Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Stefan Andreas Schuetz, John E. Brittain, Leopold Fuereder
Summary: The ecosystem of High Arctic streams, dominated by chironomids, is greatly influenced by extreme environmental conditions with water temperature and nutrient supply playing important roles in larval growth.
Article
Geography, Physical
Aldino Bondesan, Roberto G. Francese
Summary: On July 3, 2022, an ice avalanche occurred in the Marmolada Glacier in the Dolomites, causing the deaths of 11 mountaineers and injuring 7. The collapse was triggered by a failure along a crevasse partly filled with a large volume of meltwater, induced by unusually high temperatures. The detachment was ultimately driven by the overpressure caused by the excess of melting water within a thin layer of basal till, resulting in the sudden collapse of the glacier.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Evelyn Vega, Marcela Bastidas Navarro, Nicolas Martyniuk, Esteban Balseiro, Beatriz Modenutti
Summary: Global climate change affects the composition of biofilm bacterial community in glacier-fed streams. Longitudinal and seasonal changes in bacterial composition are related to glacial influence and environmental factors. Dominant phyla include Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota, and Acidobacteriota.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Camila Geromel-Costa, Aline Christine Bernegossi, Lidia Moura, Juliano Jose Corbi
Summary: Streams in sugarcane cultivation areas can be contaminated by metal ions from adjacent soils, leading to pollution of stream sediments and bioaccumulation of metal by aquatic organisms. This study investigated the use of chitosan beads to remove metals from sediments and evaluated its impact on insect larvae survival. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of chitosan beads in metal adsorption and their positive influence on larvae survival.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Juan Pablo Zanotto Arpellino, Ludmila Noelia Soledad Rodriguez Catanzaro, Luciana Montalto, Augusto Siri, Mariano Donato
Summary: The structure and composition of the Chironomid assemblage and its emergence patterns are influenced by environmental variables such as rainfall, photoperiod, water and air temperatures. Different species show synchronous emergence peaks at different times of the year.
ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Matteo Pallottini, Sarah Pagliarini, Marianna Catasti, Gianandrea La Porta, Roberta Selvaggi, Elda Gaino, Leonardo Spacone, Alessandro Maria Di Giulio, Arshad Ali, Enzo Goretti
Summary: Adult non-biting pestiferous midges, primarily Chironomus plumosus, swarm over Lake Trasimeno and its surroundings in Italy during the summer season. A recent field survey revealed a macrobenthic community dominated by Chironomidae and Oligochaeta, with C. plumosus as the most abundant species. Compared to a previous survey, the density of C. plumosus has increased significantly, especially in the central area of the lake. This central region, constituting 90% of the lake's total surface area, serves as the primary source of the annoying midge swarms that affect residents and tourists.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Matteo Pallottini, Sarah Pagliarini, Marianna Catasti, Gianandrea La Porta, Roberta Selvaggi, Elda Gaino, Leonardo Spacone, Alessandro Maria Di Giulio, Arshad Ali, Enzo Goretti
Summary: Field sampling was conducted over a period of 17 years (2005-2021) to study the littoral macrobenthos of Lake Trasimeno. This study focused on understanding the life cycle of Chironomus plumosus, the main culprit of summer chironomid swarms that disrupt human activities near the lake. The collected specimens mainly belonged to Oligochaeta (Naididae) and Diptera (Chironomidae), with 18 chironomid taxa identified. The density of C. plumosus was not influenced by the trend of chironomid density, and the larval density of this species did not increase over the 17-year period.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matt N. Krosch, Fabio L. Silva, Torbjorn Ekrem, Andrew M. Baker, Litticia M. Bryant, Elisabeth Stur, Peter S. Cranston
Summary: This study utilized genetic sequence data and phylogenetic analysis to reveal the relationships between Australian species of the non-biting midge subfamily Tanypodinae and their northern hemisphere counterparts, validating the endemism of many species and identifying sister group relationships between New Zealand and Australian taxa. The findings contribute significantly to the understanding of the taxonomy, systematics, and biogeography of Australian Tanypodinae, as well as to the broader knowledge of Australia's aquatic insect biodiversity.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Leila Ezzat, Stilianos Fodelianakis, Tyler J. Kohler, Massimo Bourquin, Jade Brandani, Susheel Bhanu Busi, Daniele Daffonchio, Vincent De Staercke, Ramona Marasco, Gregoire Michoud, Emmy Oppliger, Hannes Peter, Paraskevi Pramateftaki, Martina Schon, Michail Styllas, Virginia Tadei, Matteo Tolosano, Tom J. Battin
Summary: Our study revealed that benthic biofilms in glacier-fed streams harbor distinct bacterial communities compared to the suspended bacterial assemblages in the streamwater. Selection processes were found to be shaping the differentiation of these bacterial communities, contrary to expectations given the high vertical mixing of water and bacterial cells in glacier-fed streams. Our research highlights the presence of a microbiome specific to benthic biofilms in glacier-fed streams, which are currently endangered by global warming.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Viktor Baranov, Jonas Jourdan, Blue Hunter-Moffatt, Sajad Noori, Simon Schoelderle, Joachim T. Haug
Summary: The size of animals is influenced by the interactions between evolution, environment, and physiology. Warm-blooded animals become larger in colder climates to produce and preserve heat. In cold-blooded animals, similar patterns have been found in some cases. This study shows that there is a negative relationship between size and temperature in aquatic insects, specifically non-biting midges. The findings are important for monitoring aquatic ecosystem health and tracking global climate change.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Adam Emmer, Melaine Le Roy, Ashim Sattar, Bijeesh K. Veettil, Jesus Alcala-Reygosa, Nestor Campos, Jakub Malecki, Alejo Cochachin
Summary: This study examines glacier retreat and associated processes in the Lejiamayu valley, central Cordillera Blanca, Peru. Glacier extent during the Last Glacial Maximum, Antarctic Cold Reversal, and Little Ice Age was reconstructed, showing a significant reduction since the end of the Little Ice Age. The potential future volume of a new glacial lake forming in the valley was estimated, indicating that previous estimates of future lake volume may have been underestimated.
