Advances in research on insecticide toxicity, especially with respect to target and non-target insects, by Chinese entomologists, insecticide toxicologists, plant protection specialists and pest control experts, in the last 20 years is introduced, and effects of insecticides on pest insects, the natural enemies of pest insects and the environment, systematically reviewed.

The transcription factor myelocytomatosis proteins (MYCs) are activating transcription factors in the response pathway of jasmonic acid (JA) in plants. They are widely found in animals and plants. MYC2 belongs to the family of bHLH and contains the conserved domain of bHLH. It is the most thoroughly studied of the current MYC transcription factors. With the deep study of plant resistance to biotic stress, the research on MYC2, which mediates JA signaling pathway, has gradually become clear. This review summarized the role of transcription factor MYC2 in amplifies transcriptional output, participates in the regulation of plant target genes, cascade with regulating plant resistance to biotic stress by forming a hierarchical transcription downstream antibiotic stress, and highlights the role of rice transcription factor OsMYC2 in antibiotic stress. JAZ is the transcriptional inhibition of JA signaling factor, which participates in mediating JA signaling pathway by inhibiting the activity of MYC2, provides information for the study of MYC2 functional mechanism, and prospects for future research hot spot and directions.

Although bi-trophic interactions between host plants and herbivorous insects, and between herbivorous insects and baculoviruses, have been studied for more than half a century, tri-trophic interactions have only attracted interest in the last two decades. Based on reviews of both domestic and foreign literature, we here describe the eco-physiological and immune mechanisms that insects use to respond to baculovirus infection, and elucidate the mechanisms that plants use to resist the pathogenicity of baculoviruses carried by host insects. We mainly focus on three aspects: plant physical characteristics, nutrient metabolites and secondary metabolites. Finally, we take a rough glance at the future of direction of research, and the kinds of tri-trophic interactions between plants, herbivorous insects and baculoviruses, in order to provide a theoretical basis for understanding the co-existence of multi-trophic groups in the food web.

Serangium japonicum Chapin is an important species of predatory ladybird and has been used as a biological control agent for the tobacco whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) and other agricultural pests. This paper summarizes recent progress in research on the biology and ecology of S. japonicum, including morphological characteristics for identifying the species, prey species, life history, population dynamics in the wild, behavior, and utilization on biological control. Further studies on combining S. japonicum and plant traps for B. tabaci, artificial mass-rearing, and the mechanism for S. japonicum to identify odors are proposed.

Chinese sacbrood virus is a common disease of Apis cerana cerana that can cause colony collapse and huge losses to the domestic honeybee industry. This paper reviews the symptoms, pathogenic factors and current methods for the prevention and control of this disease, and analyzes the feasibility of using Chinese herbal medicine to prevent and treat it. This analysis is based on the biological activity of Chinese herbal medicine and provides new ideas for the application of active ingredients obtained from this traditional body of knowledge for the prevention and control Chinese sacbrood virus. It is important to protect Apis cerana cerana colonies from the Chinese sacbrood virus while at the same time producing safe and pollution-free products.

[Objectives] Trehalose is involved in the response and adaptation of plants to stress. This article aims to clarify the effect of trehalose on the physiological and biochemical characteristics of rice and resistance to the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (St?l) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), which will help to fully explore the potential role of trehalose on rice and provide reference and basis for subsequent research. [Methods] The effects of trehalose on the physiological and biochemical characteristics of rice, including its resistance to the brown planthopper were investigated after treatment with 10 mmol?L ^–1 and 50 mmol?L ^–1 trehalose; specifically, the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and soluble sugar content. In addition, the functional plant loss index (FPLI) after BPH had fed on rice plants and the effects of trehalose treatment on BPH feeding behavior were investigated with an electrical penetration graph (EPG). [Results] The results showed that after applying trehalose at a concentration of 10 mmol·L ^–1 and 50 mmol·L ^–1, the POD activity and soluble sugar content increased significantly, the MDA content decreased significantly, and the function loss index of rice plants was significantly improved. EPG results found that trehalose treatment significantly increased the duration of the N4 wave. [Conclusion] Although appropriate levels of trehalose can improve the resistance of rice to abiotic stress, it does not improve the resistance of rice to BPH.

