Abstract: Simple Summary Maize is one of the world’s most important crops, and pests can seriously damage its yield and quality. Detection of maize pests is vital to ensuring the excellent productivity of maize. Traditional methods of pest detection are generally complex and inefficient. In recent years, there have been many cases of plant pest detection through deep learning. In this paper, we propose a new real-time pest detection method based on deep convolutional neural networks (CNN), which not only offers higher accuracy but also faster efficiency and less computational effort. Experimental results on a maize pest dataset show that the proposed method outperforms other methods and that it can balance well between accuracy, efficiency, and computational effort. Abstract The frequent occurrence of crop pests and diseases is one of the important factors leading to the reduction of crop quality and yield. Since pests are characterized by high similarity and fast movement, this poses a challenge for artificial intelligence techniques to identify pests in a timely and accurate manner. Therefore, we propose a new high-precision and real-time method for maize pest detection, Maize-YOLO. The network is based on YOLOv7 with the insertion of the CSPResNeXt-50 module and VoVGSCSP module. It can improve network detection accuracy and detection speed while reducing the computational effort of the model. We evaluated the performance of Maize-YOLO in a typical large-scale pest dataset IP102. We trained and tested against those pest species that are more damaging to maize, including 4533 images and 13 classes. The experimental results show that our method outperforms the current state-of-the-art YOLO family of object detection algorithms and achieves suitable performance at 76.3% mAP and 77.3% recall. The method can provide accurate and real-time pest detection and identification for maize crops, enabling highly accurate end-to-end pest detection.

Abstract: Simple Summary Mosquitoes are the carrier of pathogens that cause common human diseases such as malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika, and West Nile. The use of chemical and biological insecticides is among the key control tools for reducing mosquito populations at different life stages (i.e., eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults). The weaknesses of these tools, especially those with chemicals, are the high cost of production, and their negative effects on other beneficial organisms such as bees and water-dwelling invasive species. Thus, researchers and academics are searching for new safe and environmentally friendly forms of insecticides. Of late, green synthesized plant-based metallic nanoparticles have attracted great interest as an alternative to traditional insecticides. Typically using metal salts in combination with aqueous plant extracts, the synthesis of these nanoparticles is eco-friendly and relatively cheap. This review aims to report on the currently available knowledge on the development of green synthesized metallic nanoparticles and their performance as repellent, ovicidal, larvicidal, pupicidal, and adulticidal agents against different mosquito species. Abstract Mosquitoes act as vectors of pathogens that cause most life-threatening diseases, such as malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya, Yellow fever, Zika, West Nile, Lymphatic filariasis, etc. To reduce the transmission of these mosquito-borne diseases in humans, several chemical, biological, mechanical, and pharmaceutical methods of control are used. However, these different strategies are facing important and timely challenges that include the rapid spread of highly invasive mosquitoes worldwide, the development of resistance in several mosquito species, and the recent outbreaks of novel arthropod-borne viruses (e.g., Dengue, Rift Valley fever, tick-borne encephalitis, West Nile, yellow fever, etc.). Therefore, the development of novel and effective methods of control is urgently needed to manage mosquito vectors. Adapting the principles of nanobiotechnology to mosquito vector control is one of the current approaches. As a single-step, eco-friendly, and biodegradable method that does not require the use of toxic chemicals, the green synthesis of nanoparticles using active toxic agents from plant extracts available since ancient times exhibits antagonistic responses and broad-spectrum target-specific activities against different species of vector mosquitoes. In this article, the current state of knowledge on the different mosquito control strategies in general, and on repellent and mosquitocidal plant-mediated synthesis of nanoparticles in particular, has been reviewed. By doing so, this review may open new doors for research on mosquito-borne diseases.

Abstract: Simple Summary Insect pests can damage crops and food production, causing problems for farmers. The detection of plant pests is essential for ensuring the excellent productivity of plants and food. Traditional methods for pest detection are generally time-consuming and inefficient. There has been a lot of use of deep learning for detecting plant pests in recent years. YOLOv5 is one of the most effective deep learning algorithms used for object detection. A new pest detection method with higher accuracy based on a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) is proposed in this paper. Experimental results on the pest dataset indicate that the proposed method performs well and can achieve high precision and robustness for recognizing plant pests. The proposed method is more effective and can detect pests precisely with higher accuracy. Abstract Pest detection in plants is essential for ensuring high productivity. Convolutional neural networks (CNN)-based deep learning advancements recently have made it possible for researchers to increase object detection accuracy. In this study, pest detection in plants with higher accuracy is proposed by an improved YOLOv5m-based method. First, the SWin Transformer (SWinTR) and Transformer (C3TR) mechanisms are introduced into the YOLOv5m network so that they can capture more global features and can increase the receptive field. Then, in the backbone, ResSPP is considered to make the network extract more features. Furthermore, the global features of the feature map are extracted in the feature fusion phase and forwarded to the detection phase via a modification of the three output necks C3 into SWinTR. Finally, WConcat is added to the fusion feature, which increases the feature fusion capability of the network. Experimental results demonstrate that the improved YOLOv5m achieved 95.7% precision rate, 93.1% recall rate, 94.38% F1 score, and 96.4% Mean Average Precision (mAP). Meanwhile, the proposed model is significantly better than the original YOLOv3, YOLOv4, and YOLOv5m models. The improved YOLOv5m model shows greater robustness and effectiveness in detecting pests, and it could more precisely detect different pests from the dataset.

Abstract: Simple Summary Protein-rich insects are becoming more popular as livestock feed alternatives to fish and soy meal. A variation of different diets was used to rear mealworm larvae for the purpose of influencing their chemical composition. How dietary protein content affects larval protein and amino acid composition and growth rate was primarily investigated. Experimental diets used wheat bran as the control substrate, while different types of flour, notably pea protein, rice protein, sweet lupine, and cassava, along with potato flakes, were mixed with the wheat bran. Each substrate and larva were then analyzed for moisture, protein, and fat content, as well as the amino acid profile. A supplementation of pea and rice protein was determined to be most beneficial in terms of high protein yield and lower fat content in larvae. Cassava flour and wheat bran mixed together produced the highest amount of amino acid and essential amino acid content. Additionally, dietary fats and carbohydrates were found to have a greater influence on larval composition than protein content. This research could improve future formulations of artificial diets for Tenebrio molitor larvae. Abstract The use of insects as livestock feed is becoming increasingly accepted because they provide an important source of protein. The purpose of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor L.) reared on a range of diets that differed in nutritional composition. Focus was placed on the influence of dietary protein content on larval protein and amino acid composition. For the experimental diets, wheat bran was chosen as the control substrate. The following types of flour-pea protein, rice protein, sweet lupine, and cassava, as well as potato flakes, were mixed with wheat bran and used as the experimental diets. An analysis of the moisture, protein, and fat content was then carried out for all diets and larvae. Furthermore, the amino acid profile was determined. It was shown that supplementing the feed with pea and rice protein was most suitable in terms of high protein yield in larvae (70.9–74.1% dry weight) with low fat content (20.3–22.8% dry weight). The total amino acid content was highest in larvae that were fed with a mixture of cassava flour and wheat bran (51.7 ± 0.5% dry weight), as well as the highest content of essential amino acids (30.4 ± 0.2% dry weight). Moreover, a weak correlation between larval protein content and diet was identified, yet a stronger influence of dietary fats and carbohydrates on larval composition was found. This research could result in improved formulations of artificial diets for Tenebrio molitor larvae in the future.