JOURNAL OF SOUTH AMERICAN EARTH SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Geography, Physical
Liang Liu, Hongjie Zhang, Wei Zhang, Le Chai
Summary: This study reconstructs the age and glacial activity of Mount Taibai during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The results indicate a significant decrease in glacial coverage and equilibrium-line altitude (ELA) during the LGM, as well as a reduction in precipitation compared to the present. Temperature decrease is identified as the primary driver of glacial formation during the LGM on Mount Taibai.
PALAEOGEOGRAPHY PALAEOCLIMATOLOGY PALAEOECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuwei Liu, Yilin Tian, Yingzhi Gao, Dong Cui, Wei Zhang, Ziwei Jiao, Fulong Yao, Zhenxing Zhang, Haijun Yang
Summary: Human activities have negative effects on macroinvertebrate community structures and functional traits in glacier-fed streams, including decreased species richness and density due to grazing, reduced EPT richness and density caused by hot spring scenic development, and hindered dispersal of macroinvertebrates due to historic mine development.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Danielle R. Haskett Jennings
Summary: The study found a strong correlation between modern benthic chironomid distributions and glacial meltwater, surface water temperature, and nitrate. Glacial meltwater was identified as the key environmental variable influencing the distribution of chironomid communities in alpine lakes.
SN APPLIED SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Patricio Andino, Rodrigo Espinosa, Veronica Crespo-Perez, Sophie Cauvy-Fraunie, Olivier Dangles, Dean Jacobsen
Summary: The study indicates that the retreat of tropical Andean glaciers may alter the community structure of benthic macroinvertebrates in high Andean meltwater streams, but microbial organisms still play a dominant role in the decomposition process.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Piotr Gadawski, Bruno Rossaro, Wojciech Gilka, Matteo Montagna, Andrzej Zawal, Michal Grabowski
Summary: Based on faunistic information collected during 2014 and 2015, this study investigated the environmental factors influencing the composition and distribution of Chironomid assemblages. A total of 164 Chironomidae taxa were reported, with 152 newly found species in the Skadar Lake basin. The comparison with other well-studied European lakes showed that Lake Constance and Lake Skadar are the most species-rich waterbodies. Shallow coastal parts of the lake were found to be richer in species than the deeper parts.
JOURNAL OF GREAT LAKES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Daniela Bulgari, Silvia Filisetti, Matteo Montagna, Emanuela Gobbi, Franco Faoro
Summary: Microbial-based products are a promising alternative to agrochemicals in sustainable agriculture. However, little is known about their impact on human health. This study isolated and characterized 18 bacteria from commercial biostimulants, and found that some of them have specific virulence properties. The potential pathogenicity of microorganisms in commercial products should be verified.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Limnology
Daniele Debiasi, Alessandra Franceschini, Francesca Paoli, Valeria Lencioni
Summary: This study compares the macroinvertebrate communities of wetlands fed by different glaciers and finds that glacier surface area impacts the diversity of benthic fauna. Additionally, the Glacial Index is identified as an important predictor of faunal changes.
Article
Entomology
Bruno Rossaro, Laura Marziali, Giulia Magoga, Matteo Montagna, Angela Boggero
Summary: In this study, the larvae of certain subgenera of Chironomidae were described and identified, providing important information on freshwater macroinvertebrate indicators. Morphometric characters were used to distinguish larval species, but association with pupal exuviae was still necessary for identification. The development of DNA barcodes is recommended for future research as a more accurate identification tool.
Article
Biology
Francesco Trenti, Tommaso Sandron, Graziano Guella, Valeria Lencioni
Summary: The study demonstrates that Diamesa tonsa and Pseudodiamesa branickii have similar lipid composition but significant differences in membrane fluidity, which may be related to their different cold-tolerance levels.
