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McLellan CF, Montgomery SH. Towards an integrative approach to understanding collective behaviour in caterpillars. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220072. [PMID: 36802788 PMCID: PMC9939266 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
To evolve, and remain adaptive, collective behaviours must have a positive impact on overall individual fitness. However, these adaptive benefits may not be immediately apparent owing to an array of interactions with other ecological traits, which can depend on a lineage's evolutionary past and the mechanisms controlling group behaviour. A coherent understanding of how these behaviours evolve, are exhibited, and are coordinated across individuals, therefore requires an integrative approach spanning traditional disciplines in behavioural biology. Here, we argue that lepidopteran larvae are well placed to serve as study systems for investigating the integrative biology of collective behaviour. Lepidopteran larvae display a striking diversity in social behaviour, which illustrates critical interactions between ecological, morphological and behavioural traits. While previous, often classic, work has provided an understanding of how and why collective behaviours evolve in Lepidoptera, much less is known about the developmental and mechanistic basis of these traits. Recent advances in the quantification of behaviour, and the availability of genomic resources and manipulative tools, allied with the exploitation of the behavioural diversity of tractable lepidopteran clades, will change this. In doing so, we will be able to address previously intractable questions that can reveal the interplay between levels of biological variation. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Collective behaviour through time'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum F. McLellan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
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2
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Hwang HJ, Patnaik BB, Baliarsingh S, Patnaik HH, Sang MK, Park JE, Cho HC, Song DK, Jeong JY, Hong CE, Kim YT, Sin HJ, Ziwei L, Park SY, Kang SW, Jeong HC, Park HS, Han YS, Lee YS. Transcriptome analysis of the endangered dung beetle Copris tripartitus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) and characterization of genes associated to immunity, growth, and reproduction. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:94. [PMID: 36864388 PMCID: PMC9979532 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09122-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dung beetles recycle organic matter through the decomposition of feces and support ecological balance. However, these insects are threatened by the indiscriminate use of agrochemicals and habitat destruction. Copris tripartitus Waterhouse (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), a dung beetle, is listed as a class-II Korean endangered species. Although the genetic diversity of C. tripartitus populations has been investigated through analysis of mitochondrial genes, genomic resources for this species remain limited. In this study, we analyzed the transcriptome of C. tripartitus to elucidate functions related to growth, immunity and reproduction for the purpose of informed conservation planning. RESULTS The transcriptome of C. tripartitus was generated using next-generation Illumina sequencing and assembled de novo using a Trinity-based platform. In total, 98.59% of the raw sequence reads were processed as clean reads. These reads were assembled into 151,177 contigs, 101,352 transcripts, and 25,106 unigenes. A total of 23,450 unigenes (93.40%) were annotated to at least one database. The largest proportion of unigenes (92.76%) were annotated to the locally curated PANM-DB. A maximum of 5,512 unigenes had homologous sequences in Tribolium castaneum. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed a maximum of 5,174 unigenes in the Molecular function category. Further, in Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, a total of 462 enzymes were associated with established biological pathways. Based on sequence homology to known proteins in PANM-DB, representative immunity, growth, and reproduction-related genes were screened. Potential immunity-related genes were categorized into pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, the MyD88- dependent pathway, endogenous ligands, immune effectors, antimicrobial peptides, apoptosis, and adaptation-related transcripts. Among PRRs, we conducted detailed in silico characterization of TLR-2, CTL, and PGRP_SC2-like. Repetitive elements such as long terminal repeats, short interspersed nuclear elements, long interspersed nuclear elements and DNA elements were enriched in the unigene sequences. A total of 1,493 SSRs were identified among all unigenes of C. tripartitus. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a comprehensive resource for analysis of the genomic topography of the beetle C. tripartitus. The data presented here clarify the fitness phenotypes of this species in the wild and provide insight to support informed conservation planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Ju Hwang
- Korea Native Animal Resources Utilization Convergence Research Institute (KNAR), Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, South Korea
| | - Bharat Bhusan Patnaik
- Korea Native Animal Resources Utilization Convergence Research Institute (KNAR), Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, South Korea.,PG Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Fakir Mohan University, Balasore-, Odisha, 756089, India.,Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, South Korea
| | - Snigdha Baliarsingh
- PG Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Fakir Mohan University, Balasore-, Odisha, 756089, India
| | - Hongray Howrelia Patnaik
- Korea Native Animal Resources Utilization Convergence Research Institute (KNAR), Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, South Korea
| | - Min Kyu Sang
- Research Support Center (Core-Facility) for Bio-Bigdata Analysis and Utilization of Biological Resources, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, South Korea
| | - Jie Eun Park
- Korea Native Animal Resources Utilization Convergence Research Institute (KNAR), Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, South Korea.,Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, South Korea
| | - Hang Chul Cho
- iLAB, INSILICOGEN, INC. #2901~2904, Tower-Dong A, HEUNGDEOK IT VALLEY, 13, Heungdeok 1-Ro, Giheung-Gu, Yongin-Si, 16954, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Dae Kwon Song
