@article {pmid40374172,
year = {2025},
author = {Calvo-Mac, C and Delgado-Parada, N and Muñoz-Zanzi, C and Medina-Vogel, G},
title = {Landscape Variables Associated with Toxoplasma gondii Exposure in American Mink (Neogale vison) and Domestic Cats (Felis catus) in the Valdivian Temperate Rainforest, Chile.},
journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.7589/JWD-D-24-00099},
pmid = {40374172},
issn = {1943-3700},
abstract = {Toxoplasma gondii, a globally distributed protozoan, poses risks to wildlife and public health, with domestic cats playing a significant role in its dissemination. The Valdivian temperate rainforest in southern Chile, known for its biodiversity and endemism, faces threats from human activities and from invasive species such as domestic cats. We evaluated T. gondii seroprevalence in two sympatric introduced carnivores, an intermediate host, the American mink (Neogale vison), and a definitive host, the domestic cat (Felis catus), and we determined landscape variables linked to exposure for both species and identified high T. gondii exposure using ecological niche modeling. Seroprevalence for T. gondii in 180 American minks and 140 domestic cats exceeded 60% in both species, indicating significant exposure to T. gondii within the study area. Spatial analysis highlighted a relationship between low-altitude areas, characterized by floodable forests and slower river flow, and elevated T. gondii exposure in both species. Areas with agricultural activity and higher human and cattle densities, such as croplands and grasslands, exhibited an increased risk of T. gondii exposure. Parasite exposure was higher in the Tolten and Valdivia River basins compared to the other four basins studied. These findings emphasize the importance of considering landscape factors, including altitude, land use, and human activities, when assessing T. gondii exposure patterns. The identified landscape variables associated with exposure and the mapping of high-risk areas can guide public health and conservation management plans.},
}

@article {pmid40371976,
year = {2025},
author = {Alexandre, N and Balacco, J and Tilley, T and Abueg, L and Brajuka, N and Moreira, LR and Whelan, C and Schwarz Taylor, E and Jarvis, ED and Fedrigo, O and Shapiro, B and Keyte, AL},
title = {A Chromosome-level genome of the Nicobar pigeon, Caloenas nicobarica.},
journal = {The Journal of heredity},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jhered/esaf031},
pmid = {40371976},
issn = {1465-7333},
abstract = {The Nicobar pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica), the closest living relative of the extinct Dodo (Raphus cucullatus), is endemic to Southeast Asia with a fragmented distribution across numerous small islands. It suffers from habitat loss, hunting, and predation from invasive species, resulting in its classification as Near-Threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). We have generated a haplotype-resolved and chromosome-level genome assembly of the Nicobar pigeon using a combination of PacBio HiFi long-read sequencing and Arima Hi-C chromatin interaction mapping. This assembly includes two haplotypes, each spanning approximately 1.2 Gb. Haplotype 1 has a contig N50 of 25.2 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 79.7 Mb, while haplotype 2 has a contig N50 of 24.7 Mb and a scaffold N50 of 107.9 Mb. As the first high-quality genome assembly of any bird in the Columbidae Indo-Pacific clade, this resource provides valuable insights for phylogenetic studies. Furthermore, the phylogenetic proximity of the Nicobar pigeon to the Dodo (Raphus cucullatus) and the Rodrigues Solitaire (Pezophaps solitaria) offers a unique opportunity to study these extinct species, making this assembly a critical resource for evolutionary studies. It also offers a unique model for studying genetic diversity, adaptation, and speciation in island environments. This genomic resource will not only enhance our understanding of the evolutionary history of the Nicobar pigeon but also serves as a valuable tool for future conservation efforts aimed at preserving this unique species and its fragile island ecosystem.},
}

@article {pmid40371662,
year = {2025},
author = {Bitarafan, Z and Kaczmarek-Derda, W and Berge, TW and Fløistad, IS and Andreasen, C},
title = {Steaming soil is effective in eliminating invasive alien plants (IAPs) - part II: effect of soil type.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.8903},
pmid = {40371662},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Norges Forskningsråd/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Soil disinfestation by steaming was evaluated due to its efficacy in controlling or potentially eradicating weed seeds. We exposed two soil types containing aggressive weeds to steam using a soil vacuum steaming method. The aim was to examine whether the method could be used to avoid the spreading of viable seeds to new regions when soil is reused.

RESULTS: Dry seeds from two populations of Avena fatua and Echinochloa crus-galli and one population of Bromus sterilis, Lupinus polyphyllus, and Heracleum mantegazzianum were incorporated in a medium sandy soil and a silty coarse sandy soil and examined for thermal sensitivity. Soil temperatures in the target range of 60-99 °C, followed by a 3-min dwelling period, were tested. Increased soil temperature decreased seed germination. The two soil types did not influence the germination or viability response in most cases. For both populations of A. fatua, B. sterilis, and E. crus-galli, a soil temperature of approximately 75 °C followed by a dwelling period of 180 s reduced the germination by about 90%. Heracleum mantegazzianum was more susceptible to heat than L. polyphyllus which required more than 100 °C to reduce seed germination by 90%.

CONCLUSION: Soil steaming using a vacuum was an effective method to kill seeds of invasive alien plants (IAPs) in both soil types. However, the species showed different responses, indicating that steam temperature must be adapted to the specific weeds' susceptibility to heat. A temperature above 100 °C (or longer dwelling periods than 3 min) in the soil matrix might be necessary to kill all seeds. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40371122,
year = {2025},
author = {Ligero-López, J and Bargues, MD and Artigas, P and Colangeli, G and Peiró-Codina, F and Ducons-Márquez, M and López-Alonso, B and Goñi, P and Beltrán-Rosel, A},
title = {Molecular identification of Coranus spp. in a pregnant patient: A case of misidentified Chagas disease vector in Spain.},
journal = {Parasite epidemiology and control},
volume = {29},
number = {},
pages = {e00426},
pmid = {40371122},
issn = {2405-6731},
abstract = {Chagas disease is a significant public health concern in the Americas, transmitted primarily by vectors of the Triatominae subfamily. While Europe, particularly Spain, is free from endemic vectors, the potential for misidentification of non-hematophagous insects as Chagas vectors exists, leading to unnecessary alarm. We present the case of a 31-year-old pregnant Venezuelan woman residing in Spain, who sought medical attention after being bitten by an arthropod she identified as Triatoma infestans. The patient's awareness of Chagas disease in her country of origin heightened her concern about vertical transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi to her fetus. However, serological testing for T. cruzi antibodies was negative. The insect was initially misidentified as T. infestans but was later confirmed through molecular analysis to be Coranus spp., a non-hematophagous reduviid predator. The 18S rRNA gene sequence revealed a 99.37 % similarity to Coranus spp., ruling out any vectorial capacity for Chagas disease. This case underscores the importance of accurate arthropod identification, especially in non-endemic regions, to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. From a public health perspective, the introduction of a Chagas disease vector into Spain would represent a serious threat, necessitating prompt identification and containment measures. Our findings highlight the challenges posed by invasive species and the need for vigilance in regions where Chagas disease is not endemic. Proper identification of suspected vectors is crucial to ensure appropriate clinical and public health responses, preventing unwarranted anxiety and ensuring accurate disease surveillance.},
}

@article {pmid40370354,
year = {2025},
author = {Vo-Tan, K and Bich, VTT and Thanh, MT and Tien, TT and Do, HDK and Nguyen, NT},
title = {The Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequence of Callisia fragrans (Lindl.) Woodson (Commelinaceae).},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {e71402},
pmid = {40370354},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Callisia fragrans (Lindl.) Woodson (Commelinaceae) is an invasive species in Vietnam but exhibits ornamental and potential medicinal values. However, the genomic data of C. fragrans have not been discovered. In this study, we employed the Illumina sequencing platform to complete the chloroplast genome of C. fragrans, which was 163,887 bp in length. This quadripartite genome consisted of a large single copy region of 90,751 bp, a small single copy region of 18,684 bp, and two inverted repeat regions of 27,226 bp each. Additionally, there were 79 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA genes, and four ribosomal RNA genes in the chloroplast genome of C. fragrans. Comparative genomic analysis revealed a conserved pattern of genome structure and gene content among Callisia species. However, in contrast to the pseudogenization of accD and rpoA in C. repens and C. insignis, these genes were intact in C. fragrans. Comparative genomic analysis revealed seven variable regions in the chloroplast genomes of three Callisia species, including rps16-trnQ_UUG, psbI-trnG_UCC, rpoB-psbM, trnP_UGG-rpl33, ndhF-trnL_UAG, rps15-ycf1, and ycf1. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the monophyly of Callisia species and a close relationship between C. fragrans and C. repens. This study provides initial data of the chloroplast genome for further genomic studies examining genetic populations, phylogeny, and molecular markers of C. fragrans and related species in Commelinaceae.},
}

@article {pmid40370179,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, JY and Ding, GY and Tian, XJ},
title = {Research progress on the application of the MaxEnt model in species habitat prediction.},
journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
pages = {614-624},
doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.202502.025},
pmid = {40370179},
issn = {1001-9332},
mesh = {*Ecosystem ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; Climate Change ; *Biodiversity ; Introduced Species ; Endangered Species ; *Machine Learning ; Entropy ; Forecasting ; *Models, Theoretical ; Animals ; *Models, Biological ; },
abstract = {Climate change and anthropogenic activities are profoundly affecting species distribution range and habitat suitability. In recent years, using models to predict potential suitable habitats for different species has become one of the research focuses in this field. The maximum entropy model (MaxEnt), a machine learning model based on the data of species distribution and environmental variables, has been widely used in predicting species habitats. First, we introduced the mechanism, establishment process, optimization method and assessment system of the MaxEnt model. Then, we reviewed the application of the model in potential habitat prediction of endangered species and invasive species, and the simulation of the potential distribution of species under future climate change. Fina-lly, we proposed current challenges and future development prospects of the MaxEnt model, aiming to strengthen its role in predicting the natural distribution of species, and provide technical references for biodiversity conservation and management.},
}

*Ecosystem
*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
Climate Change
*Biodiversity
Introduced Species
Endangered Species
*Machine Learning
Entropy
Forecasting
*Models, Theoretical
Animals
*Models, Biological

@article {pmid40370166,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, R and Zhao, YZ and Chen, Y and Zheng, XL and Zhou, Y and Shao, S and Liang, CF and Qin, H and Chen, JH},
title = {Litter, soil carbon and nitrogen fractions and enzyme activity in a typical broadleaved forest invaded by Moso bamboo.},
journal = {Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology},
volume = {36},
number = {2},
pages = {489-496},
doi = {10.13287/j.1001-9332.202502.012},
pmid = {40370166},
issn = {1001-9332},
mesh = {Soil/chemistry ; *Carbon/analysis ; *Nitrogen/analysis ; *Forests ; *Introduced Species ; China ; Plant Leaves/chemistry ; *Poaceae/growth & development ; *Sasa/growth & development ; },
abstract = {We investigated the effects of bamboo invasion on the quantity and quality of litter input, soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) fractions and enzyme activities across an invasion sequence composed of evergreen broadleaved forest, mixed broadleaved and bamboo forest, and pure Moso bamboo forest. The results showed that stan-ding litter biomass, annual litter production, and the litter C content in mixed broadleaved and Moso bamboo forest was lower than the broadleaved forest by 49.0%, 7.3% and 8.2%, respectively, while that in pure Moso bamboo forest was lower than the broadleaved forest by 59.5%, 48.6%, and 18.7%. Bamboo invasion resulted in a significant decrease in soil organic C in broadleaved forest. Compared with broadleaved forest, soil organic C and total N in pure Moso bamboo forest were decreased by 52.1% and 15.0%. There was no significant difference between the mixed forest and broadleaved forest. Bamboo invasion significantly increased soil microbial biomass C and N, but decreased soil labile and recalcitrant C pools, as well as the proportion of recalcitrant C pool to soil organic C. The activities of soil phenol oxidase, peroxidase and β-glucosidase in mixed forest and pure bamboo forest were generally lower than those in broadleaved forest. The specific enzyme activities (per unit of soil organic C) in bamboo forest was significantly higher than that in the broadleaved forest and mixed forest. Soil organic C content and the recalcitrant C fraction were significantly positively correlated with annual litter production, standing litter biomass, and litter C content, but negatively correlated with the specific enzyme activities of phenol oxidase and peroxidase. Results of structural equation modeling showed that Moso bamboo invasion decreased recalcitrant C pool mainly by reducing litter input and enhancing the specific activities of enzymes involved in organic C degradation. In conclusion, Moso bamboo invasion reduced litter C input, increased the specific activities of soil enzymes involved in soil organic matter decomposition, which was not conducive to the accumulation of soil organic matter in broadleaved forest.},
}

Soil/chemistry
*Carbon/analysis
*Nitrogen/analysis
*Forests
*Introduced Species
China
Plant Leaves/chemistry
*Poaceae/growth & development
*Sasa/growth & development

@article {pmid40365914,
year = {2025},
author = {Diallo, JO and Converse, SJ and Chmiel, M and Stites, AJ and Olden, JD},
title = {Optimizing control of a freshwater invader in time and space.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {3},
pages = {e70026},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70026},
pmid = {40365914},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {DGE-2140004//National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program/ ; DGE 1922004//National Science Foundation National Research Traineeship award (Future Rivers Program at the University of Washington)/ ; //University of Washington School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences Richard C. and Lois M. Worthington Endowed Professor in Fisheries Management/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Animals ; *Fishes/physiology ; Time Factors ; Arizona ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; Rivers ; Fresh Water ; Bayes Theorem ; *Perciformes/physiology ; },
abstract = {The global spread of invasive species in aquatic ecosystems has prompted population control efforts to mitigate negative impacts on native species and ecosystem functions. Removal programs that optimally allocate removal effort across space and time offer promise for improving invader suppression or eradication, especially given the limited resources available to these programs. However, science-based guidance to inform such programs remains limited. This study leverages two intensive fish removal programs for nonnative green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) in intermittent streams of the Bill Williams River basin in Arizona, USA, to explore alternative management strategies involving variable allocation of removal effort in time and space and compare static versus dynamic decision rules. We used Bayesian hierarchical modeling to estimate demographic parameters using existing removal data, with evidence that both removal programs led to at least a 0.39 probability of eradication. Simulated alternative management strategies revealed that population suppression, but not eradication, could be achieved with reduced effort and that dynamic management practices that respond to species abundance in real time can improve the efficiency of removal efforts. High removal frequency and program duration, including continued monitoring after zero fish were captured, contributed to successful population control. With management efforts struggling to keep pace with the rising spread and impacts of invasive species, this research demonstrates the utility of quantitative removal models to help improve invasive removal programs and robustly evaluate the success of population suppression and eradication.},
}

*Introduced Species
Animals
*Fishes/physiology
Time Factors
Arizona
*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
Rivers
Fresh Water
Bayes Theorem
*Perciformes/physiology

@article {pmid40365903,
year = {2025},
author = {Drenovsky, RE and Reicholf, R and Futrell, CJ and Gallego-Tévar, B and Grewell, BJ},
title = {Functional trait responses of invasive Ludwigia species to contrasting hydrological conditions.},
journal = {American journal of botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70038},
doi = {10.1002/ajb2.70038},
pmid = {40365903},
issn = {1537-2197},
abstract = {PREMISE: Hydrological regime influences wetland plant species distribution and performance. Global warming and extreme weather events are magnifying flooding patterns, and understanding how invasive taxa respond across life stages (establishment vs. established phase) is important for predicting and managing their colonization and spread. Our objective was to measure flood trait responses at contrasting life stages in closely related congeners (Ludwigia peploides, diploid; L. hexapetala, decaploid; Onagraceae) differing in their invasiveness in the field.