Abstract: Simple Summary Entomophagy has a long and rich history in human culture. In fact, insects have been a part of human diets for thousands of years, with evidence of their consumption found in prehistoric archaeological sites. Throughout history, entomophagy has been a common practice in many cultures, particularly in parts of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania. In some societies, insects were considered a delicacy and were reserved for special occasions, while, in others, they were a staple food source. The roots of entomophagy vary depending on culture and region, but common reasons include the nutritional benefits of insects, their abundance and accessibility, and the cultural and religious significance of certain species. While the practice of entomophagy has declined in some parts of the world due to the influence of Western culture and industrialization, it continues to be important in many societies. Despite its long history and potential benefits, entomophagy has faced cultural and social stigmas in many parts of the world. However, recent efforts have been made to promote entomophagy as a sustainable and nutritious food source and to challenge cultural biases against insect consumption. Abstract The relationship between insects and humans throughout history has always been complex and multifaceted. Insects are both a source of fascination and fear for humans and have played important roles in human culture, economy, and health. Nowadays, there is growing interest in using insects as a sustainable and environmentally friendly source of protein and other nutrients. Entomophagy can be seen as a new opportunity for the food industry and global food security. In fact, insects require far fewer resources than traditional livestock, and there are many references to insect consumption in human history. The ancient Romans are known to have eaten various insects, including beetles, caterpillars, and locusts. Insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, and ants have been eaten for centuries and are still considered a delicacy in many parts of the world, especially in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania. Entomophagy has, thus, been a part of human history for thousands of years and continues to be an important food habit for many people around the world. These topics are explored in this article from a historical and cultural perspective (e.g., ecological, nutritional, spiritual, and socio-psychological), with a focus on the progressive acceptance of edible insects in Western societies, since this novel food has also its roots in the Western world.

Abstract: Simple Summary Carboxyl/cholinesterases (CCEs) represent a family of enzymes distributed in many organisms, including insects. Despite their relatively simple catalyzed hydrolysis reaction, CCEs facilitate insects’ adaptation to chemical signals and stressors from the environment through various trajectories, including developing pesticide resistance, facilitating the adaptation of insects to their host plants, and manipulating insect behaviors. The CCE-mediated mechanisms of pesticide resistance to organophosphate, carbamate, or pyrethroid pesticides comprise enhanced metabolism, the sequestration of pesticides to prevent them from reaching their target sites, or conformational changes in target sites to prevent pesticides from binding. In addition, CCEs aid in the adaptation to chemical signals through the olfactory system by degrading insect semiochemicals. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the classification, structures, and functions of insect CCEs, which will help the development of more sustainable pest control strategies in the future. Abstract Insects have evolved several intricate defense mechanisms to adapt to their chemical environment. Due to their versatile capabilities in hydrolytic biotransformation, insect carboxyl/cholinesterases (CCEs) play vital roles in the development of pesticide resistance, facilitating the adaptation of insects to their host plants, and manipulating insect behaviors through the olfaction system. CCEs confer insecticide resistance through the mechanisms of qualitative or quantitative changes of CCE-mediated enhanced metabolism or target-site insensitivity, and may contribute to the host plant adaptation. CCEs represent the first odorant-degrading enzymes (ODEs) discovered to degrade insect pheromones and plant odors and remain the most promising ODE candidates. Here, we summarize insect CCE classification, currently characterized insect CCE protein structure characteristics, and the dynamic roles of insect CCEs in chemical adaptation.

Abstract: Simple Summary Traditional and emerging topics bridging insects and public health are described because insects affect human and animal health. Addressing public health professionals, this paper aims to (i) outline and enforce the role of public health authorities in different sectors involving insects, health, food and feed, (ii) improve the rearing, management conditions and animal welfare of insects, and (iii) enhance research activities on different aspects of the insect-public health interface. Abstract Insects are, by far, the most common animals on our planet. The ubiquity and plethora of ecological niches occupied by insects, along with the strict and sometimes forced coexistence between insects and humans, make insects a target of public health interest. This article reports the negative aspects historically linked to insects as pests and vectors of diseases, and describes their potential as bioindicators of environmental pollution, and their use as food and feed. Both negative and positive impacts of insects on human and animal health need to be addressed by public health professionals who should aim to strike a balance within the wide range of sometimes conflicting goals in insect management, such as regulating their production, exploiting their potential, protecting their health and limiting their negative impact on animals and humans. This requires increased insect knowledge and strategies to preserve human health and welfare. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of traditional and emerging topics bridging insects and public health to highlight the need for professionals, to address these topics during their work. The present and future role and activities of public health authorities regarding insects are analyzed.

