@article {pmid40317965,
year = {2025},
author = {Ojha, M and Shigwan, BK and Nerlekar, AN and Datar, MN and Chavan, BP and Barua, D},
title = {Differential impacts of invasion on plant communities of two types of savannas in India.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {3},
pages = {e70035},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70035},
pmid = {40317965},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {//Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation (ATBC) (Seed Grant 2022)/ ; //IISER, Pune/ ; //UGC/ ; },
mesh = {India ; *Introduced Species ; *Plants/classification ; *Biodiversity ; *Grassland ; },
abstract = {Biological invasions pose a threat to biodiversity in tropical savannas. Invasive plants can alter savanna communities in complex ways, where impacts can vary with the intensity of invasion, the spatial scales examined, and by climate. However, our understanding of such impacts on Asian tropical savannas is limited. To address this knowledge gap, we examined how plant invasion impacted plant communities across increasing levels of invasion, at different spatial scales, in two climatically determined savannas in tropical India. We sampled vegetation at three sites each in drier fine-leaf savannas (FLS) and wetter broadleaf savannas (BLS). At each site, we sampled replicate locations with plots assigned to uninvaded savannas, invaded savannas at three invasion levels, and old-growth savannas that served as a benchmark for comparison. We quantified alpha and beta plant diversity, and differences in community composition that were partitioned into components representative of species loss and replacement. We found that while richness and diversity decreased linearly, evenness increased linearly with invasion. The loss of species was much greater in BLS (60%) than in FLS (30%). Differences in composition with invasion were more pronounced in BLS and driven by species turnover in both savannas. We did not find evidence for homogenization at larger spatial scales, with no differences in beta diversity in FLS and an increase in BLS with invasion. These results highlight the utility of examining multiple measures of diversity, as they provide insights into how relationships between richness and evenness can translate into diversity. The linear nature of responses of the community to increasing invasion suggests that management efforts may be equally effective at different stages of invasion in these savannas. Further, the observed increase in beta diversity in invaded BLS communities adds to the growing reports of spatial scale-dependent effects and reinforces the need to examine invasion at multiple spatial scales. Overall, the greater loss of species and pronounced community changes in BLS, which is the dominant savanna type in the Indian subcontinent and home to many endemic species, suggest that it should be prioritized for conservation, management, and future restoration.},
}

India
*Introduced Species
*Plants/classification
*Biodiversity
*Grassland

@article {pmid40316822,
year = {2025},
author = {Perelló, E and Pinya, S and Box, A and Sureda, A and Compa, M},
title = {Assessing heavy metal accumulation in the invasive blue crab (Callinectes sapidus): environmental and human health implications.},
journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40316822},
issn = {1614-7499},
support = {CIBEROBN CB12/03/30038//Instituto de Salud Carlos III/ ; FJC2021-047606-I//MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and the European Union NextGeneration EU/PRTR Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan/ ; Biodibal//University of the Balearic Islands and Red Eléctrica de España/ ; CALIBAL//Chair of Sea of the Iberostar Foundation - University of the Balearic Islands./ ; CALIBAL 2.0//Chair of Sea of the Iberostar Foundation - University of the Balearic Islands./ ; },
abstract = {Heavy metals are increasingly becoming a significant environmental concern, especially regarding food safety and security. This is especially concerning as the consumption of harvested marine species can pose potential health concerns. The arrival of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, to the Balearic Islands has led to the need to evaluate its environmental implications and potential as a food source as part of management efforts. In the present study, the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in the muscle tissue of C. sapidus were evaluated at several locations in the Balearic Islands in the western Mediterranean Sea. A total of eighty-three blue crabs were examined (45 males and 38 females) and the concentrations of the heavy metals were evaluated. Regarding metal concentrations, overall, Hg was the most present followed by Cd and then Pb. Concentrations were also site dependent, with Es Grau having the highest Hg concentrations while in s'Albufereta the highest Cd concentrations were observed. Moreover, differences in metal accumulation were also observed between sexes, with juveniles and females exhibiting higher Cd concentrations than males. Furthermore, regarding potential human health concerns for consumption, the margin of exposure (MOE) for Pb were all above 1 and the estimated weekly ingestion (EWI) for Cd and Hg, were all below the established guidelines for food safety. These results highlight that the consumption of C. sapidus from the Balearic Islands does not currently pose a health risk the recreational fisheries sector. Considering these findings, the muscle tissue of C. sapidus is a valuable bioindicator for monitoring heavy metal levels, and continued site-specific monitoring is recommended for the coastal ecosystems of the Balearic Islands.},
}

@article {pmid40314403,
year = {2025},
author = {Yalcin, IE and Altay, V and Ozturk, M},
title = {Phytoremediation potential and ecophysiological features of water hyacinth Eichornia crassipes: a case study from Orontes River, Türkiye.},
journal = {Journal of environmental science and health. Part A, Toxic/hazardous substances & environmental engineering},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-13},
doi = {10.1080/10934529.2025.2497650},
pmid = {40314403},
issn = {1532-4117},
abstract = {The pollution of freshwater resources has become a critical global issue due to intensive and unregulated agricultural practices, rapid urbanization, and industrial expansion along waterways. Phytoremediation, which involves using aquatic macrophytes to remove contaminants from water, is recognized as an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective remediation strategy. This study investigates the phytoremediation capacity of Eichhornia crassipes in reducing heavy metal contamination in the transboundary Orontes (Asi) River within Türkiye's borders. The Asi River, spanning 571 km from Lebanon through Syria to the Mediterranean Sea in Hatay, Türkiye, is severely affected by heavy metal pollution, primarily due to agricultural activities. The study assessed the bioaccumulation potential of E. crassipes, which grows abundantly in the river, focusing on metal accumulation in its petioles. The concentrations of cadmium, cobalt, chromium, and lead in petioles were quantified at 6.69, 23.50, 29.77, and 65.25 mg kg[-1], respectively, while the maximum concentrations of these metals in the aquatic habitat were 76.57, 303.26, 693.58, and 106.19 µg L[-1], respectively. The effectiveness of phytoremediation can be further enhanced through genetic modification, microbial stimulation, and chemical or natural amendments. These findings illustrate the significant potential of E. crassipes for heavy metal remediation in natural water bodies, contributing to ecosystem conservation, species sustainability, and biodiversity protection.},
}

@article {pmid40314144,
year = {2025},
author = {Konishi, T and Uemori, K and Tamura, S and Taki, H and Shoda-Kagaya, E},
title = {The avoidance of conspecific cues during egg-laying decision-making in the Asian long-horned beetle Anoplophora glabripennis.},
journal = {Bulletin of entomological research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-6},
doi = {10.1017/S000748532500032X},
pmid = {40314144},
issn = {1475-2670},
abstract = {For insects whose larvae are incapable of moving between food resources, the selection of oviposition sites by females is critical to the survival and development of their offspring. In such insects, it is known that females utilise and benefit from conspecific cues for oviposition choice. Studying how information from the behaviour of conspecifics affects egg-laying decision-making is crucial for understanding the biology of insects, which can lead to novel strategies for pest management. We focused on the reproductive behaviour of the Asian long-horned beetle Anoplophora glabripennis, which has become an invasive pest species throughout the world. Here, we show that A. glabripennis avoids sites already containing conspecific cues during egg-laying decision-making. The field survey measuring the distance between neighbouring oviposition scars (in this species, females make scars through the bark of host branches for laying eggs) suggested that the selection of oviposition sites by females is not random. In laboratory oviposition-choice bioassays, females made less oviposition scars on branches containing scars made by other females than those without scars. In addition, female oviposition was also deterred by the presence of their own oviposition scars. Our results indicate that avoiding sites containing conspecific (and their own) traces realises fitness benefit such as reducing resource competition among larvae. This study provides insights into the reproductive behaviour of this invasive longhorn beetle, which is useful for developing environmentally friendly control methods such as oviposition deterrents.},
}

@article {pmid40314126,
year = {2025},
author = {Waki, T and Nitta, M and Ansai, E and Ishikawa, T and Kitazawa, Y and Hagiwara, T and Sekine, H and Takano, K and Hayashi, M},
title = {Introduction of Azygia hwangtsiyui (Trematoda: Azygidae) to Japan with its life cycle information.},
journal = {Journal of helminthology},
volume = {99},
number = {},
pages = {e59},
doi = {10.1017/S0022149X25000379},
pmid = {40314126},
issn = {1475-2697},
mesh = {Animals ; Japan ; *Trematoda/genetics/isolation & purification/classification/growth & development/anatomy & histology/physiology ; Snails/parasitology ; *Life Cycle Stages ; RNA, Ribosomal, 28S/genetics ; *Fish Diseases/parasitology ; DNA, Helminth/genetics ; Phylogeny ; *Trematode Infections/veterinary/parasitology ; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics/chemistry ; Fishes/parasitology ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; *Perciformes/parasitology ; },
abstract = {In Japan, three trematode species of the genus Azygia have been recorded: A. gotoi, A. perryii, and A. rhinogobii. Here, we report the first detection of A. hwangtsiyui in Japan, identified from the introduced snakehead Channa argus. This trematode was previously known only from the snakeheads in mainland China. Between 2015 and 2024, we sampled snakeheads and snails in Japan, collecting adult trematodes and rediae. Adult trematodes were identified morphologically as A. hwangtsiyui, a determination corroborated by molecular analyses of the COI and 28S rDNA regions. Rediae extracted from the snail Sinotaia quadrata histrica were also identified molecularly as A. hwangtsiyui, indicating the snail acts as an intermediate host. Juvenile trematodes from the short-spined Japanese trident goby Tridentiger brevispinis were also morphologically identified as A. hwangtsiyui, indicating that this goby acts as a paratenic host. Given the snakehead's introduction to Japan between 1923 and 1924, the absence of records of later introductions, and the presence of both intermediate and paratenic hosts in Japan at that time, A. hwangtsiyui was likely introduced concurrently with the snakehead. As the detection of three COI haplotypes suggests multiple introductions, subsequent introductions via the aquarium trade or other pathways involving the transport of freshwater fish and mollusks from Asia to Japan are also plausible.},
}

Animals
Japan
*Trematoda/genetics/isolation & purification/classification/growth & development/anatomy & histology/physiology
Snails/parasitology
*Life Cycle Stages
RNA, Ribosomal, 28S/genetics
*Fish Diseases/parasitology
DNA, Helminth/genetics
Phylogeny
*Trematode Infections/veterinary/parasitology
DNA, Ribosomal/genetics/chemistry
Fishes/parasitology
Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics
Sequence Analysis, DNA
*Perciformes/parasitology

@article {pmid40274173,
year = {2025},
author = {Altamiranda-Saavedra, M and Ávila-Jiménez, J and Rojas, M and Navarro-Mamani, DA},
title = {Global potential distribution and realized niche conservatism during biological invasion of Culicoides imicola from Africa to the Mediterranean basin of Europe.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {265},
number = {},
pages = {107627},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107627},
pmid = {40274173},
issn = {1873-6254},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ceratopogonidae/physiology/growth & development/virology ; Europe ; Africa ; *Ecosystem ; Mediterranean Region ; *Insect Vectors ; Bluetongue/transmission ; *Introduced Species ; Bluetongue virus ; },
abstract = {Many Culicoides species transmit arboviruses that affect animals and humans. Culicoides imicola, a key vector of bluetongue virus (BTV), has expanded its range from Africa to Europe, spreading disease. Biting midges breed in diverse habitats and contribute significantly to the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases. In the present study, C. imicola occurrences were obtained and spatially filtered, resulting in 703 occurrences divided into the training and validation datasets (a 70-30 % split). Four bioclimatic variable sets were created based on their contributions to environmental niche modeling. Ecological niche models were built using combinations of variables and feature classes, and evaluated based on the Akaike information criterion, the omission rate, and partial receiver operating characteristic curve analysis using the Kuenm package in R version 4.2.3. Niche comparison between the native (Africa) and invaded (Europe) regions was performed using NicheA 3.0 and niche dynamics, including unfilling, expansion, and stability, with ecoregions delineating native and invaded areas determined using the Ecospat package in R version 4.2.3. The results indicated that C. imicola had a wide transcontinental distribution; the model predicted suitable habitats mainly in subtropical and temperate zones. The niche overlap analysis showed that the Jaccard index and Schoener's D predicted low niche overlap between the native and invaded areas, with limited expansion and 93.6 % niche stability. The niches of C. imicola's native and invaded areas were more similar than would be expected by chance, but they were not equivalent. In conclusion, there was high niche stability for C. imicola between Africa and Mediterranean Europe, with temperature strongly influencing its distribution.},
}

Animals
*Ceratopogonidae/physiology/growth & development/virology
Europe
Africa
*Ecosystem
Mediterranean Region
*Insect Vectors
Bluetongue/transmission
*Introduced Species
Bluetongue virus

@article {pmid40311402,
year = {2025},
author = {Ohanna, M and Silveira, TCL and Crivellaro, MS and Segal, B},
title = {Charting the invasion: Predicting Tubastraea spp. next move into Brazilian marine protected areas.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {217},
number = {},
pages = {118030},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118030},
pmid = {40311402},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {In the late 1980s, the sun coral, Tubastraea spp. (Scleractinia; Dendrophylliidae), was introduced to Brazil via biofouling on oil platforms and drilling vessels. Today, these corals have spread over 3000 km of the Brazilian coast, colonizing a range of habitats, including oil platforms, drilling ships, monobuoys and natural reefs. Concerned about the potential impacts on Brazilian marine ecosystems, management actions have been implemented in various regions. To achieve success in management, early detection and monitoring are essential. To address this need, our study focuses on modeling the habitat suitability for Tubastraea spp. along the Brazilian coast, aiming to support control and monitoring activities within marine protected areas (MPAs). By utilizing habitat suitability models that incorporate both environmental and anthropogenic predictors, our results indicate a broad potential distribution for Tubastraea spp., with oil and gas extraction identified as the primary influencing factor. Our analysis ranked the most vulnerable Brazilian MPAs to Tubastraea spp. invasion, highlighting the Arapiranga-Tromaí Extractive Reserve, Trindade and Martim Vaz Islands Natural Monument, and the Costa dos Corais Environmental Protected Area as the most threatened. This study offers valuable insights into prioritizing efforts and resources for the control, monitoring, and prevention of sun coral invasion along the Brazilian coast, particularly in light of ongoing discussions about the oil industry's plans to operate at the Amazon River mouth.},
}

@article {pmid40309260,
year = {2025},
author = {Tobias, ZJC and Miller, G and Tepolt, CK},
title = {Variation of thermal tolerance during northward range expansion in the invasive golden star tunicate, Botryllus schlosseri.},
journal = {Conservation physiology},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {coaf018},
pmid = {40309260},
issn = {2051-1434},
abstract = {Populations within a species can differ with respect to their thermal physiology, with variation often observed across gradients in environmental temperature with latitude or elevation. The tempo at which phenotypic plasticity and/or local adaptation are able to shape variation in thermal tolerance has implications for species persistence in an increasingly volatile climate. Having encountered novel environments during introduction and subsequent range expansion, non-indigenous species present useful case studies for examining thermal tolerance differentiation on contemporary time scales. Here we test for differentiation of heat and cold tolerance among three populations of the invasive golden star tunicate, Botryllus schlosseri (Pallas), spanning a 24.3° latitudinal gradient in the Northeast Pacific. We observed differentiation of post-larval heat tolerance among our sites, with our southern, putatively warm-adapted population exhibiting a significantly higher LT50 than the two more northern populations. We also found that adult cardiac performance at cold temperatures is progressively greater in colder, higher latitude populations. This pattern may suggest compensatory genetic adaptation to colder environmental temperatures. By examining both heat tolerance and cold performance simultaneously among populations of an invasive ascidian, we document how this marine ectotherm is capable of shifting its physiology to novel environmental conditions over compressed time scales, with implications for the spread of this invasive species and, more broadly, for species' responses to temperature in an era of global change.},
}

@article {pmid40199063,
year = {2025},
author = {Gálvez-Pastor, E and Sánchez de Pedro, R and García-Sánchez, MJ and Flores-Moya, A and Bañares-España, E},
title = {In vitro negative effects of beach-cast invasive marine seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae across life-stages of a native foundational species.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {208},
number = {},
pages = {107105},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107105},
pmid = {40199063},
issn = {1879-0291},
mesh = {*Seaweed/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Phaeophyceae/physiology ; Life Cycle Stages ; },
abstract = {The exotic invasive seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae (Dictyotales, Ochrophyta) have posed a serious threat to coastal and marine habitats since its appearance in 2015 in the Strait of Gibraltar. This, together with multiple global change stressors, is leading to the disappearance of native foundational seaweeds. Here we explored the potential impacts that decomposing thalli of beach-cast R. okamurae (BCRo) might have on different life-stages of a native foundational seaweed (Ericaria selaginoides, Fucales, Ochrophyta). The in vitro effects of different biomass densities of BCRo and time exposure, in combination with three warming scenarios, were assessed across single- and few-celled stages and adult thalli of the native species. We hypothesized that R. okamurae might interfere in the survival and growth of E. selaginoides either by allelopathic interactions or water acidification, due to low intracellular pH of R. okamurae tissues. Sensitivity of E. selaginoides to the exposure of BCRo was stage- and thermal-dependent and decreased during early ontogenesis. Unfertilized oospheres (female gametes) exposed to BCRo experienced apoptotic-like cell death within less than 180 s, while embryo survival and germination dropped by 50 % and 36 %, respectively. Warming effects were not additive to that of BCRo, since higher growth reductions in 7-d old juveniles of E. selaginoides were detected at lower (20 °C) but not at higher temperatures (28 °C). Adults of E. selaginoides were the less sensitive stage but their growth was up to 7-times lower under BCRo addition. BCRo acidified natural sea water proportionally to the density and incubation time, reaching a pH of 7.2 after 24 h. However, that pH was not limiting for E. selaginoides juveniles and even enhanced their growth, suggesting an alternative chemical effect. This study highlighted the potential and overlooked deleterious effects that some species of beach-cast seaweeds can exert on the highly sensitive early developmental stages of native marine biota.},
}

*Seaweed/physiology
*Introduced Species
*Phaeophyceae/physiology
Life Cycle Stages

@article {pmid40307300,
year = {2025},
author = {Gómez-Silva, V and Jaksic, FM and Crego, RD and Flores-Benner, G and Schüttler, E},
title = {Adaptive response in waterbirds after mink introduction in subantarctic ecosystems.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {15147},
pmid = {40307300},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {Master grant 22220927//Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo/ ; PIA/BASAL FB0002//Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo/ ; PIA/BASAL FB0002//Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo/ ; ANID/BASAL FB210018//Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ecosystem ; *Mink/physiology ; *Nesting Behavior/physiology ; Chile ; *Geese/physiology ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; *Introduced Species ; *Ducks/physiology ; },
abstract = {Ground-nesting birds on islands are particularly vulnerable to the introduction of terrestrial carnivores because the former often lack defensive behaviors, displaying high levels of naivety under absence of co-evolutionary history. Relatively few studies have addressed such potentially adaptive responses. In this study, we investigated whether two bird species, upland geese (Chloephaga picta) and flightless steamer ducks (Tachyeres pteneres) have modified their nesting strategies as a response to the novel predatory pressure imposed by the invasive American mink (Neogale vison) on Navarino Island, southernmost Chile, since its arrival in 2001. We used discriminant analysis and pairwise Wilcoxon tests to compare two data sets (n = 140 nests in total) regarding the macro- and microhabitat where nests were placed, separated by a time span of 15 years. We found that upland geese currently nest in less dense habitat (macrohabitat), hide their nests in shorter shrubs with lower top and side cover (microhabitat), and breed later in the season. In contrast, flightless steamer ducks retain almost the same nesting habitat characteristics. We discuss our findings in the context of ecological and evolutionary restrictions to adaptation.},
}

Animals
*Ecosystem
*Mink/physiology
*Nesting Behavior/physiology
Chile
*Geese/physiology
*Adaptation, Physiological
*Introduced Species
*Ducks/physiology

@article {pmid40307010,
year = {2025},
author = {Fujiwara, A and Hagiwara, H and Tsuchimoto, M and Tsuchida, T},
title = {Prevalence, Symbiosis with Rickettsia, and Transmission of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus of Invasive Bemisia tabaci MED Q2 in Japan.},
journal = {Microbes and environments},
volume = {40},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1264/jsme2.ME24095},
pmid = {40307010},
issn = {1347-4405},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/virology/microbiology ; *Begomovirus/physiology/isolation & purification ; Japan ; *Plant Diseases/virology ; *Symbiosis ; *Rickettsia/physiology/isolation & purification/genetics ; *Insect Vectors/virology/microbiology ; Introduced Species ; Prevalence ; Solanum lycopersicum/virology ; },
abstract = {The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, is a notorious insect pest that transmits plant pathogenic viruses to a wide range of economically important crops. An invasive genetic group of B. tabaci, Mediterranean Q2 (MED Q2), has recently spread to Europe, USA, and Asia. In the present study, we investigated the prevalence of MED Q2 in Japanese agricultural sites and found that its distribution has expanded since it was initially detected in 2013. A polymerase chain reaction ana-lysis revealed that all MED Q2 individuals were infected with Rickettsia. Rickettsia titers increased during nymphal development, presumably in response to the nutritional needs of the host. A fluorescence in situ hybridization ana-lysis revealed that Rickettsia was densely located near Portiera-containing bacteriocytes at all growth stages. Therefore, Rickettsia may play an important role, such as supplying nutrients to the host, in cooperation with Portiera. Transfer experiments indicated that MED Q2 was as effective a vector for Tomato yellow leaf curl virus as MED Q1 and, thus, is a high-risk agricultural pest. These results provide important insights into the biology and ecology of invasive MED Q2 to effectively control its spread and minimize its impact on crops.},
}

Animals
*Hemiptera/virology/microbiology
*Begomovirus/physiology/isolation & purification
Japan
*Plant Diseases/virology
*Symbiosis
*Rickettsia/physiology/isolation & purification/genetics
*Insect Vectors/virology/microbiology
Introduced Species
Prevalence
Solanum lycopersicum/virology

@article {pmid40305661,
year = {2025},
author = {Tavoloni, T and Bacchiocchi, S and Stramenga, A and Siracusa, M and Ciriaci, M and Griffoni, F and Azzurro, E and Piersanti, A},
title = {Safe consumption of marine invaders: a snapshot of Diadema setosum contamination levels in the frame of European novel food standards.},
journal = {Food additives & contaminants. Part A, Chemistry, analysis, control, exposure & risk assessment},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-12},
doi = {10.1080/19440049.2025.2494215},
pmid = {40305661},
issn = {1944-0057},
abstract = {Consuming marine invaders is increasingly recognized as an effective strategy for controlling their populations. Following European legislation (Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 on novel foods), it is crucial to ensure that these invasive species are safe for consumption. This study presents the first screening of potential contaminants in gonad samples of Diadema setosum, an invasive sea urchin species, offering a snapshot of contamination levels. The study analyzed Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Marine biotoxins (MBs), and a broad spectrum of inorganic elements, including heavy metals. The results showed that all analyzed contaminants were significantly below the maximum limits set for regulated fishery products in Europe, though some concerns arose from the levels of cadmium (Cd) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) detected in certain specimens. These preliminary findings underscore the need for more extensive investigations into D. setosum contaminant levels to ensure the safety of potential consumption.},
}

