@article {pmid42612239,
year = {2026},
author = {Plunkett, GH and Fraire, L and Spears, S and Williard, T and Foster, EG and Haley, DX and Head, A and Moore, MM and Parks, BC and Roush, DM and Zimmerman, JD and Hankison, SJ and Virgin, EE and Rickfelder, AR and Juarez, BH and Gangloff, EJ},
title = {Introduced Urban Lizards (Podarcis muralis) Exhibit Plastic Activity Patterns and Precise Behavioral Thermoregulation.},
journal = {Ecological and evolutionary physiology},
volume = {99},
number = {4},
pages = {237-253},
doi = {10.1086/742363},
pmid = {42612239},
issn = {2993-7973},
mesh = {Animals ; *Lizards/physiology ; *Body Temperature Regulation/physiology ; Ultraviolet Rays ; *Behavior, Animal ; Temperature ; Male ; Ohio ; Female ; },
abstract = {AbstractEffective thermoregulation is important for most ectotherms, as body temperature determines the rate of nearly all physiological processes. However, for most organisms, we lack an understanding of which environmental factors affect thermoregulatory behaviors, especially outside of a laboratory setting and over an entire day. Introduced populations of the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) in Cincinnati, Ohio, are thriving after an introduction almost 75 years ago. To noninvasively quantify daily thermoregulatory behaviors and thermoregulatory effectiveness, we used infrared thermography (a thermal imaging camera) to conduct repeated standardized sampling every 30 min across the lizard's normal activity period (0800-2000 hours) at multiple urban locations. We also measured air temperature, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and wind speed, while 3D-printed operative temperature models quantified available temperatures throughout the activity period. Lizard activity varied throughout the day and peaked in the early afternoon. Furthermore, activity patterns were associated with the interaction of temperature and UV radiation intensity, such that predicted activity is greatest at high temperatures when UV is low and at low temperatures when UV is high. Activity was limited by cool environmental temperatures, even on hot days in midsummer. When lizards were active, they thermoregulated precisely and achieved body temperatures closely matching preferred temperatures selected in a laboratory gradient in a previous study. Furthermore, field body temperatures did not vary because of sex, reproductive status, or size. Data on daily activity and thermoregulatory decision-making, especially in an urban habitat, provide valuable insight into how an ectothermic organism integrates multivariate sensory inputs from the environment to make behavioral decisions. The role of environmental conditions in behavioral decision-making is especially relevant in predicting geographical range expansions, particularly in the context of changing urban environments and introduced species.},
}

Animals
*Lizards/physiology
*Body Temperature Regulation/physiology
Ultraviolet Rays
*Behavior, Animal
Temperature
Male
Ohio
Female

@article {pmid42613777,
year = {2026},
author = {Xiong, X and Ning, J and Li, J and Sun, S and Zhai, W and Yu, C and Tian, Y and Li, Y and Lu, Q and Zhang, X and Zhao, L and Li, C and Liu, H},
title = {Population genomics reveals global invasion history of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus based on a high-quality gap-free reference genome.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.71222},
pmid = {42613777},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; //Key Technology Research and Development Program of Shandong Province/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is one of the most destructive invasive alien species in global forestry, causing widespread pine mortality and severe ecological damage. Clarifying its evolutionary patterns, invasion routes and adaptive signatures helps refine the evolutionary theory of plant-parasitic nematodes, and provides practical references for invasion prevention and targeted management.

RESULTS: The first chromosome-level gap-free reference genome of B. xylophilus was assembled. The genome spans 78.02 Mb with a contig N50 of 12.60 Mb. All sequences were anchored to six chromosomes, and the BUSCO completeness was estimated at 99.50%. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that B. xylophilus and Bursaphelenchus mucronatus diverged approximately 4.85-24.67 million years ago. Further evolutionary analysis of gene families indicated a striking evolutionary asymmetry between these two species. Population structure analysis revealed that global B. xylophilus populations can be classified into four major genetic groups. Gene flow analyses suggest two potential invasion centers may exist in China. Through the integration of selective sweep analysis, we also identified putative adaptive loci in the two Chinese populations. Due to sampling limitations, the exact geographical origins of some overseas isolates remain unclear, and samples from key regions including South Korea and Europe are not included in this study. Accordingly, the inferences regarding invasion routes need to be further verified with additional population data.

CONCLUSION: This study generated a B. xylophilus genome assembly with substantially improved continuity, completeness and accuracy. The resultant high-quality genome provides a fundamental dataset for dissecting its invasion mechanisms and validating gene functions. Furthermore, our findings elucidate the genomic basis underlying the strong invasiveness of this nematode, clarify its global dispersal routes, and identify putative loci associated with adaptive evolution after invasion. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid42614546,
year = {2026},
author = {Petrone, A and Borges, PAV and Pereira, F and Elias, RB},
title = {New spatial records of vascular plants in the Azores Archipelago: the PRIBES project and the Azorean Biodiversity Portal (ABP) initiatives - II. Pico Island.},
journal = {Biodiversity data journal},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {e206276},
pmid = {42614546},
issn = {1314-2828},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Although the Azores Archipelago is widely recognised for its remarkable natural heritage, it is increasingly threatened by the rapid spread of invasive species, which are causing significant biodiversity decline and impairing ecosystem functioning and services. These biological invasions - mainly driven by intensified global trade and human mobility - also have consequences for public health, local livelihoods and economic activities.To address these challenges, the PRIBES project ("Estratégia regional para o controlo e prevenção de espécies exóticas invasoras"; LIFE IP AZORES NATURA - LIFE17 IPE/PT/000010) advocates the implementation of an integrated regional strategy for the management of terrestrial and freshwater invasive species. The proposed framework focuses on coordinated governance through a dedicated task force, strengthened preventative actions including biosecurity measures and risk analyses and early detection systems supported by monitoring programmes and citizen-science initiatives. It also promotes a hierarchical management approach, ranging from eradication to long-term control and mitigation, according to feasibility and economic sustainability.This strategy is supported by scientific research aimed at understanding invasion pathways and evaluating management outcomes, as well as collaborations at national and international levels that encourage data exchange and shared expertise. Public engagement is fostered through awareness campaigns and educational activities. In parallel, the Azores Bioportal functions as a key open-access repository for biodiversity information, providing validated species records and connections with international biodiversity networks. Together, these initiatives contribute to monitoring both native and invasive species, while offering valuable resources for conservation planning and evidence-based decision-making.In the scope of the PRIBES Project and the Azores Bioportal, we started a series of data papers with new spatial records of vascular plants gathered during field campaigns across several Azorean Islands between 2019 and 2025. The first focused on São Jorge Island, whereas the second, current data paper focuses on Pico Island.

NEW INFORMATION: On Pico Island, a total of 251 vascular plant taxa were recorded, encompassing six classes, 38 orders and 88 families. These records correspond to 11,023 individual plant occurrences that have been recorded, including repeated observations of the same species across different sites. As each photographic observation is associated with unique geographic coordinates, all recorded specimens represent new spatial records for the island's flora. Amongst the recorded taxa, 59 are endemic to the Azores, 68 are native, 123 are introduced and one is of uncertain status (Dracaena draco (L.) L.), corresponding to 6,019 endemic, 3,378 native, 1,624 introduced and two indeterminate occurrences. At the family level, 34 families include endemic taxa, 36 include native taxa, 60 include introduced taxa and one includes taxa of uncertain origin; because several families contain taxa belonging to different floristic status categories, these counts are not mutually exclusive. The inventory includes several Azorean endemic taxa, noteworthy records comprise Sanicula azorica Guthnick ex Seub., Bellis azorica Hochst. ex Seub., Leontodon filii (Hochst. ex Seub.) Paiva & Ormonde, Scabiosa nitens Roem. & Schult., Carex pilulifera subsp. azorica (J. Gay) Franco & Rocha Afonso, Platanthera micrantha (Hochst. ex Seub.) Schltr., Dryopteris crispifolia Rasbach, Reichst. & Vida and Isoëtes azorica Durieu ex Milde.},
}

@article {pmid42615749,
year = {2026},
author = {Güller, M and Zelaya, DG},
title = {First record of the invasive snail Sinotaia quadrata in an isolated lake in Buenos Aires City, Argentina.},
journal = {Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias},
volume = {98},
number = {3},
pages = {e20260336},
doi = {10.1590/0001-3765202620260336},
pmid = {42615749},
issn = {1678-2690},
mesh = {Animals ; *Snails/classification/genetics ; Argentina ; *Lakes ; *Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {The Asian freshwater snail Sinotaia quadrata is here reported for the first time in an isolated urban lake of Buenos Aires City (Argentina). By considering molecular information, the identity of the species is confirmed, and the Chinese / Japanese origin of the Argentine population is proposed. Furthermore, the risk of an imminent regional dispersion of this species is highlighted.},
}

Animals
*Snails/classification/genetics
Argentina
*Lakes
*Introduced Species

@article {pmid42616604,
year = {2026},
author = {Greatens, N and Miller, K and Watkins, E and Jin, Y and Olivera Firpo, PD},
title = {Detection and host specificity of Puccinia digitaticoronata, a new crown rust fungus of Kentucky bluegrass in North America.},
journal = {Plant disease},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1094/PDIS-07-26-1311-RE},
pmid = {42616604},
issn = {0191-2917},
abstract = {In North America, crown rust has emerged as a disease of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and may cause significant damage. After observing crown rust on Poa spp. in Minnesota and on three East Asian buckthorns (Rhamnus crenata, R. davurica, and R. japonica) in North Dakota, we sequenced one to four loci of nine samples for identification and to determine their placement within Puccinia series Coronata. Earlier studies had shown that the P. coronata var. avenae f. sp. avenae clade caused crown rust of Kentucky bluegrass in North America, but phylogenetic analysis identified our samples as a second species, Puccinia digitaticoronata, a crown rust fungus described in 2022 in northeast China and not previously reported in North America. To assess the pathogenicity on potential grass hosts, 787 accessions of 98 species were evaluated with two inocula: one field collection and one pure isolate. Eleven species in Rhamnaceae and Elaeagnaceae were evaluated as potential aecial hosts by inoculation with germinating teliospores. Cereal crops and turfgrasses other than Poa were highly resistant. Twenty-two of the tested gramineous species were susceptible, including twelve Poa spp., and several other native and introduced species in North America. In addition to the three East Asian buckthorn species, the native R. lanceolata and the widespread invasive common buckthorn (R. cathartica) are susceptible and may serve as hosts. Continued observation of Puccinia digitaticornata, a pathogen of the economically significant turfgrass Kentucky bluegrass, will be important to determine the potential impacts of this newly reported rust disease in North America.},
}

@article {pmid42616710,
year = {2026},
author = {Carneiro, L and Caetano, GO and Wang, S and Arbieu, U and Catford, JA and Courchamp, F},
title = {Expert perceptions of the relative importance of ecological impacts of biological invasions.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {8},
pages = {e0351775},
pmid = {42616710},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Ecosystem ; Biodiversity ; Animals ; Ecology ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {Invasive species pose a major threat to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Although it is widely recognized that invasion impacts differ across habitats and taxonomic groups, a systematic evaluation of their perceived ecological importance has remained unexplored. We surveyed over 400 international experts in invasion science to systematically assess the importance of the 19 different types of ecological impacts across habitats, taxa, and levels of biological organization. We found consistent patterns in expert perceptions, where changes in assemblage structure, population size, and species loss were rated as most important, while others, like soundscape, fire regime, and microclimate, consistently received lower scores. Scores between taxa varied more than scores between habitats, while responses were more consistent among respondents with greater experience in the field. Our results highlight the impact types that would require greater management efforts (i.e., the higher scores), as well as those that could benefit from further research (i.e., the lower scores).},
}

*Introduced Species
*Ecosystem
Biodiversity
Animals
Ecology
Conservation of Natural Resources

@article {pmid42617914,
year = {2026},
author = {Lago, N and Basso, A and Paolini, V and Pretto, T},
title = {Spatial and seasonal prevalence of Hematodinium perezi in Atlantic blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) from lagoons of the North-Western Adriatic Sea.},
journal = {Journal of invertebrate pathology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108719},
doi = {10.1016/j.jip.2026.108719},
pmid = {42617914},
issn = {1096-0805},
abstract = {The expansion of the Atlantic blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, along the northern Adriatic coast of Italy is threatening local ecosystems and bivalves aquaculture. This invasive species can host the parasitic dinoflagellate Hematodinium perezi, but no records of this infection in blue crabs exist for the northern Adriatic Sea. To investigate the presence and prevalence of H. perezi in C. sapidus in this region, 209 commercial size specimens collected from seven lagoons were surveyed in spring 2024 using a combination of cytological and histological analyses alongside a specific quantitative PCR assay. Hematodinium perezi was detected in four lagoons with all methods, and the molecular findings were further confirmed by Sanger sequencing. In addition, in vitro culture of the dinoflagellate was successfully obtained, allowing the observation of the parasite life stages and their morphology. Presence of H. perezi showed spatial heterogeneity and its prevalence increased from northern to southern lagoons. In a selected lagoon, monthly monitoring was performed from March 2024 to May 2025 on 450 commercial size specimens and revealed substantial temporal variation in infection prevalence. Hematodinium perezi was detected from December to July while between August and November a substantial reduction of the parasite prevalence was observed. The rapid expansion and high local densities of the Atlantic blue crab likely influenced the observed infection patterns.},
}

@article {pmid42619318,
year = {2026},
author = {Malekera, MJ and Hwang, HS and Acharya, R and Mostafiz, MM and Sharma, SR and Lee, KY},
title = {Comparison of Thermal Tolerance Between Spodoptera frugiperda and Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).},
journal = {Archives of insect biochemistry and physiology},
volume = {122},
number = {4},
pages = {e70208},
pmid = {42619318},
issn = {1520-6327},
support = {NRF-2016R1A6A1A05011910//Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Spodoptera/physiology/growth & development ; Larva/physiology/growth & development ; *Thermotolerance ; Hot Temperature ; Reproduction ; },
abstract = {Both Spodoptera frugiperda and Spodoptera litura are highly invasive pest species that can attack agricultural crops in new areas, causing high economic damage. The survival of invasive species is highly affected by their ability to adapt to new environments as well as climate change. Rapid cold hardening (RCH) and rapid heat hardening (RHH) play important roles in ecological adaptation and survival under fluctuating temperature conditions. To compare the rates of survival, development, and reproduction between S. frugiperda and S. litura, the effects of RCH (5°C for 12 h followed by -10°C for 2 h) and RHH (35°C for 12 h followed by 41°C for 2 h) treatments were determined on the 3rd or 6th instar larvae of both species. The results showed that treatments of CS (-10°C for 2 h) and RCH conditions into the 3rd instar larvae of both S. frugiperda and S. litura increased the survival rates at 23.2% and 24.0%, respectively. Treatments of HS (41°C for 2 h) and RHH conditions into the 3rd instar larvae of both species increased the survival rates at 30.6% and 26.7%, respectively. However, similar thermal hardening conditions treated into the 6th instar larvae did not increase the survival rates in both species. Thermal stress experienced at later larval instars negatively minimized the pupal weight and subsequent reproductive parameters of both species. The findings showed that S. frugiperda had a higher thermal plasticity set off by rapid thermal hardening than S. litura. Our results suggest that S. frugiperda retains the ability to enhance rapid thermal tolerance to cold winters and hot summers in the newly invaded habitats as well as climate change conditions.},
}

Animals
*Spodoptera/physiology/growth & development
Larva/physiology/growth & development
*Thermotolerance
Hot Temperature
Reproduction

@article {pmid42619528,
year = {2026},
author = {Fatoyinbo, L and Barenblitt, A and de Sousa, C and Stovall, A and Goldberg, L and Lagomasino, D and Thomas, N and Nwobi, C and Zabbey, N},
title = {Oil spills and invasive species drive losses in Nigeria's mangrove forests.},
journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences},
volume = {381},
number = {1956},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1098/rstb.2024.0480},
pmid = {42619528},
issn = {1471-2970},
support = {22-ECON22-0026//NASA Ecological Conservation Program/ ; 20-LCLUC2020-0050//NASA Land Cover Land Use Change program/ ; NGS-95945R-22//National Geographic Society/ ; },
mesh = {Nigeria ; *Introduced Species ; *Wetlands ; *Petroleum Pollution/adverse effects ; Biodiversity ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Carbon Cycle ; Rhizophoraceae ; },
abstract = {Mangrove forests are important organic carbon sinks and provide many ecosystem services. However, data on historic extent, biodiversity and carbon stocks remain scarce, especially in Nigeria, the country with the fifth-largest mangrove area globally. Here, we integrate field surveys, remote sensing data (from 40 years of Landsat satellite imagery, TanDEM-X InSAR, GEDI, high-resolution imagery, ALOS/PALSAR and Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar) and numerical modelling to assess changes in mangrove extent, the drivers of change as well as the impact on past and future carbon fluxes. We estimate a total mangrove area of 957 747 ha for 2023 and a 4.5% loss of Nigeria's total mangrove area from 1990 to 2023. By 2023, almost 10% of Nigeria's mangroves-93 178 ha-are dominated by the invasive mangrove palm, Nypa fruticans, which expanded by 70 000 ha in just 15 years. Oil spill pollution was the direct cause of at least 37% of all mangrove ecosystem loss and the main driver of loss in the Niger Delta. These findings indicate that Nigeria has experienced the third-largest loss of mangrove cover extent globally, after Indonesia and Australia. We found that the total cumulative emissions from mangrove conversion from 1995 to 2023 were 48.62 Tg CO2eq, equivalent to almost 40% of Nigeria's annual emissions in 2023. A French translation of this abstract is available in the supplementary material. This article is part of the Discussion Meeting Issue 'African tropical peatlands: function, value and vulnerability'.},
}

Nigeria
*Introduced Species
*Wetlands
*Petroleum Pollution/adverse effects
Biodiversity
*Conservation of Natural Resources
*Carbon Cycle
Rhizophoraceae

@article {pmid42286097,
year = {2026},
author = {Fischbein, D and Germano, MD and Martínez, AS and Mensch, J and Kun, ME and Cardozo, A and Chillo, V},
title = {Seasonal and environmental patterns of naturally occurring parasitoids with potential to attack the invasive pest Drosophila suzukii in the Andes.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42286097},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {projects PDI074//National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA)/ ; Grant IMPACT.AR Nº18//Argentina's National Ministry of Science/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Drosophila/parasitology ; *Seasons ; *Introduced Species ; Argentina ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Ecosystem ; Population Dynamics ; Pest Control, Biological ; },
abstract = {Landscape complexity shapes insect spatiotemporal population dynamics and trophic interactions. In this context, understanding seasonal and environmental patterns of potential resident natural enemies of novel polyphagous herbivores, such as the globally invasive fruit fly pest Drosophila suzukii, is fundamental for developing effective landscape-scale pest management strategies. Here, we investigated for the first time in the Andean Patagonian region of Argentina the spatiotemporal dynamics and parasitism of three resident parasitoids-Leptopilina heterotoma, Pachycrepoideus vindemiae, and Spalangia endius-with the potential to attack D. suzukii across heterogeneous landscape including fruit crops and surrounding natural habitats. All three parasitoid species were recorded across all environments, although their seasonal dynamics differed. L. heterotoma peaked in spring, P. vindemiae in summer, while S. endius showed a non-significant tendency toward higher activity in autumn. We further provide the first field-based evidence in the region that S. endius successfully attacks and completes development in D. suzukii, and that D. suzukii exploits wild fruit species as alternative hosts. These findings highlight the need for further research on the pupal parasitoid S. endius to assess its potential as a suitable candidate for the development of biological control strategies.},
}

Animals
*Drosophila/parasitology
*Seasons
*Introduced Species
Argentina
Host-Parasite Interactions
Ecosystem
Population Dynamics
Pest Control, Biological

@article {pmid42610186,
year = {2026},
author = {Aizen, MA and Gleiser, G and Morales, CL and Sáez, A and Harder, LD},
title = {Global agriculture shows limited evidence of a pollinator-driven yield decline to date.},
journal = {Annals of botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/aob/mcag258},
pmid = {42610186},
issn = {1095-8290},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: During recent decades, declines in the abundance and diversity of wild pollinators have been widely documented, largely driven by human-induced disturbance, such as agricultural expansion, land-use change, pesticide use, invasive species, urbanization, and climate change. Because deficits in animal pollination often limit fruit and seed production in both wild plants and cultivated crops -due to insufficient or ineffective pollen deposition on flowers' stigmas- pollinator decline has raised concern about consequences for plant reproduction and agricultural yields. Expected increases in pollination shortfalls are frequently portrayed as a global pollination crisis, with potential implications for food security.

SCOPE: We evaluate evidence of pollinator decline and its relevance within agroecosystems. We then examine whether pollen limitation is common among pollinator-dependent crops and assess whether its severity increases with crop reliance on pollinators. Finally, we revisit previous analyses and reanalyze long-term data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to assess whether yield growth has slowed more markedly in crops with higher pollinator dependence.

