Expected harmfulness of gnawing phyllophagous insects in urban stands of Kharkiv city

Urban stands are becoming increasingly important in improving the environmental health and liveability of cities. However, they weaken as a result of technogenic air pollution and become vulnerable to pests, particularly to non-native forest insects. The aim of this research was to assess potential harmfulness (bionomically determined harmfulness [BDH]), environmentally determined harmfulness (EDH) and generally expected harmfulness (GEH) of the gnawing phyllophagous lepidopterous insects in the green stands of Kharkiv (Ukraine). All supplementary parameters were assessed by analysis of publications and the own experience of authors. BDH was evaluated as a product of the duration of larvae nutrition (p1) and an index of larvae nutrition (p2). An index of larvae nutrition (p2) was considered being proportional to their imago wingspan. EDH was evaluated as a product of the value of damaged tree species (p3), location of plant damage (p4), the period of loss decorative effect (p5) and the prevalence of certain insect species in the stands (p6). GEH was estimated as a product of BDH, EDH and the ability of insect species to the outbreaks (p7). A modified approach for evaluation BDH, EDH and GEH was suggested and implemented, considering phyllophagous leaf miner insects and phyllophagous insects with open lifestyle in the deciduous stands of streets, parks, and Forest Park of Kharkiv city. EDH of insects with an open lifestyle depends on their size and prevalence in the stand. EDH and GEH of all revealed insects with an open lifestyle increase from streets to Forest Park. Among the insects with an open lifestyle, Lymantriidae and Notodontidae had the highest BDH due to the large size and long feeding period of larvae. Among the insects with hidden lifestyle, Cameraria ohridella had the highest BDH due to the highest prevalence and the large duration of feeding period with its several generations.

DISTRIBUTION OF SPECIES OF CYNIPOIDEA IN EARLY AND LATE PHENOFORM QUERCUS ROBUR

The object of the study was forest insects that live in the oak forests of Voronezh and the Voronezh region on the Quercus robur of early and late phenological forms. They belong to the order Hymenoptera, the suborder Apocrita, and the subfamily Cynipoidae. The analysis of the presence of various types of Cynipoidae and their association with a certain PHENOFORM in oak stands located directly in the city of Voronezh on Timiryazev and Moskovsky Prospekt streets, in the Shilovo and Zadonye microdistricts, as well as in the Semiluki nursery was carried out. Each type of Cynipoidae causes the formation of only its characteristic galls. Thanks to this, we were able to determine the presence of such types of Cynipoidae: Neuroterus numismalis, Cynips quercusfolii, Andricus inflator, Neuroterus quercusbaccarum. We have identified that the presence of these types of Cynipoidae differ in different oak stands of Voronezh region.

Taxonomic analysis of some forest insects used in the diets in Mexican rural areas: evaluation and perspectives

In the present work a taxonomic analysis of Mexican edible forest insects along with their host plants have been reviewed. We have recorded 73 insect species under 26 families and 6 orders, namely: Orthoptera, Hemiptera-Heteroptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera and Hymenoptera, with the highest number of species belonging to Coleoptera (19) followed by Hymenoptera (18). Additionally a total of 51 host plant species under 17 families, and their distribution among the different vegetation types also have been presented. The importance of insects in the diet of rural communities has been discussed in the light of different socioeconomic and biological factors. These issues must be addressed and resolved, to carry out the coherent management of edible insects, considering the traditional knowledge that the rural inhabitants possess.

Native or Invasive? The Red-Haired Pine Bark Beetle Hylurgus ligniperda (Fabricius) (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) in East Asia

The red-haired pine bark beetle, Hylurgus ligniperda (Fabricius), is one of the most rapidly spreading invasive forest insects. Originally from Eurasia, it has subsequently been introduced to Oceania, North, and South America. Yet, the status of H. ligniperda in East Asia is ambiguous. Here, investigation and analysis were conducted on the beetle in China, South Korea, and Japan. New occurrences in China and South Korea were recorded by field surveys and the expansion of H. ligniperda spreading in East Asia was analyzed. The results show that H. ligniperda is likely an invasive species in East Asia, initially invading Japan, then South Korea. Now it has invaded and successfully colonized Shandong province, China. Furthermore, the species has spread rapidly and it is now widely distributed in South Korea and Japan.

Surviving in a Frozen Forest: the Physiology of Eastern Spruce Budworm Overwintering

The eastern spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana, is one of North America’s most destructive forest insects. It survives the harsh winters by deploying both a sophisticated diapause program and a complex suite of cryoprotective molecules. The spruce budworm’s cryoprotective biochemistry could revolutionize organ storage and transplants. Here we review the latest in C. fumiferana overwintering physiology and identify emerging theoretical and practical questions that are open for exploration.