Article
Ecology
Andrew W. Meeds, Travis W. Rusch, Danielle L. Falcone, Lauren M. Weidner
Summary: This study surveyed the populations of forensically important blow flies in Phoenix, Arizona and found that species abundance correlated with temperature and humidity, which may impact the estimation of minimum post-mortem interval.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kyungjae Andrew Yoon, Woo-Jin Kim, Hanna Cho, Hyeokjun Yoon, Neung-Ho Ahn, Byoung-Hee Lee, Si Hyeock Lee
Summary: The exosecretion, whole body, and fecal waste products of maggots contain alkaline peptides that inhibit bacterial growth. Maggot therapy has been successful in treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Transcriptome analyses of maggots from different dipteran species revealed higher expression levels of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in Calliphorinae species. The Lucilia illustris species showed the highest transcription levels of AMPs. Synthetic AMPs, such as Cecropin A2, demonstrated antimicrobial activity and potential as an alternative to antibiotics. This comparative transcriptomic study provides new insights into the antimicrobial compositions of dipteran species.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Casey A. Flint, Jeffery K. Tomberlin
Summary: This study investigated factors influencing the detection and location of carrion resources by necrophagous insects using behavior assays. Results showed that trial length, presence of sugar/water, and different phenotypes had significant impacts on insect responses. Experiment design was found to play a crucial role in affecting fly response.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Tassia Lopes do Vale, Alcyjara Rego Costa, Leandro Macedo Miranda, Geovane Ferreira Silva, Naylene Carvalho Sales Silva, Tiago Barbalho Lima, Daniel Praseres Chaves, Heinz Sager, Pedro Veloso Facury Lasmar, Livio Martins Costa-Junior
Summary: This study evaluated the potential of lotilaner for the treatment of myiasis caused by the New World screwworm fly in dogs. The results showed that lotilaner had a high efficacy against the screwworm and provided rapid and effective treatment for myiasis in dogs.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Min Hao Ling, Tania Ivorra, Chong Chin Heo, April Hari Wardhana, Martin Jonathan Richard Hall, Siew Hwa Tan, Zulqarnain Mohamed, Tsung Fei Khang
Summary: In the fields of medical, veterinary, and forensic entomology, the use of whole-image analysis for species identification has been made possible by the ease and affordability of acquiring image data. By extracting Krawtchouk moment invariant features from wing images of fly specimens, we were able to develop a classification model that achieved high identification accuracy at both the family and species levels. This study builds upon previous research and paves the way for the development of a robust computer image-based identification system for medically, veterinary, and forensically important fly species.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Charity G. Owings, Hayden Mckee-Zech, Dawnie W. Steadman
Summary: Chrysomya megacephala, a medically and forensically important blow fly species that invaded the US three decades ago, has been found colonizing human remains in a semi-urban area in Tennessee. This behavior, along with its potential threat to human health, highlights the importance of continuously updated distribution records for tracking the movement of C. megacephala across the United States.
ACTA PARASITOLOGICA
(2021)
Article
Entomology
A. P. Noblesse, A. W. Meeds, L. M. Weidner
Summary: Forensic entomology is an important field that utilizes insect evidence in criminal investigations. This study investigated the effects of fat content on blow flies and found that as fat content increased, survivorship decreased and adult weight increased. However, overall development times were not affected by fat content.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Liping Yan, Eliana Buenaventura, Thomas Pape, Sujatha Narayanan Kutty, Keith M. Bayless, Dong Zhang
Summary: The Sarcophagidae (flesh flies) is a widely distributed group within the Calyptratae (Diptera), with diverse larval feeding habits including sarcosaprophagy, coprophagy, herbivory, invertebrate and vertebrate predation, and kleptoparasitism. Originating in the Americas, different subfamilies have evolved unique breeding strategies and feeding habits, such as scavenging on dead invertebrates and vertebrate carrion.
Article
Entomology
Amanda L. Roe, Leon G. Higley
Summary: The study examines the transition times between stages for two blow fly species, which is crucial in determining growth rates. The results show that the transition follows a bell-curve pattern, providing valuable information for improving maggot growth determinations. This finding challenges the existing notion about the collection of largest maggots for determining maggot population stage, and also raises questions about the relationship between variation in development rates and potential geographic variation.
Article
Zoology
Duncan Bell, Nic Bury, Svetlana Gretton, Nick Corps, David Mortimore, Mark K. Greco
Summary: Malpighian tubules in insects are equivalent to mammalian kidneys and can be used as a model for studying human renal tract development and diseases. By utilizing X-ray micro-computer tomography techniques, researchers can mark and outline the developmental stages of the Malpighian tubules, including the crucial reconnection phase. The fruit fly Calliphora vomitoria may be a useful model for studying renal tract development and urolithiasis.