@article {pmid40302400,
year = {2025},
author = {Sabbioni, E and Agostinelli, C and Farcomeni, A},
title = {A Regularized MANOVA Test for Semicontinuous High-Dimensional Data.},
journal = {Biometrical journal. Biometrische Zeitschrift},
volume = {67},
number = {3},
pages = {e70054},
pmid = {40302400},
issn = {1521-4036},
support = {2022LANNKC-CUPE53D23005810006//Italian Ministry of University and Research/ ; P2022N5ZNP//Italian Ministry of University and Research/ ; I83C22001810007//BaC INF-ACT S4-BEHAVE-MOD PE00000007 PNRR M4C2 Inv. 1.3 - NextGenerationEU/ ; //SmartData@PoliTO/ ; //GNAMPA (INdAM - Istituto Nazionale di Alta Matematica)/ ; },
mesh = {Humans ; *Blastocyst/metabolism ; *Plants ; *Introduced Species ; Likelihood Functions ; Computer Simulation ; Gene Expression ; *MicroRNAs/genetics ; Yemen ; Islands ; *Biostatistics/methods ; },
abstract = {We propose a MANOVA test for semicontinuous data that is applicable also when the dimension exceeds the sample size. The test statistic is obtained as a likelihood ratio, where the numerator and denominator are computed at the maxima of penalized likelihood functions under each hypothesis. Closed form solutions for the regularized estimators allow us to avoid computational overheads. We derive the null distribution using a permutation scheme. The power and level of the resulting test are evaluated in a simulation study. We illustrate the new methodology with two original data analyses, one regarding microRNA expression in human blastocyst cultures, and another regarding alien plant species invasion in the island of Socotra (Yemen).},
}

Humans
*Blastocyst/metabolism
*Plants
*Introduced Species
Likelihood Functions
Computer Simulation
Gene Expression
*MicroRNAs/genetics
Yemen
Islands
*Biostatistics/methods

@article {pmid40303728,
year = {2023},
author = {Leivers, S and Campbell, T and Bodenchuk, M and Tomeĉek, J},
title = {Behavior of Wild Pigs toward Conspecific Carcasses: Implications for Disease Transmission in a Hot, Semiarid Climate.},
journal = {Transboundary and emerging diseases},
volume = {2023},
number = {},
pages = {4195199},
pmid = {40303728},
issn = {1865-1682},
mesh = {Animals ; *African Swine Fever/transmission/epidemiology ; Swine ; *Animals, Wild ; *Sus scrofa ; *Behavior, Animal ; Climate ; },
abstract = {Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are a prolific, invasive species in the United States of America and act as vectors for many pathogens. An emerging pathogen of concern to the USA is African swine fever (ASF), a deadly viral disease affecting swine that is endemic to Africa and has spread to parts of Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. ASF affects both wild and domesticated pigs and can be transmitted via several avenues, including interactions between and consumption of dead pigs by their live conspecifics. As wild pigs are considered a serious threat in the transmission of ASF, understanding the behavior of wild pigs towards their dead conspecifics is imperative when considering the transmission of ASF and other diseases in the USA. We placed camera traps at a sample of wild pig carcasses dispatched during four aerial shooting events between November, 2020, and June, 2022, at East Foundation's San Antonio Viejo Ranch, South Texas. We recorded visitation events to carcasses by live wild pigs and recorded their behavior. Furthermore, we assessed daily carcass decomposition rates by visiting carcass sites without cameras. We found no evidence of cannibalism and recorded live wild pig visitations to only 33% of carcasses before advanced stages of decomposition were reached. Carcass decomposition was rapid (2.5 to 3 days), regardless of season, and the time to the first visitation and investigation of carcasses by live conspecifics was quicker than has been recorded in Europe. We posit that active scavenger guilds at our study site, coupled with high temperatures, result in the rapid decomposition of wild pig carcasses, which reduces opportunities for live wild pigs to interact with them when compared to milder climates. We suggest additional research investigating the persistence of ASF in hot, arid climates and the interactions between live pigs and the skeletonized remains of conspecifics.},
}

Animals
*African Swine Fever/transmission/epidemiology
Swine
*Animals, Wild
*Sus scrofa
*Behavior, Animal
Climate

@article {pmid40302756,
year = {2025},
author = {Zalewski, A and Kołodziej-Sobocińska, M and Virtanen, JME and Zalewska, H and Sironen, T and Zub, K and Nieoczym, M and Popiołek, M and Wereszczuk, A},
title = {Drivers Shaping Spillover of Aleutian Mink Disease Virus Introduced With American Mink Among Native Mustelids.},
journal = {Transboundary and emerging diseases},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {3184679},
pmid = {40302756},
issn = {1865-1682},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aleutian Mink Disease Virus/isolation & purification ; *Aleutian Mink Disease/epidemiology/virology/transmission ; Poland/epidemiology ; *Mink/virology ; *Introduced Species ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; *Mustelidae/virology ; Antibodies, Viral/blood ; },
abstract = {Invasive alien species pose a major threat to ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources, altering habitats, enabling potential genetic hybridisation and introducing pathogens into the environment. An understanding of the factors that determine virus transfer between invasive and native species is crucial to the mitigation of the negative impact of the pathogens introduced. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of factors influencing Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) infection in native mustelids in Poland, following its introduction by feral American mink. AMDV seroprevalence in American mink varied spatially from 0 in the central and southern regions to 0.8 in the northern regions. Antibodies to AMDV were detected in all six studied mustelids, including a novel finding in weasels. AMDV seroprevalence in other mustelids correlated positively with its occurrence in American mink, and reached 0.54 in areas with the highest mink AMDV seroprevalence. Furthermore, in native mustelids, more closely phylogenetically related to mink, AMDV seroprevalence was higher (0.68 in polecats and weasels) compared to more distantly related species (0.37 in badgers). Over the 27-year study period, AMDV seroprevalence in mustelids has increased from 0.04 to 0.60, despite a decline in seroprevalence in feral mink in subsequent years. These findings suggest that the spread of viral infections as a result of the introduction of invasive species could affect mustelid species and may intensify over time.},
}

Animals
*Aleutian Mink Disease Virus/isolation & purification
*Aleutian Mink Disease/epidemiology/virology/transmission
Poland/epidemiology
*Mink/virology
*Introduced Species
Seroepidemiologic Studies
*Mustelidae/virology
Antibodies, Viral/blood

@article {pmid40301642,
year = {2025},
author = {Cerbule, K and Larsen, RB and Rijkure, A},
title = {Pot losses and associated implications in Barents sea snow crab fishery.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {14961},
pmid = {40301642},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Fisheries/economics ; *Brachyura ; Norway ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Oceans and Seas ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) is considered an invasive species in the Barents Sea, with the first observations dating back to 1996. The Norwegian commercial snow crab fishery started in 2012. In this fishery conical baited pots are adopted, similar to fisheries in other areas that target snow crabs. Over the last decade, different management measures have been implemented to ensure sustainability in this relatively new fishery. One central challenge is pot loss during deployment caused by challenging weather and operational conditions. Lost snow crab pots exhibit considerable potential for the continuous capture of crabs, so-called ghost fishing, which has been documented during lost gear retrieval and experimental trials. This study accounted for different snow crab pot loss scenarios and associated economic implications. The results show that given the substantial number of pots on snow crab fishing vessels, even small variations in pot loss rates (pot losses ranging from 0.5 to 3.0%) could result in considerable differences in ghost fishing amounts and the associated environmental and economic effects. The estimated amounts of ghost fishing in this study ranged from 11.5 to nearly 70 tonnes of ghost-fished crabs over a 3-year period, assuming 0.5-3.0% pot loss scenarios, resulting in significant differences in the amount of ghost-fished snow crabs and the value of the ghost fishing catch. These results highlight the importance of incentives and technical measures that can reduce pot losses and the associated ghost fishing time.},
}

Animals
*Fisheries/economics
*Brachyura
Norway
*Conservation of Natural Resources
Oceans and Seas
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40301434,
year = {2025},
author = {Galkina, MA and Ivanovskii, AA and Vasilyeva, NV and Stogova, AV and Zueva, MA and Mamontov, AK and Bochkov, DA and Prokhorov, AA and Tkacheva, EV},
title = {Invasive plant Lupinus polyphyllus demonstrates high level of molecular genetic variation within and between populations at East European Plain.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {14960},
pmid = {40301434},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Lupinus/genetics/classification ; Phylogeny ; *Genetic Variation ; *Introduced Species ; Microsatellite Repeats ; Europe, Eastern ; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics ; Genetics, Population ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; },
abstract = {Genetic polymorphism of alien species in their secondary ranges is an important evidence of invasive process course. In this paper, we studied a molecular genetic variation of Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl. at geographically extensive material from different parts of its secondary distribution range at East European Plain and a contribution of L. polyphyllus to natural vegetation there. Genetic variation was studied on nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer sequences ITS1-2, chloroplast intergenic spacer rpl32-trnL sequences, and on inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. ITS1-2 sequences were non-informative markers of intra-species variability for L. polyphyllus. In the phylogenetic tree on the base of chloroplast rpl32-trnL sequences no geographical trend was revealed among and within the three major clades and subclades but sufficient level of intra-population variability was detected. ISSR sequences of 38 individuals demonstrated statistically significant among-individual variation both within local populations and among local populations. The latter was the only significant factor of sample differentiation in the reduced ordination space at two spatial scales: among the local populations (ANOSIM test, R = 0.33, p < 0.01) as well as among the enlarged locations consisting of the neighboring populations (R = 0.26, p < 0.01). All investigated populations of L. polyphyllus at East European Plain invaded anthropogenically disturbed habitats, with present or former settlement activity. The revealed genetic variability of specimens at the lowest spatial scale may be a cue for a high invasion potential of L. polyphyllus in the studied part of the secondary range at ongoing climatic changes.},
}

*Lupinus/genetics/classification
Phylogeny
*Genetic Variation
*Introduced Species
Microsatellite Repeats
Europe, Eastern
DNA, Ribosomal Spacer/genetics
Genetics, Population
Polymorphism, Genetic

@article {pmid39800849,
year = {2025},
author = {Hayes, JJ and Bell, NC and Best, LR and Bruslind, SR and Johnson, DO and Mead, ME and Spofford, TS and Langellotto, GA},
title = {Pacific Northwest native plants and native cultivars, part I: pollinator visitation.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {54},
number = {1},
pages = {199-214},
pmid = {39800849},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {//Garden Club of America/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Pollination ; Bees/physiology ; Oregon ; *Butterflies/physiology ; *Diptera/physiology ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Planting native flora is a popular conservation strategy for pollinators. When searching for native plants, consumers may encounter cultivars of native plants, which can have different phenotypic traits than plants found in wild populations ("wild-type native plants"). Previous research evaluating pollinator visitation to wild-type native plants and native cultivars has yielded mixed results, in terms of whether their visitation rates are similar or distinct. We established a garden experiment in Corvallis, Oregon, to examine pollinator visitation and utilization of Pacific Northwest native plant species and cultivars. Over 3 years, we collected and observed bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea), butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea), and syrphid flies (Diptera: Syrphidae) to understand (i) if plant pairs had different visitation rates, (ii) whether any pollinators were associated with differential visitation, and (iii) if specialist taxa preferred wild types over cultivars. Pollinator visitation rates varied by plant and pollinator groupings, but in comparisons between native plant and cultivar pairs, native plants were preferred 37.2% of the time (n = 29 comparisons), cultivars 7.7% of the time (n = 6), and there was no difference in 55.1% of comparisons (n = 43). Our pollinator community data found native plants had greater observed total pollinator richness (except for 1 tie) and bee richness than cultivars, though predicted richness varied. Specialist bees were collected more often from wild types. Cultivars with high visitation rates were minimally developed selections, as opposed to interspecific hybrids. Our results join a growing body of literature in suggesting wild-type native and minimally developed plants should be emphasized for supporting pollinator fauna.},
}

Animals
*Pollination
Bees/physiology
Oregon
*Butterflies/physiology
*Diptera/physiology
Introduced Species

@article {pmid39652370,
year = {2025},
author = {Weithoff, G and Stefan, MB},
title = {Weak effect of temperature fluctuations on the invasion of Raphidiopsis raciborskii (Cyanobacteria) in experimental plankton microcosms.},
journal = {Journal of phycology},
volume = {61},
number = {2},
pages = {261-266},
doi = {10.1111/jpy.13536},
pmid = {39652370},
issn = {1529-8817},
mesh = {*Temperature ; *Introduced Species ; *Plankton/physiology/microbiology ; *Cyanobacteria/physiology ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Biological invasions are a major threat for many aquatic ecosystems. In contrast to higher plants and animals, microbial invasions are less obvious and more difficult to detect. One of the most prominent microbial invaders is the cyanobacterium Raphidiopsis raciborskii. To better understand the environmental conditions favoring its invasion success, we studied invasion under three different temperature regimes (one constant and two variable) in experimental plankton communities by invader addition experiments. To account for intraspecific variation, we tested four different strains of R. raciborskii and the mixture of them. Invasion success of R. raciborskii was higher under constant temperature conditions than under fluctuations suggesting that the resident species responded faster to the environmental changes than the invaders. We observed a clear strain-specific effect, demonstrating that strain identity is an important determinant of invasion success. The interaction of temperature fluctuations and strain identity indicates that, among the tested strains, the response to the temperature regimes varied. The mixture of all four strains did not perform better than the best single strain showing no sign of a positive genetic diversity effect. In our experiment, environmental fluctuations did not widen a window of opportunity for the invasion of R. raciborskii.},
}

*Temperature
*Introduced Species
*Plankton/physiology/microbiology
*Cyanobacteria/physiology
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40300897,
year = {2025},
author = {Cuthbert, RN and Bodey, TW and Briski, E and Capellini, I and Dick, JTA and Kourantidou, M and Ricciardi, A and Pincheira-Donoso, D},
title = {Harnessing traits to predict economic impacts from biological invasions.},
journal = {Trends in ecology & evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2025.03.016},
pmid = {40300897},
issn = {1872-8383},
abstract = {Biological invasions stand among the main anthropogenic threats to ecosystems globally while causing multitrillion-dollar impacts. Surprisingly, while trait-based frameworks have been designed to predict invasion success and invader ecological impacts, no such approaches exist to understand and predict economic impacts. We propose the first such framework by bridging the evolutionary biology of traits and the escalation of invasion costs. Previously acquired traits can benefit performance, and their rapid change could exacerbate impacts through adaptive and non-adaptive processes during invasion, such as natural selection, genetic drift, or phenotypic plasticity. Emerging evidence suggests that some organismal traits can determine economic impact magnitudes. We discuss new transdisciplinary avenues that can inform cost forecasting and management responses for current and future biological invasions.},
}

@article {pmid40298647,
year = {2025},
author = {Oancea, S},
title = {Occurrence, Pharmacological Properties, Toxic Effects, and Possibilities of Using Berries from Selected Invasive Plants.},
journal = {Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40298647},
issn = {2076-3921},
support = {LBUS-IRG-2024//Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Romania/ ; },
abstract = {Invasive alien plants are typically associated with negative impacts on ecosystems and sometimes on health, but studies also describe their ethnomedicinal usage, particularly by indigenous communities. Given the existing limitations regarding a critical study on the berry-producing invasive plants, this study aims to provide scientific evidence and much-needed updated knowledge on the pharmacologically significant fruits of several berry-producing invasive alien plants. A list of 35 species from 16 families is provided, along with their characteristics, historical medicinal uses, updated biological activities, and available toxicity data. The definitions, terminology, and classification criteria used to describe alien species, specifically the invasive types, are also provided. Most of the berries of the described species exhibit remarkable antioxidant properties due to their abundance of highly reactive molecules, mainly polyphenols and carotenoids. Other biological activities, ranging from antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic to anticancer and neuroprotective activities, have been identified. In contrast, quantitative toxicity issues have been poorly studied for berries from invasive plants. Hopefully, this work will serve as a starting point for further exploration of the molecules from berries of these plants in terms of drug discovery to advance various therapies or other applications.},
}

@article {pmid40298040,
year = {2025},
author = {Birand, A and Gierus, L and Prowse, TAA and Cassey, P and Thomas, PQ},
title = {Maximising Eradication Potential of Rat Gene Drives Using a Two-Target Homing Rescue Strategy: Spatial Modelling of Empirical Data.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e17777},
doi = {10.1111/mec.17777},
pmid = {40298040},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {//Centre for Invasive Species Solutions/ ; //New South Wales Government/ ; //Government of South Australia/ ; },
abstract = {Gene drives are genetic elements with positively biased transmission and may be useful tools to suppress mammalian pests that threaten biodiversity worldwide. While gene drives are progressing in mice, less is known about their potential for invasive rat control. A recent report has provided the first data on germline gene conversion in rats, demonstrating that modest homing rates (up to 67%) can be achieved in females. Here, we apply these empirically derived values to investigate the potential of various gene drive strategies to suppress an island population of 200,000 rats, using our stochastic, spatially explicit, individual-based modelling framework. Standard homing drives embedded in haplosufficient fertility or viability genes failed to eradicate, but achieved permanent population suppression. In contrast, a two-target design with a homing rescue (HR) drive embedded in a haplolethal gene that also targets an independent fertility or viability gene demonstrated considerable suppression potential. Remarkably, an HR drive targeting a haplosufficient female fertility gene showed robust eradication even at the relatively low homing rates previously demonstrated in rats. Interestingly, homing rate had a relatively low influence on eradication probability while cutting efficiency at the haplolethal gene was critical. Further, as long as the latter was similar to the cutting and subsequent knockout of the unlinked female fertility gene, then eradication could be achieved across a range of homing rates. Together, these results suggest that modest homing rates, such as have been demonstrated in rats and other species, can potentially be leveraged for population suppression, offering new opportunities for gene drive development.},
}

@article {pmid40295227,
year = {2025},
author = {Lázaro-Lobo, A and Rendueles Fernández, B and Fernández-Pascual, E and González-García, V and Jiménez-Alfaro, B},
title = {Invasive plants have a delayed and longer flowering phenology than native plants in an ecoregional flora.},
journal = {Annals of botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/aob/mcaf078},
pmid = {40295227},
issn = {1095-8290},
abstract = {BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Flowering phenology has been suggested as an important factor to explain invasions of non-native plant species. Invasive species success may be enhanced by flowering at different times (the vacant niche hypothesis) or flowering for longer periods (the niche breath hypothesis) than native species. However, comprehensive regional assessments of the flowering phenology of invasive and native floras are lacking in the literature. In this study, we evaluated the flowering phenology of invasive and native plant species pools to test the above-mentioned hypotheses within a biogeographically meaningful region.

METHODS: We investigated the start, end, and length of flowering between the invasive and native floras that occur at the same elevation range in the Cantabrian Mixed Forests ecoregion (NW Iberian Peninsula), a biogeographical hotspot for invasive plants in SW Europe. We also accounted for species habitat preferences and climatic and biogeographic origin of the invasive species.

KEY RESULTS: We found a mismatch in flowering time between the ecoregional invasive and native floras. Invasive species had a delayed and longer flowering phenology compared to native species. These differences in flowering time were more pronounced in man-made habitats and in invaders from temperate and tropical regions.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results are consistent with the vacant niche hypothesis; the asynchrony in flowering time could allow invaders to exploit a temporally empty niche. Our results are also consistent with the niche breath hypothesis, suggesting that invasive species exhibit a longer flowering period than natives, which may allow them to have prolonged access to resources. Future studies should explore the phenological patterns of invasive and native species across biogeographically relevant regions to enhance our understanding of large-scale invasion events.},
}

@article {pmid40294447,
year = {2025},
author = {Guo, X and Sun, Z and Gao, Y and Zhang, H and Wang, Q and Guo, X and Li, M and Liu, L and Lu, J and Guo, S and Li, S and Guo, W},
title = {Haplotype-specific interactions of Phragmites australis with Spartina alterniflora under salt stress.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {384},
number = {},
pages = {125506},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125506},
pmid = {40294447},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Biological invasions present a global environmental challenge, the competitive interactions between native and invasive species constitute a crucial factor in determining the success of invasions. Past research has often treated native species as a monolithic entity when conducting competition experiments with invasive species. In truth, different genotypes may possess substantial differences in functional traits and competitive abilities. Few studies have subdivided widespread native species into distinct subgroups to conduct competitive experiments with invasive species. The invasive Spartina alterniflora and the widespread native Phragmites australis coexist extensively along the coastal regions of China. Through field sample collection and greenhouse common garden experiments, we investigated the salinity tolerance of two common haplotypes of P. australis (haplotype O and haplotype P) in the Yellow River Delta, as well as their relative competitive ability against the invasive S. alterniflora across varying salinity levels. The results showed that under high salinity without competition, the biomass of haplotype O decreased by 46.89 % (haplotype P: 40.0 %), while under low salinity with competition, it decreased by 17.7 % (haplotype P: 25.8 %). The competitive dominance of both haplotypes against S. alterniflora gradually diminished as salinity increased, disappearing under high salinity conditions. Haplotype O exhibited a competitive dominance over S. alterniflora under control and low-salinity stress, whereas haplotype P only showed competitive dominance under control conditions. Our study demonstrates that different genotypes of native species possess varying resistance to invasive species, a consideration that is critical in the practice of using native species for biotic substitution to control invasions.},
}

@article {pmid40290391,
year = {2025},
author = {Lockwood, HL and Huck, M},
title = {A Global Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Methods Used to Evaluate Predation and Diet of Domestic Cats (Felis catus).},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {e71349},
pmid = {40290391},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Invasive species, including multiple domestic species, can devastate local biodiversity. Domestic cats (Felis catus) can cause declines in select prey species around the world, and multiple methods are employed to monitor cat diet and predatory habits. These methods have not yet been compared against one another in a meta-analytical way, and therefore, the aim here was to evaluate the relative proportions of different taxa reported in the cat diet. We compared 88 studies using a beta regression model conducted on four different taxa, where methodology, location and duration of study were included as variables. Mammals were further divided into rodents, insectivores and medium-sized mammals for a subset of European studies, using Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests to compare methods. Proportions of mammals were lowest, and those of herptiles were highest in studies using collar-mounted cameras. However, greater proportions of birds were recorded in return questionnaires, suggesting detectability bias, as bird remains are easier to detect. Mammal figures were lower in Australasian studies, whereas birds were more frequently reported in Australasia than in other mainland locations, likely reflecting a difference in prey availability. In Europe, insectivores were found to be more frequently returned than eaten, supporting the existing hypothesis that this group is largely unpalatable to cats. Care should be taken when extrapolating data gathered by different methods, as each one fundamentally measures a different aspect of diet. Only six (6.8%) studies here used video cameras and, although a useful monitoring technique, video results showed a different pattern in taxonomic proportions to data gathered using consumed or returned prey. More research using cat cameras in locations of varying faunal composition is necessary, improving the general applicability of video data to cat populations globally. Palatability and detectability of prey appear to influence the data reported, and these aspects should be considered when calculating total predation rates.},
}

