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Du C, Lyu H, Wang L, Mao L, Li L, Yang X, Wang C. Foraging Behaviors of Red Imported Fire Ants (Hymenoptera Formicidae) in Response to Bait Containing Different Concentrations of Fipronil, Abamectin, or Indoxacarb. INSECTS 2023; 14:852. [PMID: 37999051 PMCID: PMC10671866 DOI: 10.3390/insects14110852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, is a severe pest with agricultural, ecological, and medical significance. The baiting treatment is one of the main methods to control S. invicta. However, few studies have evaluated the acceptance of fire ant bait. Here, field and laboratory studies were conducted to investigate the foraging behaviors of S. invicta responding to fire ant baits containing different concentrations of active ingredients (fipronil, abamectin, or indoxacarb). Field studies showed that S. invicta transported significantly less 0.0125% fipronil bait than control bait (without toxicant) and 0.0001% fipronil bait. The number of foraging ants significantly decreased with an increase in fipronil concentration. Our previous study showed that S. invicta usually buries the food treated with repellent chemicals, and interestingly, significantly more soil particles were transported into tubes containing 0.0001% fipronil bait than tubes containing control bait or 0.0125% fipronil bait. In addition, S. invicta transported significantly less 0.0005% abamectin bait than control bait, and significantly fewer ants were found in tubes containing 0.0125% abamectin bait than control bait. However, there was no significant difference in bait transport, number of foraging ants, and weight of soil particles relocated in tubes containing different concentrations of indoxacarb bait. In addition, laboratory studies showed that S. invicta transported significantly less 0.0125% fipronil bait than control bait and bait containing abamectin (0.0025% or 0.0125%) or indoxacarb (0.0125% or 0.0625%). In addition, the transport speed for the 0.0125% fipronil bait was the slowest. These results show that specific concentrations of some active ingredients may negatively affect bait acceptance for S. invicta, and should be avoided in fire ant bait production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengju Du
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (C.D.)
| | - Hailong Lyu
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (C.D.)
| | - Lanfeng Wang
- Guangzhou Guangjian Construction Engineering Testing Center Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510699, China
| | - Lei Mao
- Guangzhou Guangjian Construction Engineering Testing Center Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510699, China
| | - Lin Li
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (C.D.)
| | - Xinya Yang
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (C.D.)
| | - Cai Wang
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (C.D.)
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Prodhan MA, Widmer M, Kinene T, Kehoe M. Whole mitochondrial genomes reveal the relatedness of the browsing ant incursions in Australia. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10273. [PMID: 37355692 PMCID: PMC10290700 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37425-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Global trade and human movements outspread animal species, for example ants, from their native habitats to new areas. This causes biosecurity concerns because an exotic ant might have adverse impacts on agriculture, the environment, or health; thus, incurring economic losses. The browsing ant, Lepisiota frauenfeldi, was first detected in 2013 at the Perth Airport. Since then, more discrete browsing ant infestations have been found in Perth and at the Ports of Darwin and Brisbane. This exotic ant has been deemed a significant pest in Australia and eradication efforts are underway. However, tackling this invasion requires an understanding of how these infestations are related. Are they same or separate or a combination of both? Here, we carried out a phylogenetic analysis using high-throughput sequencing data to determine their relatedness. Our results showed that each interstate incursion was separate. Furthermore, the Western Australian incursions might have two introductions. These findings are critical in devising effective biosecurity measures. However, we discovered that this information could only be revealed by analysing the whole mitochondrial genome; not by a single mitochondrial gene as typically done for species identification. Here, we sequenced 51 whole mitogenomes including three of its congener L. incisa for the first time, for tracing future infestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Asaduzzaman Prodhan
- DPIRD Diagnostics and Laboratory Services, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, 3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth, WA, 6151, Australia.
| | - Marc Widmer
- DPIRD Diagnostics and Laboratory Services, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, 3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth, WA, 6151, Australia
| | - Tonny Kinene
- DPIRD Diagnostics and Laboratory Services, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, 3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth, WA, 6151, Australia
| | - Monica Kehoe
- DPIRD Diagnostics and Laboratory Services, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, 3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth, WA, 6151, Australia.