[Objectives] To determine the profiles of three high expression glutathione-S-transferase (GST) genes in various developmental stages of Aphis. gossypii Glover, and compare the expression of these genes in different host-races of this pest. [Methods] Full-length cDNA sequences of GSTs genes were cloned based on transcriptome data of A. gossypii specimens collected from seedling and mid-summer growth stages of cotton. The relative expression levels in different developmental stages (nymph and adult) and host-races (cucumber and cotton host-races) were investigated with real-time quantitative PCR. [Results] Three high expression GSTs were identified and named AgoGST-s1 (GenBank accession no.: MN688789), AgoGST-d1 (GenBank accession no.: MN688790) and AgoGST-d2 (GenBank accession no.: MN688791). These 3 genes were expressed in all development stages and their temporal expression profiles all tended to increase over time. The relative expression of AgoGST-s1 gene was less in all developmental stages, whereas that of AgoGST-d1 and AgoGST-d2 was more variable. Expression of these 3 GSTs in the cucumber host-race was higher than in the cotton host-race for most age-classes. [Conclusion] Expression of the AgoGST-s1, AgoGST-d1 and AgoGST-d2 genes is significantly associated with the developmental stage of A. gossypii. The expression patterns of these 3 GST genes in two host-races differed, which may reflect adaptation to different host plants.

[Objectives] The new insecticide sulfoxaflor is widely used to control insect pests but little is known about its effects on honeybees (Apis mellifera ligustica). The sublethal effects of sulfoxaflor on the expression of six detoxification (CYP9Q1, CYP9Q2, CYP9Q3, CYP9S1, CYP6AS5 and CYP4G11), four immune (Abaecin, Defensin, Hymenoptaeci and Apidaecin), and three memory (PKA, GluRA and NMDAR1), related genes in honeybees was investigated. [Methods] (1) The LD₅₀ value of sulfoxaflor to honeybees was assessed using the “oral-feeding tube” method. (2) Changes in the expression of six detoxification, four immune, and three memory related genes were measured 48 h after bees had been fed sublethal doses (1/3 LD₅₀ and 1/10 LD₅₀) of sulfoxaflor. [Results] (1) The LD₅₀ value of sulfoxaflor to honeybees was 0.099 μg/bee. (2) Exposure to 1/3 LD₅₀ of sulfoxaflor significantly inhibited Abaecin and Defensin expression in honeybees (P < 0.05), but up-regulated the expression of PKA, NMDAR1, GluRA, CYP9Q2 and CYP9Q3 (P < 0.05). The expression levels of Hymenoptaecin, Apidaecin, CYP6AS5 and CYP4G11 in both treatment groups were significantly higher than in the control group. Sulfoxaflor did not, however, affect the expression of CYP9Q1 and CYP9S1. [Conclusion] Sulfoxaflor could potentially affect the detoxification, immune and memory systems of honeybees. These results provide a basis for further exploring the complex molecular interactions between sulfoxaflor and honeybees.

[Objectives] Guadipyr is a novel insecticide that has both neonicotinoid and semicarbazone insecticidal activity. How it affects ion channels and channel gating characteristics and functions is currently unknown. We examined the effects of Guadipyr on voltage-gated calcium and potassium channels, and explored whether these channels are potential targets for this pesticide. [Methods] The effects of three concentrations (1, 10, and 100 μmol?L ^–1) of Guadipyr on Ca ²⁺and K ⁺ channels were studied using the patch clamp technique. [Results] All three concentrations of Guadipyr significantly (P<0.05) shifted Ca ²⁺channel Ⅰ-Ⅴ and activation curves about 10-15 mV in the negative direction. The inactivation curves of Ca ²⁺channels were also shifted 5 mV towards the hyperpolarizing direction, which is a not significant shift (P>0.05). The Ca ²⁺peak current was significantly decreased by Guadipyr treatment relative to the control. The I_peak decreased more slowly as the concentration of Guadipyr increased. The area of window current increased the most (93.20%) following treatment with 1 μmol?L ^–1 Guadipyr than by treatment with 10 μmol?L ^–1 and 100 μmol?L ^–1. The number of Ca ²⁺ channels activated increased after Guadipyr treatment at a test voltage of ﹣60 mV to +10 mV. The K ⁺peak current decreased gradually when Guadipyr was added to the external solution; the I_peak decreased more slowly as the Guadipyr concentration increased from 10 μmol?L ^–1 to 100 μmol?L ^–1. Ⅰ-Ⅴ curves declined and the activation of K ⁺channels was shifted 8 mV towards the depolarizing direction, which was not significant (P>0.05). This shows that K ⁺ channels can be activated at higher potentials by Guadipyr. [Conclusion] Guadipyr can effectively inhibit the I_peak of the Ca ²⁺and K ⁺channels, and shift the activation and inactivation curves of these channels, thereby affecting the gating of Ca ²⁺ channels and K ⁺ channels. Therefore, Ca ²⁺ and K ⁺ channels in the central neurons of H. armigera are potential Guadipyr target sites.

