restores fat levels, enhances body mass, and fully rescues survivorship without compromise to adult lifespan. To demonstrate an application of this formula, we explored pre-adult diet compositions of therapeutic potential in a model of an inherited metabolic disorder affecting the metabolism of branched-chain amino acids. We reveal rapid, specific, and predictable nutrient effects on the disease state consistent with observations from mouse and patient studies. Together, our diet provides a powerful means with which to examine the interplay between diet and metabolism across all life stages in an animal model.

Immune Reactions of Vector Insects to Parasites and Pathogens.

This overview initially describes insect immune reactions and then brings together present knowledge of the interactions of vector insects with their invading parasites and pathogens. It is a way of introducing this Special Issue with subsequent papers presenting the latest details of these interactions in each particular group of vectors. Hopefully, this paper will fill a void in the literature since brief descriptions of vector immunity have now been brought together in one publication and could form a starting point for those interested and new to this important area. Descriptions are given on the immune reactions of mosquitoes, blackflies, sandflies, tsetse flies, lice, fleas and triatomine bugs. Cellular and humoral defences are described separately but emphasis is made on the co-operation of these processes in the completed immune response. The paper also emphasises the need for great care in extracting haemocytes for subsequent study as appreciation of their fragile nature is often overlooked with the non-sterile media, smearing techniques and excessive centrifugation sometimes used. The potential vital role of eicosanoids in the instigation of many of the immune reactions described is also discussed. Finally, the priming of the immune system, mainly in mosquitoes, is considered and one possible mechanism is presented.

GC Content Across Insect Genomes: Phylogenetic Patterns, Causes and Consequences.

The proportions of A:T and G:C nucleotide pairs are often unequal and can vary greatly between animal species and along chromosomes. The causes and consequences of this variation are incompletely understood. The recent release of high-quality genome sequences from the Darwin Tree of Life and other large-scale genome projects provides an opportunity for GC heterogeneity to be compared across a large number of insect species. Here we analyse GC content along chromosomes, and within protein-coding genes and codons, of 150 insect species from four holometabolous orders: Coleoptera, Diptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera. We find that protein-coding sequences have higher GC content than the genome average, and that Lepidoptera generally have higher GC content than the other three insect orders examined. GC content is higher in small chromosomes in most Lepidoptera species, but this pattern is less consistent in other orders. GC content also increases towards subtelomeric regions within protein-coding genes in Diptera, Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. Two species of Diptera, Bombylius major and B. discolor, have very atypical genomes with ubiquitous increase in AT content, especially at third codon positions. Despite dramatic AT-biased codon usage, we find no evidence that this has driven divergent protein evolution. We argue that the GC landscape of Lepidoptera, Diptera and Coleoptera genomes is influenced by GC-biased gene conversion, strongest in Lepidoptera, with some outlier taxa affected drastically by counteracting processes.

Infection of Leishmania donovani in Phlebotomus orientalis Sand Flies at Different Microhabitats of a Kala-Azar Endemic Village in Eastern Sudan.

A study was carried out to compare the infection rates of Leishmania donovani in Phlebotomus orientalis sandflies at different microhabitats of a VL endemic village in Gedarif state, Sudan. DNA extracts of 1078 P. orientalis sand fly females sampled by CDC light traps from indoor, outdoor, peri-domestic, and sylvatic sites, in three transmission seasons, March-June 2016-18, in Helat-Belo village, were subjected to independent PCR amplifications targeting Leishmania kDNA and the cpb gene followed by ITS1 region sequencing. Leishmania kDNA was detected in 1.4% of the 1078 P. orientalis females captured in the area. Two of these specimens showed a characteristic 741 bp band of L. donovani after cpb gene amplification. The DNA sequence of the ITS1 region of the parasites matched the ITS1 L. donovani genotype F. There were no signficant differences between rates of infection of L. donovani in P. orientalis captured at different sites. Blood meals found in infected flies origninated from human (5 specimens), cattle (4 specimens) and donkey (2 specimens). The finding of fresh cow and donkey blood in the infected flies suggests the possible role of these animals in the zoopotentiation and/or zooprophylaxis against VL. The study provides important information for VL transmission models and control programs in East Africa.

Beneath the surface: Decoding the impact of Chironomus riparius bioturbation on microplastic dispersion in sedimentary matrix.

A detailed understanding of microplastics (MPs) behaviour in freshwater ecosystems is crucial for a proper ecological assessment. This includes the identification of significant transport pathways and net accumulation zones, considering their inherent, and already proven influence on aquatic ecosystems. Bioavailability of toxic agents is significantly influenced by macroinvertebrates' behaviour, such as bioturbation and burrowing, and their prior exposure history. This study investigates the effect of bioturbation activity of Chironomus riparius Meigen, 1804 on the vertical transfer of polyethylene MPs ex-situ. The experimental setup exposes larvae to a scenario of 10× the environmentally relevant high concentration of MPs (80 g m-2). Bioturbation activity was estimated using sediment profile imaging with luminophore tracers. This study demonstrated that spherical MPs are vertically transferred in the sediment due to the bioturbation activity of C. riparius larvae and that their presence influences the intensity of the bioturbation activity over time. The present findings provide a noteworthy contribution to the understanding of the relationship between ecosystem engineers and the dispersion and accumulation of MPs within freshwater ecosystems.