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Yaman M, Kıran K, Radek R. Mattesia cf. geminata, an ant-pathogenic neogregarine (Apicomplexa: Lipotrophidae) in two Temnothorax species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Parasitol Res 2023:10.1007/s00436-023-07860-0. [PMID: 37140652 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07860-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
An ant-pathogenic neogregarine in Temnothorax affinis and T. parvulus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) is described based on morphological and ultrastructural characteristics. The pathogen infects the hypodermis of the ants. The infection was mainly synchronous so that only gametocysts and oocysts could be observed simultaneously in the host body. Gametogamy resulted in the formation of two oocysts within a gametocyst. The lemon-shaped oocysts measured 11-13 μm in length and 8-10 μm in width. The surface of the oocysts is not smooth but contains many buds. A ring-shaped line containing rosary-arrayed buds line up in the equatorial plane of the oocyst. These specific characteristics were observed for the first time in neogregarine oocysts from ants. Polar plugs were recognizable clearly by light and electron microscopy. The oocyst wall was quite thick, measuring 775 to 1000 nm. Each oocyst contained eight sporozoites. The neogregarines in the two Temnothorax species show many similarities such as the size and shape of the oocysts, a relatively fragile gametocyst membrane, host affinity, and tissue preference. We identified these neogregarines as Mattesia cf. geminata, which is here recorded from natural ant populations in the Old World for the first time. All neogregarine pathogens infecting ants in nature so far have been recorded from the New World. We present the two ant species, Temnothorax affinis and T. parvulus, as new natural hosts for M. cf. geminata. Furthermore, the morphological and ultrastructural characteristics of the oocyst of M. cf. geminata are documented by scanning and transmission electron microscopy for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Yaman
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey.
| | - Kadri Kıran
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Trakya University, Edirne, Turkey
| | - Renate Radek
- Institute of Biology/Zoology, Free University of Berlin, Working Group Evolutionary Biology, Königin-Luise-Str. 1-3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
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Xu Y, Vargo EL, Tsuji K, Wylie R. Exotic Ants of the Asia-Pacific: Invasion, National Response, and Ongoing Needs. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 67:27-42. [PMID: 34582264 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-060721-085603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Human activity has facilitated the introduction of many exotic species via global trade. Asia-Pacific countries comprise one of the most economically and trade-active regions in the world, which makes it an area that is highly vulnerable to invasive species, including ants. There are currently over 60 exotic ant species in the Asia-Pacific, with the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, among the most destructive. Exotic ants pose many economic and ecological problems for the region. Countries in the Asia-Pacific have dealt with the problem of exotic ants in very different ways, and there has been an overall lack of preparedness. To improve the management of risks associated with invasive ants, we recommend that countries take action across the biosecurity spectrum, spanning prevention, containment, and quarantine. The creation of an Asia-Pacific network for management of invasive ants should help prevent their introduction and mitigate their impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijuan Xu
- Department of Entomology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, People's Republic of China;
| | - Edward L Vargo
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Kazuki Tsuji
- Department of Agro-Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan
| | - Ross Wylie
- Biosecurity Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Brisbane, Queensland 4118, Australia
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Laciny A. Among the shapeshifters: parasite-induced morphologies in ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) and their relevance within the EcoEvoDevo framework. EvoDevo 2021; 12:2. [PMID: 33653386 PMCID: PMC7923345 DOI: 10.1186/s13227-021-00173-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As social insects, ants represent extremely interaction-rich biological systems shaped by tightly integrated social structures and constant mutual exchange with a multitude of internal and external environmental factors. Due to this high level of ecological interconnection, ant colonies can harbour a diverse array of parasites and pathogens, many of which are known to interfere with the delicate processes of ontogeny and caste differentiation and induce phenotypic changes in their hosts. Despite their often striking nature, parasite-induced changes to host development and morphology have hitherto been largely overlooked in the context of ecological evolutionary developmental biology (EcoEvoDevo). Parasitogenic morphologies in ants can, however, serve as “natural experiments” that may shed light on mechanisms and pathways relevant to host development, plasticity or robustness under environmental perturbations, colony-level effects and caste evolution. By assessing case studies of parasites causing morphological changes in their ant hosts, from the eighteenth century to current research, this review article presents a first overview of relevant host and parasite taxa. Hypotheses about the underlying developmental and evolutionary mechanisms, and open questions for further research are discussed. This will contribute towards highlighting the importance of parasites of social insects for both biological theory and empirical research and facilitate future interdisciplinary work at the interface of myrmecology, parasitology, and the EcoEvoDevo framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Laciny
- Konrad Lorenz Institute for Evolution and Cognition Research, Martinstraße 12, 3400, Klosterneuburg, Austria.