METHODS: In the field, we assessed phenological responses to seasonal hydrological changes, and in mesocosms, we assessed flood stress responses of establishing shoot fragments under deep-flooded, shallow-flooded, and gradual drawdown hydrological treatments.

RESULTS: Counter to expectations, establishing L. peploides expressed more flood tolerance traits in mesocosms than L. hexapetala. For example, L. peploides had greater total leaf area and aerenchyma production than L. hexapetala, supporting its growth under flooding, whereas L. hexapetala expressed more flood escape traits (higher shoot elongation rates, trend for longer shoot internode length). Although L. hexapetala expressed some traits associated with drought tolerance, these trends were not significant. In the field, longer-established plants had a reversed pattern for flood escape versus tolerance traits. Ludwigia peploides rapidly shifted to sexual reproduction as soils began to dry, whereas L. hexaetala flowered regardless of soil moisture availability.

CONCLUSIONS: These contrasting patterns of flood tolerance versus escape traits demonstrate that invasive Ludwigia congeners have differing strategies to counter physiological stress induced by flooding and emphasize the importance of life stage in response to environmental variation.},
}

@article {pmid40365479,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, L and Li, J and Yang, C and Wang, P and Xie, G and Wang, W},
title = {Identifying Drivers Affecting the Spatial Distribution of Suitable Habitat for the Pine Wood Nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) in China: Insights From Ensemble Model and Geographical Detector.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {e71433},
pmid = {40365479},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Biological invasions have become an important threat to global ecological security and forest health, and exploring the environmental driving mechanisms of invasive species is important for prevention and control. Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner and Buhrer, 1934), as a highly destructive invasive species, has its distribution and spread driven by a combination of various environmental factors. The study systematically evaluated the habitat suitability and key driving factors of B. xylophilus in the current period by applying an ensemble model and an optimized parameter-based geographical detector. The results indicate that bioclimatic, vegetation indices, topographical features, and human activities are key environmental factors influencing the distribution of B. xylophilus, with highly suitable areas primarily located in southern, northern, and northeastern China. Meanwhile, the synergistic interaction between slope and population density (PD) significantly enhanced the suitability of B. xylophilus distribution, while the interaction between normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and global human influence index (GHII) exhibited a nonlinear weakening effect. Additionally, the habitat suitability of B. xylophilus increased with the expansion of isothermality, mean temperature of the wettest quarter, precipitation of the driest month, global human footprint, GHII, and PD, while it gradually decreased with the increase of UV-B seasonality and NDVI. This study thoroughly explored the mechanisms by which various environmental factors influence the habitat suitability of B. xylophilus, revealing the complexity of regional driving factors. The findings not only provide theoretical support for predicting the ecological suitability of B. xylophilus but also offer scientific evidence for comprehensively analyzing the key factors affecting its distribution.},
}

@article {pmid40365476,
year = {2025},
author = {Le Roux, JJ and Brown, L and Carroll, SP and O'Hare, JA and Herbert, JM and Delamotte, NM and Bersee, N and Iredell, S and Clarke, RM and Kosak, S and Dudaniec, RY and Geraghty, DM},
title = {Fitness and Morphology Support Genetic Differentiation Across Different Geographic Scales in a Native Insect Utilising Native vs. Invasive Host Plants.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {5},
pages = {e71373},
pmid = {40365476},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Native species can evolve rapidly in response to utilising invasive species as novel resources. We investigated the genetic and trait differentiation of the Australian soapberry bug Leptocoris tagalicus across three biotypes: those feeding on invasive Cardiospermum grandiflorum in New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland (Qld), invasive C. halicacabum in the Northern Territory (NT), and on the native host Alectryon tomentosus (in Qld). Genetic analyses revealed moderate differentiation between NT insects and those from NSW and Qld (F ST = 0.033). Conversely, insects from NSW and Qld had low genetic differentiation, irrespective of their host plant associations (F ST = 0.008). Field data and data from a multi-generation experiment indicated ongoing adaptation in proboscis length in insects feeding on the two invasive host plant species, likely in response to the sizes of their fruits. Multi-generation hybridisation experiments demonstrated high narrow sense heritability in insect proboscis length and body size (H2 = 0.48 and 0.4, respectively). Crosses involving F1 hybrids of insect biotypes generally outperformed inter-biotype and control crosses. Taken together, these findings support ongoing genetic differentiation among L. tagalicus biotypes across different spatial scales, even in instances of high gene flow.},
}

@article {pmid40364394,
year = {2025},
author = {Cao, K and Shi, P and Xu, X and Wang, J},
title = {Self-Inhibition Effects of Litter-Mediated Plant-Phyllosphere Feedback on Seedling Growth in Invasive and Native Congeneric Species.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14091355},
pmid = {40364394},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {Plant-phyllosphere feedback (PPF) is an ecological process in which phyllosphere microbiota, originating from plant litter, are transmitted via aerosols and subsequently influence the growth of conspecific or heterospecific plants. However, the cross-species generality of this mechanism and its role in invasive plant success remain to be fully elucidated. This study systematically examined PPF effects using three invasive/native congeneric plant pairs from distinct families (Phytolaccaceae, Asteraceae, and Amaranthaceae) in Jiangxi Province, China. Key findings include the following: (1) Wide conspecific negative feedback across families, with four of six species exhibiting 6.2-12.7% biomass reduction under their own litter treatments (p < 0.05). (2) Comparable feedback intensity between invasive and native species, as indicated by average pairwise indices (invasive I = -0.05 vs. native I = -0.04; p = 0.15). Notably, the invasive species Phytolacca americana uniquely showed a positive biomass response (+7.1%), though underlying mechanisms (phytochemical or microbial) were not investigated. (3) Lack of correlation between PPF strength and plant functional traits or phylogenetic distance, as indicated by Mantel tests (p > 0.8), in contrast to the trait/phylogeny associations commonly observed in soil feedback systems. This study provided the first evidence of PPF universality across multiple plant families-previously documented only within Asteraceae-and highlights the potential microbial-mediated advantages in plant invasions. Future research should integrate spatiotemporal metagenomic and metabolomic approaches to decipher the dynamic pathogen/microbe networks and their phytochemical interactions.},
}

@article {pmid40364392,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, H and Yang, M and Ma, X and Hu, Q and Feng, L and Hu, Y and He, J and Zhang, X and Zheng, J},
title = {The Ecological Risks and Invasive Potential of Introduced Ornamental Plants in China.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14091361},
pmid = {40364392},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {The import of ornamental plants has become a major source of alien invasive plants in China, posing threats to local ecosystems. However, research on their invasive potential and management strategies remains limited. This study evaluated the invasion risks of nine representative introduced ornamental plants (including naturalized and invasive species) in China (IOPCs). Using ecospat to perform climatic niche comparisons, we found significant unfilling and expansion (>50%) in most introduced ornamental plants, indicating strong invasiveness. Species distribution models (SDMs) were applied to predict the current and future distributions of these IOPCs under four shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs: SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5) across four time periods (2021-2040, 2041-2060, 2061-2080, and 2081-2100). The SDM results showed that the current high-risk areas are concentrated in southern China. Under future climate change, moderate- and high-risk zones are projected to shift northward, with the total areas increasing significantly, namely moderate-risk areas by 106.10% and high-risk areas by 64.35%, particularly in the border regions of Jiangxi, Fujian, and Zhejiang. We recommend establishing restricted introduction lists for non-native ornamental plants, enhancing monitoring and management in high-risk regions, and implementing early eradication measures. This study quantified the invasion risks and potential distributions of representative invasive ornamental plants, providing a scientific basis for effective control strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40363752,
year = {2025},
author = {Kato-Noguchi, H and Kato, M},
title = {Defensive Compounds Involved in the Invasiveness of Tithonia diversifolia.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {30},
number = {9},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/molecules30091946},
pmid = {40363752},
issn = {1420-3049},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Animals ; *Asteraceae/chemistry ; *Phytochemicals/chemistry/pharmacology ; },
abstract = {Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray forms high-density impenetrable monospecific stands as an invasive plant species. Its life history traits, such as high adaptability with high genetic variation under different environmental conditions, and high growth and reproductive capacity, may contribute to its success in invading and increasing its population in the introduced ranges. Evidence has accumulated in the literature for the activity of compounds involved in the invasive characteristics of Tithonia diversifolia against natural enemies such as herbivorous insects and mammals, pathogenic nematodes, fungi, and viruses, and of allelochemicals against neighboring competitive plant species. Tagitinin A, tagitinin C, 1β-methoxydiversifolin, phytol, phytol acetate, α-pinene, bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane,4-methylene-1-(1-methylethyl), hispidulin, dihydro-p-coumaric acid, and methyl linoleate are toxic to herbivorous insects, and tagitinin C and 5-O-(E)-caffeoylquinic acid are harmful to herbivorous mammals. Tirotundin has nematocidal activity. α-Pinene, camphor, eucalyptol, and α-terpineol have fungicidal activity. Tagitinin A, tagitinin C, and 1β-methoxydiversifolin-3-O-methyl ether have antiviral activity. Tagitinin A, tagitinin C, 1β-methoxydiversifolin, and hispidulin act as allelochemicals that inhibit the growth of neighboring competing plant species. The ability to outcompete natural enemies and competing plant species is one of the essential factors for infestation and increase in the population and distribution of Tithonia diversifolia in new habitats. Therefore, these compounds may be involved in the invasive characteristics of Tithonia diversifolia. This is the first review article focusing on the compounds involved in the invasive characteristics of Tithonia diversifolia.},
}

*Introduced Species
Animals
*Asteraceae/chemistry
*Phytochemicals/chemistry/pharmacology

@article {pmid40361023,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, Y and Li, Z and Li, L and Jiang, X and Gao, C and Zhao, J},
title = {Physiological and transcriptomic analysis of Spartina alterniflora in response to imazapyr acid stress.},
journal = {BMC plant biology},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {630},
pmid = {40361023},
issn = {1471-2229},
mesh = {*Poaceae/genetics/drug effects/physiology ; Stress, Physiological ; Photosynthesis/drug effects ; *Transcriptome/drug effects ; *Niacin/analogs & derivatives/pharmacology ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Plant Roots/drug effects ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/drug effects ; Plant Leaves/drug effects/physiology ; },
abstract = {As a key aspect of managing of invasive alien species in China, the prevention and control of Spartina alterniflora have become an important part of the work in coastal provinces, and imazapyr acid has been gradually applied in the control work due to its advantages of high efficiency and low toxicity. In this study, we applied 6.0 L/acre of 25% imazapyr acid aqueous stress treatment, and determined and analyzed the physiological activities and transcriptome profiles of S. alterniflora under sustained stress. Chlorophyll fluorescence was used as a technical tool to analyze the mechanism of photosynthesis and the photosynthetic physiological status of S. alterniflora. We analyzed the root system structure of S. alterniflora using a root system imaging system, and characterized the transcriptome of S. alterniflora by high-throughput sequencing technology. Specifically, after imazapyr acid exposure, the fluorescence imaging area of leaves were all decreased, and the fluorescence indexes such as Fv/Fm, Y(II) and PIabs were significantly decreased, while Y(NO) was significantly increased, and Y(NPQ) showed an increase followed by a decrease. Meanwhile, total root length, root surface area and biomass of S. alterniflora were suppressed after imazapyr acid exposure. In transcriptomic analysis, imazapyr acid inhibited the expression of genes involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, nucleotide sugar-related metabolism, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, and DNA replication in S. alterniflora. These results indicate that the effects of imazapyr acid stress on the leaves of S. alterniflora are heterogeneous, with the leaves initiating photoprotective mechanisms to ensure the normal functioning of the photosystem in the early stage of stress, and the PSII reaction centers being damaged in the late stage of stress, ultimately destroying the photosynthetic system. Meanwhile, imazapyr acid stress alters basic physiological processes such as metabolism and growth and development of S. alterniflora, thus affecting the growth and development of the plant root system, and ultimately leading to the death of S. alterniflora.},
}

*Poaceae/genetics/drug effects/physiology
Stress, Physiological
Photosynthesis/drug effects
*Transcriptome/drug effects
*Niacin/analogs & derivatives/pharmacology
Gene Expression Profiling
Plant Roots/drug effects
Gene Expression Regulation, Plant/drug effects
Plant Leaves/drug effects/physiology

@article {pmid40359612,
year = {2025},
author = {Xiao, Z and Dong, S and Zhang, Z and Qi, S and Wan, Y and Song, Z},
title = {Spatio-temporal distribution of environmental DNA from amphibian and turtle species in a pond ecosystem.},
journal = {Environmental research},
volume = {279},
number = {Pt 2},
pages = {121834},
doi = {10.1016/j.envres.2025.121834},
pmid = {40359612},
issn = {1096-0953},
abstract = {Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has emerged as a transformative tool for biodiversity monitoring and conservation. However, uncertainties in the ecological processes of eDNA in aquatic environments decrease the reliability of eDNA-based surveys. Understanding the distribution and persistence patterns of eDNA is essential to effectively correlate eDNA data with species occurrence across spatial and temporal scales. Here, we investigated the spatio-temporal distribution of eDNA from amphibian and turtle species in a pond ecosystem, by establishing controlled eDNA sources from American bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) and red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans), and quantifying eDNA concentrations from different water layers and sediment samples using droplet digital PCR. Our results showed that eDNA from both species was highly concentrated within 2-5 m of the biological sources, with dispersal distance independent of the duration of organism' presence in the pond and exhibiting a vertically increasing trend over time. eDNA concentration and persistence varied significantly depending on species and substrate type, with bullfrogs showing notably higher eDNA detectability. The average eDNA concentration in sediment was 1.4 × 10[4] times higher than in water, and eDNA persisted approximately one week longer. Our findings demonstrate that the strong aggregation patterns of eDNA can provide valuable insights into the spatial distribution of amphibians and turtles in pond systems. eDNA from surface water showed greater timeliness for biodiversity monitoring and aquatic invasive species management. The specificity of target taxa and the temporal complementarity of sedimentary eDNA should be carefully considered in future eDNA sampling designs.},
}