CONCLUSIONS: Our review and reanalyses reveal limited evidence for the existence of a pollination crisis that is increasingly limiting the yield of pollinator-dependent crops globally. This conclusion stands despite robust evidence of a global decline in pollinator diversity, frequent pollen limitation-whose severity increases with crop pollinator dependence-and numerous demonstrations that reduced pollinator abundance and diversity constrain crop yields at local and regional scales. This apparent contradiction arises from various mitigating factors, including improved management of wild and domesticated pollinators, the spread of invasive bee species, and advances in crop breeding and cultivation, which have so far buffered global agricultural yields against the impacts of declining populations of native pollinators. Ultimately, deepening our understanding of the factors driving pollen limitation is crucial to ensuring that future crop yields can sustain the dietary needs of a growing global population.},
}

@article {pmid42329398,
year = {2026},
author = {Griffin, RA and Fehsenfeld, S and Maccagno, J and Alessi, DS and Blewett, TA},
title = {Survival and osmoregulatory capacity of green crabs (Carcinus maenas) invasive to Canadian Pacific estuaries throughout acute freshwater exposure.},
journal = {Journal of comparative physiology. B, Biochemical, systemic, and environmental physiology},
volume = {196},
number = {4},
pages = {429-445},
pmid = {42329398},
issn = {1432-136X},
support = {Grant for Marine Conservation Targets under the Ecosystems and Ocean Sciences Contribution Framework for the project "Forecasting and mitigating the risk from invasive European green crab (Carcinus maenas) in the Pacific Canada's marine protected areas"//Fisheries and Oceans Canada/ ; NSERC DGECR-2020-00068//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Brachyura/physiology ; *Osmoregulation ; Hemolymph/metabolism/chemistry ; Fresh Water ; Estuaries ; *Introduced Species ; Oxygen Consumption ; Acclimatization ; Canada ; Cyclic AMP/metabolism ; Temperature ; },
abstract = {Global ecosystems are under constant threat from nonindigenous species, with the potential to cause both economic and ecological harm on a global scale. The green crab (C. maenas) has invaded global coastlines, increasing resource competition and predating upon native organisms. Recent evidence also suggests the green crabs within the Canadian Pacific estuaries possess an acute tolerance to extremely dilute and freshwater (FW) environments compared to historical literature. If Pacific green crabs are indeed tolerant to limited FW exposure, this could increase their ecological range to forage or avoid competitive interactions and predation. Here we evaluate the response of Pacific C. maenas to acute FW exposure, and the implications of increasing temperatures on haemolymph composition in a dilute environment. With an average survival time of 25.4 ± 1.22 h in FW following acclimation to 6.6 ppt seawater (SW), Pacific green crabs exhibited an acute tolerance to exposure in extremely dilute environments. Pacific green crab's haemolymph osmolality, branchial cyclic AMP (cAMP), oxygen consumption, haemolymph protein, and hemocyanin are largely unaffected within at least the first 6 h of FW exposure. Branchial cAMP in particular was shown to be over 2-fold higher in green crabs acclimated to 18 °C when compared to those acclimated at 12 °C, suggesting that endocrine differences might be correlated to temperature rather than salinity. We propose that the invasive green crabs residing within the Canadian Pacific estuaries of Vancouver Island exhibit a limited but increased tolerance to extremely dilute environments compared to those historically measured in Atlantic populations.},
}

Animals
*Brachyura/physiology
*Osmoregulation
Hemolymph/metabolism/chemistry
Fresh Water
Estuaries
*Introduced Species
Oxygen Consumption
Acclimatization
Canada
Cyclic AMP/metabolism
Temperature

@article {pmid42604200,
year = {2026},
author = {Tursun, N and Üremiş, İ and Soylu, S and Uludağ, A},
title = {Comparative Distribution Projections of Hydrophilic and Xerophytic Invasive Species in Turkey Under CMIP6 Climate Scenarios.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {e74172},
pmid = {42604200},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Climate change imposes varying pressures on the potential distribution of invasive alien plant species, depending on their specific ecological strategies and physiological tolerances. In this study, the projected potential ranges within Turkey of the hydrophilic Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) and the markedly xerophytic Solanum elaeagnifolium (silverleaf nightshade) were compared under several CMIP6 climate scenarios: SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0 and SSP5-8.5. Species distribution models were produced using an ensemble modelling framework combining Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt), Random Forest (RF) and Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) in the R statistical computing environment, yielding excellent predictive performance for both taxa. Model outputs revealed strongly divergent, indeed opposing, spatial responses between the two species. Rather than persisting stably within its current range, E. crassipes is projected to undergo a severe contraction of its suitable habitat across all emission scenarios, as increasing drought severity and the degradation of wetland habitats progressively outweigh any potential benefit from milder winters, restricting the species to highly fragmented coastal micro-refugia. In contrast, S. elaeagnifolium displays a more complex, non-linear trajectory: an initial, pronounced expansion into the interior agricultural basins of the Aegean hinterland and Southeastern Anatolia through the mid-century, followed by a marked contraction by 2100 as extreme thermal and arid conditions exceed the species' physiological tolerance limits, particularly under the higher emission scenarios. These results demonstrate that climate change does not confer a uniform range-expansion advantage on invasive taxa. Instead, effective management requires dynamic, species-specific strategies-including early warning systems, strict quarantine measures, and spatially explicit, climate-informed risk mapping that account for both the timing and directionality of range shifts.},
}

@article {pmid42576073,
year = {2026},
author = {Baranová, B and Bednárová, K and Gruľová, D and Javed, Q and Sabalová, M and Kudláčková, B and Svojanovská, L and Amato, G and Caputo, L and De Feo, V and De Martino, L and Pliszko, A},
title = {Ecotoxicological effect of invasive Solidago canadensis L. and hybrid Solidago x niederederi Khek derived extracts toward selected aquatic, semi-aquatic and soil invertebrates.},
journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international},
volume = {33},
number = {26},
pages = {13312-13329},
pmid = {42576073},
issn = {1614-7499},
support = {014PU-4/2025//Agentúra Ministerstva Školstva, Vedy, Výskumu a Športu SR/ ; 24-0008//Agentúra na Podporu Výskumu a Vývoja/ ; RS-1607-04-2425//CEEPUS/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Solidago/chemistry/genetics ; Oligochaeta/drug effects ; Introduced Species ; *Plant Extracts/toxicity/chemistry ; Larva/drug effects ; Oils, Volatile/toxicity ; *Invertebrates/drug effects ; Aedes/drug effects ; Aquatic Organisms/drug effects ; Ecotoxicology ; },
abstract = {Allelopathy is associated with biodiversity loss and assemblage changes in Solidago invaded plots. Although plant-allelopathic effects are well documented, little is known about the toxicity of goldenrod allelochemicals to invertebrates, despite its high biomass production and release of bioactive compounds via volatilization, root exudation or during decomposition, whereas the lack of information is especially evident for the new hybrid S. × niederederi. We conducted a laboratory experiment to assess the effect of water extracts and essential oils derived from the invasive Solidago canadensis and hybrid Solidago × niederederi against larvae of the blood-feeding, invasive Asian bush mosquito (Aedes japonicus), glass worms (larvae of non-hematophagous Chaoborus mosquitoes), sludge worms (Tubifex tubifex), and earthworms (Eisenia fetida), which represent aquatic, semi-aquatic and soil-dwelling invertebrates. Impact was determined on the model organism's mortality and lethal concentration values (LC50/LC90). Except for the content of phenolic acids and saponins in the water extracts, and the representation of dominant compounds in the essential oils plus their acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition activity were determined too. Subsequently, possible link to the toxicity was evaluated as well. Used invertebrates exhibited various sensitivities, depending on the extract type: essential oils from both goldenrod species caused high mortality of A. japonicus larvae. We also observed pronounced toxicity of S. canadensis essential oil toward glass worms. In contrast, the essential oils from invader and hybrid had no harmful effect on the earthworms or sludge worms, while both goldenrod's water extracts caused certain mortality of T. tubifex and total mortality of E. fetida. Our analyses suggest that the toxicity of goldenrod's allelochemicals against invertebrates may be linked to the presence of specific phenolic acids and saponins in water extracts, and the inhibitory activity of essential oils against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase consequently. The study thus indicates possible ecological consequences of goldenrod invasion on the impacted faunal communities. Possible usage of Solidago representative's biomass for the bio-based pesticide development, as part of the practically focused plant invasion management, can be deduced as well.},
}

Animals
*Solidago/chemistry/genetics
Oligochaeta/drug effects
Introduced Species
*Plant Extracts/toxicity/chemistry
Larva/drug effects
Oils, Volatile/toxicity
*Invertebrates/drug effects
Aedes/drug effects
Aquatic Organisms/drug effects
Ecotoxicology

@article {pmid42600534,
year = {2026},
author = {Martins, M and Arenas, F and Lindegren, M and Vale, CG and Meyer, HS and Babe, O and Dolbeth, M},
title = {When thermal shifts reshape function in intertidal seaweeds communities.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {221},
number = {},
pages = {108330},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.108330},
pmid = {42600534},
issn = {1879-0291},
mesh = {Seashore ; *Seaweed/physiology ; *Climate Change ; *Temperature ; *Ecosystem ; Portugal ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Climate-driven changes are reshaping marine communities worldwide, yet its functional consequences for intertidal macroalgae remain poorly resolved. We investigated temporal trends in community thermal affinity and functional trait composition of low intertidal macroalgae assemblages along the northern Portuguese coast over seven years spanning more than one decade (2006-2008, 2021-2024). Although mean Community Temperature Index (CTI) remained relatively stable, substantial community turnover occurred. This pattern was primarily driven by changes in the abundance of cold-affinity species, with deborealization and borealization contributing to observed shifts in thermal composition. Furthermore, we demonstrate pronounced temporal shifts in functional traits, including pigmentation, morphology, reproductive mode and structural complexity. Analyses of functional redundancy and originality showed that foundation species disproportionately shape community functional structure. More specifically, Laminaria ochroleuca exhibited high functional originality but low redundancy, indicating potential vulnerability to abundance declines. Community turnover, including the emergence of invasive species like Asparagopsis armata, further illustrates dynamic restructuring of functional space. Together, these results indicate that, despite apparent thermal stability, intertidal macroalgae communities are undergoing functional reorganization, with potential consequences for productivity, habitat complexity, and blue carbon capacity. Conserving functionally original and habitat-forming species is therefore critical for maintaining ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change.},
}

Seashore
*Seaweed/physiology
*Climate Change
*Temperature
*Ecosystem
Portugal
Biodiversity

@article {pmid42271238,
year = {2026},
author = {Bi, JG and Wang, YH and Li, PK and Liu, Q and Zheng, X},
title = {Metagenomic insights into regional gut microbiota variation of invasive Spodoptera frugiperda across the Gaoligong Mountains.},
journal = {BMC microbiology},
volume = {26},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42271238},
issn = {1471-2180},
support = {202102AA310055//the Supported by the Major Science and Technique Programs of Yunnan Province/ ; YNWRQNBJ2020101//the Young Top Talents of the High-level Talents Training Support Program in Yunnan Province/ ; 202305AM340031//the Lower Nu River, Mountain Agroecosystem, Observation and Research Station of Yunnan Province/ ; 2026J1054//the Yunnan Provincial Department of Education Science Research Fund Project/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Spodoptera/microbiology ; China ; *Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics ; *Metagenomics/methods ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; Introduced Species ; Larva/microbiology ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The invasive pest Spodoptera frugiperda poses a potential threat to the ecological security of western Yunnan, using the Gaoligong Mountains as an important cross-border corridor and overwintering site. However, the potential role of gut microbiota in the local adaptation of S. frugiperda during its invasion remains poorly understood.

METHODS: Adult populations were monitored using sex pheromone traps, and metagenomic sequencing was performed on larval gut microbiota from different regions of the Gaoligong Mountains. The gut microbial composition and functional potential were analyzed, with specific focus on the microbial traits potentially associated with host adaptation and invasion.

RESULTS: S. frugiperda populations persisted year-round in the Gaoligong Mountains, with adult activity peaking from January to May. Microbial diversity was highest in southern samples. Enterococcus, typically dominant in S. frugiperda, displayed low abundance in the central and northern regions. In contrast, Providencia emerged as the dominant genus specifically at the Pianma site (PM, along the China-Myanmar border), where the gut microbiota exhibited higher abundance of site-specific functional genes compared to other regions. These genes encoded proteins including type 1 subunit membrane proteins and outer membrane-targeting proteins. Additionally, the PM samples showed a higher relative abundance of genes K07345, K07347, and K15125. Functional annotation highlighted a strong potential for vancomycin degradation and an enrichment of diverse antimicrobial resistance-associated genes, with adeL being the most abundant.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the PM area may represent an important gateway or a priority monitoring site for the transboundary invasion of S. frugiperda, underscoring the urgency of strengthening local management of invasive pests.},
}

Animals
*Spodoptera/microbiology
China
*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics
*Metagenomics/methods
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
Introduced Species
Larva/microbiology
Phylogeny

@article {pmid42435708,
year = {2026},
author = {Chiappi, M and Azzurro, E and Chkili, O and Daou, H and Ahamada, EE and Duley, J and Mayot, N and Mégevand, L and Sucré, E and Marchessaux, G},
title = {Projecting seasonal and future thermal suitability of the invasive and commercially valuable Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum (A. Adams and Reeve, 1850) in a warming Mediterranean Sea.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {221},
number = {},
pages = {108263},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.108263},
pmid = {42435708},
issn = {1879-0291},
mesh = {Animals ; Mediterranean Sea ; *Bivalvia/physiology ; Seasons ; *Ecosystem ; *Introduced Species ; Temperature ; *Climate Change ; },
abstract = {The Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum, is a commercially valuable non-native species that has successfully colonized European coastal ecosystems. Here, by integrating physiological experiments with a metabolic performance-based habitat suitability mapping approach, we investigate its thermal tolerance and habitat suitability in the Mediterranean Sea, with a focus on the Berre Lagoon. Using a respirometry-based thermal performance curve modelling, we quantified respiration rates across a temperature gradient and fitted a Thermal Performance Curve (TPC) selected via AICc comparison of 22 candidate models, with the Johnson and Lewin (1946) model providing best fit. The optimal temperature (Topt) was identified at 32.89°C, with a narrow thermal safety margin of 1.49°C preceding the critical thermal maximum (CTmax) of 34.38°C. Seasonal and spatial projections of Thermal Habitat Suitability (THS) for the Mediterranean populations indicate that winter remains persistently unsuitable across present and future scenarios, with minimal change over time. Conditions appear to worsen in future spring, while improving in future summer and, to a lesser extent, in future autumn. Long-term monitoring in the Berre Lagoon indicated an increase in favorable thermal conditions over time, supporting the species' persistence. These findings demonstrate the critical role of integrating physiological thresholds into ecological models to support effective management under climate change. Furthermore, they improve our capacity to predict present and future dynamics of this invasive and commercially important species, including implications for its aquaculture under accelerating Mediterranean environmental change.},
}

Animals
Mediterranean Sea
*Bivalvia/physiology
Seasons
*Ecosystem
*Introduced Species
Temperature
*Climate Change

@article {pmid42485936,
year = {2026},
author = {Montesanto, F and De Lisa, E and Gissi, C and Mastrototaro, F and Manni, L},
title = {The hidden invader: ascidian Didemnum pseudovexillum expands eastward in two Mediterranean non-indigenous species hotspots.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {221},
number = {},
pages = {108274},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.108274},
pmid = {42485936},
issn = {1879-0291},
mesh = {Animals ; *Urochordata/physiology ; Mediterranean Sea ; *Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; *Environmental Monitoring ; Aquaculture ; *Animal Distribution ; },
abstract = {Biological invasions are escalating threats to marine ecosystems, and cryptic and/or cryptogenic species are especially problematic because their morphological similarity to native or established taxa may lead to undetected introductions and delayed management responses. Among these taxa, colonial ascidians are widespread biofouling organisms on artificial infrastructures, frequently introduced and challenging to identify. Here we document the establishment of the ascidian Didemnum pseudovexillum Turon and Viard, 2020 in two Eastern Mediterranean hotspots of non-indigenous species (NIS), the Venice Lagoon and Gulf of Taranto. Integrative taxonomy based on morphological and COI-based analyses confirmed species identity and revealed persistent colonization of artificial substrates, with larvae recorded in autumn. We characterized the environmental niche of D. pseudovexillum across local temperature-salinity gradients and its reproductive window in the northern Adriatic and Ionian Seas. To evaluate the wider invasion threat posed by D. vexillum and D. pseudovexillum, we developed a multi-factor risk assessment for 21 Mediterranean ports and aquaculture hubs. Environmental suitability, shipping connectivity, diversity of established NIS ascidians, and aquaculture intensity were combined into a composite risk index, and its sensitivity to alternative weighting schemes was explored. Our results highlight D. pseudovexillum as an overlooked invader in the whole Mediterranean and provide an operational basis for prioritizing molecular surveillance of this species and other cryptic ascidians in NIS hotspots.},
}

Animals
*Urochordata/physiology
Mediterranean Sea
*Introduced Species
Ecosystem
*Environmental Monitoring
Aquaculture
*Animal Distribution

@article {pmid42537594,
year = {2026},
author = {Torres-Rodríguez, M and Bhuiyan, MKA and Godoy, O and González-Ortegón, E and Rodil, IF and Martos-Sitcha, JA},
title = {Seasonal lipid and fatty acid profiles of the invasive blue crab Callinectes sapidus and the native ditch shrimp Palaemon varians in the Bay of Cádiz salt marshes.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {221},
number = {},
pages = {108319},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.108319},
pmid = {42537594},
issn = {1879-0291},
mesh = {Animals ; *Fatty Acids/analysis/metabolism ; *Brachyura ; Seasons ; Wetlands ; *Palaemonidae/metabolism/chemistry ; *Lipids/analysis ; Spain ; *Introduced Species ; Male ; *Lipid Metabolism ; Bays ; },
abstract = {Salt marshes support aquatic species of ecological and commercial importance, including the invasive Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus and the native Atlantic ditch shrimp Palaemon varians, both of which are widely consumed in southern Europe. However, year-round comparative information on how co-occurring native and invasive decapods adjust their lipid reserves and fatty acid (FA) composition under natural estuarine conditions remains limited. Here, we compared seasonal variation in lipid classes and FA composition in adult males of both species sampled monthly from salt marsh ponds in the Bay of Cádiz (SW Spain) from February 2023 to January 2024. Environmental conditions in the water varied across seasons, and both species showed seasonal changes in lipid classes and FA composition, but with contrasting patterns. In C. sapidus, triglycerides declined during summer, whereas unsaturated fractions, particularly polyunsaturated FAs, were generally more prominent in late winter and spring. In P. varians, triglycerides increased in autumn, saturated FAs dominated from winter to spring, and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FAs increased during autumn and early winter. The blue crab showed a more diffuse seasonal biochemical pattern, whereas the ditch shrimp showed a more structured seasonal organization, with broader statistical associations between lipid traits and environmental variables. Seasonal effects were evident in both species, but more pronounced in P. varians. Both analysed matrices contained eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) throughout the year, indicating the presence of nutritionally relevant long-chain n-3 PUFA, although these relative FA percentages should not be interpreted as direct estimates of EPA/DHA intake or food safety. This study provides a year-round biochemical baseline showing that co-occurring native and invasive decapods can display distinct matrix-specific seasonal biochemical trajectories in the Cádiz Bay salt marsh ponds.},
}

Animals
*Fatty Acids/analysis/metabolism
*Brachyura
Seasons
Wetlands
*Palaemonidae/metabolism/chemistry
*Lipids/analysis
Spain
*Introduced Species
Male
*Lipid Metabolism
Bays

@article {pmid42589162,
year = {2026},
author = {Barría-Iriarte, S and Soto-Jiménez, D and Salcedo-Díaz, F and Labra-Oróstica, N and Aguilar, P and Valladares-Faúndez, P and Muñoz, JP and Quezada-Romegialli, C},
title = {Mitogenome-Informed Metabarcoding for Non-Invasive Identification of Sympatric Flamingos in Northern Chile.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {15},
pages = {},
pmid = {42589162},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {Programa Fortalecimiento Grupos de Investigación UTA 4769-24//Universidad de Tarapacá/ ; },
abstract = {The Chilean flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) is a widely distributed South American species inhabiting diverse wetland ecosystems from Ecuador and Peru south to Chile and Argentina, and east to Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay, ranging from sea level to high-altitude Andean salars. Despite its broad distribution, local populations are increasingly exposed to anthropogenic pressures, raising conservation concerns at regional scales. In this study, we generated mitogenomic resources and developed a molecular framework for species identification using non-invasive samples. We sequenced genomic DNA from P. chilensis and assembled its complete mitogenome, enabling the in silico evaluation of commonly used metabarcoding markers. Subsequently, we collected eight fecal samples from a feeding site in a high-Andean lagoon where P. chilensis co-occurs with Phoenicoparrus andinus and Phoenicoparrus jamesi. As a positive control, nine additional fecal samples were collected from the Zoológico Nacional, Santiago, Chile, where only P. chilensis is maintained. DNA was extracted and initially screened via Sanger sequencing. To robustly assign taxonomic identity, we implemented a probabilistic framework combining maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference to estimate the posterior probability of species membership based on observed genetic variants. This approach revealed the presence of two genetically distinct groups not attributable to P. chilensis, indicating the coexistence and detectability of other flamingo taxa through fecal DNA. Our results demonstrate the value of integrating mitogenomic resources, metabarcoding, and statistical inference for non-invasive species identification in mixed-species systems. This framework provides a scalable tool for biodiversity monitoring and has direct implications for conservation strategies and evidence-based policy development in fragile high-Andean ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid42589181,
year = {2026},
author = {Gomontean, B and Pingal, AC and Khamthong, K},
title = {Identifying Potassium-Associated Ecological Transition Zones for Mimosa pigra Invasion Using Explainable Machine Learning and Bayesian Inference.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {15},
pages = {},
pmid = {42589181},
issn = {2079-7737},
support = {//Mahasarakham University/ ; },
abstract = {Invasive alien plant species (IAPS) are among the leading drivers of global biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation, particularly in vulnerable wetland ecosystems where they disrupt ecological processes and diminish ecosystem services [...].},
}

@article {pmid42589183,
year = {2026},
author = {Šuikaitė, I and Šmeliova, K and Karosienė, J and Burokienė, D and Čepukoit, D and Koreivienė, J},
title = {Phylogenetic Identity, Cyanotoxin Production Potential, and Thermal Performance in Native and Alien Nostocalean Cyanobacteria Under Climate Warming.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {15},
pages = {},
pmid = {42589183},
issn = {2079-7737},
abstract = {Climate-driven warming may enhance the spread of warm-adapted alien cyanobacteria in freshwater ecosystems. This study assessed four nostocalean cyanobacteria from European lakes-native Aphanizomenon gracile and alien Chrysosporum bergii, Raphidiopsis raciborskii, and Sphaerospermopsis aphanizomenoides-to evaluate species identity, toxin production potential, and thermal responses. A polyphasic approach combining phylogenetic analysis, morphology, and toxin screening confirmed the identifications and revealed a saxitoxin-producing A. gracile strain. No toxin genes were detected in the alien taxa. Experimental testing across 15-35 °C demonstrated broader thermal tolerance in the alien species, which maintained positive growth across 20-35 °C but showed limited performance at 15 °C. In contrast, the native Aphanizomenon gracile maintained positive growth at 15 °C, indicating greater adaptation to cooler conditions. Isolate-specific variation at thermal extremes highlighted the importance of ecotype-level traits. Our findings suggest that rising temperatures, combined with strain-level physiological diversity, may increase the risk of alien cyanobacteria establishing and forming blooms in temperate lakes. This study supports the need for monitoring strategies that integrate taxonomy, ecophysiology, and local adaptation to better assess invasion potential under changing environmental conditions.},
}

@article {pmid42590869,
year = {2026},
author = {Flores-Moya, A and Melero-Jiménez, IJ and García-Sánchez, MJ and Bañares-España, E},
title = {Fluctuating asymmetry based on fractal geometry does not track environmental stress in an intertidal habitat-forming fucoid.},
journal = {Journal of phycology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/jpy.70221},
pmid = {42590869},
issn = {1529-8817},
support = {//Instituto de Estudios Ceutíes/ ; PID2023-152625NB-I00//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; PCIN-2016-090//Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad/ ; //Universidad de Málaga/CBUA/ ; },
abstract = {The availability of easy-to-measure and inexpensive biomarkers is a challenge for monitoring environmental stress in organisms. Although it has been proposed that non-directional deviations from a symmetrical pattern in morphological traits (called fluctuating asymmetry. FA) may be directly related to environmental stress, this postulate has been questioned. Self-similarity symmetry (fractal) is one possible approach to addressing FA analysis, but there are very few studies with this approach, and the results have been inconclusive. Here, we evaluate whether fractal descriptors of thallus morphology in the habitat-forming fucoid Fucus limitaneus reflect environmental stress across multiple contexts, including seasonal variation, vertical gradients in the intertidal zone, and the possible long-term impact of an invasive species. Our results show that fractal metrics did not vary consistently across these contrasting environmental conditions, suggesting that in this system, FA based on fractal geometry does not reliably track environmental stress. This is possibly because stress is expressed through alternative ecological and biomechanical processes rather than through modifications of thallus self-similarity.},
}

@article {pmid42595412,
year = {2026},
author = {Marić Pfannkuchen, D and Knjaz, M and Baričević, A and Smodlaka Tanković, M and Vlašiček, I and Kogovšek, T and Grižančić, L and Podolšak, I and Turković, A and Pfannkuchen, M},
title = {A two-year in situ survey of HAB taxa and their respective metabolic activities in the Northern Adriatic Sea.},
journal = {Harmful algae},
volume = {158},
number = {},
pages = {103164},
doi = {10.1016/j.hal.2026.103164},
pmid = {42595412},
issn = {1878-1470},
mesh = {*Phytoplankton/metabolism/classification ; *Dinoflagellida/metabolism ; *Harmful Algal Bloom ; Oceans and Seas ; Diatoms/metabolism ; Transcriptome ; Mediterranean Sea ; },
abstract = {Over the past two decades, omics approaches have been widely applied to investigate the molecular diversity and physiological responses of marine eukaryotic phytoplankton to changing environmental conditions. The northern Adriatic stands as a highly dynamic marine ecosystem in which multiple environmental stressors and steep ecological gradients shape phytoplankton communities, particularly through phosphorus limitation. In this study, metatranscriptomic and metabarcoding approaches, complemented by light microscopy, were used to investigate the taxonomic composition and functional dynamics of the phytoplankton community in the northern Adriatic Sea, with a focus on toxic and potentially toxic genera. Monthly sampling, from April 2021 to January 2023, was conducted at two coastal stations. The three-method approach enabled differentiation between the two stations according to presence and metabolic contribution of toxic and potentially toxic genera. We demonstrate that molecular approaches (metatranscriptomics and metabarcoding) nearly doubled the detected species richness compared to traditional microscopy, highlighting a significant underestimation of cryptic, nanoplanktonic, and toxigenic species in current monitoring frameworks. Metatranscriptomic data reveal that many HAB taxa maintain active metabolic states throughout the year, even when their biomass is undetectable by light microscopy, suggesting the persistence of low-abundance active populations rather than exclusive reliance on quiescent resting stages. For the studied area, Pseudo-nitzschia species metabolically dominated the autumn diatom bloom. In spring 2021, a Noctiluca outbreak was detected, along with most other toxic and potentially toxic dinoflagellate genera recorded during the study period, notably Alexandrium, Amphidinium, Azadinium, Dinophysis, Gambierdiscus and Karenia. The results indicate that intense N. scintillans blooms markedly reshape phytoplankton metabolic activity, with implications for nutrient and carbon cycling. Based on patterns of metabolic pathway activity, including photosynthesis, carbon fixation, nitrogen metabolism, glycolysis, and oxidative phosphorylation, together with associated physiological responses, we identified contrasting life strategies and adaptive responses among phytoplankton taxa. This study provides critical new insights into the inventory of toxic species and their metabolic activities in the Northern Adriatic, including the detection of several toxigenic and potentially invasive species previously unrecorded or poorly resolved in the region, such as Azadinium poporum, Karlodinium veneficum, Gambierdiscus australes, and Prymnesium parvum. However, the results also underscore the need for further long term, multi-method research to fully understand the ongoing dramatic ecological changes in the northern Adriatic ecosystem in particular with respect to HAB species.},
}