- Korea Native Animal Resources Utilization Convergence Research Institute (KNAR), Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, South Korea.,Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, South Korea
| | - Jun Yang Jeong
- Korea Native Animal Resources Utilization Convergence Research Institute (KNAR), Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, South Korea.,Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, South Korea
| | - Chan Eui Hong
- Korea Native Animal Resources Utilization Convergence Research Institute (KNAR), Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, South Korea.,Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, South Korea
| | - Yong Tae Kim
- Korea Native Animal Resources Utilization Convergence Research Institute (KNAR), Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, South Korea.,Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, South Korea
| | - Hyeon Jun Sin
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, South Korea
| | - Liu Ziwei
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, South Korea
| | - So Young Park
- Biodiversity Research Team, Animal & Plant Research Department, Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources, Sangju, Gyeongbuk, South Korea
| | - Se Won Kang
- Biological Resource Center (BRC), Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Jeongeup, Jeonbuk, South Korea
| | - Heon Cheon Jeong
- Korea Native Animal Resources Utilization Convergence Research Institute (KNAR), Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, South Korea
| | - Hong Seog Park
- Research Institute, GnC BIO Co., LTD., 621-6 Banseok-Dong, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, 34069, Korea
| | - Yeon Soo Han
- College of Agriculture and Life Science, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-Ro, Buk-Gu, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Yong Seok Lee
- Korea Native Animal Resources Utilization Convergence Research Institute (KNAR), Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, South Korea. .,Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, South Korea. .,Research Support Center (Core-Facility) for Bio-Bigdata Analysis and Utilization of Biological Resources, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, South Korea.
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Yadav C, Yack JE, Smith ML. Octopamine receptor gene influences social grouping in the masked birch caterpillar. BMC Res Notes 2022; 15:211. [PMID: 35725629 PMCID: PMC9208175 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-022-06102-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Group-living plays a key role in the success of many insects, but the mechanisms underlying group formation and maintenance are poorly understood. Here we use the masked birch caterpillar, Drepana arcuata, to explore genetic influences on social grouping. These larvae predictably transition from living in social groups to living solitarily during the 3rd instar of development. Our previous study showed a notable shift in the D. arcuata transcriptome that correlates with the transition from grouping to solitary behavior. We noted that one differentially regulated gene, octopamine receptor gene (DaOAR), is a prominent ‘social’ gene in other insect species, prompting us to test the hypothesis that DaOAR influences grouping behavior in D. arcuata. This was done using RNA interference (RNAi) methods by feeding second instar larvae synthetic dsRNAs. Results RT–qPCR analysis confirmed a significant reduction in DaOAR transcript abundance in dsRNA-fed larvae compared to controls. Behavioral trials showed that caterpillars with reduced transcript abundance of DaOAR remained solitary throughout the observation period compared to controls. These results provide evidence that regulation of the octopamine receptor gene influences social grouping in D. arcuata, and that specifically, a decrease in octopamine receptor expression triggers the larval transition from social to solitary. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13104-022-06102-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanchal Yadav
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Jayne E Yack
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Myron L Smith
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
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Zheng YX, Wang Y, Dai BY, Li Z, Huo QR, Cui JX, Liu H, Li XH, Hughes AC, Zhang AB. Flight Mill Experiments and Computer Simulations Indicate Islands Recruit More Capable Flyers of Moths. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.771719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the traits related to species colonization and invasion, is a key question for both pest management and evolution. One of the key components is flight, which has been measured for a number of insect species through radar and tethered flight mill systems, but a general understanding of insect flight at a community level is lacking. In this study, we used flight mill experiments to quantify flight abilities of moth species, and simulation experiments to study which moths in mainland China have the potential for cross-island dispersal. We found that moths from superfamily Geometroidea (family Geometridae) have the weakest flight ability among the seven Lepidoptera superfamilies, which is characterized by the shortest longest single flight (LSF), the shortest time corresponding to the longest single flight (TLSF) (timecorrespondingtothelongestsingleflight), the lowest total distance flown (TDF), and the lowest average speed during the flight (VTDF). Surprisingly, the family Pyralidae (superfamily Pyraloidea) has the highest flight endurance of all 186 species of 12 families in this study, which is unexpected, given its small size and morphological traits yet it shows the longest LSF and TLSF. The comparison between species common to mainland and islands shows that flight distance (LSF) may be more important for species spread than flight speed. The results of mainland-island simulations show that when P(LSF>CD) (the proportion of individuals whose LSF is greater than the closest distance (CD) between mainland and island to the total number of individuals in the population) is less than 0.004, it is difficult for moth species to disperse to across islands without relying on external factors such as airflow. Over extended periods, with the immigration of species with strong flight abilities, islands are more likely to recruit species with stronger flight abilities.