@article {pmid40289691,
year = {2025},
author = {Giacomini, A and Lakim, MB and Tuh, FYY and Hitchings, M and Consuegra, S and Webster, TU and Wells, K},
title = {Host-Microbiome Associations of Native and Invasive Small Mammals Across a Tropical Urban-Rural Ecotone.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e17782},
doi = {10.1111/mec.17782},
pmid = {40289691},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {IF\R1\231030//Royal Society Industry Fellowship/ ; //Swansea University FSE postgraduate research scholarship/ ; },
abstract = {Global change and urbanisation profoundly alter wildlife habitats, driving native animals into novel habitats while increasing the co-occurrence between native and invasive species. Host-microbiome associations are shaped by host traits and environmental features, but little is known about their plasticity in co-occurring native and invasive species across urban-rural gradients. Here, we explored gut microbiomes of four sympatric small mammal species along an urban-rural ecotone in Borneo, one of the planet's oldest rainforest regions experiencing recent urban expansion. Host species identity was the strongest determinant of microbiome composition, while land use and spatial proximity shaped microbiome similarity within and among the three rat species. The urban-dwelling rat Rattus rattus had a microbiome composition more similar to that of the native, urban-adapted rat Sundamys muelleri (R. rattus' strongest environmental niche overlap), than to the closely related urban-dwelling R. norvegicus. The urban-dwelling shrew Suncus murinus presented the most distinct microbiome. The microbiome of R. norvegicus was the most sensitive to land use intensity, exhibiting significant alterations in composition and bacterial abundance across the ecotone. Our findings suggest that environmental niche overlap among native and invasive species promotes similar gut microbiomes. Even for omnivorous urban-dwellers with a worldwide distribution like R. norvegicus, gut microbiomes may change across fine-scale environmental gradients. Future research needs to confirm whether land use intensity can be a strong selective force on mammalian gut microbiomes, influencing the way in which native and invasive species are able to exploit novel environments.},
}

@article {pmid40289122,
year = {2025},
author = {Ye, X and Shalev, O and Ratzke, C},
title = {Biotic resistance predictably shifts microbial invasion regimes.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {3952},
pmid = {40289122},
issn = {2041-1723},
support = {468972576//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; 516931136//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)/ ; 948753//EC | EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020 | H2020 Priority Excellent Science | H2020 European Research Council (H2020 Excellent Science - European Research Council)/ ; },
mesh = {Models, Biological ; *Microbial Interactions/physiology ; Ecosystem ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Invading new territory is a central aspect of the microbial lifestyle. However, invading microbes rarely find novel territories uninhabited; resident microbes can interact with the newcomers and, in many cases, impede their invasion - an effect known as 'biotic resistance'. Accordingly, invasions are shaped by the interplay between dispersal and resistance. However, these two factors are difficult to disentangle or manipulate in natural systems, making their interplay challenging to understand. To address this challenge, we track microbial invasions in the lab over space and time - first in a model system of two interacting microbes, then in a multi-strain system involving a pathogen invading resident communities. In the presence of biotic resistance, we observe three qualitatively different invasion regimes: 'consistent', 'pulsed', and 'pinned', where, in the third regime, strong biotic resistance stalls the invasion entirely despite ongoing invader dispersal. These rich invasion dynamics could be qualitatively predicted with a simple, parameter-free framework that ignores individual species interactions, even for rather complex communities. Moreover, we show that this simple framework could accurately predict simulated invasions from different mechanistic models, indicating its broad applicability. Our work offers an understanding of how biotic resistance impacts invasions and introduces a predictive tool to identify invasion-resistant communities.},
}

Models, Biological
*Microbial Interactions/physiology
Ecosystem
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40288285,
year = {2025},
author = {Varrella, S and Livi, S and Corinaldesi, C and Castriota, L and Maggio, T and Vivona, P and Pindo, M and Fava, S and Danovaro, R and Dell'Anno, A},
title = {A comprehensive assessment of non-indigenous species requires the combination of multi-marker eDNA metabarcoding with classical taxonomic identification.},
journal = {Environment international},
volume = {199},
number = {},
pages = {109489},
doi = {10.1016/j.envint.2025.109489},
pmid = {40288285},
issn = {1873-6750},
abstract = {In marine environment, non-indigenous species (NIS) can alter natural habitats and cause biodiversity loss with important consequences for ecosystems and socio-economic activities. With more than 1000 NIS introduced over the last century, the Mediterranean Sea is one of the most threatened regions worldwide, requiring an early identification of newly entered alien species for a proper environmental management. Here, we carried out environmental-DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding analyses, using multiple molecular markers (i.e., 18S rRNA, COI, and rbcL) and different genetic databases (i.e., NCBI, PR2, SILVA, MIDORI2, MGZDB, and BOLD), on seawater and sediment samples collected on a seasonal basis in three Mediterranean ports located in the North Adriatic, Ionian and Tyrrhenian Sea to identify marine species, and particularly NIS. The use of the multi-marker eDNA metabarcoding allowed the identification of a higher number of species compared to the morphological analyses (1484 vs. 752 species), with a minor portion of species shared by both approaches. Overall, only 4 NIS were consistently identified by both morphological and molecular approaches, whereas 27 and 17 NIS were exclusively detected by using eDNA metabarcoding and classical taxonomic analyses, respectively. The eDNA metabarcoding allowed also identifying the genetic signatures of 5 NIS never reported in the Italian waters. We conclude that eDNA metabarcoding can represent a highly sensitive tool for the early identification of NIS, but a comprehensive census of the NIS requires the combination of molecular and morphological approaches.},
}

@article {pmid40287948,
year = {2025},
author = {Gao, Y and Yang, L and Guo, Y and Zhou, W and Ren, S and Chen, Y and Chen, XG and Liu, P and Gu, J},
title = {Characterization, functional exploration, and evolutionary analysis of mirtronic microRNAs reveal their origin in the invasive vector mosquito, Aedes albopictus.},
journal = {Insect science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1744-7917.70045},
pmid = {40287948},
issn = {1744-7917},
support = {2022A1515010721//Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province/ ; 81871688//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {The mirtron pathway represents a distinct category of noncanonical microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis mechanisms. Current studies suggest that the mirtron pathway may be widely prevalent across various taxa, including animals and plants, but investigation of this pathway has focused mainly on mammals, particularly humans, and the biological functions and emerging roles of several mirtrons in human diseases have been elucidated. In the context of insects, mirtrons have only been comprehensively characterized and preliminarily functionally analyzed in Drosophila. The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is a highly invasive species and an important vector of arbovirus transmission to humans. Although canonical miRNA function has been studied in depth in mosquitoes, the role of mirtrons in this species remains to be revealed. In this study, we identified and validated 2 novel conventional mirtrons in Ae. albopictus that are precursors of miR-11900 and miR-11893. Mirtronic miRNA biogenesis depends on the splicing of introns and cleavage by Dicer but does not necessarily correlate with intron location in host genes. The molecular evolution of mirtrons was analyzed using methods based on host genes and their exon‒intron architecture; the results indicate that mirtronic miRNAs are relatively young and that they may have appeared in Culicinae after the Anophelinae and Culicinae diverged. According to small RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and RNA-seq data on post-mirtronic miRNA overexpression, mosquito mirtronic miRNAs are present in low abundance, and the absence of typical target genes in Ae. albopictus suggests they are not involved in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Overall, our results indicate that the emergence of 2 mirtrons in Ae. albopictus is likely due to the formation of Dicer-recognized secondary structures during the evolution of the intron sequence; these structures are similar to byproducts processed by Dicer, and their abundance is controlled by an alternative adventitious mirtron emergence-dependent mechanism. Our study identifies for the 1st time mirtrons in insect species distinct from Drosophila melanogaster, provides new insights into mirtron evolution, and provides a reference for the functional analysis of mirtrons.},
}

@article {pmid40284689,
year = {2025},
author = {Wen, TY and Xie, XL and Kong, WL and Wu, XQ},
title = {Expression and Antagonistic Activity Against Plant Pathogens of the Phage Tail-like Protein from Burkholderia multivorans WS-FJ9.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40284689},
issn = {2076-2607},
abstract = {Microorganisms exert antagonistic effects on pathogens through different mechanisms, thereby achieving biological control of plant diseases. Many Burkholderia strains can produce complex secondary metabolites and substances that have toxic effects on host cells. The phage tail-like bacteriocins (tailocins) is a compound with antibacterial activity. However, its function in B. multivorans has not yet been reported. This article explores the ability of B. multivorans WS-FJ9 to antagonise plant pathogenic fungi and oomycetes, screening the potential tailocins in the strain WS-FJ9 and verifying their function, to reveal its novel antimicrobial mechanisms. We found that WS-FJ9 had strong antagonistic effects on the plant pathogenic fungi Phomopsis macrospore and Sphaeropsis sapinea, and the pathogenic oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi. The phage tail-like protein Bm_67459 was predicted from the WS-FJ9 strain genome. The Bm_67459 cDNA encoded 111 amino acid sequence, and the relative molecular weight was approximately 11.69 kDa, the theoretical isoelectric point (pI) was 5.49, and it was a hydrophilic protein. Bm_67459 had no transmembrane helix region or signal peptide, and it belonged to the Phage_TAC_7 super family. qRT-PCR results showed that Bm_67459 gene expression was significantly upregulated during contact between WS-FJ9 and P. cinnamomi. The purified Bm_67459 protein significantly inhibited P. cinnamomi mycelial growth at 10 μg·mL[-1]. In summary, the WS-FJ9 strain had broad-spectrum anti-phytopathogenic activity, and the tailocin Bm_67459 was an important effector against the plant pathogen P. cinnamomi, which helps to reveal the antagonistic mechanism of this strain at the molecular level and provides excellent strain resources for the biological control of plant diseases.},
}

@article {pmid40037783,
year = {2025},
author = {Zandi-Sohani, N and Keena, MA and Gallagher, MR and Cullen, A},
title = {Heat treatments to kill eggs of two invasive forest insects: Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) and Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Erebidae).},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {118},
number = {2},
pages = {614-624},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf042},
pmid = {40037783},
issn = {1938-291X},
mesh = {Animals ; Ovum/growth & development/physiology ; *Moths/growth & development ; *Hot Temperature ; *Insect Control/methods ; Introduced Species ; *Hemiptera/growth & development/physiology ; Seasons ; Flighted Spongy Moth Complex ; },
abstract = {The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) and spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) are notorious invasive forest pests that are spread through human-mediated transport to invade new habitats. In this study, spotted lanternfly and spongy moth eggs were exposed to various temperature-exposure time (35 to 70 °C and 15 to 135 min) treatments in the laboratory. Spotted lanternfly egg masses were collected from various sites in 2022 and 2023, while the spongy moth egg masses were obtained from lab-reared colonies. Heat treatments were applied using an Isotemp microbiological incubator in the spring of 2023 and the spring and fall of 2024. No eggs of either species hatched when exposed to temperatures ≥ 60 °C for durations longer than 15 min. Spotted lanternfly egg hatch declined at temperatures ≥ 45 °C, while reduced hatch of spongy moth eggs was not observed until temperatures reached ≥ 50 °C. The season (spring or fall) in which the eggs were heat treated did not affect the hatch rate of spotted lanternfly eggs; however, spongy moth eggs were more vulnerable in the fall than in the spring. These findings suggest that heat treatment regimes that are already being used to kill insects in wood may effectively kill the eggs of both species on various substrates and that protocols for killing eggs at lower temperatures on more sensitive substrates may be possible by using longer-duration exposures.},
}

Animals
Ovum/growth & development/physiology
*Moths/growth & development
*Hot Temperature
*Insect Control/methods
Introduced Species
*Hemiptera/growth & development/physiology
Seasons
Flighted Spongy Moth Complex

@article {pmid40036180,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, C and Wang, C and Yang, X and Wang, D and Wang, F},
title = {Modeling the potential global distribution of the invasive Jack Beardsley mealybug (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) under climate change.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {118},
number = {2},
pages = {589-599},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf029},
pmid = {40036180},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {BJ2020052//Science and Technology Project of Hebei Education Department/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/physiology ; *Climate Change ; *Introduced Species ; *Animal Distribution ; Models, Biological ; },
abstract = {The Jack Beardsley mealybug, Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi Gimpel & Miller (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is a dangerous invasive pest that feeds on plants more than 115 genera from 54 families, and has spread over 59 countries or regions, often causing direct and indirect damage to host plants, and resulting in significant economic losses. In this study, we assessed the potential global distribution of P. jackbeardsleyi using a Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model under current and future climate scenarios. Here, we obtained prediction models with high credibility and accuracy, which showed that isothermality (Bio 3) and annual precipitation (Bio 12) were the environmental variables with the largest contribution on the potential distribution of this pest. The potential distribution areas predicted by this study were mainly located in South America, Central Africa, the southern regions of Asia and the eastern coast of Australia. Under future climate scenarios, the total geographical distribution of this pest will contract to varying degrees by the end of this century, but the highly suitable areas will increase. This study provides a reference for the development of control strategies, but also offers a scientific basis for the effective biological control of this pest.},
}

Animals
*Hemiptera/physiology
*Climate Change
*Introduced Species
*Animal Distribution
Models, Biological

@article {pmid39928404,
year = {2025},
author = {Dadlani, LP and Gebiola, M and Rugman-Jones, P and Mauck, KE and Hoddle, MS},
title = {Range expansion by avocado lace bug, Pseudacysta perseae (Hemiptera: Tingidae): a reassessment of population genetic structure reveals evidence for a second invasion into California.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {118},
number = {2},
pages = {884-894},
pmid = {39928404},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {CAC-65131-00-000//California Avocado Commission/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; California ; *Introduced Species ; Haplotypes ; *Animal Distribution ; Persea/growth & development ; *Heteroptera/genetics/physiology ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; },
abstract = {Pseudacysta perseae (Heidemann 1908) (Hemiptera: Tingidae), a foliar pest of avocados, was first discovered in urban San Diego County, California U.S. in 2004. In 2017, damaging populations of P. perseae were discovered in commercial Hass avocado groves in San Diego and Riverside Counties. The unexpected and rapid spread of P. perseae raised the question of whether this range expansion was an extension of the original incursion or the result of a second invasion event. Using sequences of the mitochondrial COI gene, we found strong evidence that P. perseae populations in southern San Diego County are comprised almost entirely of the single haplotype (A) that was detected in 2004. In contrast, newly established (2017 onwards) populations of P. perseae infesting commercial orchards consisted exclusively of a second mitochondrial haplotype (G). This haplotype is found in Florida and the Caribbean and is conclusive evidence that California has been invaded a second time. Molecular analyses also confirmed that invasive P. perseae populations in Hawai'i are haplotype G, indicating that California and Hawai'i populations may have originated from the same source area (possibly Florida), or that California may have acted as an invasion bridgehead for the invasion of Hawai'i. Reproductive compatibility of the primary (haplotype A) and secondary (haplotype G) invasive populations in California was confirmed via a series of reciprocal laboratory crosses and results suggest that fertility of hybrid eggs is increased. The potential consequences of this second invasion into California by P. perseae are discussed.},
}

Animals
California
*Introduced Species
Haplotypes
*Animal Distribution
Persea/growth & development
*Heteroptera/genetics/physiology
Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics

@article {pmid39879645,
year = {2025},
author = {Ataide, LMS and Velazquez-Hernandez, Y and Reyes-Arauz, I and Villamarin, P and Canon, MA and Revynthi, AM},
title = {Potential of dip treatments to disinfest cuttings of the invasive Thrips parvispinus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae).},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {118},
number = {2},
pages = {780-786},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toae265},
pmid = {39879645},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {7000779//USDA/ ; //NIFA/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Thysanoptera/growth & development ; *Insect Control/methods ; Larva/growth & development ; Introduced Species ; *Insecticides ; Beauveria ; Phaseolus/growth & development ; *Mineral Oil ; },
abstract = {Thrips parvispinus (Karny) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), an invasive thrips species, poses a significant threat to global agriculture due to its polyphagous nature and rapid spread. Its recent arrival in the continental United States raises concerns about potential impacts on ornamental and vegetable crops. Dip treatments might serve as a phytosanitary practice for growers to start with plants free of visible pests. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of dip treatments using 4 biorational and microbial insecticides (mineral oil and Beauveria bassiana-based) in controlling T. parvispinus on bean seedlings. Following gentle agitation of cuttings, artificially infested with 10 second-instar (L2) larvae, for 15 s in each solution, thrips infestation was evaluated at 1, and 24 h postdipping, scoring the numbers of dislodged and dead larvae. Additionally, we tested whether dipping could cause phytotoxicity on bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides Ellis), and mandevilla (Mandevilla splendens (Hook.f.) Woodson) cuttings during a 7-day period. Our results demonstrated that dip treatments effectively dislodged and killed T. parvispinus L2 larvae from infested cuttings, with BotaniGard-ES and Suffoil-X exhibiting the highest efficacy and a dislodgment rate of 80%-100%. BotaniGard-ES was the only product causing phytotoxicity on bean seedlings, but not on mandevilla and gardenia. Overall, we demonstrated that dip treatment using biorational insecticides is an additional tool that can be incorporated in the integrated pest management of T. parvispinus. These results hold implications for the broader application in the management of thrips across various plants propagated from cuttings.},
}

Animals
*Thysanoptera/growth & development
*Insect Control/methods
Larva/growth & development
Introduced Species
*Insecticides
Beauveria
Phaseolus/growth & development
*Mineral Oil

@article {pmid39673486,
year = {2025},
author = {Krause-Sakate, R and Gomes Ruschel, R and Ochoa-Corona, F and Andreason, SA and de Marchi, BR and Ribeiro-Junior, MR and Nascimento, DM and Trujillo, R and Smith, HA and Hutton, SF and Wallace, S},
title = {First detection of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) MED in Oklahoma and development of a high-resolution melting assay for MEAM1 and MED discrimination.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {118},
number = {1},
pages = {45-56},
pmid = {39673486},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {//Sarkeys Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/genetics/classification ; Oklahoma ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics/analysis ; Phylogeny ; Insect Proteins/genetics ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {The sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is a polyphagous pest recognized as composed of several cryptic or sibling species. The Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and the Mediterranean (MED) putative species are invasive and destructive worldwide. The MEAM1 is established throughout the United States, while MED is documented in 27 states. This study determines the status of MED in Oklahoma and develops and validates a high-resolution melting (HRM) assay for discrimination of MEAM1 and MED. In August-October 2022, whiteflies were collected from different host plants in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and identified as species based on analysis of a diagnostic fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (mtCOI) gene. MED was found in mixed infestations with MEAM1 on both sweetpotato in a greenhouse and cucumber in the field. Other cryptic species were not detected. Sequencing followed by phylogenetic analysis indicated that the MED specimens belonged to the Q2 mitotype. Additionally, the secondary endosymbionts in captured and progeny whiteflies were identified. For rapid discrimination of MEAM1 and MED species, an HRM assay using a single set of primer pairs targeting the mtCOI gene was developed. Species discrimination was tested in 2 laboratories using MEAM1 and MED Q2 mitotype genomic DNA, and a synthetic plasmid containing the MED Q1 mitotype mtCOI fragment. The HRM assay was validated to discriminate MEAM1 from MED Q1 and Q2 mitotypes. This is the first report of B. tabaci MED in Oklahoma and reinforces the need for continued monitoring of this insect species complex.},
}

Animals
*Hemiptera/genetics/classification
Oklahoma
Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics/analysis
Phylogeny
Insect Proteins/genetics
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40284113,
year = {2025},
author = {Boi, ME and Sarigu, M and Fois, M and Casti, M and Bacchetta, G},
title = {The First Inventory of Sardinian Mining Vascular Flora.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14081225},
pmid = {40284113},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {Grant Assignment Decree No. 1056 adopted on 23 June 2022, by the Italian Ministry of Ministry of University and Research (MUR).//National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), Mission 4 Component 2 Investment 1.5-Call for tender No. 3277 published on 30 December 2021, by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) funded by the European Union-NextGenerationEU. Project Code/ ; },
abstract = {Mining activities and associated waste materials pose significant environmental challenges, including soil, water, and air contamination, along with health risks to nearby populations. Despite the harsh conditions of metal-enriched soils and nutrient-poor substrates, certain plants known as metallophytes thrive in these environments. This study examined the vascular flora of Sardinia's abandoned mining sites, with a focus on identifying metallophytes and their potential role in phytoremediation. A comprehensive floristic checklist was compiled using literature, field surveys, and herbarium samples. Of the 652 taxa identified, 49% were metallophytes, with the majority categorized as facultative species. Notably, 27% of metallophytes were identified as suitable for phytostabilization, while 20% showed potential for phytoextraction. This study also highlighted the presence of endemic and endangered species, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts. The findings suggest that native metallophytes could play a key role in the ecological restoration of mining sites, though careful consideration of invasive species is necessary to avoid ecological disruption. This research provides valuable insights into the biodiversity of Sardinian mining sites and the potential for sustainable remediation strategies using native plants.},
}

@article {pmid40283063,
year = {2025},
author = {Durán-Rodríguez, OY and García-Ávila, DA and Valencia-Espinosa, JA and Arroyo-Reséndiz, E and Torres-Olvera, MJ and Ramírez-Herrejón, JP},
title = {Environmental Factors Influencing the Establishment of the Invasive Australian Redclaw Crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) in a Biosphere Reserve on the Central Mexican Plateau.},
journal = {Life (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/life15040508},
pmid = {40283063},
issn = {2075-1729},
support = {FNB-2023-01//Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro "Fondo para el desarrollo del conocimiento (FONDEC-UAQ-2022)"/ ; },
abstract = {Crustaceans are among the most successful taxonomic groups in invasions worldwide. Humans can facilitate these invasions through introductions and disturbances in habitats. The Australian redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) is an invasive species with significant global ecosystem impacts. This species inhabits the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, in the Central Mexican Plateau. We hypothesize that environmental degradation facilitates the establishment and expansion of invasive crayfish. Seven sites along the Santa María River, within the reserve buffer zone, were assessed for seven months in 2023. We analyzed the abundance and density of the Australian redclaw crayfish in correlation with the environmental quality of the habitat. The results confirm that the establishment and spread of crayfish populations are related to water quality degradation and habitat alteration. The associated variables include increased total dissolved solids, greater substrate embedment, and degraded conditions on stream banks. Furthermore, the inverse relationship between the abundance of Australian redclaw crayfish and macroinvertebrate richness reinforces the hypothesis that more diverse native communities reduce the success of invaders. This study highlights the urgent need to implement management strategies focused on habitat restoration and the control of reproductive populations through the extirpation of mature individuals as critical measures for controlling the establishment and expansion of the invasive Australian redclaw crayfish.},
}