Abstract: Simple Summary Most crops grown globally require pollination to produce food, and honey bees are the most important pollinators. Without honey bees, the food supply would decrease and become more expensive. Climate change threatens honey bees by destroying their habitats and food sources. Therefore, beekeepers must implement farm management practices to adapt to climate change. However, in many developing countries, such as El Salvador, beekeepers lack information about climate change adaptation strategies. In this study, researchers interviewed nine Salvadoran beekeepers to understand how their perception of climate change affects their beekeeping production, the adaptation strategies they implement, and their needs for climate change-related information about beekeeping. The climate change-induced challenges beekeepers experienced included food and water scarcity and extreme weather events (e.g., increase in temperature, rain, and winds). As a result, honey bees are dying because they cannot find enough to eat/drink, their hives are damaged, and they are more prone to pests and diseases. To adapt, beekeepers reinforce their beehive boxes, relocate their beehives, and supplement the honey bees’ food. The beekeepers expressed their need for help formulating supplementary honey bee diets and managing pests and diseases. Because they struggled to understand climate change-related information from the internet, they need information and demonstrations from local sources to improve their adaptation strategies and the health and productivity of their honey bees. Abstract Because climate change has severely impacted global bee populations by depleting their habitats and food sources, beekeepers must implement management practices to adapt to changing climates. However, beekeepers in El Salvador lack information about necessary climate change adaptation strategies. This study explored Salvadoran beekeepers’ experiences adapting to climate change. The researchers used a phenomenological case study approach and conducted semi-structured interviews with nine Salvadoran beekeepers who were members of The Cooperative Association for Marketing, Production, Savings, and Credit of Beekeepers of Chalatenango (ACCOPIDECHA). The beekeepers perceived water and food scarcity, as well as extreme weather events (e.g., increasing temperature, rain, winds), as the leading climate change-induced challenges to their production. Such challenges have augmented their honey bees’ physiological need for water, limited their movement patterns, decreased apiary safety, and increased the incidence of pests and diseases, all of which have led to honey bee mortality. The beekeepers shared adaptation strategies, including box modification, apiary relocation, and food supplementation. Although most beekeepers accessed climate change information using the internet, they struggled to understand and apply pertinent information unless they received it from trusted ACCOPIDECHA personnel. Salvadoran beekeepers require information and demonstrations to improve their climate change adaptation strategies and implement new ones to address the challenges they experience.

Abstract: Simple Summary The worldwide waste problem has large environmental impacts and huge efforts have been made to mitigate this problem. Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) were proposed as an efficient way to get rid of organic waste, acting by converting the waste into a protein- and lipid-rich biomass suitable for various purposes such as animal feed, biodiesel and chitin. This article studies larval growth and development and waste reduction and conversion indexes of BSFL when reared on six different waste streams and a control substrate (chicken feed): pig manure slurry mixed with roadside silage grass, the organic wet fraction of municipal household waste, secondary sludge from slaughter waste, fast food waste, mushroom stems and pig manure solids. In addition, the larval fatty acid profile and the chemical composition of the frass were also analyzed. The larval growth as well as the waste reduction index and the efficiency of conversion of ingested substrate were highest in the fast food waste (FFW) substrate. The larvae reared on FFW had high fat content and produced fat-rich frass with high dry matter content. Slaughter waste, pig manure and mushroom stems also showed good potential for bioconversion and led to protein-rich larvae. Abstract Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are considered a commercially viable solution for global organic waste problems. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of rearing BSFL on a wide range of low-value waste streams and its potential to transform them into high-quality animal feed and fertilizer. Six waste streams of different origins were selected and each tested in triplicate. Several parameters were analysed: growth performance, waste reduction index (WRI), conversion efficiency (ECI) and larval composition. Frass composition was also analysed. Larvae reared on fast food waste (FFW) had the highest ECI and WRI and the lowest values when reared on pig manure slurry mixed with silage grass (PMLSG) and slaughter waste (SW). The highest protein content was found for larvae reared on mushroom stems (MS) although this substrate had the lowest protein content. Moreover, the frass nutritional profile was proportionally related to the substrate’s nutritional profile: the protein-rich substrate (SW) resulted in protein-rich frass and the low-protein substrate (MS) resulted in protein-poor frass. The same was true for the lipid content. In conclusion, this study showed that BSFL can be successfully reared on a wide range of waste streams that can affect the larval and frass chemical compositions.

Abstract: Simple Summary This study aims at developing a machine-learning-based classification approach to recognize insect species of economic importance. Two tephritid pest species with similar shape and locomotory patterns (e.g., the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata, and the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae) were used as model organisms. The proposed method, based on a convolutional neural network (CNN), accurately detects and discriminates moving C. capitata and B. oleae adult individuals in real-time. These results importantly contribute to the development of autonomous pest monitoring methods, to intervene with tailored measures instantaneously and remotely. Overall, this study promotes sustainable and efficient crop protection approaches based on integrated pest management and precision techniques. Abstract Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are fostering more sustainable and effective solutions for a wide spectrum of agricultural problems. Pest management is a major challenge for crop production that can benefit from machine learning techniques to detect and monitor specific pests and diseases. Traditional monitoring is labor intensive, time demanding, and expensive, while machine learning paradigms may support cost-effective crop protection decisions. However, previous studies mainly relied on morphological images of stationary or immobilized animals. Other features related to living animals behaving in the environment (e.g., walking trajectories, different postures, etc.) have been overlooked so far. In this study, we developed a detection method based on convolutional neural network (CNN) that can accurately classify in real-time two tephritid species (Ceratitis capitata and Bactrocera oleae) free to move and change their posture. Results showed a successful automatic detection (i.e., precision rate about 93%) in real-time of C. capitata and B. oleae adults using a camera sensor at a fixed height. In addition, the similar shape and movement patterns of the two insects did not interfere with the network precision. The proposed method can be extended to other pest species, needing minimal data pre-processing and similar architecture.

Abstract: Simple Summary Antibiotic resistance is a worldwide social and health crisis. The search for therapeutic alternatives, including the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), is critical. AMPs are small molecules synthesized by a wide range of living organisms. Microbiological and mass spectrometric techniques were used to examine peptides in the hemolymph of larvae of the scavenger insect Hermetia illucens (Diptera, Stratiomyidae) after infection with Escherichia coli or Micrococcus flavus, as well as uninfected larvae, used as control. Microbiological assays allowed us to confirm antimicrobial activity of H. illucens AMPs, while via mass spectrometry we identified a set of 33 AMPs, expressed in different conditions: 20 AMPs were expressed in all the analyzed conditions, while 13 were differentially expressed after Gram negative or Gram positive bacterial challenge. Differentially expressed AMPs may be responsible for a more specialized action. Abstract Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a chemically and structurally heterogeneous family of molecules produced by a large variety of living organisms, whose expression is predominant in the sites most exposed to microbial invasion. One of the richest natural sources of AMPs is insects which, over the course of their very long evolutionary history, have adapted to numerous and different habitats by developing a powerful innate immune system that has allowed them to survive but also to assert themselves in the new environment. Recently, due to the increase in antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, interest in AMPs has risen. In this work, we detected AMPs in the hemolymph of Hermetia illucens (Diptera, Stratiomyidae) larvae, following infection with Escherichia coli (Gram negative) or Micrococcus flavus (Gram positive) and from uninfected larvae. Peptide component, isolated via organic solvent precipitation, was analyzed by microbiological techniques. Subsequent mass spectrometry analysis allowed us to specifically identify peptides expressed in basal condition and peptides differentially expressed after bacterial challenge. We identified 33 AMPs in all the analyzed samples, of which 13 are specifically stimulated by Gram negative and/or Gram positive bacterial challenge. AMPs mostly expressed after bacterial challenge could be responsible for a more specific activity.