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Sağlam T, Yaman M, Ertürk Ö. Distribution and Occurrence of Vairimorpha plodiae (Opisthokonta: Microspora) in the Indian Meal Moth, Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Populations: An Extensive Field Study. ACTA PROTOZOOL 2021. [DOI: 10.4467/16890027ap.21.004.14064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is one of the most important stored product pests. Fumigation plays a significant role in the management of insect pests in stored-products. However, the use of fumigants is problematic because of their effects on the environment and high costs. Entomopathogenic organisms are environmentally friendly control agents and suppress pest populations under natural conditions. In this study, distribution and occurrence of a microsporidian pathogen, Vairimorpha plodiae (Opisthokonta: Microspora) in the populations of P. interpunctella from 12 localities representing Turkey between 2019 and 2020 are presented for the first time by confirming its effectiveness on natural populations. The presence of the microsporidian pathogen was found in 11 of 12 (91.7%) populations. In total, 863 of 3,044 samples were infected by the pathogen. Infection mean was 28.4% for all populations. Our results showed that V. plodiae infection reached to a considerably high prevalence (88.77%) in P. interpunctella populations and varied from 5.1 to 88.7% between the populations. In addition, microsporidia infections have been identified throughout Turkey. We found that V. plodiae can infect all life stages of P. interpunctella. Totally, 623 (28.5%) of 2187 larvae, 14 (37.8%) of 37 pupae, 226 (27%) of 820 adults were found to be infected by the pathogen. There were considerable differences between the dead and living larvae. The microsporidian infection was found in 26 (11.6%) of 225 living larvae, whereas it was found in 595 (30.5%) of 1,952 dead larvae. These results confirm that the microsporidia pathogen has a high spreading potential in P. interpunctella populations and can be a natural biological suppression factor on pest populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuğba Sağlam
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Yaman
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Turkey
| | - Ömer Ertürk
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Science, Ordu University, Turkey
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Schoonvaere K, Brunain M, Baeke F, De Bruyne M, De Rycke R, de Graaf DC. Comparison between Apicystis cryptica sp. n. and Apicystis bombi (Arthrogregarida, Apicomplexa): Gregarine parasites that cause fat body hypertrophism in bees. Eur J Protistol 2020; 73:125688. [PMID: 32143143 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2020.125688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The molecular divergence, morphology and pathology of a cryptic gregarine that is related to the bee parasite Apicystis bombi Lipa and Triggiani, 1996 is described. The 18S ribosomal DNA gene sequence of the new gregarine was equally dissimilar to that of A. bombi and the closest related genus Mattesia Naville, 1930, although phylogenetic analysis supported a closer relation to A. bombi. Pronounced divergence with A. bombi was found in the ITS1 sequence (69.6% similarity) and seven protein-coding genes (nucleotide 78.05% and protein 90.2% similarity). The new gregarine was isolated from a Bombus pascuorum Scopoli, 1763 female and caused heavy hypertrophism of the fat body tissue in its host. In addition, infected cells of the hypopharyngeal gland tissue, an important excretory organ of the host, were observed. Mature oocysts were navicular in shape and contained four sporozoites, similar to A. bombi oocysts. Given these characteristics, we proposed the name Apicystis cryptica sp. n. Detections so far indicated that distribution and host species occupation of Apicystis spp. overlap at least in Europe, and that historical detections could not discriminate between them. Specific molecular assays were developed that can be implemented in future pathogen screens that aim to discriminate Apicystis spp. in bees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karel Schoonvaere
- Laboratory of Molecular Entomology and Bee Pathology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 Block S2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marleen Brunain
- Laboratory of Molecular Entomology and Bee Pathology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 Block S2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Femke Baeke
- Department for Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Ghent University Expertise Centre for Transmission Electron Microscopy and VIB BioImaging Core, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Michiel De Bruyne