@article {pmid40282286,
year = {2025},
author = {D'Onofrio, R and Vitelletti, ML and Riminucci, F and Rossi, V and Capotondi, L},
title = {Virgulinella fragilis in the North Adriatic Coastal Sediments: A New Non-Indigenous Benthic Foraminiferal Taxon?.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14040421},
pmid = {40282286},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {B53C22002150006//EU - Next Generation EU Mission 4 "Education and Research" - Component 2: "From research to business" - Investment 3.1: "Fund for the realization of an integrated system of research and in-novation infrastructures" - Project IR0000032 - ITINERIS - Italian/ ; },
abstract = {The Mediterranean Sea is considered a hotspot for bioinvaders. Nonetheless, information on non-indigenous benthic foraminifera is still fragmented. This study documents for the first time the presence along the northwestern Adriatic coast of the non-indigenous benthic foraminifera species Virgulinella fragilis, Grindell and Collen (1976). Due to the low abundance recorded in the study area, the presence of this species may represent an early colonization phase. We discuss the temporal and spatial patterns of V. fragilis arrival in the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, and we hypothesize stowaway transport (via ship fouling or ballast water) as the main introduction pathway. Morphological test analyses suggest that V. fragilis prefers a low oxygen content, consistent with the ecological requirements reported for this taxon in the literature. The application of Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) modeling indicates that the key factor influencing the presence of V. fragilis in the Mediterranean basin is the bacterial concentration expressed as NO3. Projections under future climate scenarios (RCP 4.5) point to a decline of habitat suitability conditions, making widespread invasion unlikely in the Mediterranean. We emphasize the importance of continuous biomonitoring for early detection of alien species, improving our understanding of invasion dynamics and enabling prompt conservation actions, especially in regions impacted by anthropogenic activities.},
}

@article {pmid40281925,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, K and Gong, J and Hu, F and Guo, Z and Lu, Z and Luo, M and Zhu, T},
title = {Length-Weight Relationship, Age, and Growth of Invasive Carassius auratus in Lugu Lake, China.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {15},
number = {8},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ani15081091},
pmid = {40281925},
issn = {2076-2615},
abstract = {Carassius auratus, a key invasive species in the high-altitude Lugu Lake (2690 m) in China, was studied to assess its length-weight relationship, age structure, and growth patterns using scale-based age determination. A total of 670 specimens were collected via systematic gillnet surveys conducted in May and October 2023. The population comprised five age groups (0+ to 4+), with 0+ and 1+ individuals dominating (69.40%). Body lengths ranged from 36 to 178 mm (mean: 93.73 mm), peaking at 60-70 mm (33.88%). Body weights varied from 1.3 to 175 g (mean: 33.60 g), with 1.3-10 g as the dominant range (26.27%). The length-weight relationship was modeled as W = 2 × 10[-5]L[3.026] (n = 670, R[2] = 0.985), indicating isometric growth. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters indicated an asymptotic length (L∞) of 401.57 mm, an asymptotic weight (W∞) of 484.38 g, a growth coefficient (k) of 0.0721, and a theoretical age at zero length (t0) of -1.6174 years, with an inflection point at 6.66 years. The simplified age structure and dominance of young cohorts suggest rapid population expansion, highlighting the urgent need for management strategies to mitigate ecological impacts on this fragile plateau ecosystem.},
}

@article {pmid40280812,
year = {2025},
author = {Carneiro, L and Leroy, B and Capinha, C and Bradshaw, CJA and Bertolino, S and Catford, JA and Camacho-Cervantes, M and Bojko, J and Klippel, G and Kumschick, S and Pincheira-Donoso, D and Tonkin, JD and Fath, BD and South, J and Manfrini, E and Dallas, T and Courchamp, F},
title = {Typology of the ecological impacts of biological invasions.},
journal = {Trends in ecology & evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2025.03.010},
pmid = {40280812},
issn = {1872-8383},
abstract = {Biological invasions alter ecosystems by disrupting ecological processes that can degrade biodiversity, harm human health, and cause massive economic burdens. Existing frameworks to classify the ecological impacts either miss many types of impact or conflate mechanisms (causes) with the impacts themselves (consequences). We propose a comprehensive typology of 19 types of ecological impact across six levels of ecological organisation. This allows more accurate diagnosis of the cause of impact and can help triage management options to tackle each impact-mechanism combination. We integrated the typology with broad ecological concepts such as energy, mass, and information flow and storage. By highlighting cascading effects across multiple levels, this typology provides a clearer framework for documenting, and communicating invasion impacts, thereby improving management and research.},
}

@article {pmid40280272,
year = {2025},
author = {Bačnik, K and Kranjc, L and Botella, L and Maguire, I and Pavić, D and Patoka, J and Dragičević, P and Bláha, M and Bielen, A and Kouba, A and Kutnjak, D and Hudina, S},
title = {Crayfish pet trade as a pathway for the introduction of known and novel viruses.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108345},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2025.108345},
pmid = {40280272},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {Expanding international pet trade has emerged as one of the main introduction pathways of aquatic invasive species, with ornamental crayfish species commonly available on the EU and global markets. Besides most frequently studied crayfish pathogens, such as Aphanomyces astaci and white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), ornamental crayfish carry associated microbial communities, which may potentially lead to the emergence of known or even novel diseases following intentional or unintentional release of animals into the wild. This is especially problematic in the case of viruses, which represent an important, yet considerably understudied, group of crayfish pathogens. Here we analyzed viromes of hepatopancreas tissue of four crayfish species acquired in the international pet trade in Europe (Procambarus clarkii, Procambarus alleni, Cherax holthuisi, and Cherax quadricarinatus) using a high throughput sequencing based metagenomic approach. Seven different known viruses were identified, which were previously either directly associated with crayfish (WSSV, Cherax quadricarinatus reovirus, chequa iflavirus, athtab bunya-like virus) or with hosts from subphylum Crustacea or invertebrates associated with freshwater environment (Shahe ispoda virus 5, Dicistroviridae sp.). Additional sequences represented 8 potential novel and divergent RNA viruses, most similar to sequences belonging to members of Picornavirales, Elliovirales, Reovirales, Hepelivirales, Tolivirales and Ghabrivirales orders. We discuss our findings in relation to their phylogenetic relationships, geographical origins, and putative pathogenicity implications. The results highlight the need for further research into the risks related to disease emergence associated with the pet trade.},
}

@article {pmid40279318,
year = {2025},
author = {Alvarez Del Castillo, K and Sethi, SA and Won, E and Maniscalco, J and Pendleton, R and Ryan, E and Rudstam, LG},
title = {Salinity tolerance of Round Goby: Informing invasion potential in North American coastal watersheds.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {4},
pages = {e0316327},
pmid = {40279318},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Salt Tolerance/physiology ; *Salinity ; Temperature ; *Perciformes/physiology ; Estuaries ; Ecosystem ; North America ; Rivers ; Seasons ; },
abstract = {Since being introduced into the Laurentian Great Lakes in the 1990s, round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) has spread rapidly, reaching the Hudson River Estuary, NY in 2021. To address the expansion potential into saline environments from this North American coastal invasion front, we experimentally assessed the salinity tolerance of adult round gobies. Water temperatures vary widely in temperate aquatic ecosystems, and our study is the first to investigate the effect of temperature on the salinity tolerance of round goby, conducting tolerance trials at three temperatures: a preferred temperature of 20°C, 26°C reflective of summer conditions, and 5°C reflective of winter conditions. Adult round gobies were subjected to weekly salinity increases of 3 parts per thousand (ppt), concluding at 33ppt. Study specimens were monitored for stress cues (behavior changes and color changes), and mortality. We found significant salinity tolerance differences dependent on water temperature, with the highest tolerance at 5°C and the lowest tolerance at 26°C. By 30ppt, survival was 87% at 5°C and only 7% at 26°C. Based on mortality results, round goby expansion may occur year-round into brackish portions (<21ppt) of the Hudson River Estuary as far south as the Harlem River. This would open access to portions of Long Island Sound, potentially rendering other coastal watersheds to be at risk of invasion. However, temperature-dependent salinity tolerance findings suggest round goby expansion potential into high salinity habitats may be seasonally dependent, with expansion opportunities occurring in colder months and expansion barriers occurring in warmer months. To assess longer term survival and body condition, another experiment maintained round gobies at four sustained salinities (≤ 21ppt) for ten weeks at 20°C. Growth and hepatosomatic index at 21ppt were significantly lower (p<0.001) than at 1, 9, and 15ppt, indicating sustained exposure to higher salinities may affect energy stores, potentially limiting establishment potential.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Salt Tolerance/physiology
*Salinity
Temperature
*Perciformes/physiology
Estuaries
Ecosystem
North America
Rivers
Seasons

@article {pmid39540321,
year = {2024},
author = {Butler, RA and Muller, LI and Grove, D and Trout Fryxell, RT},
title = {Ecological relationships of Haemaphysalis longicornis Neumann with other tick species on wildlife hosts at cow-calf farms implementing integrated pest management in eastern Tennessee.},
journal = {Parasitology},
volume = {151},
number = {9},
pages = {1001-1011},
pmid = {39540321},
issn = {1469-8161},
mesh = {Animals ; Cattle ; Tennessee/epidemiology ; *Tick Infestations/veterinary/parasitology/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Animals, Wild/parasitology ; *Cattle Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology/prevention & control ; *Ixodidae/physiology ; Farms ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Pest Control/methods ; Introduced Species ; Female ; Tick Control/methods ; Seasons ; Haemaphysalis longicornis ; },
abstract = {Longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) is an invasive tick species that parasitizes a variety of vertebrate hosts and transmits pathogens affecting humans and livestock in the United States (US). Unfortunately, the behaviour of this tick at the wildlife–livestock interface is not well understood. To better understand how H. longicornis uses wildlife hosts and interacts with established tick species on farm settings we sampled small and medium wildlife seasonally for a year, using Sherman and Tomahawk traps, on three H. longicornis-infested cattle farms in eastern Tennessee. We confirmed that wildlife host body regions and coinfesting tick species were associated with the likelihood that H. longicornis would be present on a host. In addition, ticks were less likely to be present on hosts when farmer led integrated pest management strategies were adopted and the environment was modified to reduce tick populations. Results from this study can be used to target host species for on-animal management of H. longicornis by using population management strategies or acaricidal applications. Activity patterns for when established tick species, with similar predicted geographic ranges as H. longicornis, are feeding simultaneously on hosts can also be used to predict when this exotic tick species will be present. Finally, reducing tick abundance in the environment can be important for on-animal control. These results are imperative for understanding how wildlife hosts harbour H. longicornis and its interactions with established tick species. These findings are useful for selecting tick management strategies specific to H. longicornis and understanding pathogen transmission due to cofeeding.},
}

Animals
Cattle
Tennessee/epidemiology
*Tick Infestations/veterinary/parasitology/epidemiology/prevention & control
*Animals, Wild/parasitology
*Cattle Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology/prevention & control
*Ixodidae/physiology
Farms
Host-Parasite Interactions
Pest Control/methods
Introduced Species
Female
Tick Control/methods
Seasons
Haemaphysalis longicornis

@article {pmid40278696,
year = {2025},
author = {Marston, LA and Fox, GA and Hung, KY and Delo, SJ and Hayes, WK},
title = {A Sting Operation: Risk Assessment and Venom Expenditure by Arizona Bark Scorpions (Centruroides sculpturatus) in a Defensive Context.},
journal = {Toxins},
volume = {17},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/toxins17040198},
pmid = {40278696},
issn = {2072-6651},
mesh = {Animals ; *Scorpions/physiology ; *Scorpion Venoms/toxicity/metabolism ; Female ; Male ; Mice ; Risk Assessment ; *Scorpion Stings ; Behavior, Animal ; Animals, Poisonous ; },
abstract = {Scorpion antipredator behavior incorporates risk assessment that informs decision-making and venom usage. We quantified antipredator behaviors of the clinically significant Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) in their natural environment using exposure to two stimuli: a freshly thawed laboratory mouse (Mus musculus) and a membrane-covered glass beaker. We videotaped and compared envenomation behaviors between sexes (females, gravid females, and males), across sizes, and between animal orientations (on vertical or horizontal substrates). Results failed to show consistent support for any of our four hypotheses. Females (especially gravid females) were no more likely than males to exhibit higher levels of stinging and venom expenditure. Scorpions on horizontal surfaces compared to those on vertical surfaces, and larger scorpions compared to smaller ones, were likewise no more likely to exhibit higher levels of responsiveness. Mice were more likely to be stung than the membrane-covered beaker, but with fewer and briefer stings, suggesting the scorpions did not attempt to deliver more venom into the mice. Thus, we discerned no clear patterns in risk assessment, stinging, and venom use associated with sex, substrate orientation, body size, or threat stimuli. These findings contrasted with those of several prior laboratory studies. Variation from unaccounted environmental variables may have obfuscated divergent behavioral tactics. Nevertheless, the behaviors we document here provide insights on the range of defensive behaviors exhibited by C. sculpturatus under natural environmental conditions, including the frequency of dry stings (11.8%) to the membrane-covered beakers.},
}

Animals
*Scorpions/physiology
*Scorpion Venoms/toxicity/metabolism
Female
Male
Mice
Risk Assessment
*Scorpion Stings
Behavior, Animal
Animals, Poisonous

@article {pmid40278382,
year = {2025},
author = {Simões, LAR and Normann, RS and Drosdowski, D and Selau, B and de Amaral, M and da Rosa Araujo, AS and Vinagre, AS},
title = {Impact of Tributyltin (TBT) on Energy Metabolism and Redox Homeostasis in Blue Crab Callinectes sapidus.},
journal = {Metabolites},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/metabo15040253},
pmid = {40278382},
issn = {2218-1989},
support = {142175/2020-0//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development/ ; 302751/2021//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development/ ; 151593/2024-8//National Council for Scientific and Technological Development/ ; 23/2551-0001195-6//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul/ ; BIC to B.S.//Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul/ ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Tributyltin (TBT), a potent biocide used in antifouling paints, is highly toxic to aquatic environments, causing oxidative stress, endocrine dysfunction, and metabolic disorders in aquatic organisms, including crustaceans. The blue crab Callinectes sapidus is an economically and ecologically important species in several countries worldwide and is considered an invasive species in Europe. Methods: This study evaluated the effects of 7 days of exposure to environmentally relevant TBT concentrations (100 and 1000 ng.L[-1]) on the intermediary metabolism and oxidative balance of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus. After exposure, hemolymph samples were analyzed to determine glucose, lactate, total protein, and cholesterol levels. In tissue samples, concentrations of triglycerides, glycogen, total glutathione (GSH), reactive oxygen species (ROS), sulfhydryls, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity were assessed. Results: In the hemolymph, glucose and lactate levels increased, while the total cholesterol, triglycerides, and total proteins decreased in all exposed groups. The GST activity increased in exposed tissues, while the total GSH and sulfhydryl content decreased. The ROS concentration increased in response to higher TBT concentrations. Conclusions: These findings highlight the toxicity of TBT and show that 7 days of exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations disrupts the metabolic homeostasis and oxidative balance in C. sapidus. Additionally, this study demonstrates that C. sapidus is sensitive to TBT exposure and has potential as a model species for ecotoxicological studies.},
}

@article {pmid40278262,
year = {2025},
author = {Paulo, C and Matos, J and Afonso, C and Cardoso, C},
title = {Overcoming Extraction Hurdles and Assessing Biological Activity in a Major Invasive Seaweed Species in Europe, Rugulopteryx okamurae.},
journal = {Marine drugs},
volume = {23},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/md23040141},
pmid = {40278262},
issn = {1660-3397},
support = {16-02-01-FMP-0047//European Union InterReg/ ; },
mesh = {*Seaweed/chemistry ; Introduced Species ; Europe ; *Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry/isolation & purification ; Antioxidants/pharmacology/chemistry/isolation & purification ; *Phaeophyceae/chemistry ; Biomass ; Ethanol/chemistry ; Solvents/chemistry ; Polyphenols/pharmacology ; Animals ; },
abstract = {The brown seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae is a major invasive species in Europe, menacing local ecosystems. The challenge lies in assessing application routes for this biomass, testing different extraction technologies (overnight agitation, mechanical homogenization, pH-shift, ionic liquid-, and ultrasound-assisted extractions) and parameters. There was a higher yield in the extracts homogenized with 70% ethanol, especially with 1:20, w/v, biomass-solvent ratio, than in aqueous extracts. As to overnight agitation, 70% ethanol produced results (24.5-28.3%) similar to those found in the homogenized extracts. However, in the former, the best biomass-solvent proportion was 1:10, w/v. Mineral matter yield presented specific patterns, reaching 59.6 ± 1.1% (70% ethanol) and 82.3 ± 0.1% (water). The highest total polyphenol level was attained in the 70% ethanol, 1:20, w/v, extract, 310.7 ± 22.1 mg GAE/100 g dw seaweed. This extract had a higher FRAP/ABTS. The extract attained with overnight agitation, 70% ethanol, 1:10, w/v, had 48% COX-2 inhibition as anti-inflammatory activity. Besides showing the potential of R. okamurae for pharmacological purposes, especially in the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory area, this study enabled us to rank technologies and conditions for the utilization of this abundant biomass resource by the industry.},
}

*Seaweed/chemistry
Introduced Species
Europe
*Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry/isolation & purification
Antioxidants/pharmacology/chemistry/isolation & purification
*Phaeophyceae/chemistry
Biomass
Ethanol/chemistry
Solvents/chemistry
Polyphenols/pharmacology
Animals

@article {pmid40278046,
year = {2025},
author = {H M, Y and Viswanathan, A and Hariharakrishnan, S and Brown, SDJ and Karuppannasamy, A and Hiremath, SR},
title = {Observations on iNaturalist reveal the establishment of non-native Eucalyptus weevil Gonipterus platensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Tamil Nadu, India.},
journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)},
volume = {25},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jisesa/ieaf029},
pmid = {40278046},
issn = {1536-2442},
mesh = {Animals ; *Weevils/genetics/growth & development/physiology ; India ; *Introduced Species ; Eucalyptus/growth & development ; Larva/growth & development/genetics/physiology ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; *Animal Distribution ; },
abstract = {We report the establishment of the invasive eucalyptus weevil Gonipterus platensis in the high elevation Nilgiri Plateau in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. Its presence was first brought to light by observations uploaded on iNaturalist, a citizen science platform, from Eucalyptus globulus plantations. Specimens collected from the plantations were examined morphologically and dissected to reveal the diagnostic characters of G. platensis. DNA sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase gene (COI) amplified from Indian specimens were 0.3% different from G. platensis sequences from Tasmanian populations and over 4% different from any other Gonipterus species for which DNA data are available. Sequence data from 6 invasive populations of G. platensis indicates multiple, independent invasions from a Tasmanian source population to different parts of the world. The collection of specimens, including larvae, over multiple years indicates that the population in the Nilgiris is persistent, with the earliest evidence for its presence in the region being March 2019. We recommend further monitoring and assessment of population growth and spread of Gonipterus platensis to minimize the economic impact of this potentially important pest of Eucalyptus in India. Citizen science played a critical role in this discovery, and we recommend that subject experts engage with nature enthusiasts on platforms like iNaturalist so that the wide reach of public participation is harnessed to effectively monitor biodiversity.},
}

Animals
*Weevils/genetics/growth & development/physiology
India
*Introduced Species
Eucalyptus/growth & development
Larva/growth & development/genetics/physiology
Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics
*Animal Distribution

@article {pmid40278045,
year = {2025},
author = {Siderhurst, MS and Fairbanks, KEO and Ladizinsky, N and Snyder, J and Hurst, AL},
title = {Tracking 3 wasp species (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) with harmonic radar: toward an accessible, inexpensive colony location tool.},
journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)},
volume = {25},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jisesa/ieaf040},
pmid = {40278045},
issn = {1536-2442},
support = {2040-22430-027-000-D//U.S. Department of Agriculture/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wasps/physiology ; *Radar ; Pilot Projects ; *Animal Identification Systems/instrumentation/methods ; },
abstract = {Tracking tagged individuals is an emerging tool to locate invasive wasp nesting sites. Both tag size and transmitter/transceiver cost can limit the applicability of these technologies for eradication measures. This pilot study used a combination of lightweight, inexpensive harmonic radar tags fabricated with superelastic nitinol wire, and off-the-shelf transceivers designed for backcountry rescue. Larger tags weighing ~10 mg (~14 mg with adhesive) were used to track three vespid wasps, Delta esuriens (F.), Polistes aurifer Saussure, and Vespula pensylvanica (Saussure), while smaller tags ~5 mg (~8 mg with adhesive) were used only with V. pensylvanica. Wasps were successfully tagged in both laboratory and field settings. Tagged P. aurifer were shown to be flight capable in a large outdoor field cage. Subsequently, wasps were tracked in a macadamia nut field (D. esuriens and P. aurifer), a coastal habitat (D. esuriens), and in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (V. pensylvanica). Flight paths up to 6 steps (maximum 126.7 m) were recorded for D. esuriens (maximum single flight 76.6 m). Vespula pensylvanica were tracked to one nest; several other attempts failed to identify a nest location but did demonstrate the practicality and limitations of following wasps through dense vegetation. Additionally, we demonstrated that V. pensylvanica would carry off tags embedded in small pieces of meat although this technique did not lead to the discovery of any nests. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using an inexpensive method to track wasps, potentially allowing for a rapid and simplified method of locating invasive wasp nests.},
}

Animals
*Wasps/physiology
*Radar
Pilot Projects
*Animal Identification Systems/instrumentation/methods

