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Haest B, Liechti F, Hawkes WL, Chapman J, Åkesson S, Shamoun-Baranes J, Nesterova AP, Comor V, Preatoni D, Bauer S. Continental-scale patterns in diel flight timing of high-altitude migratory insects. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230116. [PMID: 38705191 PMCID: PMC11070267 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Many insects depend on high-altitude, migratory movements during part of their life cycle. The daily timing of these migratory movements is not random, e.g. many insect species show peak migratory flight activity at dawn, noon or dusk. These insects provide essential ecosystem services such as pollination but also contribute to crop damage. Quantifying the diel timing of their migratory flight and its geographical and seasonal variation, are hence key towards effective conservation and pest management. Vertical-looking radars provide continuous and automated measurements of insect migration, but large-scale application has not been possible because of limited availability of suitable devices. Here, we quantify patterns in diel flight periodicity of migratory insects between 50 and 500 m above ground level during March-October 2021 using a network of 17 vertical-looking radars across Europe. Independent of the overall daily migratory movements and location, peak migratory movements occur around noon, during crepuscular evening and occasionally the morning. Relative daily proportions of insect migration intensity and traffic during the diel phases of crepuscular-morning, day, crepuscular-evening and night remain largely equal throughout May-September and across Europe. These findings highlight, extend, and generalize previous regional-scale findings on diel migratory insect movement patterns to the whole of temperate Europe. This article is part of the theme issue 'Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgen Haest
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Seerose 1, Sempach, 6204, Switzerland
| | - Felix Liechti
- Swiss Birdradar Solution AG, Technoparkstrasse 2, 8406, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Will L. Hawkes
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Seerose 1, Sempach, 6204, Switzerland
| | - Jason Chapman
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation and Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Cornwall Campus, Penryn, TR10 9FE, UK
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Susanne Åkesson
- Department of Biology, Centre for Animal Movement Research, Lund University, Ecology Building, 22362 Lund, Sweden
| | - Judy Shamoun-Baranes
- Theoretical and Computational Ecology, IBED, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94240, Amsterdam, GE 1090, The Netherlands
| | | | - Vincent Comor
- Independent researcher, Les Pennes-Mirabeau, 13170, France
| | - Damiano Preatoni
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Via J.-H. Dunant 3, Varese, 21100 Italy
| | - Silke Bauer
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Seerose 1, Sempach, 6204, Switzerland
- Theoretical and Computational Ecology, IBED, University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94240, Amsterdam, GE 1090, The Netherlands
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Wang X, Ma H, Zhao Y, Gao Y, Wu K. Abundance and Seasonal Migration Patterns of Green Lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) across the Bohai Strait in Eastern Asia. INSECTS 2024; 15:321. [PMID: 38786877 PMCID: PMC11121799 DOI: 10.3390/insects15050321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Many insects, including green lacewings, migrate seasonally to exploit suitable breeding and winter habitats. Green lacewings are important natural enemies of insect pests worldwide. Here, four dominant green lacewing species, Chrysoperla nipponensis (Okamoto), Chrysopa pallens (Rambur), Chrysoperla furcifera (Okamoto), and Chrysopa formosa Brauer, were investigated for their ability to migrate between northern and northeastern China across the Bohai Strait from late May to late October each year. Furthermore, there were significant interannual and seasonal differences in the number of migratory green lacewings collected. The number of green lacewings in spring was significantly lower than that in summer and autumn, and the highest average number of green lacewings occurred in June. In addition, there were differences in the sex ratio of migrating green lacewings between months, with a greater proportion of females than males. Finally, the seasonal migration trajectories simulated by the HYSPLIT model revealed that the green lacewings captured on Beihuang Island primarily originated from Shandong Province. Accordingly, these findings contribute to our understanding of green lacewing migration in eastern Asia and aid its incorporation within integrated pest management (IPM) packages for several crop pests. Furthermore, long-term tracking of migrant insect populations can reveal ecosystem services and trophic dynamic processes at the macroscale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingya Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.W.); (H.M.); (Y.Z.); (Y.G.)
| | - Haotian Ma
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.W.); (H.M.); (Y.Z.); (Y.G.)
| | - Yuechao Zhao
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.W.); (H.M.); (Y.Z.); (Y.G.)
| | - Ying Gao
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.W.); (H.M.); (Y.Z.); (Y.G.)
| | - Kongming Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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Ghouri S, Reich MS, Lopez-Mañas R, Talavera G, Bowen GJ, Vila R, Talla VNK, Collins SC, Martins DJ, Bataille CP. A hydrogen isoscape for tracing the migration of herbivorous lepidopterans across the Afro-Palearctic range. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2024; 38:e9675. [PMID: 38211347 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Many insect species undertake multigenerational migrations in the Afro-tropical and Palearctic ranges, and understanding their migratory connectivity remains challenging due to their small size, short life span and large population sizes. Hydrogen isotopes (δ2 H) can be used to reconstruct the movement of dispersing or migrating insects, but applying δ2 H for provenance requires a robust isotope baseline map (i.e. isoscape) for the Afro-Palearctic. METHODS We analyzed the δ2 H in the wings (δ2 Hwing ) of 142 resident butterflies from 56 sites across the Afro-Palearctic. The δ2 Hwing values were compared to the predicted local growing-season precipitation δ2 H values (δ2 HGSP ) using a linear regression model to develop an insect wing δ2 H isoscape. We used multivariate linear mixed models and high-resolution and time-specific remote sensing climate and environmental data to explore the controls of the residual δ2 Hwing variability. RESULTS A strong linear relationship was found between δ2 Hwing and δ2 HGSP values (r2 = 0.53). The resulting isoscape showed strong patterns across the Palearctic but limited variation and high uncertainty for the Afro-tropics. Positive residuals of this relationship were correlated with dry conditions for the month preceding sampling whereas negative residuals were correlated with more wet days for the month preceding sampling. High intra-site δ2 Hwing variance was associated with lower relative humidity for the month preceding sampling and higher elevation. CONCLUSION The δ2 Hwing isoscape is applicable for tracing herbivorous lepidopteran insects that migrate across the Afro-Palearctic range but has limited geolocation potential in the Afro-tropics. The spatial analysis of uncertainty using high-resolution climatic data demonstrated that many African regions with highly variable evaporation rates and relative humidity have δ2 Hwing values that are less related to δ2 HGSP values. Increasing geolocation precision will require new modeling approaches using more time-specific environmental data and/or independent geolocation tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Ghouri
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Megan S Reich
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roger Lopez-Mañas
- Institut Botànic de Barcelona (IBB), CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Gerard Talavera
- Institut Botànic de Barcelona (IBB), CSIC-Ajuntament de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Gabriel J Bowen
- Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Roger Vila
- Institut de Biologia Evolutiva, CSIC-UPF, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Valery N K Talla
- Laboratory of Applied Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, West Region, Cameroon
| | | | - Dino J Martins
- Mpala Research Centre, Nanyuki, Kenya
- Turkana Basin Institute, Stony Brook University NY, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Clement P Bataille