Abstract: Simple Summary This study aimed to investigate how the growth and nutrient composition of black soldier fly larvae could differ based on the physical structure of the feed given to the larvae. The results show that manipulating only the physical properties of the substrate can change larval growth, survival rate, and body composition. These results can help optimise the substrate by modifying its physical properties. Abstract The growth and nutritional profile of the black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) is usually investigated and compared when the larvae feed on substrates that differ in the chemical composition as well as physical properties. This study compares BSFL growth on substrates that differ primarily in physical properties. This was achieved by using various fibres in the substrates. In the first experiment, two substrates with 20% or 14% chicken feed were mixed with three fibres (cellulose, lignocellulose, or straw). In the second experiment, the growth of BSFL was compared with a 17% chicken feed substrate that additionally contained straw with different particle sizes. We show that the substrate texture properties values did not influence the BSFL growth, but the bulk density of the fibre component did. The substrate mixed with cellulose led to higher larvae growth over time in comparison to substrates with higher bulk density fibres. BSFL grown on the substrate mixed with cellulose reached their maximum weight in 6 days instead of 7. Neither the fibres nor the nutrient level changed the crude protein content of BSFL and the values ranged between 33.5% and 38.3%, but an interaction between the fibre and nutrient level was observed. The size of straw particles in the substrates influenced the BSFL growth and led to a 26.78% difference in Ca concentration, a 12.04% difference in Mg concentration, and a 35.34% difference in P concentration. Our findings indicate that the BSFL-rearing substrates can be optimised by changing the fibre component or its particle size. This can improve the survival rate, reduce the cultivation time needed to reach the maximum weight, and alter the chemical composition of BSFL.

Abstract: Simple Summary Vegetable crops are grown in Nigeria for their edible fruits, leaves, and succulent shoots and roots. The vegetables include okra, tomatoes, chilli peppers, cucumbers, green amaranth, carrots and onions. Insect pest infestations and damages to these crops can greatly limit their availability for human consumption if unchecked. The insect pests include foliage beetles, caterpillars, aphids, fruit flies, stink bugs, and grasshoppers. Vegetable growers have many different chemical and non-chemical methods that can be used to mitigate insect damage to vegetable crops including the application of synthetic insecticides, modification of cultural practices, use of resistant varieties, application of botanicals and conservation practices for natural enemies of the insect pests, and these are presented in this review. By combining as many pest management tools as practicable, the insect pest problems of vegetables in Nigeria can be reasonably managed in a sustainable manner. Abstract Insect pest infestations and damage can limit the production of vegetables in the farming systems in Nigeria. This review looks at integrated insect pest management as a possible panacea for resolving insect pest issues in vegetable crops. The main vegetable crops which include okra, tomatoes, chilli peppers, cucumbers, green amaranth, carrots and onions are highlighted. The major insect pests of the various vegetables which include foliage beetles, caterpillars, aphids, fruit flies, stink bugs, and grasshoppers are also mentioned. The various control measures that have been empirically verified for the mitigation of the impact of these insect pests, including the application of synthetic insecticides, modification of agronomic practices, use of resistant varieties, application of botanicals, biological and mechanical controls, are discussed. Studies which have been carried out attempting to integrate two or more of the control strategies for better insect pest control are also reviewed. Strategies that can be put in place for the integrated pest management of vegetable insect pests in Nigeria are considered. Among the IPM (Integrated Pest Management) practices instituted for the mitigation of pest infestations on vegetable crops in Nigeria, intercropping of suitable vegetables in combination with the application of aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica and Piper guineense seeds under good farm hygiene and sanitation proved to be most successful.

Abstract: Simple Summary Various types of rice pests cause huge losses to rice production every year in China. In this paper, a deep neural network for pest detection and classification via digital images is proposed. The targeted optimization is improved for the pest characteristics. Our experiments determined that our model has a higher accuracy and detection speed compared with other methods. In addition, it can be more widely used in pest detection surveys for various crops. Abstract In recent years, the occurrence of rice pests has been increasing, which has greatly affected the yield of rice in many parts of the world. The prevention and cure of rice pests is urgent. Aiming at the problems of the small appearance difference and large size change of various pests, a deep neural network named YOLO-GBS is proposed in this paper for detecting and classifying pests from digital images. Based on YOLOv5s, one more detection head is added to expand the detection scale range, the global context (GC) attention mechanism is integrated to find targets in complex backgrounds, PANet is replaced by BiFPN network to improve the feature fusion effect, and Swin Transformer is introduced to take full advantage of the self-attention mechanism of global contextual information. Results from experiments on our insect dataset containing Crambidae, Noctuidae, Ephydridae, and Delphacidae showed that the average mAP of the proposed model is up to 79.8%, which is 5.4% higher than that of YOLOv5s, and the detection effect of various complex scenes is significantly improved. In addition, the paper analyzes and discusses the generalization ability of YOLO-GBS model on a larger-scale pest data set. This research provides a more accurate and efficient intelligent detection method for rice pests and others crop pests.

Abstract: Simple Summary Tephritid fruit flies are widely distributed around the world and lay eggs in fruits and vegetables, resulting in rotting and economic losses. To limit economic loss caused by these flies, we reviewed and summarized three decades of literature on 10 important fly species occurring in China. We summarized the biology, ecology and integrated control methods to help researchers, quarantine officials and even hobbyists obtain more basic knowledge and a more innovative outlook. Abstract Tephritid fruit flies are notoriously known for causing immense economic losses due to their infestation of many types of commercial fruits and vegetables in China. These flies are expanding, causing serious damage, and we summarized references from the last three decades regarding biological parameters, ecological performance and integrated pest management. There are 10 species of tephritid fruit flies mentioned at a relatively high frequency in China, and a detailed description and discussion in this comprehensive review were provided through contrast and condensation, including economics, distribution, identification, hosts, damage, life history, oviposition preference, interspecific competition and integrated management, in anticipation of providing effective strategies or bases for the subsequent development of new research areas and improvement of integrated management systems.