[Objectives] In order to improve understanding of the role of cytochrome P450 in the detoxification of plant secondary substances and insecticides, the CPR gene (CpCPR) of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella, was cloned and its expression profile was analyzed. [Methods] The amino acid sequences of CPR genes from closely-related insect species were used as queries to search against the C. pomonella transcriptome database (SRX371333) and obtain the sequence of the C. pomonella CPR gene. RT-PCR was then used to amplify the Open Reading Frame (ORF) of the target gene. Bioinformatics software was used to compare the sequence characteristics, 3D structure and phylogenetic relationship of CpCPR to those of CPR from other insects. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to determine the relative expression level of CpCPR in different developmental stages (eggs, 1-5 instar larvae, pupae, and adults) and in various tissues (head, cuticle, fat body, midgut, and Malpighian tubes). [Results] The length of the CpCPR gene is 20 252 bp, which encodes 683 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 77.326 ku and a theoretical isoelectric point of 5.65. CpCPR contains typical insect CPR gene characteristics, such as an FMN region, an NADPH region and a FAD region. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that CpCPR clusters with the CPR gene of other Lepidoptera. RT-qPCR results show that the CpCPR gene is expressed in all developmental stages but is most abundant in the larval stage. In addition, CpCPR mRNA was detected in all tissues but was most abundant in the midgut in fourth-instar larvae. [Conclusion] The ORF of the CpCPR gene was successfully cloned. This gene was most highly expressed during the larval stage and in the midgut of C. pomonella, indicating that it may play an important role in the detoxification of plant secondary substances and insecticides.

[Objectives] To investigate the effect of deltamethrin on the growth, development and energy storage of 1st instar nymphs of Acyrthosiphon solani Kaltenbach and thereby provide a theoretical basis for research pesticide resistance mechanisms in this pest. [Methods] First instar nymphs of A. solani were treated with an LC₅₀ dose of deltamethrin via the impregnation method after which the growth of successive instars was monitored every 12 h. In addition, the protein, carbohydrate and total lipid of each nymph was measured by staining these with anthrone, coomassie brilliant blue G-250 and vanillin, respectively. [Results] We found that deltamethrin significantly extended the growth period of 1st and 2nd instar nymphs by 1.44 times and 1.26 times, respectively (P < 0.05). There was also a significant difference in the specific gravity of protein between treatment and control groups in 2nd (0.74 times), 3nd (0.69 times) and 5th instar (1.17 times) nymphs. The protein content of other treated instars also differed from their respective control group, but not significantly. There was also a significant difference in the specific gravity of soluble carbohydrate between 2nd instar treatment and control groups (1.39 times). Glycogen differed significantly between treatment and control groups in the 1st (3.81 times) and 2nd instars (3.82 times). Finally, total lipid content significantly differed between the treatment and control groups of all four instars; treatment groups having 2.04, 1.34, 1.25 and 1.30 times the total lipid content of their respective control groups. [Conclusion] An LC₅₀ dose of deltamethrin effects both the growth and nutrient content of all instars of A. solani.

