@article {pmid40740324,
year = {2025},
author = {Yao, F and Li, C and Chen, Y and Zhang, J and Shi, Z and Qin, Z},
title = {Dynamics in gut microbiota diversity, composition, and assembly reveal the adaptability of invasive snail Pomacea canaliculata during hibernation in rice fields.},
journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1616681},
pmid = {40740324},
issn = {1664-302X},
abstract = {The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in host immunity and metabolism and may facilitate the adaptation of invasive species to new environments. During hibernation, gut microbial communities undergo compositional shifts to help hosts cope with low temperatures and food scarcity. However, the dynamics of gut microbiota during hibernation in invasive animals remain poorly understood. Here, we conducted an in situ hibernation experiment on the invasive freshwater snail Pomacea canaliculata to investigate changes in its gut microbiota over the course of hibernation. Gut samples were collected at pre-hibernation (day 0) and on the 15th, 30th, 60th, 90th, and 120th days of hibernation, followed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results showed that the survival rate of snails reached 85.7% after 120 days. The Shannon diversity index of gut microbiota increased with the duration of hibernation. Although species richness remained relatively stable, increased evenness led to higher alpha diversity. After 60 days of hibernation, the structure of gut microbial community changed. The dominant phylum shifted from Firmicutes to Bacteroidota (formerly Bacteroidetes) as hibernation progressed. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) producing genera such as Acetobacteroides, Bacteroides, Macellibacteroides, and Cetobacterium increased in abundance during hibernation, likely providing an energy source for both the gut and host. Gut microbiota changes appeared to be driven largely by stochastic assembly processes. Additionally, anaerobic bacteria and potential pathogens increased in abundance during hibernation. These adaptive shifts in gut microbiota may help maintain host metabolic and immune functions during hibernation and potentially contribute to the invasiveness of P. canaliculata.},
}

@article {pmid40736075,
year = {2025},
author = {El-Sabrout, AM and Moreno, C and Temperville, M and Ferreira, EA and Ogereau, D and Hassani, IM and Raveloson Ravaomanarivo, LH and Bastide, H and Abou-Youssef, AY and Yassin, A},
title = {Divergence and parallelism in two tropical drosophilids simultaneously invading a desert environment.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/gbe/evaf146},
pmid = {40736075},
issn = {1759-6653},
abstract = {Invasive species have once been called a 'grand experiment in evolution' but natural replicates of such experiments are often scarce. When two allied species acquire invasive capacities and co-invade a new environment, it remains unclear if similar genetic basis underlie adaptation to the new environment and how the two species can co-exist in that environment. Here, we investigate the parallel adaptation of two tropical drosophilid species of the genus Zaprionus, Z. indianus (the African fig fly) and Z. tuberculatus, to arid agrarian environments following their introduction in Egypt during the last four decades. We found the two species to have distinct spatial distribution. Population genomics analyses showed correlated differentiation levels at orthologous genes before and after introduction in both species, mostly in genes associated with thermal adaptations and circadian rhythms. Species-specific outliers contained on the other hand multiple chemoreceptor and xenobiotics detoxification genes indicating that adaptations to different host fruits may promote species coexistence. In agreement with these findings, we found the Egyptian populations to have parallel higher resistance to desiccation in both species and the two species to have distinct fruit preference. These results provide a significant step towards understanding the mechanisms underlying the simultaneous invasive success of both species, which have also recently invaded the Americas and Europe, and of which one at least is a notorious pest.},
}

@article {pmid40734832,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, FF and Hao, Q and Cui, X and Lin, RZ and Luo, BS and Ma, JS},
title = {Global invasive alien plant management lists: Assessing current practices and adapting to new demands.},
journal = {Plant diversity},
volume = {47},
number = {4},
pages = {666-680},
pmid = {40734832},
issn = {2468-2659},
abstract = {Invasive alien species (IAS) significantly threaten global biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Despite increasing management efforts, a critical knowledge gap existed in understanding commonalities and disparities among national strategies. We analyzed several IAS management lists from 23 countries and the European Union, focusing specifically on vascular plant species within these lists. List composition, characteristics, and associated management measures were analyzed. Key patterns in species prioritization across national lists and intercontinental exchange of invasive alien plants (IAPs) were identified. Pistia stratiotes, Pontederia crassipes, Salvinia molesta, Cabomba caroliniana, Ulex europaeus were identified as globally recognized threats, being listed by at least 33.3% of analyzed countries and invading five or more continents. Aquatic plants were found to be more frequently included in management lists. A significant directional invasion pattern between the Eastern and Western Hemispheres was identified. Species native to Asia were observed to dominate as significant donors of IAPs across continents. The analysis of list management strategies highlighted substantial gaps in achieving Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly in species prioritization and inclusion of potential IAPs. In response to these challenges, a tiered classification system for invasive alien species list was proposed, encompassing High-Priority, Watchlist, Potential, and Priority Site categories, which aimed at enhancing management effectiveness by tailoring strategies to different invasion stages and ecological contexts. This study could contribute to understanding global IAPs management strategies and serve as a reference for policymakers and conservation managers to identify priority IAPs and refine management approaches.},
}

@article {pmid40660926,
year = {2025},
author = {Baldwin, AK and Murray, EM and Zinsser, LM and King, TV and Ducar, SD and Southern, I and Thom, TA and Mebane, CA},
title = {Fate and effects to the benthic community of a copper treatment to eradicate invasive mussels in a large western river, USA.},
journal = {Environmental toxicology and chemistry},
volume = {44},
number = {8},
pages = {2166-2180},
doi = {10.1093/etojnl/vgaf119},
pmid = {40660926},
issn = {1552-8618},
support = {//U.S. Geological Survey Northwest-Pacific Islands Region/ ; //Idaho Department of Environmental Quality/ ; //Geological Survey Northwest-Pacific Islands Region/ ; //U.S. Geological Survey/ ; //U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Science/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Copper/toxicity/analysis ; *Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity/analysis ; Rivers/chemistry ; Introduced Species ; *Bivalvia/drug effects ; Invertebrates/drug effects ; Geologic Sediments/chemistry ; Environmental Monitoring ; United States ; },
abstract = {Copper-based chemical treatments are commonly used to eradicate invasive mussels in small ponds and lakes, but their use in large rivers has been limited. In 2023, in response to a detection of invasive quagga mussels, a 10-km reach of the Snake River (Idaho, USA), was treated with an unprecedented 19,300 kg of chelated copper molluscicide to a target concentration of 1,000 µg/L for 10 days. We assessed the transport and fate of the copper and its exposure and effects on the nontarget benthic community downstream. Water samples were collected at seven locations throughout the treatment period, and sediment, periphyton, and benthic macroinvertebrates were collected pre- and posttreatment. Nearly half of the original mass of copper was removed from the water column via sedimentation, sorption to algae, or biological uptake within the 10-km treatment reach and the first 15 km downstream. Even so, dissolved copper concentrations exceeded the acute toxicity threshold at least as far as 28 km downstream for more than 2 weeks. Sediment copper increased by up to 8.3-fold, exceeding the consensus-based sediment quality threshold effect concentration at several sites. Effects on benthic macroinvertebrates varied by taxa. From 0-28 km downstream, invertebrate abundances decreased 52%-94%, with gastropods among the most affected. Of the unique taxa present at these sites pretreatment, 52%-64% were not found posttreatment but were replaced by other taxa, indicating a reorganization of the base of the food web. Additionally, from 0-15 km downstream, the percentage of individuals from tolerant taxa increased two to15-fold. Findings from this study can help watershed managers plan future invasive mussel responses while protecting culturally, economically, and ecologically important nontarget species in large rivers.},
}

Animals
*Copper/toxicity/analysis
*Water Pollutants, Chemical/toxicity/analysis
Rivers/chemistry
Introduced Species
*Bivalvia/drug effects
Invertebrates/drug effects
Geologic Sediments/chemistry
Environmental Monitoring
United States

@article {pmid40733412,
year = {2025},
author = {Kato-Noguchi, H and Kato, M},
title = {The Invasive Mechanism and Impact of Arundo donax, One of the World's 100 Worst Invasive Alien Species.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {14},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14142175},
pmid = {40733412},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {Arundo donax L. has been introduced in markets worldwide due to its economic value. However, it is listed in the world's 100 worst alien invasive species because it easily escapes from cultivation, and forms dense monospecific stands in riparian areas, agricultural areas, and grassland areas along roadsides, including in protected areas. This species grows rapidly and produces large amounts of biomass due to its high photosynthetic ability. It spreads asexually through ramets, in addition to stem and rhizome fragments. Wildfires, flooding, and human activity promote its distribution and domination. It can adapt to various habitats and tolerate various adverse environmental conditions, such as cold temperatures, drought, flooding, and high salinity. A. donax exhibits defense mechanisms against biotic stressors, including herbivores and pathogens. It produces indole alkaloids, such as bufotenidine and gramine, as well as other alkaloids that are toxic to herbivorous mammals, insects, parasitic nematodes, and pathogenic fungi and oomycetes. A. donax accumulates high concentrations of phytoliths, which also protect against pathogen infection and herbivory. Only a few herbivores and pathogens have been reported to significantly damage A. donax growth and populations. Additionally, A. donax exhibits allelopathic activity against competing plant species, though the allelochemicals involved have yet to be identified. These characteristics may contribute to its infestation, survival, and population expansion in new habitats as an invasive plant species. Dense monospecific stands of A. donax alter ecosystem structures and functions. These stands impact abiotic processes in ecosystems by reducing water availability, and increasing the risk of erosion, flooding, and intense fires. The stands also negatively affect biotic processes by reducing plant diversity and richness, as well as the fitness of habitats for invertebrates and vertebrates. Eradicating A. donax from a habitat requires an ongoing, long-term integrated management approach based on an understanding of its invasive mechanisms. Human activity has also contributed to the spread of A. donax populations. There is an urgent need to address its invasive traits. This is the first review focusing on the invasive mechanisms of this plant in terms of adaptation to abiotic and biotic stressors, particularly physiological adaptation.},
}

@article {pmid40733364,
year = {2025},
author = {Onyeagoziri, CA and Minoarivelo, HO and Hui, C},
title = {Mutualism and Dispersal Heterogeneity Shape Stability, Biodiversity, and Structure of Theoretical Plant-Pollinator Meta-Networks.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {14},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14142127},
pmid = {40733364},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {89967//National Research Foundation/ ; //PhD bursary of the Southern African Systems Analysis Centre (SASAC), with partial funding from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD - Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst)/ ; },
abstract = {Mutualistic interactions are crucial to the structure and functioning of ecological communities, playing a vital role in maintaining biodiversity amidst environmental perturbations. In studies of meta-networks, which are groups of local networks connected by dispersal, most research has focused on the effect of dispersal on interaction networks of competition and predation, without much attention given to mutualistic interactions. Consequently, the role of different dispersal rates (between local networks and across species) in stability and network structures is not well understood. We present a competition-mutualism model for meta-networks where mutualistic interactions follow a type II functional response, to investigate stability and species abundance dynamics under varying dispersal scenarios. We specifically assess the impact of mutualism and dispersal heterogeneity, both between local networks and across species, on the structure and stability of meta-networks. We find that mutualistic meta-networks exhibit greater stability, higher total abundance, lower species unevenness, and greater nestedness compared to meta-networks with only competition interactions. Although dispersal heterogeneity across species exerts some influence, dispersal heterogeneity between local networks mainly drives the patterns observed: it reduces total abundance, increases unevenness, and diminishes compositional similarity across the meta-network. These results highlight the pivotal role of both mutualism and spatial dispersal structure in shaping ecological networks. Our work advances understanding of how mutualistic interactions and dispersal dynamics interact to influence biodiversity and stability in complex ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid40733254,
year = {2025},
author = {Judžentienė, A},
title = {Compositional Variability of Essential Oils and Their Bioactivity in Native and Invasive Erigeron Species.},
journal = {Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {30},
number = {14},
pages = {},
pmid = {40733254},
issn = {1420-3049},
mesh = {*Oils, Volatile/chemistry/pharmacology ; Humans ; Phytochemicals/chemistry/pharmacology ; Introduced Species ; Animals ; Antioxidants/chemistry/pharmacology ; *Apiaceae/chemistry ; },
abstract = {To date, various species of Erigeron genus have been used both in the ethnopharmacology of numerous nations across the world and in contemporary herbal practices. The objective of this study is to revise the phytochemical data on the essential oils (EOs) of various fleabanes species and to evaluate the variability of their biological activities. Up to June 2025, this review provides an updated overview of 105 literature sources (published during last 25 years) related to 14 Erigeron sp. (native, naturalized, or invasive) which have been investigated extensively and are of the greatest significance. It summarizes the compositional variability of the EOs and their pharmacological and toxic effects, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiproliferative, skin regeneration, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, insecticidal, larvicidal, repellent, and allelopathic activity. The EOs of each Erigeron species were characterized, and a chemical structure of 43 major constituents is presented herein. The most characteristic and prevalent compounds were found to be limonene, δ-3-carene, matricaria ester, lachnophyllum ester, germacrene D, β-caryophyllene, β-farnesene, α-bergamotene, allo-aromadendrene, etc., in the EOs from the E. acris, E. annuus, E. bonariensis, E. canadensis, E. floribundus E. mucronatus, and E. speciosus plants. Major constituents, such as borneol, bornyl acetate, modhephen-8-β-ol, cis-arteannuic alcohol, β-caryophyllene, and τ-cadinol, were found in the oils of E. graveolens (Inula graveolens). A paucity of data concerning E. incanus EOs was revealed, with the prevalence of 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy cinammic acid and thymol acetate noted in the oils. The EOs from E. multiradiatus and E. sublyratus were comprised mainly of matricaria and lachnophyllum esters. The available data on EOs of E. ramosus is limited, but the main constituents are known to be α-humulene, 1,8-cineole, eugenol, and globulol. The EOs containing appreciable amounts of matricaria and lachnophyllum esters exhibited strong anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, larvicidal, and repellent activities. Repellence is also related to borneol, bornyl acetate, caryophyllene derivatives, τ-cadinol, modhephen-8-β-ol, and cis-arteannuic alcohol. Cytotoxicity was determined due to the presence of limonene, δ-3-carene, α- and β-farnesene, (E)-β-ocimene, ledene oxide, sesquiphellandrene, and dendrolasin in the fleabanes EOs. Skin regeneration and antifungal properties were related to germacrene D; and anti-inflammatory effects were determined due to high amounts of limonene (E)-β-ocimene, lachnophyllum ester, and germacrene D. The antimicrobial properties of the oils were conditioned by appreciable quantities of limonene, β-pinene, 1,8-cineole, carvacrol, thymol acetae, β-eudesmol, 2,6,7,7α-tetrahydro-1,5-dimethyl-1H-indene-3-carboxaldehyde, caryophyllene and its oxide, allo-aromadendrene, α-humulene, farnesene, carvacrol, and eugenol. This review provides a foundation for further studies on volatile secondary metabolites to explore the potential sources of new biologically active compounds in Erigeron sp.},
}

*Oils, Volatile/chemistry/pharmacology
Humans
Phytochemicals/chemistry/pharmacology
Introduced Species
Animals
Antioxidants/chemistry/pharmacology
*Apiaceae/chemistry

@article {pmid40731996,
year = {2025},
author = {Asimakis, E and Galiatsatos, I and Apostolopoulou, G and Savvidou, EC and Balatsos, G and Karras, V and Evangelou, V and Dionyssopoulou, E and Augustinos, A and Papadopoulos, NT and Michaelakis, A and Stathopoulou, P and Tsiamis, G},
title = {The Symbiotic Bacterial Profile of Laboratory-Reared and Field-Caught Aedes albopictus Mosquitoes from Greece.},
journal = {Microorganisms},
volume = {13},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/microorganisms13071486},
pmid = {40731996},
issn = {2076-2607},
support = {«moSquITo»: Innovative approaches for monitoring and management of the Asian tiger mosquito with emphasis on the Sterile Insect Technique (ΤΑΕΔΚ06173)//National Recovery and Resilience Plan, "Greece 2.0" & EU Funding - Next Generation EU/ ; },
abstract = {The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is a highly invasive species capable of transmitting human pathogens. For population management, the sterile insect technique (SIT) is considered an effective and sustainable alternative to conventional methods, such as insecticides and reducing or eliminating breeding sites. The use of symbiotic bacteria to improve the application of SIT or design combined SIT/incompatible insect technique (IIT) approaches is currently considered. In this context, exploring the microbiota of local mosquito populations is crucial for identifying interesting components. This study employed 16S rRNA sequencing and microbiological methods to characterize the diversity of laboratory and wild Ae. albopictus in Greece. Differences were recorded between wild and lab-reared mosquitoes, with laboratory samples exhibiting higher diversity. Laboratory treatment, sex, and developmental stage also resulted in variations between communities. Populations reared in the same facility developed mostly similar bacterial profiles. Two geographically distant wild populations displayed similar bacterial profiles, characterized by seasonal changes in the relative abundance of Pantoea and Zymobacter. Wolbachia was dominant in most groups (63.7% relative abundance), especially in field-caught mosquitoes. It was identified with two strains, wAlbA (21.5%) and wAlbB (42.2%). Other frequent taxa included Elizabethkingia, Asaia, and Serratia. Blood feeding favored an increase in Serratia abundance. Various Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Aeromonas, and Acinetobacter strains were isolated from larval and adult mosquito extracts and could be further characterized as diet supplements. These findings suggest that the microbiota of local populations is highly variable due to multiple factors. However, they retain core elements shared across populations that may exhibit valuable nutritional or functional roles and could be exploited to improve SIT processes.},
}

@article {pmid40730245,
year = {2025},
author = {Córdova-Tapia, F and Martínez-Pozas, C and Juárez-Rodríguez, D and Rodríguez-Cortés, B and Rangel-Velasco, R and Gómez-Maldonado, S and Camacho-Cervantes, M},
title = {Functional traits and stable isotopes reveal trophic interactions in a highly invaded reservoir: implications for fisheries.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {292},
number = {2051},
pages = {20250240},
doi = {10.1098/rspb.2025.0240},
pmid = {40730245},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//Municipio de Tecozautla/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Fisheries ; *Introduced Species ; *Food Chain ; Mexico ; *Tilapia/physiology ; Ecosystem ; *Fishes/physiology ; Biodiversity ; Carbon Isotopes/analysis ; },
abstract = {Freshwater reservoirs are increasingly threatened by human activities and biological invasions, which disrupt their structure and functioning. Although artificial, reservoirs act as species refuges and provide important ecosystem services. This study explores the functional diversity and trophic ecology of the fish community in Zimapán Dam, a highly disturbed reservoir in central Mexico. We focused on species coexistence, ecological niches and impacts on local tilapia fisheries. The community is dominated by nine invasive species and includes only one native species. We identified seven functional groups, most of which are composed of a single species, indicating niche differentiation. However, tilapia exhibits a complex trophic position, with significant dietary overlap with other non-natives, such as bluegill and juvenile largemouth bass, while also serving as potential prey for larger predators, including adult largemouth bass, lowland cichlid and channel catfish. These interactions may be contributing to the observed decline in tilapia, a species of key economic importance for local fisheries. Our study highlights trophic dynamics in a highly invaded ecosystem, potentially undermining local fisheries and the ecosystem services they support. We recommend a collaborative management approach that includes adaptive monitoring and targeted control of invasive predators to support both ecological balance and community livelihoods.},
}

Animals
*Fisheries
*Introduced Species
*Food Chain
Mexico
*Tilapia/physiology
Ecosystem
*Fishes/physiology
Biodiversity
Carbon Isotopes/analysis

@article {pmid40728021,
year = {2025},
author = {Valliere, JM and Hernández, MJ and Sharifi, MR and Rundel, PW},
title = {Evidence of local adaptation to aridity but not nitrogen deposition in invasive annuals.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {7},
pages = {e70172},
pmid = {40728021},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {2017-67012-26114//USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Postdoctoral Fellowship/ ; },
mesh = {*Nitrogen/metabolism/chemistry ; *Introduced Species ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; *Desert Climate ; Ecosystem ; California ; *Bromus/physiology ; *Centaurea/physiology ; },
abstract = {Rapid adaptation of traits and trait plasticity may contribute to plant invasiveness and confer fitness advantages in novel environments resulting from global change. The importance of trait differentiation in invasive plant populations is well recognized, particularly in response to climate. However, it is largely unknown how invasive plant populations will respond evolutionarily to atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition resulting from air pollution, which is a major contributor to invasion success in many ecosystems. Using a common garden experiment, a widely used method for testing local adaptation, we assessed potential differences in plant functional traits and nitrogen plasticity across populations of two widespread invasive annuals from sites spanning a range of N deposition and aridity throughout southern California. These species exhibited clear population-level differences in traits and N responses, but these were unrelated to N deposition. Instead, we detected significant relationships between several traits and aridity, and populations from more arid sites exhibited reduced N plasticity for multiple traits. Multivariate plasticity indices also showed a strong negative relationship with aridity across populations for both species. However, trait responses to N addition also appeared to be influenced by species' drought-coping strategies. In Bromus diandrus, a drought-escaping early-season annual grass, populations from less arid sites showed increased plasticity in shoot growth and more rapid flowering in response to N addition. In contrast, Centaurea melitensis, a drought-tolerant late-season forb, showed climate-driven shifts in biomass allocation in response to N; populations from more arid sites invested more in roots, while populations from less arid sites allocated more to leaves. These contrasting N responses strongly suggest distinct growth strategies and ecophysiological trade-offs shaped by adaptation to local climate conditions. While elevated N availability may indeed promote invasion, climate stress might exert an overriding influence on local adaptation of plant invaders in dryland ecosystems subject to N deposition.},
}

*Nitrogen/metabolism/chemistry
*Introduced Species
*Adaptation, Physiological
*Desert Climate
Ecosystem
California
*Bromus/physiology
*Centaurea/physiology

@article {pmid40725382,
year = {2025},
author = {Jowers, MJ and Guouman Ferreyra, F and Caut, S and Brito, JC and Vasconcelos, R},
title = {First Preliminary Molecular Assessment of Ants from Cabo Verde.},
journal = {Genes},
volume = {16},
number = {7},
pages = {},
pmid = {40725382},
issn = {2073-4425},
support = {no number//SCVZ Desertas Fund/ ; DL57/2016/ CP1440/CP1646/CT0003//'Norma Transitória'/ ; EXPL/BIA-EVL/0470/2021//FCT through the BIGFIT project/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ants/genetics/classification ; Phylogeny ; Introduced Species ; Haplotypes ; Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Ants are one of the most abundant animal groups on the planet and have a considerable impact on ecosystems. In the Cabo Verde Archipelago, the study of invertebrates is very scarce and ants are no exception.