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Jia H, Chen Y, Li X, Pan Y, Liu D, Liu Y, Wu K. Regional Pollination Activity by Moth Migration in Athetis lepigone. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3406. [PMID: 37836146 PMCID: PMC10574918 DOI: 10.3390/plants12193406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Nocturnal moths (Lepidoptera) are important pollinators of a wide range of plant species. Understanding the foraging preferences of these insects is essential for their scientific management. However, this information is lacking for most moth species. The present study was therefore conducted to delineate the host plant feeding and pollination ranges of an agriculturally important nocturnal moth species Athetis lepigone by identifying the pollen species adhering to their bodies during long-distance migration. Pollen grains were dislodged from 1871 A. lepigone migrants captured on Beihuang Island in the Bohai Strait between 2020 and 2021. This region is a key seasonal migration pathway for A. lepigone in northern China. Almost 20% of all moths sampled harbored pollens, providing direct evidences that this moth species may serve as pollinators. Moreover, at least 39 pollen taxa spanning 21 plant families and 31 genera were identified, with a preference for Asteraceae, Amaranthaceae, and Pinaceae. Additionally, the pollen adherence ratios and taxa varied with moth sex, inter-annual changes, and seasonal fluctuations. Most importantly, the pollen taxa were correlated with insect migration stages and indicated that A. lepigone bidirectionally migrates between central China (Shandong, Hebei, and Henan Provinces) and northeastern China (Liaoning Province). Overall, the findings of the present work provide valuable information on the pollination behavior, geographical origins, and pollination regions of A. lepigone moths and could facilitate the design and optimization of efficacious local and regional management strategies for this important insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiru Jia
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (H.J.); (Y.C.); (X.L.); (Y.P.); (D.L.); (Y.L.)
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yuchao Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (H.J.); (Y.C.); (X.L.); (Y.P.); (D.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Xiaokang Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (H.J.); (Y.C.); (X.L.); (Y.P.); (D.L.); (Y.L.)
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Yunfei Pan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (H.J.); (Y.C.); (X.L.); (Y.P.); (D.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Dazhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (H.J.); (Y.C.); (X.L.); (Y.P.); (D.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yongqiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (H.J.); (Y.C.); (X.L.); (Y.P.); (D.L.); (Y.L.)
| | - Kongming Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; (H.J.); (Y.C.); (X.L.); (Y.P.); (D.L.); (Y.L.)
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Oelmann Y, Fiedler D, Michaelis R, Leivits M, Braun A, Gschwind P, Neidhardt H, Willigalla C. Autumn migration of the migrant hawker (Aeshna mixta) at the Baltic coast. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2023; 11:52. [PMID: 37620899 PMCID: PMC10464154 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-023-00415-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Migratory insects are important for the provision of ecosystem services both at the origin and destination sites but - apart from some iconic species - the migration routes of many insect species have not been assessed. Coastlines serve as a funnel where migrating animals including insects accumulate. Migratory behaviour and captures of dragonflies in bird traps suggest autumn migration of dragonflies along coastlines while the origin and regularity of this migration remain unclear. METHODS Dragonfly species were caught at the bird observatory Kabli at the Baltic coast in Estonia in 2009, 2010 and 2015. For the 2015 data set, we used a stable hydrogen (H) approach to trace the potential natal origin of the migrant hawker (Aeshna mixta). RESULTS 1079 (2009), 701 (2010) and 88 (2015) A. mixta individuals were caught during the study periods (35, 37 and 11 days in 2009, 2010 and 2015, respectively). The migration period lasted from end of August to end of September. Based on the results from our stable isotope analysis, we identified two populations of A. mixta: One (range of isotope signatures of non-exchangeable H [δ2Hn wing]: -78‰ to -112‰) had a local likely origin while the other (δ2Hn wing: -113‰ to -147‰) migrated from northerly directions even in headwind from the South. The former showed an even sex ratio whereas the actively migrating population was dominated by males. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest a regular southbound autumn migration of A. mixta along the Baltic coast. However, nearly half of the sampled individuals originated from the surroundings suggesting either no, partial or "leap-frog" migration. Contrary to our expectation, A. mixta did not select favourable wind conditions but continued the southbound autumn migration in the flight boundary layer even in case of headwinds. The dominance of males might indicate migration as a result of competition for resources. Further repeated, large-scale studies along the Baltic coast are necessary to pinpoint the migratory pattern and the reason for migration of A. mixta. Such studies should also comprise locations north of the known species range of A. mixta because of the rapid climate-change induced range expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Oelmann
- Geoecology, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, 72070, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Diana Fiedler
- Geoecology, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, 72070, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rune Michaelis
- Geoecology, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, 72070, Tübingen, Germany
- Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park Authority, 26382, Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Meelis Leivits
- Estonian Environment Agency, Nigula Nature Centre, 86107, Reinu village, Estonia
| | - Andreas Braun
- Geoinformatics, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, 72070, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Philipp Gschwind
- Geoecology, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, 72070, Tübingen, Germany
- GÖG - Gruppe für ökologische Gutachten, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Harald Neidhardt
- Geoecology, Department of Geosciences, University of Tübingen, 72070, Tübingen, Germany
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Homberg U, Kirchner M, Kowalewski K, Pitz V, Kinoshita M, Kern M, Seyfarth J. Comparative morphology of serotonin-immunoreactive neurons innervating the central complex in the brain of dicondylian insects. J Comp Neurol 2023. [PMID: 37478205 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) acts as a widespread neuromodulator in the nervous system of vertebrates and invertebrates. In insects, it promotes feeding, enhances olfactory sensitivity, modulates aggressive behavior, and, in the central complex of Drosophila, serves a role in sleep homeostasis. In addition to a role in sleep-wake regulation, the central complex has a prominent role in spatial orientation, goal-directed locomotion, and navigation vector memory. To further understand the role of serotonergic signaling in this brain area, we analyzed the distribution and identity of serotonin-immunoreactive neurons across a wide range of insect species. While one bilateral pair of tangential neurons innervating the central body was present in all species studied, a second type was labeled in all neopterans but not in dragonflies and firebrats. Both cell types show conserved major fiber trajectories but taxon-specific differences in dendritic targets outside the central body and axonal terminals in the central body, noduli, and lateral accessory lobes. In addition, numerous tangential neurons of the protocerebral bridge were labeled in all studied polyneopteran species except for Phasmatodea, but not in Holometabola. Lepidoptera and Diptera showed additional labeling of two bilateral pairs of neurons of a third type. The presence of serotonin in systems of columnar neurons apparently evolved independently in dragonflies and desert locusts. The data suggest distinct evolutionary changes in the composition of serotonin-immunolabeled neurons of the central complex and provides a promising basis for a phylogenetic study in a wider range of arthropod species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Homberg
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior (CMBB), University of Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Marburg, Germany