[Objectives] To determine the susceptibility to commonly used insecticides in free-living populations of cruciferous vegetables aphids in Guizhou Province, which is important information for controlling, and managing insecticide resistance in, these pests. [Methods] The leaf-dipping method was used to assess susceptibility to more than 10 commonly used insecticides in wild populations of Myzus persicae (Sulzer), Brevicoryne brassicae (Linnaeus) and Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) in Guiyang, Xifeng, Qianxi and Zunyi in 2017-2018. In addition, detection data, including species, year, population and insecticide, were compared and statistically analyzed. [Results] 1. Significant differences were found in the susceptibility of the three vegetable aphids to the insecticides tested. M. persicae was 12.7- and 15.5-fold, respectively, less susceptible than B. brassicae and L. erysimi. 2. No significant difference in susceptibility was detected among different populations of B. brassicae in Guiyang, Qianxi and Xifeng, and in populations of L. erysimi in Guiyang and Zunyi. 3. Susceptibility of M. persicae and B. brassicae decreased by 2.2- and 1.9-fold from 2017 to 2018. The susceptibility of the Guiyang population M. persicae to nitenpyram, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, chlorpyrifos, clothianidin and cyantraniliprole also significantly decreased by 5.6- to 115.0-fold over this period, and the susceptibility of the Guiyang population of B. brassicae to lambda-cyhalothrin, sulfoxaflor, chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam decreased by 2.1- to 6.7-fold. [Conclusion] Most insecticides that are highly toxic to B. brassicae and L. erysimi can be used to control these two aphid species. Thiamethoxam and cyantraniliprole should be used in rotation. M. persicae was not sensitive to most of the tested insecticides and rapidly develops resistance to these. Sulfoxaflor, imidacloprid and pirimicarb will only be temporarily effective against M. persicae in Guizhou province. New insecticides that are effective against M. persicae are urgently required.

[Objectives] To describe morphological characteristics that can be used to accurately identify the moth Spodoptera frugiperda, an invasive pest that has recently become established in China. [Methods] Stable, diagnostic, morphological characteristics of male and female moths, including male genitalia and female bursa copulatrix are described. [Results] Body size and other 20 morphological characteristics are too variable among individuals to be used to accurately identify S. frugiperda. In addition to 4 forewing characteristics, including black spots on the base of the forewing, 6 other morphological features, such as black scale bands on the labial palp, are found to be sufficiently invariant among individuals to serve as diagnostic features. An oblique orbicular spot in the middle of the forewing, and other 3 morphological characteristics are confined to males and females. The uniform color of humeral plates and 4 other features are confined to males, whereas the characteristic “same color of the inner part to the forewings” is confined to females. Four and two newly identified external morphological features accurately distinguish S. frugiperda from S. litura and S. exigua moths, respectively. Newly identified 6 diagnostic features of male S. frugiperda genitalia include juxta longer than wide, whereas newly identified 4 features of females bursa copulatrix include the base of the ductus bursae being obviously wider than the end. Three features of the male genitalia, and 3 of the female bursa copulatrix, accurately distinguish S. frugiperda from male S. litura and female S. exigua, respectively. [Conclusion] The results of this study not only provide morphological characteristics of the forewing but also additional morphological characteristics of other body part that allow the accurate identification of male S. frugiperda. Forewing features that allow the accurate identification of females are also provided for the first time. In addition, our results provide a useful reference on the genitalia of noctuids, including some newly described features of the male genitalia and female bursa copulatrix.

[Objectives] Phosphoglycerate mutase (PGAM) plays an important role in the glycolysis and gluconeogenesis of protease. This study intends to clarify the sequence characteristics and expression patterns of the amPGAM2 gene. [Methods] The cDNA sequence of the Apis mellifera amPGAM2 gene was cloned, and its sequence characteristics and expression in different castes and developmental stages; workers, drones and queens, analyzed. [Results] Sequence analysis indicates that the full length of the cloned sequence is 976 bp, and contains a complete open reading frame encoding 254 amino acids. The nucleotide sequence of the gene is highly homologous to that of Apis cerana (98.4%). The gene has 15 potential antigen epitopes, 9 phosphorylation sites and 5 histidine phosphatase domain active sites and encodes a glycerol diphosphate-dependent soluble neutral stable protein that belongs to the histidine phosphatase superfamily. The results of RT-qPCR indicate that expression of amPGAM2 is significantly different in different castes and developmental stages. Expression in workers was highest at 3 days of age in the egg stage and at 5 days in the larval stage. The highest expression in drones and queesn was in the adult stage and in 4 day-old larvae, respectively. Expression in workers, drones and queens increased from hatching to the larval stage, and from the red-eye pupal eclosion to the adult stage. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the amPGAM2 gene plays an important role in hatching and spermatogenesis. This paper provides a theoretical basis for improving understanding of the energy metabolism during reproductive development in Apis mellifera.