METHODS: In this work we focus on the taxonomic analysis of formicids and study their distribution and the possible presence of invasive species in the Cabo Verde Islands. In addition, the diversity of Cabo Verde ants is compared with that of the closest African coastal countries, Senegal and Mauritania, to study a possible colonization of African ants into the archipelago. For this, we use two molecular markers, cytochrome oxidase I and the wingless gene, to perform phylogenetic analyses and haplotype networks that facilitate identification.

RESULTS: Nine taxa were identified, five invasive species, Paratrechina longicornis, Pheidole megacephala, Trichomyrmex destructor, Brachyponera sennaarensis, and Solenopsis globularia, one endemic Monomorium subopacum and three unidentified species of native genera, Monomorium sp., Lepisiota sp. Camponotus sp.

CONCLUSIONS: Molecular network patterns as well as phylogenetic analyses suggest that ants are widespread throughout the archipelago, a likely consequence of human introductions.},
}

Animals
*Ants/genetics/classification
Phylogeny
Introduced Species
Haplotypes
Electron Transport Complex IV/genetics
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40725365,
year = {2025},
author = {Brown, JM and Stireman, JO},
title = {Effects of Forest Age and Invasive Shrubs on Mycophilous Coleoptera Communities in a Temperate Deciduous Woodland.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16070735},
pmid = {40725365},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {Forests in the Eastern and Midwestern U.S. have been profoundly affected by human use over the last 150 years, with few old growth forests remaining. Such mature forests may harbor distinct communities and high biodiversity, particularly detritivores and their associated food webs. These communities, however, have been surveyed only rarely in comparisons of diversity and community composition between old and young forests. Here, we compare the mycophilous beetle communities of young and old deciduous forest stands in Southwestern Ohio (U.S.A.). We assess how the abundance and diversity of beetles associated with fungal sporocarps varies with forest age, downed woody debris, and invasive honeysuckle density. We surveyed fungus-associated beetles with baited traps at eight wooded parklands centered around Dayton, Ohio, conducting sampling three times over a growing season. In contrast to expectation, we found no clear effect of forest age on mycophilous beetle communities, but infestation by invasive honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) negatively affected beetle abundance and diversity. Beetle abundance, richness, and community composition also strongly varied across seasonal sampling periods. Our surveys of mycophilous beetles in a Midwestern U.S. forest represent an initial step toward understanding how these communities are shaped by forest age and invasive species. Such information is crucial in managing forests to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services.},
}

@article {pmid40725345,
year = {2025},
author = {Baser, N and Matar, C and Rossini, L and Ibn Amor, A and Šunjka, D and Bošković, D and Gualano, S and Santoro, F},
title = {Enhancing Biological Control of Drosophila suzukii: Efficacy of Trichopria drosophilae Releases and Interactions with a Native Parasitoid, Pachycrepoideus vindemiae.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16070715},
pmid = {40725345},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {The spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii is an injurious polyphagous pest threatening worldwide soft fruit production. Its high adaptability to new colonized environments, short life cycle, and wide host range are supporting its rapid spread. The most common techniques to reduce its significant economic damage are based on multiple insecticides applications per season, even prior to the harvest, which reduces agroecosystem biodiversity and affects human and animal health. Environmental concerns and regulatory restrictions on insecticide use are driving the need for studies on alternative biological control strategies. This study aimed to assess the effect of T. drosphilae in controlling D. suzukii infestations and its interaction with P. vindemiae, a secondary parasitoid naturally present in Apulia (South Italy). Field experiments were carried out in organic cherry orchards in Gioia del Colle (Bari, Italy) to test the efficacy and adaptability of T. drosphilae following weekly releases of artificially reared individuals. Additionally, the interaction between P. vindemiae and T. drosphilae was studied under laboratory conditions. Results from field experiments showed that D. suzukii populations were significantly lower when both parasitoids were present. However, T. drosophilae was less prone to adaptation, so its presence and parasitism were limited to the post-release period. Laboratory experiments, instead, confirmed the high reduction of D. suzukii populations when both parasitoids are present. However, the co-existence of the two parasitoids resulted in a reduced parasitism rate and offspring production, notably for T. drosophilae. This competitive disadvantage may explain its poor establishment in field conditions. These findings suggest that the field release of the two natural enemies should be carried out with reference to their natural population abundance to not generate competition effects.},
}

@article {pmid40725319,
year = {2025},
author = {Devine, SM and Booth, EG and Cooperband, MF and Franzen, EKL and Lewis, PA and Murman, KM and Francese, JA},
title = {A "Sconce" Trap for Sampling Egg Masses of Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16070689},
pmid = {40725319},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {AP23PPQS&T00C164//USDA APHIS PPQ/ ; AP24PPQS&T00C125//USDA APHIS PPQ/ ; N/A//USDA APHIS PPQ SLF Program/ ; },
abstract = {Survey and detection of the spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), rely either on traps that exploit the insect's behavior as it navigates its environment, or on visual surveys of either its mobile life stages or egg masses. A recently described egg mass trap, coined the "lampshade" trap, can assist with early detection in newly infested areas, provide egg masses for researchers, and potentially facilitate spotted lanternfly population reduction by removal of egg masses from the environment. Here, we describe a modified lampshade trap, the sconce trap, that uses less material, can be pre-cut prior to deployment, and can be deployed by one person, representing potential cost, labor, and time savings. Both traps were comparable at detecting populations of spotted lanternflies, and while females deposited more eggs on the larger lampshade traps, they deposited more eggs on sconce traps as a function of trap area.},
}

@article {pmid40725308,
year = {2025},
author = {Folgarait, PJ and Goffré, D},
title = {First Test of a Potential Biological Control Agent of Argentine ants (Linepithema humile).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16070677},
pmid = {40725308},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {PPROF 1315/23//National University of Quilmes, Argentina/ ; },
abstract = {The Argentine ant (Linepithema humile), listed among the world's 100 worst invasive alien species, is notoriously difficult to control due mainly to its formation of large, expansive supercolonies. Despite the drawbacks of chemical control, biological alternatives have not been previously explored for this species. In this study, we evaluated six native entomopathogenic fungal strains against Argentine ants from four behaviorally distinct supercolonies, identified through aggression assays and collected from both urban and natural sites within the species' native range. Ants were inoculated with 1 × 10[8] conidia/mL using three methods: topical application, spray, and immersion. Mortality was recorded over 14 days, and the cause of death was confirmed by fungal outgrowth from cadavers. Among all strains, Beauveria bassiana Li053 consistently induced high mortality across all supercolonies and inoculation methods, with LT50 values between 2 and 5 days and final mortality rates exceeding 80%. Fungal infection was confirmed in 87-92% of cadavers. Dose-response assays revealed that higher conidial concentrations accelerated and increased mortality, with an LC50 estimated at 1 × 10[6] conidia/mL. These results demonstrate that B. bassiana Li053 is a promising candidate for the biological control of L. humile and merits further evaluation under field conditions.},
}

@article {pmid40724809,
year = {2025},
author = {Fu, Y and Chen, Y and Wang, Y and Fu, X and Jin, S and Yi, C and Bai, X and Lu, Y and Miao, W and Geng, X and Lu, X and Yan, R and Zhou, Z and Cao, F},
title = {The Discovery of Potential Repellent Compounds for Zeugodacus cucuribitae (Coquillett) from Six Non-Favored Hosts.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {14},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms26146556},
pmid = {40724809},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {2022YFC2601405//Regional Collaborative Prevention and Control of Major Invasive Species: Technical System Design and Eco-Economic Evaluation/ ; },
mesh = {*Insect Repellents/pharmacology/chemistry ; Animals ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; },
abstract = {Zeugodacus cucuribitae (Coquillett) (Z. cucuribitae) is a global extremely invasive quarantine pest which has a wide host range of fruits and vegetables. At present, there are a few control measures for Z. cucuribitae, and deltamethrin and avermectin are commonly used. Among the hosts of Z. cucuribitae, Luffa acutangular, Luffa cylindrica, Sechium edule, Brassica oleracea var. botrytis, Musa nana, and Fragaria × ananassa are non-favored hosts. However, it is still not clear why these hosts are non-favored and whether there are any repellent components of Z. cucuribitae in these hosts. In this study, the components of these six hosts were collected from the literature, and the genes of odor and chemical sensation were determined from the genome of Z. cucuribitae. After the potential relationships between these components and genes were determined by molecular docking methods, the KEGG and GO enrichment analysis of these genes was conducted, and a complex network of genes vs. components vs. Kegg pathway vs. GO terms was constructed and used to select the key components for experiments. The results show that oleanolic acid (1 mg/mL, 0.1 mg/mL, and 0.01 mg/mL), rotenone (1 mg/mL, 0.1 mg/mL, and 0.01 mg/mL), and beta-caryophyllene oxide (1 mg/mL, 0.1 mg/mL, and 0.01 mg/mL) had a significant repellent effect on Z. cucuribitae, and three components, rotenone (1 mg/mL and 0.1 mg/mL), echinocystic acid (1 mg/mL, 0.1 mg/mL, and 0.01 mg/mL), and beta-caryophyllene oxide (1 mg/mL, and 0.1 mg/mL) had significant stomach toxicity in Z. cucuribitae. Furthermore, a complex signaling pathway was built and used to predict the effect of these components on Z. cucuribitae. These components probably play roles in the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction (ko04080) and calcium signaling (ko04020) pathways. This study provides a reference for the prevention and control of Z. cucuribitae and a scientific reference for the rapid screening and development of new pest control drugs.},
}

*Insect Repellents/pharmacology/chemistry
Animals
Molecular Docking Simulation

@article {pmid40724342,
year = {2025},
author = {Vidosavljević, M and Šojić, B and Peulić, T and Ikonić, P and Lazarević, J and Rakita, S and Vasić, MV and Tomičić, Z and Čabarkapa, I},
title = {From Invasive Species to Sustainable Nutrition: Safety, Nutritional, and Consumer Perception Study on Faxonius limosus in Serbia.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {14},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/foods14142523},
pmid = {40724342},
issn = {2304-8158},
support = {7417//Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia/ ; },
abstract = {Faxonius limosus is an invasive alien crayfish species that has a negative effect on aquatic biodiversity. Using its meat as food could help reduce its ecological impact while providing a protein source. In order to do that, the initial step was to determine safety and nutritional parameters of crayfish meat. Samples from two localities were analyzed for energy value, moisture, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fatty acid and amino acid composition, and macro- and micro-mineral content. Moreover, an online survey was conducted in order to evaluate the public's current knowledge about invasive alien species and willingness to consume crayfish meat as a food product. Heavy metal concentrations (Hg, Pb, Cd) were below European Commission limits, confirming safety. The meat had a high protein content (16.68%), low fat (0.22%), and a favorable fatty acid profile with notable levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Predominant macro-minerals were K, Na, Ca, Mg, and P, while Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn were the most abundant micro-minerals. Even though most participants (79.7%) were not informed about Faxonius limosus, the majority expressed willingness to participate in the assessment of new products made from invasive crayfish. These findings suggest that F. limosus meat is a nutritionally valuable and safe alternative protein source, with potential for sustainable food production and ecological management.},
}

@article {pmid40723593,
year = {2025},
author = {Meng, YH and Gao, WZ and Li, Y and Shi, L},
title = {Effects of Habitat Differences and Invasive Species Competition on Age and Growth of Triplophysa strauchii.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {15},
number = {14},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ani15142128},
pmid = {40723593},
issn = {2076-2615},
support = {2022xjkk1200//the Third Xinjiang Scientific Expedition Program/ ; S202410758034//the College Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region/ ; },
abstract = {Accurate age determination is fundamental for investigating fish population dynamics and growth patterns. This study used the lapillus to determine age in Triplophysa strauchii populations from an oxbow lake and a stream. Growth patterns were evaluated using three models (the Von Bertalanffy, Gompertz, and Logistic models). The oxbow lake population showed faster growth and longer lifespan (6 years in Dacao Lake; 5 years in Liutiao Stream). Conversely, the stream population displayed a trend toward smaller size and younger age. Both populations exhibited higher Fulton's condition factor in juveniles than in adults. The species exhibited a fast-growth type, with similar fitting results across models. These findings reflect subtle differentiation in life history strategies across habitats, likely related to environmental conditions and competitive pressure from invasive species. These insights into T. strauchii life history underscore the importance of further research to support conservation and sustainable management of this endemic species.},
}

@article {pmid40723387,
year = {2025},
author = {Engel, IF and Izhaki, I and Charter, M},
title = {Effects of the Invasive Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) on Nest Site Competition and Predation in Native Birds: A Before-After-Control-Impact Study.},
journal = {Biology},
volume = {14},
number = {7},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/biology14070828},
pmid = {40723387},
issn = {2079-7737},
abstract = {Despite concerns about invasive Common Mynas (Acridotheres tristis), few studies have experimentally demonstrated their impact on native birds. Using a Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) design with 142 nest boxes, we assessed how Myna presence affected House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) and Great Tits (Parus major) before (2009-2010) and after (2020-2021) their arrival in 2015. Half the boxes had large entrances accessible to all three species; half had small entrances accessible only to Great Tits. In a 2022 field experiment, we manipulated nest box entrances and used cameras to study Myna predation and nest usurpation. Following the establishment of Myna, House Sparrow breeding declined by 68.1%. Great Tits increased use of small entrance boxes by 59.9% and decreased use of large entrance boxes by 45.4%. Although overall Great Tit breeding increased, fledging success declined in large entrance boxes, but not small entrance ones. In the 2022 experiment, 46% (n = 26) of Great Tit nests were predated; Common Mynas were responsible for 50% of these cases and subsequently bred in the usurped nests. This study experimentally demonstrates that House Sparrow breeding numbers decrease and that Great Tits change their nesting behavior after the appearance of the Common Myna. Additionally, this research found that Common Mynas impact native species by predating and usurping nests. Installing small-entrance boxes can help manage Great Tit populations. Further research should explore nest box designs for House Sparrows and their impacts on other cavity-nesting and non-cavity-nesting bird species.},
}

@article {pmid40721840,
year = {2025},
author = {He, P and Hu, Y and Khan, J and Huang, Y and Yuan, Z and Sanogo, B and Gao, D and Liu, J and Wu, D and Chen, J and Wu, Z and Liang, S and Sun, X and Lin, D},
title = {The morphology, genetic structure, and haplotype distribution of the invasive freshwater snails Biomphalaria straminea and Physa acuta in Guangdong, China.},
journal = {Tropical medicine and health},
volume = {53},
number = {1},
pages = {98},
pmid = {40721840},
issn = {1348-8945},
support = {No. XZ202401ZR0017//the Tibet Natural Science Foundation/ ; No. 2023-JC-YB-792//the Natural Science Basic Research Program of Shaanxi Province/ ; Nos. 82202560//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82161160343//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 82272361//the National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; No. 2021B1212040017//the Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province/ ; Nos. 2024YFC2309700//the National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 2020YFC1200100//the National Key R&D Program of China/ ; 2016YFC1200500//the National Key R&D Program of China/ ; No. B12003//the 111 Project/ ; No. 2022B1111030002//the Key R&D Program of Guangdong Province/ ; No. 2024A04J4314//the Science and Technology Projects in Guangzhou/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Biomphalaria and Physa (order Gastropoda) serve as vectors and reservoirs for infectious agents that affect both humans and animals. This study provides updated insights into the epidemiology, morphology, phylogeny, and haplotype diversity of Biomphalaria and Physa snails in Guangdong Province, southern China.

METHODS: Field surveys were conducted across Guangdong Province from 2016 to 2023. Morphological observations included assessment of snail shape, shell height, and aperture width. Molecular analysis targeted several genes, including Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI), internal transcribed spacer (ITS), 18S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and 28S rRNA. Evolutionary trees were constructed with neighbor-joining and maximum likelihood methods. Haplotype networks were generated from COI sequences collected from multiple geographic locations.

RESULTS: Physa acuta was detected in 92% of surveyed sites, showing broad distribution and notable mitochondrial diversity (15 haplotypes). The dominant haplotype (Hap_3) was shared with sequences from Chile and the Netherlands. In contrast, Biomphalaria straminea was found at 62% of sites and displayed limited genetic variation (2 haplotypes), despite visible morphological dimorphism (red/black forms). Phylogenetic analysis exhibited minimal differences in 16S rRNA and COI gene sequences among turret snail strains, with B. straminea clustering closely to South American lineages. Morphometric analyses revealed significant size differences among strains, for example, Shuanglong B. straminea had a shell width of 8.74 ± 0.26 mm, whereas Zengcheng P. acuta exhibited 11.07 ± 0.90 mm. In contrast, analysis of 28S and 18S rRNA confirmed species boundaries but lacked at the intraspecific level.

CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis of multiple target genes confirms that mitochondrial markers (COI and 16S rRNA) are effective for studying the evolutionary dynamics of freshwater invasive snails. Physa acuta exhibits a widespread distribution and notable genetic diversity across Guangdong, while B. straminea shows limited genetic variation, suggesting strong genetic conservation within the species.},
}

@article {pmid40716479,
year = {2025},
author = {Kofentová, N and Slavík, O and Velíšek, J and Lepič, P and Randák, T and Horký, P},
title = {Boldness associated with higher erythrocyte levels and a preference for higher temperatures can support the spread of European catfish to novel and warmer ecosystems.},
journal = {Physiology & behavior},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {115036},
doi = {10.1016/j.physbeh.2025.115036},
pmid = {40716479},
issn = {1873-507X},
abstract = {Coping styles are the consistent physiological and behavioural responses of animals to stressors and, more generally, to variability in social and natural environments. Individuals can be characterized as proactive or reactive on the basis of their coping style, and their behavioural and physiological characteristics differ. Proactive, i.e., more bold, exploratory and stress-resistant individuals, spread more easily and prefer higher temperatures; however, available data regarding this natural stressor are available only from laboratory experiments. Indeed, data regarding the characteristics of invasive species in the wild are rare. In this study, we analysed the relationships among the boldness, exploratory behaviour, activity, physiological parameters, and temperature preferences of the European catfish, a large invasive species that destabilizes ecosystems outside its native environment. As expected, bold individuals presented greater erythrocyte counts, lower baseline cortisol levels, and increased exploratory behaviour. In a riverine environment, bold fish preferred warmer zones, reflecting their heightened metabolic demands and increased activity levels. Boldness, the number of erythrocytes and a preference for higher temperatures were key traits in both the field and experimental environments. However, the relationships among the parameters differed, suggesting behavioural adaptability to varying environmental conditions. In our study, the observed physiological and behavioural traits tended to increase the invasive potential of European catfish in warmer regions.},
}

@article {pmid40716127,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, J and Liu, Z and Chen, N and Meng, X and Liang, C},
title = {Enhancement of drought stress tolerance in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) through the application of carbon nanoparticles.},
journal = {Plant physiology and biochemistry : PPB},
volume = {228},
number = {},
pages = {110234},
doi = {10.1016/j.plaphy.2025.110234},
pmid = {40716127},
issn = {1873-2690},
abstract = {This study aims to investigate the impact of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) on seed germination, seedling growth, nutrient uptake, and the physio-biochemical characteristics of seedlings under water-limited conditions, along with the regulation of gene expression. Okra seeds were treated with CNPs at concentrations of 0, 25 mg/L, 50 mg/L, 100 mg/L, and 200 mg/L, with germination tests conducted using drought conditions simulated through PEG-6000 solutions. A pot experiment was designed to assess plant growth, nutrient uptake, physio-biochemical properties, and transcriptomic changes. Four specific CNP concentrations (0 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg) and three watering intervals (every 3 days, 6 days, and 8 days) were employed. The results demonstrate that CNPs application significantly enhanced the germination characteristics of okra seeds under water deficit stress, leading to improved root development, nutrient (N/P/K) uptake, and various photosynthetic traits, including chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, and transpiration rate. Additionally, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), along with the accumulation of glycine betaine, total phenols, total flavonoids, and total soluble sugar, were notably higher in CNP-treated seedlings compared to those without CNPs across different water-limited scenarios. Transcriptomic analysis revealed differential expression of genes, particularly those related to starch and sucrose metabolism. These findings underscore the beneficial role of CNPs in enhancing seed germination and seedling growth of okra under drought stress, while also providing valuable insights into the optimal application levels of CNPs to boost agricultural productivity.},
}

@article {pmid40717710,
year = {2025},
author = {Haubrock, PJ and Parker, B and Błońska, D and Briski, E and Everts, T and Fernandez, RD and Kouba, A and Kourantidou, M and Kurtul, I and Mammola, S and Musolin, DL and Nuñez, MA and Olden, JD and Rasmussen, JJ and Renault, D and Russell, JC and Sousa, R and Tarkan, AS and Britton, JR},
title = {Conceptual and ethical considerations in invasion science.},
journal = {Bioscience},
volume = {75},
number = {4},
pages = {317-330},
pmid = {40717710},
issn = {0006-3568},
abstract = {Invasion science addresses interconnected ecological, economic, and social challenges posed by the introduction of nonnative species. Therefore, invasion scientists have to consider and reconcile interdisciplinary needs while addressing the potential implications of their findings. Navigating diverse disciplines, including environmental sciences, ecology, economics, and the humanities, invasion scientists seek to arrive at informed decisions on invasion risk, impact, and management. Individual biases, uncertainties, and systemic pressures influence the ability to maintain objectivity and resist pressures that might otherwise distort their findings or applications. In the present commentary, we examine conceptual and ethical dilemmas within the field of invasion science, particularly reputational and the risks of the discipline perpetuating its own relevance by framing invasions as insurmountable challenges. In the discussion, we highlight how incentive structures, biased assessments and framing, and conflicts of interest may compromise the discipline's integrity. We also explore questions surrounding human responsibility to animal welfare and highlight ethical conundrums in the management of invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid40401442,
year = {2025},
author = {Nkoko, MM and Shivambu, N and Shivambu, TC and Nelufule, T and Khumalo, N and Seoraj-Pillai, N and Nangammbi, TC},
title = {Zoonotic Ectoparasites Infesting Commensal Invasive Murid Rodents.},
journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)},
volume = {25},
number = {8},
pages = {481-490},
doi = {10.1089/vbz.2025.0019},
pmid = {40401442},
issn = {1557-7759},
mesh = {Animals ; *Zoonoses/parasitology ; *Ectoparasitic Infestations/veterinary/parasitology/epidemiology ; Rats/parasitology ; *Rodent Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology ; Humans ; Mice ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Rodents are associated with the spread of deadly zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases. Their widespread distribution is strongly linked to their ability to thrive in human-altered environments with access to food and shelter. Thus, humans are exposed to zoonotic agents that can spread and infect them directly and indirectly. We sourced published literature on ectoparasites associated with Rattus rattus, R. norvegicus, and Mus musculus from various academic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The relevant literature was screened and selected in R statistical software using the packages ''metagear'' and ''revtool.'' We reviewed and analyzed a total of 53 articles published between 1994 and 2024. The literature review covered studies from 29 countries, represented by six continents, namely, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America, with the majority of the studies from Asia. R. rattus had the most published studies. Our literature review identified 87 species of zoonotic ectoparasites, with Xenopsylla cheopis, Polyplax spinulosa, and Laelaps echidninus being the most reported across all host species. Mites were the most reported ectoparasites (40.83%), followed by fleas (25%), ticks (20%), and lice (14.17%). Most of these ectoparasites were reported from R. rattus, with the highest number of documented ectoparasites. Investigating the prevalence, distribution, and potential risks of alien invasive rodents and their ectoparasites is paramount for public health and improving integrated pest management control strategies.},
}

Animals
*Zoonoses/parasitology
*Ectoparasitic Infestations/veterinary/parasitology/epidemiology
Rats/parasitology
*Rodent Diseases/parasitology/epidemiology
Humans
Mice
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40714471,
year = {2025},
author = {Yan, D and Wang, S and Song, P and Zhang, Y and Huang, Y and Wang, Y and Zhu, W and Wu, L},
title = {Research hotspots and trends in Spartina alterniflora studies (1970-2023): A bibliometric analysis.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {221},
number = {},
pages = {118483},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118483},
pmid = {40714471},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {Spartina alterniflora is native to the Atlantic coast of the United States but has gained attention globally as an invasive species. To improve understanding of S. alterniflora and identify future research priorities, this study presents a comprehensive bibliometric and quantitative trend analysis of 4551 publications from 1970 to 2023, using ScientoPy and VOSviewer. Results indicated a steady increase in publications on S. alterniflora. Term co-occurrence visualization analysis revealed that research has evolved through stages: from examining the species' physiological and ecological characteristics, to exploring its invasion mechanisms and impacts, and finally to developing control technologies and assessing its responses to global climate change. Quantitative trend analysis showed that China and the United States are at the forefront of S. alterniflora research. Keywords such as "Blue carbon," "Plant invasion," "Climate change," and "Remote sensing" exhibited high trend factors and normalized frequency change values, suggesting that future research will focus on S. alterniflora's role in blue carbon sequestration, salt marsh restoration, and climate response mechanisms. Notably, S. alterniflora's invasion has displaced native blue carbon ecosystems, which typically offer greater long-term carbon sequestration and lower greenhouse gas emissions. This shift has diminished regional net carbon sink function and increased the net greenhouse effect. Although S. alterniflora represents a considerable carbon stock, it also poses substantial ecological risks. Therefore, comprehensive ecological risk assessments and scientifically informed management strategies are essential to optimize environmental benefits while minimizing negative ecological impacts.},
}

@article {pmid40713305,
year = {2025},
author = {South, J and Sabini, L and Pattison, Z and Cuff, JP},
title = {Aquatic biological invasions exacerbate nutritional and health inequities.},
journal = {Trends in ecology & evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.tree.2025.06.007},
pmid = {40713305},
issn = {1872-8383},
abstract = {Fish are a critical source of accessible nutrition. However, when non-native species introduced through aquaculture establish in the wild, they inevitably alter the structure of ecological networks. This could have unprecedented outcomes for nutrient and toxin accumulation when aquatic food is consumed by humans, with socioeconomically variable impacts.},
}

@article {pmid40711505,
year = {2025},
author = {Sheidai, M and Alaeifar, M and Koohdar, F and Tabaripour, R},
title = {Gene-ecological studies of critically isolated fern Pteris dentata Forssk.: genetic diversity, environmental adaptation, and future distribution modeling (SDM).},
journal = {Molecular biology reports},
volume = {52},
number = {1},
pages = {755},
pmid = {40711505},
issn = {1573-4978},
mesh = {*Genetic Variation/genetics ; Iran ; Ecosystem ; *Pteris/genetics ; Climate Change ; Genetics, Population/methods ; *Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics ; Ferns/genetics ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Understanding the ecological and genetic characteristics of narrowly distributed species like Pteris dentata is crucial for effective conservation planning. P. dentata, a narrowly distributed fern species that prefers moist, shaded environments, is threatened by habitat degradation associated with urban expansion, climate change, and invasive species-highlighting the urgent need for its conservation.

METHODS AND RESULTS: This study investigated genetic diversity, landscape genetics, adaptive potential, and the landscape adaptive index in two northern Iranian populations of P. dentata. Despite overall low genetic diversity, the populations exhibited significant differentiation in genetic composition and morpho-anatomical traits, primarily shaped by spatial factors. Patterns of isolation by distance (IBD) and isolation by environment (IBE) were both detected. Variation in adaptive potential and the landscape adaptive index indicated population-specific responses to environmental and climatic stressors. Advanced modeling techniques, including Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Random Forest (RF), revealed complex relationships among environmental, climatic, edaphic, and genetic variables influencing adaptation.

CONCLUSIONS: Species distribution modeling predicts a substantial decline in suitable habitat for P. dentata in Iran by 2050, driven by climate change-emphasizing the need for proactive conservation strategies.},
}

*Genetic Variation/genetics
Iran
Ecosystem
*Pteris/genetics
Climate Change
Genetics, Population/methods
*Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
Microsatellite Repeats/genetics
Ferns/genetics
Conservation of Natural Resources

@article {pmid40709517,
year = {2025},
author = {Parks, BC and Mollett, A and Gangloff, EJ and Litmer, AR},
title = {The effects of meal size and feeding frequency on digestion in common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis).},
journal = {The Journal of experimental biology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/jeb.250509},
pmid = {40709517},
issn = {1477-9145},
support = {2217826//National Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Understanding the interplay between feeding, energetics, and temperature in ectotherms is essential, particularly regarding introduced species and responses to climate change. Despite its importance, how feeding regimes-including meal timing and size-affect digestion has been underexplored. Previous research suggests that digestion is thermally dependent, with warm temperatures promoting quick digestion, and that consuming smaller meals results in slower digestion. However, empirical evidence is limited. Our study quantified digestive passage time, energy budgets, and fecal and urate production in the introduced common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) relative to meal size and timing under a naturalistic temperature cycle (warm days at 34℃ and cool nights at 25℃). We implemented four treatment groups based on meal size (large or small) and timing (morning only or morning and afternoon). While lizards consuming less food took significantly longer to completely pass food items, energy budgets and fecal and urate production did not differ among treatments. Our findings suggest that feeding regime may have some influence on digestive processes, but not to the extent of regulating energetics in the common wall lizard. Consistent energy budgets, despite variable meal sizes and timing of food consumption in relation to temperature, may contribute to wall lizard invasion success. Digestive processes play a critical role in regulating population persistence and expansion. The results of this study highlight the importance of quantifying feeding regimes and natural temperature cycles, with implications for invasion biology and predicting responses to climate change.},
}

@article {pmid40708791,
year = {2025},
author = {Borges, PAV and Morgado, LN and Gabriel, R and Elias, RB and Gauche, M and Ah-Peng, C and Otto, R and de Nascimento, L and Strasberg, D and Guerrero-Ramírez, N and Kreft, H and Fernández-Palacios, JM},
title = {Integrating plot-based methods for monitoring biodiversity in island habitats under the scope of BIODIVERSA + project BioMonI: Tree monitoring in Terceira, Tenerife and Réunion Islands.},
journal = {Biodiversity data journal},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e158423},
pmid = {40708791},
issn = {1314-2828},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Oceanic islands are globally recognised for their exceptional levels of biodiversity and endemism, often resulting from unique evolutionary processes in isolated environments. However, this biodiversity is also disproportionately threatened by anthropogenic pressures including habitat loss, invasive species and climate change. Targeted, long-term biodiversity monitoring is essential for detecting changes in these vulnerable ecosystems and providing information for conservation strategies.The EU BIODIVERSA + project BioMonI aims at building a global long-term monitoring network specifically tailored to the pressing needs of biodiversity conservation and monitoring on islands. In BioMonI, we use a novel approach that considers mapping previous and current monitoring schemes on islands, developing a harmonised monitoring scheme for island biodiversity and mobilising existing monitoring data. We are assembling data from BioMonI-Plot, a long-term vegetation plot network to understand biodiversity and ecosystem change. It will use baseline data from three focal archipelagos (Azores, Canary Islands and Mascarenes), but we aim to mobilise data from archipelagos worldwide.Plot-based data are a cornerstone of effective biodiversity monitoring on islands. These standardised data collections within permanent plots allow for consistent, replicable observations across temporal and spatial scales. Initiatives like the Global Island Monitoring Scheme (GIMS) highlight the value of permanent plots in capturing ecological gradients and anthropogenic disturbance patterns. Such data underpin the detection of subtle shifts in community composition, functional diversity and species distributions, which are critical for assessing the effectiveness of conservation actions and predicting future ecological scenarios.In summary, plot-based data are indispensable for targeted and effective biodiversity monitoring on islands. They provide the empirical backbone necessary to provide information for adaptive management strategies and contribute to global biodiversity targets.

NEW INFORMATION: The BioMonI-Plot baseline data consist of 10 plots in each of the following islands: Terceira (Azores), Tenerife (Canaries) and Réunion Island (Mascarenes). As a first step, we describe the diversity and abundance of all woody species shoots with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 1 cm in each of the 10 plots of each Island. The majority of taxa belonged to the phylum Magnoliophyta, which accounted for 96.66% of the total species and subspecies, followed by Pteridophyta (2.22%) and Pinophyta (1.11%). Réunion Island exhibited the highest species richness, with 66 identified taxa, followed by Tenerife (16 taxa) and Terceira (11 taxa). Only one species, Morellafaya, was shared between the islands, occurring in both Terceira and Tenerife. Most of the recorded species were classified as endemic according to their colonisation status. Specifically, 32 species were endemic to the Mascarene Islands, 22 to Réunion, nine to the Azores, eleven to Macaronesia and four to the Canary Islands.The data presented in this Data Paper provide a valuable proxy for evaluating the ecological integrity and overall habitat quality of native montane forests across three oceanic archipelagos: the Azores, Canary Islands and Mascarene Islands. By focusing on tree species as primary ecological indicators, the dataset offers insights into essential structural and compositional attributes of these ecosystems, including species richness, relative abundance and patterns of dominance.The comprehensive species-level information contained in this dataset allows for comparisons of forest composition across islands and biogeographic regions, contributing to our understanding of insular forest dynamics, endemism patterns and conservation priorities in tropical and subtropical montane environments.},
}

@article {pmid40708789,
year = {2025},
author = {Pizarro-Borrull, M and Font, E and Marbà, N and Anton, A},
title = {Prominent Grazing Rates and Feeding Preferences of an Abundant Exotic Benthic Herbivore in the Mediterranean Sea.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {e71686},
pmid = {40708789},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Exotic herbivores can exert profound impacts on terrestrial communities, but their ecological effects on marine habitats are not sufficiently quantified. The exotic crab Percnon gibbesi, which is rapidly spreading throughout the Mediterranean Sea, grazes almost exclusively on benthic macrophytes, providing an opportunity to study the potential impacts of herbivores in the marine realm. Here, we first quantified the abundance of P. gibbesi in Mallorca (Balearic Islands; Spain) in 2023/2024 and reported average densities of 61 individuals 100 m[-2], approximately 30 times greater than those recorded in 2003 on the islands. We then performed a feeding preference experiment using common native and invasive species of macroalgae (Caulerpa cylindracea, Halimeda incrassata, Haliptilon virgatum, Halopteris scoparia, Padina pavonica, and Ulva compressa) from the Mediterranean Sea. The per capita grazing rates of P. gibbesi (3.83 ± 1.71 WW g crab[-1] day[-1]), which can ingest almost 75% of their body weight daily, were higher than those recorded for most native herbivorous species in the Mediterranean. The estimated daily grazing rates for P. gibbesi average 23.59 ± 15.17 kg WW macroalgae ha[-1] day[-1], value that corresponds with 0.1% to 10.9% (average 5.5%) of the total macroalgae production in this area. Our experiment revealed clear preferences of P. gibbesi for three species of macroalgae, which were not explained by the nutritional content. Overall, our results generate great concern and, coupled with the large extent of the invasion, indicate that the ecological impacts of this exotic herbivore on Mediterranean marine communities could be substantial, and have, until now, gone largely unreported.},
}

@article {pmid40708023,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, M and Sui, C and Zhao, W and Fan, C and Zhang, Y and Qiu, Z and Wang, Y and Zhang, Q and Liu, Y},
title = {Dynamic response of gut microbiota mediates the adaptation of Cipangopaludina chinensis to Pomacea canaliculata invasion.},
journal = {Microbiome},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {171},
pmid = {40708023},
issn = {2049-2618},
support = {2023-MSLH-007//General Research Project of Liaoning Province/ ; LJKMZ20221107//Basic scientific research project of Educational Department of Liaoning province/ ; CARS-49//the earmarked found for China Agriculture Research System/ ; 2019RD12//the Overseas Training Program for Innovation Team, the Basic Scientific Research Project of Educational Department of Liaoning Province/ ; },
mesh = {*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology ; Animals ; Introduced Species ; *Snails/microbiology/physiology ; *Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: As an invasive species, Pomacea canaliculata exerts significant adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems. It can infect native freshwater snails, such as Cipangopaludina chinensis, by secreting pathogens, leading to increased stress and mortality. Gut microbiota play a crucial role in the survival and adaptation of gastropods, significantly influencing their health and resistance to environmental stressors. By comparing the gut microbiota composition and metabolic profiles between resistant (RE) and sensitive (SE) populations of C. chinensis, this study aims to elucidate the role of the gut microbiota in enhancing the survival of C. chinensis under the invasion pressure from P. canaliculata. And the mechanisms were further explored through gut microbiota transplantation, horizontal and vertical transmission experiments, and field studies. Video Abstract RESULTS: Our findings reveal that RE individuals exhibit greater gut microbiota diversity and a higher abundance of core microbiota, including Psychrobacter, Comamonas, and Pseudomonas, which are correlated with enhanced host survival in the presence of pathogen infections. Analysis of metabolite composition demonstrate that antibiotics and immunological enhancers are the main metabolites, which significantly enhance the host's resistance to pathogen infections. Notably, these core gut microbiota can be transmitted both horizontally and vertically, allowing C. chinensis populations to acquire resistance to the invasion of P. canaliculata. The SE group is enriched in pathogens, such as Mycoplasma. Following the transplantation of RE gut microbiota, SE individuals exhibited improved survival rates and core microbiota abundance. The vital role of core microbiota in maintaining the survival rate of C. chinensis was further confirmed in the field studies.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights the crucial interactions between the gut microbiota and the host's adaptability, offering valuable insights for native species in response of invasive species pressure.},
}

*Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology
Animals
Introduced Species
*Snails/microbiology/physiology
*Bacteria/classification/genetics/isolation & purification
*Adaptation, Physiological

@article {pmid40638393,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, S and Li, X and Li, Z and Zhang, Y and Wang, Y and Xu, L},
title = {Horizontal gene transfer-mediated enhancement of gut antifungal defense facilitates host plant adaptation in an invasive pest.},
journal = {Cell reports},
volume = {44},
number = {7},
pages = {115970},
doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2025.115970},
pmid = {40638393},
issn = {2211-1247},
mesh = {Animals ; *Gene Transfer, Horizontal/genetics ; Chitinases/genetics/metabolism ; Phylogeny ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; *Moths/microbiology/genetics ; *Antifungal Agents/pharmacology ; Larva/microbiology ; Introduced Species ; RNA Interference ; *Plants/parasitology ; Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; },
abstract = {Invasive pests exploit adaptive mechanisms including horizontal gene transfer (HGT) to overcome environmental challenges. Here, we show that the invasive fall webworm Hyphantria cunea acquires a chitinase gene (HcuChiA) via HGT, facilitating adaptation to the novel host Metasequoia glyptostroboides. Comparative transcriptomics across five host plants and an artificial diet identified HcuChiA as uniquely upregulated on M. glyptostroboides. Single-cell transcriptomics and spatiotemporal profiling confirmed gut-specific expression, and phylogenetic analysis traced HcuChiA to a bacterial donor. RNAi knockdown of HcuChiA increased the larval mortality on M. glyptostroboides, while recombinant HcuChiA displayed chitinase activity and broad-spectrum antifungal effects against entomopathogens. Elimination of gut fungi abolished the RNAi-induced mortality increase, demonstrating HcuChiA's role in gut antifungal immunity. These findings reveal that HGT-derived enzymes enhance host expansion in invasive pests by strengthening immune defenses, offering insights into multi-host adaptation and the evolutionary significance of HGT.},
}

Animals
*Gene Transfer, Horizontal/genetics
Chitinases/genetics/metabolism
Phylogeny
*Adaptation, Physiological
*Moths/microbiology/genetics
*Antifungal Agents/pharmacology
Larva/microbiology
Introduced Species
RNA Interference
*Plants/parasitology
Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism

@article {pmid40592300,
year = {2025},
author = {Kletou, D and Benayahu, Y and Michail, C and Kleitou, P and Constantinou, G and McFadden, CS},
title = {The non-indigenous tropical octocoral Carijoa established in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.},
journal = {Marine environmental research},
volume = {210},
number = {},
pages = {107327},
doi = {10.1016/j.marenvres.2025.107327},
pmid = {40592300},
issn = {1879-0291},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anthozoa/physiology/genetics ; Mediterranean Sea ; *Introduced Species ; Environmental Monitoring ; Coral Reefs ; Cyprus ; },
abstract = {The Mediterranean Sea is warming at a rate exceeding the global average, facilitating the proliferation of thermophilic non-indigenous species, a process known as tropicalization. Despite over 1000 thermophilic marine species introductions, only two non-indigenous octocorals have been documented. This study presents photographic, taxonomic and genetic evidence that a third non-indigenous octocoral, the snowflake coral, Carijoa cf. riisei, has successfully colonized Limassol, Cyprus, a maritime hub in the eastern Mediterranean. Genetic analyses suggest that the snowflake coral is likely of Indo-Pacific origin, marking a northern expansion of its known biogeographic range. The snowflake coral is a common biofouler and produces planktonic larvae that can be transported through ballast water, which have contributed to its wide distribution in tropical and sub-tropical marine environments. Characterized by rapid growth, it can overgrow and smother local benthic invertebrates, significantly altering benthic community structures in invaded areas. Detected colonies survived and grew, and within a few years, dense colonies appeared, carpeting the hard substrata at adjacent sites. This recent proliferation raises concerns that a new invasion is underway. In the eastern Mediterranean, the snowflake coral has the potential to occupy the empty ecological space created by invasive herbivorous species and transform the seascape of vulnerable barren subtidal reefs to one where marine animal forests are the dominant feature. Our findings highlight the urgent need for ecological surveys to monitor the dynamics of this invasive octocoral and its potential role in driving ecological change, providing essential insights during the early stages of invasion.},
}

Animals
*Anthozoa/physiology/genetics
Mediterranean Sea
*Introduced Species
Environmental Monitoring
Coral Reefs
Cyprus

@article {pmid40707541,
year = {2025},
author = {Chiuya, T and Fèvre, EM and Lutomiah, J and Mutisya, J and Mulwa, F and Chelangat, B and Muhoro, S and Olubowa, R and Junglen, S and Borgemeister, C},
title = {Invasive alien plant litter influences larval density, size and survival of Culex spp.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {26978},
pmid = {40707541},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; Larva/physiology/growth & development ; *Culex/physiology/growth & development ; *Introduced Species ; Kenya ; Prosopis ; },
abstract = {Invasive alien plant (IAP) litter can alter the organic and inorganic content of mosquito breeding sites, influencing their life history traits. In Baringo County, Kenya, there is massive encroachment of Prosopis juliflora and Parthenium hysterophorus into crop and grazing lands. To mimic natural shedding, we set up experimental water containers in the field containing dried plant litter of either Parthenium, Prosopis or Lantana camara, which are invasive and Acacia tortilis which is native to the area. We measured water physicochemical parameters and counted mosquito larvae periodically for 6 weeks. After rearing, we determined survival rates and size of the emergent adults. All the plant treatments had significantly more larvae than the water-only control. Prosopis had the highest number of larvae which was significantly different from Acacia. Water conductivity, total dissolved solids and salinity were highest in Prosopis and Parthenium litter. For both Culex pipiens and Culex vansomereni, adults emerging from Prosopis and Parthenium litter were significantly larger in size compared to those from the other plants. Generally, for the two species, adults from IAPs survived longer than those from Acacia. Our study demonstrates the impact of IAPs on the life history traits of mosquitoes and how they can enhance their vectorial capacity. Mitigating the spread of these plants may reduce mosquito populations and risk of mosquito-borne disease.},
}

Animals
Larva/physiology/growth & development
*Culex/physiology/growth & development
*Introduced Species
Kenya
Prosopis

@article {pmid40705720,
year = {2025},
author = {Spear, HV and Zhuang, Z and Selby, C and Nicoll, F and Bañuelas, DC and Arenas, A and Swanson, A and Crook, ED},
title = {Combined impacts of sea level rise and invasive species on Cordylanthus maritimus (Salt Marsh Bird's Beak) in Upper Newport Bay, California.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {7},
pages = {e0328652},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0328652},
pmid = {40705720},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; California ; Animals ; Wetlands ; *Sea Level Rise ; Biodiversity ; Bays ; Ecosystem ; *Birds/physiology ; },
abstract = {From Central California to Northern Baja California, Salt Marsh Bird's Beak (Cordylanthus maritimus subsp. Maritimus; C. maritimus) is an annual hemiparasitic halophyte that is endemic to coastal salt marshes and is both state and federally endangered in the US and Mexico. By the year 2100, sea level is projected to rise by nearly a meter, which will decrease the biodiversity of salt marshes and lead to changes in plant community assemblages, impacting the narrow ecological niche of C. maritimus. Here, we address how sea level rise will impact the preferred elevation range of C. maritimus, and we examine how these impacts will be compounded by the presence of an invasive perennial plant species, Algerian sea lavender (Limonium ramosissimum; L. ramossisimum). We used LiDAR data, plant distributions, and sea level rise projections for the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve to create simplified species distribution models and map current and future ranges for both species, serving as a case study for future management practices along the California Coast. In our small-scale model, the areas of these ranges and the area of overlap between both species were calculated for 2020, 2050, and 2100 under varying sea level rise scenarios. Although the overlap between the two species' ranges currently exists, C. maritimus inhabits a smaller area at relatively lower elevations than L. ramosissimum. By the year 2100, we project L. ramosissimum will occupy between 200-300% more habitable area than C. maritimus. More than 98% of the projected habitable area for C. maritimus may also be suitable for L. ramosissimum, increasing competition between the two species and highlighting a critical need to strategically control invasive L. ramosissimum in Upper Newport Bay.},
}

*Introduced Species
California
Animals
Wetlands
*Sea Level Rise
Biodiversity
Bays
Ecosystem
*Birds/physiology

@article {pmid40705718,
year = {2025},
author = {Hartshorn, JA},
title = {Secondary metabolites of the invasive tree, Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana), provide support for the empty niche theory of invasion.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {7},
pages = {e0327841},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0327841},
pmid = {40705718},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Pyrus/metabolism ; *Introduced Species ; Plant Leaves/metabolism/chemistry ; *Secondary Metabolism ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Invasive woody species like Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana Decne.) alter ecosystems directly and indirectly through effects on arthropod communities as well as chemical alterations of the soil. Evidence suggests that the aggressive spread and negative impacts are due to allelopathic chemicals present throughout plant tissues which reduce herbivory and add unique allochthonous inputs to the soil, thereby reducing germination of native species and furthering Callery pear's domination on the landscape. To assess the allelopathic potential of Callery pear, we collected leaf tissue from Callery pear, black cherry (Prunus serotina) as the native comparison, and wild peach (Prunus persica) to serve as a non-native but non-invasive representative. Callery pear leaves contained 32 unique compounds compared to our other two species tested, with 23 of these compounds belonging to the group of compounds called flavones, which are secondary metabolites known to build up in the roots of plants and cause autotoxicity, along with changes to the soil microbial community, including mycorrhizal fungi. While flavones are ubiquitous in nature, their presence in Callery pear suggests downstream effects on native plants and arthropod communities, and provides evidence for the empty niche theory of invasion. Further experiments are needed to confirm flavones in other Callery pear tissues and to assess the mediating chemical pathways that lead to their upregulation.},
}

*Pyrus/metabolism
*Introduced Species
Plant Leaves/metabolism/chemistry
*Secondary Metabolism
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40703974,
year = {2025},
author = {},
title = {Correction to "Prioritizing the Risk of Multiple Invasive Species in the Semiarid Rangelands of Iran: An Ecological Approach to Multicriteria Decision-Making".},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {e71601},
doi = {10.1002/ece3.71601},
pmid = {40703974},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1002/ece3.71287.].},
}

@article {pmid40702041,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, E and Wang, X and Lei, B and Han, Y and Sun, J},
title = {The potential distribution area and dynamic niche variation analysis of an alien invasive plant Senecio vulgaris L.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {26742},
pmid = {40702041},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {cstc2022jxjl20003//Chongqing Municipal Research Institutions Performance Incentive Guidance Special Project/ ; cstc2022jxjl20003//Chongqing Municipal Research Institutions Performance Incentive Guidance Special Project/ ; cstc2022jxjl20003//Chongqing Municipal Research Institutions Performance Incentive Guidance Special Project/ ; cstc2022jxjl20003//Chongqing Municipal Research Institutions Performance Incentive Guidance Special Project/ ; cstc2022jxjl20003//Chongqing Municipal Research Institutions Performance Incentive Guidance Special Project/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Senecio/physiology/growth & development ; *Ecosystem ; China ; },
abstract = {Senecio vulgaris L. (Asteraceae), a European-origin invasive plant, has established widespread populations in China since the nineteenth century, posing both ecological and health-related threats due to its herbicide resistance, toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and broad habitat adaptability. Despite being classified as a Level 4 invasive species in China, its potential risk remains underestimated. In this study, we applied an optimized MaxEnt model using occurrence data from both native (Europe) and invasive (China) ranges to predict the species' potential distribution. Our results revealed high environmental suitability in central, eastern, southwestern, and northeastern China, with human activity, temperature, and precipitation as dominant predictors. Niche analysis indicated that S. vulgaris in China occupies environmental conditions largely overlapping with its native niche, demonstrating niche conservatism rather than expansion. These findings suggest that even moderately ranked invasive species can maintain ecological stability while gradually expanding, especially under increasing anthropogenic pressure. Our results underscore the need for targeted monitoring and preemptive management in agriculturally sensitive regions. This study provides a practical framework for assessing and managing adaptable invasive plants beyond those classified as high risk.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Senecio/physiology/growth & development
*Ecosystem
China

@article {pmid40700486,
year = {2025},
author = {Meier, ES and Indermaur, A and Knop, E},
title = {Biodiversity-friendly landscapes: A paradox for conservation?.},
journal = {Science advances},
volume = {11},
number = {30},
pages = {eadt9564},
doi = {10.1126/sciadv.adt9564},
pmid = {40700486},
issn = {2375-2548},
mesh = {*Biodiversity ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Ecosystem ; Humans ; Introduced Species ; Switzerland ; },
abstract = {Human-induced global change may cause the sixth mass extinction of species. The moderate success of patch-scale biodiversity conservation measures has led to the concept of creating biodiversity-friendly landscapes. However, these landscapes potentially present a paradox: They may increase local biodiversity and thereby strengthen biotic resistance of native communities to global change winners, i.e., species that thrive under global change, such as invasive alien species or temperature- or nutrient-tolerant species. However, they may also improve landscape-scale habitat conditions, such as habitat connectivity, which facilitates the dispersal of global change winners, thereby accelerating biodiversity loss. Despite increasing investment in biodiversity-friendly landscapes, this paradox and underlying processes remain largely unquantified. We analyzed 2050 repeated, systematic vegetation surveys across the Swiss farmland and found the hypothesized facilitating and inhibitory effects on global change winners, but, overall, the inhibitory effects were stronger. This supports the call for a shift from patch-scale conservation to landscape-wide strategies to stop the ongoing decline of farmland biodiversity.},
}

*Biodiversity
*Conservation of Natural Resources
Ecosystem
Humans
Introduced Species
Switzerland

@article {pmid40696789,
year = {2025},
author = {Tercel, MPTG and Cuff, JP and Symondson, WOC and Moorhouse-Gann, RJ and Bishop, TR and Cole, NC and Jolin, E and Govier, B and Chambon, J and Mootoocurpen, R and Goder, M and Vaughan, IP},
title = {Threatened endemic arthropods and vertebrates partition their diets with non-native ants in an isolated island ecosystem.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {7},
pages = {e70158},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70158},
pmid = {40696789},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {MR/S502455/1//Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust/ ; NE/L002434/1//Natural Environment Research Council/ ; BB/M009122/1/BB_/Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council/United Kingdom ; NE/K00719X/1//NERC iCASE studentship/ ; //Mauritian Wildlife Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Ants/physiology ; *Diet ; *Food Chain ; Islands ; Introduced Species ; *Ecosystem ; *Arthropods/physiology ; *Feeding Behavior/physiology ; *Endangered Species ; Predatory Behavior ; },
abstract = {The success of non-native species depends on their ability to find food, which may ultimately lead to competition with native species and contribute to biodiversity loss in invaded ecosystems. Understanding which food resources are consumed is therefore crucial for evaluating how non-native species mechanistically fit into native biological communities. Non-native species may be predators or competitors of native species or may be consumed by native species as a novel source of nutrition, for example, and this can occur between both closely and distantly related species. Studies examining competitive interactions between non-native species and distantly related native taxa are relatively rare, largely because it is difficult to compare their diets using traditional methods. However, dietary DNA metabarcoding overcomes these limitations by enabling the construction of highly detailed food webs. Here, we use dietary DNA metabarcoding between two generalist native consumers-a reptile (Telfair's skink) and a Scolopendra centipede (Serpent Island centipede)-and the hyperabundant non-native ant community to test which consumer groups prey upon one another and partition food resources. To determine how non-native ants fit into a native community, we calculated dietary composition, niche overlap, and dietary diversity of ants, centipedes, and skinks on Round Island, a small 2.19-km[2] oceanic island located 22.5 km north-east of Mauritius. We observed distinct partitioning of food resources among the three consumer groups-skinks, centipedes, and ants-and found that the level of predation between these groups varied. Skinks and centipedes frequently consumed non-native ants, which may represent an important nutritional resource for both native consumers. Dietary differences persisted through seasons despite large shifts in the availability of food and concomitant diet composition for all three consumers. We conclude that non-native ants fit into the biological community of Round Island as both prey for native consumers and extreme omnivorous generalists, but not necessarily at the expense of the native consumers because it is unlikely the consumers are competing for food resources. Our results suggest that abundant non-native generalists, which are highly invasive in much of their introduced range, can infiltrate native food webs without exerting strong competitive forces on other common native generalist species.},
}

Animals
*Ants/physiology
*Diet
*Food Chain
Islands
Introduced Species
*Ecosystem
*Arthropods/physiology
*Feeding Behavior/physiology
*Endangered Species
Predatory Behavior

@article {pmid40694577,
year = {2025},
author = {Ibrahim Danzabarma, A and Hima, K and Garba, M and Issaka, S and Dobigny, G},
title = {Native-to-invasive rodent species turn-over within African cities: The example of Niamey, Niger.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {7},
pages = {e0325427},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0325427},
pmid = {40694577},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; Niger ; *Introduced Species ; Cities ; *Rodentia ; Rats ; Biodiversity ; Ecosystem ; Mice ; Population Dynamics ; Humans ; },
abstract = {Expanding transportation infrastructure has facilitated the introduction and proliferation of invasive small mammals, particularly now cosmopolitan rodents like Rattus spp. and Mus musculus, within urban socio-ecosystems where they may severely impact local biodiversity, economy and public health. However, fine-scale dynamics of such biological invasions are still poorly documented, especially in African cities where such biological invasions are still ongoing. We took advantage of a long-term monitoring program of terrestrial small mammal communities of Niamey, the capital city of Niger, to compare rodent and shrew faunas at the same sampling points ten years apart, namely in 2009-2013 and in 2020-2023. We show that Rattus rattus has been expanding significantly in almost all trapping areas across the city, while Mastomys natalensis relative abundance has decreased. This clear trend of native-to-invasive rodent species turnover was particularly marked within the core city, but some notable exceptions exist in peripheral as well as traditionally built zones where the native species still remains dominant. These patterns are discussed, with special attention given to possible human socio-economic and health implications.},
}

Animals
Niger
*Introduced Species
Cities
*Rodentia
Rats
Biodiversity
Ecosystem
Mice
Population Dynamics
Humans

@article {pmid40692962,
year = {2025},
author = {Lean, CH},
title = {Open border ecosystems: Against globalised laissez-faire conservation.},
journal = {Cambridge prisms. Extinction},
volume = {3},
number = {},
pages = {e10},
pmid = {40692962},
issn = {2755-0958},
abstract = {Ecosystems are increasingly being represented as marketplaces that produce goods for humanity, and because of this, economic metaphors for increasing efficiency have been introduced into conservation. A powerful model for economic growth is the globalised free market, and some are implicitly deploying it to suggest changes in conservation practice. Ecological globalisation is the position that we should not control the free movement of species and rewilding occurs most efficiently through non-intervention. When species can move and interact with new ecological systems, they create novel ecosystems. These novel arrangements create experimental markets in nature's economy, providing opportunities for the efficient production of goods for humans, also known as ecosystem services. When invasive species supersede local populations, it indicates previous biotic systems were inefficient, which is why they were replaced, and therefore, it is wrong to protect indigenous "losers" from extinction. Those who defend indigenous species are accused of being xenophobic against recent biotic migrants. This position is flawed both empirically and morally as there is a disconnect between these economic and political arguments when applied to human economies and nature's economy.},
}

@article {pmid40691721,
year = {2025},
author = {Liu, Y and Qi, L and Ren, W and Chen, Z and Yuan, F and Liu, Y},
title = {Changes with time post-restoration in the relationships between soil seed bank and aboveground vegetation in a reclaimed open-pit coal mine.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {26373},
pmid = {40691721},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {2021ZD00804//Major Special Foundation of Science and Technology Plan of Inner Mongolia/ ; 2021ZD00804//Major Special Foundation of Science and Technology Plan of Inner Mongolia/ ; 2021ZD00804//Major Special Foundation of Science and Technology Plan of Inner Mongolia/ ; 2021ZD00804//Major Special Foundation of Science and Technology Plan of Inner Mongolia/ ; 2021ZD00804//Major Special Foundation of Science and Technology Plan of Inner Mongolia/ ; 2021ZD00804//Major Special Foundation of Science and Technology Plan of Inner Mongolia/ ; NMGIRT2316//The project for Young talent scientists of Inner Mongolia/ ; NMGIRT2316//The project for Young talent scientists of Inner Mongolia/ ; NMGIRT2316//The project for Young talent scientists of Inner Mongolia/ ; NMGIRT2316//The project for Young talent scientists of Inner Mongolia/ ; NMGIRT2316//The project for Young talent scientists of Inner Mongolia/ ; NMGIRT2316//The project for Young talent scientists of Inner Mongolia/ ; 2023-JBGS-S-1//Hohhot Key R&D Project/ ; 2023-JBGS-S-1//Hohhot Key R&D Project/ ; 2023-JBGS-S-1//Hohhot Key R&D Project/ ; 2023-JBGS-S-1//Hohhot Key R&D Project/ ; 2023-JBGS-S-1//Hohhot Key R&D Project/ ; 2023-JBGS-S-1//Hohhot Key R&D Project/ ; },
abstract = {The soil seed bank (SSB) is a potential resource for the aboveground vegetation community (AVC) and plays a crucial role in ecological restoration. Studying the succession of the SSB and AVC at different restoration stages provides valuable insights into their temporal dynamics, facilitates comprehensive investigations of the different restoration stages, and enables appropriate recommendations for the subsequent restoration to be provided. Therefore, the SSB and AVC of restored grassland ecosystems were investigated in open-pit coal mine dumping sites in a typical grassland area of Inner Mongolia. This study was therefore conducted in a typical grassland with the same restoration practices (mixed seeding of Gramineae and Leguminosae), and comparisons were made at different periods post-restoration to determine the pattern of changes in the SSB and AVC over time post-restoration. Through non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS), a correlation analysis, and structural equation model, the changes in the SSB and AVC in the years following restoration were determined. It was found that the SSB density was 475.00 - 705.00 (plant m[- 2]), and the AVC density was 94 - 192.8 (plant m[- 2]). Notably, a significant shift occurred 17 years post-restoration, indicating a pivotal stage was reached in the overall trajectory of the SSB and AVC. The vegetation in the restored area was found to be transitioning toward natural grassland, with an increase in the proportion of perennial species and a gradual decrease in annual and biannual species. The density of Gramineae and Leguminosae plants was similar to that of natural grasslands 17 years post-restoration. The presence of the invasive species Salsola collina gradually decreased over time. The relationship between soil physicochemical properties and SSB was relatively weak, while the relationship with AVC was relatively strong. With time post-restoration, the resemblance between the SSB and the plant community slowly diminished at the mining dump. The study provides for the prolonged rehabilitation of open-pit coal mine dumping sites.},
}