*Phytoplankton/metabolism/classification
*Dinoflagellida/metabolism
*Harmful Algal Bloom
Oceans and Seas
Diatoms/metabolism
Transcriptome
Mediterranean Sea

@article {pmid42596561,
year = {2026},
author = {Poveda-Martinez, D and Gauthier, P and Lefebvre, MJM and Degrugillier, F and Dobigny, G and Quéré, JP and Dalecky, A and Niang, Y and Kane, M and Mbou-Boutambe, C and Mangombi, J and Atteynine, SA and Badou, S and Garba, M and Caminade, P and Ngoubangoye, B and Smadja, CM and Boundenga, L and Granjon, L and Rougeron, V and Prugnolle, F and Brouat, C},
title = {Multiple Eurasian Origins and Admixture Shaped the Genomic Legacy of the House Mouse Invasion in Africa.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {35},
number = {16},
pages = {e70507},
pmid = {42596561},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; //Institut de Recherche pour le Développement/ ; //Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Mice/genetics ; *Genetics, Population ; Africa ; *Introduced Species ; Genome ; Humans ; Genomics ; Europe ; },
abstract = {Commensal mammals offer unique opportunities to study how human-mediated dispersal, admixture, and secondary contact shape genomic variation during range expansion, yet for one of the most successful invasive commensals globally, the western house mouse Mus musculus domesticus, invasion dynamics across Africa remain largely unexplored. Here, we present a large-scale population genomic analysis of 380 whole-genome sequences, including 303 newly sequenced low-coverage genomes, of which 216 are from 13 distinct African populations, enabling us to investigate how human-mediated dispersal and secondary contact with native species shape the genomic legacy of a commensal mammal invasion. Ancestry analyses reveal contributions from at least three major Eurasian source lineages contributing to African populations: an Iberian-West Asian lineage present in Morocco, Algeria, and Niger; a Mediterranean lineage represented in Tunisia; and a Northern European lineage dominant in West and Central Africa. Demographic inferences indicate both recent and ancient episodes of divergence and population contraction. In West and Central Africa, divergence times broadly overlap with European maritime expansion and colonial trade. In contrast, North African populations exhibit older coalescent signals, consistent with early participation in the western Mediterranean radiation. We also detect substantial introgression from the native Mus spretus into North African populations in regions of sympatry. Collectively, our results reveal that the African invasion of the house mouse was not a single demographic process but a mosaic of population-specific histories shaped by multiple introductions, shifting connectivity through time, admixture, and interspecific gene flow. These findings reinforce the importance of population-level perspectives in invasion genomics, especially for commensal mammals whose dispersal is closely tied to human movement, and establish the most extensive open genomic resource for wild African house mice.},
}

Animals
Mice/genetics
*Genetics, Population
Africa
*Introduced Species
Genome
Humans
Genomics
Europe

@article {pmid42283827,
year = {2026},
author = {Wiśniewski, P and Maździarz, M and Kwietniewska, K and Krawczyk, K},
title = {Shifts in Rhizosphere Bacterial Community Composition and Predicted Functional Potential Associated with Impatiens parviflora Invasion in Temperate Forest.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {89},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42283827},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {No. 12.610.002-110//Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski w Olsztynie/ ; },
mesh = {*Rhizosphere ; *Soil Microbiology ; Forests ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/metabolism ; Introduced Species ; *Impatiens/microbiology/growth & development ; *Microbiota ; Poland ; Metagenomics ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Impatiens parviflora is a widespread invasive plant in temperate European forests, yet its influence on rhizosphere microbial communities remains poorly understood. This study provides initial metagenomic insights into taxonomic shifts and predicted functional potential of bacterial communities associated with this invader. Rhizosphere soils were collected from eight I. parviflora-invaded and eight non-invaded control plots in a mixed coniferous forest in northern Poland and analysed using Oxford Nanopore shotgun sequencing, with functional inference performed using the taxonomy-dependent FAPROTAX database. Bacterial richness was significantly higher in invaded soils, whereas Shannon and Simpson diversity indices did not differ between treatments, indicating an expansion of rare taxa without changes in overall diversity structure. The invaded rhizosphere was characterised by a uniform depletion of dominant bacterial orders, with no significantly enriched taxa detected, contrasting with the selective enrichment of microbial groups often reported for other invasive plant species. FAPROTAX-based predictions indicated consistently lower inferred abundances of 37 metabolic processes in invaded plots, including those related to nitrogen cycling and degradation of complex plant polymers. Because these functional predictions are derived from taxonomic composition, they represent inferred ecological potential rather than measured activity. Overall, these results generate testable hypotheses regarding plant-soil feedbacks and highlight the utility of long-read metagenomics for exploring microbial dynamics potentially contributing to the ecological success of I. parviflora in temperate forests.},
}

*Rhizosphere
*Soil Microbiology
Forests
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification/metabolism
Introduced Species
*Impatiens/microbiology/growth & development
*Microbiota
Poland
Metagenomics
Biodiversity

@article {pmid42577452,
year = {2026},
author = {Ding, L and Yang, T and Wang, S and Zhou, H and Xin, R and Miao, Q and Guan, P and Qu, B},
title = {The Complete Chloroplast Genome Sequences of Salvia reflexa and Genome Comparison: Implications for Phylogeny and Plant Invasion.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {e74078},
pmid = {42577452},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Salvia reflexa is an invasive plant of global concern due to its strong invasiveness and toxicity. However, limited chloroplast genomic information has hindered a comprehensive understanding of its phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history. To investigate the genomic features associated with invasiveness, the complete chloroplast genome of S. reflexa was sequenced and characterized, and a comparative analysis was conducted with other invasive and non-invasive species of the Salvia. The chloroplast genome of S. reflexa spanned 150,629 bp and possessed a typical quadripartite structure, including 82,054 bp large single-copy region, 17,569 bp small single-copy region, and two inverted repeats of 25,503 bp each. A total of 133 genes were identified, consisting of 88 protein-coding genes, 37 transfer RNA genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. A total of 710 long repeats and 542 SSRs were identified across the analyzed Salvia chloroplast genomes. Comparative genomic analysis revealed that chloroplast genomes within Salvia are highly conserved, although several hypervariable regions, including ndhC-trnV, ndhF, rpl32-trnL, rps15-ycf1, and ycf1, were identified as potential molecular markers. Selective pressure analysis indicated that most genes are under purifying selection, whereas ycf2 shows evidence of positive selection. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis supported that S. reflexa is most closely related to S. japonica, while clustering into different clades with the invasive plant S. tiliifolia, suggesting distinct evolutionary trajectories. These findings provide valuable genomic resources for species identification, phylogenetic analysis, and population genetic research in Salvia, contributing to a deeper understanding of its evolutionary dynamics.},
}

@article {pmid42579177,
year = {2026},
author = {Selvaraj, K and Gundappa, B and Sumalatha, BV and Kavya Yadav, GA and Vasundhara, J and Sushil, SN},
title = {Ecological niche overlap of invasive whiteflies in coconut: insights into invasion ecology and species coexistence in India.},
journal = {International journal of biometeorology},
volume = {70},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {42579177},
issn = {1432-1254},
mesh = {Animals ; *Cocos ; India ; *Introduced Species ; *Ecosystem ; *Hemiptera/physiology ; },
abstract = {The present study intended to analyze the comprehensive niche overlapping among four invasive whitefly species viz., Aleurodicus rugioperculatus (rugose spiraling whitefly), Paraleyrodes bondari (Bondar's nesting whitefly), Paraleyrodes minei (nesting whitefly), and Aleurotrachelus atratus (palm infesting whitefly), which invaded successively into the coconut ecosystem during 2016-2019. Analyzing ecological niche overlap among these whiteflies helps understand their invasion dynamics and manage ecological impacts on the coconut. The study is grounded in niche conservatism theory and tests whether co-invasive whiteflies retain their fundamental climatic niches in India, and whether niche overlap reflects non-random climatic convergence consistent with shared ecological filtering. Further, niche equivalency and similarity tests provide a statistical basis for determining whether observed overlaps are greater than expected by chance. Spatial thinning (10 km) and target-group background correction were applied to occurrence records to minimize sampling bias. Study revealed that all four niche models substantially outperform random prediction, with Paraleyrodes bondari exhibiting the highest discriminatory power (AUC = 0.914). Additional model evaluation using True Skill Statistic (TSS) and partial ROC further confirmed robust predictive performance across all species. Across all species, temperature-related variables were more influential than precipitation-related variables. Notably, isothermality (bio03) consistently emerged as the most important predictor for A. rugioperculatus, A. atratus, and P. bondari, whereas P. minei showed a stronger influence of the maximum temperature of the warmest month (bio05). Habitat suitability mapping predicted that southern India has high to moderate suitability for A. rugioperculatus, A. atratus, and P. bondari, and southern and central India for P. minei. Pairwise ecological niche overlap was greatest between A. rugioperculatus and P. minei, and lowest between A. rugioperculatus and P. bondari. Native versus invaded niche comparisons revealed significant niche conservatism in A. rugioperculatus and A. atratus, while P. minei showed the greatest niche shift, expanding into climatic space not occupied in its Neotropical native range. The present study is useful for the spatial ecology of invasive whiteflies, interspecific competition, hotspots for co-infestation, pest risk assessments, and early-warning systems for multi-species management in coconut production systems.},
}

Animals
*Cocos
India
*Introduced Species
*Ecosystem
*Hemiptera/physiology

@article {pmid42581735,
year = {2026},
author = {Raheem, SA and Kadhim, EJ},
title = {Adsorptive Removal of Benzophenone-4 (BP-4) Using Magnetically Recoverable Fe3O4/Alhagi maurorum Activated Biochar: Optimization, Kinetics, Reusability, and Mechanistic Insights.},
journal = {Water environment research : a research publication of the Water Environment Federation},
volume = {98},
number = {8},
pages = {e70519},
pmid = {42581735},
issn = {1554-7531},
mesh = {*Water Pollutants, Chemical/isolation & purification ; *Benzophenones/chemistry/isolation & purification ; Fabaceae ; Adsorption ; Ferrosoferric Oxide/chemistry ; *Magnetite Nanoparticles/chemistry ; Introduced Species ; Biomass ; Charcoal ; },
abstract = {Benzophenone-4 (BP-4) is an emerging pollutant with extensive applications in daily life. BP-4 is extensively documented as a persistent, bioaccumulative, hydrophilic compound that spreads rapidly in water and is toxic to aquatic organisms. This study aims to develop a novel adsorbent that efficiently adsorbs BP-4 from aqueous solutions. Thus, biochar was prepared from Alhagi maurorum biomass (AM-BC). To enhance the adsorption capacity of this adsorbent by increasing surface area, promoting the formation of micro/mesopores, improving structural stability, and introducing oxygen-containing functional groups, a chemical activation with KOH followed by thermal activation was employed. Then, magnetic biochar (Fe3O4/AM-BC) was prepared by co-precipitation using FeCl3 and FeCl2. Fe3O4 nanoparticles were incorporated to provide magnetic recoverability and facilitate the rapid separation and reuse of the adsorbent after BP-4 adsorption. Fe3O4/AM-BC was characterized by scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Results confirmed that Fe3O4/AM-BC exhibited significant characteristics, including saturation magnetization (Ms) of 23.4 emu/g, a hierarchical porous structure with a specific surface area of 741.383 m[2]/g, and abundant functional groups. Adsorption experiments of BP-4 revealed a maximum removal efficiency of 94.05% at optimized conditions of pH 5, 0.5 g/L Fe3O4/AM-BC dose, 15 mg/L BP-4 concentration, and 180 min contact time. Langmuir isotherm model fitted the data with R[2] of 0.955 and a maximum adsorption capacity of 62.87 mg/g. PSO kinetic model described the adsorption of BP-4 with R[2] of 0.996, confirming the chemisorption process. The study indicated that the adsorption of BP-4 on Fe3O4/AM-BC occurred through various mechanisms, including electrostatic attraction, pore filling, π-π interactions, hydrogen bonding, and surface complexation. The regeneration study confirmed the significant reusability and structural stability of Fe3O4/AM-BC, with a slight reduction in efficiency after 5 cycles. In conclusion, Fe3O4/AM-BC proved to be an efficient adsorbent for the remediation of emerging contaminants and a potentially effective means of reusing and managing agricultural waste. To the best of our knowledge, no comprehensive study has evaluated magnetically modified biochar as a recyclable adsorbent for the removal of BP-4 from aqueous solutions.},
}

*Water Pollutants, Chemical/isolation & purification
*Benzophenones/chemistry/isolation & purification
Fabaceae
Adsorption
Ferrosoferric Oxide/chemistry
*Magnetite Nanoparticles/chemistry
Introduced Species
Biomass
Charcoal

@article {pmid42587927,
year = {2026},
author = {Reis, J and Antunes, IC and Lima, GB and Ribeiro, AT and Neves, A and Roseiro, LC and Alvarenga, N and Gonçalves, H and Fernandes, J and Silva, M and Gonçalves, EM and Gomes, SF and Lageiro, M and Soares, A and Pinto, P and Dias, I},
title = {Development of Value-Added Food Products from European Catfish (Silurus glanis) to Support Its Valorisation and Capture in the Tagus River, Portugal.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {15},
pages = {},
pmid = {42587927},
issn = {2304-8158},
support = {PRR - NextGenerationEU: Projeto SPIN -Sustainable ProteIN (PRR-C05-i03-I-000192-LA9.5)//European Union/ ; },
abstract = {The European catfish (Silurus glanis) is an invasive predatory species threatening biodiversity in the Tagus River (Portugal), while remaining underexploited as a food resource. Despite its potential contribution to invasive species management, limited knowledge exists on its suitability for developing value-added food products, particularly using processing scraps. This study aimed to valorise this species through the development and characterisation of six value-added food products produced from fillets and processing scraps. Nutritional, microbiological, textural, and sensory properties were evaluated. Microbiological analyses confirmed the absence of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and E. coli in all products; however, the high microbial counts observed in Powerbites indicate the need for improved hygiene and process control. Protein content ranged from 10.05 to 16.89 g/100 g, with complete essential amino acid profiles and relevant contributions to adult daily indispensable amino acid requirements. The products also showed low to moderate fat content, favourable fatty acid profiles, and meaningful contributions of vitamins B12 and E. Sensory evaluation indicated overall positive acceptance, although some formulations require further optimisation. These findings highlight the nutritional, technological, and sustainable potential of European catfish-based products, supporting their use as value-added food alternatives while contributing to the valorisation of an underused invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid42589095,
year = {2026},
author = {Taybi, FA and Utevsky, S and Mabrouki, Y},
title = {Range Expansion and Environmental Determinants of the Invasive Freshwater Leech Helobdella europaea (Hirudinea: Glossiphoniidae) in Morocco.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {15},
pages = {},
pmid = {42589095},
issn = {2079-7737},
abstract = {Invasive species represent a major threat to global biodiversity, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and research to better understand their ecology, distribution, and invasion dynamics. Among freshwater leeches (Hirudinea), Helobdella europaea is considered one of the most successful and widespread invasive taxa. This study provides an updated assessment of the distribution of H. europaea in Morocco and identifies the main environmental factors influencing its occurrence and spread across the country. Field surveys were conducted between 2014 and 2024 in northern Morocco, with particular focus on protected wetlands, including Ramsar sites, and major biogeographical barriers such as the Middle Atlas Mountains and the Sebou and Moulouya river basins. Specimens were collected using Surber samplers (20 × 25 cm, 400 μm mesh), while physicochemical water parameters and other abiotic variables were simultaneously recorded. Since its first detection in Morocco in 2014, H. europaea has significantly expanded its geographic range. The species exhibited broad ecological tolerance, occurring in a wide variety of habitats, including environmentally degraded sites, and enduring substantial variation in water conditions. Among the environmental variables examined, water velocity and salinity were identified as the primary factors constraining the species' distribution and abundance. Nevertheless, additional studies are required to better predict the future expansion dynamics of H. europaea, particularly under ongoing hydrological alterations and climate change scenarios.},
}

@article {pmid42589143,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, H and Shao, L and Huang, D and Zhou, Y and Guo, H and Sang, L and Zhang, Z and Xiao, L and Li, W and Guo, L and Li, S and Wang, C and Luo, K and Shen, Z},
title = {Analysis of Fish Diversity and Invasive Species in the Cuijiang River Based on Environmental DNA Metabarcoding.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {15},
number = {15},
pages = {},
pmid = {42589143},
issn = {2079-7737},
abstract = {eDNA metabarcoding provides distinct benefits-including non-invasiveness, cost-effectiveness, and high detection sensitivity-that make it particularly appropriate for aquatic ecosystem conservation and fisheries management. An environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding survey was performed in the Cuijiang River to assess the feasibility of this technique for fish diversity monitoring. Fish diversity was evaluated through water collection, eDNA extraction and purification, and subsequent bioinformatics analysis. Our results revealed that the surveyed river section harbours at least 36 fish species, belonging to 30 genera, 13 families, and 6 orders. The fish community was numerically dominated by Cypriniformes. Notably, invasive alien species represented a relatively high proportion (24.72%) of the total operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Alpha diversity indices showed spatial heterogeneity among the monitoring sites, which is likely influenced by anthropogenic activities, land-use patterns, and hydrological connectivity in the sampling areas. Overall, eDNA metabarcoding proves to be an effective approach for fish diversity assessment and can serve as a valuable supplementary tool to conventional methods, with particular utility for the early detection of elusive and invasive species. We therefore recommend its incorporation into ongoing and future aquatic monitoring and conservation frameworks to strengthen early detection, habitat management, and biodiversity protection, thereby offering essential baseline data for future conservation and management of local fish diversity.},
}

@article {pmid42573726,
year = {2026},
author = {Rosas-Guerrero, V and Lucas-García, R and Alemán-Figueroa, L and Ceballos-Torres, M},
title = {Invasive honeybees exacerbate the low reproductive success of a bat-pollinated tree.},
journal = {Journal of plant research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42573726},
issn = {1618-0860},
abstract = {Some bat species play a crucial role as the main effective pollinators of many flowering plants. Nevertheless, other floral visitors may act as antagonists, affecting the reproductive success of these plants. In this study, we investigated some potential causes of the extremely low production of fruits of Crescentia alata, a neotropical tree supposedly pollinated by bats that is heavily visited by the introduced honeybee Apis mellifera in Guerrero, southern Mexico. Our results indicate that C. alata had an extremely low natural fruit set (0.2%) and total pollen limitation, probably due to multiple intrinsic factors, including a complete self-incompatible system, low herkogamy, and incomplete dichogamy; as well as extrinsic factors such as the high pollen removal associated with the numerous visits of the invasive honeybees before the arrival of bats, which were the most effective pollinators of this plant. Nectarivorous bat conservation through forest restoration, as well as a decrease of managed beehives and the plantation of genetically diverse individuals, are proposed as strategies to minimize the low reproduction of this neotropical tree of great importance to humans and to the maintenance of tropical dry forests.},
}

@article {pmid42574651,
year = {2026},
author = {Greatens, N and Couger, MB and Maestro, M and Cabrera Walsh, G and Morichetti, S and Tallon, LJ and Bennett, RS and Clevenger, JP and Chamberlin, KD and Koch Bach, RA},
title = {A chromosome-level genome assembly of Thecaphora frezzii, cause of peanut smut, reveals the largest genome of the true smut fungi.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/g3journal/jkag217},
pmid = {42574651},
issn = {2160-1836},
abstract = {Peanut smut, caused by the fungus Thecaphora frezzii, is a significant disease of peanuts in Argentina. Infected plants have seeds replaced by a mass of dark teliospores, reducing yield and seed quality. Following successful in vitro culture of the fungus in its haploid stage, we produced a chromosome-level genome assembly of the species. We compare this genome to those of 49 other species of true smut fungi, or Ustilaginomycetes, including species of medical, agricultural, and industrial importance, some of which are known as pathogens and others only as saprotrophic yeasts. At almost 39 Mb, T. frezzii has the largest genome of the smut fungi sequenced to date with the most repetitive content. While sharing some core effectors with well-studied Ustilago species and their close allies, T. frezzii possesses a large proportion of predicted effectors unique to the species or genus, suggesting a unique infection strategy. Comparisons among the 50 smut genomes also show that the 14 smut species observed only as yeasts have generally smaller genomes with low repeat content, supporting the hypothesis that some smut fungi are adapted to saprotrophic growth as yeasts. This high-quality, annotated genome for T. frezzii will be a valuable resource for investigating the population dynamics and evolution of an economically important pathogen and for illuminating an understudied clade of smut fungi.},
}

@article {pmid42568928,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, QY and Cao, YH and Sun, H and Zhou, L and Huang, L and Tan, YH and Li, DW and Zhu, LH},
title = {Two novel species of Sympoventuriaceae from palms in China.},
journal = {MycoKeys},
volume = {138},
number = {},
pages = {35-56},
pmid = {42568928},
issn = {1314-4049},
abstract = {Palm plants (Arecaceae) are widely distributed ornamental hosts in southern China. However, most of these plants are introduced species, and their associated microfungal diversity remains poorly understood. In this study, four strains with morphological affinities to Scolecobasidium and Yunnanomyces (Sympoventuriaceae) were isolated from palm plants in Yunnan Province, China. Two novel species, Scolecobasidium yunnanense and Yunnanomyces didymosporus, are proposed based on morphological observations and separate multi-locus phylogenetic analyses: the phylogeny of Scolecobasidium was constructed from a concatenated ITS + nLSU + tub2 + tef1-α dataset, while analyses for Yunnanomyces within Sympoventuriaceae relied on a combined ITS + nLSU + nrSSU + RPB2 dataset. Scolecobasidium yunnanense is characterized by its branched, septate, thick-walled pale hyphae, erect, unbranched and septate conidiophores often reduced to denticulate conidiogenous cells, and smooth, mostly 2-septate, ellipsoidal to fusiform conidia, measuring 8.3-12.6 × 2.0-3.5 μm. Yunnanomyces didymosporus is characterized by its monilioid mature hyphae, intercalary conidiogenous cells, and chain-forming mostly 1-septate conidia with a dark hilum on one or both ends, measuring 6.1-11.9 × 2.0-4.2 μm. The study confirms their distinctiveness from extant species within each genus and enhances the understanding of microfungal diversity associated with palms.},
}

@article {pmid42507912,
year = {2026},
author = {Marino, C and Philippe-Lesaffre, M and Coutinho Soares, F and de Oliveira Caetano, GH and Etard, A and Butt, N and Capdevila, P and Irl, SDH and Leclerc, C and Lenoir, J and Patiño, J and Rigal, F and Benítez-López, A and Bellard, C},
title = {Global threat exposure of islands in a changing world.},
journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America},
volume = {123},
number = {32},
pages = {e2534106123},
pmid = {42507912},
issn = {1091-6490},
support = {501100011033//MEC | Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI)/ ; 10.13039//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MCIU)/ ; 10.13039//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MCIN)/ ; 501100011033//MEC | Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI)/ ; },
mesh = {*Climate Change ; *Islands ; *Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Animals ; Population Dynamics ; },
abstract = {Islands are at the forefront of global environmental change. Biological invasions, land-use change, and climate change are driving population declines and causing irreversible losses in island ecosystems. Although global threat exposure maps have been developed in recent years, they are mostly designed for coarse-grained, continental-extent analyses, often overlooking islands. Here, we assessed the cumulative exposure to biological invasion, land-use change, and climate change by 2050, for more than 16,000 islands worldwide using multiple threat markers. Climate change emerged as a ubiquitous threat, being the dominant threat for 65% of all islands, followed by land-use change (22%) and biological invasions (13%). Islands with the highest cumulative exposure were more likely to be isolated, without historical connection with the mainland. Small and low-elevation islands at low latitudes exhibited greater exposure to climate change, whereas larger, high-elevation islands tended to be more exposed to land-use change. Certain countries and subdivisions, such as Seychelles, Bangladesh, China, French Polynesia, and Micronesia, harbored statistically disproportionate numbers of highly exposed islands, highlighting geographic hotspots of cumulative exposure where conservation efforts might be particularly urgent. Our study indicates that by 2050, most islands will be simultaneously exposed to a triple threat arising from the combined impacts of land-use change, climate change, and biological invasions. This study provides robust quantification of island cumulative exposure to three key drivers of biodiversity loss, making a crucial step toward assessing global biodiversity vulnerability.},
}