Abstract: Simple Summary Triatominae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) bugs are considered species of medical relevance because they are vectors of Chagas disease. In Mexico, most species of the Triatoma genus are distributed in the lowlands of the west of Mexico, including the Mexican Pacific coast. Here, we describe Triatoma yelapensis sp. nov. from the Pacific coast of Jalisco (Mexico). We provide statistical support for the morphological distinctiveness of the new species and an updated key of the genus Triatoma for species recorded in Mexico. Abstract Thirty-four species of Triatominae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) are recorded in Mexico, Triatoma Laporte, 1832 the most speciose genus in this country. Here, we describe Triatoma yelapensis sp. nov. from the Pacific coast of Jalisco (Mexico). The most similar species to T. yelapensis sp. nov. is T. recurva (Stål, 1868), but they differ in head longitude, the proportion of labial segments, coloration pattern of corium and connexivum, spiracles location, and male genitalia. To provide statistical support for the morphological distinctiveness of the new species, we performed a geometric morphometric analysis of T. yelapensis sp. nov., T. dimidiata s.s. (Latreille, 1811), T. gerstaeckeri (Stål, 1859), and T. recurva (Stål, 1868), considering head morphology. We also provide an updated key of the genus Triatoma for species recorded in Mexico.

Abstract: Simple Summary Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) is an invasive pest of a small size with a high reproduction rate. The main damage caused by F. occidentalis is the transmission of the tomato spotted wilt virus, which has had certain impacts on agriculture in China. In this work, the maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) in the species distribution model was used to predict the suitable existence range of F. occidentalis in China, and areas of three levels, including high-, medium- and low-suitable zones, were obtained. In particular, the trend of the species’ future geographical distribution was derived based on the results of future projections. The results show that the areas of high- and low-suitability zones will continue to decrease in the future, and the area of medium-suitability zones will significantly increase. Then, the environmental variables affecting the distribution of the insect were screened, and it was concluded that temperature and precipitation might be the two factors affecting the distribution of this species that are worthy of consideration. This study provides certain references for the future pest control of F. occidentalis. Abstract Climate change has a highly significant impact on the distribution of species. As the greenhouse effect intensifies each year, the distribution of organisms responds to this challenge in diverse ways. Therefore, climatic environmental variables are a key entry point for capturing the current and future distribution trends of pests. Frankliniella occidentalis is an invasive pest attested worldwide. Its damage is mainly divided into two aspects, including mechanical damage caused by its feeding and egg laying and the spread of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV). TSWV is the most dominant transmitted virulent disease. Moreover, F. occidentalis is the major vector for the transmission of this virus, which poses a grave threat to the yield and survival of our crops. In this study, the distribution pattern of this pest was explored using 19 bioclimatic variables based on the Maxent model. The results indicated that in the future, high-suitability areas of F. occidentalis will be widely distributed in 19 provinces of China, with Hebei, Henan, Shandong, Tianjin and Yunnan being the most abundant. Among the 19 bioclimatic variables, the five variables of annual mean temperature (Bio 1), temperature seasonality (standard deviation × 100) (Bio 4), min temperature of the coldest month (Bio 6), mean temperature of the driest quarter (Bio 9) and precipitation of the coldest quarter (Bio 19) were selected as the key environmental variables affecting the distribution of F. occidentalis. In summary, temperature and precipitation are vital factors for the study of the species’ distribution, and this study aims to provide new perspectives for the control of this pest in China.

Abstract: Simple Summary Termites represent a unique and highly efficient system for lignocellulose bioconversion. The highly efficient lignocellulolytic systems are achieved through contributions from gut bacterial symbionts. Despite extensive research, the complete picture of bacterial diversity and their associated functions towards lignocellulose digestion by fungus-growing termite species is still lacking. In line with this objective, the present study revealed a diversity profile of cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic bacterial symbionts in the gut systems of some representative fungus-growing termites. The potential functions of the bacteria towards lignocellulose digestion, particularly cellulose and hemicellulose hydrolysis, were further identified and analyzed. The present investigation provided a unique profile of lignocellulose degrading symbiotic bacteria from the termites in general and fungus-growing species in particular. Abstract Fungus-growing termites are eusocial insects that represent one of the most efficient and unique systems for lignocellulose bioconversion, evolved from a sophisticated symbiosis with lignocellulolytic fungi and gut bacterial communities. Despite a plethora of information generated during the last century, some essential information on gut bacterial profiles and their unique contributions to wood digestion in some fungus-growing termites is still inadequate. Hence, using the culture-dependent approach, the present study aims to assess and compare the diversity of lignocellulose-degrading bacterial symbionts within the gut systems of three fungus-growing termites: Ancistrotermes pakistanicus, Odontotermes longignathus, and Macrotermes sp. A total of 32 bacterial species, belonging to 18 genera and 10 different families, were successfully isolated and identified from three fungus-growing termites using Avicel or xylan as the sole source of carbon. Enterobacteriaceae was the most dominant family represented by 68.1% of the total bacteria, followed by Yersiniaceae (10.6%) and Moraxellaceae (9%). Interestingly, five bacterial genera such as Enterobacter, Citrobacter, Acinetobacter, Trabulsiella, and Kluyvera were common among the tested termites, while the other bacteria demonstrated a termite-specific distribution. Further, the lignocellulolytic potential of selected bacterial strains was tested on agricultural waste to evaluate their capability for lignocellulose bioconversion. The highest substrate degradation was achieved with E. chengduensis MA11 which degraded 45.52% of rice straw. All of the potential strains showed endoglucanase, exoglucanase, and xylanase activities depicting a symbiotic role towards the lignocellulose digestion within the termite gut. The above results indicated that fungus-growing termites harbor a diverse array of bacterial symbionts that differ from species to species, which may play an inevitable role to enhance the degradation efficacy in lignocellulose decomposition. The present study further elaborates our knowledge about the termite-bacteria symbiosis for lignocellulose bioconversion which could be helpful to design a future biorefinery.