@article {pmid40277330,
year = {2025},
author = {Radujković, D and Verbruggen, E and Clavel, J and Pauchard, A and Fuentes-Lillo, E and Barros, A and Aschero, V and Haider, S and Ratier Backes, A and Pergl, J and Vítková, M and Lučanová, A and Nuñez, MA and Lenoir, J and Nijs, I and Lembrechts, JJ},
title = {Road Disturbance Shifts Root Fungal Symbiont Types and Reduces the Connectivity of Plant-Fungal Co-Occurrence Networks in Mountains.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e17771},
doi = {10.1111/mec.17771},
pmid = {40277330},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {RVO 67985939//Akademie Věd České Republiky/ ; 19-28807X//Grantová Agentura České Republiky/ ; 1180205//Fondecyt/ ; 1231616//Fondecyt/ ; DFG - FZT 118//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; 202548816//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; ANR-20-EBI5-0004//Biodiversa+/ ; TACR SS70010001//Biodiversa+/ ; 12P1819N//Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek/ ; G018919N//Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek/ ; W001919N//Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek/ ; FKZ: I 154//Federal State of Saxony-Anhalt/ ; //German Research Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Roads are currently one of the most disruptive anthropogenic disturbances to mountain ecosystems worldwide. These disturbances can have a profound effect on roadside soil properties and vegetation, typically favouring fast-growing and ruderal species. However, their effect on plant-associated fungal communities and plant-fungal interactions remains largely unknown. In this study, we examined the changes in root-associated fungal communities as well as plant-fungal and fungal-fungal co-occurrence networks along mountain roads from four biogeographical regions. We found that roadsides consistently altered plant and fungal community composition, generally favouring arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and putative plant pathogens at the expense of ectomycorrhizal fungi. Moreover, roadsides consistently reduced the complexity of plant-fungal and fungal-fungal co-occurrence networks (with 66%-95% and 40%-94% reduction in total edge density, respectively), even though the richness of fungal communities was not reduced and many of the naturally occurring highly connected taxa were still present. Our findings suggest that altered and transient conditions in the roadsides may favour more generalist symbionts like AMF and pathogens with low fidelity for particular hosts as opposed to surrounding natural vegetation which is dominated by symbionts with higher specificity for the host (like ectomycorrhizal fungi). We conclude that road disturbance may have a consistent negative imprint on connectivity between plants and fungi; a consequence that deserves attention as it could render mountain roadside systems unstable and vulnerable to further pressures such as climate change and invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid40276411,
year = {2025},
author = {Nanos, CF and Mainou, S and Nena, E and Trypsianis, G and Konstantinidis, T and Lialiaris, TS},
title = {Contribution to the Cross-Border Public Health of Mosquito Control Programs Applied in Evros Prefecture, Greece (2015-2018).},
journal = {Cureus},
volume = {17},
number = {3},
pages = {e81126},
pmid = {40276411},
issn = {2168-8184},
abstract = {Vector-borne diseases are among the leading causes of death globally. Mosquitoes breeding in open water sources are associated with the transmission of sporadic diseases, and their management differs from species reproducing in urban and peri-urban areas. Invasive species such as Aedes and Culex mosquitoes pose significant public health challenges. The climatic conditions in the examined area (Evros, North Eastern Greece) in the period between 2015 and 2018 had been challenging, with high temperatures and heavy rainfall having led to significant increases in mosquito populations. The combination of the abovementioned climatic conditions, along with regional topography and migration flows at the borders, can contribute to the resurgence of West Nile virus and malaria cases, which have been sporadically reported. Despite the widespread implementation of larviciding (i.e., the process of controlling insect larvae, primarily mosquitoes, using chemical or biological substances aimed at killing the larvae before they reach their adult form), mosquito nuisance levels remained very high in several areas, causing significant problems to the residents. The recent emergence of the Asian Aedes albopictus (known as the "tiger mosquito") in the Evros Regional Unit is particularly concerning as it can transmit severe and possibly fatal diseases. A cornerstone of future integrated control programs will be systematic entomological surveillance and epidemiological research. In addition, creating an information platform for the entire Greek territory that is continuously updated with relevant data is imperative.},
}

@article {pmid40276246,
year = {2025},
author = {Narvaez, ZE and Egizi, AM and Yabsley, MJ and Thompson, AT and Moustafa, M and Alt, E and Bickerton, M and Bjorgo, K and Butler, RA and Cumbie, A and Eastwood, G and Falco, RC and Fonseca, DM and Hang, J and Harper, VL and Lewis, N and Lovy, J and Maestas, LP and Mather, TN and Nakao, R and Occi, JL and Rainey, T and Sal, M and Stoops, CA and Trout-Fryxell, RT and Watson, W and Wagner, NE and Zheng, A and Saelao, P and Price, DC},
title = {Multiple Introductions of the Asian Longhorned Tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) to the United States Revealed Using Mitogenomics.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {e71312},
pmid = {40276246},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {The Asian longhorned tick (ALT), Haemaphysalis longicornis, is a three-host hard tick native to East Asia. Its opportunistic feeding habits make it an acute agricultural and medical threat, capable of spreading various zoonotic pathogens. An affinity for livestock and companion animals has allowed parthenogenetic populations of ALT to travel to and establish in overseas locations including the United States. To better understand the population dynamics of this rapidly expanding species, we sequenced the complete mitogenome of specimens collected from native and invasive ranges and performed phylogeographic analyses. As well as illustrating the diversity of Australasian and US ALT haplotypes, these methods have allowed us to estimate the source and frequency of successful introductions to the US. We highlight four potential introductions of parthenogenetic ALT, with likely origin populations identified in the Republic of Korea and Japan. These findings provide insight into potential routes of entry for ALT and other invasive tick species.},
}

@article {pmid40275786,
year = {2025},
author = {Dearborn, KW and Inward, DJG and Smith, SM and MacQuarrie, CJK},
title = {Fraxinus foliage: does host species during adult maturation feeding alter the fecundity of emerald ash borers, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)?.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvaf018},
pmid = {40275786},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {//Defra (UK) Future Proofing Plant Health/ ; },
abstract = {Herbivorous insects can have their reproductive potential influenced by the quality and species of host plants they feed upon. The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), is an invasive pest of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) within its introduced range. As adults, EAB must feed upon foliage to sexually mature. We compared the influence of 4 North American ash species on EAB via foliage feeding to assess impacts on female lifespan and reproductive metrics. We fed 136 female EAB, 34 in each foliage group, either black, green, tropical, or white ash throughout their adult life. We performed daily inspections for adult mortality, oviposition, and egg hatching. We found that the mean female lifespan, fertility rate, and mean egg development time were not affected by the ash species. Potential and realized fecundity each increased with summed female group lifespan (days), but this rate differed among ash species. Consequently, there was a statistically significant interaction effect of the summed female group lifespan and the host foliage. Green ash-fed EAB laid (2.94 ± 0.86 eggs/female days) and hatched (1.67 ± 0.59 eggs/female days) the most eggs, more than double the rates of EAB feeding on black (1.39 ± 0.48 laid and 0.75 ± 0.30 hatched eggs/female days) and white (1.08 ± 0.35 laid and 0.65 ± 0.22 hatched eggs/female days) ash. Adults feeding on green ash resulted in the greatest EAB fecundity suggesting that the presence of green ash may promote population growth and provide a pathway to overwhelm other ash species nearby.},
}

@article {pmid40274988,
year = {2025},
author = {Raboin, M and Roth, BM and Sullivan, A and Allert, AL and Stoeckel, JA and Nathan, LR and Quebedeaux, KB and Sholtis, MD and Smerud, JR and Erickson, RA and Cupp, AR},
title = {Movement patterns of invasive red swamp crayfish vary with sex and environmental factors.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {14312},
pmid = {40274988},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Astacoidea/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; Female ; Male ; Ecosystem ; Movement ; Sex Factors ; },
abstract = {Invasive species disproportionately invade freshwater ecosystems, threatening biodiversity. Defining when, where, and why aquatic invasive species move can help inform management strategies, yet the movement ecology of some of the most pervasive invasive species remains unknown. Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii; RSC) are the most widespread invasive crayfish and negatively affect ecosystems worldwide. We employed high-dimensional acoustic telemetry to investigate the movement patterns of 24 individual RSC across three months in an invaded water body. We assessed the effects of various extrinsic factors, such as time of day, temperature, precipitation, and proximity to the water's edge, along with intrinsic factors, such as sex, reproductive form, and size, at different scales, including movement steps, range distribution, and behavioral states. We found that movement patterns across all scales were overwhelmingly driven by sex and reproductive form. Furthermore, RSC showed increased overall activity at night and near the water's edge. By establishing baseline movement patterns and identifying key contributing factors, these findings provide a foundation for the development of adaptive management strategies for controlling invasive RSC populations.},
}

Animals
*Astacoidea/physiology
*Introduced Species
Female
Male
Ecosystem
Movement
Sex Factors

@article {pmid39529353,
year = {2024},
author = {Nachev, M and Hohenadler, M and Bröckers, N and Grabner, D and Sures, B},
title = {Suitability of invasive gobies as paratenic hosts for acanthocephalans of the genus Pomphorhynchus sp.},
journal = {Parasitology},
volume = {151},
number = {14},
pages = {1522-1529},
doi = {10.1017/S0031182024001197},
pmid = {39529353},
issn = {1469-8161},
mesh = {Animals ; *Acanthocephala/physiology/growth & development ; *Fish Diseases/parasitology/transmission ; *Helminthiasis, Animal/parasitology/transmission ; Introduced Species ; *Perciformes/parasitology ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Cyprinidae/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Ponto-Caspian gobies became highly abundant in many regions outside their native distribution range (e.g. in the Rhine River system). In the newly invaded habitats, the parasite communities of the invasive gobies are characterized by a lower species richness compared to their native range. Interestingly, acanthocephalans of the genus Pomphorhynchus are highly abundant, although they do not become mature and mostly remain encapsulated in the abdominal cavity as preadults. Thus, gobiids could either represent a dead-end host for Pomphorhynchus sp. declining its population (dilution effect) or act as a paratenic host that could increase the infection pressure if the infected gobies are preyed upon by appropriate definitive hosts (spill back). To determine which of the 2 scenarios the gobiids contribute to, we conducted 2 infection experiments using smaller and larger individuals of the definitive host chub (Squalius cephalus), infected with preadults of Pomphorhynchus sp. collected from the abdominal cavity of Neogobius melanostomus. The results showed that preadults were able to complete their development and mature in the definitive host with mean recovery rates of 17.9% in smaller and 27.0% in larger chubs. Successful infections were observed in 62.0% and 80.0% of the smaller and larger chubs, respectively. Our study demonstrated that gobies can theoretically serve as a paratenic host for acanthocephalans of the genus Pomphorhynchus, and that infection might spill back into the local fish community if infected gobies are preyed upon by suitable definitive hosts of Pomphorhynchus sp. such as large barbel or chub.},
}

Animals
*Acanthocephala/physiology/growth & development
*Fish Diseases/parasitology/transmission
*Helminthiasis, Animal/parasitology/transmission
Introduced Species
*Perciformes/parasitology
Host-Parasite Interactions
Cyprinidae/parasitology

@article {pmid40270875,
year = {2025},
author = {Feder, ME and Wagner, CM},
title = {Building a natural repellent: effects of varying alarm cue exposure on swim activity and spatial avoidance in an invasive fish.},
journal = {Conservation physiology},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {coaf028},
doi = {10.1093/conphys/coaf028},
pmid = {40270875},
issn = {2051-1434},
abstract = {Techniques for using natural anti-predator cues to guide the movements of animals and reduce human-wildlife conflict are highly desired. With continuous use, sensory adaptation, habituation and adaptive behavioural changes often reduce the efficacy of sensory deterrents. Theory suggests responses can be maintained with application practices that modulate the stimulus in time (on/off) or by continuously varying stimulus intensity. In aquatic environments, damage-released alarm cues from injured conspecifics are a reliable source of information regarding predation risk that can be used to guide the movements of invasive fishes. We used sea lampreys, Petromyzon marinus, drawn from an invasive population, to investigate whether modulating alarm cue exposure (on/off) or varying cue concentration during continuous exposure (low/high) would forestall predicted declinations in swim activity and spatial avoidance. We found that continuous exposure to alarm cue at a fixed concentration resulted in the predicted decline in swim activity. Modulating odour exposure timing (on/off) partially prevented response declination in swim activity, whereas varying odour concentration (low/high) fully prevented the reduction. We did not observe the previously reported habituation of the spatial avoidance response, likely due to the use of a small high-throughput assay system. Our results suggest modulating alarm cue exposure by varying odour concentration to prevent response declination holds promise as a management practice. Moreover, test systems for developing management practices should be carefully matched to the scale of the behavioural response being investigated.},
}

@article {pmid40270818,
year = {2025},
author = {Cambronero-Heinrichs, JC and Biedermann, PHW and Besana, L and Battisti, A and Rassati, D},
title = {Bacterial communities associated with ambrosia beetles: current knowledge and existing gaps.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1569105},
doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2025.1569105},
pmid = {40270818},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae and Platypodinae) are wood-boring insects studied as examples of fungus-insect symbiosis and for their success as invasive species. While most research on their microbiota has focused on fungal associates, their bacterial communities remain largely understudied. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge on the bacterial microbiota of ambrosia beetles, identify critical gaps in the field, and provide recommendations for future research. To date, eight metabarcoding studies have explored bacterial communities in ambrosia beetles, analyzing a total of 13 species, mostly within the tribe Xyleborini (Scolytinae). These studies have examined the presence of bacteria in ambrosia beetle mycetangia, organs specialized for transporting fungal symbionts, as well as bacterial diversity in fungal gardens and whole beetles, across different life stages, and under varying environmental conditions. In general, bacterial communities appear to be highly specific to the beetle species, and differ between the beetles and their fungal gardens. Most studies employed 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding, and the optimal primer combination for characterizing bacterial communities in environmental samples is 515F/806RB (V4). Various methods for collecting beetles have been used, such as ethanol-baited traps, direct collection from galleries, logs kept in emergence cages, and rearing, but which of them to select when planning a study depends on the specific aim. A significant knowledge gap remains regarding the functional roles of dominant bacterial taxa, as metabarcoding studies often assume that these roles are similar to those played in other beetle species, such as bark beetles. More studies should be conducted to test hypotheses regarding the various factors influencing microbial composition and function, and advanced molecular techniques, including (meta-) genome and transcriptome sequencing, which have been employed in only a limited number of studies, could offer great potential to help bridging this knowledge gap.},
}

@article {pmid40270796,
year = {2025},
author = {Kim, Y and Métras, R},
title = {Importance of Considering Seasonality in Tick Activity When Assessing Spatial Expansion Potential: A Case Study on Haemaphysalis longicornis.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
pages = {e71128},
doi = {10.1002/ece3.71128},
pmid = {40270796},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Haemaphysalis longicornis, a tick vector of the severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) virus, has long been established in parts of East Asia and Oceania but is now rapidly expanding in the eastern US, raising significant concerns about its further domestic and international spread. In this study, we mapped the spatial expansion risk of H. longicornis in North America and Europe by training a habitat suitability model with its occurrence data from East Asia and Oceania. Our model incorporated ecologically relevant predictors for tick survival, which have been neglected in previous habitat suitability modeling for this species. Specifically, we employed temperature, relative humidity, saturation deficit, precipitation, and vegetation level as predictors, with the first three distinguishing between tick questing and non-questing seasons to account for their varying impacts on tick survival during periods of activity and dormancy. The best-fitting model included seasonal saturation deficit and temperature as predictors along with vegetation, with the threshold values of saturation deficit and temperature for suitability closely aligning with existing literature. Spatial projections based on the best-fitting model most closely delineated the current boundaries of H. longicornis occurrences in the eastern US. In contrast, for the western US, where no H. longicornis has been detected yet, the model predicted only a few isolated coastal areas as suitable. This finding contrasts with earlier studies, which projected extensive suitable areas along the coast and extending inland. In Europe, the model also identified limited suitability, mainly confined to coastal areas of southern Europe. In conclusion, by incorporating meteorological predictors that account for seasonal tick activity, our findings reshape the understanding of H. longicornis spatial expansion risk in western North America and Europe, underscoring the need for refined and targeted surveillance strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40270475,
year = {2025},
author = {Lin, WJ and Liu, FC and Huang, XY and Del Pozo-Valdivia, AI and Leskey, TC and Yang, CS},
title = {What you eat is what we need: using ants to detect spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) DNA.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8814},
pmid = {40270475},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//National Science and Technology Council/ ; //USDA-ARS Areawide Pest Management Program/ ; //Virginia Tech New Faculty Start-up Funds/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Early detection of invasive species such as the spotted lanternfly (SLF, Lycorma delicatula) is critical for effective management including eradication efforts and limiting further spread. SLF excretes honeydew containing detectable DNA, providing a unique opportunity to leverage environmental DNA (eDNA) for its detection. This study introduces the ant-derived DNA (antDNA) approach, utilizing ants as 'honeydew samplers' to detect SLF DNA. We validated the effectiveness of this method through three experiments.

RESULTS: Using SLF-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we consistently detected SLF DNA in ants foraging or nesting near SLF infestations. We then showed that after a single honeydew meal, SLF DNA persisted in ants for at least 5 days, even when, subsequently, ants were fed plain honey solution. Lastly, ants collected from honey-baited lure stations along transects radiating from SLF infestations yielded positive detections up to 100 m from the core infestations, demonstrating the method's extensive detection range. These findings confirm that ants, through their active foraging and feeding on environmental honeydew and ability to retain the ingested material, are highly reliable SLF DNA samplers.

CONCLUSION: Combined with ants' ecological dominance and the ease and low cost of ant collection, the antDNA method offers a sensitive, efficient and practical alternative to traditional, labor-intensive approaches for detecting SLF and potentially other honeydew-producing insects. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40269028,
year = {2025},
author = {López-González, M and Piquet, JC and Maestresalas, B and López-Darias, M},
title = {Validation of eDNA methods for managing the terrestrial invasive snake Lampropeltis californiae on the Canary Islands.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {14116},
pmid = {40269028},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *DNA, Environmental/analysis/genetics ; *Snakes/genetics ; *Colubridae/genetics ; Soil ; },
abstract = {Invasive snakes are among the most challenging invaders worldwide due to their exceptionally low detection rate and grave ecological impacts. Environmental DNA (eDNA) has emerged as a promising tool to improve invasive snake detection and enhancing management programs, yet its application to terrestrial snakes remains underexplored. This study provides the first advances in the use of eDNA techniques to detect the terrestrial invasive California kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae). We designed L. californiae-specific primers and tested their effectiveness in detecting the species in different environmental samples, including swab samples from underneath artificial cover objects (ACOs) made of different materials, soil beneath ACOs, randomly collected soil, and researchers' boots. Additionally, we conducted a controlled experiment to assess the accumulation and degradation rate of L. californiae eDNA over a 14-day period (7 with snakes in the terraria and 7 after having removed them). We detected L. californiae eDNA in 9.31% of swab samples, in 2.22% of soil samples under ACOs, and in 2.56% of boot samples, while no detections appeared in randomly collected soil or controls. In the controlled experiment, eDNA was undetectable in terraria prior snake introductions, but remained detectable throughout the study, with no evidence of snake eDNA degradation after snake removal. These findings provide key insights for the implementation of an eDNA-based protocol for the detection of L. californiae in Gran Canaria, offering a valuable tool for monitoring this invasive species. Furthermore, this study could be used for refining eDNA methodologies to detect other elusive terrestrial snake species elsewhere.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*DNA, Environmental/analysis/genetics
*Snakes/genetics
*Colubridae/genetics
Soil

@article {pmid40268152,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, L and Mijiti, M and Abuduzhayier, A and Zhao, T and Guan, W and Yang, L and Yang, Y},
title = {dctA, dctB, and dctD contribute to the utilization of C4-dicarboxylates, carbon, nitrogen, as well as virulence in Acidovorax citrulli.},
journal = {Microbial pathogenesis},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107623},
doi = {10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107623},
pmid = {40268152},
issn = {1096-1208},
abstract = {Bacterial fruit blotch (BFB), a destructive bacterial disease triggered by Acidovorax citrulli, affects cucurbit crops like watermelon and melon. The absorption and use of carbon sources are foundational for bacteria to successfully colonize host plants. C4-dicarboxylates are critical carbon and energy substances, and their transport is completed by the C4-dicarboxylate transport system (Dct) which plays an important role in typical bacterial metabolism. However, the role of dct genes have not been determined for A. citrulli. To clarify the biological roles of the Dct system-related genes in A. citrulli, we developed dctA1, dctA2, dctB, and dctD deletion mutants, as well as dctA1A2 double deletion mutant, with their corresponding complementary strains in the A. citrulli wild-type strain Aac5 in this study. The functions of Dct-related genes in A. citrulli were analyzed through phenotype assays, including pathogenicity, C4-dicarboxylates utilization, carbon and nitrogen utilization, biofilm formation, swimming motility, and qRT-PCR analysis. Compared to the wild-type strain, the pathogenicity, utilization of C4-dicarboxylates, growth ability in vivo and in vitro, and seed adhesion ability of the mutant strains were significantly limited, while the biofilm formation ability was significantly improved. Additionally, the utilization of select carbon sources (glucose, maltose, and sucrose) and nitrogen sources ((NH4)2SO4, NH4Cl, CH4N2O, and KNO3) was significantly enhanced. qRT-PCR results demonstrated that the deletion of Dct-related genes resulted in significant downregulation of the expression of T3SS-related genes (hrpG and hrpE), the pili-related genes (pilA and pilN), and some flagellum-related genes (fliC, flhC, and flhD). These findings suggested that Dct-related genes were involved in C4-dicarboxylate utilization, carbon and nitrogen use, and the pathogenicity of A. citrulli.},
}

@article {pmid40011772,
year = {2025},
author = {Wiegand, T and Wang, X and Fischer, SM and Kraft, NJB and Bourg, NA and Brockelman, WY and Cao, G and Cao, M and Chanthorn, W and Chu, C and Davies, S and Ediriweera, S and Gunatilleke, CVS and Gunatilleke, IAUN and Hao, Z and Howe, R and Jiang, M and Jin, G and Kress, WJ and Li, B and Lian, J and Lin, L and Liu, F and Ma, K and McShea, W and Mi, X and Myers, JA and Nathalang, A and Orwig, DA and Shen, G and Su, SH and Sun, IF and Wang, X and Wolf, A and Yan, E and Ye, W and Zhu, Y and Huth, A},
title = {Latitudinal scaling of aggregation with abundance and coexistence in forests.},
journal = {Nature},
volume = {640},
number = {8060},
pages = {967-973},
pmid = {40011772},
issn = {1476-4687},
mesh = {*Forests ; *Trees/classification/physiology/growth & development ; Tropical Climate ; *Biodiversity ; Models, Biological ; Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data ; Seed Dispersal ; Population Density ; },
abstract = {The search for simple principles that underlie the spatial structure and dynamics of plant communities is a long-standing challenge in ecology[1-6]. In particular, the relationship between species coexistence and the spatial distribution of plants is challenging to resolve in species-rich communities[7-9]. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of the spatial patterns of 720 tree species in 21 large forest plots and their consequences for species coexistence. We show that species with low abundance tend to be more spatially aggregated than more abundant species. Moreover, there is a latitudinal gradient in the strength of this negative aggregation-abundance relationship that increases from tropical to temperate forests. We suggest, in line with recent work[10], that latitudinal gradients in animal seed dispersal[11] and mycorrhizal associations[12-14] may jointly generate this pattern. By integrating the observed spatial patterns into population models[8], we derive the conditions under which species can invade from low abundance in terms of spatial patterns, demography, niche overlap and immigration. Evaluation of the spatial-invasion condition for the 720 tree species analysed suggests that temperate and tropical forests both meet the invasion criterion to a similar extent but through contrasting strategies conditioned by their spatial patterns. Our approach opens up new avenues for the integration of observed spatial patterns into ecological theory and underscores the need to understand the interaction among spatial patterns at the neighbourhood scale and multiple ecological processes in greater detail.},
}