*Climate Change
*Islands
*Introduced Species
Ecosystem
*Conservation of Natural Resources
Animals
Population Dynamics

@article {pmid42558171,
year = {2026},
author = {Michaud, KM and Reed, DC and Miller, RJ},
title = {Macroalgal community transformation during successive marine heatwaves in southern California kelp forests.},
journal = {Communications earth & environment},
volume = {7},
number = {1},
pages = {632},
pmid = {42558171},
issn = {2662-4435},
abstract = {Understanding the acute and longer-term effects of marine heatwaves on coastal ecosystems is critical for predicting their response to future warming. We used a 23-year time series that included two marine heatwaves (the 2014-2015 "warm blob" and 2018) to investigate their effects on understory macroalgae at nine rocky reefs with giant kelp forests in the Santa Barbara Channel monitored by the Santa Barbara Coastal Long Term Ecological Research program. We observed little change in macroalgal biomass or species richness in response to the heatwaves, but significant changes in community composition, including the loss of the dominant understory kelp Pterygophora californica and shifts towards subtropical and introduced species. Understory communities overall were surprisingly resilient, as community composition largely returned to pre-heatwave conditions within a few years. However, there were exceptions. In particular, subtropical species and geniculate coralline algae increased in abundance in the decade following the heatwaves, suggesting that macroalgal communities are likely to shift in the long term if marine heatwaves increase in frequency and intensity.},
}

@article {pmid42564840,
year = {2026},
author = {Etebari, K and Furlong, MJ},
title = {Interpreting molecular evidence for biosecurity decision-making: Lessons from coconut rhinoceros beetle incursions in the Pacific.},
journal = {Current research in insect science},
volume = {10},
number = {},
pages = {100131},
pmid = {42564840},
issn = {2666-5158},
abstract = {Molecular and genomic tools are increasingly used in biosecurity to support early detection, diagnostics and reconstruction of invasion pathways. However, selecting an appropriate marker for the question being addressed is critical, and translating molecular evidence into operational decisions can be challenging. Over-interpretation of commonly used markers may lead to misleading conclusions about population structure, invasion history and management priorities. DNA barcoding remains valuable for species identification and initial haplotype assignment, but questions concerning invasion pathways, admixture and phenotypic variation require additional molecular and ecological evidence. Here, we use coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) incursions in the Pacific as a case study to highlight interpretive pitfalls and lessons for applying molecular and genomic tools in biosecurity and biological control. We synthesise evidence on the strengths and limitations of mitochondrial markers, particularly CoxI, for haplotyping and inference of population relationships, and show how incomplete sampling and simplified assays can obscure cryptic diversity and bias interpretation. We then examine factors that complicate interpretation of OrNV-based biocontrol outcomes, including diagnostic sensitivity, study design and environmental modulation of host-pathogen interactions. Overall, these examples show that molecular evidence is most informative when marker choice, biological validation and phenotypic data are aligned with the biosecurity question.},
}

@article {pmid42553627,
year = {2026},
author = {Tippery, NP and Larkin, DJ and Bohnen, J and Wendell, DL and Anderson, NO and Galatowitsch, SM and Abbey, M and Smith, AG and Noyszewski, AK},
title = {Molecular methods for differentiating Phragmites australis subspecies and identification of hybrid stands in the Upper Midwestern United States.},
journal = {Applications in plant sciences},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70073},
pmid = {42553627},
issn = {2168-0450},
abstract = {PREMISE: In North America, Phragmites australis (common reed) has drawn a great deal of research attention. Non-native P. australis subsp. australis is a noxious weed that has locally displaced native P. australis subsp. americanus in some areas. Although morphological features can distinguish the two subspecies, molecular tools often are required to confirm identifications. Additionally, the existence of natural intrasubspecific hybrids presents novel management challenges. Hybrid Phragmites is difficult to detect, and it has become standard practice to apply molecular tools to survey for hybrids.

METHODS: We applied several molecular techniques-microsatellite, DArTseq (a type of genotyping-by-sequencing), restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), and next-generation sequencing-to characterize P. australis at the landscape scale in Minnesota and Wisconsin and to search for hybrids.

RESULTS: We obtained molecular data for Phragmites plants sampled from 341 stands, ultimately characterizing 98 stands as native and 236 as non-native. Plants from two adjacent stands in Washington County, Minnesota, were confirmed to be hybrids.

DISCUSSION: These are the first confirmed hybrids from the Upper Midwest/western Great Lakes region. We also discuss the relative cost and effectiveness of the various molecular methods and offer recommendations for future studies.},
}

@article {pmid42553664,
year = {2026},
author = {Ohari, Y and Kusakisako, K and Kwak, ML and Umemiya-Shirafuji, R and Mohamed, WMA and Moustafa, MAM and Chatanga, E and Kelava, S and Christi, K and Kumar, D and Nonaka, N and Orba, Y and Matsuno, K and Nakao, R},
title = {Genomic signatures of native (Japanese) and introduced (Oceanian) populations of the Asian longhorned tick Haemaphysalis longicornis.},
journal = {PNAS nexus},
volume = {5},
number = {8},
pages = {pgag232},
pmid = {42553664},
issn = {2752-6542},
abstract = {The Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) impacts the health of humans, livestock, and wildlife, both as a parasite and a vector. Over more than a century, H. longicornis has become a widespread invasive species across much of the Asia-Pacific region, with a recent emergence in North America. This dispersal success could be associated with the ability of certain lineages of H. longicornis to reproduce via parthenogenesis. We analyzed complete mitochondrial genomes and genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from ticks collected within the native range of H. longicornis (Japan), invasive populations in the Asia-Pacific (Australia, Fiji, and New Caledonia), and laboratory-maintained parthenogenetic and bisexual strains. We also compared our data with DNA sequences in GenBank from invasive populations in other countries (e.g., United States). Two distinct clades (Mt-Clade 1 and Mt-Clade 2) were observed in the phylogenetic tree based on mitochondrial genomes. All specimens from the bisexual laboratory strains were assigned to Mt-Clade 1 and those from the parthenogenetic laboratory strains were assigned to Mt-Clade 2, whereas the field-collected male specimens were included in both clades. No geographical cline associated with the phylogenetic characteristics was observed. In contrast, analyses based on genome-wide SNPs demonstrated a cluster composed of Oceanian samples apart from Japanese samples and detected gene flow between the two mitogenomic clades. Our results suggest that parthenogenesis may have evolved multiple times within H. longicornis rather than originating from a single evolutionary event.},
}

@article {pmid42554649,
year = {2026},
author = {Moretti, E and Schmidt-Jeffris, RA},
title = {Non-target effects of pesticides on adult Stethorus pusillus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toag232},
pmid = {42554649},
issn = {1938-291X},
abstract = {Stethorus pusillus (Herbst) is a specialist predator of spider mites and is a key component of mite biological control in many cropping systems. In the Pacific Northwest (United States), S. pusillus is an established, introduced species that is commonly found in crops as a resident predator, but it is also released for augmentative biological control. Non-target effects of some insecticides and fungicides can disrupt biological control by S. pusillus, reducing its efficacy. In laboratory assays, we evaluated the susceptibility of S. pusillus to 25 different commercially available pesticides, including 4 fungicides and 21 insecticides/miticides, spanning 14 known modes of action. We assessed the effect of direct contact exposure on adult mortality of both diapausing and non-diapausing S. pusillus. We also evaluated the non-diapausing adults for sublethal effects (locomotion and predation). Broad-spectrum insecticides, including acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, abamectin, fenpyroximate, and cyantraniliprole, caused moderate to high mortality, while selective miticides, such as clofentezine, hexythiazox, acequinocyl, bifenazate, spirodiclofen, and cyflumetofen, were largely harmless to both diapausing and non-diapausing adults. Among the fungicides tested, copper hydroxide caused high mortality, while mancozeb, captan, and fluopyram + trifloxystrobin had no effects. These results provide a useful update on the pesticide susceptibility of this important predator, which can be used by growers to make judicious spray decisions.},
}

@article {pmid42554820,
year = {2026},
author = {Bai, B and Fu, NX and Wang, BK and Wen, TT and Liu, XF and Lv, YT and Li, YT and Gao, P and Li, J and Li, YH and Yang, XQ},
title = {Cytochrome P450 Drives Divergent Adaptation to Quercetin in Invasive and Native Fruit Borers.},
journal = {Journal of agricultural and food chemistry},
volume = {74},
number = {30},
pages = {23427-23440},
doi = {10.1021/acs.jafc.6c06409},
pmid = {42554820},
issn = {1520-5118},
support = {2021YFD1400200//National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; 2024JH3/50100027//Liaoning Distinguished Youth Scholars Science Foundation/ ; RC230879//Shenyang Special Project for Cultivating Young Scientific and Technological Innovation Talents U40/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Quercetin/metabolism ; *Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/metabolism/genetics/chemistry ; Adaptation, Physiological ; *Moths/genetics/enzymology/metabolism/physiology/chemistry ; *Insect Proteins/metabolism/genetics/chemistry ; Fruit/parasitology ; Larva/genetics/metabolism/enzymology ; Introduced Species ; China ; },
abstract = {Plant-herbivore coevolution drives insect adaptation. Cydia pomonella, an invasive fruit borer, adapts more slowly to quercetin than native Grapholita molesta, yet the molecular basis remains unclear. This study reveals their divergent quercetin adaptation mechanisms. Pre-invasion in northeastern China, C. pomonella likely encountered no host-defense pressure at 70.0 μg/g quercetin. Post-adaptation, both species enhanced quercetin metabolism compared to their non-adapted counterparts. AI-driven molecular modeling, RNAi, and in vitro metabolism studies showed G. molesta employed classical detoxifying CYP3 and CYP4 P450s for quercetin detoxification. Conversely, C. pomonella achieved adaptation by neofunctionalizing mitochondrial P450 genes. However, C. pomonella's quercetin-adaptation P450s had lower quercetin metabolic capability than G. molesta's. These findings suggest divergent adaptive strategies among species, with invasive species C. pomonella potentially employing mitochondrial P450 neofunctionalization for xenobiotic detoxification and host adaptation, facilitating invasion. These findings advance our comprehension of host adaptability and the intricate interspecific interactions between invasive and native pest species.},
}

Animals
*Quercetin/metabolism
*Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/metabolism/genetics/chemistry
Adaptation, Physiological
*Moths/genetics/enzymology/metabolism/physiology/chemistry
*Insect Proteins/metabolism/genetics/chemistry
Fruit/parasitology
Larva/genetics/metabolism/enzymology
Introduced Species
China

@article {pmid42554986,
year = {2026},
author = {Mensinger, AF},
title = {Acoustic and multimodal deterrents to limit invasive fish passage.},
journal = {Integrative and comparative biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/icb/icag137},
pmid = {42554986},
issn = {1557-7023},
abstract = {Acoustic deterrents have been deployed with variable success to decrease fish interactions with anthropogenic hazards (i.e., power plant intakes, spillways) and prevent the spread of invasive species. Acoustic deterrents are nonphysical barriers that offer many advantages in that sound can travel a great distance, are relatively independent of light and weather conditions, do not interfere with navigation and are relatively inexpensive to implement. Assessing the efficacy of deterrents is challenging as there are few controlled or long-term studies and many reports fail to specify sound parameters (i.e., intensity, frequency) preventing independent assessment. It is imperative to factor fish sensory physiology when designing nonphysical deterrents as fish need to detect, localize and move away from the stimulus. The auditory sensitivity of the target species must be identified to optimize the acoustic stimulus and the ambient soundscape mapped to ensure the sound intensity will be effective. Animals may habituate to an aversive stimulus and therefore multimodal deterrents may prove more effective than single modal systems. This paper will provide an overview of acoustic deterrents, species targeted and their efficacy. Special emphasis will be given to efforts to block the upstream migration of invasive bigheaded carp in the Mississippi River basin that currently threatens the Laurentian Great Lakes. Recent studies using a multimodal acoustic deterrent that conditions fish to associate sound with carbon dioxide will be described.},
}

@article {pmid42555118,
year = {2026},
author = {Komatsu, N and Endo, Y and Nishita, Y and Suzuki, K and Shiraishi, T and Ochiai, K and Onuma, H and Yamazaki, K and Anezaki, T and Yachimori, S and Lin, LK and Chang, SW and Chen, YJ and Pei, KJ and Kaneko, Y and Nagano, AJ and Masuda, R},
title = {Geographical Variation and Migration History for Japanese Populations of the Masked Palm Civet (Paguma larvata), Revealed by Ddrad-Seq Analysis.},
journal = {Zoological science},
volume = {43},
number = {3},
pages = {261-270},
doi = {10.2108/zs250094},
pmid = {42555118},
issn = {0289-0003},
mesh = {Animals ; Japan ; *Viverridae/genetics/physiology ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Genetic Variation ; *Animal Distribution ; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics ; *Animal Migration ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {With the globalization of human activities, invasions of non-native organisms into new habitats have increased. The masked palm civet (Paguma larvata) is an invasive alien species in Japan, with previous mitochondrial DNA studies indicating that Taiwan might be the source of the Japanese population. In addition, nuclear microsatellite data have shown a large genetic difference between the populations on Honshu and Shikoku islands. To further clarify the migration and expansion histories of this species, we analyzed the population genetics of P. larvata in Japan and Taiwan by using genome-wide SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) data generated through ddRAD-seq. We found the previously unstudied population in western Honshu to be genetically closely related to that in central Honshu, with low genetic diversity due to a recent range expansion. The populations in Japan were genetically differentiated among Shikoku, western and central Honshu, and eastern Honshu. By admixture analysis, the Honshu and Shikoku populations showed affinity with one or two of them. Overall, the genetic diversity in Japan was lower than that in Taiwan, suggesting a founder effect during introduction from Taiwan. Within Japan, relatively higher variation in the eastern Honshu (especially Gunma Prefecture) populations indicated multiple introductions and/or different genetic lineages from those in Taiwan. Our study provides insights into the introduction history and migration routes of this alien species that can enhance management plans.},
}

Animals
Japan
*Viverridae/genetics/physiology
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
Genetic Variation
*Animal Distribution
DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics
*Animal Migration
Introduced Species

@article {pmid42555717,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, Y and Wang, J and Li, Y and Chen, C and Wang, Y},
title = {Global patterns and drivers of extinction risk in island endemic terrestrial vertebrates.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {12},
number = {32},
pages = {eaef9781},
pmid = {42555717},
issn = {2375-2548},
mesh = {Animals ; *Extinction, Biological ; *Islands ; *Vertebrates/physiology/classification ; Ecosystem ; Climate Change ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {Island endemic terrestrial vertebrates, shaped by long-term isolation and ecological specialization, are particularly vulnerable to extinction pressure in the Anthropocene. However, cross-taxon extinction patterns and their drivers remain poorly understood. Here, we compiled a global dataset of 31,865 terrestrial vertebrates, including more than 7500 island endemic species, to evaluate the patterns and drivers of extinction risk in island endemics, in comparison with continent endemics and dual-range species. We found that island endemics face significantly higher extinction risk than non-island endemics, with 3.1% extinct and 34% currently threatened since 1500 CE. Extinction risk among island endemics is unevenly distributed and taxonomically structured, tightly linked to invasive species, overexploitation, and climate change. Compared with continent endemics and dual-range species, their elevated risk is closely associated with small range size and habitat specialization, while biological traits, climate, and anthropogenic pressures also exert taxon-specific effects. These findings explain the unique vulnerability of island endemic vertebrates and inform conservation priorities across island ecosystems.},
}

Animals
*Extinction, Biological
*Islands
*Vertebrates/physiology/classification
Ecosystem
Climate Change
Conservation of Natural Resources

@article {pmid42557137,
year = {2026},
author = {Williams, GR and Aurell, D and Gill, MC and Khongphinitbunjong, K and Tokach, R and Traynor, KS},
title = {Tropilaelaps mercedesae: rapid geographic expansion in a novel honey bee host.},
journal = {Trends in parasitology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.pt.2026.07.002},
pmid = {42557137},
issn = {1471-5007},
abstract = {An ectoparasitic mite of the giant honey bees throughout southern and eastern Asia, Tropilaelaps mercedesae has jumped to the western honey bee Apis mellifera and expanded its range, most recently to Eastern Europe. This has rattled an already precarious A. mellifera beekeeping industry, which is grappling with another invasive ectoparasitic mite called Varroa destructor. Here, we review the known biology and pathology of T. mercedesae in its original and novel hosts, discuss current monitoring and treatment options, and identify gaps in knowledge and preparedness. We also compare the natural histories of T. mercedesae and V. destructor to facilitate future directions for research and outreach that promote a timely response to this mite's growing sphere of influence.},
}

@article {pmid42557796,
year = {2026},
author = {Griffin, CD and Schreiber, J and Bierwert, A and Olaso, CM and Medeiros, MCI},
title = {Microbial mediation of invasion: Effects of environmental microbiota on the development and physiology of Aedes albopictus.},
journal = {Medical and veterinary entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/mve.70106},
pmid = {42557796},
issn = {1365-2915},
support = {/NH/NIH HHS/United States ; //University of Hawai'i at Mānoa Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program/ ; },
abstract = {Global invasions by the mosquito Aedes albopictus pose serious threats to biodiversity and public health due to its capacity to vector multiple emerging infectious diseases. As a highly invasive species, its success is closely linked to environmental conditions during its complex life cycle. In this study, we investigated how compositionally distinct environmental microbiomes influence A. albopictus development, physiology and starvation resistance. Larvae were reared in mesocosms containing water from three sources-laboratory, plastic buckets and bromeliad tanks-each filtered at three levels (30-50 μm, 10 μm and 0.1 μm) to manipulate microbial diversity. We found that microbial community composition significantly affected larval development time and pupation success. Larvae reared in water with reduced microbial diversity developed faster and had higher pupation success than those exposed to more complex communities. Although lipid concentrations and time to adult eclosion were unaffected across habitat types, adult survival under starvation conditions varied significantly by microbial exposure and sex. Females from low-diversity habitat types exhibited the highest survival, suggesting early-life microbial environments influence adult fitness traits critical to invasion success. These results highlight the ecological importance of environmental microbiomes in shaping mosquito life history and suggest that microbial diversity in larval habitat types may influence the establishment and spread of A. albopictus in novel environments.},
}

@article {pmid42437548,
year = {2026},
author = {Hu, F and Li, Z and Chen, J and Chen, J and Wang, Y and Shi, J and Yang, D and Yang, C and Xiang, H and Gao, L},
title = {Stage-dependent herbivory-related defense and allelopathic allocation in the invasive plant Sphagneticola trilobata.},
journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB},
volume = {237},
number = {},
pages = {111543},
doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2026.111543},
pmid = {42437548},
issn = {1873-2690},
mesh = {*Herbivory/physiology ; *Allelopathy/physiology ; *Brassicaceae/physiology/metabolism ; *Introduced Species ; Plant Leaves/metabolism ; Lactuca ; Germination ; Flowers ; Animals ; Cyclopentanes ; Oxylipins ; },
abstract = {The adaptability of invasive plants to introduced environments may depend on how they coordinate competitive and defensive allocation across developmental stages. This study investigated herbivory-related defense and allelopathic allocation in the invasive plant Sphagneticola trilobata during growing and flowering stages. We combined field surveys of leaf damage, seed germination bioassays using receptor plant species, and physiological measurements of defense-related indicators after mechanical leaf damage. Field surveys revealed a negative correlation between flower production and leaf damage on invasive plants, whereas flower number of S. trilobata was positively associated with leaf damage on neighboring native plants. In seed germination bioassays, aqueous leaf extracts inhibited germination of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and pakchoi (Brassica rapa var. chinensis), with stronger inhibitory effects during the growing stage than during the flowering stage. Physiological analyses further showed higher levels of several defense-related indicators, including flavonoids, total phenols, antioxidant capacity, and jasmonic acid, during the flowering stage, and these indicators generally increased after mechanical damage. Together, these results suggest that S. trilobata may allocate more strongly to allelopathic interference during vegetative expansion, while maintaining enhanced herbivory-related physiological defense during flowering. These findings provide ecological and physiological evidence that stage-dependent allocation may contribute to the invasion success of S. trilobata.},
}

*Herbivory/physiology
*Allelopathy/physiology
*Brassicaceae/physiology/metabolism
*Introduced Species
Plant Leaves/metabolism
Lactuca
Germination
Flowers
Animals
Cyclopentanes
Oxylipins

@article {pmid42553068,
year = {2026},
author = {Perinović, M and Gojak, T and Glogoški, M and Pavin, L and Čižmek, H and Lisičić, D},
title = {Population Density and Spatial-Temporal Niche Use of Ship Rats and Italian Wall Lizards on a Small Adriatic Island.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {e74003},
pmid = {42553068},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Introduced rats are major drivers of biodiversity loss on islands, yet density-based assessments of their interactions with native reptiles remain scarce. On Mediterranean islands, long-term rat-lizard coexistence is facilitated by behavioral and morphological compensation mechanisms in lizards, but there are no studies on integrative assessments of population density and spatial and temporal niche partitioning. In this study, we quantified population density, spatial distribution, and diel activity patterns of ship rats (Rattus rattus) and Italian wall lizards (Podarcis siculus) on a small uninhabited Adriatic islet. Rat density was estimated using spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR), while lizard density was assessed using line-transect distance sampling. Camera trapping was used to examine the spatial and temporal niche use of all recorded terrestrial vertebrates. Rat density reached 32.1 individuals ha[-1], and lizard density was estimated at 2345 individuals ha[-1], both falling within the range reported for insular populations. Only three terrestrial vertebrates were detected on the islet: R. rattus, P. siculus, and European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), highlighting the structural simplicity of this island system. Rats and lizards showed broad spatial overlap across all habitat types, but pronounced temporal segregation, with rats being predominantly nocturnal and lizards strictly diurnal. Despite the presence of invasive rats, lizard density remained relatively high and within ranges reported for other insular systems, suggesting that temporal niche partitioning may facilitate coexistence under long-term sympatry. However, studies across seasons and years are needed to determine whether this pattern is consistent. These results provide quantitative evidence of rat-lizard coexistence in a simplified Mediterranean island system and contribute to the global understanding of invasive species impacts under long-term sympatry.},
}

@article {pmid42551822,
year = {2026},
author = {Van Bortel, W},
title = {Vector control for malaria : current tools and emerging challenges.},
journal = {Clinical microbiology and infection : the official publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cmi.2026.07.050},
pmid = {42551822},
issn = {1469-0691},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Malaria continues to be among the most devastating infectious diseases globally, leading to hundreds of millions of infections each year and placing an especially heavy burden on communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Vector control was a key driver of the decline in cases and deaths between 2000 and 2015. However, progress has stalled in many endemic settings.

OBJECTIVES: This review aims to provide an overview of the currently recommended malaria vector control tools in endemic countries and to examine the principal challenges associated with sustaining effective malaria control.

SOURCES: The most recent World Health Organization malaria guidelines, accessed via the MAGICapp platform on 7 January 2025, served as the primary reference for current recommendations. In addition, a targeted search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted.

CONTENT: Malaria vector control relies primarily on insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS). Their effectiveness depends largely on vector behaviours such as indoor biting and indoor resting. However, insecticide resistance, behavioural adaptation of mosquitoes, shifts in vector species composition, and the spread of the invasive species An. stephensi pose significant challenges. Moreover, global trends such as population growth, climate change, urbanization, and environmental change are altering malaria transmission dynamics. Although complementary tools targeting other stages of the mosquito life cycle are available, optimizing coverage, durability, quality, and equitable access to ITNs and IRS remains paramount. Operational constraints, including supply chain weaknesses, funding gaps, inadequate surveillance, and limited community engagement, can undermine impact.