Abstract: Simple Summary The pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella, is one of the most damaging pests of cotton worldwide. Cotton has been genetically engineered to produce insect-killing proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to control major lepidopteran pests, including the pink bollworm. The Bt proteins in genetically engineered crops are not toxic to people, other vertebrates, or most beneficial insects. Advantages of Bt crops can include pest suppression, improved yields, increased farmer profits, and decreased use of conventional insecticides. In the United States, Bt cotton, sterile moth releases, and other tactics were used to eradicate the pink bollworm. For more than 20 years, Bt cotton has been effective against pink bollworm in China. However, the benefits of Bt crops are reduced when pests evolve resistance, as exemplified by pink bollworm resistance to Bt cotton in India. For each of the two Bt proteins used widely in Bt cotton, the genetic basis of resistance is similar between resistance selected in the lab versus the field, regardless of the country of origin. The results suggest that lab selection can be useful for identifying genes likely to be important in field-evolved resistance to Bt crops and that differences in management practices among countries caused different outcomes. Abstract Transgenic crops producing insecticidal proteins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) control some important insect pests. However, evolution of resistance by pests reduces the efficacy of Bt crops. Here we review resistance to Bt cotton in the pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella, one of the world’s most damaging pests of cotton. Field outcomes with Bt cotton and pink bollworm during the past quarter century differ markedly among the world’s top three cotton-producing countries: practical resistance in India, sustained susceptibility in China, and eradication of this invasive lepidopteran pest from the United States achieved with Bt cotton and other tactics. We compared the molecular genetic basis of pink bollworm resistance between lab-selected strains from the U.S. and China and field-selected populations from India for two Bt proteins (Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab) produced in widely adopted Bt cotton. Both lab- and field-selected resistance are associated with mutations affecting the cadherin protein PgCad1 for Cry1Ac and the ATP-binding cassette transporter protein PgABCA2 for Cry2Ab. The results imply lab selection is useful for identifying genes important in field-evolved resistance to Bt crops, but not necessarily the specific mutations in those genes. The results also suggest that differences in management practices, rather than genetic constraints, caused the strikingly different outcomes among countries.

Abstract: Simple Summary Insects are an important source of protein but insect fat increasingly slides into focus due to its high content of unsaturated fatty acids. Tenebrio molitor larvae were reared on several substrates with different nutritional contents to influence the fat and fatty acid contents of the larvae. The fat and fatty acid composition of the mealworm larvae were then analyzed in order to determine if a nutritional change could be detected using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy. This is a rapid and non-destructive method for the online analysis of chemical composition. In this study, the diet used for rearing had a significant effect on the larval fat content and fatty acid composition as well as the absorbance of the near-infrared spectra and the larval growth rate and weight gain, i.e., a high fat content substrate reduced weight gain and larval growth. The most prevalent fatty acids identified and quantified were palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acid, showing a correlation between larval content and rearing diets containing high fatty acid amounts. A high dietary content of lauric acid, myristic acid, and α-linolenic acid resulted in a high content of these fatty acids in mealworm larvae. The fat and fatty acid content could be predicted accurately using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy and were highly influenced by several diets having different proximate compositions. Abstract Several studies have shown that mealworms (Tenebrio molitor L.) could provide animals and humans with valuable nutrients. Tenebrio molitor larvae were studied to determine whether their rearing diets affected their fat and fatty acid content and to ascertain if it is possible to detect the changes in the larval fat composition using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). For this reason, a standard control diet (100% wheat bran) and an experimental diet, consisting of wheat bran and the supplementation of a different substrate (coconut flour, flaxseed flour, pea protein flour, rose hip hulls, grape pomace, or hemp protein flour) were used. The results showed lesser weight gain and slower growth rates for larvae raised on diets with a high fat content. A total of eight fatty acids were identified and quantified, where palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids were the most prevalent and showed a correlation between larval content and their content in the rearing diets. There was a high content of lauric acid (3.2–4.6%), myristic acid (11.4–12.9%), and α-linolenic acid 8.4–13.0%) in mealworm larvae as a result of the high dietary content of these fatty acids. NIR spectra were also influenced by the fat and fatty acid composition, as larval absorbance values differed greatly. The coefficient of the determination of prediction (R2P) was over 0.97, with an RPD value of 8.3 for the fat content, which indicates the high predictive accuracy of the NIR model. Furthermore, it was possible to develop calibration models with great predictive efficiency (R2P = 0.81–0.95, RPD = 2.6–5.6) for all fatty acids, except palmitoleic and stearic acids which had a low predictive power (R2P < 0.5, RPD < 2.0). The detection of fat and fatty acids using NIRS can help insect producers to quickly and easily analyze the nutritional composition of mealworm larvae during the rearing process.

Abstract: Crickets contain high protein content that can be used to improve nutrition but are less exploited. This study was conducted to isolate different Cricket Protein Fractions including albumin, globulin, glutelin, and prolamin. All fractions were characterized and hydrolyzed by commercial enzymes. The results showed that the glutelin fractions had the highest extraction yields with 53.9 ± 2.12% (p < 0.05). Moreover, glutelin hydrolysate fraction prepared by Alcalase with a 16.35 ±0.29% hydrolysis degree was selected for further purification because of their high antioxidant activities, including ABTS radical-scavenging activity (0.44-0.55 µmol Trolox eq./g) and metal chelating activity (1721.99-1751.71 µmol EDTA eq./g). Two active fractions, GA-1 (<3 kDa) and GA-2 (<3 kDa), were collected from the consecutive purification of glutelin hydrolysates, which included processes such as membrane ultrafiltration and gel filtration. The fractions were analyzed by LC-MS/MS to obtain 10 peptides with 3-13 amino acids identified as TEAPLNPK, EVGA, KLL, TGNLPGAAHPLLL, AHLLT, LSPLYE, AGVL, VAAV, VAGL, and QLL with a molecular weight range of 359.23-721.37 Da in the two fractions. The amino acid sequence shows a prevalence of hydrophobic amino acids (50-100%) such as valine and leucine in the peptide chains, accounting for its high antioxidant activity. In conclusion, cricket glutelin hydrolysate prepared by Alcalase can serve as an alternative source of potent edible bioactive peptides in functional food products.

Abstract: Simple Summary The nutritional composition of silkworms will likely have multiple implications for humans, animals, and the environment. The silkworm pupae attracted interest due to lipids and protein profiles. Furthermore, the valuable level of the essential fatty acids (alpha-linolenic and linoleic from the n-3 and n-6 family) results in significant physiological functions in the human body that support good health. Using silkworm pupae to feed humans and animals reduces the waste that must be discarded; however, this is only one way of lowering pollution emissions. On the other hand, as a unique silkworm feed, mulberry leaves have the capacity to sequester carbon by absorbing a significant amount of harmful pollutants. Abstract Bombyx mori is an ideal lepidopteran species representative of many scientific studies, a model of studies for medicine and a significant insect from an ecological standpoint. This review was performed to summarize the fatty acids (FA) composition of silkworm pupae (SP) that are associated with other important compounds that could add value to SP, diversifying the ways of valorization. The proposal to complete plant-based feeds with insect-based feeds represents a viable option to beneficially impact human and animal health and the environment. The quality and quantity of fats consumed significantly impact the aetiology of certain diseases. The key compounds of fat named essential FA (EFA) substantially influence the prevention and treatment of several diseases through their nutraceutical functions. Due to its excellent profile in nutrients such as protein and fat, amino acids and fatty acids composition, SP has become an important alternative feed ingredient and source of EFA. SP is a by-product that was discarded in large quantities. Following the need to act to improve human health and reduce climate change impact, many researchers focused on studying SP applications in the medical and agricultural industries. Several authors noticed an improvement in the health markers by using SP. The feed cost for the animal was reduced with economic implications. Minimization of environmental impact was recorded. Few precautions were recommended regarding SP use, although they should not be ignored. The composition of SP and its potential for use in various industries provides us with persuasive arguments for continuing to develop the sericulture industry.