- Department for Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Ghent University Expertise Centre for Transmission Electron Microscopy and VIB BioImaging Core, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Riet De Rycke
- Department for Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Ghent University Expertise Centre for Transmission Electron Microscopy and VIB BioImaging Core, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dirk C de Graaf
- Laboratory of Molecular Entomology and Bee Pathology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 Block S2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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Sato K, Sakamoto H, Hirata M, Kidokoro-Kobayashi M, Ozaki M, Higashi S, Murakami T. Relationship Among Establishment Durations, Kin Relatedness, Aggressiveness, and Distance Between Populations of Eight Invasive Argentine Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Supercolonies in Japan. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 110:1676-1684. [PMID: 28531326 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tox141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We investigated kin relatedness and kin-recognition abilities of the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile (Mayr), an invader from North America that has pervaded Japan for 20 yr, using genetic analyses and behavioral bioassays. From these data and interactions among factors, we formulated an eradication and management time-scale pattern diagram. Relatedness within a colony using microsatellite markers was effectively zero, whereas relatedness estimated by multilocus DNA fingerprinting markers was relatively high. Specifically, relatedness of recently invaded populations was estimated at nearly 0.3. From the results of behavioral bioassays on the invading populations of the Argentine ant, all colonies except the Kobe supercolonies did not show clearly aggressive behaviors toward workers belonging to other colonies, even when distantly located. Because they are critical factors for eradicating and managing invasive organisms, we assessed the relationships among kin relatedness using multilocus DNA fingerprinting and microsatellite markers, with aggressiveness, in 2011 and 2012, including the establishment durations, and distances among supercolonies. A generalized linear model (GLM) analysis, with establishment durations as an explanatory variable, strongly contributed to explaining estimated relatedness from the two methods. Specifically, models using kin relatedness for both multilocus DNA fingerprinting and microsatellite markers provided the strongest contribution to explaining the establishment durations. Within 3 yr after establishment in a native area, eradication is possible because of their low genetic diversity and small colony size. After 15 yr, eradication will be more difficult, but it is preferable to just monitor the impact for a nonnative ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Sato
- Hokkaido University of Education, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-8567, Japan
- Chiba Oihama High School, Chiba, Chiba 260-0823, Japan
| | - H Sakamoto
- Faculty of Agriculture, Ibaraki University, Ami, Ibaraki 300-0393, Japan
| | - M Hirata
- Sapporo Ohtani High School, Sapporo, Hokkaido 065-0016, Japan
| | | | - M Ozaki
- Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo 657-8501, Japan
| | - S Higashi
- Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0808, Japan
| | - T Murakami
- Hokkaido University of Education, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-8567, Japan
- Kyushu University, Decision Science, 744 Motooka, Fukuoka 819-0315, Japan
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Yaman M, Radek R. Mattesia weiseri sp. nov., a new neogregarine (Apicomplexa: Lipotrophidae) pathogen of the great spruce bark beetle, Dendroctonus micans (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae). Parasitol Res 2015; 114:2951-8. [PMID: 25944740 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4497-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A new neogregarine pathogen of the great spruce bark beetle, Dendroctonus micans (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae), is described based on light microscopy and ultrastructural characteristics. The pathogen infects the fat body and the hemolymph of the beetle. The infection was nonsynchronous so that different developmental stages could be observed simultaneously in the hemolymph. All life stages from sporozoite to oocyst of the pathogen including micronuclear and macronuclear merozoites were detected. The sporozoites measured about 8.7 × 1.9 μm and trophozoites, 11.9 × 3.3 μm. Micronuclear merozoites seen in the hemolymph were motile, elongate, slightly broader at the anterior pole, and measured 18.4 × 2.0 μm. Macronuclear merozoites had a size of ca. 16.4 × 2.3 μm. Gametogamy results in the formation of two paired oocysts within a gametocyst. The lemon-shaped oocyst measured 10.9 × 6.1 μm and had a very thick wall (375-450 nm). All morphological and ultrastructural characteristics of the life cycle stages indicate that the described neogregarine in D. micans is clearly different from known Mattesia species infecting bark beetles, and from any other described Mattesia spp. Therefore, we create a new species, Mattesia weiseri sp. nov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Yaman