@article {pmid40359148,
year = {2025},
author = {Gray, WJ and Rakes, LM and Cole, C and Gunter, A and He, G and Morgan, S and Walsh-Antzak, CR and Yates, JA and Erickson, PA},
title = {Rapid wing size evolution in African fig flies (Zaprionus indianus) following temperate colonization.},
journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/evolut/qpaf102},
pmid = {40359148},
issn = {1558-5646},
abstract = {Invasive species often encounter novel selective pressures in their invaded range, and understanding their potential for rapid evolution can offer insight towards evolutionary processes and the factors that drive invasion success. Zaprionus indianus is an invasive drosophilid native to Africa that reached Florida in 2005 and likely re-establishes temperate North American populations each year. We addressed two evolutionary questions in this system: first, do populations evolve phenotypic changes in the generations immediately following colonization of temperate environments? Second, does Z. indianus evolve directional phenotypic changes along a latitudinal cline? We established isofemale lines from wild collections and measured twelve ecologically relevant phenotypes, using a reference strain as a control. Z. indianus evolved smaller wings following colonization, and we found evidence of significant post-colonization evolution when considering all phenotypes simultaneously. We found little evidence for latitudinal clines. However, we documented substantial laboratory evolution and large effects of the laboratory environment across multiple phenotypes, emphasizing the importance of controlling for both possibilities in common garden studies. Our results demonstrate the potential for rapid evolution in Z. indianus, which could contribute to its ongoing expansion, and offer insights towards the types of rapid evolutionary changes that might occur in invasive insects.},
}

@article {pmid39844755,
year = {2025},
author = {Petrusek, A and Mojžišová, M and Mikešová, A and Piálková, R and Lieb, DA},
title = {Prevalence and diversity of Aphanomyces astaci in cambarid crayfish of Pennsylvania: where native and introduced hosts meet.},
journal = {Parasitology},
volume = {152},
number = {1},
pages = {92-105},
doi = {10.1017/S0031182025000022},
pmid = {39844755},
issn = {1469-8161},
mesh = {Animals ; *Astacoidea/parasitology/microbiology ; Pennsylvania ; *Aphanomyces/genetics/isolation & purification/classification/physiology ; *Genetic Variation ; Prevalence ; Introduced Species ; Haplotypes ; Genotype ; },
abstract = {The crayfish plague pathogen Aphanomyces astaci (Oomycota: Saprolegniales) is native to North America but expanded with its crayfish hosts to other regions. In most of its invaded range, A. astaci haplotypes are associated with specific American crayfish, probably due to introduction bottlenecks, but haplotype diversity is higher and clear host-specific associations are lacking in its native range. However, little is known about the infection rate and load of this pathogen in North America. We investigated the distribution, prevalence and genetic variation of A. astaci in Pennsylvania (eastern USA), where multiple native and introduced crayfish species (family Cambaridae) occur. We used A. astaci-specific quantitative PCR to screen 533 individuals representing 8 crayfish species (2 Cambarus and 6 Faxonius) from 49 sites. Faxonius limosus, an American species first introduced to Europe and carrier of A. astaci genotype group E, was of particular interest. We confirmed A. astaci infections in 76% of sites in all but 1 host taxon, with the pathogen infection rate and load comparable to established populations of North American crayfish studied in Europe and Japan. Despite the absence of highly infected hosts, we genotyped A. astaci from 14 sites. We only detected 2 mitochondrial haplotypes, but nuclear markers indicated the presence of at least 4 distinct pathogen genotypes, none documented from invaded areas in Europe or Asia. Genotype group E was not detected in F. limosus, possibly due to limited spatial distribution of the original strain. Our results highlight both benefits and limitations of combining multiple pathogen genotyping methods.},
}

Animals
*Astacoidea/parasitology/microbiology
Pennsylvania
*Aphanomyces/genetics/isolation & purification/classification/physiology
*Genetic Variation
Prevalence
Introduced Species
Haplotypes
Genotype

@article {pmid40357688,
year = {2025},
author = {San Juan, A and Azémar, F and Dejean, A},
title = {Pheidole megacephala: An invasive ant that raids colonies of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {5},
pages = {e70113},
pmid = {40357688},
issn = {1939-9170},
}

@article {pmid40355881,
year = {2025},
author = {Wisely, SM and Torhorst, C and Botero-Cañola, S and Canino, N and James, AM and O'Hara, KC},
title = {Contact between soft tick vectors of African swine fever virus and invasive wild pigs in the southeastern USA.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {172},
pmid = {40355881},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {CA#: AP23VSSP0000C128//USDA APHIS VS/ ; CA#: AP23VSSP0000C117//USDA APHIS VS/ ; CA#: AP22VSSP0000C050//USDA APHIS VS/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *African Swine Fever Virus/isolation & purification/physiology/genetics ; Swine ; *African Swine Fever/transmission/virology/epidemiology ; *Ornithodoros/virology/physiology ; Florida/epidemiology ; Introduced Species ; *Arachnid Vectors/virology ; Animals, Wild/virology ; *Turtles/parasitology/virology ; Sus scrofa/virology ; *Tick Infestations/veterinary/epidemiology ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: African swine fever virus is a transboundary pathogen of high economic impact to the global pork industry. Florida has multiple factors that contribute to the high risk of introduction of African swine fever virus (ASFV) including high levels of commerce and human migration between Florida and Caribbean nations with ASFV, established backyard swine production, abundant populations of invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa), and the presence of a soft tick species (Ornithodoros turicata americanus) that has been found to be a competent vector of ASFV in laboratory experiments. To better assess the hazard of ASFV vector-borne transmission in Florida, we documented contact between invasive wild pigs and O. t. americanus throughout Florida.

METHODS: We surveyed gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) burrows throughout Florida and collected O. t. americanus from infested burrows. To identify definitive contact between invasive wild pigs and soft ticks, we used established real time polymerase chain reaction primers and a probe to detect the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of invasive wild pigs in the bloodmeals of O. t. americanus.. To detect potential wild pig-soft tick contact, we surveyed for evidence of pig activity within 5 m of an infested burrow entrance.

RESULTS: Across 61 sites, we found that 203 of 591 burrows (34%) were infested with the soft tick, O. t. americanus. Ten burrows across 57 sites (18%) had soft ticks with wild pig DNA in their abdomens. In total, 6 of 591 burrows (1%) had evidence of invasive wild pigs near the entrance. Three infested burrows had evidence of wild pigs near the entrance, one of these burrows also had soft ticks that were positive for wild pig DNA. Including both definitive and potential wild pig-soft tick contact, 12 of 61 sites (20%) had evidence of wild pig-soft tick association.

CONCLUSIONS: In Florida, contact between invasive wild pigs, a potential reservoir for ASFV, and O. t. americanus, a competent vector, was measurable and occurred throughout the distribution of the vector. Florida is at risk not only for ASFV emergence but establishment of this pathogen in a sylvatic cycle. In addition to managing invasive wild pigs, future ASFV response planning needs to include plans for surveying and managing vector populations should an outbreak occur.},
}

Animals
*African Swine Fever Virus/isolation & purification/physiology/genetics
Swine
*African Swine Fever/transmission/virology/epidemiology
*Ornithodoros/virology/physiology
Florida/epidemiology
Introduced Species
*Arachnid Vectors/virology
Animals, Wild/virology
*Turtles/parasitology/virology
Sus scrofa/virology
*Tick Infestations/veterinary/epidemiology

@article {pmid40354521,
year = {2025},
author = {Tripathi, A and Matey, C and Buchmann, K and Hahn, C},
title = {Monogeneans on exotic Indian freshwater fish. 7. Results of a national study on ornamental fishes from 2019-2022.},
journal = {Parasite (Paris, France)},
volume = {32},
number = {},
pages = {28},
pmid = {40354521},
issn = {1776-1042},
support = {SERB-EMR/2017/003232//Science and Engineering Research Board, India/ ; P 32691//Austrian Science Fund/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Fish Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology ; India/epidemiology ; *Fishes/parasitology ; *Trematode Infections/veterinary/epidemiology/parasitology ; *Trematoda/classification/isolation & purification/genetics ; Fresh Water ; RNA, Ribosomal, 28S/genetics ; Introduced Species ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {This study reports the results of a nationwide parasitological survey that was conducted from 2019 to 2022 to investigate the potential introduction of monogenean parasites into India via the ornamental fish trade. A total of 619 individual exotic ornamental fish representing 27 teleost species from nine families were collected from the country's major aquaria markets and examined for monogeneans. To identify monogeneans at the species level, we employed a morphometric analysis of sclerotised structures (haptoral and reproductive hard parts), as well as a molecular analysis of nuclear 28S rRNA and ITS2 regions. Indian conditions for importing exotic ornamental fish species require a pre-quarantine certificate, quarantine treatment, and post-quarantine follow-up. Despite these restrictions, 26 monogenean species from 12 known genera were detected and identified in 17 of the 27 fishes examined. Dactylogyrus was represented by a maximum of nine species, followed by Gyrodactylus with five. Cyprinidae was the most parasitised fish family (13 species), followed by Cichlidae (three species) and Helostomatidae, Poeciliidae, and Serrasalmidae (two species each). The majority of co-transported parasite species originated from Asia (65.38%, n = 17), followed by South America (23.07%, n = 6), North and Central America (7.69%, n = 2), and Africa (3.5%, n = 1). Three fish species were identified as the first host records for monogenean parasites: Chindongo socolofi for Cichlidogyrus tilapiae Paperna, 1960, Metynnis hypsauchen for Mymarothecium sp., and Betta splendens for Heteronchocleidus sp. In general, exotic populations had fewer parasite species than in their native distribution ranges.},
}

Animals
*Fish Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology
India/epidemiology
*Fishes/parasitology
*Trematode Infections/veterinary/epidemiology/parasitology
*Trematoda/classification/isolation & purification/genetics
Fresh Water
RNA, Ribosomal, 28S/genetics
Introduced Species
Phylogeny

@article {pmid40350565,
year = {2025},
author = {Dawes, TN and Bufford, JL and Hulme, PE},
title = {Historical frequency of plants in nursery catalogues predicts likelihood of naturalization in ornamental species.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {3},
pages = {e70023},
pmid = {40350565},
issn = {1939-5582},
support = {//Royal Society of New Zealand/ ; //Lincoln University/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; New Zealand ; *Plants/classification ; },
abstract = {Ornamental horticulture is the major pathway of non-native plant species introductions worldwide. Historic nursery catalogues capture a long-term view of introduction effort arising from garden plantings and are a powerful resource for understanding why some introduced ornamental species subsequently jump the garden fence. Analyses of historic nursery catalogues can help us understand the reasons for failed invasions as well as why some species successfully naturalize or invade. We used New Zealand nursery catalogues from the 1860s to the 1990s to understand the patterns of failed invasions, as well as successful naturalization and invasion. Together with data on several horticulturally relevant plant traits, we used a boosted classification model to predict the likelihood of naturalization and invasion. A species' maximum height, its frequency in nursery catalogues, and the family-level global naturalization rate were the most influential variables. Naturalized species were generally taller, more frequently offered for sale, and belonged to families with higher global naturalization rates than those that had not naturalized. Other traits such as cold hardiness or shade tolerance were not significantly different between naturalized and non-naturalized species but contributed somewhat to the overall model fit. By contrast, our predictions of the likelihood a species would become invasive were poor, without any robust relationships with any of the covariates. This indicates that factors that drive the transition from naturalized to invasive species may be determined by the characteristics of the habitats that they invade. Species incorrectly predicted to be naturalized may not have had sufficient opportunity to do so and may pose a greater risk of naturalizing in the future. This provides an avenue for identifying future naturalized species and enabling proactive management or monitoring of these species of concern.},
}

*Introduced Species
New Zealand
*Plants/classification

@article {pmid40350482,
year = {2025},
author = {Bellver-Arnau, J and Blanco-Sierra, L and Escartin, S and Mariani, S and Bartumeus, F},
title = {Climate-responsive vector control strategies for Aedes albopictus.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {168},
pmid = {40350482},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {101057554//HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme/ ; 101057554//HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/physiology/drug effects/virology/growth & development ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; *Mosquito Vectors/physiology/virology ; Larva/drug effects ; *Climate ; Insecticides/pharmacology ; Population Dynamics ; Seasons ; Vector Borne Diseases/prevention & control/transmission ; Dengue/prevention & control/transmission ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The rise in mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya, exacerbated by the ever-expanding habitats of Aedes albopictus, poses a significant public health risk. Even marginal improvements in vector control efficacy can be crucial in mitigating these risks.

METHODS: In this study, we employed a metapopulation model to simulate Ae. albopictus population dynamics and dispersal, optimizing the timing and spatial allocation of larvicidal treatments.

RESULTS: Simulations revealed that larvicide treatments are most effective when applied preventively, early in the mosquito season, particularly under conditions of lower-than-average cumulative rainfall and, to a minor extent, colder-than-average temperatures, as these conditions limit larvae proliferation. We found that breeding site characteristics, particularly surface area and maximum water holding capacity, are critical in determining optimal treatment allocation in scarce-resource scenarios. However, a cost-effectiveness trade-off exists, as larger breeding sites offer more substantial reductions in mosquito populations but also demand higher larvicide dosages. Spatial factors such as breeding site distribution had minimal impact on treatment efficacy, possibly due to the high mobility range of adult mosquitoes compared with the size of the study area.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight the superior efficiency of the optimized approach in comparison with routine vector control strategies, especially when resources are limited, offering a more effective use of larvicide in controlling mosquito populations. This study demonstrates that vector control strategies for Ae. albopictus can be significantly enhanced by considering climatic variables and breeding site characteristics in treatment planning. This research provides a framework for developing cost-effective and flexible mosquito control programs that can adapt to environmental conditions, potentially improving public health outcomes by reducing the transmission risk of mosquito-borne diseases.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/physiology/drug effects/virology/growth & development
*Mosquito Control/methods
*Mosquito Vectors/physiology/virology
Larva/drug effects
*Climate
Insecticides/pharmacology
Population Dynamics
Seasons
Vector Borne Diseases/prevention & control/transmission
Dengue/prevention & control/transmission
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40346664,
year = {2025},
author = {Helleman, P and Schrama, M and Trimbos, KB and Braks, MAH and Schaffner, F and Stroo, A and Wouters, RM and van der Beek, JG},
title = {The ecological niche and population history shape mosquito population genetics on a group of three Caribbean islands.},
journal = {Parasites & vectors},
volume = {18},
number = {1},
pages = {167},
pmid = {40346664},
issn = {1756-3305},
support = {V/150601/01/PR//Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport/ ; 2022.001//Pandemic and Disaster Preparedness Center/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Genetic Variation ; *Genetics, Population ; *Ecosystem ; *Culicidae/genetics/classification/physiology ; Haplotypes ; Caribbean Region ; Islands ; Phylogeny ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: While studies on mosquito population genetics have primarily focused on medically relevant species, fewer have examined the genetic population structure of mosquitoes from a diverse range of species within a single geographical area. The limited comparison between native and non-native species, as well as ecologically divergent species from the same region, hampers our ability to generalise previously described patterns in mosquito population genetics. This study uses the mosquito fauna of the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire as a case study to explore population genetic variation among both native and non-native mosquito species, as well as among native species occupying different ecological niches. We examine how genetic patterns relate to their population history and species-specific ecologies.