*Forests
*Trees/classification/physiology/growth & development
Tropical Climate
*Biodiversity
Models, Biological
Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data
Seed Dispersal
Population Density

@article {pmid40266780,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, Y and Cui, H and Xu, T and Chen, L},
title = {Contrasting Effects of Mutualistic Ants (Solenopsis invicta) and Predatory Ladybugs on the Proportion of Dark Green Morphs of Cotton Aphids.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16030271},
pmid = {40266780},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {C2023201075//Hebei Natural Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Cotton aphids, Aphis gossypii, are an important pest worldwide and have evolved mutualistic relationships with the invasive fire ant Solenopsis invicta. Their body color varies from pale yellow to dark green, with an increase in body size and fecundity. The body color composition in a cotton aphid colony can be influenced by biotic interactions with mutualistic ants and predatory ladybugs. However, since the distribution of nutrients varies across host plant organs, there may exist special effects of biotic interactions on the body color composition of the aphids on different plant parts. In the present study, we found that, under constant laboratory conditions, the proportions of dark green morphs varied among the cotton aphids distributed on different parts of a cotton seedling, with significantly higher proportions on the stems, petioles, and sprouts (SPSs) than on leaves. The presence of mutualistic fire ants significantly increased the proportion of dark green morphs in the cotton aphid colony, but with a reduction in aphid body size, compared to the untended individuals. In contrast, the introduction of a predatory seven-spotted ladybug, Coccinella septempunctata, dramatically decreased the proportion of dark green morphs on SPSs, but not on leaves, leading to a reduction in the proportion of the whole colony. These results illustrate a spatial variation in the proportions of dark green morphs on host plants in cotton aphids, which may be an adaptive strategy used by the aphids to gain benefits and/or minimize costs in the interactions with mutualistic ants and predatory ladybugs.},
}

@article {pmid40266776,
year = {2025},
author = {Wimbush, R and Addison, P and Bekker, F and Karsten, M and Powell, M and Marais, G and Moerat, A and Bierman, A and Terblanche, JS},
title = {Preliminary Analysis of Quantum Dots as a Marking Technique for Ceratitis capitata.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16030270},
pmid = {40266776},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {818184//European Union/ ; },
abstract = {This study evaluates the potential of quantum dots (QDs) as a marking method for Mediterranean fruit flies (Ceratitis capitata) (Medfly) in comparison to traditional fluorescent powder. As a highly destructive pest impacting a wide variety of fruit crops, an effective marking technique is essential for improving the biological understanding and management of Medflies, including control strategies like the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). Through multiple controlled experiments, we examined the effects of QDs and fluorescent powder markers on Medfly flight ability, marker retention rates, and marker durability and stability under diverse storage conditions. Fluorescent powder demonstrated consistently high reliability across all parameters, whereas QDs showed reduced retention, particularly when applied to pupae, and had a more pronounced negative effect on flight ability. This was illustrated by the field trials, which did not recapture any of the QD-marked flies, highlighting the current limitations in QD application methods. Additionally, fluorescent powders outperformed QDs in both long-term storage conditions and short-term stability tests. These findings indicate that while QDs possess potential as marking agents, further refinement of application techniques is required to achieve comparable efficacy to fluorescent powders in pest management contexts.},
}

@article {pmid40266775,
year = {2025},
author = {Varone, M and Di Lillo, P and Nikolouli, K and Özel, AE and Lucibelli, F and Volpe, G and Mazzucchiello, SM and Carfora, A and Aceto, S and Saccone, G and Bourtzis, K and Salvemini, M},
title = {The Early Sex-Specific Expression of the Fruitless Gene in the Asian Tiger Mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse) and Its Functional Conservation in Male Courtship.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16030280},
pmid = {40266775},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {STAR2013_25 grant//University of Naples Federico II/ ; This study was also financially supported by the Insect Pest Control Subprogramme of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture and the United States State Department in the frame of the "Surge Expansion of the Sterile Insect//International Atomic Energy Agency/ ; Project no. PE00000007, INF-ACT//NextGeneration EU-MUR PNRR Extended Partnership initiative on Emerging Infectious Diseases/ ; },
abstract = {The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is an invasive species and a vector for several significant human pathogens. Gaining a deeper understanding of its reproductive biology offers valuable insights into its evolutionary success and may inform the development of sustainable strategies to control its spread. This study presents a comprehensive structural and functional characterization of the fruitless gene in Ae. albopictus (Aalfru), a pivotal regulator of sexual behavior in insects. Through in silico analysis combined with molecular and functional genetics approaches, we identified a high degree of conservation in the fru gene structure and its regulation via sex-specific alternative splicing. Differently from Drosophila, Aedes aegypti, and other dipteran fruitless orthologs, Aalfru sex-specific regulation starts in 1-day-old embryos, rather than the late larval stage. Functional analysis using embryonic RNA interference (RNAi) demonstrated that, Ae. albopictus males with transiently disrupted fru expression at the embryonic stage showed significant deficits in adult mating behavior and failed to produce viable progeny. Our findings elucidate the Aalfru gene's molecular organization, developmental regulation, and critical role in courtship behavior, highlighting its importance in male sexual behavior and reproductive success in Ae. albopictus.},
}

@article {pmid40266731,
year = {2025},
author = {Ortiz, YV and Casas, SA and Tran, MND and Decker, EG and Saborit, I and Le, HN and Caragata, EP and Reeves, LE and Thongsripong, P},
title = {Mosquito Population Dynamics and Blood Host Associations in Two Types of Urban Greenspaces in Coastal Florida.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {3},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16030233},
pmid = {40266731},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {P0271968, P0312633//Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services/ ; NA//Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area (ORCA) endowment/ ; NA//UF/IFAS Faculty Startup Program/ ; },
abstract = {Urban greenspaces, including residential parks and conservation areas, provide ecological and recreational benefits. This study reports mosquito surveillance and blood meal analysis data from greenspaces in Vero Beach, Florida. It also compares mosquito assemblages and host associations across residential and conservation greenspaces to assess how greenspace type impacts mosquito abundance and host interactions. Using CO2-baited traps and large-diameter aspirators, mosquitoes were collected over 26 sampling weeks (February-December 2023) yielding over 19,000 female mosquitoes from 32 species. Although mosquito species richness and community composition were similar across greenspace types, relative abundance of some key vector and nuisance species differed significantly. For example, Aedes taeniorhynchus was more common in preserved coastal wetland greenspaces, while Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus were more common in residential greenspaces. Generalized linear models revealed the impacts of climatic variables on the abundance of many key mosquito species. Blood meal analyses showed that host associations did not vary significantly by greenspace type, suggesting stable mosquito-host interactions across the landscape. These results highlight that greenspaces are not uniform in their mosquito species composition. Further studies on the effects of different greenspace types on mosquito communities can help to identify urban landscape features that minimize mosquito-borne disease risk.},
}

@article {pmid40265777,
year = {2025},
author = {Thi, HL and Trang, NTT and Huy, NG and Ngan, NT and Cuong, NT},
title = {Laboratory assessment of Lantana camara L. extracts for selective inhibition of rice weeds: phytotoxicity, crop response, and phenolic composition.},
journal = {Journal of environmental science and health. Part. B, Pesticides, food contaminants, and agricultural wastes},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-11},
doi = {10.1080/03601234.2025.2494190},
pmid = {40265777},
issn = {1532-4109},
abstract = {Weeds significantly reduce rice (Oryza sativa L.) yield and grain quality, highlighting the need for sustainable weed management strategies. This study evaluated the bioherbicidal potential of methanolic extracts from Lantana camara L. (LC) against dominant rice field weeds Echinochloa crus-galli (BY), Leptochloa chinensis (RS), and Fimbristylis miliacea (GF), and examined the recovery responses of rice varieties OM18 and OM5451. At 0.48 g/mL, LC extract markedly suppressed shoot and root growth in RS, and GF, with root inhibition reaching 95.14-100%. BY was less sensitive, especially in shoot growth (24.21% inhibition). Interestingly, low concentrations (0.01-0.06 g/mL) promoted early rice growth, suggesting hormetic stimulation. IC90 values confirmed differential sensitivity: GF was most susceptible (0.129 g/mL), while BY was highly resistant (2.658 g/mL). OM5451 showed greater recovery after 168 h. HPLC analysis identified major phenolic compounds as veratric acid (5.605 µg/mL), p-coumaric acid (1.533 µg/mL), vanillic, salicylic, and gallic acids likely contributing to LC's phytotoxicity. While the findings underscore that LC may be potent as a selective natural herbicide, this laboratory-based study remains exploratory. Field-scale validation, ecological impact assessments, and formulation refinement are essential next steps. Nevertheless, this work highlights LC's dual role, as both an invasive species and a possible bioresource for eco-friendly weed control.},
}

@article {pmid40265254,
year = {2025},
author = {Rodriguez, CS and Sweet, L and Davis, M and Heacox, S and Barrows, C and Larios, L},
title = {Temporal invasion regime attributes influence community synchrony and stability in an arid land system.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {4},
pages = {e70081},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70081},
pmid = {40265254},
issn = {1939-9170},
abstract = {Invasive species have become a major threat to ecosystems across the globe, causing significant ecological and economic damage. To anticipate how communities may respond to future invasions, it is crucial to refine how invader impacts are evaluated, especially in historically uninvaded and highly variable systems such as arid lands. While invader abundance is typically used to predict invader impacts, it may not effectively capture the dynamics that occur over time for established invaders that experience cyclical dynamics (i.e., boom-bust patterns), making it more challenging to track invader impacts. To address this issue, we leveraged a long-term vegetation dataset to develop a novel invasion regime framework for a dominant annual invader in North American deserts, Brassica tournefortii. Using abundance data over time, we evaluated how attributes of this invader's boom-bust dynamics (i.e., invasion level, boom frequency and magnitude) influence the long-term synchrony and stability of invaded Eolian sand dunes communities. We found that attributes that captured the temporal effects of the invader were strong indicators of the impacts of an invader on long-term attributes of communities. Specifically, the mean magnitude of invader booms led to a decrease in species asynchrony and community stability. Increasing boom frequency also decreased community stability, but this was more muted. Mean magnitude of invader booms also mediated shifts in the relationship between synchrony and stability, with this relationship becoming more shallow with increasing boom magnitudes. Our research emphasizes the significance of using community metrics that capture temporal dynamics to document invasion impacts within dynamic arid land systems. The invasion regime framework can additionally offer insights into the mechanisms that may enable the persistence of the invader over time. Together, this knowledge can be helpful in guiding decision-making and land management strategies aimed at effectively controlling and mitigating the impact of invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid40264805,
year = {2025},
author = {Bega, AG and Goryacheva, II and Moskaev, AV and Andrianov, BV},
title = {Mitochondrial genome variation of mosquito species in the subgenus Stegomyia of the genus Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae).},
journal = {Vavilovskii zhurnal genetiki i selektsii},
volume = {29},
number = {2},
pages = {219-229},
doi = {10.18699/vjgb-25-25},
pmid = {40264805},
issn = {2500-0462},
abstract = {Mosquitoes in the subgenus Stegomyia of the genus Aedes are vectors of a number of vertebrate viruses, including human arboviral fevers. Of particular interest is the study of the genetic characteristics of invasive populations of species in this group. We obtained, annotated and described the mitochondrial genomes of three Stegomyia mosquito species of the genus Aedes: Ae. albopictus, Ae. flavopictus and Ae. sibiricus. The mitochondrial genomes of Ae. flavopictus and Ae. sibiricus were obtained from mosquitoes from synanthropic populations in the Russian Far East. The mitochondrial genome of Ae. sibiricus is presented for the first time. The mitochondrial genome of Ae. albopictus was obtained for the C6/36 cell line. We selected three primer sets, for each mosquito species, that amplify the entire mitochondrial genome except for the control region and sequenced the genomes using the Sanger method. All three new genomes have an identical gene order. We identified 13 canonical protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 22 transport RNA genes. Protein-coding genes have canonical start and stop codons with two exceptions. The canonical stop codon "TAA" is incomplete in the cox1 and cox2 genes. The cox1 gene lacks the canonical start codon for methionine. Nucleotide variability is mainly represented by point nucleotide substitutions. A phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences of complete mitochondrial genomes of all known mosquitoes species in the subgenus Stegomyia of the genus Aedes was performed. The data obtained made it possible to measure the ratio of synonymous to non-synonymous substitutions (Ka/Ks) in specific protein-coding genes.},
}

@article {pmid40262481,
year = {2025},
author = {Piccardi, F and Bortot, C and Brunoni, L and Poli, F and Rosenthal, GG and Mazzoldi, C and Barausse, A},
title = {Invasive blue vs. local Green: analysis of substrate preference of two crab species, Callinectes sapidus and Carcinus aestuarii.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {208},
number = {},
pages = {107164},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107164},
pmid = {40262481},
issn = {1879-0291},
abstract = {Introduced primarily via ballast waters, the Atlantic Blue Crab, Callinectes sapidus, has spread throughout the Mediterranean Sea exhibiting a highly invasive behaviour. In introduced ecosystems it is posing a threat to local species and economic activities. This study compares, for the first time, habitat preference of C. sapidus and the native green crab, the Mediterranean Shore Crab Carcinus aestuarii, in the Venice Lagoon. Sediment samples from natural sandy bottoms, as well as from natural and artificial saltmarshes were used to assess substrate preference (time spent on each substrate) of both species under controlled laboratory conditions. Sediment composition was characterized by granulometric analysis, to assess differences in the sediment structure of the samples. Behavioural observations indicated that C. sapidus exhibits a preference for substrates with larger grain size, that characterized both natural bottoms and artificial saltmarshes, whereas C. aestuarii showed no specific substrate preference. Moreover, C. sapidus demonstrated significantly higher burrowing activity, likely due to its adaptation to sandy environments and burrowing behaviour as a predation avoidance strategy. Hydro-morphological alterations driven by both human-driven erosion and by restoration actions are increasing the sandy component of the Venice lagoon sediments across habitats. As a result, the blue crab may potentially thrive in wider areas. Our findings have implications for conservation and management, as the expansion of C. sapidus could further threaten C. aestuarii populations through competition and predation, exacerbating the decline of local artisanal fisheries.},
}

@article {pmid40261617,
year = {2025},
author = {Dellagnola, FA and Godoy, MS and Vega, IA},
title = {Zymography Techniques for the Profiling of Digestive Protease in a Freshwater Invertebrate Model.},
journal = {Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)},
volume = {2918},
number = {},
pages = {107-123},
pmid = {40261617},
issn = {1940-6029},
mesh = {Animals ; *Peptide Hydrolases/metabolism/chemistry/isolation & purification ; *Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel/methods ; Fresh Water ; *Enzyme Assays/methods ; *Snails/enzymology ; Digestive System/enzymology ; },
abstract = {Zymography is a sensitive and specific technique that enables the detection and characterization of proteases of low abundance. Here, we describe two zymographic techniques, in-gel and in situ zymography, to discover proteases (20-120 kDa) along the gut of apple snails. Proteases of different molecular weights are separated by electrophoresis in gelatin copolymerized sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) polyacrylamide gels and then enzymatic activities revealed by Coomassie Blue negative staining. Protease families can be identified in the presence of specific inhibitors. We also use in situ zymography for localizing proteases in intracellular symbiotic corpuscles that habit in the digestive gland of the gastropod Pomacea canaliculata. Different spatial-temporal scenarios of protease synthesis, secretion, and hydrolysis of dietary proteins may be identified by a combination of in-gel and in situ zymography.},
}

Animals
*Peptide Hydrolases/metabolism/chemistry/isolation & purification
*Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel/methods
Fresh Water
*Enzyme Assays/methods
*Snails/enzymology
Digestive System/enzymology

@article {pmid40259770,
year = {2025},
author = {Magalhaes, VS and Czepak, C and van Niekerk, M and Du Plessis, H and Court, L and Tay, WT},
title = {Phthorimaea absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) draft mitogenomes and insecticide resistance gene characterisation support multiple maternal lineages in invasive African, Asian, and European populations.},
journal = {Bulletin of entomological research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-15},
doi = {10.1017/S0007485325000252},
pmid = {40259770},
issn = {1475-2670},
abstract = {The tomato leafminer, Phthorimaea absoluta (synonym Tuta absoluta Meyrick, 1917), is a transboundary plant pest that poses a serious threat to global tomato cultivation and production, with significant negative social and environmental impact from increased insecticide usage for its management. We present three P. absoluta draft mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) from Malawi and South Africa, thereby increasing the mitogenome resources for this invasive agricultural pest. Comparative analysis with Spain, China, and Kenya samples revealed at least seven maternal lineages across its current invasive ranges, supporting multiple introductions as a major factor for the spread of invasive populations. Mitogenome results therefore identified unexpected diversity as compared to the use of the partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (mtCOI/cox1) gene marker for the inference of P. absoluta invasion biology. The whole-genome sequencing approach further identified alternative mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene regions necessary to improve diversity estimates, and enables concurrent characterisation of insecticide resistance genes. Characterisation of the VSSG (Para) and AChE-1/ace-1 gene profiles that underpin pyrethroid and organophosphate (OP) resistances, respectively, confirmed co-introductions of pyrethroid and OP resistance genes into Malawian and South African populations. Our study highlights the need for additional P. absoluta mitogenome resources, especially from native populations that is needed for more accurate interpretations of introduction pathways and the development of future sustainable management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40259706,
year = {2025},
author = {Woodford, DJ and Magoro, M and Kadye, WT and Scheepers, M and Sithole, Y and Mutizwa, TI and Ntokoane, T and Chakona, A},
title = {Freshwater fishes of the Waterberg aquatic ecoregion, South Africa: Diversity, taxonomic conflicts and conservation concerns.},
journal = {Journal of fish biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jfb.70007},
pmid = {40259706},
issn = {1095-8649},
support = {FBIP-211006643719//National Research Foundation/ ; IBIP-BS13100251309//National Research Foundation/ ; FBIC200227507229//National Research Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Southern Africa is a region denoted by both high levels of fish diversity, some of it cryptic and unrecognised by current taxonomy, and severely threatened freshwater ecosystems. The Waterberg, a key aquatic ecoregion of the greater Limpopo River basin in South Africa, represents an area with high terrestrial conservation value but is lacking in aquatic biodiversity information. This study characterised this unique aquatic ecoregion's fish diversity, their biogeographic patterns and threats to this biodiversity. A total of 29 fish species (11 families, 19 genera) were identified, with many distinct upland fish communities occurring within the high-altitude headwaters of the ecoregion, whereas lowland fish communities tended to be more homogeneous. Mitochondrial CO1 barcoding revealed genetically distinct lineages in four presumed-widespread southern African species: the shortfin barb, Enteromius brevipinnis (Jubb, 1966); hyphen barb, Enteromius bifrenatus (Fowler, 1935); straightfin barb, Enteromius paludinosus (Peters, 1852) and snake catfish, Clarias theodorae Weber, 1897, that were restricted to the Waterberg aquatic ecoregion. The level of genetic divergence suggests that these four Waterberg-restricted lineages are likely new candidate species. These findings indicate the Waterberg to be a biogeographic island within the greater Zambezian ichthyofaunal region of southern Africa, which should be prioritised for aquatic ecosystem conservation. Current terrestrial conservation structures in the region, encapsulated within the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, appear to protect this distinct ichthyofauna from human land-use-derived impacts. Nonetheless, the presence of the invasive predatory largemouth bass (Micropterus nigricans) inside the biosphere represents a credible conservation threat. Engagement with biosphere stakeholders will be critical for managing this threat to the Waterberg's unique ichthyofauna going forward.},
}

@article {pmid40259227,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, Q and Liu, X and Liu, K and Ren, H and Jian, S and Lu, H and Cheng, Y and Zou, Q and Huang, Y},
title = {The invasion of Cassytha filiformis accelerated the litter decomposition of native plant communities in small tropical coral islands.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {504},
pmid = {40259227},
issn = {1471-2229},
support = {32101255//National Natural Science Foundation of China for Young Scholars/ ; 32101369//National Natural Science Foundation of China for Young Scholars/ ; 2021-400//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2021-400//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; XJ2500000632//Scientific Research Foundation of Hainan University/ ; 425QN238//Hainan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Soil/chemistry ; Islands ; Plant Leaves/metabolism ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; Ecosystem ; Phosphorus/metabolism ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Plant invasion affects plant community composition, biodiversity, and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in vulnerable ecosystems. As an invasive parasitic plant, Cassytha filiformis has caused extensive damage to the native vegetation of the Paracel Islands. However, the effects of C. filiformis invasion on litter decomposition and nutrient release in native plant communities remain unclear. We conducted an in-situ decomposition experiment in native plant communities on a coral island to explore the litter decomposition dynamics varying across enzyme activities, soil properties and C. filiformis invasive degrees.

RESULTS: The mass loss of litter was determined during the decomposition process. The data showed that litter mass loss under severe invasion was significantly lower than in uninvaded sites after nine months of decomposition. The invasion of C. filiformis accelerated the nitrogen release and lignin decomposition with increased litter quality and polyphenol oxidase activity. Besides, soil phosphorus availability and potassium content also induced the oxidase activity. Meanwhile, the decomposition of litter organic carbon was delayed because β-1, 4-glucosidase activity was low in the first six months. Besides, peroxidase activity maintained a high level in invasive plots, indicating that the residues of C. filiformis may have allelopathy.

CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that the invasion of C. filiformis accelerated litter mass loss and element release on coral islands by regulating litter quality and enzyme activity. However, the short-term rapid litter decomposition may result in nutrient loss, which is not conducive to the growth of native plants.},
}

*Introduced Species
Soil/chemistry
Islands
Plant Leaves/metabolism
Nitrogen/metabolism
Ecosystem
Phosphorus/metabolism

@article {pmid40143442,
year = {2025},
author = {Guiden, PW and Roca, B},
title = {Extreme cold reduces seedling establishment, but native species appear more susceptible than non-native species.},
journal = {American journal of botany},
volume = {112},
number = {4},
pages = {e70023},
doi = {10.1002/ajb2.70023},
pmid = {40143442},
issn = {1537-2197},
mesh = {*Seedlings/growth & development/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; Seeds/physiology/growth & development ; *Extreme Cold ; Species Specificity ; Climate Change ; *Cold Temperature ; },
abstract = {PREMISE: Extreme-cold events are increasingly recognized as one of the most damaging aspects of climate change in northern temperate ecosystems. However, little data exists describing how native and non-native species may respond to these extreme events, especially as seeds. We used a greenhouse experiment to test how extreme cold reduces seedling establishment in seven woody species common to eastern North America. We hypothesized that the effects of extreme cold depend on provenance (native vs. non-native) and chilling period.