Developmental iron exposure induces locomotor alterations in Drosophila: Exploring potential association with oxidative stress.

Prenatal iron (Fe) exposure has been associated with learning and cognitive impairments, which may be linked to oxidative stress resulting from elevated Fe levels and harm to the vulnerable brain. Drosophila melanogaster has contributed to our understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in neurological conditions. This study aims to explore Fe toxicity during D. melanogaster development, assessing oxidative stress and investigating behaviors in flies that are related to neurological conditions in humans. To achieve this goal, flies were exposed to Fe during the developmental period, and biochemical and behavioral analyses were conducted. The results indicated that 20 mM Fe decreased fly hatching by 50 %. At 15 mM, Fe exposure increased lipid peroxidation, and GSH levels decreased starting from 5 mM of Fe. Superoxide Dismutase activity was enhanced at 15 mM, while Glutathione S-Transferase activity was inhibited from 5 mM. Although chronic Fe exposure did not alter acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, flies exhibited reduced locomotion, increased grooming, and antisocial behavior from 5 mM of Fe. This research highlights potential Fe toxicity risks during development and underscores the utility of D. melanogaster in unraveling neurological disorders, emphasizing its relevance for future research.

Rearing and 60Co radiation do not affect attractiveness but alter the volatile profiles released by Anastrepha obliqua calling males.

Calling males of Anastrepha obliqua release volatile compounds to attract conspecific males to form leks and females to mate. Male volatiles from Mexican and Brazilian populations of A. obliqua have been previously identified. However, there are differences in the number and identity of volatile compounds between the populations. These differences in volatile profiles may be due to male origin (e.g. wild or mass-reared flies) or methodological issues (e.g. sampling techniques). In this study, we evaluated the attractiveness of wild, laboratory non-irradiated, and laboratory-irradiated flies under semi-field conditions. Male volatiles were collected using dynamic headspace sampling (DHS) and solid-phase microextraction (SPME) techniques, and identified using gas chromatography-coupled mass spectrometry. The results showed no difference in the attractiveness of wild, laboratory non-irradiated, and irradiated males to females. However, the number of captured females differed according to the origin; wild and non-irradiated females were captured more frequently than the irradiated flies. A total of 21 compounds were found using SPME, whereas only 12 were collected using DHS, although the relative amounts of these compounds were higher than those obtained using the former sampling technique. In addition, only laboratory non-irradiated males released α-pinene and menthol, which have not been previously reported in this fruit fly species. Additionally, we identified novel compounds in A. obliqua; however, certain compounds previously reported were not detected. This study suggests that despite the qualitative and quantitative variations in the volatile profiles of A. obliqua males, their attractiveness was unaffected.

Olfactory Critical Periods: How Odor Exposure Shapes the Developing Brain in Mice and Flies.

Neural networks have an extensive ability to change in response to environmental stimuli. This flexibility peaks during restricted windows of time early in life called critical periods. The ubiquitous occurrence of this form of plasticity across sensory modalities and phyla speaks to the importance of critical periods for proper neural development and function. Extensive investigation into visual critical periods has advanced our knowledge of the molecular events and key processes that underlie the impact of early-life experience on neuronal plasticity. However, despite the importance of olfaction for the overall survival of an organism, the cellular and molecular basis of olfactory critical periods have not garnered extensive study compared to visual critical periods. Recent work providing a comprehensive mapping of the highly organized olfactory neuropil and its development has in turn attracted a growing interest in how these circuits undergo plasticity during critical periods. Here, we perform a comparative review of olfactory critical periods in fruit flies and mice to provide novel insight into the importance of early odor exposure in shaping neural circuits and highlighting mechanisms found across sensory modalities.

Molecular monitoring of insecticide resistance in major disease vectors in Armenia.