@article {pmid40690859,
year = {2025},
author = {Byun, C and Singh, K},
title = {Selective eradication and sowing with diverse native seed mixtures effectively controls invasion and enhances biodiversity.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {391},
number = {},
pages = {126632},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126632},
pmid = {40690859},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Invasive alien species are one of the major threats to biodiversity and ecosystem integrity, therefore, their management is imperative. This study assessed the effectiveness of various mechanical control methods in suppressing the invasive species Solidago altissima and tested the role of sowing native seed mixtures in enhancing native diversity recovery. It was predicted that selective uprooting would be the most effective control method. Additionally, sowing high-functionally diverse seed mixtures was predicted to better suppress reinvasion than less diverse mixtures. A field experiment, containing four main plots that were subjected to non-selective mowing of all vegetation, selective cutting, selective uprooting, and no-treatment control, was conducted to test the above predictions. Each plot was subdivided into four subplots that were left untreated (control) and sown with seed mixtures containing four, eight, and 12 species from one to three functional groups (annual, herbaceous perennial, and woody perennial). Selective uprooting proved the most effective in controlling invasion, preventing reinvasion, and improving native diversity, followed by selective cutting, and non-selective mowing. Mown plots showed no significant increase over control plots in native diversity, highlighting the importance of selective removal. The most effective strategy for restoring biodiversity was uprooting S. altissima in combination with sowing with seed from a high number of functionally-diverse species. Overall, this study showed that selective eradication of an invasive species without disturbing native vegetation, combined with enhancing existing biotic resistance by sowing mixtures of functionally diverse native seeds, prevented reinvasion and improved native biodiversity to the levels comparable with undisturbed reference ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid40688182,
year = {2025},
author = {Mbou-Boutambe, C and Boundenga, L and Degrugillier, F and Gauthier, P and Arnathau, C and Rivero, A and Granjon, L and Rougeron, V and Prugnolle, F},
title = {Rodent malaria parasites detected in the invasive Rattus rattus in Gabon.},
journal = {International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife},
volume = {27},
number = {},
pages = {101112},
pmid = {40688182},
issn = {2213-2244},
abstract = {Invasive species are increasingly recognized for their role in reshaping host-parasite dynamics. This study reports the first molecular detection of Plasmodium yoelii in the invasive black rat (Rattus rattus) in Gabon, based on a systematic molecular screening of 527 rodents captured in rural villages between 2021 and 2022. Two R. rattus individuals tested positive for P. yoelii, with phylogenetic analysis confirming identity with strains previously isolated from native rodents in the region. These findings challenge the traditional view that rodent malaria parasites are restricted to native hosts and highlight R. rattus as a potential, albeit likely incidental, host within local Plasmodium transmission networks. Despite a low infection prevalence (0.38 %), this result raises important questions about the capacity of invasive rodents to integrate into local parasite cycles and influence disease dynamics.},
}

@article {pmid40687752,
year = {2025},
author = {Dickinson, S and Nita, M and Aviles-Rosa, EO and Hall, N and Feuerbacher, EN},
title = {Evaluating the effectiveness of participatory science dog teams to detect devitalized Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) egg masses.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e19656},
pmid = {40687752},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; Dogs ; *Introduced Species ; *Ovum ; United States ; *Working Dogs ; Female ; Humans ; *Diptera ; Hemiptera ; },
abstract = {The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, SLF) is an invasive planthopper first detected in the United States in 2014, with initial sightings in Pennsylvania. SLF poses a serious threat to agriculture, particularly targeting grapevines, hops, and ornamental plants, resulting in substantial annual economic losses. Due to its life cycle, the early detection and removal of egg masses are the most effective strategies for preventing long-distance dispersal. However, visual detection by humans is time-consuming and inefficient. Detection dogs have demonstrated high accuracy in locating SLF egg masses and differentiating them from environmental distractors. Despite their effectiveness, the number of dogs available through governmental channels is insufficient to meet demand. This study evaluated whether community scientist dog-handler teams could meet standardized detection criteria using SLF egg masses. Teams from across the U.S. were recruited and trained using devitalized egg masses, with oversight provided by local trainers. Following a 3- to 6-month independent training period, team performance was assessed through an odor recognition test and a field trial. Dogs demonstrated a sensitivity of 82% in controlled testing and 58% in field conditions. These results provide proof of concept; community scientist dog teams could play a significant role in protecting their local environments and agriculture from invasive species.},
}

Animals
Dogs
*Introduced Species
*Ovum
United States
*Working Dogs
Female
Humans
*Diptera
Hemiptera

@article {pmid40685837,
year = {2025},
author = {Moreyra, S and Gonzalez-Polo, M and Barrios-Garcia, MN},
title = {Afterlife effects of invasive wasp nests on ecosystem functioning.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {7},
pages = {e70140},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70140},
pmid = {40685837},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {//Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont/ ; PIP 2021-2023//CONICET/ ; R67602//CONICET/ ; },
mesh = {*Wasps/physiology ; Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Ecosystem ; Soil/chemistry ; *Nesting Behavior ; Argentina ; Time Factors ; },
abstract = {Legacy effects, defined as persistent ecological impacts after a species extirpation or cessation of activity, can significantly influence ecosystem structure and function. While extensively studied in plant invasions, legacy effects of invasive animals may differ and remain largely unexplored. We assessed the afterlife effects of subterranean nests built by invasive Vespula social wasps on ecosystem properties in Patagonia, Argentina. We relocated wasp nests ~16 months after the colonies' death and collected soil samples from nest sites and adjacent control areas. In the laboratory, we analyzed soil nutrients, microbial biomass, and enzyme activity. Additionally, we conducted a greenhouse experiment to measure the nests' effect on plant growth. Our results show significant effects on soil properties, including a 1.5-fold increase in total C, 2-fold increase in total N, and 54-fold increase in P compared to control soils. Furthermore, we found a 1.5-fold increase in microbial biomass and a 1.75-fold increase in enzyme activity. These changes enhanced plant performance, with seedlings grown in nest soil showing a 13-fold increase in biomass. Overall, our results show that invasive wasps create lasting legacy effects persisting more than a year after the colony's death, influencing plant growth and potentially increasing spatial heterogeneity within the invaded ecosystem.},
}

*Wasps/physiology
Animals
*Introduced Species
*Ecosystem
Soil/chemistry
*Nesting Behavior
Argentina
Time Factors

@article {pmid40684308,
year = {2025},
author = {Sohrabi, S and Gherekhloo, J and Hassanpour-Bourkheili, S and Ghaderi-Far, F and Siahmarguee, A and Taheri, M and Atashii, S},
title = {Allelopathic potential impact of Senecio angulatus L.F. on native plants.},
journal = {Plant signaling & behavior},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {2526886},
doi = {10.1080/15592324.2025.2526886},
pmid = {40684308},
issn = {1559-2324},
mesh = {*Senecio/chemistry ; *Allelopathy ; *Plant Extracts/pharmacology ; Plant Leaves/chemistry ; Seedlings/drug effects/growth & development ; Germination/drug effects ; Lactuca/drug effects ; Plant Roots ; },
abstract = {Urban greening had a significant effect on enhancing the distribution of alien plants, which pose a threat to the native species in new areas. Senecio angulatus L.f. (cape ivy) is one of the naturalized species dominant in urban ecosystems in many regions. This study was conducted to evaluate the allelopathic interference of this alien species on the native plants in these habitats in Iran. The allelopathy impact of aqueous extract of stem, leaf and root of cape ivy was estimated on germination and seedling´s growth of five native plants (Agropyron elongatum, Medicago sativa, Portulaca oleracea, Silybum marianum, and Lactuca sativa as indicator plant). The tested species differed in their susceptibility to allelopathy of cape ivy, in which M. sativa, P. oleracea, and L. sativa were significantly sensitive than other species. The inhibitory effect of aqueous extracts from leaves and stems was stronger than those from belowground parts and it revealed that the presence of higher concentrations of natural substances (phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity) gave it its efficiency in inhibiting the early growth of native plant. Our results imply that reducing the allelopathic impact of this species during habitat restoration requires the removal of the aboveground parts, including fallen leaves. Furthermore, the information obtained helps score cape ivy risk and impact assessment in the introduced regions.},
}

*Senecio/chemistry
*Allelopathy
*Plant Extracts/pharmacology
Plant Leaves/chemistry
Seedlings/drug effects/growth & development
Germination/drug effects
Lactuca/drug effects
Plant Roots

@article {pmid40683642,
year = {2025},
author = {Romero-Weaver, AL and Nguyen, VT and Bae, J and Seok, S and Bauer, A and Magaletta, OR and Mullin, M and Byrd, BD and Clark, M and Ber, J and Harrison, RL and Evans, CL and Zohdy, S and Allen, B and Campbell, LP and Killingsworth, D and Giordano, BV and Gray, EW and Riegel, C and Riles, MT and Lee, Y},
title = {SURVEY IN THE SOUTHEASTERN USA REVEALS THE NEED FOR IMPROVED INVASIVE MOSQUITO SURVEILLANCE.},
journal = {Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association},
volume = {41},
number = {2},
pages = {77-85},
doi = {10.2987/25-7216},
pmid = {40683642},
issn = {1943-6270},
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Culicidae ; Southeastern United States ; *Mosquito Control/methods ; *Mosquito Vectors ; },
abstract = {Invasive mosquito species play an important role in transmitting pathogens that cause diseases in humans and animals around the world. In the last decade, arboviral pathogens transmitted by invasive mosquito species have increased substantially in the southeastern region of the USA ("the Southeast"). Early detection of invasive mosquitoes is an important component of an integrated mosquito management (IMM) plan. To determine the capacity of the southern region of the USA to conduct invasive mosquito surveillance, the Mosquito Biodiversity Enhancement and Control of Non-native Species (BEACONS) working group conducted a survey in 2021 in seven US southern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina. A total of 348 mosquito control agencies were contacted, and of those, 90 agencies (26%) responded. Here we report the results about the status of an IMM program and the techniques used for mosquito and pathogen surveillance in the Southeast. Results reveal several gaps in surveillance for invasive mosquito species, compromising the ability for early detection and rapid response. Further, we identified a lack of arbovirus testing, which could result in inadequate arboviral risk assessment and may increase the risk of human and livestock to acquire arboviral infections. This survey data can assist decision makers at the county, regional, and state levels to ameliorate gaps in surveillance capacity in the Southeast.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Culicidae
Southeastern United States
*Mosquito Control/methods
*Mosquito Vectors

@article {pmid40681685,
year = {2025},
author = {Harman, RR and Morrison, WR and Altunç, YE and Athanassiou, CG and Gerken, AR},
title = {Increasing global risk of khapra beetle invasion forecasted under projected environmental conditions.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {26064},
pmid = {40681685},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Coleoptera/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; Climate Change ; Forecasting ; },
abstract = {The khapra beetle, Trogoderma granarium, is a stored product pest of global concern, readily transported with cargo and reported in over 60 countries, several of which have spent millions in USD to eradicate populations. Despite the profound risk to stored grain commodities, nothing is known about the potential future distribution of species. We utilize MaxEnt and two datasets representing (1) only the historical range and (2) all global locations where it currently is or was established, even if later eradicated, to model areas of suitability under current future climatic conditions under low and high climate change scenarios at close (2040) and distant (2080) time points. The potential distribution using historical data was much reduced compared to the combined model; consequently, all established localities, even if eradicated, change model outcomes and are vitally important when building models. An increase of high potential suitability (> 75% suitable) is projected with greater time and climatic scenarios, primarily in North America and Europe, which have previously eradicated T. granarium. These results call for greater surveillance to prevent T. granarium expansion to inland areas with high grain production and storage where devastating losses would occur.},
}

Animals
*Coleoptera/physiology
*Introduced Species
Climate Change
Forecasting

@article {pmid40680620,
year = {2025},
author = {González-Jaramillo, SI and Cano-Santana, Z},
title = {Threshold depth for girdling-induced mortality in Eucalyptus camaldulensis: a predictive approach for invasive species management.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {391},
number = {},
pages = {126560},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126560},
pmid = {40680620},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Invasive species, such as Eucalyptus camaldulensis, pose significant ecological challenges in protected areas worldwide due to their environmental impacts and complex management. This study aimed to determine the threshold depth of girdling necessary to induce mortality in E. camaldulensis and to develop a predictive model for its practical application in invasive species management. Two populations of E. camaldulensis girdled in 2010 and 2017, along with a control group, were monitored for survival, decline, and phenological responses over one year. Survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models revealed that girdling depth was the most significant factor affecting tree mortality, with a critical threshold of 6.55 cm. Trees girdled below this depth showed significantly higher survival rates. A positive linear relationship was identified between tree breast height circumference, and the minimum girdling depth required for mortality, enabling the development of a predictive model. Girdled trees exhibited a significant reduction in fruit and young leaf production, along with an increase in mature leaves and tree decline, compared to control trees. These findings provide a science-based and sustainable approach for managing E. camaldulensis populations in protected areas. The proposed model offers a practical tool for estimating the necessary girdling depth based on tree size, minimizing the use of chemical inputs and promoting adaptive management. This approach ensures targeted and efficient control of this invasive species, enhancing the conservation of native ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid40679165,
year = {2025},
author = {Bhan, M and Misher, C and Hiremath, A and Vanak, AT},
title = {Restoration maintains high soil carbon stocks in Asia's largest tropical grassland.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {5},
pages = {e70073},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70073},
pmid = {40679165},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {//WestBridge Capital to the Centre for Policy Design, ATREE/ ; },
mesh = {*Grassland ; *Soil/chemistry ; *Carbon/chemistry ; Tropical Climate ; India ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Environmental Monitoring ; },
abstract = {Land management changes threaten the ecological functionality of grassland ecosystems worldwide, including the ability of these ecosystems to store carbon in their soils. The Banni grasslands in India, Asia's largest tropical grassland, are no different in this regard. Despite being a highly biodiverse ecosystem with an extensive land use history, information on soil carbon stocks in this ecosystem remains conspicuously absent. In this study, we map soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks within the upper 30 cm depth across land use-land cover classes by combining high-resolution satellite imagery with field-based soil carbon data from a network of long-term monitoring sites. We find that Banni currently stores 27.69 million tons of carbon in its soils, with an average SOC density of 119.61 ± 3.50 tons of carbon per hectare (tC/ha, mean ± SE). These estimates compare favorably with arid and semi-arid grasslands as well as seasonally flooded savannas across the tropics. The highest SOC densities are found in restored grasslands (142.72 ± 5.72 tC/ha), reaffirming the potential of carbon recovery from ecological restoration. Tracing 10 years of land change in the region indicates the further expansion of the invasive tree Prosopis juliflora across the landscape, but its impacts on changes in SOC concentration estimates remain varied. Our results indicate the large SOC storage associated with woody encroachment in Banni and point toward the need for the active management of Banni so that carbon benefits can accrue at meaningful timescales for reversing land degradation and contributing to land-based climate action.},
}

*Grassland
*Soil/chemistry
*Carbon/chemistry
Tropical Climate
India
*Conservation of Natural Resources
Environmental Monitoring

@article {pmid40675596,
year = {2025},
author = {Craig, M and Sither, C and Mullin, M and Foster, M and Turner, E and Kenney, J and Connelly, R and Doyle, M and Williams, C and Byrd, BD},
title = {IMPROVED SURVEILLANCE OF AEDES TRISERIATUS USING THE BG-PRO TRAP: IMPLICATIONS FOR SAMPLING HOST-SEEKING LA CROSSE VIRUS VECTORS.},
journal = {Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.2987/24-7204},
pmid = {40675596},
issn = {1943-6270},
abstract = {La Crosse virus (LACV) is responsible for the majority of pediatric arboviral encephalitis in the United States. At present there are limited options for host-seeking surveillance for the primary vector (Aedes triseriatus) and, to a lesser extent, two invasive species (Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus) capable of transmitting LACV. We evaluated four host-seeking trap configurations (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] Light trap, BG-Pro with BG lure, and BG-Sentinel 2 with and without BG lure) via two 4 × 4 Latin square field studies. Over the course of 128 trap-days, 436 mosquitoes were collected with the two most common species being Aedes triseriatus (n = 156, 35.8% of total) and Ae. albopictus (n = 182, 41.7% of total). The BG-Pro, on average, collected approximately 3 times more female Ae. triseriatus than the CDC light trap or the BG-Sentinel with BG lure. Similarly, the odds of collecting Ae. triseriatus with the BG-Pro trap were 3.02 times (95% CI: 1.96-4.67) than the CDC light trap; statistically greater than any other trap. There was no statistical difference in the odds of collecting Ae. triseriatus by the BG-Sentinel 2 (irrespective of lure presence) when compared to the CDC light trap as the reference. There was no difference in the odds of collecting Ae. albopictus using the BG-Sentinel 2 (OR: 4.62, 95% CI: 2.76-7.74) or the BG-Pro (3.06, 95% CI: 1.78-5.24) when compared to the CDC light trap as the reference. The limited collection of Ae. japonicus precluded any meaningful comparisons. Taken together, the BG-Pro trap should be considered for the surveillance or collection of the primary LACV vector, Ae. triseriatus.},
}

@article {pmid40675590,
year = {2025},
author = {Lysaker, DT and Tucker, BJ and Osmundson, T and Geske, D and Bartholomay, L and Klein, BA},
title = {PERSISTENCE OF AEDES TRISERIATUS DESPITE THE INVASION OF AEDES JAPONICUS IN WESTERN WISCONSIN.},
journal = {Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association},
volume = {41},
number = {2},
pages = {69-76},
doi = {10.2987/24-7211},
pmid = {40675590},
issn = {1943-6270},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/physiology/growth & development ; Wisconsin ; *Introduced Species ; *Mosquito Vectors/physiology/growth & development ; Larva/growth & development/physiology ; *Animal Distribution ; La Crosse virus/physiology ; Female ; },
abstract = {For more than 40 yr, a multicounty vector control program that surrounded the epicenter of the outbreak of La Crosse virus (LACV) was in place to survey and control point sources for the virus transmission vector Aedes triseriatus. During that period, the number of cases of LACV disease declined to 1 and 2 cases in 2003 and 2004, respectively, and 0 reported cases within La Crosse County, WI, since 2005. We surveyed Ae. triseriatus populations in La Crosse and Trempealeau counties, WI, during the summers of 2020-2021 to determine whether the decline in LACV disease cases corresponded to a possible decline in Ae. triseriatus populations, and whether the invasive species, Ae. japonicus, is competing with and replacing Ae. triseriatus. We sampled containers for larvae and collected eggs using oviposition (OP) traps. We collected 606 and 20,020 mosquitoes in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Overall, we found a lower proportion of Ae. japonicas than Ae. triseriatus in natural oviposition sites in 2020 (n = 72 and 224 larvae, respectively; z = 8.78, P < 0.0001), in OP traps in 2020 (n = 5 and 199, respectively; z = 13.51, P < 0.0001), and in OP traps in 2021 (n = 358 and 19,099, respectively; z = 134.31, P < 0.001). Aedes japonicus, therefore, does not appear to be outcompeting native species in western Wisconsin forests. Although there were as few as 4 total cases of LACV disease reported in 2020 and 2021 in Wisconsin, we found ample evidence of Ae. triseriatus activity. These data point to the need for continued surveillance and control efforts in the interest of preventing vector-borne diseases.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/physiology/growth & development
Wisconsin
*Introduced Species
*Mosquito Vectors/physiology/growth & development
Larva/growth & development/physiology
*Animal Distribution
La Crosse virus/physiology
Female

@article {pmid40675277,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, S and Hussain, M and Wu, M and Luo, R and Li, C and Yin, D and Shi, C and Gao, X and Wu, G and Qin, D},
title = {Fungal CeRNase T2 from Cunninghamella echinulata disrupts detoxification pathways and cause behavioral inhibition in invasive ant Solenopsis invicta (Buren).},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {145937},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.145937},
pmid = {40675277},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {Solenopsis invicta known as one of the most dangerous invasive species due to its severe impacts on the human health, agricultural systems and biodiversity. This study investigates the insecticidal potential of Cunninghamella echinulata-derived crude proteins against S. invicta. Proteomic profiling identified RNase T2 as a cytotoxic effector with conserved roles in RNA metabolism and immune modulation, driving its selection for mechanistic evaluation. Crude protein extracts and purified CeRNase T2 were evaluated through bioassays, proteomics, and detoxification enzyme activity assays. CeRNase T2 exhibited superior toxicity, with 72 h LC50 values of 13.94 mg/L compared to 243 mg/L for crude extracts. At 250 mg/L, CeRNase T2 induced 100 % mortality within 72 h, accompanied by complete loss of aggregation, climbing, and locomotion behaviors. Proteomic profiling revealed CeRNase T2's structural stability (30.32 kDa, pI 7.57) and secretion via an N-terminal signal peptide. Mechanistically, CeRNase T2 disrupted redox homeostasis, elevating superoxide dismutase (21.3 U/mL, 1.4× control), peroxidase (22.6 U/mL, 4.3×), and catalase (61 U/mL, 5.8×) activities while suppressing glutathione S-transferase and cytochrome P450. Metabolomic analysis identified 672 differentially expressed metabolites in treated ants, including dysregulated purine/nucleotide metabolism and FoxO signaling intermediates linked to energy collapse and DNA damage [Data are available via ProteomeXchange (PXD064403) and MetaboLights (MTBLS12540)]. Behavioral assays confirmed dose-dependent impairment of aggression-related traits (e.g., 71.6 % vs. 98.3 % control aggregation at 12.5 mg/L). These findings suggest CeRNase T2 as a multi-target mycoinsecticide with potential for sustainable fire ant management.},
}