[Objectives] UDP-glucosyltransferase (UGT) in insects is of particular importance for the detoxification of endogenous and exogenous toxic compounds. However, no information about RhorUGT genes of Rhaphuma horsfieldi is available. [Methods] In this study, we characterized the UGT gene family from R. horsfieldi using transcriptomics, bioinformatics, phylogenic and expression profiling analyses, and homology modeling approaches. [Results] Based on the transcriptomic data, totally 36 RhorUGT genes were identified from this beetle, 17 of which were full-length sequences. A comparative study on UGT gene numbers among different coleopteran species revealed that R. horsfieldi harbored a medium UGT number. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that RhorUGTs were clustered into ten sub-families, with a cerambycid-specific one of UGT352. Notably, these members formed by RhorUGT2/7/10/16/18/27 from UGT352 were possibly derived from gene duplications. Expression profiles showed that most of RhorUGTs were detected in tested tissues and some were specifically or highly expressed in antennae or tarsi, suggesting their diverse functions including olfaction and touch. Results by three-dimensional structures showed that α3, α4, β4 and β5 of RhorUGT17 were mainly involved in the binding of UDP-glucose. [Conclusion] This study has identified the numbers, sequence characteristics, phylogenic relationships and tissue expression characteristics of R. horsfieldi UGTs, and thus provides reference data for addressing the detoxification mechanisms of this beetle.

[Objectives] To investigate the molecular mechanisms used by plants in response to attack by the brown planthopper BPH; [Nilaparvata lugens (St?l)], a piercing-sucking insect that is now one of the most globally important rice pests. [Methods] Transcriptome data of seedling stage rice, with, or without, BPH were obtained using Illumina next-generation sequencing technology. Gene expression levels were obtained using RSEM software and DEseq2 used to analyze differential gene expression. Twenty differentially expressed genes were randomly selected for verification with fluorescent quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and GeneMerge software was used to analyze KEGG and GO enrichment of differentially expressed genes. [Results] A total of 1 104 differentially expressed genes were identified in rice plants infested by BPH, of which 435 were up-regulated and 669 were down-regulated. Twenty differentially expressed genes were selected for validation with qPCR, among which 18 were consistent with RNA-Seq estimation thereby confirming the reliability of transcriptome analysis. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis show that the up-regulated genes were enriched into 14 KEGG pathways and 30 GO terms, that are mainly involved in oxidative stress, trehalose synthesis and secondary metabolism, whereas the down-regulated genes were enriched into 29 KEGG pathways and 26 GO terms that are mainly involved in the synthesis of cellulose, protein and fatty acids. In addition, 61 transcription factors and 13 genes related to the salicylic acid and jasmonic acid pathways were enriched in the differentially expressed genes. [Conclusion] Feeding by the BPH stimulates the stress and defense responses of rice plants, and also reduces nutrient synthesis, which suggests a possible impact of BPH on rice yield. These results reveal changes in gene expression in rice plants in response to feeding by BPH, the possible impact of BPH on rice yield, and also provide theorical support for developing rice cultivars resistant to BPH.