Abstract: Simple Summary Three small RNA pathways, representing miRNAs, siRNAs and piRNAs, exist in insects. Of the three pathways, piRNAs and Piwi proteins appear to have the most complex biogenesis and functional roles. Significant progress has recently occurred in the understanding of the piRNA pathway in three major research areas, i.e., oogenesis and spermatogenesis in the fruitfly, antiviral response in mosquitoes and piRNA biogenesis in silkworm-derived BmN4 cells. Thus, it is timely to provide an overview of the knowledge accumulated so far. Studies in other insects are lagging behind but are highly anticipated since piRNAs and Piwi proteins are abundantly expressed not only in the germline but also in the somatic tissues. Due to the diversification of Piwi genes among insects, novel functions of piRNAs and Piwi proteins can be expected in the different species. This comprehensive review aimed to provide important background information about the current knowledge on piRNAs and Piwi proteins in insects that can function as a resource for future research. Abstract Research on Piwi proteins and piRNAs in insects has focused on three experimental models: oogenesis and spermatogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster, the antiviral response in Aedes mosquitoes and the molecular analysis of primary and secondary piRNA biogenesis in Bombyx mori-derived BmN4 cells. Significant unique and complementary information has been acquired and has led to a greater appreciation of the complexity of piRNA biogenesis and Piwi protein function. Studies performed in other insect species are emerging and promise to add to the current state of the art on the roles of piRNAs and Piwi proteins. Although the primary role of the piRNA pathway is genome defense against transposons, particularly in the germline, recent findings also indicate an expansion of its functions. In this review, an extensive overview is presented of the knowledge of the piRNA pathway that so far has accumulated in insects. Following a presentation of the three major models, data from other insects were also discussed. Finally, the mechanisms for the expansion of the function of the piRNA pathway from transposon control to gene regulation were considered.

Abstract: Simple Summary It is increasingly recognized that gut microbiota plays crucial roles in host health and function. Various ecological and physiological factors influence the structure of the gut microbial community, resulting in, for example, the formation of enterotypes or the development of inflammatory disease by dysbiosis in humans. Social insects, such as bees, ants, and termites, are known to harbor unique but stable gut microbiota among individuals, which can be a good model to understand how gut microbial communities are shaped and stably maintained in host populations. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding structures of gut microbiota in social insects. Microbes colonizing those insect guts and differentially abundant among host castes are mainly featured. Abstract Gut bacterial communities assist host animals with numerous functions such as food digestion, nutritional provision, or immunity. Some social mammals and insects are unique in that their gut microbial communities are stable among individuals. In this review, we focus on the gut bacterial communities of eusocial insects, including bees, ants, and termites, to provide an overview of their community structures and to gain insights into any general aspects of their structural basis. Pseudomonadota and Bacillota are prevalent bacterial phyla commonly detected in those three insect groups, but their compositions are distinct at lower taxonomic levels. Eusocial insects harbor unique gut bacterial communities that are shared within host species, while their stability varies depending on host physiology and ecology. Species with narrow dietary habits, such as eusocial bees, harbor highly stable and intraspecific microbial communities, while generalists, such as most ant species, exhibit relatively diverse community structures. Caste differences could influence the relative abundance of community members without significantly altering the taxonomic composition.

Abstract: Cicadella viridis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is an omnivorous leafhopper that feeds on plant sap. It significantly reduces the yield of agricultural and forestry crops while feeding or ovipositing on the host plant. In recent years, the rapid expansion of C. viridis has posed a serious threat to agricultural and forestry crops. To study the impact of climate change on the geographical distribution of the leafhopper, the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model and ArcGIS software, combined with 253 geographic distribution records of the pest and 24 environmental variables, were used, for the first time, to predict the potential distribution of C. viridis in China under conditions of climatic change. The results showed that the currently suitable areas for C. viridis are 29.06–43° N, 65.25–85.15° E, and 93.45–128.85° E, with an estimated area of 11,231,423.79 km2, i.e., 11.66% of China. The Loess Plateau, the North China Plain, and the Shandong Peninsula are the main suitable areas. The potential distribution of the leafhopper for the high and medium suitability areas decreased under each climate scenario (except RCP8.5 in the 2090s). Several key variables that have the most significant effect on the distribution of C. viridis were identified, including the mean annual temperature (Bio1), the standard deviation of temperature seasonality (Bio4), the minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio6), and the precipitation of the coldest quarter (Bio19). Our research provides important guidance for developing effective monitoring and pest control methods for C. viridis, given the predicted challenges of altered pest dynamics related to future climate change.

Abstract: Simple Summary Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance, but most of them pose a threat to human beings as they can transmit pathogens that are harmful and may turn fatal, such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. This study was carried out to evaluate the larvicidal properties of the solvent extracts from three aromatic plants, Curcuma longa (turmeric), Ocimum americanum (hoary basil), and Petroselinum crispum (parsley)—against the mosquito vector of dengue, Aedes albopictus. Thereafter, the phytochemical profiles and the cellular toxicity of the extracts were evaluated. The results indicate that the hexane extracts of O. americanum and P. crispum had the greatest larvicidal activity. Among these two, O. americanum was shown to be less toxic to African monkey kidney cells and possessed an abundant amount of methyl eugenol, which is a phytochemical with known larvicidal activities. Overall, our findings indicate that these aromatic plants, especially O. americanum, may prove to be highly promising alternatives as bioinsecticides. Abstract Despite ongoing control efforts, the mosquito population and diseases vectored by them continue to thrive worldwide, causing major health concerns. There has been growing interest in the use of botanicals as alternatives to insecticides due to their widespread insecticidal properties, biodegradability, and adaptability to ecological conditions. In this study, we investigated the larvicidal activity and cytotoxicity effects of solvent extracts from three aromatic plants—Curcuma longa (turmeric), Ocimum americanum (hoary basil), and Petroselinum crispum (parsley)—against Aedes albopictus. Subsequently, we examined the phytochemical composition of the extracts through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. Results revealed that the hexane extracts of O. americanum and P. crispum exhibited the greatest larvicidal activity with the lowest median lethal concentration (LC50) values (<30 µg/mL) at 24 h post-treatment, with the former found to be significantly less toxic towards African monkey kidney (Vero) cells. The GC–MS analysis of the said extract indicated the presence of different classes of metabolites, including phenylpropanoids, very long-chain alkanes, fatty acids and their derivatives, and terpenes, with the most abundant component being methyl eugenol (55.28%), most of which, have been documented for their larvicidal activities. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential use and development of bioinsecticides, particularly from O. americanum.