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Chen M, Sokolowski MB. How Social Experience and Environment Impacts Behavioural Plasticity in Drosophila. Fly (Austin) 2021; 16:68-84. [PMID: 34852730 DOI: 10.1080/19336934.2021.1989248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
An organism's behaviour is influenced by its social environment. Experiences such as social isolation or crowding may have profound short or long-term effects on an individual's behaviour. The composition of the social environment also depends on the genetics and previous experiences of the individuals present, leading to additional potential outcomes from each social interaction. In this article, we review selected literature related to the social environment of the model organism Drosophila melanogaster, and how Drosophila respond to variation in their social experiences throughout their lifetimes. We focus on the effects of social environment on behavioural phenotypes such as courtship, aggression, and group dynamics, as well as other phenotypes such as development and physiology. The consequences of phenotypic plasticity due to social environment are discussed with respect to the ecology and evolution of Drosophila. We also relate these studies to laboratory research practices involving Drosophila and other animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Chen
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Current Affiliation: Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1 Canada
| | - Marla B Sokolowski
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z8, Canada
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Alwash N, Allen AM, B Sokolowski M, Levine JD. The Drosophila melanogaster foraging gene affects social networks. J Neurogenet 2021; 35:249-261. [PMID: 34121597 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2021.1936517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster displays social behaviors including courtship, mating, aggression, and group foraging. Recent studies employed social network analyses (SNAs) to show that D. melanogaster strains differ in their group behavior, suggesting that genes influence social network phenotypes. Aside from genes associated with sensory function, few studies address the genetic underpinnings of these networks. The foraging gene (for) is a well-established example of a pleiotropic gene that regulates multiple behavioral phenotypes and their plasticity. In D. melanogaster, there are two naturally occurring alleles of for called rover and sitter that differ in their larval and adult food-search behavior as well as other behavioral phenotypes. Here, we hypothesize that for affects behavioral elements required to form social networks and the social networks themselves. These effects are evident when we manipulate gene dosage. We found that flies of the rover and sitter strains exhibit differences in duration, frequency, and reciprocity of pairwise interactions, and they form social networks with differences in assortativity and global efficiency. Consistent with other adult phenotypes influenced by for, rover-sitter heterozygotes show intermediate patterns of dominance in many of these characteristics. Multiple generations of backcrossing a rover allele into a sitter strain showed that many but not all of these rover-sitter differences may be attributed to allelic variation at for. Our findings reveal the significant role that for plays in affecting social network properties and their behavioral elements in Drosophila melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawar Alwash
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada.,Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aaron M Allen
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Centre for Neural Circuits and Behavior, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Marla B Sokolowski
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), MaRS Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Joel D Levine
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, Mississauga, Canada.,Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), MaRS Centre, Toronto, Canada
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Yadav C, Smith M, Ogunremi D, Yack J. Draft genome assembly and annotation of the masked birch caterpillar, Drepana arcuata (Lepidoptera: Drepanoidea). Data Brief 2020; 33:106531. [PMID: 33299908 PMCID: PMC7704289 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.106531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The masked birch caterpillar, Drepana arcuata Walker (Lepidoptera: Drepanidae), and other Drepanoidea (Lepidoptera) species are excellent organisms for investigating the function and evolution of vibratory communication and sociality in caterpillars. We present a de novo assembled draft genome and functional annotation for D. arcuata, using a combination of short and long sequencing reads generated by Illumina HiSeq X and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) MinION sequencing platforms, respectively. A total of 460,694,612 150bp paired-end Illumina and 395,890 ONT raw reads were assembled into 11,493 scaffolds spanning a genome size of 270.5Mb. The resulting D. arcuata genome has a GC content of 38.79%, repeat content of 8.26%, is 86.5% complete based on Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) assessment, and comprises 10,398 predicted protein-coding genes. These data represent the first genomic resources for the lepidopteran superfamily Drepanoidea. Although the order Lepidoptera comprises numerous ecologically and economically important species, assembled genomes and annotations are available for < 1% of the total species. These data can be further utilized for research on Lepidoptera genomics as well as on the function and evolution of vibratory communication and sociality in larval insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanchal Yadav
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Myron Smith
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Dele Ogunremi
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ottawa Laboratory Fallowfield, Ontario K2J 4S1, Canada
| | - Jayne Yack
- Department of Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada
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