@article {pmid40675152,
year = {2025},
author = {Veerabahu, A and Banik, MT and Lindner, DL and Pringle, A and Jusino, MA},
title = {Invasive golden oyster mushrooms are disrupting native fungal communities as they spread throughout North America.},
journal = {Current biology : CB},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.cub.2025.06.049},
pmid = {40675152},
issn = {1879-0445},
abstract = {Earth's biodiversity is in decline, and invasive species are among the greatest threats to local ecosystems.[1] While the impacts of invasive plants, animals, and pathogens are increasingly well documented, the impacts of invasive nonpathogenic microbes are not.[2][,][3][,][4] The golden oyster mushroom (GOM; Pleurotus citrinopileatus) is a white-rot wood decay fungus and grows primarily on hardwoods.[5][,][6][,][7] GOM is a widely cultivated and prized edible fungus native to eastern Asia. GOM was imported into North America in the early 2000s and is now sold in popular mushroom-growing kits. GOM escaped into North American forests around 2010[7][,][8] and is now rapidly expanding its range. We predicted GOM is changing fungal community composition and lowering species richness in the wood it colonizes. We conducted a field survey of fungal communities from dead elm trees in south-central Wisconsin, USA, and generated metabarcoding data to determine whether fungal communities and species richness differ when GOM is present. To contextualize GOM's impacts, we used community science observations of GOM in North America to map GOM's range expansion and modeled its potential future distribution. When GOM is present, fungal community composition significantly changes, and fungal species richness significantly decreases. GOM has spread quickly and widely in just 8 years, and it is now found in 25 states and 1 Canadian province. While GOM currently grows in middle and northeastern North America, our model predicts climate change will make many other parts of the continent climatically suitable, and GOM will likely continue its range expansion.},
}

@article {pmid40674398,
year = {2025},
author = {Ortiz, R and Dabydeen, LC and Kosinski, C and Gera, P and Carvajal-Castro, JD and Akilov, V and Howell, HJ and Powell, E and Santos, JC},
title = {Skin transcriptomics of invasive Coqui frogs: stress responses, parasite signatures, and antimicrobial peptides.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {7},
pages = {e0328623},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0328623},
pmid = {40674398},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; *Transcriptome ; *Skin/metabolism/parasitology ; *Introduced Species ; *Anura/parasitology/genetics/metabolism ; *Stress, Physiological/genetics ; *Antimicrobial Peptides/genetics/metabolism ; Gene Expression Profiling ; },
abstract = {Resilience in amphibians lies in their ecological adaptability, driven by their genetic makeup. Eleutherodactylus coqui, native to Puerto Rico (PR) and a beloved symbol there, is among the most successful invasive amphibians. This species is extensively studied in terms of its biology and genetics, including being the first Eleutherodactylus with a draft genome. Its potential to spread to new habitats and rapid breeding are notable. Transcriptome analyses of E. coqui are limited but provide insights into their invasiveness and differential gene expression. We compared the skin transcriptomes of E. coqui from PR (native) to those from an area under citric acid treatment in Los Angeles, California (invasive) population. Our results show differences in stress response gene signatures between both populations. In the native population, we hypothesize these responses are due to immunity against diverse parasites, potentially helping control their native populations in PR. Additionally, these coquis expressed several antimicrobial peptides, which were previously reported to be absent in coquis. These peptides may play a role in the invasiveness of the common coqui and its tolerance to urban and degraded habitats. We also provide novel draft transcriptomes of close relatives of E. coqui: Eleutherodactylus planirostris, Eleutherodactylus johnstonei, Eleutherodactylus cochranae, and Pristimantis unistrigatus.},
}

Animals
*Transcriptome
*Skin/metabolism/parasitology
*Introduced Species
*Anura/parasitology/genetics/metabolism
*Stress, Physiological/genetics
*Antimicrobial Peptides/genetics/metabolism
Gene Expression Profiling

@article {pmid40671182,
year = {2025},
author = {Deepthi, S and Narsimha, K and Ashwini, K and Sandhya Rani, M and Suresh Babu, K},
title = {Healing power of Neltuma juliflora (Sw.) Raf.: a comprehensive review of its phytochemicals, pharmacology aspects, and potential health benefits.},
journal = {Natural product research},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {1-9},
doi = {10.1080/14786419.2025.2529559},
pmid = {40671182},
issn = {1478-6427},
abstract = {Neltuma juliflora (Sw.) Raf. (Mesquite), formerly known as Prosopis juliflora (SW.)DC. an evergreen shrub or tree native to the Caribbean, South America and Mexico, is recognised as among the most destructive woody invasive species globally. Despite its invasive nature, it provides numerous beneficial products and services, such as fuelwood, charcoal, animal feed, building materials, soil preservation, and the restoration of saline soils. This review covers the most prominent findings on the phytochemical composition, pharmacological properties, and health benefits of N. juliflora (Sw.) Raf. The plant is rich in diverse phytochemicals, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins and phenolic compounds, extracted from various parts of the plant. These phytochemicals demonstrate a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anticancer, antidiabetic, insecticidal, antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and allelopathic effects. The review underscores the potential of N. juliflora (Sw.) Raf. as a valuable source of natural compounds with therapeutic applications.},
}

@article {pmid40670703,
year = {2025},
author = {Sampath, DMR and Vina, M and Freitas, JG},
title = {An Analysis of Dune Management on the Kenfig, Culbin and Sefton Coasts in the UK Using the SWOT Framework.},
journal = {Environmental management},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1007/s00267-025-02210-5},
pmid = {40670703},
issn = {1432-1009},
support = {802918/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
abstract = {The stabilization of coastal sand dunes in the 20th century led to an expansion of vegetation cover, which is considered detrimental in the United Kingdom due to the loss of habitat for native species that depend on mobile dunes. Coastal managers have recognized this as a growing concern. However, conservation priorities must be identified to manage the situation effectively. Therefore, this study aims to identify potential conservation priorities for dune habitats at Culbin (Scotland), Kenfig (Wales) and the Sefton coast (England) by undertaking a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis for each site. Variables for the analysis were identified in the context of the latest paradigm of dune management approach, which focuses on the reclamation of active dunes to enhance habitats for native biodiversity. Data was obtained from literature; analysis of environmental, demographic, land use and economic data; and satellite images. The main challenges that emerged include historical overstabilization, the spread of invasive species, the lack of bare sand areas to sustain native biodiversity, unsustainable land use (unplanned urbanization and agricultural activities), coastal erosion due to storm surges, and sea-level rise in this century. Accordingly, potential conservation priorities were determined by classifying variables of each site. These include increasing the area of bare sand, increasing the width of the beach using sand nourishments, removing invasive species, minimizing human activities to reduce dune fragmentation, minimizing coastal erosion due to storm surge and sea-level rise using nature-based solutions. Thus, an integrated sustainable dune management plan is required to implement these conservation priorities, particularly for Culbin dunes as the Cumulative SWOT Score shows that the weaknesses and threats to dunes outweigh strength and opportunities. The study approach demonstrates its robustness as a decision-making tool for sustainable dune management for restoring active dunes at each site. Thus, it can be extended to other dune sites in the UK and elsewhere to identify long-term dune management concerns and conservation priorities.},
}

@article {pmid40669185,
year = {2025},
author = {Byun, C and Singh, K and Hong, SH},
title = {High-pressure water spraying: A game changer for invasive plant control and biodiversity improvement.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {391},
number = {},
pages = {126561},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126561},
pmid = {40669185},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {The global proliferation of invasive plant species accelerates biodiversity loss, degrading ecosystems, and incurring economic costs exceeding hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Here, we conducted a three-year field trial to evaluate the effectiveness of high-pressure water spraying a unique, selective mechanical control method compared with conventional practices like mowing, selective uprooting, and cutting. The high-pressure water control method significantly reduced the plant cover (95 %) and soil seedbank (78 %) of target invasive species i.e., Sicyos angulatus, outperforming mowing (41 % and 21 %), cutting (23 % and 7.5 %) and uprooting (24 % and 37 %) treatments. The highest (74.5 %) suppression of the secondary invader, i.e., Humulus scandens was also found in the high-pressure water control method. Early sowing of native seed mixtures with high functional diversity did not show significant effects on invasion suppression and diversity recovery, however values little higher in early sowing plots. Biodiversity levels in water spray-treated plots were comparable to those in reference ecosystems. Our findings indicate that high-pressure water spraying is a scalable control method with minimal impact on native vegetation, reducing disturbance-induced invasion and offering a practical solution for invasion management and biodiversity restoration.},
}

@article {pmid40666814,
year = {2025},
author = {Park, JS and Park, MJ and Hwang, HR and Kim, C},
title = {Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of a woody invasive species, Leucaena leucocephala in Korea.},
journal = {Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources},
volume = {10},
number = {8},
pages = {725-730},
pmid = {40666814},
issn = {2380-2359},
abstract = {Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit 1961 (Caesalpinioideae; Fabaceae) is a shrub or small tree that has various ecological and economic usefulness. Here, we sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of L. leucocephala and analyzed its phylogenomic position in the mimosoid clade. The chloroplast genome of L. leucocephala was 167,423 bp with a pair of inverted repeats of 26,058 bp, a large single-copy region of 95,915 bp, and a small single-copy region of 19,392 bp. Genome annotation predicted 114 genes, including 80 protein-coding, 30 tRNA, and four rRNA genes. The phylogenomic analyses showed that Leucaena was closely related to Dichrostachys in the core mimosoid clade.},
}

@article {pmid40276957,
year = {2025},
author = {Mavridis, K and Evangelou, V and Grigoriadou, AM and Papachristos, DP and Vontas, J},
title = {Molecular surveillance of resistance mutations in invasive populations of Spodoptera frugiperda in Europe, for evidence-based pest control.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {81},
number = {8},
pages = {4821-4830},
pmid = {40276957},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {InnoPP-TAEDR-0535675//European Union - National Recovery and Resilience Plan Greece 2.0- NextGenerationEU/ ; 101212676//European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation program EUFAWREADY/ ; //Hellenic Ministry of Rural Development and Food/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Insecticide Resistance/genetics ; *Spodoptera/genetics/drug effects/growth & development ; Introduced Species ; *Mutation ; Greece ; *Insecticides/pharmacology ; Insect Control ; Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism ; Bacillus thuringiensis ; Larva/growth & development/genetics/drug effects ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The invasive fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, FAW), a highly destructive pest affecting more than 350 plant species, has recently invaded Europe raising urgent management concerns. Insecticide resistance profiling is essential to support evidence-based pest control strategies. In this study, we analyzed target-site insecticide resistance mutations in FAW populations from Greece to inform pest control strategies. In addition, DNA barcoding through cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene sequencing was used to trace the pest's geographic origin and potential invasion pathways.

RESULTS: All Spodoptera frugiperda specimens in Greece were identified as the rice strain, exhibiting two almost balanced haplotypes (Haplotype 1: 58.6%; Haplotype 2: 41.4%), suggesting a likely origin from a single, genetically diverse source population. Resistance-associated mutations were identified in the ABCC2 gene (A > G single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP); up to 80.9%) and the Ace-1 gene (F290V: up to 37.5%; A201S: up to 3.85%), conferring resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and organophosphates/carbamates, respectively. By contrast, no resistance-associated mutations were detected for other key insecticides (diamides, pyrethroids, oxadiazines, spinosyns, and avermectins), suggesting their current efficacy in Greece.

CONCLUSION: This study provides a critical baseline for monitoring insecticide resistance in invasive FAW populations in Europe, supporting the development of sustainable integrated pest management strategies in line with the European Union Green Deal. Continuous monitoring with molecular diagnostics, alongside complementary bioassays, is recommended to mitigate the impact of FAW on European agriculture. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

Animals
*Insecticide Resistance/genetics
*Spodoptera/genetics/drug effects/growth & development
Introduced Species
*Mutation
Greece
*Insecticides/pharmacology
Insect Control
Insect Proteins/genetics/metabolism
Bacillus thuringiensis
Larva/growth & development/genetics/drug effects

@article {pmid40665871,
year = {2025},
author = {Bucking, C and Terblanche, JS and Regan, MD},
title = {The ins and outs of integrative digestive biology.},
journal = {The Journal of experimental biology},
volume = {228},
number = {14},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1242/jeb.250770},
pmid = {40665871},
issn = {1477-9145},
support = {RGPIN-2021-03606//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; RGPIN-2021-03109//Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Digestive System Physiological Phenomena ; *Gastrointestinal Tract/physiology ; },
abstract = {The digestive system facilitates exchanges between animals and their environments. It not only converts resources into energy and growth but also shapes ecosystem processes through waste outputs, all while mediating an animal's relationship with complex microbial communities. The Special Issue: The Integrative Biology of the Gut delves into many aspects of this expansive relationship. Further, this Commentary collects the special issue papers under themes to highlight and explore the physiology of the digestive system and the plasticity that enables its acclimatization to dietary and environmental changes. The themes that have been identified portray the gastrointestinal (GI) tract as an integrative moderator of physiology, and show that when this system is explored using novel techniques or by asking innovative questions, one can reveal phenomena with applications well beyond digestive biology. Further, we discuss how embracing multidisciplinary approaches - including systems biology, evolutionary comparisons and environmental considerations - will allow us to use the unique physiology of the GI tract to form critical insights into evolved organismal biology, microbial symbioses and ecological stewardship. Ultimately, the pivotal role of the GI tract in connecting internal physiology with external ecological dynamics across taxa exemplifies its value as a model system.},
}

Animals
*Digestive System Physiological Phenomena
*Gastrointestinal Tract/physiology

@article {pmid40664742,
year = {2025},
author = {Bączek, P and Łyczko, J and Twardowska, K and Iwanowski, M and Gruss, I and Twardowski, J},
title = {Antifeedant activity of invasive Prunus serotina leaves methanolic extract against Sitophilus granarius, a pest of stored products.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {25469},
pmid = {40664742},
issn = {2045-2322},
support = {N0N00000/0241/24/2024//Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy we Wrocławiu/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry ; *Plant Leaves/chemistry ; *Weevils/drug effects/physiology ; Female ; Methanol/chemistry ; *Prunus/chemistry ; Male ; *Feeding Behavior/drug effects ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Introduced Species ; *Insecticides/pharmacology/chemistry ; },
abstract = {Synthetic pesticides pose a risk to the environment and human health by contaminating soil, water, and food chains. Natural plant-based alternatives offer a safer and more sustainable solution by reducing pollution, supporting biodiversity, and minimising pesticide resistance. This study evaluated the antifeedant activity of methanolic leaves extracts from invasive black cherry (Prunus serotina Erhr.) against a storage pest, the granary weevil (Sitophilus granarius L.). Chromatographic analysis of P. serotina leaves methanolic extracts identified 10 main phenolic compounds, with ursolic acid, p-coumaric acid o-coumaric acid, and caffeic acid exceeding 10%. LC-MS/MS analysis detected 12 compounds above the limit of quantification (LOQ), with luteolin-7-O-glucoside, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid at the highest concentrations. The antifeedant activity of P. serotina leaves methanolic extract was tested using the wheat wafer method, showing medium antifeedant effects at all extract concentrations (3.5, 5.0, and 12.0 mg/mL). Both males and females fed significantly less extract-treated wafers, with the inhibition of female feeding being stronger at 12.0 mg/ml. The extracts of P. serotina effectively discourage feeding of S. granarius, and the potency increases with concentration. Their flavonoids, phenolic acids, and cyanogenic glycosides suggest a complex mode of action, making them a promising natural alternative to synthetic insecticides. Further research should isolate key active compounds and evaluate their efficacy as botanical pesticides.},
}

Animals
*Plant Extracts/pharmacology/chemistry
*Plant Leaves/chemistry
*Weevils/drug effects/physiology
Female
Methanol/chemistry
*Prunus/chemistry
Male
*Feeding Behavior/drug effects
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Introduced Species
*Insecticides/pharmacology/chemistry

@article {pmid40662907,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhu, G and Ragozzino, M and Holthouse, MC and Mills, M and Celis, JL and Johnson, S and Crowder, DW},
title = {Ecological niche modeling and potential dispersal of emerald ash borer in the Pacific Northwest.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf175},
pmid = {40662907},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {//Oregon Department of Agriculture/ ; //Oregon Department of Forestry/ ; //Oregon/Washington Bureau of Land Management/ ; },
abstract = {The emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), is a notorious invasive pest that can devastate ash trees, Fraxinus spp. L., and embedded communities. While emerald ash borer is established in eastern North America, it was recently detected in Forest Grove, Oregon and in Vancouver, British Columbia, raising concerns that it may spread across the Pacific Northwest riparian ecosystems dominated by ash. A quarantine zone has been established in Oregon, but future mitigation depends on assessing the spread to new regions. Here, we used habitat suitability models and dispersal simulations to predict the potential spread of emerald ash borer. Specifically, we compared climate spaces occupied by Oregon and British Columbia populations with other native and introduced populations, and then used habitat suitability models and dispersal simulations to predict future distributions. We show that the newly established Oregon and British Columbia populations currently occupy relatively narrow climate niche, and many suitable niche spaces are unoccupied in the Pacific Northwest, indicating potential for range expansion. We also show there are vast areas of suitable habitat that extend south of the present quarantine zone throughout inland western Oregon and north into Washington. In Vancouver, the most suitable habitat was found along the Fraser River, where emerald ash borer could disperse inland. Dispersal models suggest that, without intervention, emerald ash borer could disperse into Washington within 2 yr, throughout western Oregon in 15 yr, and reach California in 20 yr. Our work supports intensive quarantine efforts for emerald ash borer and identifies areas where monitoring and management efforts should focus.},
}

@article {pmid40661913,
year = {2025},
author = {Ren, QJ and Li, KH and Wang, HF and Liu, YY and Gong, YM},
title = {Opposing Effects of Plant Invasion on the Stability of Aboveground and Belowground Net Primary Productivity in an Alpine Grassland.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {e71730},
pmid = {40661913},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Plant invasion significantly disrupts plant community structure and ecosystem functioning, especially the stability of net primary productivity (NPP). However, evidence remains scarce regarding how invasion affects NPP stability at both community and ecosystem levels, particularly whether these effects are consistent between aboveground and belowground systems. Here, we investigated the responses of the stability of both aboveground and belowground NPP (ANPP and BNPP) to the invasion of the parasitic plant Pedicularis kansuensis, based on a two-year manipulative experiment in an alpine grassland in northwest China. Invasion decreased ANPP resistance while increasing its recovery and conversely increased BNPP resistance but decreased its recovery. Notably, the asymmetric responses of ANPP and BNPP to invasion underscored the complexity of grassland ecosystems and highlighted the critical role of belowground processes in maintaining ecosystem recovery. Species asynchrony and richness were key factors for ANPP stability, whereas BNPP stability was more directly influenced by invasive species, contributing more significantly to overall NPP stability. Our findings provide crucial evidence that the stability of aboveground and belowground components responds asymmetrically to invasion, emphasizing the need for future comprehensive assessments of both dimensions in ecosystem studies. The insights gained underline the importance of belowground stability for sustaining ecosystem recovery and offer guidance for ecological management and conservation strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40661908,
year = {2025},
author = {Lardner, B and Cade, BS and Savidge, JA and Rodda, GH and Reed, RN and Yackel Adams, AA},
title = {Growth Rate Variation in Brown Treesnakes (Boiga irregularis): An Invasive Species of Conservation Concern.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {e71695},
pmid = {40661908},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Somatic growth rate is a fundamental trait that influences metabolism, lifespan and reproductive maturity and is critical for understanding population dynamics and informing management actions. Brown Treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) introduced to Guam are highly invasive and can reproduce year-round without discrete cohorts. We compared snake size trajectories described by the conventionally used von Bertalanffy growth function versus the Gompertz model. Using quantile regression with a regularized effect for individual snakes we modeled growth rates of 270 marked, wild snakes as a function of size. The Gompertz model explained more of the variation in growth and rendered more realistic predictions of asymptotic sizes than did the von Bertalanffy model. With the Gompertz model, growth rates were 1.05-1.16× faster in males than in females. Females reached asymptotic sizes at shorter snout-vent lengths than males. Growth rate was positively correlated with amount of precipitation, and modeling wet-dry seasonality on Guam as a sinusoidal function identified a growth peak in September-October. Effects of seasonality and precipitation, however, were minor compared to individual and sex related differences in size-adjusted growth rates. We estimated that the 50th (and 5th, 95th) growth-rate percentile males in our study population become sexually mature at an age of 33 (∞, 15) months, while females mature at 41 (∞, 18) months, where ∞ indicates that the slowest growing snakes never reach maturity. However, 50% of the snakes mature at a size below the median, and age at maturity may be as low as 10.4 (males) and 13.7 (females) months for average-sized hatchlings that grow fast. Our results have implications for the timing of management options for this species and our approach can be broadly applied to animals where repeated growth data are obtained and age is unknown.},
}

@article {pmid40661765,
year = {2025},
author = {Xiao, H and Liao, D and Zhang, S and Zhang, Y and Rehab, OE and Zeng, J and Yan, X and Su, Q and Zhou, B},
title = {Differences in responses of invasive and native plants to climate change: a case study of Bidens (Asteracea) from China.},
journal = {Frontiers in plant science},
volume = {16},
number = {},
pages = {1583552},
pmid = {40661765},
issn = {1664-462X},
abstract = {Global warming has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges. Concurrently, plant invasion has been exacerbated by ongoing climate change, posing a severe ecological threat. This study investigates the distribution patterns of both invasive and native species within the Bidens genus and their responses to projected climate change. The MaxEnt model, was used to predict the potential distribution ranges under both current and future climate conditions. The results showed a distinct difference in suitable area distributions between invasive and native species. Under future climate scenarios, most studied species (except B. pilosa, B. maximowicziana, and B. radiata) showed an expansion in their suitable habitats. Notably, we observed a latitudinal migration pattern in Bidens species distribution, with invasive species primarily influenced by precipitation during the warmest quarter, while native species were more affected by anthropogenic factors. These results underscore the need for enhanced public awareness of invasion risks and the establishment of dedicated protection zones for both invasive and native species. This study provides critical insights into the potential distribution patterns of Bidens species under climate change. It also, offers valuable scientific support for development of invasive species management strategies and native species conservation mechanisms.},
}