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Karadeniz Technical University, 61080, Trabzon, Turkey,
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Baird R, Woolfolk S, Watson CE. Survey of Bacterial and Fungal Associates of Black/Hybrid Imported Fire Ants from Mounds in Mississippi. SOUTHEAST NAT 2007. [DOI: 10.1656/1528-7092(2007)6[615:sobafa]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Rodriguez Y, Omoto CK, Gomulkiewicz R. Individual and population effects of eugregarine, Gregarina niphandrodes (Eugregarinida: Gregarinidae), on Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2007; 36:689-93. [PMID: 17716459 DOI: 10.1603/0046-225x(2007)36[689:iapeoe]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Gregarines are single-celled parasites in the phylum Apicomplexa that infect invertebrates. They are highly abundant on three levels: among a large diversity of invertebrates, in the proportion of population of organisms they infect, and within individually infected organisms. Because of their remarkable prevalence, we hypothesize that they play an important role in support of their hosts. However, studies done to date on the impact of gregarines on their host are conflicting. Therefore, we studied the impact of gregarines on their host using a model Gregarina niphandrodes infection in Tenebrio molitor. The impact of infection was measured by comparing beetles with no or low infection to those with artificially induced high infection. The numbers of individuals in each of the three easily visible developmental stages of the T. molitor (larva, pupa, and adult) were censused weekly. From these observations, fertilities and probabilities of survival with transition between stages were estimated. These estimated vital rates were used to construct a stage-classified projection matrix model. We also measured the longevity of individual beetles with low and high infection that were grown in isolation. The results indicate that there is no significant difference in the population dynamics of beetles with low and high infection. However, the longevity was significantly different between beetles with low infection than the deliberately highly infected group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesenia Rodriguez
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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12
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Valles SM, Strong CA. Solenopsis invicta virus-1A (SINV-1A): Distinct species or genotype of SINV-1? J Invertebr Pathol 2005; 88:232-7. [PMID: 15955342 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2005.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2004] [Revised: 02/02/2005] [Accepted: 02/10/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We have cloned and sequenced a 2845 bp cDNA representing the 3'-end of either a new picorna-like virus species or genotype of Solenopsis invicta virus-1 (SINV-1). Analysis of the nucleotide sequence revealed 1 large open reading frame. The amino acid sequence of the translated open reading frame was most identical to structural proteins of SINV-1 (97%), followed by the Kashmir bee virus (KBV, 30%), and acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV, 29%). A PCR-based survey for SINV-1 and the new species or genotype (tentatively named S. invicta virus-1A, SINV-1A) using RNA extracts of S. invicta collected around Gainesville, Florida, revealed a mean colony infestation rate of 25% by SINV-1 and 55% by SINV-1A. Both SINV-1 and SINV-1A were found to co-infect 17.5% of the nests surveyed. Although the data preclude definitive species or genotype assignment, there is no doubt that SINV-1A is distinct from SINV-1, identifiable, and infects S. invicta. We provide a simple RT-PCR technique capable of discerning SINV-1 and SINV-1A infection of S. invicta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Valles
- Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, USDA-ARS, 1600 SW 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
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13