| | - Michelle Kirchner
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Kevin Kowalewski
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Vanessa Pitz
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Michiyo Kinoshita
- Laboratory of Neuroethology, SOKENDAI, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Hayama, Japan
| | - Martina Kern
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jutta Seyfarth
- Department of Biology, Animal Physiology, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Jia H, Wang T, Li X, Zhao S, Guo J, Liu D, Liu Y, Wu K. Pollen Molecular Identification from a Long-Distance Migratory Insect, Spodoptera exigua, as Evidenced for Its Regional Pollination in Eastern Asia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087588. [PMID: 37108751 PMCID: PMC10141172 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding plant-insect interactions requires the uncovering of the host plant use of insect herbivores, but such information is scarce for most taxa, including nocturnal moth species, despite their vital role as herbivores and pollinators. In this study, we determined the plant species visited by an important moth species, Spodoptera exigua, by analyzing attached pollen on migratory individuals in Northeast China. Pollen grains were dislodged from 2334 S. exigua long-distance migrants captured between 2019 and 2021 on a small island in the center of the Bohai Strait, which serves as a seasonal migration pathway for this pest species, and 16.1% of the tested moths exhibited pollen contamination, primarily on the proboscis. Subsequently, 33 taxa from at least 23 plant families and 29 genera were identified using a combination of DNA barcoding and pollen morphology, primarily from the Angiosperm, Dicotyledoneae. Moreover, the sex, inter-annual, and seasonal differences in pollen adherence ratio and pollen taxa were revealed. Notably, compared to previously reported pollen types found on several other nocturnal moths, we found that almost all of the above 33 pollen taxa can be found in multiple nocturnal moth species, providing another important example of conspecific attraction. Additionally, we also discussed the indicative significance of the pollen present on the bodies of migratory individuals for determining their migratory route. Overall, by delineating the adult feeding and pollination behavior of S. exigua, we advanced our understanding of the interactions of the moths with their host plants, and its migration pattern, as well as facilitated the design of (area-wide) management strategies to preserve and optimize ecosystem services that they provide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiru Jia
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Tengli Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaokang Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Shengyuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianglong Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Dazhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yongqiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kongming Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
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Wehi PM, Rogers KM, Jowett T, Sabadel AJM. Interpreting past trophic ecology of a threatened alpine parrot, kea Nestor notabilis, from museum specimens. J Anim Ecol 2023; 92:273-284. [PMID: 35569094 PMCID: PMC10083992 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2656.13742] [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: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
When ecosystems are under severe pressure or environments change, trophic position and intraspecific niche width may decrease or narrow, signalling that conservation action is required. In New Zealand, alpine and subalpine ecosystems have been extensively modified through farming since 19th-century European settlement, with consequences for indigenous species such as the kea Nestor notabilis. We investigated feather stable isotope values in the kea and predicted a lower trophic position in modern kea populations, to reflect reduced lowland habitat and a mixed diet with more plant material. We predicted that size and sex would influence trophic values in this sexually dimorphic species, with larger birds more likely to have a high protein diet. We examined potential dietary changes in 68 museum collected kea from 1880s to 2000s, first recording accession details including provenance and sex and measuring culmen length. We used bulk carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses (BSIAs) of feathers and a further feather subset using compound-specific stable isotope analyses of amino acids (CSIA-AA) to obtain isotopic values and estimate trophic position. BSIA showed δ15 N values in kea feathers declined through time and could indicate that early century kea were highly omnivorous, with δ15 N values on average higher than in modern kea. Variance in δ15 N values was greater after 1950, driven by a few individuals. Few differences between males and females were evident, although females in the south region had lower δ15 N values. There was a tendency for large male birds to have higher trophic values, perhaps reflecting dominant male bird behaviour noted in historical records. Nonetheless, CSIA-AA performed on a subset of the data suggested that variation in BSIA is likely due to baseline changes rather than relative trophic position which may be more homogenous than these data indicate. Although there was more variability in modern kea, we suggest caution in interpretation. Stable isotope data, particularly CSIA-AA, from museum specimens can reveal potential change in ecological networks as well as sexually dimorphic feeding patterns within species. The data can reveal temporal and regional variation in species trophic position and changes in ecosystem integrity to inform conservation decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscilla M Wehi
- Centre for Sustainability (CSAFE), University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Te Pūnaha Matatini Centre of Research Excellence in Complex Systems, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Karyne M Rogers
- National Isotope Centre, GNS Science, Lower Hutt, New Zealand.,Institute of Quality Safety and Nutrition of Agricultural Products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tim Jowett
- Department of Maths and Statistics, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Freas CA, Spetch ML. Varieties of visual navigation in insects. Anim Cogn 2023; 26:319-342. [PMID: 36441435 PMCID: PMC9877076 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-022-01720-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The behaviours and cognitive mechanisms animals use to orient, navigate, and remember spatial locations exemplify how cognitive abilities have evolved to suit a number of different mobile lifestyles and habitats. While spatial cognition observed in vertebrates has been well characterised in recent decades, of no less interest are the great strides that have also been made in characterizing and understanding the behavioural and cognitive basis of orientation and navigation in invertebrate models and in particular insects. Insects are known to exhibit remarkable spatial cognitive abilities and are able to successfully migrate over long distances or pinpoint known locations relying on multiple navigational strategies similar to those found in vertebrate models-all while operating under the constraint of relatively limited neural architectures. Insect orientation and navigation systems are often tailored to each species' ecology, yet common mechanistic principles can be observed repeatedly. Of these, reliance on visual cues is observed across a wide number of insect groups. In this review, we characterise some of the behavioural strategies used by insects to solve navigational problems, including orientation over short-distances, migratory heading maintenance over long distances, and homing behaviours to known locations. We describe behavioural research using examples from a few well-studied insect species to illustrate how visual cues are used in navigation and how they interact with non-visual cues and strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody A. Freas
- Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada ,School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Marcia L. Spetch
- Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
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Clem CS, Hobson KA, Harmon‐Threatt AN. Do Nearctic hover flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) engage in long‐distance migration? An assessment of evidence and mechanisms. ECOL MONOGR 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecm.1542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Scott Clem
- Department of Entomology University of Georgia Athens Georgia USA