IMPLICATIONS: Malaria programs must adapt to an evolving transmission landscape through enhanced surveillance, innovation, and data-driven strategies. Sustained investment is critical not only to address existing funding gaps but also to enable the adaptation of current strategies, drive innovation, and support the deployment of interventions in response to changing epidemiological and operational contexts.},
}

@article {pmid42551901,
year = {2026},
author = {Casbas, G and Vez-Garzón, M and Montes, E and Colomar, V and Lapiedra, O},
title = {Real-time invasion dynamics reveal the drivers of predator spread and prey extirpation on an island.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {293},
number = {2076},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1098/rspb.2026.1344},
pmid = {42551901},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Lizards/physiology ; Islands ; Population Dynamics ; *Predatory Behavior ; *Food Chain ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Crotalinae/physiology ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Non-native predators profoundly restructure island biological communities worldwide, yet their management is hindered by limited empirical understanding of the dynamics of predator spread and prey extirpation. Here, we integrate two decades of field surveys, citizen-science records and standardized transects to reconstruct the invasion of the snake Hemorrhois hippocrepis on Ibiza and its impact on the endangered, endemic lizard Podarcis pityusensis. We found a marked acceleration in range expansion despite intensified culling, evidence for the transition from establishment to spread stages of this invasion. Spatially explicit invasion maps combined with citizen reports of lizard disappearance show a nonlinear acceleration in the interval from predator arrival to local prey extirpation, shortening from over 10 years in early-invaded areas to 3 years in recently invaded areas. The observed patterns are consistent with density-dependent predator pressure, which generates a wave-like, rapidly advancing invasion front evidenced by declining snake body condition and reduced efficiency of snake captures in long-invaded areas. Our study empirically confirms theoretical predictions of nonlinear spread and impact dynamics and highlights how citizen science can crucially help documenting early invasion stages. Effectively incorporating the nonlinear dynamics of invasions into conservation strategies is urgent to mitigate invasion-driven transformations of fragile island ecosystems worldwide.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Lizards/physiology
Islands
Population Dynamics
*Predatory Behavior
*Food Chain
Conservation of Natural Resources
*Crotalinae/physiology
Ecosystem

@article {pmid42121349,
year = {2026},
author = {Shi, X and Yu, M and Zheng, J and Qin, F and Wang, X and Yang, X},
title = {Population genetic structure and dispersal patterns of the globally invasive codling moth (Cydia pomonella) in China.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {82},
number = {9},
pages = {8630-8646},
pmid = {42121349},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//the National Key R&D Program of China (2021YFD1400200) and the Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program (2023FY100500)./ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Moths/genetics/physiology ; China ; *Genetic Variation ; Microsatellite Repeats ; *Genetics, Population ; *Animal Distribution ; Introduced Species ; Gene Flow ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The codling moth Cydia pomonella, is a notorious invasive pest that poses a serious threat to China's apple industry, especially in key growing regions such as the Loess Plateau and Bohai Bay. To effectively manage this pome fruit pest, it is necessary to investigate its genetic variation and genetic structure and infer its dispersal patterns in China. Using population genetics analysis combined with an ensemble species distribution model, we aimed to reconstruct dispersal pathways in China.

RESULTS: We analyzed 24 populations (22 from China and 2 from Pakistan) via 10 nuclear microsatellite loci, which demonstrated high genetic diversity and significant differentiation. We also used an ensemble model to predict future potential distributions and shifts in suitable habitats. Two spatially explicit genetic clusters were detected. One genetic group included Northeast China, Gansu, and northern Xinjiang populations. The other group comprised populations from Inner Mongolia, southern Xinjiang, and Pakistan. MIGRATE-N analysis revealed low bidirectional gene flow between most populations. The predictions for 2021-2040 suggest increases in the optimal areas of 8.53 × 10[4], 24.66 × 10[4], and 10.61 × 10[4] km[2] under the three climate scenarios. The geometric center of the suitable area moved northwards before shifting southwards. The human impact index was identified as the primary factor influencing pest distribution.

CONCLUSION: High genetic diversity and two distinct genetic clusters were identified, revealing significant genetic differentiation between northern/northeastern and northwestern populations. Ensemble models project a northwards shift in suitable areas, with the human impact index identified as the primary driver. Our integrated approach provides a genetic and spatial framework for developing region-specific pest management strategies. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

Animals
*Moths/genetics/physiology
China
*Genetic Variation
Microsatellite Repeats
*Genetics, Population
*Animal Distribution
Introduced Species
Gene Flow

@article {pmid42138214,
year = {2026},
author = {Rodríguez, E and Porcel, M and Robledo, A and Lara, L and Del Mar Téllez, M and Del Mar Montoro, M and Martínez, C and Pekas, A},
title = {Evaluating predatory arthropods for the biological control of the invasive Thrips parvispinus (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in greenhouse sweet pepper.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {82},
number = {9},
pages = {8448-8458},
pmid = {42138214},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Biobest Biological Systems Spain SL/ ; //IFAPA and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Thysanoptera/physiology/growth & development ; *Pest Control, Biological/methods ; *Capsicum/growth & development ; *Predatory Behavior ; *Heteroptera/physiology ; Introduced Species ; *Mites/physiology ; Spain ; *Food Chain ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Thrips parvispinus is an invasive pest of increasing concern in European greenhouse crops, especially sweet pepper. Its recent spread in southeastern Spain has disrupted integrated pest management protocols relying on inoculative releases of Orius laevigatus and Amblyseius swirskii. Although these predators effectively control Frankliniella occidentalis, their effectiveness against T. parvispinus is unclear. We evaluated the efficacy of O. laevigatus, A. swirskii, and the thrips-specific Franklinothrips vespiformis, alone and combined, against T. parvispinus under semi-field greenhouse conditions, also assessing predator compatibility, pest and predator distribution, and crop productivity.

RESULTS: O. laevigatus, alone or in the three species combination, provided the most effective pest suppression. F. vespiformis was compatible with O. laevigatus, although A. swirskii abundance declined in the combined treatment, suggesting intraguild interactions between predators. T. parvispinus was primarily a leaf-dwelling thrips, with only 5.5% of individuals found in flowers. However, this proportion varied depending on predator presence, suggesting predator-induced movement. Notably, pest abundance in flowers was higher in the A. swirskii treatment compared with the other predators and the control, suggesting predator-induced behavioral avoidance. Fruit productivity mirrored overall pest suppression, with significantly higher yields observed in the O. laevigatus and combined treatments.

CONCLUSION: These findings refine our understanding of predator interactions and support the inclusion of compatible thrips-specific predators as promising components of biological control strategies for T. parvispinus in sweet pepper crops. © 2026 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

Animals
*Thysanoptera/physiology/growth & development
*Pest Control, Biological/methods
*Capsicum/growth & development
*Predatory Behavior
*Heteroptera/physiology
Introduced Species
*Mites/physiology
Spain
*Food Chain

@article {pmid42519896,
year = {2026},
author = {Arredondo, E and Byrd, B and Stein, L},
title = {Predator Communities With Invasive Pike Are Associated With Changes in Parental Care and Brain Gene Expression in Wild Alaskan Stickleback.},
journal = {Integrative and comparative biology},
volume = {66},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/icb/icag130},
pmid = {42519896},
issn = {1557-7023},
support = {//National Science Foundation/ ; //University of Oklahoma/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Alaska ; *Smegmamorpha/physiology/genetics ; Male ; Brain/metabolism ; *Esocidae/physiology ; *Paternal Behavior ; *Introduced Species ; *Predatory Behavior ; *Gene Expression ; *Food Chain ; Lakes ; },
abstract = {Invasive predators can influence prey through direct predation but also via nonconsumptive effects that alter behavior and physiology. Parental care may be particularly sensitive to these effects, as parents must balance offspring investment with survival under predation risk. Here, we examine how predator exposure and predator community composition influence paternal behavior and brain gene expression in wild populations of threespined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) in southcentral Alaska. We conducted field behavioral assays in lakes with either native predators only or both native predators and invasive northern pike (Esox lucius), by recording changes in male fanning behavior following predator exposure. We then analyzed whole-brain gene expression using RNA sequencing on a subset of males. Stickleback males parented more in lakes with invasive predators compared to lakes with only native predators. However, after exposure to a model predator, neither predator treatment nor lake type significantly explained short-term changes in paternal behavior, suggesting that behavioral responses to acute predation risk are variable or constrained in natural settings. In contrast, transcriptomic analyses revealed 47 differentially expressed genes associated with predator community. Males from lakes with invasive pike showed enrichment of pathways related to protein synthesis and folding, whereas males from native predator-only lakes showed enrichment of immune response pathways. Parenting state showed minimal transcriptional differentiation. These results suggest that while invasive predator effects were less pronounced in short-term behavioral responses, they may be causing cumulative impacts over time, as evidenced by the baseline fanning behavior and gene expression patterns.},
}

Animals
Alaska
*Smegmamorpha/physiology/genetics
Male
Brain/metabolism
*Esocidae/physiology
*Paternal Behavior
*Introduced Species
*Predatory Behavior
*Gene Expression
*Food Chain
Lakes

@article {pmid42551170,
year = {2026},
author = {Gwate, O and Lens, PNL and Penning de Vries, MJM and Dube, T},
title = {From nuisance to resource: a global review of water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes (Mart.)) valorisation for sustainable development.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {415},
number = {},
pages = {130554},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.130554},
pmid = {42551170},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Water hyacinth (WH), one of the world's most invasive aquatic plants, is increasingly being recognised as a valuable biomass resource for energy, agriculture, environmental remediation, and industrial applications. However, existing studies have largely examined these utilisation pathways in isolation, limiting understanding of their combined potential within sustainable development frameworks. This review presents a novel, integrated global synthesis of WH valorisation by simultaneously evaluating technological advances, ecological implications, and socio-economic dimensions. It maps emerging research trends, identifies knowledge gaps, and demonstrates the transition from conventional control approaches towards circular bioeconomy-driven resource recovery strategies. Key valorisation pathways reviewed include bioenergy production (biogas, bio-oil, bioethanol, and hydrogen), organic soil amendments, extraction of high-value biochemicals (e.g., nanocellulose, sterols, and xylitol), and bio-composite manufacturing. Beyond summarising current applications, the review critically assesses the interconnected technical, environmental, economic, institutional, and regulatory barriers that constrain large-scale implementation. A key contribution is the development of an integrated biorefinery framework that links WH harvesting, wastewater treatment, biomass conversion, and value-added product generation, particularly for resource-constrained regions. The review further identifies priority research directions, including life-cycle assessment-based decision-making, process integration, and scalable deployment models. By repositioning WH as a strategic bioresource rather than an ecological burden, this review provides a comprehensive roadmap for transforming invasive biomass management into a driver of sustainable development and circular bioeconomy growth, particularly in low-income regions disproportionately affected by WH proliferation.},
}

@article {pmid42262744,
year = {2026},
author = {Majoe, M and Stolarek, N and Vizueta, J and Xiong, Z and Schrader, L and Boomsma, JJ and Foitzik, S and Libbrecht, R and Nehring, V},
title = {Queen loss fails to elicit physiological and transcriptional responses in workers of the invasive garden ant Lasius neglectus.},
journal = {Journal of evolutionary biology},
volume = {39},
number = {8},
pages = {956-967},
doi = {10.1093/jeb/voag043},
pmid = {42262744},
issn = {1420-9101},
support = {NE1969/4-1//German Research Foundation/ ; FO298/26-1//German Research Foundation/ ; LI3051/3-1//German Research Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ants/physiology/genetics ; Female ; Male ; Reproduction ; Fat Body/metabolism ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Colonies of insects with morphologically distinct castes have been called superorganisms because the function of their queens and workers is analogous to the germline and soma in metazoan bodies. In the case of formicoid ants, workers typically have lost the sperm storage organ, but they have retained ovaries. These workers can lay unfertilized eggs, which develop into males. Worker reproduction typically occurs after queen loss and involves many physiological changes, including ovary activation and an extension of lifespan. Yet, in some ant species, the workers have become sterile and the colonies have many queens that are regularly turned over. This syndrome preadapts them to become nest-budding invasive ants. We hypothesized that the combination of full worker sterility and regular queen replacement should have relaxed selection on the typical worker response to queen loss, because workers would never experience a queenless state. To test this hypothesis, we experimentally removed queens in colonies of the invasive ant Lasius neglectus. We found that queen removal indeed failed to elicit changes in fat body gene expression. Queen removal also did not increase orphan workers' stress resilience, a response observed after queen loss in ants with single-queen colonies. We did detect comparable age-related transcriptional changes in both workers and queens, which shows that our analyses were sensitive enough to detect responses to queen loss. The highly polygynous syndrome of L. neglectus colonies may thus have selected for a somatic workforce that is physiologically independent of queen presence.},
}

Animals
*Ants/physiology/genetics
Female
Male
Reproduction
Fat Body/metabolism
Introduced Species

@article {pmid42550579,
year = {2026},
author = {Tan, S and Xu, Y and Lin, Q and Ge, M and Wu, Y and Jin, J},
title = {Reusing Geospatial Data of Invasive Alien Insect Species From the Literature: Significance, Challenges, and Potential.},
journal = {Integrative zoology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/1749-4877.70157},
pmid = {42550579},
issn = {1749-4877},
support = {2023YFC2605200//National Key Research and Development Programs of China/ ; 2024YFC2607700//National Key Research and Development Programs of China/ ; 2024IOZ0105//Initative Scientfic Research Program, Institute of Zoology, CAS/ ; 2025IOZ10//Initative Scientfic Research Program, Institute of Zoology, CAS/ ; SKLA2505//State Key Laboratory of Animal Biodiversity Conservation and Integrated Pest Management/ ; },
abstract = {In invasion biology, geospatial data are fundamental for analyzing invasion dynamics. Focusing on invasive alien insect species (IAIS) dispersal, this study assesses the role and reuse potential of published geospatial data via a bibliometric analysis of literature from 2016 to 2026. By examining all IAIS-related publications, we found 1032 articles (59.0% of the total) that presented geospatial data in thematic maps, forming a substantial repository. We analyzed these publications across four dimensions-visual representation, spatial scale, data reuse, and data accessibility-revealing point-based data (80.1%) as most common, regional-scale analysis (54.9%) predominant, high adoption of geospatial data reuse (74.7%), and a majority (51.0%) lacking downloadable source data. To evaluate data reuse value, we explored integrating datasets across regions, time periods, and species. Such integration can overcome limitations of individual studies, often with constrained spatial coverage, short temporal scales, and narrow taxonomic focus. However, the significant absence of raw data in publications hinders the reuse of geospatial data. We therefore propose developing computational techniques to extract quantitative data directly from thematic map figures in publications. We addressed key challenges and potential solutions in the data extraction workflow, including georeferencing, thematic feature recognition, and thematic layer separation. We anticipate that overcoming these data extraction challenges will transform static map images into dynamic, computable knowledge, paving the way for data sharing and enhanced global IAIS monitoring and governance.},
}

@article {pmid42351270,
year = {2026},
author = {Ke, YH and Bazzicalupo, A and Ruytinx, J and Lofgren, L and Bruns, T and Branco, S and Looney, B and Hirose, D and Tedersoo, L and Peintner, U and Rojas, JA and Liao, HL and Plett, JM and Anderson, IC and Lipzen, A and Kuo, A and Barry, K and Grigoriev, I and Hoeksema, JD and Kennedy, PG and Nguyen, NH and Vilgalys, R},
title = {Global population structures and demographic history of Suillus luteus, a pine co-introduced ectomycorrhizal fungus associated with exotic forestry and invasion.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {251},
number = {5},
pages = {2964-2979},
pmid = {42351270},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {OISE 1953299//Office of International Science and Engineering/ ; FWO-G082621N//Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek/ ; DE-AC02-05CH11231//Office of Science/ ; DEB 1554181//Division of Environmental Biology/ ; DEB 2332726//Division of Environmental Biology/ ; MICL03028//Michigan State University Hatch/ ; IOS-PBI 2029168//Division of Integrative Organismal Systems/ ; },
mesh = {*Mycorrhizae/physiology/genetics ; *Pinus/microbiology ; *Introduced Species ; Genetic Variation ; *Forestry ; *Basidiomycota/genetics/physiology ; Genetics, Population ; Geography ; Demography ; Europe ; },
abstract = {Human colonization since the 19th century has resulted in the global spread of pines beyond their original northern boreal distribution. Although the introduction history of pines is documented through historical records, little is known about the introduction history of their ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi, which are critical symbionts for the survival and invasion of pines. Using Suillus luteus as an example, whole genomes of 208 individuals collected across native and introduced ranges were sequenced to reveal the introduction history of pine co-introduced ECM fungi. Population genomics analyses showed that all introductions originated from Europe. With the exception of North America, introduced populations were genetically differentiated from the European population, with varying magnitudes of population expansion in different introduced regions. Genetic variation within the native European population followed isolation by distance, but not in the introduced range, highlighting the disparity in the spatial-genetic patterns of native vs exotic habitats. The spread of S. luteus is mediated by human activities accompanying pine introductions, with its demographic history linked to forestry practices. The spatial, temporal, and demographic patterns observed in S. luteus offer insight into the population genetics of a widely introduced ECM fungus and are likely applicable to other pine co-introduced ECM fungi.},
}

*Mycorrhizae/physiology/genetics
*Pinus/microbiology
*Introduced Species
Genetic Variation
*Forestry
*Basidiomycota/genetics/physiology
Genetics, Population
Geography
Demography
Europe

@article {pmid42548615,
year = {2026},
author = {Tao, S and Chen, X and Qi, Z and Li, P and Yan, X},
title = {Niche Conservatism Shapes Invasion Patterns of Opuntia Species Despite Interspecific Differences in Expansion Dynamics.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {e74134},
pmid = {42548615},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Opuntia cacti rank among the most widespread and ecologically damaging plant invaders globally, yet it remains unclear whether their invasion success is driven by niche conservatism or niche shifts. Here, we investigated niche dynamics between native and invaded ranges for four Opuntia species (O. dillenii, O. ficus-indica, O. monacantha, and O. humifusa) that differ in climatic origin and invasion history. Using biomod2 ensemble models combined with principal component analysis in environmental space (PCA-env) and multivariate environmental similarity surface (MESS) analysis, we found that all four species exhibit strong niche conservatism, with high niche stability (89.6%-98.2%) and significant niche similarity between native and invaded ranges. Model projections indicated broad climatically suitable areas (10.4-22.5 million km[2]), with invasive occurrences largely confined to native environmental conditions. Niche expansion was limited (1.9%-10.4%) and restricted to marginal environmental conditions. Soil nutrient availability further contributed to distribution patterns in several species, highlighting the role of edaphic factors in shaping niche structure. Despite this overall conservatism, species differed markedly in niche dynamics and geographic expansion, indicating that invasion processes vary substantially among species. Overall, our results suggest that Opuntia are primarily characterized by environmental tracking rather than widespread niche shifts, while species-specific differences in adaptation and spread highlight the importance of assessing invasion risk at the species level.},
}

@article {pmid42548629,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, L and Ren, WM and Sun, XX and Liu, DZ and Dong, ZM and Chen, GW},
title = {Karyotype Variation and Environmental Adaptation in the Invasive Alien Freshwater Flatworm Girardia in China.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {e74095},
pmid = {42548629},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Freshwater planarians of the genus Girardia demonstrate a remarkable ability to colonize new regions through anthropogenic transport and subsequent natural dispersal. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive field investigation and integrative analysis of Girardia species in invaded regions of China. Our results reveal that G. tigrina and G. sinensis are the principal invasive species in China. Long-term monitoring indicates a predominance of asexual reproduction, with no evidence of sexual reproduction. Karyological analysis showed a basic haploid complement of 8 metacentric chromosomes in each invasive Girardia population. Notably, we identified triploid, mixoploid, and aneuploid individuals-representing the first documentation of such karyotypic diversity in Girardia species from China. This variation is consistent with the observed reproductive strategies and may reflect chromosomal instability following introduction. Furthermore, invasive Girardia species demonstrate high ecological plasticity, enabling successful colonization and persistence in unfavorable environments, for example, affected by pollution, high temperature, human intervention. Meanwhile they may impact native communities through resource competition and structural shifts. Therefore, the Girardia may represent a notable example of how climate change drives the geographic expansion of invasive species. These findings provide crucial baseline data for reconstructing invasion pathways and demographic history, and offer valuable insights for future monitoring, management, and conservation efforts in freshwater ecosystems, as global temperatures rise.},
}

@article {pmid42550016,
year = {2026},
author = {Ong, SQ and Majid, AHA and Li, WJ and Wang, JG},
title = {SolenopsisDetector: development of an automatic detection system for fire ants using computer vision and deep learning.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toag230},
pmid = {42550016},
issn = {1938-291X},
abstract = {Fire ants (Solenopsis spp. Westwood) pose a major ecological and economic threat, mainly due to the invasive potential of certain species. Current identification methods are highly dependent on taxonomic expertise, which can slow down decision-making. The development of an automated detection system could therefore support the identification process. We present SolenopsisDetector (SolenopD), an automated system for identifying Solenopsis ants using computer vision and deep learning. Following taxonomic practice, which emphasizes diagnostic body segments (head, thorax, abdomen), we evaluated 2 classification strategies: the use of whole-body images or segment-based images. To localize and crop out the target ants/segments, we first trained and compared 3 detection algorithms (YOLOv5, YOLOv8, and YOLOv11) to localize ants and their body segments. We then tested 3 classification models (ResNet, MobileNet, and InceptionV3) to categorize the ants into 4 classes. A total of 8,300 images were used to develop SolenopD. Among the detection models, whole-body detection achieved 0.931 mAP, whereas segment-based detection achieved 0.788 mAP, representing an average improvement of 18.15% using YOLOv8 and YOLOv11. However, for classification, segment-based images-especially thorax and abdomen-provided higher accuracy than head or whole-body images, with InceptionV3 performing best. To further validate our approach, we used Grad-CAM to visualize the features used in the classification. The highlighted regions corresponded to the taxonomically relevant segments and emphasized the biological interpretability of the system. In summary, SolenopD integrates YOLOv11 for precise localization of ants and body segments, followed by InceptionV3 for accurate classification of Solenopsis spp.},
}