Abstract: Simple Summary Metarhizium rileyi (XSBN200920 and HNQLZ200714) were isolated from diseased S. frugiperda. This study not only elucidated the pathogenic process of Metahizium rileyi from the activities of the host detoxifying enzyme and protective enzyme but also identified the key factors responsible for the variation in virulence between XSBN200920 and HNQLZ200714 based on the growth of pathogenic fungi, the expression of antioxidant stress genes (SOD and CAT genes), and the expression of antioxidant enzymes. the high virulence of M. rileyi XSBN200920 was not only determined by the expression levels of protective and detoxifying enzymes of the host but also regulated by the growth of entomogenic fungi and the resistance to the oxidative stress against S. frugiperda at different developmental stages. This study provides a theoretical basis for the systematic control of Spodoptera frugiperda using Metarhizium rileyi. Abstract Spodoptera frugiperda is one of the most destructive crop pests in the world. Metarhizium rileyi is an entomopathogenic fungus specific for noctuid pests and is a very promising prospect in biological control against S. frugiperda. Two M. rileyi strains (XSBN200920 and HNQLZ200714) isolated from infected S. frugiperda were used to evaluate the virulence and biocontrol potential to different stages and instars of S. frugiperda. The results showed that XSBN200920 was significantly more virulent than HNQLZ200714 to eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults of S. frugiperda. In the larvae infected with the two M. rileyi strains, the activity of three protective enzymes (including peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT)) and two detoxifying enzymes (including glutathione-S transferase (GST) and carboxylesterase (CarE)) increased firstly and then decreased. The expression levels of protective enzymes and detoxification enzymes in larvae treated with XSBN200920 were greater than with HNQLZ200714. Furthermore, antioxidant stress-related gene (MrSOD and MrCAT family genes) expression in the two strains was measured by RT-qPCR (real-time quantitative PCR). The expression of these genes was significantly higher in the XSBN200920 strain compared to HNQLZ200714. There were also significant differences in the sensitivity of the two strains to the growth of different carbon and nitrogen sources and oxidative stress agents. In addition, the activity expression of antioxidant enzymes on the third day of culturing in XSBN200920 was significantly higher than with HNQLZ200714. In summary, the high virulence of M. rileyi XSBN200920 was not only determined by the expression levels of protective and detoxifying enzymes of the host but also regulated by the growth of entomogenic fungi and the resistance to the oxidative stress against S. frugiperda at different stages and instars. This study provides a theoretical fundament for the systematic control of Spodoptera frugiperda using Metarhizium rileyi.

Abstract: M. alternatus is considered to be an important and effective insect vector for the spread of the important international forest quarantine pest, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. The precise determination of potential suitable areas of M. alternatus is essential to monitor, prevent, and control M. alternatus worldwide. According to the distribution points and climatic variables, the optimized MaxEnt model and ArcGIS were used to predict the current and future potentially suitable areas of M. alternatus worldwide. The optimized MaxEnt model parameters were set as feature combination (FC) = LQHP and β = 1.5, which were determined by the values of AUCdiff, OR10, and ΔAICc. Bio2, Bio6, Bio10, Bio12, and Bio14 were the dominant bioclimatic variables affecting the distribution of M. alternatus. Under the current climate conditions, the potentially suitable habitats of M. alternatus were distributed across all continents except Antarctica, accounting for 4.17% of the Earth's total land area. Under future climate scenarios, the potentially suitable habitats of M. alternatus increased significantly, spreading to a global scale. The results of this study could provide a theoretical basis for the risk analysis of the global distribution and dispersal of M. alternatus as well as the precise monitoring and prevention of this beetle.

Abstract: Simple Summary In addition to the potential of edible insects as an alternative source of proteins, the production of insect meals generates a significant amount of fat that is also of interest for food and feed. The consideration of the impact of processing factors on the quality of insect fats, such as oxidative stability, is indispensable to fully realize their value as a co-product. Therefore, this study aimed to understand how the different successive modes of processing of Hermetia illucens larvae (black soldier fly larvae, BSFL), such as slaughtering (by blanching or freezing), drying (by oven-drying or freeze-drying) and defatting (by mechanical pressing or supercritical CO2 SFE), as well as their interactions, affect the oxidation of the resulting fat and defatted meal. The preferred procedure would be a combination of freezing with freeze-drying and mechanical pressing, especially the combination of freeze-drying and mechanical pressing, for the best oxidative quality during storage. Such oxidative stability was strongly related to the antioxidant activity of the fats, which was conditioned by the processing methods used for BSFL. Therefore, this study provides guidance on selecting the best combinations of slaughtering, drying, and defatting processes for BSFL to obtain fats with the best oxidative quality. Abstract The interrelation effect of slaughtering, drying, and defatting methods of BSFL on the oxidative quality of the derived fat was studied. Blanching and freezing were compared as slaughtering methods, followed by oven or freeze-drying for drying and mechanical pressing or SFE for defatting. The oxidative state and stability of the extracted fat and defatted meals were monitored immediately after their production, using peroxide value (PV) and Rancimat test, and over 24 weeks of storage. Slaughtering and drying methods had an independent effect on PV, with freezing and freeze-drying being the best methods. Mechanical pressing and SFE were comparable and superior to conventional hexane defatting. Interactions were observed between slaughtering and defatting, drying and defatting, and between all three factors. Generally, freeze-drying combined with any of the slaughtering and defatting methods resulted in the lowest PVs, with mechanical pressing being preferred. Freeze-drying plus mechanical pressing also produced the most stable fats during storage according to the evolution of PV, while the combination of blanching and SFE produced the least stable. A significant correlation was found between the PV at 24 weeks and the antioxidant activity of the fats. Contrary to storage assays, in accelerated Rancimat assays, freeze-dried samples were the least stable, which was partially attributed to the significant correlation with the acid values of the samples. Defatted meals followed a similar pattern to the extracted fat, except for worse oxidation for SFE defatting. Therefore, the different processing methods of slaughtering, drying, and defatting of BSFL differently affect lipid oxidation, with interactions between such successive steps.