BACKGROUND: Armenia is considered particularly vulnerable to life-threatening vector-borne diseases (VBDs) including malaria, West Nile virus disease and leishmaniasis. However, information relevant for the control of the vectors of these diseases, such as their insecticide resistance profile, is scarce. The present study was conducted to provide the first evidence on insecticide resistance mechanisms circulating in major mosquito and sand fly populations in Armenia. METHODS: Sampling sites were targeted based mainly on previous historical records of VBD occurrences in humans and vertebrate hosts. Initially, molecular species identification on the collected vector samples was performed. Subsequently, molecular diagnostic assays [polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Sanger sequencing, PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), quantitative PCR (qPCR)] were performed to profile for major insecticide resistance mechanisms, i.e. target site insensitivity in voltage-gated sodium channel (vgsc) associated with pyrethroid resistance, acetylcholinesterase (ace-1) target site mutations linked to organophosphate (OP) and carbamate (CRB) resistance, chitin synthase (chs-1) target site mutations associated with diflubenzuron (DFB) resistance and gene amplification of carboxylesterases (CCEs) associated with resistance to the OP temephos. RESULTS: Anopheles mosquitoes were principally represented by Anopheles sacharovi, a well-known malaria vector in Armenia, which showed no signs of resistance mechanisms. Contrarily, the knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations V1016G and L1014F/C in the vgsc gene were detected in the arboviral mosquito vectors Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens, respectively. The kdr mutation L1014S was also detected in the sand fly, vectors of leishmaniasis, Phlebotomus papatasi and P. tobbi, whereas no mutations were found in the remaining collected sand fly species, P. sergenti, P. perfiliewi and P. caucasicus. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to report on molecular mechanisms of insecticide resistance circulating in major mosquito and sand fly disease vectors in Armenia and highlights the need for the establishment of systematic resistance monitoring practices for the implementation of evidence-based control applications.

Highlights of Veterinary Entomology, 2022.

The field of veterinary entomology is dominated by research concerning insects and arthropods that negatively impact the health of domestic animals. A curated selection of peer-reviewed research which was highlighted at the 2022 Joint Meeting between the Entomological Society of America, the Entomological Society of Canada, and the Entomological Society of British Columbia, which prioritized exploring entomology through the lens of art, science, and culture are summarized. Articles are categorized into (i) biting and non-biting flies, (ii) ectoparasites, and (iii) review articles, with the overall goal of showcasing innovative methodologies, addressing overlooked questions in veterinary entomology, and highlighting comprehensive reviews. While not exhaustive, the selected studies represent a myriad of arthropods, methodologies, and perspectives, to inspire future scientists with diverse research avenues and emphasize the continual evolution and importance of entomological studies in today's world.

A syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by rare variants in PPFIA3.

PPFIA3 encodes the protein-tyrosine phosphatase, receptor-type, F-polypeptide-interacting-protein-alpha-3 (PPFIA3), which is a member of the LAR-protein-tyrosine phosphatase-interacting-protein (liprin) family involved in synapse formation and function, synaptic vesicle transport, and presynaptic active zone assembly. The protein structure and function are evolutionarily well conserved, but human diseases related to PPFIA3 dysfunction are not yet reported in OMIM. Here, we report 20 individuals with rare PPFIA3 variants (19 heterozygous and 1 compound heterozygous) presenting with developmental delay, intellectual disability, hypotonia, dysmorphisms, microcephaly or macrocephaly, autistic features, and epilepsy with reduced penetrance. Seventeen unique PPFIA3 variants were detected in 18 families. To determine the pathogenicity of PPFIA3 variants in vivo, we generated transgenic fruit flies producing either human wild-type (WT) PPFIA3 or five missense variants using GAL4-UAS targeted gene expression systems. In the fly overexpression assays, we found that the PPFIA3 variants in the region encoding the N-terminal coiled-coil domain exhibited stronger phenotypes compared to those affecting the C-terminal region. In the loss-of-function fly assay, we show that the homozygous loss of fly Liprin-α leads to embryonic lethality. This lethality is partially rescued by the expression of human PPFIA3 WT, suggesting human PPFIA3 function is partially conserved in the fly. However, two of the tested variants failed to rescue the lethality at the larval stage and one variant failed to rescue lethality at the adult stage. Altogether, the human and fruit fly data reveal that the rare PPFIA3 variants are dominant-negative loss-of-function alleles that perturb multiple developmental processes and synapse formation.

Functional response and mutual interference in the parasitoid Coptera haywardi (Oglobin) (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) attacking Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae) pupae.

Functional response and mutual interference are important attributes of natural enemies that should be analysed in species with the potential to be used as biological control agents in order to increase the predictive power of the possible benefits and/or consequences of their release in the field. Our main objective was to determine the functional response and mutual interference of Coptera haywardi (Oglobin), a pupal parasitoid of economically important fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae). The functional response of C. haywardi on A. ludens pupae corresponded to a type II model, with an attack rate of 0.0134 host pupa/h and a handling time of 1.843 h, which reveals a meticulous selection process of pupal hosts. The effect of mutual interference among foraging females was negatively correlated with increased parasitoid density in the experimental arena, showing a gradual decline in attack rate per individual female. The increase in the number of foraging females also had an impact on the number of oviposition scars per pupa and the number of immature parasitoids per dissected pupa, but not on the percentage of adult emergence or the sex ratio. Our results suggest that C. haywardi could act as a complementary parasitoid in the control of fruit fly pupae, since the random distribution of these pupae in the soil would decrease the possibility of aggregation and mutual interference between foraging females.