Article
Entomology
Qi Chen, Xue Zhang, Huiwen Tan, Lanqin Li, Ming Wen, Yinliang Wang, Junjie Zhang, Bingzhong Ren
Summary: The study reveals that the insect species Metrioptera bicolor Philippi displays distinct wing dimorphism, with individuals possessing long hind-wings emitting more energetic acoustic signals as a compensation for reproductive disadvantage. Molecular differences between the two groups may have already existed at birth.
TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Xiaomi Liu, Jennifer A. Brisson
Summary: Many organisms show phenotypic plasticity, where developmental processes lead to different phenotypes depending on the environment. This study focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying this environmental response. Pea aphids exhibit a wing dimorphism, and dopamine has been found to play a role in mediating this plasticity. Manipulating dopamine levels in aphid mothers affected the percentage of winged offspring they produced, indicating the importance of dopamine in environmental information processing. However, further investigation is needed to understand the specific regulatory mechanisms involved.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Reine Nehme, Rouba Nasreddine, Lucija Orlic, Chrystel Lopin-Bon, Josef Hamacek, Francesco Piazza
Summary: This study presents a comprehensive kinetic model describing the enzymatic cleavage of hyaluronan (HA) by bovine testicular hyaluronidase (BTH), focusing on the late degradation stage. Experimental data shows that crowding conditions boost recombination events and concurrently slow down all fragmentation pathways. These findings provide valuable quantitative insights into understanding the complex reaction mechanism underlying enzymatic HA degradation.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Julia Lopez-Mercadal, Andre Barretto Bruno Wilke, Carlos Barcelo, Miguel Angel Miranda
Summary: Studying wing shape patterns of Asian tiger mosquitoes in Spain revealed significant sexual dimorphism, with distinct differences between males and females. Seasonal patterns also played a role in shaping wing morphology and influencing sexual dimorphism.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Mari Nakano, Mary Morgan-Richards, Andrea Clavijo-McCormick, Steven Trewick
Summary: Brachaspis nivalis, Sigaus australis, and Paprides nitidus are grasshopper species endemic to New Zealand, and they coexist in several regions of the South Island. They have different sensory needs and distributions of chemo-sensilla on their antennae based on their habitats. B. nivalis relies more on olfaction for finding food, has the most olfactory sensilla, and is abundant in less vegetated habitats compared to the other species. S. australis males have more basiconica sensilla than females.
Article
Environmental Studies
Shuhong Wang, Xiaoqing Wang, Binbin Lu
Summary: The study found that resource-rich areas hinder green economic growth in developing countries mainly through the innovation effect and technical leader transfer effect, which squeeze out technological spillovers from technological innovation, human capital investment, and opening up to the outside world, resulting in a negative impact on green economic growth.
Article
Parasitology
Gisel V. V. Gigena, Claudia S. S. Rodriguez, Federico G. G. Fiad, Maria Laura Hernandez, Ana Laura Carbajal-de-la-Fuente, Romina V. V. Piccinali, Paz Sanchez Casaccia, Antonieta Rojas de Arias, Patricia Lobbia, Luciana Abrahan, Marinely Bustamante Gomez, Jorge Espinoza, Florencia Cano, Julieta Nattero
Summary: The flight-related traits of the Triatoma guasayana population varied across different populations, with significant differences in wing shape and head size between the brachypterous population and the others. Geographic and climatic factors were associated with flight-related traits.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Darija Lemic, Helena Viric Gasparic, Patricija Majcenic, Ivana Pajac Zivkovic, Mario Bjelis, Manuel J. Suazo, Margarita Correa, Jordan Hernandez, Hugo A. Benitez
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the morphological variability of the box tree moth from Croatia and assess its invasive characteristics, flight potential, and risk of further spread. The results revealed significant differences in wing shapes between populations from different geographical locations, as well as subtle wing shape sexual dimorphism.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Elisavet-Aspasia Toli, Panoraia Zacharopoulou, Anastasios Bounas, Vassiliki Kati, Konstantinos Sotiropoulos
Summary: This study provides the first insights into the population genetics of the steno-endemic grasshopper C. lacustris, highlighting the importance of preserving focal populations. The species inhabits areas subject to high changes in land use and fragmentation. We argue that the preservation and management of suitable habitats is essential for the viability of the grasshopper populations.