@article {pmid40660117,
year = {2025},
author = {Tobe, A and Sato, Y and Kondo, M and Onuma, M and Inoue-Murayama, M},
title = {Evolutionary insights into Na[+]/K[+]-ATPase-mediated toxin resistance in the Crested Serpent-eagle preying on introduced cane toads in Okinawa, Japan.},
journal = {BMC ecology and evolution},
volume = {25},
number = {1},
pages = {70},
pmid = {40660117},
issn = {2730-7182},
support = {JPMJSP2110//Japan Science and Technology Agency/ ; JPMEERF20244M01//Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase/genetics ; Japan ; *Eagles/genetics/physiology ; Introduced Species ; *Evolution, Molecular ; *Bufo marinus/physiology ; Predatory Behavior ; *Biological Evolution ; },
abstract = {Prey species often develop toxic chemical defenses against predators, prompting predators to evolve traits that counteract these toxins. A prime example of this evolutionary arms race involves resistance to lethal cardiotonic steroids, which is associated with specific amino acid mutations in the α-subunit of Na+/K+-ATPase (ATP1A) across diverse predator species. The Japanese Crested Serpent-eagle (Spilornis cheela perplexus), which is endemic to the adjacent islands of Ishigaki and Iriomote in Okinawa, provides an intriguing example of this convergent evolution. This eagle preys on cane toads (Rhinella marina), an invasive species anthropogenically introduced only to Ishigaki Island, which defends itself by secreting cardiotonic steroids. Notably, no native prey species of the Crested Serpent-eagle on Ishigaki or Iriomote Island secrete cardiotonic steroids as a defense mechanism. To investigate the genetic and evolutionary background of potential toxin resistance in this eagle, we analyzed the genetic population structure and ATP1A gene sequences from individuals on Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands, as well as from the subspecies population on Simeulue Island, Indonesia. Whole-genome analysis revealed significant genetic isolation among the three island populations. However, the amino acid sequences of ATP1A paralogs were identical across all populations. Notably, the Q111E amino acid mutation in ATP1A1, which is associated with toxin resistance in other species, was detected in this eagle. A comparative analysis of ATP1A amino acid sequences across nine raptor species revealed that the Crested Serpent-eagle and Black-chested Snake Eagle (Circaetus pectoralis), both of which belong to the subfamily Circaetinae, share similar sequences that are distinct from those of other raptors. These findings indicate that possible lineage-specific adaptations in ATP1A provide the Crested Serpent-eagle with resistance to cardiotonic steroids. The conservation of this adaptive gene within species might have origins unrelated to the recent distribution of cardiotonic steroid-secreting prey but has coincidentally enabled the Crested Serpent-eagle on Ishigaki Island to prey on invasive species introduced by humans.},
}

Animals
*Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase/genetics
Japan
*Eagles/genetics/physiology
Introduced Species
*Evolution, Molecular
*Bufo marinus/physiology
Predatory Behavior
*Biological Evolution

@article {pmid39838527,
year = {2025},
author = {Dawson-Glass, E and Schiafo, R and Miller, CN and Kuebbing, SE and Stuble, KL},
title = {Toward a comprehensive understanding of the phenological responses of non-native plants to climate warming: a review.},
journal = {Annals of botany},
volume = {135},
number = {6},
pages = {1029-1046},
pmid = {39838527},
issn = {1095-8290},
support = {//Holden Foundation/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Climate Change ; *Global Warming ; Ecosystem ; Seasons ; *Plants ; *Plant Development ; Temperature ; *Plant Physiological Phenomena ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Plants often shift their phenology in response to climate warming, with potentially important ecological consequences. Relative differences in the abilities of native and non-native plants to track warming temperatures by adjusting their phenologies could have cascading consequences for ecosystems. Our general understanding of non-native species leads us to believe these species may be more phenologically sensitive than native species, but evidence for this has been mixed, likely due, in part, to the myriad of diverse ecological contexts in which non-natives have been studied.

SCOPE: Here, we review the current state of knowledge on non-native plant phenological responses to climate warming. From observational and experimental studies, we synthesize: (1) the ways in which non-native plant phenology shifts with increased temperature, (2) the relative differences between natives and non-natives in phenological timing and sensitivity to warming, (3) the contingencies driving variable non-native phenological responses to warming, and (4) the ecological consequences of warming-induced phenological shifts in non-natives.

CONCLUSIONS: Early-season phenophases tend to advance with warming, sometimes (but not always) more so in non-native species relative to native species. Late-season phenophases, on the other hand, tend to be more variable: advancing, delaying, or remaining unchanged. Similarly, relative differences in phenological sensitivity between native and non-native plants were less consistent for late-season phenophases. However, our ability for inference is limited by the scope of studies done to date, which best represent temperate ecosystems in the Northern Hemisphere. We found phenological shifts in non-native species to be driven by various factors, including their evolutionary histories and the environmental context of the invaded system. Shifts in non-native phenologies result in varied ecological consequences, from shifting demographics of the non-native species themselves to changes in ecosystem level processes such as carbon cycling. Additional study addressing key gaps is vital to improving understanding of non-native phenological responses to warming.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Climate Change
*Global Warming
Ecosystem
Seasons
*Plants
*Plant Development
Temperature
*Plant Physiological Phenomena

@article {pmid40660041,
year = {2025},
author = {Sithole, H and Motitsoe, SN and Mutshekwa, T and Mlambo, MC},
title = {Unravelling the long-term river health status of Kruger National Park Rivers using macroinvertebrate-based monitoring.},
journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment},
volume = {197},
number = {8},
pages = {914},
doi = {10.1007/s10661-025-14343-5},
pmid = {40660041},
issn = {1573-2959},
mesh = {*Rivers/chemistry ; *Environmental Monitoring/methods ; *Invertebrates ; Animals ; South Africa ; Parks, Recreational ; Ecosystem ; Water Quality ; Biodiversity ; Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis ; },
abstract = {The burgeoning population growth and landscape developments over the last decades have had a profound effect on natural resources including riverine water quality and quantity. This resulted in increased pollution events, loss of aquatic biodiversity and the introduction of alien invasive species, which cumulatively have transformed freshwater ecosystem structure, processes and functions. Macroinvertebrate-based biomonitoring, like the South African Scoring System version 5 (SASS5), is a fast and effective way to assess water and habitat quality. However, studies reporting long-term biomonitoring are rare in many Global South systems. Also, river health within protected areas is generally regarded better than those outside, with the park potentially offering refugium and ideal conditions for rivers to recover. However, Kruger National Park (KNP) rivers get impacted by mining and domestic sewage upstream, before entering the park, and it is not clear how much remediation happens as the rivers flows downstream within the park. The current study was initiated to investigate the long-term river health status of four major river systems flowing across the iconic KNP, using SASS5 biomonitoring and selected physico-chemical parameters. Our results showed that SASS5 indices showed difference in their sensitive to anthropogenic impacts, both in space and time. Long-term dataset revealed that the ability of the rivers to recover from poor to good quality (and vice versa) was quite rapid, and also some rivers were progressively declining (e.g. Olifants and Crocodile rivers) while others were improving (e.g. Luvuvhu and Sabie rivers). Consequently, SASS5 appeared to be a useful tool in assessing the long-term health of KNP rivers, providing valuable insights into the overall ecological conditions and water quality of these important aquatic ecosystems that will assist in the park water resource management strategies. Further, our results demonstrated high sensitivity and quick response of macroinvertebrates to disturbance, and an improvement potential as the rivers transversed the park.},
}

*Rivers/chemistry
*Environmental Monitoring/methods
*Invertebrates
Animals
South Africa
Parks, Recreational
Ecosystem
Water Quality
Biodiversity
Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis

@article {pmid40659997,
year = {2025},
author = {Chongloi, V and Gogoi, PP and Sangma, SR and Sinha, UB and Bora, P and Phukan, MM},
title = {Antioxidant, antimicrobial and in silico investigations on pyrolytic bio-oil from invasive Stachytarpheta jamaicensis.},
journal = {Environmental science and pollution research international},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40659997},
issn = {1614-7499},
abstract = {Bio-oils, obtained from thermochemical conversion of invasive species (IS) biomass, require in-depth research and analysis to access its bioactive compounds with therapeutic value. Therefore, sustainable biomass valorization, chemical characterization, bioactive assays and in silico drug discovery formed part of the present investigation on the bio-oil derived from the entire shrub of invasive Stachytarpheta jamaicensis. The thermochemical conversion of biomass was initiated by pyrolysis ranging from ambient to 700 °C, at a heating rate of 30 °C/min. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated a rapid degradation profile of the biomass. Spectroscopic analyses identified a diverse array of organic compounds including aliphatics, aromatics, aldehydes, ketones and phenols that endorsed its valuable chemical feedstock potential. The bio-oil displayed strong antioxidant potential by neutralizing free radicals with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration value of 232.42 ± 1.1 µg/ml, and potent antimicrobial activity with the highest zone of inhibition of 19.48 ± 0.8 mm against Candida albicans. This may be attributed to the complex spectrum of bioactive compounds in the bio-oil, highlighting its candidature for pharmaceutical applications. Molecular docking studies further identified key bioactive ligands including 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxytoluene and phenol, 2-methoxy- that mirrored notable binding affinities to well-established breast cancer therapeutics such as anastrozole and letrozole. The integration of appropriate bioresource utilization, bioactive profiling and bio-oil application strongly affirmed the potential for therapeutic breakthroughs and futuristic drug discovery from repurposed invasive species biomass.},
}

@article {pmid40654182,
year = {2025},
author = {Zurápiti, Y and Kass, JM and Guénard, B and Economo, EP},
title = {Forecasting alien species establishment and source regions: Quantitative assessment of potential ant invasions in Japan.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {5},
pages = {e70071},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70071},
pmid = {40654182},
issn = {1051-0761},
support = {//Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University/ ; JPMEERF20234G01//Environmental Restoration and Conservation Agency/ ; KAKENHI 20F20774//Japan Society for the Promotion of Science/ ; 2021/17121922//University Grants Committee/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Japan ; *Ants/physiology ; Animals ; *Animal Distribution ; Models, Biological ; Forecasting ; },
abstract = {Due to the costs and difficulties of mitigating past biological invasions, there is a critical need for improved predictions of establishment risk for alien species and their source regions to guide the deployment of preventive measures. Here, focusing on a global pool of ant species known to be spread by humans, we develop a computational workflow to predict threats for a country or region of interest. Specifically, the workflow (1) predicts which alien species are most likely to be established based on climatic suitability with species distribution models, (2) clusters areas threatened by similar assemblages of alien species, and (3) identifies global regions that can act as important sources for these species. We apply this workflow to estimate which ants with human-assisted invasion histories around the globe may establish in Japan, an island country with broad climatic and topographic diversity. To reduce forecast uncertainty, we exclude models that we assess to result in dubious transfers based on evaluations of species already established in Japan and avoid making model extrapolations. To better account for the full invasion process, we also estimate introduction risk and spread within Japan and integrate these with our establishment risk and potential sources estimates. Our results indicate that all prefectures of Japan have potential risks of new alien ant establishments, though lower latitudes and small archipelagoes have the highest predicted vulnerability. When combined with the likelihood of spread, we expect shifts in vulnerability toward highly populated areas and in proximity to international ports. Interestingly, the source regions with the most alien species presenting establishment threats are in southern Europe and the subtropical Americas rather than in Asia, in part because many Asian species have already been introduced to Japan. When considering introduction risk based on global trade patterns, the United States was most likely to be a source of future introductions. We discuss the implications of these results for global management policies and cargo surveillance. The workflow described here can be deployed worldwide for different taxa to predict the establishment potential of alien invasions and their sources, and also to design more practical and efficient preventive strategies.},
}

*Introduced Species
Japan
*Ants/physiology
Animals
*Animal Distribution
Models, Biological
Forecasting

@article {pmid40653227,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, Q and Li, MM and Li, BL and Wu, JX and Wu, YT and Xu, XL},
title = {RNAi mediated silencing of ecdysis-triggering hormone receptors (ETHRs) disrupts olfaction behaviours in Mythimna separata (Lepidotera: Noctuidae).},
journal = {International journal of biological macromolecules},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {145935},
doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.145935},
pmid = {40653227},
issn = {1879-0003},
abstract = {Ecdysis-triggering hormone receptors (ETHRs), a class of G protein-coupled receptors, play vital roles in insect ecdysis, reproduction, and courtship. Mythimna separata (armyworm) (Lepidotera: Noctuidae) is a devastating pest of major grain crops. In armyworm, MsepETHR-A and MsepETHR-B are consistently expressed in the adult antennae of both sexes. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation confirmed that both receptors were localised in cells underlying the sensilla trichodea on the antennae. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated silencing of MsepETHR-A and MsepETHR-B downregulated their respective gene expressions. Functional studies revealed that females injected with dsETHR-B showed significantly reduced electroantennogram (EAG) responses to esters, aldehydes, and alcohols. Yet the reactions of females injected with dsETHR-A to 25 host-plant volatiles were not significantly different from the controls. Notably, males injected with dsETHR-A and dsETHR-B showed significantly reduced EAG responses to the sex pheromone component (Z)-11-hexadecenal (Z11-16: Ald) as well as to multiple host-plant volatiles. Behavioural assays in dual-choice arenas further demonstrated that males displayed significantly reduced olfactory attraction to Z11-16: Ald after silencing MsepETHR-A and MsepETHR-B, respectively. The results not only broaden the understanding of the olfactory mechanism of Lepidoptera but also provide a potential molecular target for developing pest management strategies against M. separata.},
}

@article {pmid40652457,
year = {2025},
author = {Dunham, K and Geller, K and Sanders, M and Partridge, C},
title = {Assessing the use of 3D-printed traps to evaluate Hemlock woolly adelgid (Hemiptera: Adelgidae) infestation levels.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf174},
pmid = {40652457},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {PSB-IS21-0303-040//Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program/ ; },
abstract = {Hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae (Annaand), is an invasive insect that has devastated millions of eastern hemlocks, Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière, in eastern North America since the 1950s. In Michigan, Hemlock woolly adelgid was first detected in 2015 and has spread to several counties in west Michigan. Conservation practitioners are managing Hemlock woolly adelgid through a statewide, landscape-level pesticide management plan. The traditional method of using randomized branch sampling to estimate infestation levels is time-consuming but allows managers to monitor how Hemlock woolly adelgid responds to treatments. Our main objective was to determine if alternative sampling techniques produce data that is equivalent to field methods, such as randomized branch sampling, for estimating infestation levels. We selected 6 treated sites and 3 untreated sites in west Michigan. During the fall and winter of 2022, we estimated the densities of the sistens generation using a randomized branch sampling method, and during the summer of 2023, we deployed 5 traps at each site to capture adelgid crawlers and performed qPCR analysis to quantify Hemlock woolly adelgid DNA. To determine if trap data could be used as a method to assess Hemlock woolly adelgid infestation levels, we evaluated the relationships between (i) crawler counts and qPCR values (gene copies/reaction), (ii) sistens counts and qPCR values, and (iii) sistens counts and crawler counts. We found that trap data (ie qPCR values and adelgid crawler counts) had comparable correlations with traditional methods, particularly during the peak crawler period. However, the strength of these relationships is influenced by factors such as infestation level and temporal variation.},
}

@article {pmid40650889,
year = {2025},
author = {Payseur, BA and Jing, P and Howell, EK and Frayer, ME and Jones, EP and Magnussen, E and Jensen, JK and Chan, YF and Searle, JB},
title = {Population Genomics of Giant Mice from the Faroe Islands: Hybridization, Colonization, and a Novel Challenge to Identifying Genomic Targets of Selection.},
journal = {Genome biology and evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/gbe/evaf141},
pmid = {40650889},
issn = {1759-6653},
abstract = {Populations that colonize islands provide unique insights into demography, adaptation, and the spread of invasive species. House mice on the Faroe Islands evolved exceptionally large bodies after colonization, generating longstanding interest from biologists. To reconstruct the evolutionary history of these mice, we sequenced genomes of population samples from three Faroe Islands (Sandoy, Nólsoy, and Mykines) and Norway as a mainland comparison. Mice from the Faroe Islands are hybrids between the subspecies Mus musculus domesticus and M. m. musculus, with ancestry alternating along the genome. Analyses based on the site frequency spectrum of single nucleotide polymorphisms and the ancestral recombination graph (ARG) indicate that mice arrived on the Faroe Islands on a timescale consistent with transport by Norwegian Vikings, with colonization of Sandoy likely preceding colonization of Nólsoy. Substantial reductions in nucleotide diversity and effective population size associated with colonization suggest that mice on the Faroe Islands evolved large body size during periods of heightened genetic drift. Genomic scans for positive selection uncover windows with unusual site frequency spectra, but this pattern is mostly generated by clusters of singletons in individual mice. Three genomic regions show evidence for selection on islands based on the ARG, including variants located in transcription factor binding sites. Our findings reveal a dynamic evolutionary history for the enigmatic mice from Faroe Island and emphasize the challenges that accompany population genomic inferences in island populations.},
}

@article {pmid40648061,
year = {2025},
author = {Kornienko, V and Reuckaya, V and Shkirenko, A and Meskhi, B and Olshevskaya, A and Odabashyan, M and Shevchenko, V and Teplyakova, S},
title = {Silvicultural and Ecological Characteristics of Populus bolleana Lauche as a Key Introduced Species in the Urban Dendroflora of Industrial Cities.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {13},
pages = {},
pmid = {40648061},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {In this work, we evaluated the silvicultural and ecological parameters of Populus bolleana Lauche trees growing in conditions of anthropogenic pollution, using the example of one of the largest megacities of the Donetsk ridge, the city of Donetsk. The objectives of this study included determining the level of anthropogenic load of the territory; conducting dendrological studies to assess morphometric and allometric parameters, age structure, and condition of P. bolleana stands under the influence of environmental factors; as well as completing biomechanical studies to assess and predict the mechanical stability of stands. A total of 1109 plants growing in areas with increased anthropogenic load and in the control areas were studied. The model territories of the study were located in the city of Donetsk on Fallen Communards Avenue (length of field routes: 2.6 km) and Ilyicha Avenue (length of field routes: 9.7 km). Control plantings grew on the territory of the Donetsk botanical garden and residential (dormitory) districts of the city. The age structure of P. bolleana plantations remained uniform throughout the city for 50-55 years due to the fact that the landscaping was under a single state program. In the steppe zone in the south of the East European Plain, with a high level of anthropogenic load and severe natural climatic factors, the critical age of P. bolleana (55 years) was determined. The condition of plantations and their morphometric indices correlate with the level of anthropogenic load of the city (H, Dbase, DBH). Under control conditions, the plants are in good condition with signs of weakening (2 points). Under conditions of increased anthropogenic load, the plants are in a severely weakened condition (3 points). A total of 25% of the plants in the sample are in critical condition (4-5 points). The main damages to the crowns and trunks of plants include core rot, mechanical damage to bark and tissues, the development of core rot through the affected skeletal branch, crown thinning, and drying. P. bolleana trees are valued for their crown area and ability to retain dust particles from the air. The analysis of experimentally obtained data on the crown area showed that in the initial phases of ontogenesis, the average deviation in the crown area of plants does not depend on the place of growth. Due to artificial narrowing and sanitary pruning of the crown, as well as skeletal branches dying along the busiest highways, the values do not exceed 22-23 m[2] on average, with an allometric coefficient of 0.35-0.37. When comparing this coefficient in the control areas, the crown area in areas with a high level of anthropogenic load is 36 ± 11% lower. For trees growing under the conditions of the anthropogenic load of an industrial city and having reached the critical age, mechanical resistance varied depending on the study area and load level. At sites with a high level of pollution of the territory, a significant decrease in indicators was revealed in comparison with the control (mcr-71%, EI-75%, RRB-43%). Having analyzed all the obtained data, we can conclude that, until the age of 50-55 years, P. bolleana retains good viability, mechanical resistance, and general allometric ratios, upon which the stability of the whole plant depends. Even with modern approaches and tendencies toward landscaping with exotic introductions, it is necessary to keep P. bolleana as the main species in dendrobanocenoses.},
}