[Objectives] Increasing crop damage by Chilo suppressalis (Walker) in recent years poses a major threat to rice production. Due to the resistance of C. suppressalis to multiple pesticides, the parasitic wasp Cotesia chilonis is gradually becoming more popular as a biological control for the larvae of C. suppressalis in the field. The aim of this study was to clarify the ability of insectary-reared C. chilonis to control C. suppressalis in the field, and investigate the effects of various environmentally-friendly pesticides on both C. suppressalis and C. chilonis. [Methods] The number of dead heart leaves, white ears and dead boot stages of rice, and the number of live C. suppressalis larvae, following releases of two different densities (125 and 250 cocoons) of C. chilonis and seven different pesticide treatments, was quantified and to compared. [Results] Both densities of C. chilonis reduced C. suppressalis damage to the rice plants; there was no significant difference between the two densities of C. chilonis in this respect, although more C. suppressalis were parasitized after the higher density of C. chilonis were released. Among the different pesticide treatments, cyantraniliprole was the best, followed by chlorantraniliprole, and Bacillus thuringiensis and dimehypo were the worst. There were also large differences in the effectiveness of different doses of cyantraniliprole. The high parasitic rate was found where C. chilonis was released but all pesticide treatments significantly reduced the number of C. suppressalis larvae parasitized by C. chilonis. [Conclusion] C. chilonis can effectively control C. suppressalis in the field, but the optimal density and methodology of releasing C. chilonis requires further investigation. Although C. suppressalis were parasitized by C. chilonis where the later were released, all seven insecticides tested significantly reduced the proportion of C. suppressalis that were parasitized, indicating that the use of these pesticides is incompatible with the release of C. chilonis as a biological control. The control of C. suppressalis should consider not only the pesticide dosages required to control this pest, but also potential pesticide damage to its natural enemies and the environment as a whole. The results of this experiment provide both a theoretical and practical basis for the subsequent establishment of a more environmentally-friendly strategy for controlling C. suppressalis based on the use of C. chilonis as a biological control.

[Objectives] To elucidate the effects of infection with the secondary symbiotic bacteria Rickettsia on the ecological characteristics of whitefly Bemisia tabaci. [Methods] Cotton was selected as the experimental plant. Rickettsia- positive (B ⁺) and negative B. tabaci (B ^-) were allowed to feed on plants for 15 d. Plants on which B ⁺insects had fed were regarded as Rickettsia persistent plants (C ⁺) and those on which B ^-insects had fed were regarded as Rickettsia-free plants (C ^-). The developmental time and survival rate of B. tabaci nymphs feeding on these two types of cotton plants, and their subsequent fecundity and longevity as adults, was quantified and compared. [Results] Rickettsia can significantly shorten the developmental time of B. tabaci. The generational time of the B ⁺C ⁺ and B ⁺C ^- treatment groups was around 17-18d, whereas that of the B ^-C ⁺ and B ^-C ^- treatment groups was around 21-23 d. Rickettsia can also significantly increase the survival of B. tabaci; survival rates from egg to adult of the B ⁺C ⁺, B ⁺C ^-, B ^-C ⁺ and B ^-C ^- treatment groups were 75.00%, 70.00%, 56.67% and 41.67%, respectively. Rickettsia also significantly increases the number of female offspring produced by B. tabaci. The number of female offspring produced by the B ^-C ^-and B ^-C ⁺treatment groups was significantly lower than that produced by the B ⁺C ⁺and B ⁺C ^-treatment groups. Furthermore, Rickettsia also affects the longevity and fecundity of B. tabaci. The longevity and average fecundity per female of the B ⁺C ⁺, B ⁺C ^- treatment groups were significantly greater than those of the B ^-C ^- and B ^-C ⁺ treatment groups. [Conclusion] The symbiosis of Rickettsia in B. tabaci, and the persistence of Rickettsia in cotton plants, benefit the development and survival of whitefly nymphs, increase the number of female offspring produced and improve the longevity and reproduction of whitefly adults. In terms of its influence on B. tabaci biology, the symbiosis between Rickettsia and B. tabaci is more important than the persistence of Rickettsia in cotton plants.

[Objectives] To investigate the electroantennogram and olfactory behavioral responses of male and females of the beetle Cacia cretifera thibetana to seven volatile compounds derived from a host plant of this pest, the walnut Juglans sigillata var ‘Santai’. [Methods] Electroantennogram (EAG) and Y-tube olfactometer assays were employed to investigate the responses of C. cretifera thibetana to seven volatile components from J. sigillata var ‘Santai’. [Results] The EAG results show that the tested concentrations of all seven compounds elicited responses from both male and female beetles. The weakest EAG responses were to volatile concentrations of 0.000 4 mol/L and the highest to concentrations of 0.4 mol/L. The strongest EAG responses by males and females, 1.84 and 1.74, respectively, were elicited by nonanal. Y-tube behavioral assays showed that, within a certain range of concentration, six compounds, including alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, 1-caryophyllene, nonaldehyde, eucalyptus oil alcohol and trans-2-hexenal, were attractive to male and female beetles. N-hexyl aldehydes, however, had a repellent effect on both sexes. At a volatile concentration of 2 mol/L, females were most attracted by nonaldehyde whereas males preferred beta-pinene; chemotaxis rates of each sex for each compound were 95% and 87%, respectively. N-hexaldehyde had a repellent effect on both sexes, eliciting chemotaxis rates of 87% and 78%, respectively. [Conclusion] All seven compounds induced an EAG response, and six, including alpha-pinene, bet-pinene, 1-caryophyllene, nonaldehyde, eucalyptus oil alcohol and trans-2-hexenal, were attractive to both sexes. Only one compound, n-hexenal, had a repellent effect. These results provide a foundation for further research on attractants for C. cretifera thibetana.