METHODS: Following chilling periods of 80, 100, or 120 days, seeds experienced a false-spring with temperatures at 15°C for one week; half of the seeds in each dormancy treatment group experienced a two-day extreme-cold event (-13.9°C) while the rest returned to mild winter temperatures (4°C).

RESULTS: Extreme-cold events universally decreased seedling establishment, but non-native species had four times greater survival in the extreme-cold treatment (mean ± s.e.: 0.108 ± 0.024) compared to native species (0.024 ± 0.018). Furthermore, native seeds were increasingly susceptible to extreme-cold damage following a 120-day chilling period, whereas non-native seeds were able to resist extreme cold equally following all chilling periods.

CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that in eastern North America, cold resistance could be a trait facilitating the success of non-native species. The introduction of non-native species may synergize with climate change to alter community composition, which could have important consequences for forest biodiversity in the Anthropocene.},
}

*Seedlings/growth & development/physiology
*Introduced Species
Seeds/physiology/growth & development
*Extreme Cold
Species Specificity
Climate Change
*Cold Temperature

@article {pmid40258149,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, Y and Scheiner, SM and Hogan, JA and Thomas, MB and Soltis, PS and Guralnick, RP and Soltis, DE and Lichstein, JW},
title = {Nonnative tree invaders lead to declines in native tree species richness.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {122},
number = {17},
pages = {e2424908122},
doi = {10.1073/pnas.2424908122},
pmid = {40258149},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {DEB-2325836//NSF (NSF)/ ; 21-JV-11242305-097//U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Biodiversity ; *Trees/classification/physiology ; Biomass ; Forests ; Phylogeny ; United States ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Biological invasions are profoundly altering Earth's ecosystems, but generalities about the effects of nonnative species on the diversity and productivity of native communities have been elusive. This lack of generality may reflect the limited spatial and temporal extents of most previous studies. Using >5 million tree measurements across eastern US forests from 1995 to 2023, we quantified temporal trends in tree diversity and biomass. We then analyzed community-level changes in native tree diversity and biomass in relation to nonnative tree invasion and native species colonization. Across the entire eastern United States, native tree species richness decreased over time in plots where nonnatives occurred, whereas nonnative species richness and the biomass of both natives and nonnatives increased over time. At the community scale, native richness tended to decline following nonnative invasion, whereas native biomass and richness-independent measures of trait and phylogenetic diversity tended to remain stable. These patterns can be explained by the rarity of the displaced native species and their functional and phylogenetic similarity to native species that survived nonnative invasions. In contrast, native survivors tended to be functionally distinct from nonnative invaders, suggesting an important role for niche partitioning in community dynamics. Colonization by previously absent native species was associated with an increase in native richness (beyond the addition of native colonizers), which contrasts with declines in native richness that tended to follow nonnative invasion. These results suggest a causal role for nonnative species in the native richness decline of invaded communities.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Biodiversity
*Trees/classification/physiology
Biomass
Forests
Phylogeny
United States
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40256856,
year = {2025},
author = {Michels, E and Hansford, K and Perkins, SE and McDonald, RA and Medlock, JM and Tschirren, B},
title = {The Release of Non-Native Gamebirds Is Associated With Amplified Zoonotic Disease Risk.},
journal = {Ecology letters},
volume = {28},
number = {4},
pages = {e70115},
doi = {10.1111/ele.70115},
pmid = {40256856},
issn = {1461-0248},
support = {NE/S007504/1//Natural Environment Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Zoonoses/epidemiology/microbiology ; *Galliformes ; *Bird Diseases/microbiology/epidemiology/transmission ; *Introduced Species ; *Lyme Disease/epidemiology/transmission/microbiology ; Ixodes/microbiology ; *Borrelia burgdorferi Group/physiology/isolation & purification ; Nymph/microbiology ; Prevalence ; },
abstract = {Spillback-where non-native species increase native pathogen prevalence-is potentially an important mechanism by which non-natives contribute to zoonotic disease emergence. However, spillback has not yet been directly demonstrated because it is difficult to disentangle from confounding factors which correlate with non-native species abundance and native pathogen prevalence. Here, we capitalise on replicated, quasi-experimental releases of non-native pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) to compare vector abundance and native pathogen prevalence between sites with similar local conditions but different non-native densities. Prevalence of Borrelia spp. (the causative agent of Lyme disease) in questing ticks was almost 2.5x higher in woods where pheasants are released compared to control woods, with a particularly strong effect on Borrelia garinii, a bird specialist genospecies. Furthermore, adult (but not nymphal) ticks tended to be more abundant at pheasant-release woods. This work provides evidence that non-native species can impact zoonotic pathogen prevalence via spillback in ecologically relevant contexts.},
}

Animals
*Zoonoses/epidemiology/microbiology
*Galliformes
*Bird Diseases/microbiology/epidemiology/transmission
*Introduced Species
*Lyme Disease/epidemiology/transmission/microbiology
Ixodes/microbiology
*Borrelia burgdorferi Group/physiology/isolation & purification
Nymph/microbiology
Prevalence

@article {pmid40254468,
year = {2025},
author = {Diamant, ES and Oswald, KN and Awoyemi, AG and Gaston, KJ and MacGregor-Fors, I and Berger-Tal, O and Roll, U},
title = {The importance of biome in shaping urban biodiversity.},
journal = {Trends in ecology & evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2025.03.014},
pmid = {40254468},
issn = {1872-8383},
abstract = {Humanity is urbanizing, with vast implications on natural systems. To date, most research on urban biodiversity has centered on temperate biomes. Conversely, drylands, collectively the largest terrestrial global biome, remain understudied. Here, we synthesize key mechanistic differences of urbanization's impacts on biodiversity across these biomes. Irrigation shapes dryland urban ecology, and can lead to greener, sometimes more biodiverse, landscapes than local wildlands. These green urban patches in drylands often have a different species composition, including many non-native and human-commensal species. Socioeconomic factors - locally and globally - can mediate how biomes shape urban biodiversity patterns through the effects of irrigation, greening, and invasive species. We advocate for more research in low-income dryland cities, and for implementing biome-specific, scientifically grounded management and policies.},
}

@article {pmid40121715,
year = {2025},
author = {Rangel-Pereira, FS and Castro, MCT and Scapolatempore, MP and Fernandes, LDA and Coutinho, R and Ruiz, GM},
title = {Potential contribution of foreign-flagged recreational and craft vessels to the introduction and spread of non-indigenous species: A preliminary assessment for Brazil.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {215},
number = {},
pages = {117841},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117841},
pmid = {40121715},
issn = {1879-3363},
mesh = {Brazil ; *Ships ; *Recreation ; *Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data ; Animals ; Risk Assessment ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Biofouling ; },
abstract = {The role of recreational boats as pathways for the introduction and spread of non-indigenous species (NIS) has been regarded as a secondary concern by international regulations. Nonetheless, recent studies indicated that recreational crafts may cause up to 60 % of introductions in some regions. By keeping official records of foreign crafts transiting in its jurisdictional waters, the Brazilian Maritime Authority has a useful database. The present study combines these data with environmental parameters to map and assess the biofouling-mediated risks associated with recreational boats entering Brazilian Jurisdictional waters (BJW). Eight regional captaincies were selected as the main entry gates for BJW. Across five years (2019-2024), each route used by foreign recreational boats to reach these captaincies was mapped and had an associated NIS introduction risk calculated through a modified version of GloBallast Risk Assessment Approach (GRAA). The analysis of records identified 84 entry routes for recreational boats in BJW. The captaincies of Rio Grande do Sul (CPRS) and Rio de Janeiro had the highest connectivity, with 20 and 15 routes, respectively. In contrast, the captaincies of Maranhão and São Paulo were the least connected, each with five routes. Risk values ranged approximately from 0.1 for the route from Isle of Man to captaincy of Santa Catarina to 7.5 for the route from Buenos Aires to CPRS. The findings allow management to direct resources to higher-risk areas, reaching more effective results. Future work will involve cataloging fouling species on recreational vessels to refine risk assessments and management strategies against NIS.},
}

Brazil
*Ships
*Recreation
*Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data
Animals
Risk Assessment
*Environmental Monitoring
Biofouling

@article {pmid40252590,
year = {2025},
author = {Fasola, E and Santolini, C and Villa, B and Zanoletti, A and Magni, G and Pachner, J and Stefani, F and Boldrocchi, G and Bettinetti, R},
title = {Integrating traditional and innovative monitoring approaches to monitor the marine biodiversity in the Tyrrhenian Sea (Mediterranean sea).},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {208},
number = {},
pages = {107160},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107160},
pmid = {40252590},
issn = {1879-0291},
abstract = {The Mediterranean Sea, a global biodiversity hotspot, is increasingly threatened by anthropogenic pressures, leading to a decline in marine biodiversity and ecosystem services. In response, effective monitoring and conservation strategies, including citizen science initiatives, are crucial for understanding and mitigating these impacts. This study presents the Marine Adventure for Research and Education (M.A.R.E.) initiative, which integrates public participation in marine biodiversity monitoring through visual surveys and environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling. Novel species-specific primers were developed to target key species, including Risso's dolphin, fin whale, basking shark, loggerhead sea turtle, and sperm whale. Over three months, approximately 100 participants contributed to the detection of endangered marine species, including the loggerhead sea turtle, striped dolphin, fin whale, and basking shark, in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Thus, eDNA analysis proved to be a highly sensitive and non-invasive method for detecting a wide range of species, complementing traditional visual surveys. As a matter of fact, the second most detected species with molecular analyses was the Risso's dolphin, an elusive species previously underreported in the region. Thus, this study suggests that eDNA technique might be considered a promising technique to monitor the Risso's dolphin distribution in the Mediterranean Sea.},
}

@article {pmid40251857,
year = {2025},
author = {Song, MJ and Rizzieri, YC and Li, FW and Freund, F and Escalona, M and Toffelmier, E and Miller, C and Shaffer, HB and Nguyen, O and Marimuthu, MPA and Chumchim, N and Tribble, C and Fairbairn, CW and Seligmann, W and Rothfels, CJ},
title = {"The genome assembly of the duckweed fern, Azolla caroliniana".},
journal = {The Journal of heredity},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jhered/esaf022},
pmid = {40251857},
issn = {1465-7333},
abstract = {Azolla is a genus of freshwater ferns that is economically important as a nitrogen-fixing biofertilizer, biofuel, bioremediator, and for potential carbon sequestration, but also contains weedy invasive species. In California, only two species are currently recognized but the actual diversity may include up to six species, with the discrepancy being due to the difficulty in identifying taxa, hybridization, and the introduction of non-native species. Here, we report a new haplotype-resolved, chromosome-level assembly and annotation of Azolla caroliniana as part of the California Conservation Genomics Project (CCGP), using a combination of PacBio HiFi and Omni-C sequencing technologies. The assembly is 521 Mb in length, with a contig N50 of 1.6 Mb, and is scaffolded into 22 pseudo-chromosomes. A total of 21,848 protein-coding genes was predicted with a BUSCO completeness score of 89.88%. In combination with the previously published A. filiculoides genome, this A. caroliniana genome will be a powerful tool for understanding the population genetics and taxonomy of one of the most cryptic, economically important, and poorly circumscribed fern taxa, and for facilitating land plant genomics more broadly.},
}

@article {pmid40250225,
year = {2025},
author = {Rahman, T and Candolin, U},
title = {Species invasion has a larger impact on stickleback reproduction than warming of breeding habitat.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {978},
number = {},
pages = {179447},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179447},
pmid = {40250225},
issn = {1879-1026},
abstract = {The invasion of foreign species into ecosystems is a growing human-induced problem. Global warming is expected to magnify the problem by facilitating invasions and amplifying the ecological impact of invaders. We investigated if rising water temperature influences the impact of an invading shrimp Palaemon elegans on the reproductive success of a native fish, the threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus. Using a 2 × 2 factorial design, we found the shrimp to reduce the probability that stickleback males built a nest, defended it against a perceived intruder, courted females and gained matings. This reduced the number of offspring they produced, independently of temperature. Males lost more weight in the presence of the shrimp, which indicates that the shrimp can reduce the number of breeding cycles that males can complete. Thus, the shrimp has both direct negative effects and the potential for indirect delayed effects. The impact of the shrimp on stickleback reproduction overrode that of warming, most likely because the stickleback has adapted to temperature fluctuations in shallow coastal waters, but not to a high abundance of the non-native shrimp. Interestingly, the shrimp did not reduce egg hatching success, which indicates that the stickleback overestimates the risk posed by the invader. Refraining from reproduction in the presence of shrimp may have been an adaptive strategy in the past, but not in the current environment where shrimp-free habitats may no longer be found. Thus, the past reaction norm - to avoid nesting in the presence of shrimp - may have become an 'evolutionary trap'. These results emphasise the immediate threat that invading species can pose, which can be larger than the impact of warming, and stresses the importance of controlling their invasions.},
}

@article {pmid40247840,
year = {2025},
author = {Mashaphu, MF and O'Brien, GC and Downs, CT and Willows-Munro, S},
title = {Genetic assessment of farmed Oreochromis mossambicus populations in South Africa.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e18877},
pmid = {40247840},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; South Africa ; *Tilapia/genetics ; *Genetic Variation ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics ; *Aquaculture ; },
abstract = {The global utilisation of Oreochromis spp. in freshwater aquaculture extends to South Africa. Here the native Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) has been proposed as a priority species for regional aquaculture projects, although it is still not preferred over the non-native O. niloticus. There is limited understanding of the genetic diversity, and genetic differentiation of farmed O. mossambicus in South Africa. Using a suite of 14 microsatellite markers, the present study aimed to determine the origin and genetic diversity of four farmed O. mossambicus populations in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces. Wild O. mossambicus from rivers surrounding the farms were included to trace the origin of farmed populations. Results revealed lower genetic diversity in farmed populations compared to wild populations. In particular, the University of Zululand population exhibited lower genetic diversity compared to the rest of the farmed populations. While most farmed populations closely resembled their local wild counterparts, the uMphafa ponds exhibited distinct genetic characteristics. Notably, some individuals from uMphafa shared genetic affinities with those from the Thukela River, suggesting that the Thukela River could be the source of this farmed population, or that farmed fish may have been introduced or escaped into the river. The study suggests that select farmed populations may have the potential for use in breeding and broodstock supplementation programs but emphasizes the importance of thorough genetic monitoring. However, before these populations can be considered for broodstock supplementation, further investigation is required to confirm their genetic integrity and rule out potential contamination from invasive species.},
}

Animals
South Africa
*Tilapia/genetics
*Genetic Variation
Microsatellite Repeats/genetics
*Aquaculture

@article {pmid40243807,
year = {2025},
author = {Souza, ML and Andrade, FG and Fonteles, MRV and Costa, FWR and Saporetti Junior, AW and Silva, IHCVD and Maia, RC},
title = {Leaf trait divergence between Azadirachta indica (exotic) and native species of the northern Brazilian coast.},
journal = {Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias},
volume = {97},
number = {2},
pages = {e20240960},
doi = {10.1590/0001-3765202520240960},
pmid = {40243807},
issn = {1678-2690},
mesh = {Brazil ; *Azadirachta/anatomy & histology/classification ; *Plant Leaves/anatomy & histology ; *Introduced Species ; Phenotype ; Species Specificity ; },
abstract = {The introduction of exotic plants can pose ecological threats as they may become invasive. We investigated leaf traits potentially linked to competitive advantage and invasiveness in Azadirachta indica, a widely used exotic tree in northeastern Brazil's urban forestry, compared to native species Ouratea fieldingiana and Myrcia multiflora. We tested the limiting similarity hypothesis, evaluating how leaf characteristics influence the ecological responses of these species and A. indica's potential invasiveness. A. indica exhibited larger leaf area, specific leaf area (SLA), and leaf area ratio (LAR) compared to native species, but lower specific petiole length (SPL) and specific internode length (SIL). Additionally, A. indica displayed greater phenotypic variation in these traits. The larger leaf area, SLA, and LAR suggest a strategy in A. indica favoring rapid carbon gain through increased growth. The higher phenotypic variation observed may facilitate adaptation to new habitats, potentially enhancing its competitive ability and invasiveness. These findings highlight distinct functional strategies between exotic and native species, raising concerns regarding the potential invasiveness of A. indica in northeastern Brazil's natural ecosystems.},
}

Brazil
*Azadirachta/anatomy & histology/classification
*Plant Leaves/anatomy & histology
*Introduced Species
Phenotype
Species Specificity

@article {pmid40242835,
year = {2025},
author = {Yin, Y and Xu, A and Pan, X and He, Q and Wu, A and Huang, L and Wu, Y and Li, X},
title = {Modeling the distribution of the invasive snail Physella acuta in China: Implications for ecological and economic impact.},
journal = {Science in One Health},
volume = {4},
number = {},
pages = {100107},
pmid = {40242835},
issn = {2949-7043},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The invasive freshwater snail Physella acuta poses significant threats to the ecological environment, public health safety, and the agricultural and forestry economy. Gaining insight into their geographical spread in China under current and future climate scenarios is crucial for effective monitoring and control strategies against this invasive species.

METHODS: Global distribution data of P. acuta were collected and screened using "ENMtool"; environmental variables were screened based on contribution of environmental variables, jackknife test and variable correlation analysis using MaxEnt 3.4.1 and GraphPad Prism 8; "kuenm" package in R 4.0.4 software was used to calculate and adjust model parameters; the optimized MaxEnt model was used to predict the potential distribution range of P. acuta in China under different climate scenarios; ArcGIS 10.7 was used to process and visualize the results.

RESULTS: A total of 2012 P. acuta distribution points were screened, and the warmest quarter, mean temperature of the coldest season, precipitation in March and November were used to construct the MaxEnt model with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.918. According to the prediction, P. acuta is currently widely spread across the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guizhou Province, Yunnan Province, Chongqing Municipality, and areas proximate to the Yangtze River Basin in the middle-lower Yangtze Plain, which encompass 10.22 % of China's terrestrial area. Under future climate projections, the suitable habitats for P. acuta in southern regions are expected to contract, whereas those in northern regions are anticipated to remain relatively stable. As a result, the overall distribution center is likely to shift marginally northward.

CONCLUSION: With the future climate change, the total suitable habitats of P. acuta in China showed a shrinking trend, and the shrinkage was more significant in the southern low-latitude suitable habitats. To mitigate its impact on China's ecosystem and the loss caused by P. acuta invasion, relevant departments should increase monitoring and prompt control, and implement efficient preventive and eradication measures.},
}

@article {pmid40241729,
year = {2025},
author = {Meron, D and Lalzar, M and Rothman, SB and Kroin, Y and Kaufman, E and Kitson-Walters, K and Zvi-Kedem, T and Shemesh, E and Tsadok, R and Nativ, H and Einbinder, S and Tchernov, D},
title = {Microbiota dynamics in lionfish (Pterois): insights into invasion and establishment in the Mediterranean Sea.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1570274},
pmid = {40241729},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {Lionfishes (Pterois spp.), originally native to the Indo-Pacific and Red Sea, have become one of the most invasive marine species globally, including the recent establishment in the Mediterranean Sea. This study investigates the microbiota of lionfish to explore its potential role in their invasion success and establishment. Using high-throughput sequencing and microbiota analyses, we characterized the species-specific core microbiome and identified habitat-specific markers across different regions (Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Caribbean, and aquarium populations) and organs. Focusing on the Mediterranean invasion, we tracked lionfish distribution and population dynamics along the Israeli coastline from 2017 to 2023, monitoring size, seasonal trends, and depth preferences. Our findings reveal that lionfish initially established themselves in deeper waters before expanding to shallower habitats, with a gradual increase in population size and body length over time. From a microbial aspect, we compared the microbiota of lionfish organs and identified a similar pattern (Photobacterium), to Earlier Lessepsian migrants fish species. This study provides novel insights into the interactions between microbiota and host ecology, shedding light on the mechanisms that may support the successful invasion. This study contributes to the understanding of lionfish invasion dynamics in the Mediterranean. It highlights the microbiota as an integral component for studying the ecological and biological mechanisms underpinning invasive species' success and establishment of lionfish.},
}

@article {pmid40240788,
year = {2025},
author = {Lv, Y and Li, Y and Fang, M and Liu, Y and Wang, Y and Yang, Y and Zou, Y and Shi, Q and Mu, X},
title = {Chromosome-level genome assembly reveals adaptive evolution of the invasive Amazon sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys pardalis).},
journal = {Communications biology},
volume = {8},
number = {1},
pages = {616},
pmid = {40240788},
issn = {2399-3642},
mesh = {Animals ; *Catfishes/genetics ; *Genome ; *Chromosomes/genetics ; *Evolution, Molecular ; *Introduced Species ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {Catfish represents a diverse lineage with variable number of chromosomes and complex relationships with humans. Although certain species pose significant invasive threats to native fish populations, comprehensive genomic investigations into the evolutionary adaptations that contribute to their invasion success are lacking. To address this gap, our study presents a high-quality genome assembly of the Amazon sailfin catfish (Pterygoplichthys pardalis), a member of the armored catfish family, along with a comprehensive comparative genomic analysis. By utilizing conserved genomic regions across different catfish species, we reconstructed the 29 ancestral chromosomes of catfish, including two microchromosomes (28 and 29) that show different fusion and breakage patterns across species. Our analysis shows that the Amazon sailfin catfish genome is notably larger (1.58 Gb) with more than 40,000 coding genes. The genome expansion was linked to early repetitive sequence expansions and recent gene duplications. Several expanded genes are associated with immune functions, including antigen recognition domains like the Ig-v-set domain and the tandem expansion of the CD300 gene family. We also identified specific insertions in CNEs (conserved non-coding elements) near genes involved in cellular processes and neural development. Additionally, rapidly evolving and positively selected genes in the Amazon sailfin catfish genome were found to be associated with collagen formation. Moreover, we identified multiple positively selected codons in hoxb9, which may lead to functional alterations. These findings provide insights into molecular adaptations in an invasive catfish that may underlie its widespread invasion success.},
}

Animals
*Catfishes/genetics
*Genome
*Chromosomes/genetics
*Evolution, Molecular
*Introduced Species
Phylogeny

@article {pmid40163813,
year = {2025},
author = {Soresinetti, L and Naro, G and Arnoldi, I and Mosca, A and Adam, K and Kim, HC and Klein, TA and Gradoni, F and Montarsi, F and Bandi, C and Epis, S and Gabrieli, P},
title = {The genetic trail of the invasive mosquito species Aedes koreicus from the east to the west of Northern Italy.},
journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},
volume = {19},
number = {3},
pages = {e0012945},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pntd.0012945},
pmid = {40163813},
issn = {1935-2735},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/genetics/classification ; Italy ; Microsatellite Repeats ; *Introduced Species ; *Genetic Variation ; Slovenia ; Genotype ; Genetics, Population ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Aedes koreicus is native to Far East Asia and recorded in Europe since 2008. In Italy, Ae. koreicus is widespread throughout the Northern part of the peninsula, highlighting its invasive potential and spread. However, no clear clues about the dispersal patterns of the species have been collected so far.