METHODS: Mitochondrial COII sequences were obtained from 258 mosquito specimens belonging to six species, occurring on all three islands. Sequences were used in haplotype network analysis to assess the genetic variation between mosquito populations of each of the six ecologically diverse species, which vary in both their population history and ecological niche.

RESULTS: Both the genetic diversity and population genetic structure were found to differ strongly between sets of species, leading to a subdivision into three species groups: (1) non-native species with low genetic diversity across all three investigated islands, (2) locally native species with high genetic diversity and closely related haplotypes occurring on different islands and (3) locally native species with high genetic diversity and locally restricted haplotypes.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the population genetics of non-native and native species strongly differ, likely as a result of population history. Furthermore, the results suggest that mosquito species sharing the same area may display distinct population genetic structure, likely related to differences in their ecology and dispersal capacity. We suggest that addressing a broader range of species within a single area will benefit future research on mosquito population genetics to place observed patterns into a broader historical, ecological and evolutionary context.},
}

Animals
*Genetic Variation
*Genetics, Population
*Ecosystem
*Culicidae/genetics/classification/physiology
Haplotypes
Caribbean Region
Islands
Phylogeny
DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics

@article {pmid40345433,
year = {2025},
author = {Jones, ML and Thresher, RE and Bax, NJ},
title = {Biased tertiary sex ratios enhance the efficacy of sex-ratio distorting genetic techniques to control invasive species.},
journal = {Journal of theoretical biology},
volume = {608},
number = {},
pages = {112137},
doi = {10.1016/j.jtbi.2025.112137},
pmid = {40345433},
issn = {1095-8541},
abstract = {Genetic biocontrol strategies are increasingly being developed and tested for reducing the effects of invasive species, and are highly likely to be an important tool of integrated pest management in the future. Included among such strategies are those that distort the sex ratio of the target species. Models used to forecast the efficacy of such strategies generally assume, implicitly, that the tertiary sex ratio of the target population is 50:50. We present evidence that this assumption is important, and that if the tertiary sex ratio is biased towards females, a sex-distorting construct introduced into the population that produces phenotypic males will become fixed at a level determined by the magnitude of the bias, even after further introductions cease. We show, first using a simple logistic population model, and second using a realistic simulation of an important aquatic invasive species - the sea lampreyPetromyzon marinus- how this effect can greatly increase the effectiveness of a sex-distorting construct at population suppression, but also increase the risk of such strategies due to reduced reversibility. We also present evidence that biased tertiary sex ratios might be present in many invasive species, particularly when their population sizes are low relative to environmental carrying capacity.},
}

@article {pmid40345092,
year = {2025},
author = {Shen, Z and Cui, J and Li, J and Peng, Y and Li, J and Zhang, Z and Chan, A and Chen, M and Yao, D},
title = {Differential impacts of invasive aquatic plants water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) and water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) on plankton community dynamics and its ecosystem functionality.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {385},
number = {},
pages = {125606},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125606},
pmid = {40345092},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Plankton plays a pivotal role in maintaining aquatic ecosystem stability and food web equilibrium. Yet, the mechanistic responses of plankton communities to invasive aquatic plants (e.g., Pistia stratiotes and Eichhornia crassipes) remain poorly understood. This study investigated the temporal effects of these invasive species on plankton biodiversity, native plant (Ludwigia ovalis) growth, and nutrient dynamics in freshwater systems in a 50-day microcosm experiment. Results indicated no significant change in L. ovalis growth (p > 0.05), while pH, EC, TN, and TP significantly decreased (p < 0.05). And plankton dominant species, functional communities (e.g., functional group D and small copepoda and cladocera filter feeders) and their co-occurrence networks were disrupted. Moreover, the Shannon index of phytoplankton was significantly higher at day 10 and lower at day 50 (p < 0.05) than that of P. stratiotes, while the metazoan zooplankton showed the reverse trend. P. stratiotes reduced network complexity including average degree and graph density, while E. crassipes disrupted architectural integrity as modularity, collectively destabilizing plankton interactions. SEM model revealed that E. crassipes indirectly decreased EC via TN reduction (-0.412) while P. stratiotes directly suppressed EC (-0.242), cascading into decreased plankton biomass, density, and diversity. These findings elucidated species-specific invasion mechanisms and their cascading impacts on planktonic ecosystems, which could provide actionable insights for mitigating biodiversity loss in invaded freshwater habitats and enhancing ecological monitoring frameworks to safeguard ecosystem services.},
}

@article {pmid40344091,
year = {2025},
author = {Xiong, J and Gao, Y and Zhou, Y and Ip, JC and Ituarte, S and Heras, H and Qiu, JW and Sun, J},
title = {Four chromosome-scale ampullariid genomes: High-quality resources for ecological, evolutionary and invasion biology studies.},
journal = {DNA research : an international journal for rapid publication of reports on genes and genomes},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/dnares/dsaf010},
pmid = {40344091},
issn = {1756-1663},
abstract = {The New World Ampullariids, encompassing the ecologically important genera Pomacea and Marisa, are organisms with dual attributes-serving as model systems for evolutionary and environmental research while posing severe threats as globally invasive species. Here, we present chromosome-scale genomes of four key species-Pomacea canaliculata, P. maculata, P. diffusa, and Marisa cornuarietis-generated through PacBio HiFi sequencing and Hi-C scaffolding. These assemblies exhibit exceptional continuity and completeness (BUSCO scores >95%) with genome sizes ranging 450-540 Mb, while high-quality annotations predicting 21,687-22,481 protein-coding genes per genome. Comparative analysis reveals divergent genome architectures: the invasive P. canaliculata and P. maculata harbour lower LINE (5.7-5.8%) and LTR (0.7-0.8%) content compared to non-invasive P. diffusa (LINE: 7.7%; LTR: 0.8%) and M. cornuarietis (LINE: 9.5%; LTR: 1.1%), suggesting repeat dynamics linked to ecological plasticity. Macrosynteny analyses identify five dynamic but conserved ancestral chromosomal fusions across species but with limited rearrangements among species. These resources, integrating chromosomal resolution with functional annotation, provide a foundation for comparative studies on molluscan karyotype evolution and adaptive radiation research, as well as possible targets for CRISPR-cas9-driven biocontrol strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40344026,
year = {2025},
author = {Rad, SPH and Duque, TS and Flory, SL and do Nascimento, VG and Mendes, DS and Maciel, JC and Dos Santos, JB and Silva, RSD and Shabani, F},
title = {Predicting the spread of invasive Imperata cylindrica under climate change: A global risk assessment and future distribution scenarios.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {5},
pages = {e0321027},
pmid = {40344026},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Climate Change ; *Introduced Species ; Risk Assessment ; Ecosystem ; Temperature ; },
abstract = {Invasive plant species, such as Imperata cylindrica (cogongrass), threaten native ecosystems, natural resources, and lands worldwide. With climate change, the risk of invasions may increase as more favorable conditions enable non-native species to spread into new areas. This study employs the CLIMEX model to predict the potential distribution of I. cylindrica under current and future climate scenarios, under the SRES A2 scenario. A comprehensive dataset comprising 6,414 occurrence records was used to simulate the species' ecological niche based on key climatic parameters, including temperature and soil moisture. Our results indicate that more than 16% of the global land surface is currently highly suitable for I. cylindrica (Ecoclimatic Index ≥ 30), with significant risk areas identified in Central America, Africa, and Australia. Future projections under the A2 scenario suggest an expansion of suitable habitats by 2050, 2080, and 2100, particularly in regions such as southern Argentina and parts of North America, while areas in Africa may experience a decrease in suitability due to rising temperatures. Sensitivity analysis revealed that temperature-related parameters (DV0, DV1, DV2, and DV3) are the most influential in determining the species' distribution, highlighting the critical role of climate in driving the invasive potential of I. cylindrica. These findings provide valuable insights into the future risks associated with I. cylindrica invasions.},
}

*Climate Change
*Introduced Species
Risk Assessment
Ecosystem
Temperature

@article {pmid40342214,
year = {2025},
author = {Schneller, NM and Strugnell, JM and Field, MA and Johannesson, K and Cooke, I},
title = {Putting Structural Variants Into Practice: The Role of Chromosomal Inversions in the Management of Marine Environments.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e17776},
doi = {10.1111/mec.17776},
pmid = {40342214},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {DP240102310//ARC Discovery Grant/ ; DP250101690//ARC Discovery Grant/ ; SR200100005//ARC SRIEAS Grant/ ; VR 2021-04191//Vetenskapsrådet Research Grant/ ; },
abstract = {Major threats to marine species and ecosystems include overfishing, invasive species, pollution and climate change. The changing climate not only imposes direct threats through the impacts of severe marine heatwaves, cyclones and ocean acidification but also complicates fisheries and invasive species management by driving species range shifts. The dynamic nature of these threats means that the future of our oceans will depend on the ability of species to adapt. This has led to calls for genetic interventions focussed on enhancing species' adaptive capacity, including translocations, restocking and selective breeding. Assessing the benefits and risks of such approaches requires an improved understanding of the genetic architecture of adaptive variation, not only in relation to climate-resilient phenotypes but also locally adapted populations and the fitness of hybrids. Large structural genetic variants such as chromosomal inversions play an important role in local adaptation by linking multiple adaptive loci. Consequently, inversions are likely to be particularly important when managing for adaptive capacity. However, under some circumstances, they also accumulate deleterious mutations, potentially increasing the risk of inbreeding depression. Genetic management that takes account of these dual roles on fitness is likely to be more effective at ensuring population persistence. We summarise evolutionary factors influencing adaptive and deleterious variation of inversions, review inversions found in marine taxa, and provide a framework to predict the consequences of ignoring inversions in key management scenarios. We conclude by describing practical methods to bridge the gap between evolutionary theory and practical application of inversions in conservation.},
}

@article {pmid40341324,
year = {2025},
author = {Imlau, M and Browne, JA and Browett, SS and McDevitt, AD and McMahon, BJ and Nally, JE and Jahns, H},
title = {Surveillance for Leptospira sp. in Native and Invasive Shrews in Ireland Compared with Cohabitating Shrews in France.},
journal = {Journal of wildlife diseases},
volume = {61},
number = {2},
pages = {477-482},
doi = {10.7589/JWD-D-24-00084},
pmid = {40341324},
issn = {1943-3700},
mesh = {Animals ; *Shrews/microbiology ; *Leptospirosis/epidemiology/veterinary/microbiology ; *Leptospira/isolation & purification/classification ; Ireland/epidemiology ; France/epidemiology ; Introduced Species ; Female ; Male ; },
abstract = {Leptospirosis is a complex and often underestimated global bacterial disease that continues to be of zoonotic concern. It is difficult to diagnose and has an unclear pathogenesis. Several new species of the genus Leptospira have been discovered in recent years; the impact of these species on animal health is unknown. In 2013, Leptospira tipperaryensis was first identified in greater white-toothed shrews (GWTSs, Crocidura russula) in Ireland, where they are an invasive species that displaces the native pygmy shrew (Sorex minutus). This study investigated the prevalence of Leptospira spp., including L. tipperaryensis, and their potential impact on the health of shrews from Ireland using histopathology (n=212), immunohistochemistry (IHC; n=206), and quantitative PCR (n=168) on renal tissues. Shrews (n=81) from Belle Île, France were examined as a species and habitat control group using histopathology (n=81) and IHC (n=79). No Leptospira were detected with any of the methods in renal tissues from shrews sampled in Ireland and there was no significant renal pathology. In contrast, 34.6% (28/81) of shrews from Belle Île were positive on IHC for Leptospira sp. and had associated chronic nephritis in histopathology. The results do not indicate a negative impact by L. tipperaryensis or other Leptospira spp. on the health and distribution of the GWTS and the pygmy shrew in Ireland; onward transmission within the shrew population currently appears unlikely.},
}

Animals
*Shrews/microbiology
*Leptospirosis/epidemiology/veterinary/microbiology
*Leptospira/isolation & purification/classification
Ireland/epidemiology
France/epidemiology
Introduced Species
Female
Male

@article {pmid40301605,
year = {2025},
author = {Moi, DA and Saito, VS and Quirino, BA and Alves, DC and Agostinho, AA and Schmitz, MH and Bonecker, CC and Barrios, M and Kratina, P and Perkins, DM and Teixeira de Mello, F and Figueiredo, BRS and Mormul, RP and Okada, EK and Romero, GQ},
title = {Human land use and non-native fish species erode ecosystem services by changing community size structure.},
journal = {Nature ecology & evolution},
volume = {9},
number = {5},
pages = {801-809},
pmid = {40301605},
issn = {2397-334X},
support = {NMG\R1\201121//Royal Society/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Fishes/physiology ; *Ecosystem ; Brazil ; Fisheries ; Body Size ; Humans ; Rivers ; *Introduced Species ; *Human Activities ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Biomass ; Population Dynamics ; },
abstract = {Organism body size influences ecosystem services, and human pressures alter the size structure of ecological communities. However, our understanding of how different human-induced pressures (such as land use and biotic invasion) interact to drive community size structure and ecosystem services remains limited. Combining 21 years of fish size spectrum data and fishery potential (fishery monetary value in the Upper Paraná River Floodplain, Brazil), we demonstrate that the size spectrum exponent of native species has become more negative over time, indicating a relative decrease in the biomass of large versus small individuals. Conversely, the size spectrum exponent of non-native species has become less negative over time owing to the increased abundance of large species. Overall, fishery potential declined by more than 50% over time. Human land use replaced the coverage of natural environments, indirectly reducing native richness. This scenario decreased the exponent of the native size spectrum, indirectly reducing fishery potential. Our study illustrates how intensification of human land use alters the size structure of communities, favouring non-native individuals and suppressing ecosystem services.},
}

Animals
*Fishes/physiology
*Ecosystem
Brazil
Fisheries
Body Size
Humans
Rivers
*Introduced Species
*Human Activities
Conservation of Natural Resources
Biomass
Population Dynamics