- Department of Entomology University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign Urbana Illinois USA
| | - Keith A. Hobson
- Environment and Climate Change Canada Saskatoon Saskatchewan Canada
- Department of Biology University of Western Ontario London Ontario Canada
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Zhou XY, Ding Y, Zhou JY, Sun KK, Matsukura K, Zhang H, Chen L, Hong XY, Sun JT. Genetic evidence of transoceanic migration of the small brown planthopper between China and Japan. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:2909-2920. [PMID: 35415865 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The small brown planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus (Fallén), is an important pest of rice. It is suspected of migrating over the sea from China to Japan. However, where in China it comes from and how it affects Japanese populations remain unclear. RESULTS Here, we studied the genetic structure of 15 L. striatellus populations sampled from Japan and China using single nucleotide polymorphisms generated by the double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing technique. We found weak genetic differentiation between the Chinese and Japanese populations. Our data revealed migration signals of L. striatellus from China to southern and northern Japan. However, the source regions of the immigrants remain unclear due to the low genetic differentiation between populations. Our results also pointed to the possibility of backward gene flow from Japanese to Chinese populations. We suspect that the south-eastern wind associated with the East Asian summer monsoon may facilitate the reverse migration of L. striatellus from Japan to China. Interestingly, we found that the X chromosome displayed relatively higher genetic differentiation among populations and suffered more intensive selection pressure than autosomes. CONCLUSION We provide genetic evidence of transoceanic migration of L. striatellus from China to Japan and found that the X chromosome can aid the deciphering of the migration trajectories of species with low genetic differentiation. These findings have implications for forecasting the outbreak of this pest and also provide insights into how to improve the tracking of the migration routes of small insects via population genomics. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yu Zhou
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jia-Yi Zhou
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kang-Kang Sun
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Hui Zhang
- College of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Yue Hong
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing-Tao Sun
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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12
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White HB, White JF, Moore MC. Dragonfly Biodiversity at Abandoned Work Sites: Dredge-spoil Ponds of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, New Castle County, Delaware. Northeast Nat (Steuben) 2022. [DOI: 10.1656/045.029.0209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Harold B. White
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 (retired)
| | | | - Michael C. Moore
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716 (retired)
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13
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Guo J, Liu Y, Jia H, Chang H, Wu K. Visiting Plants of Mamestra brassicae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Inferred From Identification of Adhering Pollen Grains. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 51:505-512. [PMID: 35024800 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvab145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Numerous lepidopteran adults frequently pick up plant pollen when feeding. Identifying plant species visited by Mamestra brassicae moths could further strengthen our knowledge of their migratory trajectory and the interactions of M. brassicae moths with these plant species. Here, with morphological analysis and DNA metabarcoding of pollen carried by the moths, we determined these plant species visited by M. brassicae during 2015-2018. Pollen grains removed from M. brassicae moths were identified from 25 species (18 were identified to genus), representing at least 19 families, including Pinaceae, Oleaceae, Rosaceae, and Asteraceae, but mainly belonging to Angiospermae, Dicotyledoneae. There were noticeable interannual differences (maximum value: 35.31% in 2018) and seasonal differences (maximum value: 33.28% in April-(including May)-June) in the frequency of M. brassicae moths with adhering pollen, but no noticeable difference based on sex. Meanwhile, we also found pollen from some species such as Citrus sinensis (Rutales: Rutaceae) and Melia azedarach (Rutales: Meliaceae) that grow in southern China, indicating that M. brassicae moths might migrate northward in spring. Our results demonstrate that the M. brassicae moth visits a variety of plant species during migration, and these findings promote our understanding of the interaction between moths and these plant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianglong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northern Region of North China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, IPM Center of Hebei Province, Plant Protection Institute, Hebei Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Baoding, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongqiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huiru Jia
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Chang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kongming Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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14
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Contina A, Magozzi S, Vander Zanden HB, Bowen GJ, Wunder MB. Optimizing stable isotope sampling design in terrestrial movement ecology research. Methods Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Contina
- Department of Integrative Biology University of Colorado Denver 1151 Arapahoe St Denver CO USA
| | - S. Magozzi
- Department of Integrative Marine Ecology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Fano Marine Centre Fano (PU) Italy
| | - H. B. Vander Zanden
- Department of Biology University of Florida PO Box 118525 Gainesville FL USA
| | - G. J. Bowen
- Department of Geology and Geophysics University of Utah 115 S 1460 E Salt Lake City UT USA
| | - MB Wunder
- Department of Integrative Biology University of Colorado Denver 1151 Arapahoe St Denver CO USA
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15
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Kubelka V, Sandercock BK, Székely T, Freckleton RP. Animal migration to northern latitudes: environmental changes and increasing threats. Trends Ecol Evol 2021; 37:30-41. [PMID: 34579979 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2021.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Every year, many wild animals undertake long-distance migration to breed in the north, taking advantage of seasonally high pulses in food supply, fewer parasites, and lower predation pressure in comparison with equatorial latitudes. Growing evidence suggests that climate-change-induced phenological mismatches have reduced food availability. Furthermore, novel pathogens and parasites are spreading northwards, and nest or offspring predation has increased at many Arctic and northern temperate locations. Altered trophic interactions have decreased the reproductive success and survival of migratory animals. Reduced advantages for long-distance migration have potentially serious consequences for community structure and ecosystem function. Changes in the benefits of migration need to be integrated into projections of population and ecosystem dynamics and targeted by innovative conservation actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vojtěch Kubelka
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Alfred Denny Building, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK; Department of Zoology and Centre for Polar Ecology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, České Budějovice, 370 05, Czech Republic; Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, Hungary; Department of Biodiversity Research, Global Change Research Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences, Bělidla 986/4a, Brno, 603 00, Czech Republic.
| | - Brett K Sandercock
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Høgskoleringen 9, Trondheim, 7485, Norway
| | - Tamás Székely
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, Hungary; Milner Centre for Evolution, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - Robert P Freckleton
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Alfred Denny Building, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.