Population genetic analyses were performed to assess the genetic structure of populations of Ae. koreicus and to make hypotheses about its dispersal patterns in Northern Italy. Ten microsatellite markers specific for Ae. koreicus were used to genotype 414 individuals from 13 populations in the pre-alpine area of Italy, and neighboring Slovenia. Basic and Bayesian population genetic analyses were performed to evaluate patterns of genetic variation, genetic structure, and demography of selected mosquito populations. While presenting a certain degree of structuring, the Italian and Slovenian populations of Ae. koreicus were poorly differentiated. Moreover, demographic analysis supports the expansion of a single population propagule of Ae. koreicus in Italy and Slovenia and provides evidence of the presence of overwintering populations in the studied area.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results highlight a common origin, and stable colonization of Northern Italy and Slovenia, as a probable consequence of the expansion of a unique population. This stresses out the importance of continuous monitoring of Ae. koreicus, to finally uncover the geographic origins and entrance pathways of invasive populations and to prevent or limit further introductions.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/genetics/classification
Italy
Microsatellite Repeats
*Introduced Species
*Genetic Variation
Slovenia
Genotype
Genetics, Population

@article {pmid40240245,
year = {2025},
author = {Bonser, SP and Gabriel, V and Zeng, K and Moles, AT},
title = {The biocontrol paradox.},
journal = {Trends in ecology & evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2025.03.012},
pmid = {40240245},
issn = {1872-8383},
abstract = {Biocontrol agents can significantly reduce the growth and performance of individual invasive plants but often have limited success in controlling invasions. Here, we suggest that some biocontrol failures may be understood by distinguishing between individual plant performance and the performance of groups growing in monoculture. The success of a group growing in monoculture can be maximised if individual plants limit their allocation of limited resources to competition. However, individual performance can be maximised by acquiring resources at the expense of neighbouring plants. Enemies such as herbivores can reduce the dominance of individual plants and limit resource allocation to competition. Thus, biocontrol could have the unexpected effect of increasing the performance of groups of invaders.},
}

@article {pmid40238793,
year = {2025},
author = {Malaquias Souto, P and Sarmento, A and Capela, N and Aguilar, A and Azevedo-Pereira, HMVS and Carvalho, CR and Darrouzet, E and Haouzi, M and Henriques, LA and Leston, S and Ramos, F and de Sousa, JP},
title = {Acute contact toxicity of insecticides for the chemical control of the invasive yellow-legged hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax (Hymenoptera: Vespidae).},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {4},
pages = {e0320769},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0320769},
pmid = {40238793},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Insecticides/toxicity ; Introduced Species ; Neonicotinoids/toxicity ; *Wasps/drug effects ; Drug Combinations ; Pyridines/toxicity ; Macrolides/toxicity ; Pyrethrins/toxicity ; *Insect Control/methods ; Toxicity Tests, Acute ; },
abstract = {The yellow-legged hornet, Vespa velutina subs. nigrithorax Buysson, 1905, originally from Southeast Asia, has become an invasive species in Europe since its introduction in France around 2004. Its rapid proliferation and voracious predatory behavior pose a significant threat to native insects, particularly honeybees and other pollinators, impacting agricultural production, biodiversity, and human safety. Eradication in Europe seems now impossible, and the control efforts are hindered by the lack of standardized application protocols, including for insecticide use, leading to potential indiscriminate pesticide application and, consequently, environmental damages. Our study evaluated the acute contact toxicity on V. v. nigrithorax workers of four commercially available formulations containing acetamiprid, cypermethrin, a mix of natural pyrethrins, and Spinosad as active ingredients. These tests were performed in laboratory conditions, offering novel data for the chemical control of this invasive species. Our results suggest acetamiprid and spinosad as promising candidates for the yellow-legged hornet control. Further research is needed to validate their efficacy under field conditions and assess ecological impacts of these pesticides on non-target organisms. Integrated pest management strategies should prioritize insecticides with low non-target toxicity and minimal environmental persistence to mitigate resistance development and ensure effective pest control. Comprehensive assessments considering multiple factors beyond mortality are essential for informing sustainable pest control strategies.},
}

Animals
*Insecticides/toxicity
Introduced Species
Neonicotinoids/toxicity
*Wasps/drug effects
Drug Combinations
Pyridines/toxicity
Macrolides/toxicity
Pyrethrins/toxicity
*Insect Control/methods
Toxicity Tests, Acute

@article {pmid40237547,
year = {2025},
author = {Ravelomanana, A and Ravaomanarivo, LH and Rakotoarimanana, V and Razafindraleva, HA and Fisher, BL},
title = {Fire regime and spatial distributions of leaf litter- and ground-dwelling ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) across the tapia woodland of Madagascar.},
journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)},
volume = {25},
number = {2},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jisesa/ieaf023},
pmid = {40237547},
issn = {1536-2442},
support = {//The Norvig Family Foundation/ ; //Lakeside Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ants/physiology ; Madagascar ; *Fires ; *Forests ; *Animal Distribution ; *Biodiversity ; Plant Leaves ; },
abstract = {The Central Highland of Madagascar has a native vegetation formation known as tapia woodland that is able to withstand regular fires. However, the ant fauna of this habitat remains poorly understood. This study compares the distribution of ant species in recently burned (<1 yr since fire) and unburned (>4 years since fire) tapia vegetation, which is dominated by the tapia tree Uapaca bojeri (Phyllanthaceae). Three quantitative inventory methods-mini-Winkler, monolith, and pitfall traps-were employed along a 200-m transect with 20 plots per site. In total, 155 ant species were collected, comprising 146 native species (95%) and 8 introduced species (5%). A statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in species richness between the burned and unburned plots for each method. Divergent patterns in species composition were observed between paired burned and unburned plots across 3 sites: Ambositra (56 vs 64), Ibity (23 vs 42), and Itremo (60 vs 59). Aggregating data from paired burned and unburned plots increased the species richness per locality. At Itremo, the combined species richness was 86, compared to 59 in unburned plots alone. Similarly, at Ibity, despite fire negatively impacting vegetation structure, the combined species richness was 51, versus 43 for unburned sites. Introduced ant species did not significantly differ between burned and unburned sites, with at least 4 species recorded at each tapia formation. The discovery of ground-nesting Camponotus andrianjaka, the first ant species in Madagascar found to have repletes, indicates an adaptation to arid environments and a possible strategy to escape fire.},
}

Animals
*Ants/physiology
Madagascar
*Fires
*Forests
*Animal Distribution
*Biodiversity
Plant Leaves

@article {pmid40237030,
year = {2025},
author = {Brewer, SM and Snow, NP and Beasley, JC},
title = {Influence of bait and habitat on site visitation by wild pigs (Sus scrofa).},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8834},
pmid = {40237030},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Office of Environmental Management/ ; //U.S. Department of Energy/ ; //Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Wild pigs (Sus scrofa), known for their impacts on ecosystems in both their native and invasive ranges, are commonly managed using lethal trapping or shooting methods reliant upon bait or scent lures. Previous studies evaluating the efficacy of attractants at improving wild pig visitations have yielded mixed results, which are likely to be a reflection of the generalist foraging strategies of wild pigs as well as their fine-scale variability in space use.

RESULTS: We conducted experimental trials at 743 sites in South Carolina, USA, to quantify differences in wild pig visitation among a suite of bait, scent lures and bait + scent lure combinations to identify which maximized visitation. We monitored sites using a remote camera for 7 days and quantified visitation rates and time to visitation. Additionally, to identify habitat attributes that maximized wild pig visitation, we characterized a suite of habitat attributes at each location. Wild pigs visited more sites and had shorter times to visitation at sites with bait present (bait: 42.85%, 61.35 h; bait + scent: 47.99%, 60.98 h) than sites with scent lures alone (24.40%, 82.03 h), with similar results for groups of wild pigs and individuals, emphasizing the effectiveness of bait in increasing visitation. Our habitat modeling results suggest that wild pigs are more likely to locate bait sites in areas closer to water sources and in thick understory.

CONCLUSION: We recommend that managers maximize visitation of wild pigs by using high-value baits, not relying on scent lures, and intentionally selecting sites based on habitat attributes where wild pigs have nearby access to water and cover. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.},
}

@article {pmid40232238,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, JT and Hsu, FC and Tseng, SP},
title = {Isolation and characterization of novel microsatellite markers for the invasive ant pest Dolichoderus thoracicus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).},
journal = {Journal of insect science (Online)},
volume = {25},
number = {2},
pages = {},
pmid = {40232238},
issn = {1536-2442},
mesh = {Animals ; *Ants/genetics ; *Microsatellite Repeats ; Introduced Species ; Taiwan ; },
abstract = {The black cocoa ant, Dolichoderus thoracicus (Smith 1860), has become a major pest in Taiwan over the past decade. Although a cryptic invasion involving the coexistence of native (mtClade I) and nonnative (mtClade II) lineages within the same species has been reported, key biological features of this species, including reproductive mode, colony structure, dispersal patterns, and population dynamics, remain poorly understood, partially due to the lack of available genetic markers. Accordingly, the present study developed and characterized 20 polymorphic microsatellite markers for D. thoracicus. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 11 (average = 6). The results suggest a significant level of genetic differentiation between the mtClade I and mtClade II populations. These markers will facilitate studies on gene flow, breeding structure, and colony organization, aiding pest management efforts.},
}

Animals
*Ants/genetics
*Microsatellite Repeats
Introduced Species
Taiwan

@article {pmid40220189,
year = {2025},
author = {Knoppersen, RS and Bose, T and Coutinho, TA and Hammerbacher, A},
title = {Inside the Belly of the Beast: Exploring the Gut Bacterial Diversity of Gonipterus sp. n. 2.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {27},
pmid = {40220189},
issn = {1432-184X},
mesh = {Animals ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; *Eucalyptus/parasitology/chemistry ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics ; Diet ; South Africa ; *Coleoptera/microbiology/physiology ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; Introduced Species ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {The Eucalyptus snout beetle (Gonipterus sp. n. 2) is a destructive invasive pest of Eucalyptus plantations, responsible for significant defoliation and wood yield losses globally. Native to Australia, this beetle has adapted to thrive on diverse Eucalyptus hosts, overcoming their chemical defences. However, the mechanisms by which Gonipterus tolerates or utilises these plant defence metabolites remain poorly understood. In South Africa, Gonipterus sp. n. 2 poses a significant threat to Eucalyptus plantations by causing extensive defoliation and leading to substantial reductions in growth and wood production. This study investigates the relationship between diet, host Eucalyptus species, and the gut microbiome of Gonipterus sp. n. 2. Using controlled feeding experiments, beetles were reared on artificial, semi-artificial, and natural diets, as well as two Eucalyptus genotypes with distinct secondary metabolite profiles. High-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed significant shifts in gut bacterial diversity and composition across diets. Natural diets supported the most diverse microbial communities, while artificial diets fostered a homogenised microbiome dominated by opportunistic taxa like Serratia. Host-specific effects were observed in frass microbiota, with substantial biotransformation of monoterpenes into less toxic derivatives. The results highlight the plasticity of Gonipterus gut microbiota, which enables metabolic adaptability and resilience in diverse environments. This microbial flexibility underpins the invasiveness of Gonipterus, emphasising the role of gut symbionts in overcoming host chemical defences. Understanding these interactions offers novel insights for microbiome-targeted pest management strategies, providing a sustainable approach to mitigate the impact of Gonipterus on global Eucalyptus forestry.},
}

Animals
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome
*Eucalyptus/parasitology/chemistry
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
Diet
South Africa
*Coleoptera/microbiology/physiology
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Introduced Species
Biodiversity

@article {pmid40219184,
year = {2025},
author = {Labra, FA and Jaramillo, E},
title = {Biodiversity Dynamics in a Ramsar Wetland: Assessing How Climate and Hydrology Shape the Distribution of Dominant Native and Alien Macrophytes.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14071116},
pmid = {40219184},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {1221153//Fondo Nacional de Desarrollo Científico y Tecnológico/ ; },
abstract = {Coastal wetlands provide critical ecological services but are threatened by the human, climatic, and hydrological changes impacting these ecosystems. Several key ecosystem services and functions rely on aquatic macrophyte plant species. We integrate 10 years of seasonal monitoring data (2014-2024) and climatic and hydrological datasets to assess how environmental variability influences two dominant aquatic macrophytes-the invasive and non-indigenous Elodea densa Planch. Casp. (Hydrocharitaceae) and the native Schoenoplectus californicus (C.A.Mey.) Soják-in Chile's first Ramsar site, Carlos Anwandter, and a Nature Sanctuary. We modeled suitable habitat areas using MaxEnt software with Landsat 8 spectral bands and indices as predictive layers. We found significant recent decreases in temperature, river flow, and water level, with a nonsignificant shift in precipitation. We also observed marked spatial and temporal fluctuations in areas with suitable habitat areas for both macrophytes. Stepwise regression analyses indicated that Elodea densa expanded with increasing temperature over time but declined with water level variability. Schoenoplectus californicus showed contrasting effects, declining with rising temperature and water levels but expanding with higher precipitation. These findings emphasize the complexity of coastal wetland ecosystems under environmental stress and climate change and the need for further research for the conservation and management of coastal wetlands along migratory flyways such as the Southeastern Pacific Flyway.},
}

@article {pmid40219171,
year = {2025},
author = {Sarigu, M and Podda, L and Calvia, G and Lallai, A and Bacchetta, G},
title = {Floristic Inventory and Diversity of Urban Green Spaces in the Municipality of Assemini (Sardinia, Italy).},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14071102},
pmid = {40219171},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {Urban greenery is a key component of green infrastructure, contributing to environmental sustainability and urban well-being. Between 2019 and 2020, a comprehensive inventory of ornamental flora was conducted in Assemini (Sardinia, Italy), documenting 198 vascular plant taxa, including 155 exotic, 41 native, and 2 cryptogenic species from 65 families. Among the exotic species, most were neophytes (63%), and 14% were archaeophytes. In terms of life forms, scapose phanerophytes, with a tree-like growth habit, dominated (45%), while Mediterranean and American chorotypes were the most represented, each accounting for 21%. A total of 7356 plants were recorded, comprising trees (61.3%), shrubs (32.3%), and climbers (5.7%), belonging to 90 shrub, 89 tree, and 19 climber taxa. The highest number of plants was found in "Green Areas" and "Schools", which also exhibited the greatest biodiversity, with 136 different taxa each. The most planted species were Quercus ilex, Nerium oleander, and Olea europaea. The survey also identified 21 allergenic, 36 toxic, and 35 mechanically harmful species, primarily located in "Green Areas" and "Schools". Biodiversity analysis using the Shannon Index revealed significant diversity, with Fabaceae, Apocynaceae, and Fagaceae emerging as the most represented families. These findings highlight the importance of plant inventories in urban green space management for sustainable planning. Well-maintained green spaces can enhance ecological resilience, improve public health, and promote social cohesion in future urban developments.},
}

@article {pmid40219062,
year = {2025},
author = {Riaz, M and Rafiq, M and Nawaz, HH and Miao, W},
title = {Bridging Molecular Insights and Agronomic Innovations: Cutting-Edge Strategies for Overcoming Boron Deficiency in Sustainable Rapeseed Cultivation.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14070995},
pmid = {40219062},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {2022AH052551//Henan Province University Natural Science Research Project/ ; },
abstract = {Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for the growth, development, and maintenance of cellular integrity in vascular plants, and is especially important in cell wall synthesis and reproductive development. Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), one of the dominant oil crops globally, has a high boron demand and its yield is dramatically decreased under B-deficiency conditions. Rapeseed, which is very sensitive to boron deficiency, suffers from reduced growth and reproductive development, ultimately causing severe yield losses. Here, we reviewed the present state of knowledge on the physiological function of boron in rapeseed, mechanisms of boron uptake and transport, specific effects of boron deficiency in rapeseed, and approaches to alleviate boron deficiency in rapeseed at the agronomical and molecular levels. A specific focus is given to recent molecular breakthroughs and agronomic approaches that may improve boron efficiency. The review focuses on practices that may alleviate the problems caused by boron-deficient soils by investigating the genetic and physiological mechanisms of boron tolerance. In summary, this review describes the integration of molecular information with practical agronomy as an important aspect of breeding future nutrient-efficient rapeseed cultivars that can sustain increasing yields while being cultivated in regions with boron-deficient soils.},
}

@article {pmid40216014,
year = {2025},
author = {Hajek, AE and Everest, T and Jaronski, S},
title = {Application of Beauveria bassiana conidia to spotted lanternfly forewings causes fewer infections than abdominal applications.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108335},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2025.108335},
pmid = {40216014},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {Adult spotted lanternflies (Lycorma delicatula) were differentially susceptible to Beauveria bassiana when inoculated with conidia on the distal ventral abdomen versus distal forewings. More adults inoculated on the abdomens died of B. bassiana infections than those inoculated on the wings. Abdominal inoculants also died more quickly than wing inoculants. Due to the large dorsal forewings of these planthoppers, typically covering abdomen and thorax, we suggest that the wings can at least partially protect from dorsal sprays of an infectious Hypocreales; we hypothesize that spraying surfaces on which SLF stand could be more efficacious than spraying these insects with their bodies shielded by their wings.},
}

@article {pmid40179750,
year = {2025},
author = {Mayen, J and Laplace-Treyture, C and Bertrin, V and Anschutz, P and Moreira, S and Charbonnier, C and Ribaudo, C},
title = {Invasive primary producers modulate carbon fluxes and associated carbon budgets in temperate shallow lakes.},
journal = {The Science of the total environment},
volume = {975},
number = {},
pages = {179282},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.179282},
pmid = {40179750},
issn = {1879-1026},
mesh = {*Lakes/chemistry ; *Carbon Cycle ; Eutrophication ; Cyanobacteria ; *Environmental Monitoring ; *Introduced Species ; *Carbon/analysis ; },
abstract = {Lowland shallow lakes are the receiving environments of nutrients and organic carbon from the catchment area. In temperate areas, the synergic action of nutrients and mild temperatures induce carbon emissions from these systems. However, this trend might be modulated by the trophic state of lakes and by their productivity. In this study, we consider blooms of invasive submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) and cyanobacteria as a valuable proxy for eutrophication and explore their role in carbon pools and associated budgets in temperate shallow lakes. We calculated the mass carbon budget of two large shallow lakes, characterized by different trophic states and colonized by varying degrees of invasive SAV and cyanobacteria, basing on annual carbon pools (input, output, gas exchange, burial) and aquatic metabolism. The oligo-mesotrophic lake behaved as an annual CO2 and CH4 source toward the atmosphere (81.2 ± 14.8 g C m[-2] yr[-1]), mainly due to dominant benthic heterotrophic metabolism, whereas the mesotrophic lake behaved as an annual sink (-6.7 ± 9.7 g C m[-2] yr[-1]), mainly because of a much higher net carbon uptake by invasive SAV and cyanobacteria. In the mesotrophic lake, the fast-growing metabolism of the invasive primary producers also resulted in a strong buffer capacity with respect to the carbon export from the lake. Our study highlights the major role played by the littoral lacustrine zones in the control of regional/global carbon cycle, especially in densely vegetated systems. We suggest that the interplay between eutrophication and biological invasions can switch lakes from carbon source to sink.},
}

*Lakes/chemistry
*Carbon Cycle
Eutrophication
Cyanobacteria
*Environmental Monitoring
*Introduced Species
*Carbon/analysis

@article {pmid40213489,
year = {2024},
author = {FitzGerald, LI and Hahn, EE and Wallace, M and Stephenson, SA and Berry, OF and Doherty, CM},
title = {Capture and Protection of Environmental DNA in a Metal-Organic Framework.},
journal = {Small science},
volume = {4},
number = {12},
pages = {2400432},
pmid = {40213489},
issn = {2688-4046},
abstract = {Environmental DNA (eDNA) is released by organisms into their surroundings, enabling non-invasive species detection and biodiversity assessments without the need for direct observation. However, collection poses challenges due to the generally low abundance of eDNA and the presence of degradation agents, including enzymes, UV radiation, and microorganisms, rendering samples unstable. Active filtration, which is frequently used to capture eDNA in water, can be time-consuming and cumbersome in field conditions. Herein, a filter-free one-pot procedure for capturing eDNA with the metal-organic framework (MOF), zeolitic imidazolate framework 8 (ZIF-8), is examined. The method is evaluated on 15 mL water samples from diverse sources (aquarium, river, and sea). ZIF-8 forms in all with high capture efficiency (>98%) using spiked salmon DNA to represent eDNA. The DNA is resistant to degradation by endonucleases and UV light. In addition, it remains stable over time as a species-specific salmon quantitative polymerase chain reaction detected genomic DNA in all samples captured with the MOF to a maximum of 28 days at 37 °C while the untreated control samples were below the assay detection limit by day 6. These results highlight the efficacy of ZIF-8 capture in overcoming challenges associated with the preservation of eDNA obtained from aquatic environments.},
}

@article {pmid40210947,
year = {2025},
author = {Haubrock, PJ and Soto, I and Cuthbert, RN and Kurtul, I and Briski, E},
title = {Analysing factors underlying the reporting of established non-native species.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {12337},
pmid = {40210947},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {*Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data ; *Biodiversity ; Europe ; Humans ; Ecosystem ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {A nexus of natural and human variables mediate the success of non-native species that threaten global biodiversity and ecological stability. However, the relative importance and interplays among relevant factors has not been holistically approached. To identify spatial differences and potential connections in relevant natural and human drivers, we analyzed the number of non-native species established in European countries using a newly collated database of established non-native species. We employ a series of broadscale national predictors classified into 'research', 'economy', 'environment & culture', and 'land-use' to predict successful establishment. Our null models, which assume the distribution of non-native species mirrors that of each predictor, accurately predicted non-native species numbers across European countries. However, a few countries were identified as outliers, having significantly over- or underrepresented non-native species numbers based on adjusted quasi-Poisson distribution quantiles. A network analysis of non-native species compositions identified these regions to be central hubs (e.g. Germany, France, and Switzerland), but also highlighted distinct spatial similarities across European countries. Combinations of the predictors 'economy', 'research', and 'environment & culture' explained the largest shares of differences in the number of established non-native species among European countries as well as their reporting rates over time. Individual drivers alone were insufficient to wholly explain national differences, whereas interacting driver categories ultimately accounted for the largest shares of variance. This analysis demonstrates the breadth of predictors that mediate successful establishment, and particularly highlights the relevance of overlooked historical-cultural facets affecting biological invasions.},
}

*Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data
*Biodiversity
Europe
Humans
Ecosystem
*Conservation of Natural Resources