@article {pmid42536926,
year = {2026},
author = {Arantes, LS and Oliveira, MD and Granger-Neto, HP and Hastenreiter, ZC and Baggio, RA and Chaves, BRN and Santos, FR},
title = {From individuals to communities: How genomics is transforming biodiversity conservation.},
journal = {Genetics and molecular biology},
volume = {49Suppl 1},
number = {Suppl 1},
pages = {e20250329},
pmid = {42536926},
issn = {1415-4757},
abstract = {Genomics has rapidly become one of the most transformative scientific approaches in modern conservation biology. As biodiversity faces increasing threats from climate change, habitat degradation, invasive species, and other human impacts, the use of genomics is providing conservation scientists with unprecedented tools to monitor biodiversity, manage endangered species, and anticipate ecological challenges. This review synthesizes recent advances in genomic applications for wildlife conservation, focusing on high-resolution whole-genome sequencing, comparative genomics, population genomics, local adaptation and environmental DNA (eDNA). The review concludes with a forward-looking discussion on integrating genomics, biodiversity monitoring, and conservation practices into a new era of comprehensive and continuous surveillance of threatened populations across diverse ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid42537595,
year = {2026},
author = {García-Colomé, J and Hendriks, IE and Abel-Abellán, I and Aglieri, G and Agueda, P and Aisa-Bravo, N and Álvarez, E and Andrada-Nicolás, MP and Antón-Linares, I and Arroyo-Martínez, E and Audisio-Pacheco, C and Bakran-Petricioli, T and Barrajón, A and Belkhamssa, FZ and Bosmali, A and Cetinić, AB and Bunet, R and Casoli, E and Castañer-Franch, V and Cefalì, ME and Coppa, S and Cortés-Melendreras, E and Dalmau, A and Del-Pilar-Ruso, Y and de Lucia, GA and Donato, G and Dujmović, S and Enguix-Egea, ÁM and Fernández-Torquemada, Y and Fortič, A and Fossati, V and Foulquié, M and Gavriel, E and Giacobbe, S and Giménez-Casalduero, F and González-Correa, JM and Guillén-López, R and Huseyinoglu, MF and Izquierdo-Muñoz, A and Jimenez, C and Jiménez-Gutiérrez, S and Katsanevakis, S and Kipson, S and Mrčelić, JK and López, MA and Lunetta, A and Mancini, G and Martínez-Martínez, P and Massaro, G and Milazzo, M and Moreno, D and Moreno-Sánchez, P and Movilla, J and Papadakis, O and Petricioli, D and Pitacco, V and Perković, ZP and Prado, P and Pujol-Fructuoso, JA and Quintano, N and Ramfos, A and Resaikos, V and Romanos, A and San Román, D and Sànchez, J and Sandonnini, J and Spinelli, A and Tari, G and Trigos, S and Trkov, D and Vázquez-Luis, M and Vencato, S and Ventura, D and Vicente, N and Vivó-Serrano, A and Zotou, M and Kersting, DK},
title = {Larval collectors network documents the spread of the invasive bivalve Pinctada radiata in the Mediterranean Sea.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {221},
number = {},
pages = {108284},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2026.108284},
pmid = {42537595},
issn = {1879-0291},
abstract = {Pinctada radiata, the first recorded Lessepsian migrant, has been present in the Mediterranean Sea since the late 19th century, initially confined to the eastern and southern-central basin. Since then, it has gradually expanded westward and northward, with its spread accelerating over the last decades. This study combines information on historical records with interannual data collected by a basin-wide network of larval collectors deployed across the Mediterranean Sea to analyse the spatial and temporal patterns of P. radiata's expansion. Larval collectors confirm the establishment of populations and detect up to 13 multiannual colonisation events, providing strong evidence of the species' ongoing spread, while uninvaded locations suggest that environmental barriers, particularly lower temperatures, may still limit its distribution. The integration of larval collector data demonstrates not only the continued expansion of P. radiata but also the utility of this approach as an early warning system for anticipating new colonisation by invasive species. In addition, larval collectors offer a valuable tool for long-term monitoring of recruitment success, providing insights into population dynamics over time. These findings highlight regions at risk of future invasion and provide a foundation for proactive monitoring and management strategies to mitigate ecological impacts on native communities and coastal ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid42538456,
year = {2026},
author = {Anil, AN and Halabowski, D and Pyrzanowski, K and Zięba, G and Grabowska, J and Smith, C and Douda, K and Reichard, M},
title = {Variation in resistance and survival of the European bitterling fish across a gradient of Sinanodonta woodiana expansion.},
journal = {Oecologia},
volume = {208},
number = {9},
pages = {},
pmid = {42538456},
issn = {1432-1939},
support = {2021/41/B/NZ8/02567//Narodowe Centrum Nauki/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Host-Parasite Interactions ; Bivalvia ; *Cyprinidae ; Introduced Species ; Larva ; },
abstract = {Biological invasions impose new selective pressures on native species, prompting rapid evolutionary responses. We examined how the parasitic larvae (glochidia) of the invasive East Asian mussel Sinanodonta woodiana affect European bitterling fish (Rhodeus amarus) populations with different histories of exposure to the parasite (none, 15 years, or 40 + years). Glochidia parasitise fish fins and gills, and bitterling are especially vulnerable to parasitism due to their spawning association with mussels. In a common garden experiment, we found the lowest glochidia load in bitterling from populations with the longest association with S. woodiana, indicating evolved resistance. While infection reduced swimming capacity proportionally to parasite load, this effect was not affected by exposure history. However, post-infection mortality was highest in naïve and lowest in long-associated populations. No negative long-term effects on survival, growth, condition, or reproduction were observed, suggesting fitness costs are concentrated shortly after infection. These results show that novel host-parasite interactions during invasions can drive rapid adaptive change, emphasising the need to consider evolutionary dynamics in invasion management.},
}

Animals
Host-Parasite Interactions
Bivalvia
*Cyprinidae
Introduced Species
Larva

@article {pmid42540538,
year = {2026},
author = {Foster, B and Hufbauer, RA and Szűcs, M},
title = {Intraspecific Hybridization Improves Performance of the Biological Control Agent Hypena opulenta.},
journal = {Evolutionary applications},
volume = {19},
number = {8},
pages = {e70306},
pmid = {42540538},
issn = {1752-4571},
abstract = {Introduced species often undergo genetic drift and natural selection, which can reduce genetic diversity and drive differentiation among populations. Intraspecific hybridization, outcrossing among individuals from genetically distinct groups, may counteract these effects by increasing heterozygosity, potentially improving performance. However, in classical biological control agents, genetic diversity is typically low due to small founding sizes, long-term quarantine rearing, and single-source collections from the native range. As a result, opportunities for beneficial hybridization may be limited. We evaluated whether intraspecific hybridization could enhance genetic diversity and performance of Hypena opulenta (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), a biological control agent of invasive swallow-wort vines (Vincetoxicum spp.) in North America. We used two populations: one reared under laboratory conditions for 28 generations, and another established in the field in Canada, separated from the lab population for 14 generations. We created a third population by crossing individuals from the two source populations. We conducted Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) on 15-20 individuals per population to assess genetic divergence and heterozygosity and compared performance of the three populations under both laboratory and field conditions. Despite relatively recent separation, clear genetic structure had developed between the lab and field populations. Both exhibited low genome-wide heterozygosity, while the outbred population showed significantly higher heterozygosity. Hybridization also led to improved performance: outbred females produced more pupae in the laboratory, caused greater defoliation of host plants, and yielded the most second-generation adults in the field. These results demonstrate that even short-term isolation can lead to meaningful divergence and that intentional intraspecific hybridization can boost both genetic diversity and performance. Our findings suggest that outcrossing among recently separated populations could be a practical approach to improve performance of biological control agents prior to field release, with broader implications for managing genetic diversity in applied ecology and conservation contexts.},
}

@article {pmid42540546,
year = {2026},
author = {Brittain, K and Muhlbach, T and Cao, R and Mijangos, JL and Yibarbuk, D and O'Brien, E and Somaweera, R and FitzSimmons, NN and Gongora, J},
title = {Unique Population or Unique Species? Genetic Insights Into the Pygmy Freshwater Crocodiles of Northern Australia.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {e74055},
pmid = {42540546},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Isolated populations of Australian freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus johnstoni) in few elevated, rocky escarpment areas of the Northern Territory of Australia reach sexual maturity earlier and generally have an adult size half that of their downstream counterparts. There is debate over whether these "pygmy" or "dwarf" crocodile populations are the result of extreme phenotypic plasticity or the origins of a unique species through peripatric speciation. This debate is of conservation concern as these populations face immediate threats from invasive species and climate change, and species classification can affect conservation management strategies. We used mitochondrial DNA control region and cytochrome b sequences to investigate whether mtDNA haplotype variation supports any evidence of speciation between the pygmy and standard-size freshwater crocodiles. Additionally, we used genotyping by sequencing (dd-RADseq) to examine genetic clustering. Separated and concatenated control region and cytochrome b haplotypes were shared between pygmy and standard-size crocodile populations. Principle Component Analysis and STRUCTURE analyses on dd-RADseq data showed pygmy and standard-size crocodiles cluster by geographic location as much as by phenotype. We found no clear and objective genetic evidence to suggest that the pygmy freshwater crocodiles should be considered a separate species from any other population of the standard-size crocodiles. However, the isolation and environmental adaptability of these unique pygmy freshwater crocodile populations make them ecologically unique and valuable for conservation, and worth safeguarding against potential threats.},
}

@article {pmid42540705,
year = {2026},
author = {Campbell, A and Funk, JL and Kuebbing, S and Nuñez, MA and Nunez-Mir, GC and McCary, MA},
title = {From the Ground Up: Can Root Traits Help Understand Invasion Dynamics?.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {16},
number = {8},
pages = {e74107},
pmid = {42540705},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Trait-based comparisons of invasive and native plants have advanced our understanding of invasion mechanisms, but most focus on aboveground traits, overlooking the influence of root traits. In this mini-review, we synthesize existing research to evaluate the often-neglected role of root traits in plant invasions across different levels of disturbance and nutrient availability. We then propose a new Root Trait-Environment-Invasion (RTEI) framework that accounts for how environmental context interacts with root traits to mediate invasion success. Our review suggests that there is no single root trait that correlates with invasion. However, we did identify emerging patterns that varied with the level of disturbance and nutrient availability. For example, in low-disturbance, high-nutrient environments, we found that plant invaders often display root traits associated with enhanced resource acquisition, such as higher root biomass. In contrast, invasive plants generally exhibited more fine root traits, such as increased specific root length than native plants in high-disturbance, low-nutrient environments. From the synthesized literature, we derived the RTEI framework, which predicts that acquisitive root traits associated with enhanced nutrient uptake will promote invasion success under high-nutrient, low-disturbance conditions. In high-disturbance environments with abundant nutrients, invaders are expected to exhibit traits enabling rapid root turnover or clonal regeneration. In low-nutrient environments, traits that foster microbial mutualisms or resource conservation may enhance invasiveness. Synthesis. By integrating root traits into invasion science, the RTEI framework offers a novel lens for predicting invasions across environmental contexts, thereby broadening invasion ecology to more fully account for belowground processes.},
}

@article {pmid42543868,
year = {2026},
author = {Drake, J and Reed, EMX and Haak, D and Brown, B and Mims, MC and Sorice, MG and Rogers, H and Salom, S and Schenk, T and Barney, JN},
title = {State lines and species divides: Inconsistencies and opportunities in invasive species policies across the eastern United States.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {36},
number = {5},
pages = {e70287},
pmid = {42543868},
issn = {1939-5582},
support = {//Global Change Center/ ; G23AC00647//U.S. Geological Survey/ ; //Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University/ ; //Virginia Tech Invasive Species Collaborative/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species/legislation & jurisprudence ; United States ; Animals ; *Environmental Policy/legislation & jurisprudence ; Vertebrates ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/legislation & jurisprudence ; Invertebrates ; },
abstract = {Invasive species are a threat to ecological and anthropogenic systems. In the United States, policies to coordinate funding and precipitate management action have been slow to emerge at the federal level, and there is a patchwork of regulation and legislation at the state level. This means that managers and policymakers, already facing limited budgets and evolving goals for action on invasive species, also face detrimental policy inconsistencies across states. Although previous research has explored state-level invasive plant policy, policy relating to invasive invertebrate and vertebrate taxa (and across all three) is understudied. We expand upon previous taxa-limited examinations of public policy related to invasives, looking across all taxonomic groups, including plants, to explore coherency of state regulations. We expanded the taxonomicscope of a database of policies in 21 contiguous eastern US states and used it to examine (in)consistencies in spatial trends for invasive species listed in policies across and within taxonomic groups. We examined the coherency of neighboring states and regional overlap of named species. We also analyzed correlations between distances among states and the species listed in the policy to examine regional trends. We found 1117 policy segments relevant to invasive species with 448 naming at least one taxon at the genus or species level. Of these, 35.3% were plants, 19.9% were invertebrates, and 44.8% were vertebrates. The distribution of taxa contained within policies varied across states, underscoring high variability in the proportion of taxa listed in the policies of neighboring states. Even lower policy coherency existed at the regional scale, particularly for invertebrate and vertebrate taxa. Our results indicate that policy inconsistency exists across all taxonomic groups, and the lack of attention to invasive invertebrates and vertebrates across state policies is particularly concerning. Policy inconsistency means that proactive states are susceptible to invasion from neighboring states where invasives are not similarly regulated. There is an opportunity to improve coordination between states to reduce vulnerability to invasives due to policy inconsistency.},
}

*Introduced Species/legislation & jurisprudence
United States
Animals
*Environmental Policy/legislation & jurisprudence
Vertebrates
*Conservation of Natural Resources/legislation & jurisprudence
Invertebrates

@article {pmid42547649,
year = {2026},
author = {Malka, S and Distelfeld, A and Matzrafi, M},
title = {Uncovering transgenerational phenotypic variation in Parthenium hysterophorus populations in Israel.},
journal = {Planta},
volume = {264},
number = {3},
pages = {},
pmid = {42547649},
issn = {1432-2048},
support = {20-02-0142//the chief scientist of the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security/ ; },
mesh = {Israel ; *Asteraceae/growth & development/genetics/physiology ; Phenotype ; Introduced Species ; Seeds/growth & development/physiology ; Biomass ; Flowers/growth & development/physiology ; },
abstract = {Invasive Parthenium hysterophorus achieves rapid colonization via phenological divergence and population-specific transgenerational plasticity, balancing maternal environmental effects with rigid developmental canalization to outperform native flora across diverse habitats. Parthenium hysterophorus L. is a highly aggressive invasive weed that has spread across more than 50 countries, causing severe agricultural, ecological, and public health problems. Understanding phenotypic variation among invasive populations is critical for predicting invasion dynamics and designing effective management strategies. This study investigated phenological variation and transgenerational plasticity among five P. hysterophorus populations in northern Israel over three years. We compared developmental traits (emergence, bolting, flowering, height, and biomass) between field-collected seeds and their progeny grown under controlled greenhouse conditions. Significant phenological differences were observed among the populations, with field populations exhibiting more uniform development. These disparities persisted through to final height and weight measurements. A detailed transgenerational analysis of two contrasting populations (Tirat Zvi and Ha'Hotrim) revealed population-specific patterns of developmental plasticity. The Tirat Zvi population, originating from an extremely arid environment and representing the earliest documented Israeli introduction, demonstrated significant transgenerational shifts in emergence timing and a 25% increase in biomass under controlled conditions, while maintaining conserved flowering timing. In contrast, the Ha'Hotrim population exhibited a limited transgenerational response, with significant changes only in bolting timing. These contrasting patterns suggest different adaptive strategies: environmental anticipation through maternal effects versus intrinsic developmental canalization. The pronounced phenological divergence among populations, despite their short geographic separation, supports the hypothesis of multiple independent introductions or rapid local adaptation, with important implications for managing this invasive species in diverse agricultural landscapes.},
}

Israel
*Asteraceae/growth & development/genetics/physiology
Phenotype
Introduced Species
Seeds/growth & development/physiology
Biomass
Flowers/growth & development/physiology

@article {pmid42430987,
year = {2026},
author = {Van der Zwan, KM and Singh, JP and Coghill, M and Akin-Fajiye, M and Fraser, LH},
title = {Spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe) invasion linked with disruption of soil nitrogen-cycling processes.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {414},
number = {},
pages = {130418},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.130418},
pmid = {42430987},
issn = {1095-8630},
mesh = {*Centaurea/genetics/metabolism ; *Soil/chemistry ; *Introduced Species ; *Nitrogen Cycle ; Nitrogen/metabolism ; British Columbia ; Grassland ; },
abstract = {Previous research has demonstrated the negative impacts Centaurea stoebe has on both carbon and nitrogen availability in soils. However, its impact on nitrogen cycling remains poorly understood. This project investigates the effects of C. stoebe on genes associated with nitrogen cycling in grasslands, where soil nitrogen is limited. Uninvaded soil - free of any invasive plant species - was collected from the upper elevation grasslands of the Lac du Bois Grasslands Protected Area, British Columbia, Canada, and used to set up a microcosm experiment with four treatments. Each treatment consisted of planting with either spotted knapweed (C. stoebe), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), or no treatment (control). All treatments were replicated nine times for a total of 36 microcosm units. Plants were grown for six months before the soil samples were collected for analysis. Soil and plant nitrogen content were quantified at the end of the experiment. The abundance of seven key nitrogen-cycling functional genes, including nitrogen fixation genes (nifH), nitrification genes (AOB-amoA, AOA-amoA), and denitrification genes (narG, nirK, nosZ, and nirS) was assessed using quantitative PCR (qPCR) to determine how C. stoebe influences the quantities of these genes compared to uninvaded soils and other plant species. In addition, nitrogen cycling-related soil enzyme activities were measured by quantifying leucine-aminopeptidase (LAP) and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase (NAG) activities. The results indicate that C. stoebe invasion significantly impacted the soil nitrogen content. C. stoebe invasion was associated with a broad suppression of nitrogen-cycling genes, including nifH, AOB-amoA, nirK, and nirS, as well as elevated NAG activity, an N-acquiring enzyme. Further, its nitrogen requirements and uptake efficiency are higher than those of a non-leguminous plant (A. millefolium), while suppressing nitrogen fixation, resulting in a decline in soil nitrogen content. Overall, our results show that C. stoebe disrupts soil nitrogen cycling, likely increasing nitrogen availability for itself and enabling C. stoebe to efficiently uptake the labile nitrogen. These findings highlight the need for early management interventions to control the spread of C. stoebe.},
}

*Centaurea/genetics/metabolism
*Soil/chemistry
*Introduced Species
*Nitrogen Cycle
Nitrogen/metabolism
British Columbia
Grassland

@article {pmid42501627,
year = {2026},
author = {Liao, Y and Hei, J and Wang, W and Li, Y and Sardans, J and Xue, P and Song, Z and Guo, Y and Xu, H and Wang, L and Peñuelas, J},
title = {Impact of Spartina alterniflora invasion on soil CH4 emissions and their temperature sensitivity in coastal wetlands.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {414},
number = {},
pages = {130555},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2026.130555},
pmid = {42501627},
issn = {1095-8630},
mesh = {*Wetlands ; *Methane/analysis ; Temperature ; *Soil/chemistry ; *Poaceae ; *Introduced Species ; China ; Soil Microbiology ; },
abstract = {The invasive Spartina alterniflora is rapidly expanding along China's southeast coast, profoundly altering wetland soil properties, and methane (CH4) fluxes. However, the mechanism underlying the relationship between these environmental changes triggered by the invasion and the variations in CH4 emissions remain to be further deeply explored. We compared S. alterniflora-invaded wetlands with native Cyperus malaccensis wetlands through a one-year field monitoring and complementary laboratory experiments. The findings indicate that S. alterniflora invasion markedly decreased soil bulk density (4.3%) and increased water content (7.5%), while altering bacterial communities, notably increasing Microbulbifer (165.3%) and decreasing Anaeromyxobacter (61.7%) relative abundances. Consequently, cumulative soil CH4 emissions significantly increased by 354.9%, whereas CH4 emission temperature sensitivity (Q10) decreased by 79.8% (p < 0.05). CH4 emissions were positively correlated with the content of mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total nitrogen (TN), soil temperature, and Microbulbifer abundance. Conversely, CH4 emissions were negatively related to clay content, particulate organic carbon (POC), and the abundances of Anaeromyxobacter. Q10 values were primarily influenced by soil texture, nutrient levels (TN, TP), MBC, and Microbulbifer abundance. Our findings indicate that the encroachment of S. alterniflora increases CH4 emissions while decreasing their Q10 by modifying soil physicochemical conditions, influenced by its plant traits. These findings highlight the critical need to manage S. alterniflora expansion to mitigate coastal wetland greenhouse gas emissions.},
}

*Wetlands
*Methane/analysis
Temperature
*Soil/chemistry
*Poaceae
*Introduced Species
China
Soil Microbiology

@article {pmid42529050,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, YY and Zhang, XK and Shan, L and Wusiman, S and Lin, J and Li, X and Fu, BZ and Wang, LL},
title = {Pathogen identification, biological characteristics and control agent screening of China Xinjiang white clover anthracnose.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1880984},
pmid = {42529050},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {White clover is a high-quality forage and turfgrass. In 2023, a severe anthracnose was observed on white clover in Urumqi and Altay, Xinjiang, China. The pathogen was identified as Colletotrichum destructivum based on morphology and phylogeny. Biological characteristic assays revealed that the optimum temperature for mycelial growth was 25 °C, with an optimal pH range of 7.0 - 10.0. The most favorable media for growth were PDA, PSA and CA. Soluble starch and inulin served as the optimal carbon sources, while peptone was the most effective nitrogen source. Mycelial growth occurred under three tested light conditions (24 hours of light, 24 hours of darkness, and 12 hours of light/darkness), and the lethal temperature for mycelia was 54 °C for 10 minutes. The optimal conditions for sporulation were 20 °C, pH 6.0, under continuous darkness (24 h), with PDA as the medium, lactose as the carbon source, and peptone as the nitrogen source. In vitro toxicity tests of ten fungicides against C. destructivum demonstrated that 20% Imazalil was the most effective with EC50 = 0.1347 mg/L and followed by 430 g/L Tebuconazole with EC50 = 0.2239 mg/L. This study identifies the pathogen and biological features of white clover anthracnose in Xinjiang and identifies highly effective fungicides for its management, providing a theoretical basis for field control strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42530738,
year = {2026},
author = {Yang, X and Feng, J and Xie, Z and Wang, F},
title = {Potential Distribution of Invasive Insect Ferrisia virgata (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) Under Climate Change with Implications for Management.},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {55},
number = {1},
pages = {},
pmid = {42530738},
issn = {1678-8052},
support = {L2025ZD07//Scientific and Technological Research Fund of Hebei Normal University/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Hemiptera ; *Climate Change ; *Introduced Species ; *Animal Distribution ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {The striped mealybug, Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell), is a destructive invasive pest infesting more than 234 genera across 83 families and established in over 122 countries, posing serious threats to agriculture and forestry. To clarify the drivers governing the distribution and future dispersal risk, this study employed a Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model to conduct its global potential distribution under current and future climate scenarios, incorporating climate and topographic variables. The established models demonstrated strong reliability and accuracy, with an average AUC of 0.903, a mean TSS of 0.705, and only 17.08% of the total suitable habitats classified as extrapolation areas. The temperature-related variables (85.2%) were the dominant variables shaping the current potential distribution model, followed by precipitation-related variables (13.5%), while the contribution of elevation contributed only 1.3%. The current potential distribution of this pest mainly concentrated in North America, South America, Africa, Oceania, and Asia. Under future climate scenarios, the suitable habitats of F. virgata exhibited divergent invasion risks, and low-emission climate pathways could constrain the pest's long-term suitable ranges. We put forward three targeted strategies for prevention and control, existing-area governance, forward-looking early warning, and cross-regional coordinated prevention. Our findings clarify the key role of thermal conditions in driving the dispersal of F. virgata and propose targeted control strategies, thereby offering a scientific basis for the early warning and precise management of congeneric invasive insects.},
}

Animals
*Hemiptera
*Climate Change
*Introduced Species
*Animal Distribution
Ecosystem

@article {pmid42531416,
year = {2026},
author = {McGuire, JL and Williams, CM},
title = {When mammals crossed between continents.},
journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {393},
number = {6810},
pages = {458-459},
doi = {10.1126/science.aei5362},
pmid = {42531416},
issn = {1095-9203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Biota ; *Introduced Species ; *Mammals ; North America ; South America ; *Animal Migration ; },
abstract = {The Great American Biotic Interchange informs the dynamics of modern species invasions.},
}

Animals
*Biota
*Introduced Species
*Mammals
North America
South America
*Animal Migration

@article {pmid42533052,
year = {2026},
author = {Güell, BA and Dorn, NJ},
title = {Lack of behavioral response of a native crayfish to the invasive predatory swamp eel.},
journal = {Oecologia},
volume = {208},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {42533052},
issn = {1432-1939},
mesh = {Animals ; *Astacoidea ; Predatory Behavior ; Introduced Species ; *Smegmamorpha ; },
abstract = {Invasive predators are globally pervasive and frequently drive ecological disruption, yet the mechanisms underlying extreme prey vulnerability often remain unclear. Prey that fail to recognize or appropriately respond to novel predators may experience disproportionality high mortality. In the Florida Everglades, the recent invasion of the Asian Swamp eel (Monopterus albus/javanensis) has been associated with rapid collapse of slough crayfish (Procambarus fallax), and other prey of nesting wading birds. We assessed the behaviors of slough crayfish exposed to either a common native predator, warmouth (Lepomis gulosus) or invasive Asian swamp eels. Consistent with established antipredator responses of aquatic invertebrates facing visually oriented fish predators, crayfish reduced their movement, increased spatial avoidance, and decreased feeding in the presence of warmouth. In contrast, crayfish exhibited limited or no response to swamp eels. Naïve crayfish from invaded and uninvaded wetlands showed similar responses to the different fish predators, suggesting limited recognition/responsiveness despite > 10 generations of exposure to eels. Laboratory observations of predation by swamp eels suggest that slough crayfish may face a behavioral trade-off, with native predators selecting for cryptic lifestyles while coexistence with swamp eels favors more movement and active escape responses. Our results provide an initial assessment of behavioral mechanisms that may help explain crayfish population collapses following swamp eel invasion in the Everglades, are consistent with a hypothesis of prey naiveté, and suggest that historical selective pressures and/or constraints from conflicting predation modes may represent an overlooked mechanism in studies of predator-prey dynamics involving invasive species.},
}