@article {pmid40122515,
year = {2025},
author = {Chouvenc, T},
title = {Invasive termites and their growing global impact as major urban pests.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {69},
number = {},
pages = {101368},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2025.101368},
pmid = {40122515},
issn = {2214-5753},
mesh = {Animals ; *Isoptera/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Animal Distribution ; Cities ; },
abstract = {While termites play important ecological roles, a fraction of species have strong invasive capabilities and represent urban pests of economic importance worldwide. Their invasive potential is exacerbated by human activities such as maritime transport, with privately owned boats serving as key vectors for local and global termite dispersal, particularly for Cryptotermes and Coptotermes pest species. Land establishment by invasive termites can remain undetected for decades, often making eradication attempts too late to succeed. Ultimately, invasive termite species will likely continue to spread at the global scale, and recent new invasive records point toward an underestimation of their actual current invasive status.},
}

Animals
*Isoptera/physiology
*Introduced Species
*Animal Distribution
Cities

@article {pmid40081800,
year = {2025},
author = {Leskey, TC and Carnio, V and Nixon, LJ},
title = {Chemically mediated trophic interactions of invasive herbivorous insects and their applications for monitoring and management.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {69},
number = {},
pages = {101364},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2025.101364},
pmid = {40081800},
issn = {2214-5753},
mesh = {Animals ; *Insecta/physiology/chemistry ; *Introduced Species ; *Herbivory ; *Food Chain ; *Insect Control/methods ; },
abstract = {Introduction of invasive herbivorous insects has significantly disrupted agricultural and forest ecosystems. Sources of stimuli used for monitoring and biosurveillance tools or as the basis for management strategies involve chemically mediated interactions between the insect and key primary producers (plants) or secondary consumers (predators and parasites). While successful application of chemicals identified from these interactions has emerged for some species with a few multitrophic interactions identified, other systems remain challenging, particularly when native species share similar chemically mediated cues. Applied molecular technologies such as environmental DNA or gut content analyses can be used to gain further insight into multitrophic interactions, which could potentially lead to improved chemical mediation tools.},
}

Animals
*Insecta/physiology/chemistry
*Introduced Species
*Herbivory
*Food Chain
*Insect Control/methods

@article {pmid39929276,
year = {2025},
author = {Pietri, JE and Laroche, M},
title = {Invasive indoor pests under the microbiological lens: bacterial and viral diversity from local to global scales in bed bugs and cockroaches.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {69},
number = {},
pages = {101344},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2025.101344},
pmid = {39929276},
issn = {2214-5753},
support = {R01 AI171014/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; R21 AI183477/AI/NIAID NIH HHS/United States ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Cockroaches/microbiology/virology ; *Bedbugs/microbiology/virology ; Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification/genetics ; *Microbiota ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Essentially, all animal life interacts closely with an array of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, which can have both beneficial and harmful effects. The advancement of high-throughput molecular biology approaches (DNA and RNA sequencing) has led to an ongoing boom in investigating the composition and functions of microbial communities (microbiota) associated with a wide range of animal taxa, including insects. As this area of investigation has blossomed, such research on indoor urban insect pests has lagged more widely studied species. However, over the last several years, significant strides have been made in understanding the diversity and biological roles of microbes associated with such insects. This review highlights and discusses recent key findings, focusing on bed bugs and cockroaches, two of the most prolific globally invasive indoor insect pests. Advances in this area of research have long-term implications for public health and for the development of novel pest control approaches.},
}

Animals
*Cockroaches/microbiology/virology
*Bedbugs/microbiology/virology
Bacteria/classification/isolation & purification/genetics
*Microbiota
Introduced Species

@article {pmid39914648,
year = {2025},
author = {Ruszkowski, KM and Mola, JM},
title = {Exotic bees in urban ecosystems: establishment, impact, and potential for invasion.},
journal = {Current opinion in insect science},
volume = {69},
number = {},
pages = {101339},
doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2025.101339},
pmid = {39914648},
issn = {2214-5753},
mesh = {Animals ; Bees/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Ecosystem ; Urbanization ; Cities ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Native bee species decline has sparked extensive research and conservation efforts, particularly in urban areas where initiatives and interventions aim to restore native bee populations. Paradoxically, these same urban interventions may inadvertently support non-native bee species, fostering the establishment of thriving exotic populations. Exotic bees often thrive in urban environments where advantageous traits, such as cavity-nesting and high reproductive plasticity, combine with human activities that intentionally and unintentionally facilitate their introduction and spread. Although many exotic species remain benign, others may transition to invasive status, leading to competition with native bees, the spread of diseases, and interference in biodiversity assessments. This review synthesizes current knowledge on how urbanization impacts exotic bee establishment and assesses potential pathways for these species to become invasive.},
}

Animals
Bees/physiology
*Introduced Species
*Ecosystem
Urbanization
Cities
Biodiversity

@article {pmid40341276,
year = {2025},
author = {Sweeney, J and Gao, W and Gutowski, JM and Hughes, C and Kimoto, T and Kostanowicz, C and Li, Y and MacQuarrie, CJK and Mayo, P and Meng, Q and Mokrzycki, T and Silk, P and Webster, V and Miller, DR},
title = {Diversity in trap color and height increases species richness of bark and woodboring beetles detected in multiple funnel traps.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {5},
pages = {e0322412},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0322412},
pmid = {40341276},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera/physiology/classification ; *Biodiversity ; Color ; Poland ; Introduced Species ; China ; Canada ; United States ; },
abstract = {Early detection of non-native, potentially invasive bark beetles and woodboring beetles (BBWB) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae, Cerambycidae, Disteniidae; Curculionidae: Scolytinae) inadvertently introduced to new habitats via global trade is a critical issue for regulatory agencies in numerous countries. We conducted trapping experiments to evaluate the effects of trap color (black vs. green vs. purple) and trap height (canopy vs. understory) on detection of BBWB in Canada, Poland, USA, and China, using Fluon-treated 12-unit multiple-funnel traps. Each trap was baited with the same pheromone and ethanol lures known to attract several species of BBWB. We predicted BBWB species composition would differ between vertical strata and among trap colors, and that the number of BBWB species detected would increase with greater diversity of trapping methods, i.e., by using more than one color of trap and by placing traps in both the canopy and understory. Our prediction was partially supported, i.e., placing one color of trap in the understory and a different colored trap in the canopy detected more species than did a single trap color placed in either the understory or canopy. However, the combinations of trap height and colors that detected the most species varied among sites. The community of BBWB species captured in traps was significantly affected by trap height and trap color at all sites, with the strongest patterns in the data from Poland and the USA. Black and purple traps caught similar communities of BBWB species in the canopy and understory, but green traps caught a different species assemblage in the canopy in Poland and the USA. Effects of trap height and color on species richness were consistent across all four sites within the subfamilies Agrilinae (more species captured in green canopy traps than any other trap height-color combination), Chrysochroinae (more species captured in purple canopy traps than any trap height-color combination) and Scolytinae (more species captured in the understory than the canopy and no effect of trap color), but varied significantly among sites within Cerambycidae subfamilies. None of the species accumulation curves reached an asymptote for any trap color-height combination at any site, indicating that 8-9 traps per site were not sufficient to detect all BBWB species present. Thus, increasing the number of traps deployed per site will increase the BBWB species richness captured and the chances of detecting non-native species that may be present.},
}

Animals
*Coleoptera/physiology/classification
*Biodiversity
Color
Poland
Introduced Species
China
Canada
United States

@article {pmid40338844,
year = {2025},
author = {Luo, Y and Li, C and Hu, X and Feng, J},
title = {Spongy moths from Europe and Asia: Who could have higher invasion risk in North American?.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {5},
pages = {e0320598},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0320598},
pmid = {40338844},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Moths/physiology ; North America ; Europe ; Asia ; },
abstract = {North American forest systems are significantly impacted by spongy moths (Lymantria dispar Linnaeus). It is unclear, nevertheless, how are the invasion risks of spongy moths from Asia and Europe in North American relative to each other. In this study, we compared the potential ranges of spongy moths from Asia (ASM) and those from Europe (ESM) in North America, and investigated the range shifts between spongy moths in North America (NASM) and ASM and ESM. ASM and ESM would occupy larger potential ranges in North America than NASM, i.e., 7.16 and 6.98 times, respectively. Thus, one should not undervalue the invasive potential posed by spongy moths from Asia and Europe. Compared to ESM, ASM displayed larger ranges in North America. It is likely due to ASM's tolerance of more variable climates. Consequently, even though ASM was more recently introduced to North America than ESM, it's possible that the former has higher invasion risk in North American.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Moths/physiology
North America
Europe
Asia

@article {pmid40334492,
year = {2025},
author = {Klink, JC and Rieger, A and Wohlsein, P and Aurich, S and Hoffmann, C and Ewers, C and Raulf, MK and Strube, C and Johne, A and Maksimov, P and Harder, T and Rubbenstroth, D and Rehburg, L and Gerold, G and Fux, R and Rickerts, V and Ansorge, H and Siebert, U},
title = {Pathological findings in raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.},
journal = {Journal of comparative pathology},
volume = {219},
number = {},
pages = {59-77},
doi = {10.1016/j.jcpa.2025.04.004},
pmid = {40334492},
issn = {1532-3129},
abstract = {Raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) originated from East Asia and are listed as invasive alien species of Union concern in the European Union. Apart from their potential negative impact on native fauna as predators and competitors, they are discussed as reservoirs and vectors for various infectious diseases. Between 2021 and 2022, comprehensive post-mortem examinations of 110 raccoon dogs were performed as part of a health and risk assessment study of selected invasive alien species in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Parasitic infections, often accompanied by eosinophilic and/or granulomatous inflammation, were one of the most common and significant findings. In total, 64% animals had an ectoparasitosis and up to 76% an endoparasitosis. Alaria alata and Trichinella spp were the most relevant endoparasite species found. Eggs of A. alata were detected in 30% of faecal samples, while the prevalence of Trichinella spp in muscle samples was 0.9%. Influenza A virus, canine distemper virus, rustrela virus, Borna disease virus 1 and severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 were not detected. Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 was detected with a prevalence of 3%, but was not associated with pathognomonic lesions. In general, most of the pathological findings were of minor significance regardless of whether pathogens were detected or not, and therefore did not appear to affect the overall health status of the examined animals. Our study shows that raccoon dogs may contribute to the spread and persistence of certain pathogens by acting as carriers of infectious diseases. This underpins the need to further investigate the risk they pose to endemic European wildlife, livestock and human health.},
}

@article {pmid40333912,
year = {2025},
author = {Colin, R and Aguirre-Planter, E and Eguiarte, LE},
title = {Genetic and ecological characterization of the giant reed (Arundo donax) in Central Mexico.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {5},
pages = {e0319214},
pmid = {40333912},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Mexico ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics ; Genetic Variation ; *Poaceae/genetics ; Genotype ; Ecosystem ; Gene Flow ; Genetics, Population ; Geography ; },
abstract = {Arundo donax (giant reed) is currently found in all tropical-subtropical and warm-temperate areas of the world. In Mexico, A. donax is a common introduced species, growing in a variety of climates and habitats. We used Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSRs) markers to analyze 20 populations across different geographic regions of Mexico to estimate the geographic structure of its genetic variation, the levels of clonal diversity, and their predominant reproductive mode (clonal vs. sexual), and to explore environmental factors that may be related to genetic differentiation. In addition, we used bioclimatic variables to perform multivariate statistical analyses. We detected a total of 77 different genotypes, finding that all the analyzed populations are multiclonal (including from 3 to 9 different genotypes). The data suggest that sporadic sexual reproduction takes place in some populations. We found four main genetic groups and low levels of gene flow among clusters. Ecological characterization analyses indicate that the distribution and abundance of genotypes is structured and influenced by environmental factors, supporting the existence of three main ecological-genetic groups in Mexico (Central Highlands, Coasts, and North).},
}

Mexico
Microsatellite Repeats/genetics
Genetic Variation
*Poaceae/genetics
Genotype
Ecosystem
Gene Flow
Genetics, Population
Geography

@article {pmid40332950,
year = {2025},
author = {Jian, L and Yang, Y and Xie, S and Lou, Y and Chen, L and Dai, F and Agrafioti, P and Cao, Y and Athanassiou, CG and Li, C},
title = {Life Table Parameters and Digestive Enzyme Activity of Araecerus fasciculatus (Coleoptera: Anthribidae) Feeding on Different Stored Products.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40332950},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {GCC[2023]074//Department of Science and Technology of Guizhou Province/ ; QJJ[2023]024//Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management for Alien Invasive Species in Guizhou Province/ ; QKZYD[2022]4013//Special Project for Science and Technology Development of Local (Guizhou) under the Guidance of the Central Government/ ; },
abstract = {Araecerus fasciculatus (De Geer, 1775) is an important stored-product pest worldwide. In this study, the development time, survival rate, oviposition, and digestive enzyme (α-amylase, cellulase, pepsin, and lipase) activities of A. fasciculatus fed on five commodities (coffee, jujube, maize, wheat, and kansui) were investigated. Our results showed that the developmental duration of A. fasciculatus from egg to adult was shortest on coffee beans (51.41 days) and longest on kansui (69.65 days). The survival rate of A. fasciculatus adults was lowest on kansui (42.22%) and highest on coffee beans (63.33%). Significant differences in fecundity were also observed, with the greatest number on coffee beans (80.78 eggs/female) and the lowest on kansui (50.43 eggs/female). Araecerus fasciculatus showed the greatest intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) on coffee beans (0.141), followed by jujube (0.129), maize (0.117), wheat (0.105), and kansui (0.097). The net productive rate (R0) showed a similar trend to rm, with values of 48.42, 42.53, 35.39, 27.53, and 21.47, respectively, on these stored products. Although no significant differences were observed in the lipase activities when A. fasciculatus was fed on different stored products, activities of α-amylase, pepsin, and cellulase were highest on coffee beans and lowest on kansui. The variation in the population development of A. fasciculatus associated with different foods may be related to its digestive enzyme performance. These results indicated that coffee beans were the most suitable host food, while kansui was the least suitable for the development of A. fasciculatus.},
}

@article {pmid40332914,
year = {2025},
author = {Bisia, M and Balatsos, G and Sakellariou Sofianou, M and Beleri, S and Tegos, N and Zavitsanou, E and Karras, V and Kollia, D and Michaelakis, A and Patsoula, E},
title = {Two-Year Entomological Survey of Mosquito Fauna in the Attica Region, Greece: Species Composition.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40332914},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {101057554//Horizon Europe/ ; 0//Region of Attica/ ; },
abstract = {Vector-borne diseases significantly impact global public health, with mosquitoes playing a critical role in the transmission of various pathogens. This study focused on the mosquito fauna in the Attica region of Greece, conducting a two-year entomological survey from March 2021 to December 2022 as part of an ongoing mosquito-management program. The research employed stratified random sampling to establish 57 adult traps across the region, with additional traps on the islands of Argosaronikos and Kythira island. The BG-sentinel traps, enhanced with CO2 to attract multiple mosquito species, were utilized for mosquito collection. Morphological identification of the collected mosquitoes revealed the presence of various species, with Aedes albopictus, Culex pipiens s.l., and Culiseta longiareolata being the most prevalent. Notably, all of our traps tested 100% positive for these species. Molecular techniques, including PCR amplification of ITS2 and COI genes, confirmed species identification. The findings highlight significant variations in species composition across different locations and emphasize the presence of invasive species such as Aedes albopictus, posing public health concerns. This study underscores the importance of continuous mosquito surveillance and integrated management strategies to mitigate the risk of mosquito-borne diseases in the Attica region. The results contribute to the development of evidence-based mosquito-control programs, which are essential for safeguarding public health in urban and peri-urban environments.},
}