Article
Entomology
Giuseppe Eros Massimino Cocuzza, Giulia Magoga, Matteo Montagna, Juan Manuel Nieto Nafria, Sebastiano Barbagallo
Summary: This study aimed to develop a DNA barcodes library for the molecular identification of Myzocallis species in the West Palaearctic region and evaluate the congruence among their morphological, ecological, and DNA-based delimitation. The study also compared the results with other Panaphidini species to verify the congruence of the subgeneric subdivision presently adopted. The findings suggest that Myzocallis (Agrioaphis) leclanti should be regarded as a full species and the subgenera Agrioaphis, Lineomyzocallis, Neomyzocallis, and Pasekia should be elevated to the rank of genus.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Giulia Magoga, Matteo Brunetti, Lukasz Kajtoch, Alberto Spada, Matteo Montagna
Summary: This study focuses on factors shaping the microbiota of leaf beetles in a freshwater wetland in Northern Italy. The results indicate that species membership, living zone in the wetland, and sex are potential factors affecting microbiota diversity and composition. Within the studied species, males were found to acquire bacteria from the environment more easily, while females' microbiota were dominated by symbiotic bacteria.
Article
Zoology
V. Lencioni, F. Bertola, A. Franceschini, U. Ferrarese, F. Zandonai, G. Stancher, D. Spitale
Summary: In this study, the occurrence of the invasive tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus was examined in two Alpine cities, Rovereto and Trento. Despite similar temperatures and precipitation, Trento had a higher average number of eggs per ovitrap compared to Rovereto. This unexpected difference in abundance may be attributed to different control activities between the two cities.
EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Ecology
M. A. Wilkes, J. L. Carrivick, E. Castella, C. Ilg, S. Cauvy-Fraunie, S. C. Fell, L. Fureder, M. Huss, W. James, V. Lencioni, C. Robinson, L. E. Brown
Summary: The biodiversity of alpine rivers around the world is threatened by glacier retreat caused by rapid warming. This study combines glacier projections, hydrological routing methods, and species distribution models to evaluate the changing influence of glaciers on the distribution of alpine river invertebrate species in the European Alps from 2020 to 2100. The research predicts a steady decrease in glacial influence on rivers, leading to distribution shifts of species and the potential extinction of cold-water specialists in areas where glaciers disappear completely.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ana-Belen Muniz-Gonzalez, Jose-Luis Martinez-Guitarte, Valeria Lencioni
Summary: The ice fly Diamesa steinboecki exhibits strong thermal tolerance up to 38 degrees Celsius, but its survival rate declines rapidly at higher temperatures. Gene expression analysis indicates that the species may utilize hsc70 and hsp70 genes to cope with heat stress.
Article
Entomology
Giulia Magoga, Chiara Piombo, Daria Patrizia Locatelli, Lidia Limonta, Matteo Montagna
Summary: The study investigated the impact of diet on the bacterial community of I. inquinata and its effects on insect performance. Larvae were reared on three different diets and the bacterial communities associated with adults and larvae were characterized using a DNA metabarcoding approach. The results showed that diet affected the composition and diversity of the microbiota, with the lowest diversity observed in individuals reared on Matricaria chamomilla. In addition, the study suggested that the microbiota of adult moths may be partially inherited from larvae.
ENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ilaria Di Lelio, Giobbe Forni, Giulia Magoga, Matteo Brunetti, Daniele Bruno, Andrea Becchimanzi, Maria G. De Luca, Martina Sinno, Eleonora Barra, Marco Bonelli, Sarah Frusciante, Gianfranco Diretto, Maria C. Digilio, Sheridan L. Woo, Gianluca Tettamanti, Rosa Rao, Matteo Lorito, Morena Casartelli, Matteo Montagna, Francesco Pennacchio
Summary: Plants generate energy flows through natural food webs, driven by competition for resources among organisms. The interaction between tomato plants and an insect is influenced by their respective microbiotas. The presence of the soil fungus Trichoderma afroharzianum in tomato plants negatively affects the development and survival of the lepidopteran pest Spodoptera littoralis by altering the larval gut microbiota. This study highlights the potential impact of biocontrol agents on the ecological sustainability of agricultural systems.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Valeria Lencioni, Cristiana Rizzi, Mauro Gobbi, Andrea Mustoni, Sara Villa
Summary: Pesticides, synthetic fragrances and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have contaminated glacier-fed streams and a spring in the Italian Alps, accumulating in aquatic larvae and carabids. The concentration of xenobiotics was higher in larvae than in water, indicating trophic transfer to riparian predators.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Giulia Magoga, Giobbe Forni, Matteo Brunetti, Aycan Meral, Alberto Spada, Alessio De Biase, Matteo Montagna
Summary: DNA metabarcoding is a widely used method for identifying organisms, but there is a need for improved reference databases. This study presents a new database, COins, specifically curated for insect species identification and shows its effectiveness in DNA metabarcoding data.
DATABASE-THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DATABASES AND CURATION
(2022)