Animals
*Astacoidea
Predatory Behavior
Introduced Species
*Smegmamorpha

@article {pmid42534332,
year = {2026},
author = {Consoli, E and Bogale, M and Mondal, S and Ralston, TI and Habteweld, A and Handoo, Z and Wolf, E and Vieira, P and Hand, FP and May, SR and Lopez-Nicora, HD and Kantor, M},
title = {Pratylenchus pseudocoffeae Mizukubo, 1992 infecting dahlia (Dahlia hybrida) in the United States expands its known host and geographic ranges.},
journal = {Journal of nematology},
volume = {58},
number = {1},
pages = {246-257},
pmid = {42534332},
issn = {0022-300X},
abstract = {Pratylenchus pseudocoffeae is a migratory endoparasitic nematode with a limited documented geographic distribution and host range. We studied nine putative P. pseudocoffeae populations recovered from symptomatic dahlia (Dahlia hybrida) tubers in Ohio and Pennsylvania and evaluated their pathogenicity. Two populations were selected for integrative characterization using morphological and molecular analysis, whereas the remaining populations were identified molecularly based on two ribosomal DNA loci (i.e., internal transcribed spacer and large subunit regions). All populations were confirmed as P. pseudocoffeae, representing the first report of this species in Ohio and Pennsylvania, and the first report of dahlia as a natural host. Pathogenicity was assessed under greenhouse conditions by inoculating rooted dahlia cuttings with initial soil densities of 0, 7, 14, and 28 nematodes cm[-3] soil. Inoculated plants exhibited significant reductions in root biomass (61-75%) relative to noninoculated controls. Taken together, these results demonstrate that dahlia is a suitable host of P. pseudocoffeae, contributing to a better understanding of the distribution of this species in North America, and provide molecular diagnostic data to support accurate nematode identification for future diagnostic and epidemiological studies.},
}

@article {pmid42536220,
year = {2026},
author = {Paganelli, D and Tarascio, M and Abeli, T},
title = {Biological contamination of macrobenthic communities in seminatural streams: implications for monitoring habitat quality in Isoëtes malinverniana stands.},
journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment},
volume = {198},
number = {8},
pages = {},
pmid = {42536220},
issn = {1573-2959},
mesh = {*Rivers/chemistry ; Animals ; *Environmental Monitoring ; *Ecosystem ; *Invertebrates/classification ; Biodiversity ; Italy ; },
abstract = {Seminatural streams and irrigation canals can act as important refuges for freshwater biodiversity in intensively managed landscapes, but they are also highly vulnerable to habitat degradation and biological invasions. In the northwestern Po Valley (Northern Italy), this secondary hydrographic network hosts the last remaining populations of Isoëtes malinverniana, a critically endangered endemic quillwort that has undergone a severe decline in recent decades. Despite the ecological relevance of benthic macroinvertebrates as indicators of habitat conditions, their communities have never been investigated in relation to the distribution of this species. We characterized macrobenthic communities in nine seminatural streams, including current and historical sites of I. malinverniana occurrence and one recent reintroduction site. Macroinvertebrates were sampled in spring 2025 together with basic physicochemical variables. Community composition, diversity patterns, and the occurrence of alien taxa were compared among streams to explore their relationship with the presence of I. malinverniana. Benthic assemblages were dominated by insects, particularly Chironomidae, while mollusks and crustaceans contributed less to total abundance. Only four alien taxa were recorded, yet their abundance varied markedly among streams. Streams hosting extant populations of I. malinverniana showed low levels of alien macroinvertebrates and environmental conditions indicative of limited disturbance, whereas historical sites of species loss and the reintroduction site exhibited higher proportions of alien taxa and signs of habitat alteration. Although overall macroinvertebrate diversity was higher where I. malinverniana is absent, this pattern was largely driven by alien species. These results indicate that macrobenthic community composition, particularly the presence of alien taxa, reflects environmental gradients critical for the persistence of I. malinverniana. Integrating macrobenthic assessments into monitoring programs may therefore support conservation and management actions for this critically endangered species.},
}

*Rivers/chemistry
Animals
*Environmental Monitoring
*Ecosystem
*Invertebrates/classification
Biodiversity
Italy

@article {pmid42536648,
year = {2026},
author = {Pardo-Sarmiento, EA and Hernández, JP and Buitrago-Ricaurte, N and Riveros, AJ},
title = {Cardiovascular adjustments during experimentally induced retraction and locomotion in the invasive terrestrial snail Cornu aspersum (Müller, 1774).},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {21},
number = {7},
pages = {e0354962},
pmid = {42536648},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Locomotion/physiology ; Heart Rate/physiology ; *Snails/physiology ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {The coupled function of physiology and behavior is crucial for generating survival responses. Generally, the cardiovascular system undergoes rapid adjustments during scape behavior to increase oxygen delivery to muscle tissues. In contrast, passive antipredator responses such as retraction in snails may impose mechanical constraints on the circulatory system. Here, we evaluated the cardiovascular response underlying the scape response (through induced retraction) and the physical activity in the invasive land snail Cornu aspersum. We quantified heart rate and heart rate variability in adult snails using laser optocardiography under the two conditions. We found that heart rate increased from retracted to the moving state and was accompanied by changes in heart rate variability and reduction of cardiac irregularities. Also, we found that locomotion intensity and body size did not influence these cardiac parameters. Our results suggest that metabolic demands, neural regulation and mechanical configuration collectively alter heart rate and heart rate variability. Thus, cardiovascular function is strongly dependent on behaviorally induced mechanical shifts in the circulatory system and on a "fight-or-flight"-like response.},
}

Animals
*Locomotion/physiology
Heart Rate/physiology
*Snails/physiology
Introduced Species

@article {pmid42522974,
year = {2026},
author = {Nugroho, A and Comte, S and Barrière, P and Allen, RB and Sherwin, WB and Rollins, LA},
title = {Two Secondary Introductions From a Shared Bridgehead Population Show Evidence of Divergent and Parallel Selection.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {35},
number = {15},
pages = {e70495},
pmid = {42522974},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {//NSW Department of Primary Industries/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; *Genetics, Population ; *Selection, Genetic ; *Deer/genetics ; *Introduced Species ; Genetic Variation ; },
abstract = {Biological invasions offer large-scale experiments for examining rapid evolution and testing the predictability of adaptive change. Assessing the repeatability of such adaptive responses, however, requires replicated introductions that share similar demographic and environmental contexts. Single introduction events are common during biological invasion, but replicated secondary introductions from a shared source are rare. Here, we take advantage of a unique study system involving the introduced rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) to investigate whether synchronous secondary introductions from a shared bridgehead population show similar evolutionary trajectories. We utilised 5298 DArTSeq Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) from a bridgehead population and two secondary populations to estimate genetic diversity, characterise population structure and detect SNPs putatively under selection. We found an apparent reduction in genetic diversity across serial introductions, consistent with strong founder effects. Population genetic analyses revealed two genetic clusters, indicating strong differentiation and independent evolutionary trajectories between secondary populations. A genome-wide scan using BayPass identified outlier SNPs potentially involved in adaptive responses and some evidence of parallel selection, likely driven by common environmental pressures. We found candidate genes linked to the outlier loci that were associated with functions consistent with adaptive mechanisms. This study highlights that repeated introductions from a common source can further reduce genetic diversity and increase population differentiation, yet still produce parallel adaptive responses under similar environmental conditions.},
}

Animals
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
*Genetics, Population
*Selection, Genetic
*Deer/genetics
*Introduced Species
Genetic Variation

@article {pmid42524017,
year = {2026},
author = {Sanchez-Muelas, JD and González Obando, R and Salazar-Rivera, KV and Barbosa, JF and Moreira, FFF},
title = {A new introduced species in South America: the Asian water bug Synaptonecta issa (Distant, 1910) (Heteroptera, Micronectidae).},
journal = {Biodiversity data journal},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {e186680},
pmid = {42524017},
issn = {1314-2828},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Corixoidea is the only group of water bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Nepomorpha) that does not exhibit strictly predatory habits. Two families have been recorded from the Neotropics: Corixidae and Micronectidae. The latter is represented by three genera in the region: Monogobia Nieser & Chen, 2006, Synaptogobia Nieser & Chen, 2006 and Tenagobia Bergroth, 1899. At least four species of Corixoidea have been introduced into non-native areas: Micronecta ludibunda Breddin, 1905 to North America; Synaptonecta issa (Distant, 1910) to North America, the Caribbean Islands and New Zealand; Trichocorixa verticalis (Fieber, 1851) to Europe, Africa and New Caledonia; and T. reticulata (Guerin-Meneville, 1857) to Hawaii.

NEW INFORMATION: Here, we record S. issa from South America for the first time. We collected specimens in the Municipality of Buenaventura, Department of Valle del Cauca, Pacific Region of Colombia. We found it in a permanent freshwater lagoon, in areas dominated by the aquatic plant Cabomba cf. haynessi. We also found the native Neotropical micronectid Tenagobia signata (White, 1879) at the same site and report its first record from Colombia. The introduction pathway of S. issa into South America and any environmental impacts that it might cause locally remain unknown and should be investigated.},
}

@article {pmid42519604,
year = {2026},
author = {Rangel-Galván, M and Ángeles-López, YI and Villa-Ruano, N},
title = {Plant derived biopesticides for controlling imported fire ants (Solenopsis spp.): a comprehensive review on biochemical traits, promising alternatives, and mechanisms of action.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {17},
number = {},
pages = {1848932},
pmid = {42519604},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {The genus Solenopsis is also known as imported fire ants and comprises several invasive species, including the highly aggressive Solenopsis invicta (RIFA). Imported fire ants have spread from South America to every continent due to international trade and climate change, affecting agriculture, ecosystems, and even human health. Conventional chemical insecticides are widely used for controlling Solenopsis spp., however, their application results in environmental and health risks, including toxicity to non-target organisms. These concerns have led to growing interest in biopesticides as a safer and more sustainable alternative. This review examines the effects of plant-derived biopesticides on Solenopsis spp., with particular emphasis on RIFA as a model system and essential oils and their main volatiles as a safe agroecological control alternative. Overall, a solid background suggests that azadirachtin, eugenol, carvacrol, citral, and isothiocyanates induce rapid mortality and behavioral disruption in fire ants, often through blocking acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione S-transferase (GST). In addition to these enzymatic targets, growing evidence highlights the role of the chemosensory system, affecting odorant receptors and semiochemical perception. Twenty-four odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) and 23 chemosensory proteins (CSPs) have been identified in RIFA, with differential expression depending on factors such as caste, tissue, foraging activity, and corpse removal. The current state of the art suggests that bait strategies combining toxicants with attractants or repellents may be considered to improve the control efficiency of RIFA. Although biopesticides exhibit low or negligible risks to non-target organisms and the environment, their efficacy, stability, and large-scale application face evident challenges in the short term. Understanding the roles of essential oils and their active compounds may contribute to more effective and sustainable control of imported fire ants.},
}

@article {pmid42521259,
year = {2026},
author = {Park, AW and Dáttilo, W and Rubio-Godoy, M and de León, GP},
title = {Evolutionary distinctiveness and parasite specificity determine infection of non-native fish.},
journal = {Biology letters},
volume = {22},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1098/rsbl.2026.0261},
pmid = {42521259},
issn = {1744-957X},
support = {NSF DEB 1754255//National Science Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Host Specificity ; *Biological Evolution ; *Fishes/parasitology ; *Host-Parasite Interactions ; *Fish Diseases/parasitology ; Introduced Species ; Phylogeny ; Larva/physiology/parasitology ; *Helminths/physiology ; *Helminthiasis, Animal/parasitology ; Host Tropism ; },
abstract = {While parasites frequently cross the host species barrier and increase their host range, the mechanisms underlying successful novel cross-species transmission remain poorly understood. Host range expansion of complex life-cycle parasites is especially challenging to assess because they use different host species for development and reproduction. Addressing this knowledge gap, we use a large, published dataset on fish-helminth interactions, which includes introduced, non-native fish species, providing an opportunity to examine parasite infection of novel species in the context of a parasite's known phylogenetic host range and the evolutionary distance between non-native fish and native hosts. We found that larval and adult-stage parasites are influenced by distinct factors in determining their host range expansion. Larval parasites with broad phylogenetic host ranges exhibit higher infection success in novel hosts than specialists. In contrast, both specialist and generalist adults can successfully infect new host species. Notably, specialists achieve the highest infection success when novel hosts are closely related to their typical hosts. Our findings provide evidence of the trade-offs associated with specialism and generalism in parasites and enhance our understanding of the ecological and evolutionary constraints shaping host range expansion. These insights are critical for predicting future host-parasite assemblies in the context of global change.},
}

Animals
*Host Specificity
*Biological Evolution
*Fishes/parasitology
*Host-Parasite Interactions
*Fish Diseases/parasitology
Introduced Species
Phylogeny
Larva/physiology/parasitology
*Helminths/physiology
*Helminthiasis, Animal/parasitology
Host Tropism

@article {pmid42521651,
year = {2026},
author = {Mount, HE and Funk, JL and Blumenthal, DM and Derner, JD and Nguyen, MA and Fleri, JR and Kray, JA and Atkins, DH and Laughlin, DC},
title = {An experimental test of trait-based restoration to achieve drought tolerance and invasion resistance in two grasslands.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {36},
number = {5},
pages = {e70285},
pmid = {42521651},
issn = {1939-5582},
support = {2019-67019-29459//NIFA/ ; 7006108//USDA/ ; //University of Wyoming Science Initiate/ ; },
mesh = {*Grassland ; Drought Resistance ; *Introduced Species ; *Poaceae/physiology ; California ; *Droughts ; Wyoming ; *Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods ; },
abstract = {Drought and invasive species are threats to primary productivity in grassland ecosystems worldwide. A central challenge in ecological restoration is establishing plant communities that can withstand these abiotic and biotic stressors. We tested the efficacy of a trait-based framework for enhancing drought tolerance and invasion resistance in experimental restorations of contrasting grassland systems, a perennial mixed-grass prairie in Wyoming and annual interior grassland in California. Each experiment included four trait-based seeding treatments: drought tolerant, invasion resistant, functionally diverse, and a random control. All seeded communities were subjected to extreme precipitation reduction (-50% annual) and invasion by non-native annual grasses. We asked two questions: (1) Can we establish communities from seed that meet and maintain these desired trait-based targets? (2) Did the trait-based seeding treatments tolerate extreme precipitation reduction or resist invasion by non-native annual grasses? Based on analyses of compositional dissimilarities, we found trait-based restoration targets were more difficult to maintain in an annual-dominant grassland rather than in a perennial-dominant one, and targets composed of multiple community-weighted mean traits were more difficult to meet than targets that maximized functional diversity. In both grasslands, plant communities with drought-tolerant traits maintained growth rates under reduced precipitation, but these effects diminished after multiple years of drought and during drought release. This highlights the importance of including a diversity of strategies when restoring plant communities. Our proposed invasion-resistant traits did not consistently reduce non-native annual grass establishment, but communities with traits that conferred drought tolerance were the most effective at resisting invasion, suggesting that similar traits enhance drought tolerance and resist invasion in these grasslands. Our findings indicate that restored plant communities with high functional diversity may be able to respond to variable conditions better than communities with traits designed to meet specific restoration objectives. The results from this restoration experiment suggest that our understanding of the traits underlying drought tolerance is better than our understanding of the traits underlying invasion resistance. However, if drought tolerance enhances competitive ability in arid and semiarid grassland ecosystems, then physiological theories of resource use can be applied to enhance invasion resistance.},
}

*Grassland
Drought Resistance
*Introduced Species
*Poaceae/physiology
California
*Droughts
Wyoming
*Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods

@article {pmid42506757,
year = {2026},
author = {Hawley, GD and Wang, CS and Boggild, AK},
title = {An Unintended Hazard of Environmental Stewardship: Marine Envenomation Following Invasive Lionfish Culling in Curacao.},
journal = {Tropical medicine and infectious disease},
volume = {11},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42506757},
issn = {2414-6366},
support = {Clinician Scientist Funding//University Health Network/ ; Ontario Graduate Scholarship//University of Toronto/ ; },
abstract = {Marine envenomations are common non-infectious hazards for travelers. Lionfish, venomous fish native to Indo-Pacific waters, have become an invasive species in the Atlantic Ocean and threat to native marine ecosystems. Various control measures have been implemented in response to rapidly expanding lionfish populations, including licensed culling by recreational divers. We herein review lionfish envenomation through framing with a case that occurred during a diving trip to Curacao for the purpose of lionfish spearfishing. Following initial management in Curacao with hot water immersion, wound care, and antibiotic prophylaxis, the patient continued to have persistent swelling, bruising, and pain to the puncture site and was referred to our outpatient clinic for further evaluation. In addition to reviewing clinical syndromes and approach to management for common marine envenomations that may be encountered in the post-travel setting, we situate this case within the broader ecological context of expanding invasive species ranges with climate change and rising sea temperatures. Pre-travel providers should counsel patients at high risk for marine envenomations on preventative measures, along with how and when to seek care following exposure. Post-travel providers should be familiar with the immediate and long-term sequelae of non-infectious envenomations and intoxications, including marine exposures. Larger national and multinational collaborations are required to mitigate the effects of climate change and international marine movement on invasive species, especially those that incur risk to marine and human health alike.},
}

@article {pmid42507906,
year = {2026},
author = {Wang, C and Yang, X and Wang, D and Meng, R and Cai, B and Wang, F},
title = {Effects of climate change on the global distribution for the invasive scale Ceroplastes stellifer (Hemiptera: Coccidae) and implications for its management.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toag223},
pmid = {42507906},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {L2025ZD07//Scientific and Technological Research Fund of Hebei Normal University/ ; },
abstract = {Ceroplastes stellifer (Hemiptera, Coccidae) is a notable invasive species that has spread to over 67 countries or regions, seriously threatening agricultural, forestry, and ornamental plants. To identify the current and future potential distributions of C. stellifer, this study employed maximum entropy (MaxEnt) and Random Forest (RF) models to generate global risk maps for its spread under current and future climate scenarios. The established models demonstrated robust credibility and accuracy based on AUC, TSS, and CBI metrics. Temperature annual range (Bio7) was the most influential variable in both models, accounting for permutation importance of 57.9% and 43.09%, respectively. Despite slight differences in secondary variables, Bio7 and Bio18 (precipitation of warmest quarter) were identified as dominant factors, indicating consistent results across models. Schoener's D tests revealed consistency between 2 models, and the predicted suitable habitat for C. stellifer are mainly distributed across southern and southeastern Asia, southern North America, South America, and Africa. Under future climate scenarios, both models predicted no continuous expansion in total suitable habitat of this pest relative to current climatic conditions. By 2100, suitable habitat would contract by 4.57% to 14.53% under most scenarios and show only a slight mid-term expansion followed by a decline under SSP 585. The MaxEnt model exhibited large fluctuations in suitable range, while the RF model yielded more stable results. By assessing the potential suitable areas and key environmental variables of C. stellifer, theoretical and technical basis is provided for the prevention and control management of the spread, outbreak, and invasion of this pest.},
}

@article {pmid42508596,
year = {2026},
author = {Lombardo, J and Cohen-Sanchez, A and Compa, M and Gil, L and Pinya, S and Tejada, S and Sureda, A},
title = {Spatial patterns of microplastic contamination, Batophora occidentalis invasion, and physiological responses of Holothuria tubulosa from a Mediterranean coastal lagoon.},
journal = {Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)},
volume = {407},
number = {},
pages = {128836},
doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128836},
pmid = {42508596},
issn = {1873-6424},
abstract = {Microplastic (MP) pollution and biological invasions are major stressors in coastal marine ecosystems, yet the ecological and physiological responses associated with their co-occurrence remain poorly understood. This study assessed the potential relationship between MP contamination, the presence of the invasive macroalga Batophora occidentalis, and the physiological state of the sea cucumber Holothuria tubulosa in S'Estany des Peix lagoon (Formentera, western Mediterranean). MPs were measured in sediment, water, and tissues (intestines and gills), while oxidative stress and detoxification biomarkers (CAT, SOD, GSH, GSSG, GST), along with MDA (lipid peroxidation indicator) and PCC (protein oxidation indicator), were analysed across three zones (internal, middle, and external) with different invasion levels. MPs were detected in all compartments, predominantly as blue fibres, with the highest abundances recorded in the middle zone with 36 items·L[-1] in water and 0.89 items·g[-1] in sediment. In H. tubulosa, 124 MPs were recovered (64% in intestines; 36% in gills). Polymer composition was analysed by μ-ATR-FTIR on a representative subset, revealing dominance of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), followed by polypropylene (PP) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) across all matrices, indicating common anthropogenic sources and high persistence. Organisms from the internal and middle zones, where higher MP abundances and B. occidentalis cover were recorded, exhibited elevated antioxidant and detoxification enzyme activities, whereas lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation remained stable, suggesting compensatory biochemical responses. These findings demonstrate widespread microplastic contamination in S'Estany des Peix and reveal spatial variation in physiological responses in H. tubulosa in a context of multiple co-occurring environmental stressors. The study supports the use of this species as a sentinel organism for assessing ecological disturbance in vulnerable Mediterranean coastal lagoons and provides baseline information on MP contamination and biomarker responses in a protected Mediterranean lagoon ecosystem.},
}

@article {pmid42514564,
year = {2026},
author = {Zhang, H and Wang, Z and Zhang, Y and Zhang, Z and Dai, W and Liu, Y and Song, X and Qiang, S},
title = {Patterns, Associated Factors and Plant Diversity Characteristics of Solidago canadensis-Invaded Communities in Jiangsu Province, China.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {14},
pages = {},
pmid = {42514564},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {A120301-072607039//Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/ ; },
abstract = {Solidago canadensis L. is a regulated invasive alien species in China and was first recorded in the wild in Jiangsu Province. Despite widespread concern regarding its distribution and ecological associations, province-wide information on its current invasion status and associated plant community patterns in Jiangsu remains limited. To fill this gap, we conducted field surveys at 165 sites across Jiangsu Province and combined hierarchical clustering, plant-community diversity analysis, species-level analysis of accompanying-plant composition, redundancy analysis, and MaxEnt modeling to evaluate invasion-intensity patterns, associated environmental and anthropogenic factors, and plant-community responses in invaded communities. Solidago canadensis was recorded throughout the province, but invasion intensity was highest in southern Jiangsu. Hierarchical clustering classified the 165 sampling sites into three invasion-intensity groups. Group A (74 sites), concentrated in southern Jiangsu, was classified as the severe invasion group and showed generally lower plant diversity within the invaded-site dataset. Group B (60 sites) represented moderate invasion. Group C (31 sites), mainly distributed in northern and coastal Jiangsu, represented light invasion and retained relatively higher accompanying-plant diversity. Within S. canadensis-invaded communities, we documented 183 accompanying plant species from 43 families. Asteraceae and Poaceae were the most species-rich families, and annual or biennial herbs were the dominant life-form category. Species-level analysis further showed that accompanying-plant composition varied significantly along the invasion-intensity gradient (PERMANOVA, R[2] = 0.035), suggesting that differences in S. canadensis dominance were associated with detectable shifts in local plant assemblages. Redundancy analysis indicated latitude, transportation route density, and floating population density were closely associated with variation in S. canadensis invasion indicators and associated community variables, with soil pH, precipitation of the driest month, GDP, and motor vehicle ownership also contributing to the observed pattern. MaxEnt modeling identified southern and central Jiangsu as the main climatically suitable areas. This pattern was broadly consistent with the concentration of higher invasion intensity in southern Jiangsu. Nevertheless, field records in northern Jiangsu suggest that areas with lower predicted climatic suitability should also remain under continued monitoring. These findings suggest the need for coordinated management, particularly along major transportation corridors and in highly disturbed urban habitats. Control efforts should combine zoning management, source control, repeated removal, and habitat restoration tailored to local conditions.},
}

@article {pmid42515084,
year = {2026},
author = {Saavedra, J and Gómez, M and Muñoz, P and Bernal, V and Aburto, P and Raffo, E and Aristizabal, B and Moroni, M and Paredes, G and Monterroza, A and Arancibia, R and Taubert, A and Hermosilla, C},
title = {Detection of Aelurostrongylus spp. Infection in the Neozoan American Mink (Neogale vison) in Southern Chile.},
journal = {Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42515084},
issn = {2076-0817},
mesh = {Animals ; *Mink/parasitology ; Chile/epidemiology ; *Strongylida Infections/veterinary/parasitology/epidemiology ; *Metastrongyloidea/isolation & purification/genetics/classification ; Female ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The American mink (Neogale vison) is an invasive mustelid in Chile that serves as a natural reservoir host for several pathogens. Cardiorespiratory nematodes of the superfamily Metastrongyloidea, including Aelurostrongylus spp., have been reported in carnivores worldwide but remain poorly documented in South American wildlife and invasive species. This study reports the first detection of Aelurostrongylus spp. infection in American minks in Southern Chile.

METHODS: Between 2024 and 2025, 27 American mink carcasses were collected from the Los Ríos and Los Lagos regions, Southern Chile. Complete necropsies were performed, and cardiorespiratory organs were examined for presence of parasites. Nematode larvae identified in bronchoalveolar lavage were characterized both morphologically and molecularly through PCR amplification, confirming their classification within the superfamily Metastrongyloidea.