JOURNAL OF INSECT CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Jing-Xiang Chen, Wan-Xue Li, Qin Su, Jun Lyu, Yi-Bing Zhang, Wen-Qing Zhang
Summary: Research has found that the brown planthopper (BPH) can alter its wing morphs in response to biotic and abiotic stress. Through gene co-expression network analysis, a key enzyme related to wing differentiation was identified and different signaling pathways were found to be induced by the two types of stress. These findings provide a comprehensive molecular mechanism for wing polymorphism in BPH induced by biotic and abiotic stress.
Article
Ecology
Danielle J. Clake, Sean M. Rogers, Paul Galpern
Summary: This study aimed to determine the effects of habitat fragmentation on bumble bee populations after controlling for habitat amount, and to examine possible mechanisms behind the observed effects.
Article
Cell Biology
Christopher D. Katanski, Hala Alshammary, Christopher P. Watkins, Sihao Huang, Ana Gonzales-Reiche, Emilia Mia Sordillo, Harm van Bakel, Karen Mt Sinai PSP Study Grp, Karen Lolans, Viviana Simon, Tao Pan
Summary: The study identified distinct tRNA signatures associated with mild symptoms and severe manifestations of COVID-19 requiring hospitalization. These results highlight the utility of host tRNA properties as biomarkers for the clinical outcome of SARS-CoV-2.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Meng-Sha Mao, Yi-Nan He, Xiang-Dong Liu
Summary: Wing dimorphism in brown planthoppers is determined by insulin receptors, and selection affects wing morphs and fecundity. Expression levels of wing development genes are correlated with wing morphs. Partial assortative mating promotes genetic exchange between wing morphs.
Article
Forestry
Connor J. Nelson, Carol M. Frost, Scott E. Nielsen
Summary: Research shows that narrow anthropogenic linear corridors are locally increasing bee abundance and diversity in boreal forests, with significant implications for plant-pollinator communities.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Chao Zhang, Meng-Sha Mao, Xiang-Dong Liu
Summary: This study investigated the wing dimorphism of the brown planthopper and found that the wing morphs were primarily determined by genetics and not influenced by environmental factors. Additionally, the expression patterns of wing development-regulated genes differed between the different wing morphs.
Article
Agronomy
Merle Streitberger, Thomas Fartmann
Summary: The study found clear differences in soil characteristics, habitat structure, and phytodiversity among different management types of Christmas-tree plantations. To promote plant species diversity in CTP, reducing management intensity, especially herbicide application, is recommended.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Felix Helbing, Thomas Fartmann, Dominik Poniatowski
Summary: This study used leafhoppers as bioindicators to assess the conservation value of restored calcareous grasslands. Restoration measures led to species-rich leafhopper assemblages, but clear differences compared to control sites were still found. The restored grasslands form open fringe-like habitat structures that enhance the conservation value of calcareous grasslands.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Ornithology
Florian Fumy, Thomas Fartmann
Summary: The study revealed a decrease in habitat occupancy by about one-third over the past three decades, mainly at lower elevations and in depressed landforms. Local colonization and extinction were driven by climate and habitat parameters.
Article
Ecology
Annika Schmidt, Thomas Fartmann, Kathrin Kiehl, Anita Kirmer, Sabine Tischew
Summary: Farmland bird populations in Europe are experiencing a severe crisis. Agri-environment schemes, such as flower strips, have been implemented by the European Union to reverse the decline in biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. Establishing high-quality perennial wildflower strips with native forb mixtures from regional seed propagation has been shown to be effective for promoting breeding birds. A survey conducted in Germany demonstrated that arable fields with wildflower strips had higher species richness and territory density of birds compared to control fields without wildflower strips.
BASIC AND APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Thomas Fartmann, Marco Drung, Max Freienstein
Summary: The study found that the composition of carabid beetle assemblages varied across different successional stages of rejuvenation and restoration in Montane heathlands. The richness of carabid beetle species decreased as the succession progressed, while moisture and shading indicator values increased. Indicator species were most abundant in the early and restored stages.
INSECT CONSERVATION AND DIVERSITY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Gwydion Scherer, Thomas Fartmann
Summary: The study highlighted the importance of environmental conditions, particularly the cover of host plants, for the distribution and survival of the Marsh Fritillary. The growth of host plants and microclimate conditions play a significant role in determining the occupancy and adaptation of the butterfly in specific regions.