@article {pmid40332822,
year = {2025},
author = {Guo, S and Li, Z and Zhao, X and Zhang, D and Ayra-Pardo, C and Kan, Y and Li, D},
title = {Additive Insecticidal Effects of Chitosan/dsRNA Nanoparticles Targeting V-ATPaseD and Emamectin Benzoate-Lufenuron Formulations Against Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40332822},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {231111111000//Key Research Project of Henan Province/ ; 31970480//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 212300410063//Natural Science Foundation of Henan province/ ; },
abstract = {The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, a lepidopteran pest from the family Noctuidae, has become a major invasive pest since 2016. Using RNAi methods to control S. frugiperda is currently under investigation. This study is the first to target the V-ATPaseD gene of S. frugiperda using RNAi. Injection of dsRNA-V-ATPaseD into the hemolymph of 4th-instar larvae significantly suppressed gene expression at 24 and 48 h post-injection. Treated larvae showed delayed development and reduced pupation after 7 days. Subsequently, V-ATPaseD silencing was achieved through topical or oral administration of chitosan/dsRNA-V-ATPaseD nanoparticles. Larvae fed these nanoparticles exhibited significant reductions in V-ATPaseD mRNA at 72 h, persisting until 96 h before normalizing. Additionally, the treated larvae displayed disrupted molting and impaired pupation. Furthermore, larvae fed chitosan/dsRNA-V-ATPaseD were more susceptible to emamectin benzoate-lufenuron at LC30 concentrations, resulting in 68% mortality-27% higher than the pesticide alone-72 h post-exposure. Combining chitosan/dsRNA-V-ATPaseD nanoparticles with emamectin benzoate-lufenuron significantly enhanced pest control efficacy, providing new insights into pesticide reduction and sustainable pest control methods for this invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid40332794,
year = {2025},
author = {Xu, T and Wang, W and Chen, X and Ma, J and Chen, R and Sun, X and Yang, Y and Li, G and Deng, Y and Hao, D},
title = {Interspecific Mating Is Trivial and Asymmetrical Between Two Destructive Anoplophora Beetles.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {4},
pages = {},
pmid = {40332794},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2023YFD1401300//National Key R & D Program of China/ ; 163010302//Research Start-up Project of Nanjing Forestry University/ ; 32001322//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32271884//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 2021kj90//Science Foundation of Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry/ ; },
abstract = {The Asian longhorn beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis, and citrus longhorn beetle (CLB), Anoplophora chinensis, are two destructive invasive wood-boring pests, with high similarities in morphology, geographical distribution, host range, life cycle, adult behaviors and male-produced pheromone, implying a potential existence of interspecific interactions. Matings have been found to occur across females and males of the two species when manually paired in confined spaces. However, interspecific mating and its regulating factors are unclear between sympatric populations on hosts. Herein, by observing mountings and tracking the beetles that freely coexisted on host branches in cages, we found that the majority of mountings appeared within species; however, interspecific mountings occasionally occurred between male CLBs and female ALBs. The CLB was more active than the ALB at night. It seems that males actively searched for female ALBs, while the inverse was the case with CLBs. The main release periods of shared pheromone components overlapped between the two species, while compound ratios had significant differences. Our results unveil a trivial and asymmetrical interspecific mating between ALBs and CLBs, implying a risk of co-outbreaks of the two species in either native or invaded areas.},
}

@article {pmid40102156,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, Q and van Kleunen, M and Liu, Y},
title = {Plant invasion resistance due to 2D native diversity.},
journal = {Trends in ecology & evolution},
volume = {40},
number = {5},
pages = {436-438},
doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2025.02.009},
pmid = {40102156},
issn = {1872-8383},
mesh = {*Biodiversity ; *Introduced Species ; *Plants ; *Plant Physiological Phenomena ; },
abstract = {Biodiversity entails species diversity both within a trophic level (horizontal diversity) and across levels (vertical diversity). While invasion resistance studies usually focus on horizontal diversity, vertical diversity could provide additional biotic resistance to invasion. Quantifying the role of such 2D diversity will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the diversity-invasibility relationship.},
}

*Biodiversity
*Introduced Species
*Plants
*Plant Physiological Phenomena

@article {pmid40331584,
year = {2025},
author = {Caton, BP and Manoukis, NC and Pallipparambil, GR and Nelson, R and Hain, E and Fang, H},
title = {Evaluating a novel core-and-perimeter delimiting trapping survey design for insects. II. Simulations and case studies.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf090},
pmid = {40331584},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {AP21PPQS&T00C054//USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Farm Bill 7721 project/ ; },
abstract = {We compared 2 delimitation trapping designs via mark-release-recapture of Ceratitis capitata Weidemann (Medfly) [Tephritidae: Diptera]: a fully trapped grid versus a novel, "core-and-perimeter" design. Results showed some disadvantages of fully trapped and supported the core-and-perimeter concept, but grids were too small to address all questions. Here we used computer models to more fully compare the designs. We employed random walk dispersal using parameters from recent results for another Dipteran. Parameter sensitivity was highest for maximum step distance (DDay), but structural sensitivity was more affected by dispersal probability (PDisp) and correlated movement (θMax). We incorporated trapping, modeling capture probabilities based on the hyperbolic secant function. We quantified the likelihood of inner traps to "intercept" insects along their paths and implemented that process in all trapping models. Validation against 3 independent datasets was successful using PDisp of 0.4 or 0.3, and θMax = 180°, based on dispersal densities and proportion of flies captured. Under the validated dispersal model, Medflies never traveled more than 2.8 km in 30 d. A trapping version gave zero perimeter captures with the core-and-perimeter design, but core area captures in 40% of iterations for single flies. The fully trapped grid captured flies in 79% of iterations but only 12% of traps had captures, indicating suboptimal efficiency. Finally, we compared fully trapped and core-and-perimeter trapping costs using published plans for Medfly and four other species. The costs of the core-and-perimeter designs were 49% to 77% lower at standard sizes but 69% to 88% lower with optimal (shorter) radii.},
}

@article {pmid40331078,
year = {2025},
author = {Dos Santos, GS and Sellera, FP and Furlan, JPR and Ferreira Neto, JS and Heinemann, MB},
title = {The ecological threat posed by invasive species as silent carriers of global priority bacteria to wildlife.},
journal = {One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)},
volume = {20},
number = {},
pages = {101043},
pmid = {40331078},
issn = {2352-7714},
abstract = {•Invasive species can act as silent carriers of multidrug-resistant bacterial species.•Invasive species in natural environments without predators can amplify the spread of antimicrobial resistance.•Global data on WHO priority bacteria and antimicrobial resistance in invasive species are provided.•Epidemiological surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in invasive species is discussed.},
}

@article {pmid40330552,
year = {2025},
author = {Clark, EI and Bean, DW and Bitume, EV and Stahlke, AR and Hohenlohe, PA and Hufbauer, RA},
title = {Heritability of body size matches trait evolution in the range expansion of a biological control agent.},
journal = {Current research in insect science},
volume = {7},
number = {},
pages = {100112},
pmid = {40330552},
issn = {2666-5158},
abstract = {Adaptive evolution requires both natural selection and genetic variation. In introduced species, the selective dynamics of range expansion are predicted by theory to lead to differences between the core and the leading edge, with edge individuals evolving to be more fecund (under r-selection) and have greater dispersal ability than core individuals. In arthropods, both fecundity and dispersal ability are often positively correlated with body size. Here, we quantify genetic variation available for evolution of body size in a beetle (Diorhabda carinulata) introduced into North America as a biological control agent. Previously, we found that females at the edge of the range expansion have evolved to be larger than those at the core as predicted by theory, while male body size has not clearly changed, despite the evolution of increased dispersal capacity. Using a half-sib mating design, we measure genetic variation in mass at eclosion and thorax width of female and male beetles from a single introduced population at the core of the range expansion. We find significant heritable genetic variation in females in both traits, but not in males. Thus, lack of genetic variation in body size may preclude evolution of size in males along this expansion front.},
}

@article {pmid40329956,
year = {2024},
author = {Frank, LE and Lindsey, LL and Kipp, EJ and Faulk, C and Stone, S and Roerick, TM and Moore, SA and Wolf, TM and Larsen, PA},
title = {Rapid molecular species identification of mammalian scat samples using nanopore adaptive sampling.},
journal = {Journal of mammalogy},
volume = {105},
number = {5},
pages = {965-975},
pmid = {40329956},
issn = {0022-2372},
abstract = {Accurate taxonomic species identification is essential to the study of mammals. Despite this necessity, rapid and accurate identification of cryptic, understudied, and elusive mammals remains challenging. Traditional barcoding of mitochondrial genes is standard for molecular identification but requires time-consuming wet-lab methodologies. Recent bioinformatic advancements for nanopore sequencing data offer exciting opportunities for noninvasive and field-based identification of mammals. Nanopore adaptive sampling (NAS), a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-free method, selectively sequences regions of DNA according to user-specified reference databases. Here, we utilized NAS to enrich mammalian mitochondrial genome sequencing to identify species. Fecal DNA extractions were sequenced from 9 mammals, several collected in collaboration with Minnesota Tribal Nations, to demonstrate utility for NAS barcoding of noninvasive samples. By mapping to the entire National Center for Biotechnology Information mammalian mitochondrial reference genome database and bioinformatically analyzing highly similar matches, we successfully produced species identifications for all fecal samples. Eight of 9 species identifications matched previous PCR or animal/fecal appearance-based identifications. For the ninth species, our genetic data indicate a misidentification stemming from the original study. Our approach has a range of applications-particularly in field-based wildlife research, conservation, disease surveillance, and monitoring of wildlife trade. Of importance to Minnesota tribes is invasive species monitoring, detections, and confirmation as climate impacts cause changes in biodiversity and shifts in species distributions. The rapid assessment techniques described here will be useful as new introductions and range expansions of native and invasive species may first be detected by the presence of signs such as scat rather than direct observations and will be helpful for chronically understaffed tribal natural resources agencies.},
}

@article {pmid40329923,
year = {2025},
author = {Ndjomatchoua, FT and Stutt, ROJH and Guimapi, RA and Rossini, L and Gilligan, CA},
title = {Integration of temperature-driven population model and pest monitoring data to estimate initial conditions and timing of first field invasion: application to the cassava whitefly, Bemisia tabaci.},
journal = {Journal of the Royal Society, Interface},
volume = {22},
number = {226},
pages = {20250059},
doi = {10.1098/rsif.2025.0059},
pmid = {40329923},
issn = {1742-5662},
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera/physiology ; *Models, Biological ; Temperature ; *Introduced Species ; Population Dynamics ; },
abstract = {Empirical field data and simulation models are often used separately to monitor and analyse the dynamics of insect pest populations over time. Greater insight may be achieved when field data are used directly to parametrize population dynamic models. In this paper, we use a differential evolution algorithm to integrate mechanistic physiological-based population models and monitoring data to estimate the population density and the physiological age of the first cohort at the start of the field monitoring. We introduce an ad hoc temperature-driven life-cycle model of Bemisia tabaci in conjunction with field monitoring data. The likely date of local whitefly invasion is estimated, with a subsequent improvement of the model's predictive accuracy. The method allows computation of the likely date of the first field incursion by the pest and demonstrates that the initial physiological age somewhat neglected in prior studies can improve the accuracy of model simulations. Given the increasing availability of monitoring data and models describing terrestrial arthropods, the integration of monitoring data and simulation models to improve model prediction and pioneer invasion date estimate will lead to better decision-making in pest management.},
}

Animals
*Hemiptera/physiology
*Models, Biological
Temperature
*Introduced Species
Population Dynamics

@article {pmid40329811,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, Y and Liu, X and Wu, J and Svenning, JC and Liu, J and Shrestha, N},
title = {A comprehensive county-level distribution database of alien and invasive plants in China.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {5},
pages = {e70084},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70084},
pmid = {40329811},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {2022YFC2601100//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; DNRF173//Danmarks Grundforskningsfond/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; China ; *Plants/classification ; *Databases, Factual ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Over the past half century, international trade and exchange have continued to increase in China, resulting in the widespread introduction of alien plant species. The accumulation of these alien species has accelerated invasion events, posing serious threats to local ecological security and economic development. Comprehensive and accurate species distribution records are extremely important for early detection, understanding dispersal dynamics, and supporting various management strategies and research initiatives. However, biodiversity databases, both global and local, often lack comprehensive and high-resolution distribution data for alien invasive plant species (AIPs). This limitation is particularly evident in China, where local databases typically provide coarse spatial data, often restricted to the provincial level, leading to a substantial underestimation of the actual distribution of AIPs. Here, we fill this gap by creating the most comprehensive distribution database for AIPs in China at a much finer spatial resolution. By integrating 73,469 distribution records from China's online herbarium, biodiversity databases, flora, published literature, and 173,396 georeferenced records from GBIF, we built the county-level distribution database for 400 AIPs and report for the first time their presence in 2684 administrative counties in China (92.5% of the total counties). Notably, our database provides 2.58 times more distribution records than global biodiversity data repositories such as GBIF and also includes the earliest introduction dates for each AIP. The temporal range of the records spans from 1607 to 2023, capturing over 400 years of AIP presence in China. These rigorously quality-controlled georeferenced data can be used to examine the dynamics and influencing factors of plant invasions in China. They can also serve as the most updated data reference for policy makers in designing effective AIP management policies in China. We encourage users to cite this data paper when utilizing the data, and there are no restrictions on its use for non-commercial purposes.},
}

*Introduced Species
China
*Plants/classification
*Databases, Factual
Biodiversity