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16
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Reich MS, Flockhart DTT, Norris DR, Hu L, Bataille CP. Continuous‐surface geographic assignment of migratory animals using strontium isotopes: A case study with monarch butterflies. Methods Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Megan S. Reich
- Department of Biology University of Ottawa Ottawa ON Canada
| | - D. T. Tyler Flockhart
- Appalachian Laboratory University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science Frostburg MD USA
| | - D. Ryan Norris
- Department of Integrative Biology University of Guelph Guelph ON Canada
- Nature Conservancy of Canada Toronto ON Canada
| | - Lihai Hu
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Ottawa Ottawa ON Canada
| | - Clément P. Bataille
- Department of Biology University of Ottawa Ottawa ON Canada
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Ottawa Ottawa ON Canada
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17
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Hedlund JSU, Lv H, Lehmann P, Hu G, Anderson RC, Chapman JW. Unraveling the World’s Longest Non-stop Migration: The Indian Ocean Crossing of the Globe Skimmer Dragonfly. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.698128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect migration redistributes enormous quantities of biomass, nutrients and species globally. A subset of insect migrants perform extreme long-distance journeys, requiring specialized morphological, physiological and behavioral adaptations. The migratory globe skimmer dragonfly (Pantala flavescens) is hypothesized to migrate from India across the Indian Ocean to East Africa in the autumn, with a subsequent generation thought to return to India from East Africa the following spring. Using an energetic flight model and wind trajectory analysis, we evaluate the dynamics of this proposed transoceanic migration, which is considered to be the longest regular non-stop migratory flight when accounting for body size. The energetic flight model suggests that a mixed strategy of gliding and active flapping would allow a globe skimmer to stay airborne for up to 230–286 h, assuming that the metabolic rate of gliding flight is close to that of resting. If engaged in continuous active flapping flight only, the flight time is severely reduced to ∼4 h. Relying only on self-powered flight (combining active flapping and gliding), a globe skimmer could cross the Indian Ocean, but the migration would have to occur where the ocean crossing is shortest, at an exceptionally fast gliding speed and with little headwind. Consequently, we deem this scenario unlikely and suggest that wind assistance is essential for the crossing. The wind trajectory analysis reveals intra- and inter-seasonal differences in availability of favorable tailwinds, with only 15.2% of simulated migration trajectories successfully reaching land in autumn but 40.9% in spring, taking on average 127 and 55 h respectively. Thus, there is a pronounced requirement on dragonflies to be able to select favorable winds, especially in autumn. In conclusion, a multi-generational, migratory circuit of the Indian Ocean by the globe skimmer is shown to be achievable, provided that advanced adaptations in physiological endurance, behavior and wind selection ability are present. Given that migration over the Indian Ocean would be heavily dependent on the assistance of favorable winds, occurring during a relatively narrow time window, the proposed flyway is potentially susceptible to disruption, if wind system patterns were to be affected by climatic change.
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18
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Newton J. An insect isoscape of UK and Ireland. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2021; 35:e9126. [PMID: 34008249 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The study of insect migration is problematic due to the small size of insects. Stable isotope analysis can be used to elucidate movement, either by geographic assignment of location of a species, or by simply distinguishing migrant from resident populations. There are few isoscapes of any kind in the UK/Ireland available for interrogation. Thus, I have measured stable isotope ratios (of H, C, N and S) of 299 individuals of the non-migratory Brimstone moth (Opisthograptis luteolata) collected from 93 locations around the UK and Ireland by citizen scientists. METHODS After removing lipids, stable isotope ratios were measured by continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry, using either a conventional elemental analyser (C, N and S) or a high-temperature, thermal conversion elemental analyser in reductive mode. RESULTS Maps (isoscapes) were constructed that illustrate the stable isotope spatial distribution of this insect. These are the first isoscapes of H, C, N and S of biological samples covering both UK and Ireland. CONCLUSIONS The insect isoscape patterns can be explained from what we know of moth diet, climate and geology. Sulfur isotopes may be of particular use for distinguishing individuals from areas of unique geology. Isoscape patterns may (with care) predict isotope compositions of other, herbivorous, non-aquatic, chitinous taxa. Such isoscapes, when extended beyond the UK and Ireland, would provide a useful tool to elucidate insect migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Newton
- SUERC, Rankine Avenue, East Kilbride, G75 0QF, UK
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19
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Clement RA, Saxton NA, Standring S, Arnold PR, Johnson KK, Bybee DR, Bybee SM. Phylogeny, migration and geographic range size evolution of Anax dragonflies (Anisoptera: Aeshnidae). Zool J Linn Soc 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlab046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The genus Anax is a group of cosmopolitan dragonflies noted for its conspicuous migratory behaviours and large size. Here we present the first dated, species-level, multigene, molecular phylogeny for the group to test generic and species-limits, as well as the evolution of migration and range size. Using five mitochondrial and nuclear gene regions (COI, COI/COII, CYTB/ND1, ITS1 and PRMT) from 20 species, we reconstructed a phylogeny of Anax using both a Bayesian and maximum likelihood approach. We found that Anax (including its hypothesized sister group Hemianax) forms a monophyletic group, and that 12 out of 20 species tested positive for monophyly were also monophyletic. The monophyly of several species of Anax is less clear. Migratory behaviour, which is known to occur in at least nine species, is recovered as the ancestral behaviour, which was lost and subsequently gained at least three times. Geographic range size seems to be tightly associated with migratory behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Clement
- Computational Biology Institute, The Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington,D.C., USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington,D.C. 20052USA
| | - Natalie A Saxton
- Department of Biology, Brigham Young University, 4102 LSB,Provo,UT, USA
| | - Samantha Standring
- Entomology Department, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside,CA92521USA
| | - Preston R Arnold
- Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Bryan,Texas, USA
| | | | - David R Bybee
- Biology Program, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, 55–220 Kulanui Street,Laie, USA
| | - Seth M Bybee
- Department of Biology, Brigham Young University, 4102 LSB,Provo,UT, USA
- Monte L. Bean Museum, Brigham Young University, Provo,UT, USA
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20