Article
Parasitology
Martin Altuna, Paul V. Hickner, Gustavo Castro, Santiago Mirazo, Adalberto A. Perez de Leon, Alex P. Arp
Summary: This study discovered cases of screwworm infestation in feral swine in Uruguay, with a prevalence associated with temperature and peak occurrence in warmer months. Unlike in cattle, screwworm infestation in feral swine tends to be superficial, posing a challenge to control efforts in screwworm endemic areas. The presence of feral swine in such areas highlights the importance of a One Health approach to understanding host-ectoparasite interactions.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Mackenzie Tietjen, Adalberto A. Perez de Leon, Agustin Sagel, Steve R. Skoda, Pamela L. Phillips, Robert D. Mitchell, Joanne Caruth, Uziel Duran, Lisa Musai, Silvia Tortosa, Alex P. Arp
Summary: This study aims to determine the source of the New World screwworm outbreak in Florida using genetic analysis. The results indicate that the Florida outbreak samples are similar to samples from the outer Caribbean region, but further confirmation is needed with additional wild-caught samples.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Charity G. Owings, Aniruddha Banerjee, Christine J. Picard
Summary: By implementing a high-resolution spatiotemporal sampling design, this study revealed the latent genetic structure among blow fly populations and the impact of environmental factors on genetic structure. The results showed that DAPC and STRUCTURE analyses could identify genetic clusters, and temporal factors played a significant role in genetic differentiation.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniel F. Paulo, Ana C. M. Junqueira, Alex P. Arp, Andre S. Vieira, Jorge Ceballos, Steven R. Skoda, Adalberto A. Perez-de-Leon, Agustin Sagel, William O. McMillan, Maxwell J. Scott, Carolina Concha, Ana M. L. Azeredo-Espin
Summary: The genetics behind obligate ectoparasitism in blowflies has been largely unknown. A study found that a specific gene mutation can affect foraging and host-seeking behaviors in blowflies. This suggests that olfaction plays a central role in niche specialization within this group.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Denis R. Boudreau, Nada Hammami, Gaetan Moreau
Summary: The empirical study in southeastern New Brunswick, Canada revealed the importance of understanding the ecological niche differences of calliphorid species for their competitive coexistence. Different species showed distinct characteristics in response to study variables in canonical space, suggesting varied ecological niches.
ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Dorte Bekkevold, Adam Piper, Ronald Campbell, Philip Rippon, Ros M. Wright, Charles Crundwell, Klaus Wysujack, Jamie R. Stevens, R. Andrew King, Kim Aarestrup, Alistair Maltby
Summary: Knowledge of migration behavior and spatio-temporal habitat use is crucial for the management and conservation of diadromous species, as highlighted by the study on migratory sea trout along Britain's North Sea coast. Strong geographical differences were observed in the population contributions to stocks, with potential for genetic stock identification to monitor population-specific migration behaviors and marine habitat use.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Entomology
M. J. R. Hall, D. Martin-Vega, B. Clark, D. Ghosh, M. Rogers, D. Pigoli, F. B. D. Veriegh, A. Tetteh-Kumah, M. Y. Osei-Atweneboana, R. A. Cheke
Summary: This study utilized micro-computed tomography to visualize a L1 larva of Onchocerca species within the musculature of blackflies for the first time, offering valuable insights into the parasite's presence within the vector. The research found no evidence to support the hypothesis that thicker peritrophic membranes in savannah flies contribute to lower parasite loads, but there were limitations to the analysis due to the inability to measure the thickness of the peritrophic membrane in the posterior region.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Tom L. Jenkins, Marie-Laure Guillemin, Cornelia Simon-Nutbrown, Heidi L. Burdett, Jamie R. Stevens, Viviana Pena
Summary: Genomic analysis revealed that maerl beds of P. calcareum in the north-east Atlantic are geographically structured due to limited dispersal potential and connectivity. Unique genetic diversity of P. calcareum in the Fal Estuary, south-west England, was shaped by geographical isolation and lack of gene flow with other populations, separate from closely related species. Preserving the accumulated genetic diversity of P. calcareum is crucial for enhancing resilience to climate and environmental changes, requiring conservation management at a site-by-site level in western Europe.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Entomology
Martin J. R. Hall
Summary: Forensic entomology focuses on using insects as evidence in legal investigations, particularly in cases involving death. Research and casework have a mutually beneficial relationship, with research addressing knowledge gaps and casework relying on expert analysis for evidence interpretation.
Article
Fisheries
R. Andrew King, Andrew L. Miller, Jamie R. Stevens
Summary: This study investigates the contribution of a stocking programme to sea trout population in the Shetland Islands, and found that despite extensive stocking, wild spawned brown trout still dominated, indicating a very limited impact of stocking. The revival of sea trout numbers appears to be driven almost exclusively by recovery of trout spawned in the wild.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Zoology
Daniel Martin-Vega, Martina Wicklein, Thomas J. Simonsen, Amin Garbout, Farah Ahmed, Martin J. R. Hall
Summary: The study showed that the optic lobe of blow flies undergoes profound morphological remodeling during metamorphosis, with significant changes in the volume of neuropils. Particularly, the neuropils of the optic lobe rotate 90 degrees between the pupal stage and the beginning of the pharate adult stage, with further unfolding and extension during the pharate adult stage.