[Objectives] The larvae of Protaetia (Liocola) brevitarsis (Lewis) feed on crop stalks and livestock manure, which plays a role in purifying the environment in nature. In order to better play the role of biological conversion of agricultural organic waste. [Methods] The biological characteristics of P. brevitarsis were studied by using 8 principal agricultural organic wastes produced in agriculture and animal husbandry, including the renewal, oyster mushroom, pig manure, shard, corn stalk as well as shard mixed with 25% corn stalk, 50% corn stalk and 75% corn stalk as feeding matrix. [Results] The highest spawning amount was obtained in the treatment of renewal and oyster mushroom, with 130.17 and 117.00 eggs/female; It was significantly higher than that of pig manure, shard and corn stalk; Regarding the different proportion mixture treatments of shard and corn stalk, the spawning amount was obtained in the treatment with 101.50-108.67 eggs/female; there was no significant difference between different mixing ratios. Compared with the larval hatching rate, the larval hatching rate of oyster mushroom and pig manure was 87.78% and 82.22%; The hatching rate of corn stalk mixed with shard in different rate was all very low, only 46.67%-57.78%. From the rate of larval pupation and feather comparison, The pupation rate and feather rate of corn stalk treated with different proportion of shard were higher, reaching 90.00%-95.56% and 88.89%-91.11%. The pupation rate and eclosion rate of renewal and pig manure were lower than 90% and 70%. In the treatment of single substance, the proportion of female worms was higher than that of male worms in the treatment of renewal, oyster mushroom, shard andcorn stalk. In the mixed treatment group of corn stalk and shard, the proportion of female worms was higher than male worms in the 50% corn stalk+shard groups.The length and width of female and male adults were 17-19 mm and 10-11 mm respectively. The body length of renewal, pig manure and shard treatment group was slightly smaller; Feeding different agricultural organic wastes to the whole developmental cycle of P. brevitarsis, shard feeding group turtle calendar period is the shortest, is (315.29±0.55) d; renewal feeding group turtle calendar period is the longest, is (330.75±1.76) d. [Conclusion] Different agricultural organic wastes can be used as breeding grounds for P. brevitarsis, the production practice in Xinjiang shows that it has the feasibility of high value utilization, it can provide a theoretical basis for the larval transformation of agricultural organic waste.

[Objectives] To investigate the structure, spaciotemporal dynamics, and diversity, of mosquito communities in Wuhan, and thereby improve mosquito prevention and control in this region. [Methods] The spaciotemporal dynamics of mosquito community structure and mosquito density in five habitats were monitored monthly from 2007 to 2016 using the lamp trap method. Species richness and diversity, evenness, dominance and similarity, indices, were calculated and compared. [Results] The average density of mosquitoes in Wuhan during the study period was 58.54 /(lamp night). Eight species, from 5 genera and 2 subfamilies, were captured, and the dominant species were Culex pipiens pallens and Culex tritaeniorhynchus. There was a single seasonal peak of abundance in June. Habitats such as livestock sheds and farmer’s households differed in species richness, and in diversity, evenness and dominance indices, to residential areas, parks and hospitals. [Conclusion] The species, quantity and diversity, of mosquito communities in different seasons and habitats in Wuhan differed, and methods of mosquito prevention and control should consequently take into account both season and habitat type.