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Oi DH, Briano JA, Valles SM, Williams DF. Transmission of Vairimorpha invictae (Microsporidia: Burenellidae) infections between red imported fire ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) colonies. J Invertebr Pathol 2005; 88:108-15. [PMID: 15766927 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2004.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2004] [Revised: 11/12/2004] [Accepted: 11/19/2004] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, colonies were successfully infected with the microsporidium Vairimorpha invictae by introducing live larvae, pupae, or dead adults from V. invictae-infected field colonies collected in Argentina. Introductions with 4th instar larvae or non-melanized pupae obtained from infected field colonies, resulted in infection of 40% of the inoculated colonies. Introductions of 4th instars or melanized pupae produced from colonies that were initially infected in the laboratory, resulted in infections of 83% of the colonies, thus perpetuating the infection in other colonies. Infection was detected in 2 of 6 colonies after introducing adult worker caste ants that had died with V. invictae. The average number of adults and the volume of immature ants per colony were significantly lower in the infected than in the control colonies. Infected colonies had 86% fewer adults per colony and 82% less immature ants than the controls. A portion of the 16S rRNA gene of the V. invictae identified from these studies was amplified, cloned, and sequenced; the 1251 nucleotide amplicon was 100% identical to the 16S rRNA gene sequence recorded previously in the GenBank database, thus verifying the species as V. invictae. This is the first report of the artificial transmission of this pathogen to uninfected ant colonies, and demonstration of its ability to hinder growth in individual colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Oi
- USDA-ARS Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, 1600 SW 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
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Valles SM, Strong CA, Dang PM, Hunter WB, Pereira RM, Oi DH, Shapiro AM, Williams DF. A picorna-like virus from the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta: initial discovery, genome sequence, and characterization. Virology 2004; 328:151-7. [PMID: 15380366 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2004.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2004] [Revised: 07/01/2004] [Accepted: 07/09/2004] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We report the first discovery and genome sequence of a virus infecting the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. The 8026 nucleotide, polyadenylated, RNA genome encoded two large open reading frames (ORF1 and ORF2), flanked and separated by 27, 223, and 171 nucleotide untranslated regions, respectively. The predicted amino acid sequence of the 5' proximal ORF1 (nucleotides 28 to 4218) exhibited significant identity and possessed consensus sequences characteristic of the helicase, cysteine protease, and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase sequence motifs from picornaviruses, picorna-like viruses, comoviruses, caliciviruses, and sequiviruses. The predicted amino acid sequence of the 3' proximal ORF2 (nucleotides 4390-7803) showed similarity to structural proteins in picorna-like viruses, especially the acute bee paralysis virus. Electron microscopic examination of negatively stained samples from virus-infected fire ants revealed isometric particles with a diameter of 31 nm, consistent with Picornaviridae. A survey for the fire ant virus from areas around Florida revealed a pattern of fairly widespread distribution. Among 168 nests surveyed, 22.9% were infected. The virus was found to infect all fire ant caste members and developmental stages, including eggs, early (1st-2nd) and late (3rd-4th) instars, worker pupae, workers, sexual pupae, alates ( male symbol and female symbol ), and queens. The virus, tentatively named S. invicta virus (SINV-1), appears to belong to the picorna-like viruses. We did not observe any perceptible symptoms among infected nests in the field. However, in every case where an SINV-1-infected colony was excavated from the field with an inseminated queen and held in the laboratory, all of the brood in these colonies died within 3 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Valles
- Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, USDA-ARS, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