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Environmental drivers of annual population fluctuations in a trans-Saharan insect migrant. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2102762118. [PMID: 34155114 PMCID: PMC8256005 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2102762118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The painted lady butterfly is an annual migrant to northern regions, but the size of the immigration varies by more than 100-fold in successive years. Unlike the monarch, the painted lady breeds year round, and it has long been suspected that plant-growing conditions in winter-breeding locations drive this high annual variability. However, the regions where caterpillars develop over winter remained unclear. Here, we show for the European summer population that winter plant greenness in the savanna of sub-Saharan Africa is the key driver of the size of the spring immigration. Our results show that painted ladies regularly cross the Sahara Desert and elucidate the climatic drivers of the annual population dynamics. Many latitudinal insect migrants including agricultural pests, disease vectors, and beneficial species show huge fluctuations in the year-to-year abundance of spring immigrants reaching temperate zones. It is widely believed that this variation is driven by climatic conditions in the winter-breeding regions, but evidence is lacking. We identified the environmental drivers of the annual population dynamics of a cosmopolitan migrant butterfly (the painted lady Vanessa cardui) using a combination of long-term monitoring and climate and atmospheric data within the western part of its Afro-Palearctic migratory range. Our population models show that a combination of high winter NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) in the Savanna/Sahel of sub-Saharan Africa, high spring NDVI in the Maghreb of North Africa, and frequent favorably directed tailwinds during migration periods are the three most important drivers of the size of the immigration to western Europe, while our atmospheric trajectory simulations demonstrate regular opportunities for wind-borne trans-Saharan movements. The effects of sub-Saharan vegetative productivity and wind conditions confirm that painted lady populations on either side of the Sahara are linked by regular mass migrations, making this the longest annual insect migration circuit so far known. Our results provide a quantification of the environmental drivers of large annual population fluctuations of an insect migrant and hold much promise for predicting invasions of migrant insect pests, disease vectors, and beneficial species.
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21
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Autumn southward migration of dragonflies along the Baltic coast and the influence of weather on flight behaviour. Anim Behav 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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22
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Hobson KA, Jinguji H, Ichikawa Y, Kusack JW, Anderson RC. Long-Distance Migration of the Globe Skimmer Dragonfly to Japan Revealed Using Stable Hydrogen (δ 2H) Isotopes. ENVIRONMENTAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 50:247-255. [PMID: 33219373 DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvaa147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The globe skimmer dragonfly, Pantala flavescens Fabricius (Odonata: Libellulidae), is a long-distance migrant, well adapted to exploiting ephemeral waterbodies. This species occurs in Japan every summer, but overwintering has only been recorded on subtropical Ishigaki Island. It is not known from where the summer immigrants originate, nor what proportion of the globe skimmers seen in Japan are of local origin. We analyzed stable hydrogen isotope (δ 2H) composition of wings of 189 P. flavescens captured at six sites in Japan from August to September in 2016 (n = 57) and from April to November in 2017 (n = 132). We determined that the majority of individuals were immigrants. Individuals of probable Japanese origin occurred only later in the year and were of lower mass on average than immigrants. Immigrants potentially originated from a broad area as far west as northern India and the Tibetan Plateau and, especially late in the season, as near as northcentral China and the Korean peninsula. However, for April samples, the most parsimonious interpretation suggested southern origins, in northern Myanmar to southern China, or possibly Borneo-Sulawesi. Our investigation underlines the power of combining stable isotope data with other information such as wind speed and direction, arrival dates, and body mass to estimate origins and to understand the life history of this and other insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith A Hobson
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Hiroshi Jinguji
- Faculty of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fukushima University, Fukushima, Japan
| | | | - Jackson W Kusack
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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Borisov SN, Iakovlev IK, Borisov AS, Ganin MY, Tiunov AV. Seasonal Migrations of Pantala flavescens (Odonata: Libellulidae) in Middle Asia and Understanding of the Migration Model in the Afro-Asian Region Using Stable Isotopes of Hydrogen. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11120890. [PMID: 33348620 PMCID: PMC7765977 DOI: 10.3390/insects11120890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Large-distance migrations of insects have been recognized for many years, but many details of this behaviour remain unknown. The globe skimmer dragonfly has the most extensive cosmopolitan range among all dragonfly species. Migrations of these dragonflies are noted on all continents (except Antarctica), over both land and the oceans, but the patterns of their seasonal movements are still poorly understood. We aimed to confirm seasonal latitudinal migrations of the globe skimmer in Middle Asia and to clarify its migration pattern in extended areas. We used stable isotope composition of hydrogen in wings of dragonflies as an intrinsic marker of their places of origin. Combining phenological data and a comparison with published isotopic data on migratory insects, our results suggest that in spring, the already-mature dragonflies arrive in Middle Asia for reproduction from tropical parts of East Africa and/or the Arabian Peninsula, and, in autumn, summer-generation dragonflies migrate to the south. We conclude that in the Afro-Asian region there is an extensive migration circle of the globe skimmer covering East Africa, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent with a total length of more than 14,000 km. Abstract In Middle Asia, the dragonfly Pantala flavescens makes regular seasonal migrations. In spring, sexually mature dragonflies (immigrants) arrive in this region for reproduction. Dragonflies of the aboriginal generation (residents) develop in about two months, and migrate south in autumn. Residents of Middle Asia have significantly lower δ2H values (−123.5 (SD 17.2)‰, n = 53) than immigrants (−64.4 (9.7)‰, n = 12), as well as aboriginal dragonfly species from Ethiopia (−47.9 (10.8)‰, n = 4) and the Sahel zone (−50.1 (15.5)‰, n = 11). Phenological data on P. flavescens in the Afro-Asian region and a comparison with published isotopic data on migratory insects from this region suggest that (i) the probable area of origin of P. flavescens immigrants is located in tropical parts of East Africa and/or the Arabian Peninsula and (ii) the autumn migration of Middle Asian residents to the south may also pass through the Indian Ocean. We assume that in the Afro-Asian region, there is an extensive migration circle of P. flavescens covering East Africa, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent with a total length of more than 14,000 km.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey N. Borisov
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Frunze str., 11, 630091 Novosibirsk, Russia; (I.K.I.); (A.S.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ivan K. Iakovlev
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Frunze str., 11, 630091 Novosibirsk, Russia; (I.K.I.); (A.S.B.)