Article
Entomology
Thomas Fartmann, Jonas Brueggeshemke, Dominik Poniatowski, Franz Loeffler
Summary: This study investigated the effects of summer drought on grasshopper abundance in temperate semi-natural grasslands. The results showed that summer temperature was the key driver of grasshopper abundance, and increasing habitat heterogeneity seemed to be the most effective way to mitigate the negative effects of drought.
ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Eva Katharina Engelhardt, Matthias F. Biber, Matthias Dolek, Thomas Fartmann, Axel Hochkirch, Jan Leidinger, Franz Loeffler, Stefan Pinkert, Dominik Poniatowski, Johannes Voith, Michael Winterholler, Dirk Zeuss, Diana E. Bowler, Christian Hof
Summary: Recent climate and land-use changes are impacting biodiversity, causing population declines, range shifts, and changes in community composition. This study compares the occupancy changes in butterflies, grasshoppers, and dragonflies driven by climate and land-use over a 40-year period in Bavaria, Germany. The study finds that temperature preference and habitat specificity are significant drivers of species trends, with cold-adapted species and habitat specialists declining, and warm-adapted species and generalists increasing.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Cinja Schwarz, Thomas Fartmann
Summary: Traditional summer grazing in common pastures has a positive effect on grasshopper density, particularly for threatened species. It results in open and heterogeneous swards, which provide favorable conditions for high grasshopper densities.
Article
Ornithology
Jonas Brueggeshemke, Marco Drung, Franz Loeffler, Thomas Fartmann
Summary: Threatened bird species were more abundant in calcareous grasslands than in mesic grasslands, and in calcareous grasslands, the area of juniper-rich calcareous grassland and Shannon habitat diversity were important predictors of breeding bird species richness and density. Breeding-season temperature was a key factor influencing the number and density of threatened bird species in both grassland types.
JOURNAL OF ORNITHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Thomas Fartmann, Dominik Poniatowski, Lisa Holtmann
Summary: Land-use and climate change are the main drivers of recent insect loss. The study shows that species richness of grasshopper assemblages usually increases over time in grasslands, but species with low dispersal ability are negatively impacted in unprotected grasslands.
BASIC AND APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
S. Kaempfer, T. Fartmann
Summary: This study investigated the breeding territory and nest-site preferences of a Curlew subpopulation on East Frisian Islands, which showed an increase in contrast to the overall trend. The findings revealed that Curlews preferred breeding in habitat mosaics dominated by high marshes and dune grasslands, far from areas with human disturbance. For nest-building, they preferred heterogeneous microhabitats with intermediate vegetation cover and height and some bare ground. These findings highlight the significance of isolated islands providing undisturbed natural habitats for the long-term survival of Curlew populations.
JOURNAL OF COASTAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Gwydion Scherer, Thomas Fartmann
Summary: Traditional land use has led to the decline of temperate, semi-natural grasslands, impacting nutrient-poor grassland specialist butterfly species. This study reveals the effects of the complete harvest process on the survival of caterpillars, highlighting the importance of host plant growth form and timing of grassland harvest.
INSECT CONSERVATION AND DIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Florian Fumy, Cinja Schwarz, Thomas Fartmann
Summary: Traditionally managed grasslands are species-rich ecosystems, but they have severely decreased in agricultural landscapes of Western and Central Europe. This study found that environmental conditions have an impact on the species richness of butterflies and grasshoppers in fragmented hay meadows. Habitat and landscape-level parameters influence the richness of these species, with overall management intensity and landscape heterogeneity playing important roles. This highlights the need to increase low-intensity grasslands in the wider countryside and improve landscape heterogeneity and habitat connectivity.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Franz Loeffler, Thomas Fartmann
Summary: European farmland birds, including the Ortolan Bunting, have experienced significant declines due to agricultural intensification. This study focused on understanding the factors influencing breeding-territory selection and mating success of Ortolan Buntings in a central European agricultural landscape. The researchers found that landscape structure played a role in breeding-territory selection, but crop type and vegetation height at potential nesting sites were more important for mating success. The study highlighted the complex habitat requirements of the species and recommended agri-environmental schemes that promote landscape heterogeneity and provide suitable nesting sites and prey abundance.
BIRD CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