@article {pmid40328796,
year = {2025},
author = {Doherty, K and Gurinas, M and Samsoe, E and Casper, C and Larkin, B and Ramsey, P and Trabucco, B and Salakhutdinov, R},
title = {Ground-truthed and high-resolution drone images of the leafy spurge weed plant (Euphorbia esula).},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {746},
pmid = {40328796},
issn = {2052-4463},
mesh = {Montana ; *Euphorbia ; Introduced Species ; *Plant Weeds ; Grassland ; *Unmanned Aerial Devices ; },
abstract = {This dataset comprises 1.3 cm resolution aerial images of grasslands in western Montana, USA, captured by a commercial drone. Many scenes contain leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula), introduced to North America, now widespread in rangeland ecosystems, which is highly invasive and damaging to crop production and biodiversity. Technicians surveyed 1000 points in the study area, noting spurge presence or absence, and recorded each point's position with precision global navigation satellite systems. We cropped tiles from an orthomosaic image at these locations. We publicly release these images and metadata as a Hugging Face Dataset, accessible in one line of code. Our aim is to invite the research community to develop classifiers as early warning systems for spurge invasion. We tested classification performance for two contemporary vision models and achieved 0.85 test accuracy. This demonstrates the feasibility yet difficulty of this classification task.},
}

Montana
*Euphorbia
Introduced Species
*Plant Weeds
Grassland
*Unmanned Aerial Devices

@article {pmid40328778,
year = {2025},
author = {Marchioro, M and Rossini, M and Ortis, G and Ruzzier, E and Vallotto, D and Besana, L and Faccoli, M},
title = {The first host plant dataset of Curculionidae Scolytinae of the world: Hylastini LeConte, Hylurgini Gistel, Ipini Bedel, Phloeosinini Nusslin, Polygraphini Chapuis.},
journal = {Scientific data},
volume = {12},
number = {1},
pages = {751},
pmid = {40328778},
issn = {2052-4463},
mesh = {Animals ; *Weevils/physiology ; Introduced Species ; *Tracheophyta/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Wood-boring beetles and, in particular, Scolytinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) are one of the most successful groups of invasive species worldwide. They can be easily transported across continents at the larval stage as their development takes place inside the tissues of live plants, timber, wood products and wood-packaging materials. This grants them protection from adverse travel conditions and allows them to often go unnoticed by phytosanitary inspections at ports of entry. In this context, knowledge of biological traits of these species, particularly the recorded host plants, is essential for planning effective monitoring strategies. This kind of information is scattered through a large amount of papers, catalogs and books. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive list of host plants and their economic categorization for five scolytine tribes. This fourth contribution presents the list of host plants for 829 species belonging to five tribes that mainly, but not exclusively, infest conifers: Hylastini LeConte, Hylurgini Gistel, Ipini Bedel, Phloeosinini Nusslin, and Polygraphini Chapuis.},
}

Animals
*Weevils/physiology
Introduced Species
*Tracheophyta/parasitology

@article {pmid40328306,
year = {2025},
author = {Arabesky, V and Johnson, AD and Rozenberg, T and Lubin, Y and Segoli, M and Mowery, MA},
title = {Maternal care thwarts parasitoids in the invasive brown widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus).},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {292},
number = {2046},
pages = {20242735},
doi = {10.1098/rspb.2024.2735},
pmid = {40328306},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation/ ; //Oscar and Jan Francke Student Research Fund of the International Society of Arachnology/ ; //Zuckerman STEM Leadership Postdoctoral Fellowship to MAM/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wasps/physiology ; Female ; *Spiders/parasitology/physiology ; Introduced Species ; *Maternal Behavior ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Animals, Poisonous ; },
abstract = {Maternal care can maximize offspring survival and may contribute to the establishment success of invasive species. The brown widow spider, Latrodectus geometricus, is a successful invader worldwide. Here, we investigated the role of maternal care in enhancing its success. We compared the defence mechanisms of the invasive L. geometricus with those of another widow spider native to the Negev desert, Latrodectus pallidus, against an egg sac parasitoid wasp. Both spider species exhibited guarding behaviours following exposure to wasps; however, only L. geometricus efficiently evaded and successfully killed the parasitoid. Accordingly, its egg sacs were parasitized less frequently than those of L. pallidus. Next, we evaluated the defensive role of the silk spike-like structures on L. geometricus egg sacs. When spikes were removed from half of the egg sac surface, the wasps laid more eggs on the spike-free side. In an additional experiment, L. geometricus females increased spike density on subsequent egg sacs after exposure to the parasitoid. We showed that L. geometricus employs both behavioural defences and modifications to the egg sac structure to protect against the parasitoid. These defences may provide L. geometricus with an advantage over native species in its invasive range, potentially contributing to its invasion success.},
}

Animals
*Wasps/physiology
Female
*Spiders/parasitology/physiology
Introduced Species
*Maternal Behavior
Host-Parasite Interactions
Animals, Poisonous

@article {pmid40328259,
year = {2025},
author = {van Rees, CB and Geist, J and Arthington, AH},
title = {Grasping at water: a gap-oriented approach to bridging shortfalls in freshwater biodiversity conservation.},
journal = {Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/brv.70030},
pmid = {40328259},
issn = {1469-185X},
support = {//Network for Engineering With Nature/ ; },
abstract = {Freshwater biodiversity is the fastest declining part of the global biota, threatened by multiple stressors including habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, invasive species, water pollution, and abstraction by humans. A multitude of recent agenda-setting publications have pointed out key objectives and goals for addressing this freshwater biodiversity crisis, but important gaps must be overcome to reach ambitious conservation targets. In this perspective, we complement these high-level papers in freshwater conservation by highlighting important gaps in knowledge, governance, and implementation. This gap-oriented approach is designed to facilitate meaningful action by highlighting missing 'pieces' in the conservation process, and their connection to existing and emerging solutions in the literature. We derive 13 overarching gaps from a conference session and informal synthesis of recent literature in freshwater biodiversity conservation to catalyse research, advocacy, and action to meet freshwater goals for the post-2020 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Key gaps include inventory data on global freshwater biodiversity, collating and mobilizing conservation evidence in practice, improving coordination of ecological governance at scale -including within and across catchments-and navigating trade-offs between economic development, resource consumption, and priorities for freshwater biodiversity. Finally, we apply this gap-oriented approach to key language describing GBF goals for freshwater biodiversity conservation, and point out existing and emerging solutions which may help address important gaps. Major themes that address multiple gaps include the use of Nature-based Solutions and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), navigation of water management trade-offs between human and environmental needs, co-production of knowledge with Indigenous and local people and other stakeholders, integration of conservation research and action between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and funding and policy mechanisms to facilitate conservation action and support meaningful monitoring of conservation evidence across hydrological scales.},
}

@article {pmid40328132,
year = {2025},
author = {Prabhakaran, N and Gupta, GVM and Kumar, BSK},
title = {A critical review on ocean acidification driven by disinfection by-products discharge from ships' ballast water management systems: Impacts on carbon chemistry.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {217},
number = {},
pages = {118029},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118029},
pmid = {40328132},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {The world's blue economy is closely tied to maritime trade, but ballast water from ships often carries harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens, which disrupt the marine environment. To address this, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandated ballast water treatment to eradicate these invasive species. However, the treatment processes inherently generate numerous Disinfection by-Products (DBPs). The discharge of these DBPs exacerbates ocean acidification through various acid- and CO2-releasing reactions. The IMO's Ballast Water Working Group has listed 41 high-priority DBPs for risk assessment due to their toxicity and prevalence in treated ballast water. This review quantitatively evaluates changes in pH and carbonate ions in seawater using the PyCO2SYS software package. Results reveal that DBPs can reduce ocean pH by ∼0.057 units and carbonate ion concentrations by 24.06 μmol kg[-1] during a single discharge of 1 m[3] treated water. In addition, this review outlines the challenges and research gaps for marine ecosystems sustainability.},
}

@article {pmid40327536,
year = {2025},
author = {Proboste, T and Turnlund, A and Bengsen, A and Gentle, M and Wilson, C and Harriott, L and Fuller, RA and Marshall, D and Soares-Magalhaes, RJ},
title = {Quantifying feral pig interactions to inform disease transmission networks.},
journal = {eLife},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40327536},
issn = {2050-084X},
support = {2008937//National Health and Medical Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Swine ; Male ; Female ; *Swine Diseases/transmission/epidemiology ; Australia/epidemiology ; *Zoonoses/transmission ; *Animals, Wild ; Social Behavior ; },
abstract = {Feral pigs threaten biodiversity in 54 countries and cause an estimated $120 billion in damages annually in the USA. They endanger over 600 native species and have driven 14 to extinction. Additionally, they pose a significant zoonotic disease risk, carrying pathogens such as Brucella, leptospirosis, and Japanese encephalitis. Understanding and controlling disease spread relies on models of social dynamics, but these vary widely across regions, limiting the transferability of findings from the USA and Europe to other locations like Australia. This study addresses this gap by analysing the social interactions of 146 GPS-tracked feral pigs in Australia using a proximity-based social network approach. Findings reveal that females exhibit stronger group cohesion, while males act as key connectors between groups. Contact rates are high within groups, facilitating rapid intra-group disease spread, whereas inter-group transmission is slower. Seasonal variations further impact dynamics, with increased contact in summer. These insights suggest that targeting adult males in control programs could help limit disease outbreaks. Given the rising economic and public health concerns associated with animal diseases, the study highlights the need for localized strategies based on feral pig social behaviour to enhance global control efforts.},
}

Animals
Swine
Male
Female
*Swine Diseases/transmission/epidemiology
Australia/epidemiology
*Zoonoses/transmission
*Animals, Wild
Social Behavior

@article {pmid40325154,
year = {2025},
author = {Ji, F and Shen, J and Zhang, W and Yan, S and Shan, B and Zha, J},
title = {Discriminating spatiotemporal heterogeneity and environmental drivers of fish assemblages using environmental DNA metabarcoding in mosaic habitat ecosystems.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {15705},
pmid = {40325154},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {2019YFC1803402//National Key Research and Development Project/ ; 21976202//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Fishes/genetics/classification ; *DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods ; *Ecosystem ; *DNA, Environmental/genetics/analysis ; Biodiversity ; China ; Water Quality ; Seasons ; Spatio-Temporal Analysis ; Environmental Monitoring/methods ; },
abstract = {Surveys of fish diversity in complex heterogeneous environments are highly challenging to perform using traditional survey methods. Although environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has been effectively used to evaluate fish diversity, studies exploring the spatial and temporal variability of fish communities in mosaic habitats and their connection to water quality after ecological project implementation are still scarce. Here, we evaluated the changes in water quality and fish assembles using the traditional method and environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding after Ecological water replenishment (EWR) and the links between fish communities and water quality were established in the Baiyangdian (BYD) ecosystem in the North China Plain. All water quality variables including TN, NH3-N, CODMn and TP showed a conspicuous improvement pattern, and the number of fish species increased notably after EWR. In addition, 6 more introduced fish species were recorded when compared with the historical data before the implementation of the EWR project. Furthermore, the species richness showed a highly significant difference among the four habitats in the summer 2020 and spring 2021 (spring: P = 0.000; summer: P = 0.002), and obvious discrimination of fish communities across two seasons was observed (P = 0.001) with eDNA metabarcoding. The water quality variables driving the changes of fish communities during the same period varied significantly across different habitats, while not all showed noticeable discrepancy in driving cross-seasonal fish community changes. Thus, our study highlights that the continuous EWR improves the water quality and fish richness but potential ecological issues associated with introduced species should be carefully considered after EWR. Our results also confirm that eDNA is a reliable tool for assessing fish diversity and distinguishing spatiotemporal variability of fish communities in mosaic habitat ecosystems.},
}

Animals
*Fishes/genetics/classification
*DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic/methods
*Ecosystem
*DNA, Environmental/genetics/analysis
Biodiversity
China
Water Quality
Seasons
Spatio-Temporal Analysis
Environmental Monitoring/methods

@article {pmid40215951,
year = {2025},
author = {Coelho-Souza, SA and Falsarella, LN and Leite, KL and Meira, HM and Candido, CF and Lopez, MS},
title = {A "short blanket" reality: The challenge to control sun coral invasion in a large no-take marine protected area over a decade of adaptive management.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {216},
number = {},
pages = {117947},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117947},
pmid = {40215951},
issn = {1879-3363},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; *Introduced Species ; Brazil ; *Coral Reefs ; Environmental Monitoring ; },
abstract = {Marine protected areas (MPAs) should be prioritized for management actions against bioinvasions. Controlling underwater invaders is particularly challenging because of the need for specific tools and methodologies with long-term investment. Since 2013, a Brazilian no-take MPA has adopted the adaptive management of sun coral (Tubastraea spp.). The historical dataset of sun coral removal in the Alcatrazes MPA was analyzed, as well as its relative abundance from 2021 to 2023. Between 2014 and 2023, almost 1.3 million colonies (12 t) of sun corals were removed. Control actions were primarily concentrated at three sites before 2021. Since 2021, the development of a new technique using a pneumatic drill along with the identification of new invasion foci through the monitoring plan, allowed an increased removal rate. While sun coral abundance was controlled considering the whole archipelago, the effect of management was variable at a smaller spatial scale. While for some sites the reduction of sun coral abundance lasted for just six months, one annual action was enough to control the abundance at other sites. It was not possible to achieve equally high management effort at all sites, resulting in a "short blanket" outcome: i.e., when some sites had high removal rates, others were less managed and experienced increasing sun coral abundance between control actions. By integrating the monitoring and management datasets, we suggest a protocol from an adaptive management perspective that considers both the degree of invasion and tailored removal rates per site.},
}

Animals
*Anthozoa
*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
*Introduced Species
Brazil
*Coral Reefs
Environmental Monitoring

@article {pmid39957326,
year = {2025},
author = {Horsák, M and Janáč, M and Zhai, M and Bojková, J},
title = {Temporal niche dynamics of spreading native invertebrates underlie doubling of richness in pristine temperate streams.},
journal = {The Journal of animal ecology},
volume = {94},
number = {4},
pages = {693-705},
pmid = {39957326},
issn = {1365-2656},
support = {P505/23-05268S//Grantová Agentura České Republiky/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Invertebrates/physiology ; *Biodiversity ; *Rivers ; Czech Republic ; *Ecosystem ; *Introduced Species ; Population Dynamics ; },
abstract = {While biodiversity loss is undeniably a global phenomenon, an increase in taxonomic richness has recently been reported from some ecosystems and spatial scales. A striking increase in abundance and/or species richness has been documented from temperate rivers over the last 25 years, with many of the expanding species (i.e. winners) being native species. However, the lack of repeatedly collected local environmental data prevents the exploration of their niche dynamics and also makes it difficult to distinguish between possible causes. We fill this gap by using species occurrence data from 65 pristine Czech rivers sampled in 1997-2000 and 2015. The same methods were used for sampling macroinvertebrates and measuring environmental parameters in both periods. We selected 43 winners, defined as taxonomically validated and originally non-rare native macroinvertebrate species whose occupancy increased by at least six sites between the time periods. We searched for consistent patterns of niche dynamics (i.e. stability, expansion and restriction) among species that might contribute most to the overall increase in species richness. Using several biological traits, we also compared the winners with the other 253 taxa collected to look for differences. Analysis of the occurrence data showed that niche stability was by far the predominant pattern of the niche dynamics. This clearly indicates that the winners fill their original niches, with a limited contribution of niche shift or expansion, depending on the species. As no significant differences in either temperature preferences or the other biological traits were found between the winners and the other taxa, there is no unique set of functional traits that explain the success of the winners. The observed mechanism of filling the original niche space by the spreading native species not only explains the increase in local species richness, but also contributes to support the hypothesis of a climate-driven increase in ecosystem energy flow from a new perspective. The increased metabolism of the system may relax interspecific competition allowing it to carry more individuals and species, even without the need for an increase in nutrients and ecosystem recovery.},
}