| | - Alexey S. Borisov
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Frunze str., 11, 630091 Novosibirsk, Russia; (I.K.I.); (A.S.B.)
| | - Mikhail Yu. Ganin
- All-Russian Research Institute of Brewing, Non-Alcoholic and Wine Industry—A branch of the Gorbatov’s Federal Scientific Center for Food Systems of Russian Academy of Sciences, Rossolimo str., 7, 119021 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Alexei V. Tiunov
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky pr. 33, 119071 Moscow, Russia;
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Gao B, Hedlund J, Reynolds DR, Zhai B, Hu G, Chapman JW. The 'migratory connectivity' concept, and its applicability to insect migrants. MOVEMENT ECOLOGY 2020; 8:48. [PMID: 33292576 PMCID: PMC7718659 DOI: 10.1186/s40462-020-00235-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Migratory connectivity describes the degree of linkage between different parts of an animal's migratory range due to the movement trajectories of individuals. High connectivity occurs when individuals from one particular part of the migratory range move almost exclusively to another localized part of the migratory range with little mixing with individuals from other regions. Conversely, low migratory connectivity describes the situation where individuals spread over a wide area during migration and experience a large degree of mixing with individuals from elsewhere. The migratory connectivity concept is frequently applied to vertebrate migrants (especially birds), and it is highly relevant to conservation and management of populations. However, it is rarely employed in the insect migration literature, largely because much less is known about the migration circuits of most migratory insects than is known about birds. In this review, we discuss the applicability of the migratory connectivity concept to long-range insect migrations. In contrast to birds, insect migration circuits typically comprise multigenerational movements of geographically unstructured (non-discrete) populations between broad latitudinal zones. Also, compared to the faster-flying birds, the lower degree of control over movement directions would also tend to reduce connectivity in many insect migrants. Nonetheless, after taking account of these differences, we argue that the migratory connectivity framework can still be applied to insects, and we go on to consider postulated levels of connectivity in some of the most intensively studied insect migrants. We conclude that a greater understanding of insect migratory connectivity would be of value for conserving threatened species and managing pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boya Gao
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK.
| | - Johanna Hedlund
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK
- Lund University, Department of Biology, Centre for Animal Movement Research, Ecology Building, SE-223 62, Lund, Sweden
| | - Don R Reynolds
- Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Chatham, Kent, UK
- Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Baoping Zhai
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Gao Hu
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jason W Chapman
- Department of Entomology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK.
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, UK.
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25
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Lancer BH, Evans BJE, Wiederman SD. The visual neuroecology of anisoptera. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2020; 42:14-22. [PMID: 32841784 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Dragonflies belong to the oldest known lineage of flying animals, found across the globe around streams, ponds and forests. They are insect predators, specialising in ambush attack as aquatic larvae and rapid pursuit as adults. Dragonfly adults hunt amidst swarms in conditions that confuse many predatory species, and exhibit capture rates above 90%. Underlying the performance of such a remarkable predator is a finely tuned visual system capable of tracking targets amidst distractors and background clutter. The dragonfly performs a complex repertoire of flight behaviours, from near-motionless hovering to acute turns at high speeds. Here, we review the optical, neuronal, and behavioural adaptations that underlie the dragonflies' ability to achieve such remarkable predatory success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Horatio Lancer
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005 South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Steven D Wiederman
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005 South Australia, Australia.
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Diversity, dynamics, direction, and magnitude of high-altitude migrating insects in the Sahel. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20523. [PMID: 33239619 PMCID: PMC7688652 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77196-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-distance migration of insects impacts food security, public health, and conservation–issues that are especially significant in Africa. Windborne migration is a key strategy enabling exploitation of ephemeral havens such as the Sahel, however, its knowledge remains sparse. In this first cross-season investigation (3 years) of the aerial fauna over Africa, we sampled insects flying 40–290 m above ground in Mali, using nets mounted on tethered helium-filled balloons. Nearly half a million insects were caught, representing at least 100 families from thirteen orders. Control nets confirmed that the insects were captured at altitude. Thirteen ecologically and phylogenetically diverse species were studied in detail. Migration of all species peaked during the wet season every year across localities, suggesting regular migrations. Species differed in flight altitude, seasonality, and associated weather conditions. All taxa exhibited frequent flights on southerly winds, accounting for the recolonization of the Sahel from southern source populations. “Return” southward movement occurred in most taxa. Estimates of the seasonal number of migrants per species crossing Mali at latitude 14°N were in the trillions, and the nightly distances traversed reached hundreds of kilometers. The magnitude and diversity of windborne insect migration highlight its importance and impacts on Sahelian and neighboring ecosystems.