[Objectives] To investigate the risk of introducing and spreading the alien invasive sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius (Fabricius) in Jiangsu province. [Methods] The principle of agroclimatic analogy was used to analyze the suitability of areas for C. formicarius in Jiangsu. Based on the pest risk analysis (PRA) procedure according to international standards for pest measurements (ISPM) and the relevant PRA model, this study based the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the risk of C. formicarius establishing in Jiangsu on five factors; the distribution of C. formicarius in China and Jiangsu, the potential damage that could be caused by this pest, the economic importance of damaged host plants, the risk of establishment and spread, and the difficulty of management. [Results] The C. formicarius synthetic risk index is 2.26. In addition, C. formicarius occurs seasonally south of 34.5°N in Jiangsu but only sporadically north of this latitude. It should be noted that there is currently no part of Jiangsu that is absolutely unsuitable for C. formicarius or where the species occurs year-round. [Conclusion] C. formicarius meets the requirements to be classified as quarantinable pest in China, and Jiangsu is a potential area where this species could establish. Based on this, two risk management strategies are proposed to reduce the risk of C. formicarius establishing in Jiangsu to an acceptable level.

[Objectives] To describe the mating and oviposition behavior of Emeia pseudosauteri in order to further understanding of its biology and promote the artificial breeding of this species. [Methods] The mating and oviposition of E. pseudosauteri were studied in laboratory experiments and observed in the field. [Results] Male-male, female-female and male-male encounters before mating were documented and the mating process is described in detail. Mating positions were of the upper and lower position (or “∠” type) and the tail-to-tail position (or “-” type), the latter being derived from the former. Male and female adults could mate multiple times, with mating disruption and false mating common among males. The peaks of mating activity were from 20:00-22:00 with a mating rate of 20.8%, and from 12:00-14:00 with a mating rate of 15.1%. Females tended to lay eggs on wet moss, often clustered in bundles or lines. Females could lay repeatedly, but most eggs (up to 67.82%) were laid in the first egg mass produced, with successively fewer eggs being laid in subsequent egg masses. The number of eggs laid by a single female after multiple matings (up to 45) was higher than that after a single mating (up to 20 eggs). The quantity of eggs laid and the number of oviposition bouts were related to female weight, heavier females produced more egg masses and more eggs in each egg mass. [Conclusion] The mating and oviposition behavior of E. pseudosauteri has some species-specific characteristics but is otherwise similar to the behavior of other fireflies.

[Objectives] To investigate if contour features of the forewings of three Ricaniidae plant hopper species, one of the most important families of pests in orchards, tea plantations, and horticultural plants, can be used to reliably identify an individual’s species and sex. [Methods] Morphological features of the forewings of the three plant hopper species were extracted by image processing and analysis technology and the data analyzed in SPSS v22.0. [Results] There was no significant difference in the contour morphological parameters of the left and right wings of one species. However, there was a difference in these parameters between female and male adults of the other two species. Except for the perimeter measurement in Euricania clara, differences in five actual measurements were either significant, or extremely significant, between females and males. Except for the circularity measurement of males and the perimeter measurement, differences in other parameters were also significant, or extremely significant, between species. Canonical discriminant analysis indicates that these three pest species can be distinguished by their forewing contour features with an accuracy from original and cross validation discrimination of more than 90%. [Conclusion] Three kinds of plant hoppers can be reliably identified by the contour features of their forewings, which provides a method for the automatic identification and population monitoring for these pests.

[Objectives] The relative efficiency of using a RNA extraction kit to extract total RNA from different insects was compared to that of the Trizol method. [Methods] An RNA extraction kit and Trizol were used to extract total RNA from five insects; Aspongopus chinensis Dallas, Sogatella furcifera Horváth, Apis cerana cerana, Pantala flavescens and Chrysolina aurichalcea. The quality and the OD value of total RNA obtained were measured with a UV spectrophotometer and agarose gel electrophoresis. [Results] Although a higher concentration of total RNA was extracted with the Trizol method from three species, S. furcifera, C. aurichalcea, and A. chinensis, it had lower purity and electrophoresis results indicated that it was degraded with poor integrity. Conversely, although the concentration of total RNA obtained with an RNA extraction kit from P. flavescens (Odonata) and A. cerana cerana (Hymenoptera) was relatively low, it was relatively pure and had better integrity. [Conclusion] The trizol method is more suitable for extracting total RNA from small insects or those with high chitin content, whereas an RNA extraction kit is better for insects with low chitin content, a soft abdomen and more body fluid.