RESULTS: Metastrongyloid nematodes were detected in 33.3% (9/27) of examined mink. Histopathological examination of lung tissue in some specimens identified adult parasite specimens. Morphological examination revealed Aelurostrongylus spp. first-stage larvae (L1) with characteristic morphology and morphometry. Molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Aelurostrongylus spp., with sequences showing 99% identity to Aelurostrongylus abstrusus. Most of the infected individuals were adults collected from freshwater environments.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first evidence of patent Aelurostrongylus spp. infection in neozoan American minks in South America, highlighting the role of this invasive species as a potential reservoir for cardiorespiratory parasites and emphasizing the need for continued surveillance of parasitic infections originating from invasive carnivores.},
}

Animals
*Mink/parasitology
Chile/epidemiology
*Strongylida Infections/veterinary/parasitology/epidemiology
*Metastrongyloidea/isolation & purification/genetics/classification
Female

@article {pmid42516898,
year = {2026},
author = {Zheng, XT and Zhu, H and Zheng, YZ and Wang, YS and Ding, M and Wang, JX and Yu, ZC},
title = {Revealing differences in the invasiveness of Sphagneticola trilobata under different light environments based on physiological and morphological plasticity.},
journal = {Photosynthetica},
volume = {64},
number = {2},
pages = {82-94},
pmid = {42516898},
issn = {1573-9058},
mesh = {*Light ; *Introduced Species ; Plant Leaves/physiology/radiation effects/anatomy & histology ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; Biomass ; },
abstract = {Studies of the physiological and morphological characteristics of invasive plants contribute to understanding their invasive capacity. However, it remains unclear whether the same invasive plant species relies equally on morphological and physiological traits to enhance its invasiveness potential across different light habitats. In this study, the invasive plant Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski was used to examine eight morphological traits and nine physiological traits of the leaf under contrasting light conditions. Results revealed that under full light, growth, biomass, and all physiological traits, as well as most morphological traits of S. trilobata were significantly higher than those under low-light conditions. This suggests that S. trilobata achieves invasion success by altering its morphological and physiological traits. Notably, under full light, the species exhibited higher physiological plasticity but lower morphological plasticity. The study confirms that S. trilobata possesses greater invasive potential under full light, further underscoring the importance of physiological plasticity during the invasion process.},
}

*Light
*Introduced Species
Plant Leaves/physiology/radiation effects/anatomy & histology
*Adaptation, Physiological
Biomass

@article {pmid42504179,
year = {2026},
author = {Zaim, M and Parkhideh, SZ and Zamani, G and Enayati, A and Nikpour, F and Hanafi-Bojd, AA and Sedaghat, MM},
title = {Historical Overview of the Bionomics of Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae) in Iran: Insights and Implications.},
journal = {Journal of arthropod-borne diseases},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {1-23},
pmid = {42504179},
issn = {2322-1984},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Anopheles stephensi is a subtropical anopheline species that is considered among the most efficient vectors of human malaria. Recently, this species has expanded its range to southern latitudes, reaching the Horn of Africa. The spread of An. stephensi is a major threat to global malaria control. This study aimed to synthesize all available data on the bionomics of An. stephensi in Iran.

METHODS: A literature search (1960-2025) was conducted across databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and regional indexes. Keywords related to An. stephensi and malaria in Iran were used. Studies on distribution, taxonomy, behavior, habitats and infection were included.

RESULTS: The search yielded 56 eligible publications from over 230 screened. The species breeds widely in both rural and urban environments using natural and artificial containers. It is primarily endophilic and endophagic, with peak blood-feeding in the early night and both zoophilic and anthropophilic tendencies. Three biological forms were noted, but molecular evidence does not support them as a species complex.

CONCLUSIONS: No evidence was found that An. stephensi is a species complex. Its ecological adaptability and behavioral plasticity are key to its role in malaria transmission. Breeding, resting, and blood-feeding behaviors are critical factors to consider in vector control programs. As Iran nears elimination, the importance of continuous surveillance, integrated vector management and cross-border collaboration is emphasized. This approach can also offer valuable lessons for regions that have recently been affected by this vector, provided that contextual adaptations are made to local ecological, social and health system conditions.},
}

@article {pmid42505650,
year = {2026},
author = {Baglyas, M and Bozsó, Z and Móricz, ÁM},
title = {Solidagoic Acids L and M: Novel Antibacterial cis-Clerodane Diterpenoids Isolated from the Inflorescences of Solidago gigantea via a Bioassay-Guided Approach.},
journal = {Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42505650},
issn = {2079-6382},
support = {K128921//National Research, Development and Innovation Office/ ; SNN139496//National Research, Development and Innovation Office/ ; },
abstract = {Background/Objectives: Plant secondary metabolites remain an invaluable source of novel antibacterial phytochemicals in the fight against antibiotic resistance. The medicinal plant Solidago gigantea Ait. (giant goldenrod) is an invasive species in Europe and represents an abundant, yet largely underexplored reservoir of such bioactive compounds. The primary aim of this study was to perform a non-targeted, effect-directed screening, detection, bioassay-guided isolation, structure elucidation, and microbiological assessment of the antibacterial constituents present in the inflorescences of S. gigantea. Methods: Thin-layer chromatography coupled with direct bioautography (TLC-DB) assay using Bacillus subtilis was utilized for the non-targeted, effect-directed analysis of antibacterial components and the evaluation of in vitro antibacterial activity. Successive preparative flash column chromatography, semi-preparative reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), and thin-layer chromatography-mass spectrometry (TLC-MS) were employed for the bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated using one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HRMS/MS). The presence of known antibacterial compounds was established via reversed-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (RP-UHPLC-HR-ESI-MS/MS). Results: Two previously undescribed cis-clerodane diterpenoids, the isomeric solidagoic acid L (1) and solidagoic acid M (2), were isolated, identified, and characterized from the ethyl acetate extract of S. gigantea inflorescences. Both compounds exhibited in vitro antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive B. subtilis, confirmed via TLC-DB. In addition, 23 known compounds with antibacterial activity, including 17 clerodane diterpenes, four hydroxylated polyunsaturated fatty acids, and two unsaturated monoacylglycerols, were detected. All of these are reported for the first time in the inflorescences of this plant species. Conclusions: With further optimization, the isolated compounds may represent promising leads for antibacterial drug development. Our findings demonstrate the potential of non-targeted, bioassay-guided approaches for the discovery of novel plant-derived bioactive natural products.},
}

@article {pmid42505809,
year = {2026},
author = {Nagatani, VH and Vieira, THND and Bernardo, KCB and Reis, SDGM and da Silva, NS and Camacho, GP and Silva, OGM and Gotzek, D and Morini, MSC},
title = {Farmers' Perceptions of the Agricultural, Economic, and Health Impacts of Fire Ants in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42505809},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2023/17547-4//Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/ ; 88887.643151/2021-00//Coordenação de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior/ ; 444350/2024-1/ 383091/2025-0//Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/ ; },
abstract = {Fire ants are known for their aggressive behavior, omnivorous diet, and construction of mounds on the soil surface. Their dispersal is facilitated by trade and habitat fragmentation, which have led to negative impacts on biodiversity, public health, and agriculture in many countries. In Brazil, information about their impacts is scarce and mostly limited to reports from the North Region. In the Atlantic Forest, a biome where most of Brazil's population resides, there are no records of impacts associated with fire ants. This study examined farmers' perceptions of the impacts of fire ants in the Atlantic Forest. A questionnaire was administered to collect information on respondents' profiles, property characteristics, perceived impacts of fire ants, management practices, and health-related issues. Most respondents reported the regular presence of fire ants on their properties, although the perceived impacts on agricultural productivity were generally low to moderate, and control costs were typically less than $17. Widespread use of pesticides for fire ant control is reported by most farmers. Regarding stings, 85.1% of farmers reported having been stung, but only 0.6% required hospitalization. The most common reaction was itching. This pioneering study revealed that, although fire ants are present on many properties within the Atlantic Forest, the reported economic and health impacts are lower than expected, with most farmers experiencing minimal losses. Overall, the results for our sample suggest that the presence of fire ants does not result in significant economic losses for farmers. Nevertheless, fire ants are not overlooked, as non-conservationist control methods are employed. Such practices may lead to colony fragmentation, increasing their abundance and potentially negatively affecting local biodiversity.},
}

@article {pmid42505822,
year = {2026},
author = {Li, J and Song, J and Yang, L and Zhang, Z and Smagghe, G and Yang, W},
title = {TaPIK3AP Regulates Female Reproduction in Tuta absoluta Through Juvenile Hormone-, Vitellogenin-, and TOR-Related Signaling.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {17},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {42505822},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {QKHJC-ZK-2022-003//Natural Science Foundation of Guizhou Province/ ; 32402379//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; GCC-2023-071//Program of Excellent Innovation Talents in Guizhou Province/ ; QJJ-2023-024//Program for Natural Science Research in Guizhou Education Department/ ; QJJ-[2024]228//Growth of Young Scientific and Technological Talents of Guizhou Educational Commission/ ; YTH-XM2025012//Foundation Research Project of Kaili University/ ; YTH-TD20255I//Fund for Innovation Research Team of Kaili University/ ; },
abstract = {Tuta absoluta is a globally significant invasive pest that has rapidly developed resistance to multiple classes of insecticides, highlighting the critical need for RNA interference (RNAi) targets for sustainable pest management. The insulin signaling pathway is a key regulator of insect reproduction; however, the role of PIK3AP, an adaptor protein that links receptor tyrosine kinases to the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, remains poorly understood in Lepidopteran pests. In this study, TaPIK3AP was identified in T. absoluta, exhibiting elevated expression levels in the heads of female adults and during the early reproductive period. RNAi-mediated knockdown of TaPIK3AP reduced fecundity by 76%, decreased egg hatching rate by 43%, shortened the oviposition period by two days, and caused pronounced ovarian atrophy accompanied by impaired yolk deposition. Mechanistically, knockdown of TaPIK3AP led to the suppression of Vg and VgR expression, a reduction in juvenile hormone (JH) titer, downregulation of JH signaling genes, and a significant decrease in the transcript levels of key components of the target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway, including mTOR, Rheb, and S6K. These findings demonstrate that TaPIK3AP integrates Vg, JH, and TOR signaling pathways to regulate female reproduction in T. absoluta, thereby identifying it as a potential molecular target for RNAi-based sustainable pest management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid42498009,
year = {2026},
author = {Alves, MH and Mendoza-Roldan, JA and Fagundes-Moreira, R and Montinaro, G and Walochnik, J and Lizana, V and Camacho-Berlanga, D and Cardells, J and Otranto, D},
title = {Zoonotic pathogens in an island invader: the case of Northern Raccoon (Procyon lotor) in Mallorca (Balearic Islands).},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {108253},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2026.108253},
pmid = {42498009},
issn = {1873-6254},
abstract = {Introduced to Europe in Germany in 1934, the Northern Raccoon (Procyon lotor) is an invasive carnivoran that has since spread widely across the continent and now thrives in Mediterranean ecosystems. This study investigated the occurrence of selected vector-borne, lung, and enteric pathogens, as well as associated tick species, in 75 raccoons necropsied on Mallorca Island (Spain), through molecular screening of spleen, lung, fecal, and ectoparasite samples. Tick infestation was recorded in 61.3% of raccoons, with all collected ticks (n = 326) identified as Rhipicephalus secundus, representing the first molecular confirmation of this species in Spain. Overall, 24% of raccoons were positive for at least one pathogen. Leishmania infantum was detected in 1.5% of spleen samples, while 22.6% of fecal samples were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. (i.e., Cryptosporidium muris, Cryptosporidium parvum, Cryptosporidium ditrichi, and Cryptosporidium skunk genotype). All samples tested negative for Anaplasmataceae, Babesia spp., Borrelia spp., Baylisascaris procyonis, Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilaria repens, Metastrongylidae, and Rickettsia spp. These findings suggest that an invasive carnivoran may impact not only the ecology of native species and ecosystem integrity, but also the epidemiology of zoonotic pathogens. Therefore, effective measures are needed to prevent further releases into the wild and to support the control and eradication of this invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid42498794,
year = {2026},
author = {Resende, AF and Poorter, L and Matos, FAR and Bongers, F and César, R and Heringer, G and Hordijk, I and Jakovac, CC and van der Sande, MT and Chazdon, RL and Dent, DH and Derroire, G and Dupuy-Rada, JM and Fantini, A and Fernandes, GW and Hernández-Stefanoni, JL and Hietz, P and Lohbeck, M and Norden, N and Ruíz, J and Tabarelli, M and Vester, HFM and Villa, PM and Pinho, BX and Rozendaal, DMA and Santos, BA and Aide, TM and de Almeida-Cortez, JS and Almeyda Zambrano, AM and Alvarez-Davila, E and Espírito-Santo, MM and Becknell, JM and Broadbent, EN and Castellano-Castro, C and Chave, J and Zambiazi, DC and DeWalt, SJ and Fandiño, MC and Hall, JS and Hernández, AJ and Idárraga, Á and Junqueira, AB and Kennard, D and Letcher, SG and López-Camacho, R and Martínez-Ramos, M and Meave, JA and Melo, F and Mesquita, R and Mora, F and Müller, SC and Nunes, YRF and Ortiz-Malavassi, E and Peña-Claros, M and Piotto, D and Sanchez-Azofeifa, A and Schwartz, NB and Siminski, A and Teixeira, HM and Uriarte, M and van Breugel, M and Veloso, MDM and Vieira, ICG and Williamson, GB and Zanini, KJ and Brancalion, PHS},
title = {Non-native and invasive tree species are abundant in neotropical secondary forest but decline over time.},
journal = {Nature plants},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {42498794},
issn = {2055-0278},
abstract = {Non-native and invasive species are among the leading causes of global biodiversity loss and could therefore compromise the recovery of native forests after disturbance, such as on abandoned agricultural lands. Here we evaluated how the relative density and richness of non-native woody species (NNS) change across secondary tropical forest succession, determined whether they vary between dry and moist forests and identified the underlying environmental and social drivers of these changes. We used data from 1,561 forest plots and 58 chronosequences from ten neotropical countries. We classified 3,735 woody species by origin and invasiveness. Our analyses and conclusions focus on NNS, whereas native (potentially) invasive groups were examined separately. NNS were widespread, occurring in 81% of the chronosequences and comprising 18% of dry and 41% of moist forest plots. We recorded 11 non-native invasive species, most of which were multifunctional trees associated with human activity. In early succession (the first 10-20 years), NNS reached high relative density and richness, accounting for 28% of stems and 22% of species in moist forests, and 9% of stems and species in dry forests. Both metrics declined considerably during the same period but were still present in late succession, mirroring the successional trajectory of native pioneer species, probably due to canopy closure and increased shading. Spatially, NNS richness increased with the Human Development Index. However, both density and richness were negatively affected by increasing surrounding forest cover, agricultural proximity and precipitation, while soil organic carbon generally favoured NNS retention. Our findings suggest that naturally regrowing forests and maintaining relatively intact forest landscapes provide nature-based solutions to control NNS, thereby protecting native biodiversity, ecosystem integrity and local livelihoods.},
}

@article {pmid42500505,
year = {2026},
author = {Vukov, D and Žunić, D and Prodanović, N and Sabadoš, V},
title = {Baseline riparian forest and aquatic macrophyte vegetation dataset from the Danube right bank near Draž (Croatia), to support before-after monitoring of side-arm reconnection (2024-2025).},
journal = {Biodiversity data journal},
volume = {14},
number = {},
pages = {e190669},
pmid = {42500505},
issn = {1314-2828},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Baseline biodiversity data collected prior to hydromorphological interventions are essential for understanding and evaluating ecological change following restoration or engineering measures. In large river floodplains, interventions such as side-arm reconnection are expected to alter hydrological regimes, habitat connectivity and disturbance patterns, with cascading effects on both riparian and aquatic plant communities. However, without well-documented pre-intervention datasets, post-restoration assessments often lack a reliable reference against which observed changes can be interpreted.Along the right bank of the Danube River near the village of Draž (Croatia), planned hydro-technical measures aim to reconnect a cut-off side arm to the main channel. This reconnection is expected to modify local hydrological conditions and habitat structure in adjacent riparian forests and aquatic habitats, creating a clear need for baseline vegetation data collected prior to intervention.

NEW INFORMATION: This data paper presents a baseline dataset of riparian forest and aquatic vegetation collected along the right bank of the Danube River near the village of Draž (Croatia), prior to planned hydromorphological restoration measures involving the reconnection of a cut-off side-arm to the main channel. Riparian forest vegetation was surveyed in May 2024 using three 10 m × 10 m plots per site, with species cover estimated using the Domin cover-abundance scale and reported as plot means. Aquatic vegetation was surveyed in July 2025 using three 10 m belt transects per site, with species cover recorded in five ordinal cover classes and reported as transect means.The dataset comprises 20 sampling events (10 forest and 10 aquatic), 251 taxon-by-event occurrence records and 331 measurements, including species cover or abundance, establishment status (native, introduced, invasive) and event-level environmental descriptors, such as canopy-cover classes, water physicochemistry, water-velocity class and CORINE Land-Cover categories. Taxonomic nomenclature was standardised according to Plants of the World Online (POWO 2026). The sampling design and data structure allow the dataset to serve as the "before" component of a before-after monitoring framework, supporting future assessments of vegetation responses to hydrological reconnection. The dataset provides a reference for restoration evaluation, invasion dynamics and comparative studies of riparian and aquatic plant communities in large river floodplains and constitutes the baseline vegetation component of the ecological monitoring programme established within the Horizon Europe project DaWetRest.},
}

@article {pmid42502264,
year = {2026},
author = {Maleki, L and Gholami, E and Ghaderi, E},
title = {Parasite co-invasion by northern pike (Esox lucius): molecular evidence and establishment of alien parasites in the Zrebar Lake.},
journal = {International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife},
volume = {30},
number = {},
pages = {101262},
pmid = {42502264},
issn = {2213-2244},
abstract = {Biological invasions by apex predators can restructure the destination range through ecological turbulence. This study investigates the co-i,markedntroduction and establishment of parasites associated with the invasive northern pike, Esox lucius, in Zrebar Lake (Tigris River basin, Iran). A total of 100 specimens of pike were collected during 2020 and 2025, and two alien parasites were found: the monogenean Tetraonchus monenteron and the nematode Raphidascaris acus. The obtained ITS sequences showed 100% identity with R. acus sequences from Anzali (KM047505) and Turkey (KT633862). Compared with populations from the native range, the invasive pike population showed reduced parasite richness, prevalence, and infection intensity. However, these reductions alone are insufficient to explain the invasion success of E. lucius under the framework of the Enemy Release Hypothesis (ERH), and further evidence is required to evaluate this mechanism. Larval stages of R. acus were detected in the non-native cyprinid Carassius gibelio, indicating successful completion of the parasite life cycle in the invaded ecosystem. The present study provides evidence for parasite co-invasion and establishment associated with northern pike in Zrebar Lake. It highlights the ecological importance of invasive host-parasite interactions in freshwater ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid42494325,
year = {2026},
author = {Murat, A and Çetin, Ç},
title = {Thermal Ecology and Thermoregulatory Behavior of the Invasive Turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans, in the Mediterranean Basin.},
journal = {Journal of experimental zoology. Part A, Ecological and integrative physiology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70117},
doi = {10.1002/jez.70117},
pmid = {42494325},
issn = {2471-5646},
abstract = {The success of invasive species, which pose a significant threat to global biodiversity, hinges on their physiological and ecological adaptive capacities to the environments into which they are introduced. Trachemys scripta elegans (T. scripta elegans), recognized as one of the world's 100 most invasive species, has spread across a wide geographic range and exerts considerable pressure on native ecosystems. To investigate this, we studied the thermal ecology of an invasive population of T. scripta elegans in a wetland located in the province of Manisa, in Western Anatolia. Our objective was to assess the species' level of pre-adaptation to local climatic and habitat conditions and to identify its thermoregulatory strategies. Between March and October 2024, we measured individual body temperatures (Tb) and environmental temperatures (Te) in the study area; concurrently, we recorded data on water temperature (Tw), air temperature (Ta), solar radiation intensity, and wind speed. We also measured preffered body temperatures (Tset) in the laboratory. We found that the thermal quality of the habitat (de) was suboptimal during the species' primary activity period, thereby presenting a thermally challenging environment. Despite this, the invading population exhibited high thermoregulatory accuracy (db), successfully maintaining its body temperatures in close alignment with its preferred temperature range. This resulted in a high index of thermoregulatory effectiveness (E = 0.79) and a positive thermoregulation index value (I = 3.79 > 0). Furthermore, Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between Tb and Tw, as well as between Tb and Ta. Our results indicate that the invasive T. scripta elegans population prefers an effective thermoregulation option rather than being thermoconformist. This high thermoregulatory capability represents a key pre-adaptation, enabling the species to spread successfully even in thermally suboptimal habitats and providing a competitive advantage over native species. The findings from our study support projections that in the face of a warming climate, thermal stress tolerance and behavioral thermoregulation can facilitate the expansion of invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid42495321,
year = {2026},
author = {Park, MH and Oh, SM and Ahn, J and Kim, HG and Jung, S and Paik, JH and Lee, W and Youn, JS and Choi, SH and Kim, DY and Hwang, BY and Oh, SR and Ryu, HW},
title = {Metabolomic Differentiation and Chemotaxonomic Insights into Three Korean Alnus Species Revealed by UPLC-QTOF/MS.},
journal = {ACS omega},
volume = {11},
number = {28},
pages = {42247-42262},
pmid = {42495321},
issn = {2470-1343},
abstract = {Alnus species distributed on Ulleung Island, South Korea exhibit persistent taxonomic ambiguity due to high morphological similarity and limited genetic divergence within the green alder complex. To establish chemically discriminatory criteria for species delimitation, UPLC-QTOF/MS-based untargeted metabolomic profiling was applied to Alnus alnobetula subsp. fruticosa (AA), Alnus incana subsp. hirsuta (AI), and Alnus firma (AF). Multivariate statistical analysis revealed reproducible metabolome-level differentiation among the three taxa. Among 47 annotated secondary metabolites, statistically significant discriminant features were defined as marker metabolites. Biosynthetic interpretation showed that these markers were structurally concentrated within distinct metabolite classes and selected discriminant markers were structurally confirmed. Alnustic acid-related secodammarane-type triterpenoid markers were consistently detected in AA and AF but absent in AI, providing a chemical criterion for exclusion of AI. In contrast, separation between AA and AF was driven by quantitative differences in conserved diarylheptanoid and flavonoid markers. Functional evaluation further demonstrated metabolite class-dependent biological activities. Collectively, integration of statistical prioritization, biosynthetic interpretation, structural validation, and functional assessment establishes a marker-based chemotaxonomic framework for resolving taxonomic ambiguity within Korean Alnus taxa.},
}

@article {pmid42497089,
year = {2026},
author = {Smith, NS and Cheung, WWL},
title = {Climate Change Enhances the Success of Marine Invasive Species.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {32},
number = {7},
pages = {e71020},
pmid = {42497089},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {//Liber Ero Foundation/ ; RGPIN-2024-05091//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; RGPIN-2024-05142//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Climate Change ; Animals ; *Biodiversity ; Oceans and Seas ; *Aquatic Organisms/physiology ; },
abstract = {Climate change and invasive species both independently threaten marine biodiversity but can also interact. Invasive species often possess traits that not only promote their success in novel environments but may also confer resilience to climate-driven ocean change, allowing them to respond favorably to a changing climate. Here, drawing on 67 studies across 30 non-native species, we present moderate but consistent evidence that climate change enhances invasion success-particularly through increased abundance and establishment-across multiple temporal scales and ocean regions, while recognizing taxonomic and geographic biases in the available data. Even after accounting for moderators, unexplained heterogeneity remained among studies, suggesting strong context dependency in the effects of climate change on invasion success. Warming and extreme events emerged as key drivers of invasion success. We also identify ocean hotspots for invasions globally, with the cold and warm temperate Northwest Pacific emerging as major donor regions, and the Mediterranean Sea and Northern European Seas as primary recipient regions. Our study suggests that in the future, invasive species are likely to pose a greater threat to ocean biodiversity than previously thought, underscoring the urgent need for institutional capacity building, broader surveillance, predictive modelling, and adaptive management strategies across global marine ecosystems.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Climate Change
Animals
*Biodiversity
Oceans and Seas
*Aquatic Organisms/physiology