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Fijen TPM. Mass‐migrating bumblebees: An overlooked phenomenon with potential far‐reaching implications for bumblebee conservation. J Appl Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thijs P. M. Fijen
- Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation Group Wageningen University Wageningen The Netherlands
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Lewis JH. Black Beach—not for the Birds: The Significance of Black Beach, New Brunswick, Canada, as a Feeding and Stopover Site for Migratory Dragonflies. Northeast Nat (Steuben) 2020. [DOI: 10.1656/045.027.0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jake H. Lewis
- Canadian Museum of Nature, 1740 Pink Road, Gatineau, QC J9J 3N7, Canada, and New Brunswick Museum, 277 Douglas Avenue, Saint John, NB E2K 1E5, Canada;
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Quinby BM, Feldman NS, Flaherty EA, Belk MC, Smith ADF, Creighton JC. Isotopic discrimination between carrion and elytra clippings of lab-reared American burying beetles (Nicrophorus americanus): Implications for conservation and evaluation of feeding relationships in the wild. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2020; 34:e8785. [PMID: 32196781 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.8785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Differences in stable isotope composition between an animal and its diet are quantified by experimentally derived diet-tissue discrimination factors. Appropriate discrimination factors between consumers and prey are essential for interpreting stable isotope patterns in ecological studies. While available for many taxa, these values are rarely estimated for organisms within the carrion food web. METHODS We used a controlled-diet stable isotope feeding trial to quantify isotopic diet-tissue discrimination factors of carbon (δ13 C values) and nitrogen (δ15 N values) from laboratory-reared Nicrophorus americanus raised on carrion. We used exoskeleton samples of beetle elytra (wing covers) to determine diet-tissue discrimination factors using a continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer equipped with an elemental analyzer. We also measured the isotopic compositions of five species of co-occurring, wild-caught burying beetles and evaluated feeding relationships. RESULTS We found differences in stable carbon discrimination between carrion sources (mammalian and avian) and lab-reared beetles, but no difference in stable nitrogen discrimination. Values for δ13 C did not differ among wild-caught burying beetle species, but values for δ15 N were significantly different for the three species with overlapping breeding seasons. Furthermore, wild-caught burying beetles within our study area do not appear to use avian carrion resources to rear their young. CONCLUSIONS This study informs future interpretation of stable isotope data for insects within the carrion food web. In addition, these results provide insight into carrion resources used by co-occurring burying beetle species in situ. We also demonstrated that independent of adult food type, the larval food source has a significant impact on the isotopic signatures of adult beetles, which can be estimated using a minimally invasive elytra clipping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon M Quinby
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 195 Marsteller Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Noah S Feldman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University Northwest, 2200 169th Street, Hammond, IN, 46323, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Flaherty
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, 195 Marsteller Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Mark C Belk
- Department of Biology, Brigham Young University, 4023 LSB, Provo, UT, 84602, USA
| | - Amy D F Smith
- Department of Natural Sciences, John Brown University, 2000 W. University St, Siloam Springs, AR, 72761, USA
| | - J Curtis Creighton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University Northwest, 2200 169th Street, Hammond, IN, 46323, USA
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Zhou Y, Zhao S, Wang M, Yu W, Wyckhuys KAG, Wu K. Floral Visitation Can Enhance Fitness of Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Long-Distance Migrants. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 112:2655-2662. [PMID: 31539425 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toz204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Numerous insect species engage in seasonal, trans-latitudinal migration, in response to varying resource availability, climatic conditions and associated opportunities, to maximize fitness and reproductive success. For certain species, the interaction between migrant adults and individual host plants is well-studied under laboratory conditions, but scant knowledge exists on the nutritional ecology of wild (i.e., field-caught) moths. During 2017-2018, we trapped adults of the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) along its migration pathway in northeastern China and used pollen grain analysis to assess its visitation of particular host plants. Next, we assessed life history effects of adult feeding on carbohydrate-rich resources, for migrant individuals. Pollen grain analysis revealed H. armigera visitation of 32 species from 28 families, with the largest carrier ratio for northward migrants. Evening primrose (Oenothera spp.) accounted for 48% of pollen grains, indicating a marked H. armigera feeding preference. Furthermore, feeding on sugar-rich foods benefited adult fitness, enhanced fecundity by 65-82% and increased flight distance by 38-55% as compared to unfed individuals. Also, the degree of enhancement of reproduction and flight performance following sugar feeding varied between different migratory cohorts. Our work combines (polymerase chain reaction [PCR]-assisted) palynology and laboratory-based life history trials to generate novel perspectives on the nutritional ecology of long-distance migratory insects. These findings can aid the development of population monitoring and 'area-wide' management strategies for a globally-important agricultural pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Shengyuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Menglun Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Wenhua Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Kris A G Wyckhuys
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Kongming Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
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Menz MHM, Reynolds DR, Gao B, Hu G, Chapman JW, Wotton KR. Mechanisms and Consequences of Partial Migration in Insects. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Knight SM, Pitman GM, Flockhart DTT, Norris DR. Radio-tracking reveals how wind and temperature influence the pace of daytime insect migration. Biol Lett 2019; 15:20190327. [PMID: 31266418 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2019.0327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects represent the most diverse and functionally important group of flying migratory animals around the globe, yet their small size makes tracking even large migratory species challenging. We attached miniaturized radio transmitters (less than 300 mg) to monarch butterflies ( Danaus plexippus) and common green darner dragonflies ( Anax junius) and tracked their autumn migratory movements through southern Ontario, Canada and into the United States using an automated array of over 100 telemetry towers. The farthest estimated distance a monarch travelled in a single day was 143 km at a wind-assisted groundspeed of 31 km h-1 (8.7 m s-1) and the farthest estimated distance a green darner travelled in a single day was 122 km with a wind-assisted groundspeed of up to 77 km h-1 (21.5 m s-1). For both species, increased temperature and wind assistance positively influenced the pace of migration, but there was no effect of precipitation. While limitations to tracking such small animals remain, our approach and results represent a fundamental advance in understanding the natural history of insect migration and environmental factors that govern their movements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Knight
- 1 Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph , Guelph, Ontario , Canada N1G 2W1.,2 Nature Conservancy of Canada , Toronto, Ontario , Canada M4P 3J1
| | - Grace M Pitman
- 1 Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph , Guelph, Ontario , Canada N1G 2W1.,2 Nature Conservancy of Canada , Toronto, Ontario , Canada M4P 3J1
| | - D T Tyler Flockhart
- 1 Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph , Guelph, Ontario , Canada N1G 2W1.,3 Appalachian Laboratory, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science , Frostburg, MD 21532 , USA
| | - D Ryan Norris
- 1 Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph , Guelph, Ontario , Canada N1G 2W1.,2 Nature Conservancy of Canada , Toronto, Ontario , Canada M4P 3J1
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Menz MHM, Brown BV, Wotton KR. Quantification of migrant hoverfly movements (Diptera: Syrphidae) on the West Coast of North America. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2019; 6:190153. [PMID: 31183151 PMCID: PMC6502382 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.190153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The seasonal migration of huge numbers of hoverflies is frequently reported in Europe from mountain passes or spurs of land. The movement of such large numbers of beneficial insects is thought to provide significant ecosystem services in terms of pollination and pest control. Observations from the East Coast of the USA during the 1920s indicate the presence of migratory life histories among some hoverfly species there, but 90 years have now passed since the last reported observation of hoverfly migration in the USA. Here, we analyse video footage taken during a huge northward migration of hoverflies on 20 April 2017 on the West Coast of California. The quantification of migrant numbers from this footage allows us to estimate the passage of over 100 000 hoverflies in half an hour over a 200 m section of headland in Montaña de Oro State Park (San Luis Obispo County). Field collections and analysis of citizen science data indicate different species from the previously reported Eristalis tenax migrations on the East Coast of the USA and provide evidence for migration among North American hoverflies. We wish to raise awareness of this phenomenon and suggest approaches to advance the study of hoverfly migration in North America and elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myles H. M. Menz
- Department for Migration and Immuno-Ecology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Brian V. Brown
- Entomology Section, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Karl R. Wotton
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9FE, UK
- Author for correspondence: Karl R. Wotton e-mail:
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