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Williams DF, deShazo RD. Biological control of fire ants: an update on new techniques. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2004; 93:15-22. [PMID: 15281467 DOI: 10.1016/s1081-1206(10)61442-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the present understanding of biological control methods for imported fire ants (IFAs). DATA SOURCES We searched MEDLINE, Biological Abstracts, and the US Department of Agriculture Formis Ant Literature database. STUDY SELECTION All articles published in the last 10 years on biological control of fire ants were selected. RESULTS The decapitating flies Pseudacteon tricuspis, Pseudacteon curvatus, and Pseudacteon litoralis have been successfully released in the United States. The continued releases of multiple species of decapitating flies will expand the area of impact, applying greater pressure on IFA populations throughout the southern United States. The microsporidium Thelohania solenopsae causes the slow demise of a fire ant colony. The advantages of T. solenopsae as a biological control agent include debilitation of queens, specificity for IFAs, self-sustaining infections, and lower relative tolerance to chemical pesticides. Solenopsis daguerrei has also been shown to have detrimental effects on IFA colony growth, the number of sexual reproductives produced, and the number of host queens in multiple queen colonies; however, this parasite is difficult to rear in the laboratory and to introduce into IFA colonies. CONCLUSIONS It is unlikely that IFAs can be completely eradicated from the United States. However, technology using chemicals and/or natural control agents could eventually maintain populations at low levels if an integrated approach is used for control.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F Williams
- US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, Florida 32604, USA.
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Pereira RM. Occurrence of Myrmicinosporidium durum in red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, and other new host ants in eastern United States. J Invertebr Pathol 2004; 86:38-44. [PMID: 15145249 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2004.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2003] [Accepted: 03/17/2004] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Myrmicinosporidium durum, a parasitic fungus in several ant species, is reported from seven new hosts collected in the eastern United States, including Solenopsis invicta, Solenopsis carolinensis, Paratrechina vividula, Pheidole tysoni, Pheidole bicarinata, Pyramica membranifera, and Pogonomyrmex badius. Spores can be found in most ant body parts, are dark brown when mature, and clear to light brown while immature. Ants infected with mature spores appear darker than normal. Spores from different hosts were 47-57 microm in diameter. Prevalence in host populations varied between 2 and 67% of the ants, and 3-100% of the colonies. Infection was most common in S. carolinensis with prevalence rates between 22 and 67%. Prevalence rates for S. invicta individuals were lower than for other ants, however, prevalence rates within the infected colonies were as high as 31%. Observations of disease were recorded mostly from late summer and fall. Possible implications of this new disease in red imported fire ants are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto M Pereira
- USDA, ARS, Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, 1600 SW, 23rd Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
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Valles SM, Pereira RM. Use of ribosomal DNA sequence data to characterize and detect a neogregarine pathogen of Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). J Invertebr Pathol 2004; 84:114-8. [PMID: 14615220 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2003.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A neogregarine parasite of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, was discovered recently in Florida and tentatively placed in the Mattesia genus based on morphological characterization. S. invicta infected with this Mattesia species exhibited a characteristic yellowing of the cuticle which was designated Mattesia "yellow-head disease" (YHD). The 18S rRNA gene sequence from Mattesia YHD was elucidated and compared with the neogregarine pathogens, Mattesia geminata and Ophriocystis elektroscirrha. The sequence data support the previous conclusion that Mattesia YHD is a new species that infects S. invicta. Furthermore, high sequence identity between Mattesia YHD, M. geminata (95.7%), and O. elektroscirrha (86.2%) correctly place the YHD organism in the Mattesia genus and Neogregarinorida order. Oligonucleotide primer pairs were designed to unique areas of the 18S rRNA genes of Mattesia YHD and S. invicta. Multiplex PCR resulted in sensitive and specific detection of Mattesia YHD infection of S. invicta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Valles
- USDA-ARS Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, 1600 SW 23rd. Drive, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA.
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