ZOOLOGISCHER ANZEIGER
(2021)
Review
Entomology
Zanthe Kotze, Sylvain Aimar, Jens Amendt, Gail S. Anderson, Luc Bourguignon, Martin J. R. Hall, Jeffery K. Tomberlin
Summary: Forensic entomologists are tasked with determining the time when arthropods colonized vertebrates, but there is no global standard format for case reports. The article proposes sections to consider when drafting a report and highlights the challenges faced when presenting findings to legal practitioners.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Martin J. R. Hall, Debashis Ghosh, Daniel Martin-Vega, Brett Clark, Innes Clatworthy, Robert A. Cheke, Matthew E. Rogers
Summary: Using micro-computed tomography, we were able to non-invasively visualize the impact of Leishmania infection on sand flies, showing that a second blood meal can enhance parasite transmission.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Kinga Walczak, Krzysztof Szpila, Leanne Nelson, Thomas Pape, Martin J. R. Hall, Fernanda Alves, Andrzej Grzywacz
Summary: In this study, the authors provide the first morphological descriptions and revisions of several species of larvae in the genus Passeromyia using various microscope techniques. They also identify new features and find that these features are widespread in the Muscidae and Cyclorrhapha families.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
R. Andrew King, Simon Toms, Jamie R. Stevens
Summary: Effective management of Atlantic salmon requires accurate assessment of stock compliance within individual rivers. Key metrics for assessing compliance include the number of adult female spawners and their egg deposition rates. However, current methods often underestimate the proportion of female salmon, leading to consistent underestimation of egg deposition rates. By using non-invasive sampling and genetic sex testing, this study found that phenotypic-based sexing of Tamar salmon was unreliable, especially for early run fish.
FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AND ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Kirsty L. Macleod, Josephine R. Paris, Tom L. Jenkins, Jamie R. Stevens
Summary: Cold-water corals play an important role in temperate benthic ecosystems by increasing three-dimensionality and providing ecological substrate. However, their fragile structure and life-history characteristics make them vulnerable to human disturbance. This study presents the first genome assembly of a temperate shallow-water octocoral species, providing valuable genomic resources for investigating octocorals' responses to climate change.
GENOME BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Charlie D. Ellis, Kirsty L. MacLeod, Tom L. Jenkins, Lenia D. Rato, Youenn Jezequel, Miso Pavicic, David Diaz, Jamie R. Stevens
Summary: This study compares the genetic structure of European clawed lobster and European crawfish in order to identify the factors shaping population connectivity in species with shared spatial ranges and ecological niches. The results show higher levels of differentiation in clawed lobsters compared to crawfish, and suggest that hydrographic and topographic barriers play a role in generating patterns of divergence. These findings have important implications for the conservation and sustainable management of these ecologically and economically significant crustaceans.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Daniel Martin-Vega, Brett Clark, Martin J. R. Hall
Summary: Using X-ray micro-computed tomography, we describe the anatomy of the digestive and excretory systems of the second and third larval instars of Pharyngomyia picta, a parasite of cervids. These anatomical features are consistent with other species within the subfamily Oestrinae and differ from other oestrid subfamilies. We discuss the potential functional significance of these anatomical adaptations for parasitizing the nasopharyngeal cavities of mammal hosts.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Min Hao Ling, Tania Ivorra, Chong Chin Heo, April Hari Wardhana, Martin Jonathan Richard Hall, Siew Hwa Tan, Zulqarnain Mohamed, Tsung Fei Khang
Summary: In the fields of medical, veterinary, and forensic entomology, the use of whole-image analysis for species identification has been made possible by the ease and affordability of acquiring image data. By extracting Krawtchouk moment invariant features from wing images of fly specimens, we were able to develop a classification model that achieved high identification accuracy at both the family and species levels. This study builds upon previous research and paves the way for the development of a robust computer image-based identification system for medically, veterinary, and forensically important fly species.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
D. Martin-Vega, B. Clark, L. M. Ferrer, S. Lopez-Tamayo, R. Panadero, R. Cepeda-Palacios, D. D. Colwell, M. J. R. Hall
Summary: This study used micro-computed tomography to describe the general morphology and provide volumetric data of the digestive and excretory organs in the three larval instars of the nasal bot fly Oestrus ovis. The size of these organs increased significantly across larval instars. Additionally, comparisons to two other species revealed some differences in anatomy, such as the swollen anterior region of the midgut in Hypoderma actaeon.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)