Animals
*Invertebrates/physiology
*Biodiversity
*Rivers
Czech Republic
*Ecosystem
*Introduced Species
Population Dynamics

@article {pmid40324679,
year = {2025},
author = {Ewert, AM and McMenamin, A and Adjaye, D and Rainey, V and Ricigliano, V},
title = {Microalgae functional feed additives strengthen immunity and increase longevity in honey bees.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108352},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2025.108352},
pmid = {40324679},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {Honey bees (Apis mellifera) are faced with a myriad of immunological threats, often worsened by poor nutrition. The use of functional feed additives offers a promising strategy to address colony nutritional deficiencies while helping strengthen bee immune responses and mitigate stress. Microalgae have gained recognition as beneficial diet ingredients for livestock due to their abundance of essential nutrients and immunomodulatory properties. Here, we tested the effects of microalgae-containing feed on honey bee immunity, lifespan, and nutrient assimilation. Caged bees were fed a commercial artificial diet or the same diet with added pollen, spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) or Chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris). Immune-related gene expression, longevity, and body weight were measured following six days of ad libitum feeding. All diets resulted in similar body weights, indicating adequate nutrient assimilation. While bees fed the pollen-containing diet lived the longest (median lifespan = 51 days), bees fed spirulina- and Chlorella-containing diets lived significantly longer (median lifespan = 48 and 46 days, respectively) than those fed the base diet (median lifespan = 40 days). Spirulina-fed bees exhibited significantly higher expression of several antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes relative to the base diet and had superior bacterial clearing ability after injection with live E. coli cells. We propose that this increased immunocompetence is at least partially due to elevated AMP levels. Our findings suggest that the tested microalgae can improve honey bee longevity and immune functions with negligible health costs relative to a commonly used artificial diet. Determining the effects of microalgae feed additives in field-relevant contexts and in the face of diverse pathogen challenges should be the focus of future research efforts.},
}

@article {pmid40320838,
year = {2025},
author = {Jensen, AJ and Goldstein, BR and Cove, MV and Pacifici, K and Kierepka, E and Rooney, B and McShea, W and Kays, R},
title = {Mammals on the Margins: Identifying the Drivers and Limitations of Range Expansion.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {5},
pages = {e70222},
pmid = {40320838},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {2206783//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Climate Change ; Animals ; *Mammals/physiology ; *Animal Distribution ; Ecosystem ; *Biodiversity ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; North America ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Accurately estimating species distributions is critical for tracking how biodiversity is shaped by global change. While some species are expanding their ranges, the importance of factors like climate change, habitat change, and human avoidance for explaining this expansion is not well understood. Here, we used observations of 94 North American mammals on iNaturalist to (1) identify errors of omission in the existing range maps; (2) differentiate between extra-range populations that are likely products of natural expansions vs. introductions; and (3) test hypotheses about where natural range expansions occur. We found a substantial percentage of observations were outside both IUCN (16%) and Area of Habitat (36%) maps, suggesting that integrating contemporary citizen science data would improve existing range maps. We estimated that most observations outside IUCN ranges were natural expansions and 95% of species had at least one naturally expanding population. We also identified introductions for 36% of species, which were particularly extensive for several species. We show that natural range expansions are generally associated with a lighter human footprint and less habitat change and are not associated with warming temperatures. This suggests that habitat modifications by humans constrain the ability of species to expand their range to track a changing climate. We also found substantial variation in the directionality of effects from all factors across species, meaning that our species-specific findings will be useful for conservation planning. Our study demonstrates that citizen science data can be useful for conservation by tracking how organisms are responding, or failing to respond, to global change.},
}

*Climate Change
Animals
*Mammals/physiology
*Animal Distribution
Ecosystem
*Biodiversity
*Conservation of Natural Resources
North America
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40320693,
year = {2025},
author = {Staude, IR and Grenié, M and Thomas, CD and Kühn, I and Zizka, A and Golivets, M and Ledger, SEH and Méndez, L},
title = {Many non-native plant species are threatened in parts of their native range.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70193},
pmid = {40320693},
issn = {1469-8137},
}

@article {pmid40320667,
year = {2025},
author = {Lu, JZ and Yang, J and Bluhm, C and Foltran, E and Rivera Pérez, CA and Glatthorn, J and Ammer, C and Lamersdorf, N and Polle, A and Berg, M and Potapov, AM and Scheu, S},
title = {Mixed forests with native species mitigate impacts of introduced Douglas fir on soil decomposers (Collembola).},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {3},
pages = {e70034},
pmid = {40320667},
issn = {1939-5582},
support = {DFG 316045089//Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/ ; },
mesh = {*Forests ; *Soil/chemistry ; Animals ; *Pseudotsuga/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Arthropods/physiology/classification ; Picea ; Fagus ; },
abstract = {Forest ecosystem management requires the conservation of associated biodiversity. Enriching native forests with economically valuable conifer species provides economic gains and meets the increasing societal demand for timber but may threaten biodiversity. Soil sustains most of forest biodiversity, but the impact of changes in tree species composition, including native and non-native species, on soil invertebrates remains little studied. We investigated the impact of different forest types on the taxonomic and functional composition of springtail communities (Collembola, Insecta), an abundant and diverse microarthropod group inhabiting litter and soil. Using native Fagus sylvatica (European beech) as reference, we compared Collembola communities with native but range-expanding Picea abies (Norway spruce) and non-native Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fir) as well as beech-conifer mixtures. The abundance of Collembola was higher in Norway spruce than in European beech, with little difference among the other forest types. Further, the taxonomic and functional composition of Collembola was shifted to more parthenogenetic species at sandy sites, stressing the importance of regional factors such as soil type and climate in structuring Collembola communities. Collembola communities in Douglas fir were more pigmented and distributed to the surface, resulting in a lower proportion of euedaphic Collembola compared to European beech forests. In mixed forests, the impacts of Douglas fir on euedaphic Collembola were reduced, suggesting that negative effects of introduced tree species on soil animal communities might be alleviated by limiting Douglas fir to enrichment plantings only. Overall, the results indicate that vertical distribution in soil and morphological traits of Collembola help to better understand the changes in decomposer communities due to planting non-native tree species.},
}

*Forests
*Soil/chemistry
Animals
*Pseudotsuga/physiology
*Introduced Species
*Arthropods/physiology/classification
Picea
Fagus

@article {pmid40318192,
year = {2025},
author = {Sands, B and Giroux, L and Bruce, J},
title = {Dung beetle species assemblages in cattle pastures of Vermont and New York State.},
journal = {Environmental entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/ee/nvaf042},
pmid = {40318192},
issn = {1938-2936},
support = {2018-70006-28882//Northeastern IPM Center/ ; },
abstract = {Dung beetles provide key ecosystem services in pasture environments. In the Northeastern U.S., dairy is the largest agricultural sector and grass-based dairy production is increasing. Despite the importance of dung beetles as beneficial pasture insects, the consequences of changes in pasture habitat with more cattle out on pasture are not well understood, nor is dung beetle species composition known for several states in Northeastern U.S. The aims of this study were to investigate dung beetle diversity and community structure on dairy pastures across Vermont and North Country, New York, and identify relevant livestock management factors that influence these dynamics. Dung baited pitfall trapping and soil health analysis were conducted on 29 grazing dairy farms using different grazing strategies and parasite management. The results reveal an abundant and diverse dung beetle community; however, the population was dominated by individuals of introduced species of European origin, particularly Colobopterus erraticus (Linnaeus, 1758; Coleoptera; Scarabaeidae) which comprised 74% of beetles collected. Native dung beetle species abundance was lower in the Northeast Kingdom of VT. Species assemblage structure differed between management practices related to parasiticide use and grazing. The soil health outcomes bulk density (0 to 50 mm), total carbon, and total nitrogen were correlated with dung beetle biodiversity indices and grazing management. The results indicate that livestock management may influence dung beetle species assemblages and strategies to support biodiversity may support soil health and nutrient cycling in the Northeast.},
}

@article {pmid39931802,
year = {2025},
author = {Bradley, EA and Lockaby, BG and Madere, S and Bolds, S and Kalin, L and Ditchkoff, SS and Brown, VR},
title = {Stream pathogenic bacteria levels rebound post-population control of wild pigs.},
journal = {Journal of environmental quality},
volume = {54},
number = {2},
pages = {359-368},
doi = {10.1002/jeq2.70004},
pmid = {39931802},
issn = {1537-2537},
support = {//USDA/ ; //Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Swine ; *Water Microbiology ; *Environmental Monitoring ; *Rivers/microbiology ; Introduced Species ; Escherichia coli ; Feces/microbiology ; *Sus scrofa ; Water Quality ; Animals, Wild ; },
abstract = {The range and density of one of North America's most destructive and invasive mammalian species, wild pigs (Sus scrofa), has expanded rapidly over the past several decades. Alongside this growth, their fecal contamination of surface waters has impaired water quality through significantly increased levels of pathogenic bacteria, raising concerns over the potential for zoonotic disease transmission. Significant remediation of these water quality impacts has been shown as a result of reductions in wild pig populations due to control efforts; however, the duration of these remediation effects as populations rebound remains unclear. Our study sought to determine the longevity of water quality remediation resulting from wild pig population control efforts. We found that median concentrations of Escherichia coli and fecal coliform (CFU/100 mL) increased by 746% and 159% in the year following the conclusion of removal efforts, resulting in median concentrations of 79% and 159% greater than those observed prior. We also found increased public health risk, with samples exceeding E. coli and fecal coliform guidelines 10% and 12% more often than pre-removal, respectively. While further research into wild pig population dynamics and fecal contamination is necessary, we conclude that ongoing population control efforts may be necessary to remediate water quality impacts and public health risks associated with invasive wild pigs.},
}

Animals
Swine
*Water Microbiology
*Environmental Monitoring
*Rivers/microbiology
Introduced Species
Escherichia coli
Feces/microbiology
*Sus scrofa
Water Quality
Animals, Wild

@article {pmid39888287,
year = {2025},
author = {Wayne, SM and Norris, MC and Fargevieille, A and Cobb, K and Scruggs, C and Miracle, J and Herron, V and Hall, JM and Warner, DA},
title = {Reduced Water Availability to Mothers and Embryos Has Little Effect on Offspring Phenotypes in an Invasive Lizard.},
journal = {Journal of experimental zoology. Part A, Ecological and integrative physiology},
volume = {343},
number = {5},
pages = {535-545},
doi = {10.1002/jez.2906},
pmid = {39888287},
issn = {2471-5646},
mesh = {Animals ; *Lizards/physiology/embryology ; Female ; *Water ; *Embryo, Nonmammalian/physiology ; Introduced Species ; Phenotype ; Reproduction/physiology ; Embryonic Development ; },
abstract = {Water availability has critical impacts on numerous physiological functions in all organisms and can have different effects across life stages. For example, water available to reproductive females can influence offspring production, and has the potential to influence how early-stage offspring (e.g., embryos) respond to moisture in their developmental environment. In this study, we use the brown anole lizard (Anolis sagrei) to examine the effects of water availability on reproductive investment. We tested the hypothesis that water available to mothers influences embryonic development under different levels of moisture in their incubation environment. We demonstrate that a substantial reduction in water availability to mothers (~70% reduction) has no observable effect on fecundity, egg size, or egg hydration. We also provide evidence that our water restriction to mothers does not influence how embryos respond to moisture conditions during egg incubation. However, moisture in the egg incubation substrate positively affected egg water uptake, egg hatching success and hatchling body size (but not hatchling hydration). Overall, our study shows that reproduction in adult female A. sagrei is robust to variation in water availability, but survival during early life stages is sensitive to this variable. Thus, the effect of water availability on different fitness components varies between life stages.},
}

Animals
*Lizards/physiology/embryology
Female
*Water
*Embryo, Nonmammalian/physiology
Introduced Species
Phenotype
Reproduction/physiology
Embryonic Development

@article {pmid39698758,
year = {2025},
author = {Laojun, S and Chaiphongpachara, T},
title = {Phenotypic and genetic variation of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Thailand and its global relationships: Insights from wing morphometric and mitochondrial COI gene analyses.},
journal = {Medical and veterinary entomology},
volume = {39},
number = {2},
pages = {315-334},
doi = {10.1111/mve.12782},
pmid = {39698758},
issn = {1365-2915},
support = {//Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Thailand ; *Aedes/genetics/anatomy & histology ; *Genetic Variation ; Wings, Animal/anatomy & histology ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics/metabolism ; Phenotype ; Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; Female ; Male ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae), commonly known as the Asian tiger mosquito, is an important vector transmitting dangerous arboviruses to humans. This study investigated the phenotypic and genetic variation of this species in Thailand through wing geometric morphometric (GM) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequence analyses. A total of 236 Ae. albopictus specimens from 12 populations in Thailand and 89 specimens from invasive populations in Florida, Hawaii and Brazil underwent wing GM analysis. The centroid size (CS) of Ae. albopictus populations in Thailand ranged from 2.00 mm in Bangkok to 2.36 mm in Chanthaburi, while in invasive populations, CS varied from 2.25 mm in Brazil to 2.47 mm in Florida. Pairwise comparisons of wing shape revealed significant differences for most population pairs, with distances ranging from 1.63 to 10.02. The clustering tree indicated distant relationships in wing shape between native and invasive populations. Additionally, partial COI gene sequences were amplified from 108 specimens, revealing a mean haplotype diversity of 0.842 ± 0.025 and a mean nucleotide diversity of 0.002 ± 0.001. The results from neutral Tajima's D and Fu's Fs tests indicated negative and statistically significant values (-2.159 and -33.846, respectively), suggesting population expansion. Further examination of haplotype relationships between Thailand and other countries identified two distinct groups: a Southeast Asia group, with Thai haplotypes clustered exclusively within it, and a non-Southeast Asia group. These findings highlight the phenotypic and genetic variation of Ae. albopictus in Thailand, providing essential insights for disease control strategies and tracing the mosquito's origins across regions.},
}

Animals
Thailand
*Aedes/genetics/anatomy & histology
*Genetic Variation
Wings, Animal/anatomy & histology
Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics/metabolism
Phenotype
Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Phylogeny
Female
Male
Introduced Species

@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