@article {pmid40647990,
year = {2025},
author = {Sun, S and Deng, Z},
title = {Analysis of a Potentially Suitable Habitat for Solanum aculeatissimum in Southwest China Under Climate Change Scenarios.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {13},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14131979},
pmid = {40647990},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {grant number:32360395//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 202202AD080010//Major scientific and technological projects of Yunnan Province：Research on Key Tech-nologies of ecological environment monitoring and intelligent management of natural re-sources in Yunnan/ ; },
abstract = {Solanum aculeatissimum is a herbaceous to semi-woody perennial plant native to the Brazilian ecosystem. It has naturalized extensively in southwestern China, posing significant threats to local biodiversity. This study systematically screened and integrated 100 distribution records from authoritative databases, including the Chinese Virtual Plant Specimen Database, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, and Chinese Natural Museums. Additionally, 23 environmental variables were incorporated, comprising 19 bioclimatic factors from the World Climate Dataset, 3 topographic indicators, and the Human Footprint Index. The objectives of this research are as follows: (1) to simulate the plant's current and future distribution (2050s/2070s) under CMIP6 scenarios (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5); (2) to quantify changes in the distribution range; and (3) to determine the migration trajectory using MaxEnt 3.4.4 software. The findings reveal that human pressure (contributing 79.7%) and isothermality (bioclimatic factor 3: 10.1%) are the primary driving forces shaping its distribution. The core suitable habitats are predominantly concentrated in the provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan. By 2070, the distribution center shifts northeastward to Qujing City. Under the SSP5-8.5 scenario, the invasion front extends into southern Tibet, while retreat occurs in the lowlands of Honghe Prefecture. This study underscores the synergistic effects of socioeconomic development pathways and bioclimatic thresholds on invasive species' biogeographical patterns, providing a robust predictive framework for adaptive management strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40647980,
year = {2025},
author = {Anas, M and Khan, IU and Zhang, RK and Qi, SS and Dai, ZC and Du, DL},
title = {Interactive Effect of Microplastics and Fungal Pathogen Rhizoctonia solani on Antioxidative Mechanism and Fluorescence Activity of Invasive Species Solidago canadensis.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {13},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14131972},
pmid = {40647980},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {2023ZB861//Jiangsu Funding Program for Excellent Post Doctoral Talent/ ; },
abstract = {Microplastics and invasive species, driven by anthropogenic activities, significantly disrupt ecosystems and microbial communities. This study investigated the interactive effects of biodegradable microplastics (polylactic acid, or PLA, and polyhydroxyalkanoates, or PHAs) and the fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani on the invasive plant Solidago canadensis. One plant of Solidago canadensis/pot was cultivated in forest soil amended with 1% (w/w) microplastics and/or R. solani. PLA exhibited greater toxicity than PHAs, reducing the plant height, root length, and biomass by 68%, 44%, and 70%, respectively. Microplastics impaired the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II more severely than R. solani. However, S. canadensis demonstrated adaptive antioxidative and extracellular enzymatic mechanisms under combined stresses. A heatmap analysis revealed a positive correlation between PHAs and plant growth traits, while a redundancy analysis explained the 15.96% and 4.19% variability for the first two components (r[2] = 0.95). A structural equation model indicated the negative effects of morphology and physiology on biomass (β = -1.694 and β = -0.932; p < 0.001), countered by positive antioxidant contributions (β = 1.296; p < 0.001). These findings highlight complex interactions among microplastics, pathogens, and invasive species, offering insights into ecological management strategies under dual environmental pressures. Future studies should assess the long-term field effects and microbial mediation of these interactions.},
}

@article {pmid40647104,
year = {2025},
author = {Kotsiri, M and Kogiannou, D and Nikoloudaki, C and Kleidas, I and Dogrammatzi, A and Karachle, PK and Grigorakis, K},
title = {Seasonal Variation in Nutritional Value and Technical Quality of Lionfish (Pterois miles) from the Ionian and Aegean Seas.},
journal = {Foods (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {13},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/foods14132353},
pmid = {40647104},
issn = {2304-8158},
support = {MIS: 5049511//NRSF 2017-2020/ ; },
abstract = {Lionfish (Pterois miles), an invasive species in the Mediterranean, pose ecological and socioeconomic challenges. This study examines the seasonal variation in the nutritional composition and technical quality of lionfish from the Ionian and Aegean Seas, evaluating their potential as a food resource. Fillets were high in protein (19.4%) and low in fat (2.0%), with significant seasonal differences in the Ionian Sea, where winter samples had higher lipid content. The fillet yield (28.4%) was satisfactory given the fish's morphology. Fatty acid analysis confirmed lionfish as a valuable source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), with EPA + DHA levels exceeding the recommended daily intake (119.2%). Seasonal variations in fatty acid composition were observed, including higher EPA in autumn and lower lipid nutritional quality in summer. Arachidonic acid (ARA) was also present at nutritionally significant levels (79.4 mg/100 g). The n3/n6 ratio (2.2) and favourable atherogenic and thrombogenic indices highlight its nutritional benefits. This is the first study to assess seasonal variations in the nutritional value and technical yield of lionfish in the Mediterranean, offering novel insights into its commercial valorisation. These findings support its promotion as a sustainable protein source and as a means of managing its invasive population.},
}

@article {pmid40646685,
year = {2025},
author = {Yiu, SW and Etherington, TR and Russell, JC},
title = {Discriminating footprints to improve identification of congeneric invasive Rattus species.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70052},
pmid = {40646685},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//Royal Society Te Apārangi/ ; //Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Accurate identification of cryptic species is critical for invasive species monitoring. Footprint surveys are often used as an indirect rodent monitoring method, but surveyors can misidentify closely related species. Machine learning techniques can reduce observer errors by enabling species identification through training of statistical algorithms on known footprints and then classifying the footprints of unknown species using the resulting models. Such a tool has important applications for the identification and biosecurity management of invasive rodents.

RESULTS: We conducted a study to test the accuracy of using linear discriminant analyses (LDA) and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) to distinguish between footprints of two congeneric invasive rat species in New Zealand, the Pacific rat (Rattus exulans) and ship rat (Rattus rattus). We collected footprints using inked tracking tunnels and extracted geometric profiles of the footprints. We built linear discriminant and XGBoost models on known-species footprints, undertook ten-fold cross-validation, and then applied models to classify footprints of unknown species. The predictive accuracies of the models were all ≥ 90%, with the front foot models (99%) slightly outperforming the hind foot models (94%).

CONCLUSION: Footprint models provide a reliable tool to distinguish rat species. We discuss potential shortcomings of the models in distinguishing between adult Pacific rats and juvenile ship rats particularly across different populations. We recommend the use of tracking tunnels and footprint models for assessing invasion and reinvasion of congeneric rat species and advocate the application of this technique for identifying and distinguishing among other rodent species. © 2025 Landcare Research New Zealand Limited and The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid40646163,
year = {2025},
author = {Höller, P and Lühken, R and Sauer, FG and Villacañas de Castro, C and Becker, N and Jöst, H and Pfitzner, WP and Schmidt-Chanasit, J and Heitmann, A and Jansen, S},
title = {Vector competence of mosquitoes from Europe for Tahyna virus.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {25092},
pmid = {40646163},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Mosquito Vectors/virology ; Europe ; *Aedes/virology ; *Encephalitis Virus, California ; },
abstract = {Tahyna virus (TAHV) was the first mosquito-borne virus isolated in Europe, and has since been found throughout Eurasia and Africa. Infections are mostly asymptomatic but can cause "Valtice fever", characterized by influenza-like symptoms, mainly in children, with severe cases occasionally causing neurological symptoms. The virus is maintained in an enzootic cycle between small mammals and mosquitoes. Recent and comprehensive studies of vector competence for TAHV are scarce. To fill this gap, and to better understand the transmission cycle of TAHV, we studied ten taxa (Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Ae. japonicus japonicus, Ae. koreicus, Ae. rusticus, Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens, Cx. torrentium, Cs. morsitans/fumipennis, An. daciae, and An. stephensi) by orally infecting them with TAHV. All taxa were susceptible to TAHV infection. Additionally, the invasive species Ae. albopictus, and Ae. rusticus, a species native to Europe, were able to transmit the virus at 27 ± 5 °C, with transmission efficiencies of 3.3% and 14.3%, respectively. Therefore, it is plausible for TAHV to be transmitted by Ae. albopictus and Ae. rusticus in natural settings in Europe. At a lower temperature of 24 ± 5 °C, infection and transmission decreased in Ae. albopictus. This data will allow future risk models and early warning systems to better predict TAHV transmission.},
}

Animals
*Mosquito Vectors/virology
Europe
*Aedes/virology
*Encephalitis Virus, California

@article {pmid40645886,
year = {2025},
author = {Wilde, ML and Farrell, SN and Goodman, CD and McFadden, GI},
title = {Novel techniques for disrupting malaria transmission.},
journal = {Trends in parasitology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1016/j.pt.2025.06.005},
pmid = {40645886},
issn = {1471-5007},
abstract = {Despite significant progress in malaria control over the past two decades, the disease remains a major challenge. This review explores novel mosquito-targeting and transmission-blocking solutions to combat the growing concerns of antimalarial and insecticide resistance. The emergence of drug-resistant Plasmodium spp. parasites and insecticide-resistant mosquitoes, coupled with changes in vector behaviour and the spread of invasive species, necessitates the development of new control strategies. We examine a range of approaches ranging from low-tech repurposing of existing technologies to high-tech genetic engineering solutions. These interventions aim to exploit the parasite population bottleneck in mosquitoes to potentially reduce selective pressure and the risk of resistance development. Although each approach has its advantages and limitations, an integrated strategy that combines current tools with novel technologies may be crucial for malaria eradication.},
}

@article {pmid40643629,
year = {2025},
author = {Whipple, SE and Carter, SK and Rutherford, TK and Jordan, SE and Lehrter, RJ and Domschke, CT and Gilbert, MA and Reyes, J and Samuel, EM and Schank, KM and Tull, JC and Wood, DJA},
title = {Climate Consideration in Environmental Effects Analyses on Federal Public Lands in the United States.},
journal = {Environmental management},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40643629},
issn = {1432-1009},
abstract = {Effects of a changing climate, including drought, wildfire, and invasive species encroachment, are evident on public lands across the United States. Decision making on Federal public lands requires analyses under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and there are guidelines for considering climate in NEPA analyses. To better understand how climate most recently has been considered, we analyzed a stratified random sample of 130 environmental assessments (EAs) completed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from 2021 to 2023 across the contiguous United States. We assessed whether EAs considered (1) potential effects of the proposed action on climate (2) potential climate effects on the proposed action, and (3) potential climate effects on resources of concern. We also identified whether EAs included data and science about climate or greenhouse gas emissions, and which datasets and documents were cited. We used two approaches: automated keyword searches and document analysis. Thirty-seven percent of EAs considered the potential effects of the proposed action on climate, 8% considered the potential effects of climate on the proposed action, and 4% of individual resource analyses considered the potential effects of climate on the resource. EAs in the 'oil and gas development,' 'renewable energy,' and 'forestry and timber management' proposed action categories most frequently considered the potential effects of climate and used climate data and science. Our findings suggest an opportunity for scientists to work more closely with public land managers to identify available data and science for considering climate in environmental effects analyses and to provide science delivery mechanisms that can facilitate the consideration and use of climate science in decision making.},
}

@article {pmid40642435,
year = {2025},
author = {Oliver, PG and Garzia, M and Paulay, G and Salvi, D},
title = {On the species identity of a tropical oyster (Bivalvia, Ostreidae, Dendostrea) invading the eastern Mediterranean Sea.},
journal = {ZooKeys},
volume = {1243},
number = {},
pages = {207-224},
pmid = {40642435},
issn = {1313-2989},
abstract = {Molecular and morphological data suggest that the Mediterranean populations of the non-indigenous genus Dendostrea are part of a single clade. This clade includes oysters from Rodrigues but is distinct from oysters from Hawaii and Mauritius. Based on morphology and sequence data, the Hawaiian and Mauritian oysters can be referred to as Dendostreasandvichensis Sowerby, 1871. The Mediterranean/Rodrigues clade, although morphologically very similar to D.sandvichensis, is significantly genetically distant from it and from D.frons and D.folium. As a result, the Mediterranean/Rodrigues clade cannot be assigned to any currently accepted nominal species. However, the statuses of the junior synonyms of D.sandvichensis are based on morphology and are therefore reconsidered with the result that D.crenulifera Sowerby, 1871 is shown to be morphologically very similar to the Mediterranean/Rodrigues clade. Given that the type locality of D.crenulifera is the Red Sea, and that Mediterranean populations are considered tropical invaders, D.crenulifera is a likely candidate name. However, without supporting sequence data from the type locality in the Red Sea, we conservatively conclude that the most appropriate name for the Mediterranean/Rodrigues clade is Dendostreacf.crenulifera (Sowerby, 1871).},
}

@article {pmid38985650,
year = {2025},
author = {Hay, AE and Deborde, C and Dussarrat, T and Moing, A and Millery, A and Hoang, TPT and Touboul, D and Rey, M and Ledru, L and Ibanez, S and Pétriacq, P and Vanhaverbeke, C and Gallet, C},
title = {Comparative metabolomics reveals how the severity of predation by the invasive insect Cydalima perspectalis modulates the metabolism re-orchestration of native Buxus sempervirens.},
journal = {Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany)},
volume = {27},
number = {5},
pages = {818-833},
doi = {10.1111/plb.13691},
pmid = {38985650},
issn = {1438-8677},
support = {//University Savoie Mont-Blanc/ ; //DIPEE Fed. Research Environment Ecology-Zone Atelier Alpes/ ; ANR-11-INBS-0010//MetaboHUB/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Metabolomics/methods ; *Moths/physiology ; Introduced Species ; Larva/physiology ; Plant Leaves/metabolism ; Metabolome ; Predatory Behavior ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Chromatography, Liquid ; },
abstract = {The recent biological invasion of box tree moth Cydalima perspectalis on Buxus trees has a major impact on European boxwood stands through severe defoliation. This can hinder further regrowth and threaten survival of populations. In a mesocosm approach and controlled larval density over a 2-month period, responses of B. sempervirens essential and specialized metabolites were characterized using metabolomics, combining [1]H-NMR and LC-MS/MS approaches. This is the first metabolome depiction of major Buxus responses to boxwood moth invasion. Under severe predation, remaining green leaves accumulate free amino acids (with the noticeable exception of proline). The leaf trans-4-hydroxystachydrine and stachydrine reached 10-13% and 2-3% (DW), while root content was lower but also modulated by predation level. Larval predation promoted triterpenoid and (steroidal) alkaloid synthesis and diversification, while flavonoids did not seem to have a relevant role in Buxus resistance. Our results reveal the concomitant responses of central and specialized metabolism, in relation to severity of predation. They also confirm the potential of metabolic profiling using [1]H-NMR and LC-MS to detect re-orchestration of metabolism of native boxwood after severe herbivorous predation by the invasive box-tree moth, and thus their relevance for plant-insect relationships and ecometabolomics.},
}

Animals
*Metabolomics/methods
*Moths/physiology
Introduced Species
Larva/physiology
Plant Leaves/metabolism
Metabolome
Predatory Behavior
Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Chromatography, Liquid

@article {pmid40642327,
year = {2025},
author = {Zeng, Z and Liang, Z and Chen, Y and Shu, Q and Li, J and Tso, N and Chen, M and Zhang, S and Tan, X and Qiong, L and Wang, J},
title = {Adaptation analysis of two Asteraceae invasive plants in Lhasa, Tibet.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e19667},
pmid = {40642327},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Tibet ; *Introduced Species ; Germination/physiology ; Altitude ; Seeds/growth & development/physiology ; *Asteraceae/growth & development/physiology ; *Adaptation, Physiological ; Seasons ; Climate ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Invasive plants pose a major threat to global ecosystems, especially in ecologically fragile high-altitude regions. Due to its unique geographical and climatic conditions, the Tibetan Plateau is considered highly susceptible to biological invasions. This study investigates the germination capacity and early growth performance of two invasive species, Bidens pilosa and Tagetes minuta, under the natural climatic conditions of Lhasa, Tibet. We assessed how seed burial depth, geographical provenance, and climatic variables affect their establishment potential. The results showed that B. pilosa exhibited the highest germination rate in shallow soil layers, especially for seeds originating from Kunming (KM). However, seeds from the same source that matured in Lhasa following one local growing season (LS), showed a significant reduction in germination capacity, indicating the negative effects of high-altitude stress on maternal seed quality. Seeds from different altitudes displayed varied adaptive performance, with high-altitude provenances showing greater plant height in Lhasa's cold, dry environment. Although T. minuta exhibited generally low germination rates across all burial depths, the individuals that successfully emerged demonstrated vigorous early growth, particularly under deeper burial conditions. This suggests that once established, the species may possess strong potential for rapid population expansion and severe invasion. Climate data over the past three years showed that the growing season from May to October in Lhasa-characterized by increased temperature and precipitation-provided a favorable climate window for both species. Our findings suggest that the ongoing warming and humidification trend on the Tibetan Plateau, driven by global climate change, may further facilitate the expansion and establishment of these invasive species. This study provides essential insights for risk assessment and management of invasive plants in Lhasa and other high-altitude regions, emphasizing the importance of long-term monitoring and targeted early-warning strategies in response to shifting environmental conditions.},
}

Tibet
*Introduced Species
Germination/physiology
Altitude
Seeds/growth & development/physiology
*Asteraceae/growth & development/physiology
*Adaptation, Physiological
Seasons
Climate
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40642030,
year = {2025},
author = {Xuan, JL and Scheffer, SJ and Soghigian, J and Cassel, B and Lewis, ML and Li, SP and Guo, JY and Liu, WX and Wiegmann, BM},
title = {Population Phylogenomics and Genetic Structure of the Polyphagous Leafminer, Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) (Diptera: Agromyzidae).},
journal = {Evolutionary applications},
volume = {18},
number = {7},
pages = {e70132},
pmid = {40642030},
issn = {1752-4571},
abstract = {The agromyzid leafminer Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess) is an important polyphagous pest of vegetable crops and ornamental plants. It is native to the Americas but has spread throughout the world over the past 50 years. Previous molecular research has indicated that this species contains highly distinct mitochondrial lineages suggestive of cryptic species. To better interpret the mitochondrial divergence, we used anchored hybrid enrichment datasets in order to conduct genome-wide phylogenetic analyses. We found that individuals of L. trifolii from pepper and tomatillo populations form a monophyletic group ("PT group") distinct from the remaining L. trifolii ("non-PT group"). These results corroborate previous mitochondrial and nuclear datasets and indicate an absence of gene flow between the PT and non-PT groups. This is consistent with previous work on reproductive isolation and oviposition preferences, and provides substantial evidence that the PT group represents a distinct and previously unrecognized species. The presence of two species within a nominally single pest species has important implications for management. Although there was only weak genetic differentiation between geographically disparate groups of non-PT L. trifolii, a monophyletic group of Chinese specimens was found in a coalescent-based analysis that is concordant with the history of invasions in Asia. Our study provides important new insight into geographic and host-associated structure in L. trifolii.},
}

@article {pmid40639219,
year = {2025},
author = {Badger, J and Alirigia, R and Ameli, I and Bajer, P and Bartodziej, B and Dalgleish, V and Das, S and Dauphinais, J and Duhr, M and Fairman, K and Forester, J and Frankenberg, S and Gutierrez-Moreno, R and Jacob, NK and Johnson, C and Jonsrud, K and Maselko, M and Mendelsohn, M and Olmanson, O and Pierce, A and Feist, L and Taylor, K and Warden, T and White, R and Wolf, H and Barnhill, SK and Delborne, J and Smanski, MJ},
title = {Coproducing a Technology Readiness Level framework for non-persistent genetic biocontrol of aquatic invasive species.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {391},
number = {},
pages = {126189},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.126189},
pmid = {40639219},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Developing and implementing novel pest control technologies requires coordination and communication between technology developers, funding agencies, federal and state regulators, and early technology adopters. Efficient communication is particularly important for first-in-class technologies. Misunderstandings or lack of communication may hinder social engagement, jeopardize regulatory approval, decrease utility of the technology, deter public adoption, or compromise risk mitigation approaches. We, a team of diverse stakeholders in aquatic invasive species (AIS) control, here propose a shared language for discussing the development of non-persistent genetic biocontrol methods. Specifically, we adapted the existing Technology Readiness Level framework to apply to the development of non-persistent genetic biocontrol for invasive Cyprinus carpio (common carp) as a model case. The result of this effort is a tool for designing responsible technology development of a promising new class of pest management tools.},
}

@article {pmid40637754,
year = {2025},
author = {Berner, RZ and Zahn, G and Spencer, AA and Chaudhary, VB and Cheeke, TE},
title = {Annual grass invasion is associated with differences in the community structure and abundance of biocrusts and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.},
journal = {FEMS microbiology letters},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/femsle/fnaf071},
pmid = {40637754},
issn = {1574-6968},
abstract = {Interactions between biocrusts and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi may increase plant resilience to environmental stress in native grasslands. When non-native plants invade, they may have cascading effects on soil biota and their interactions, destabilizing grassland ecosystems. In a field survey we assessed the % cover and composition of biocrusts in plots varying in % cover of the invasive annual grass, Ventenanta dubia (Native, Transition, Invaded plots). We used field-collected soil as inocula in a glasshouse experiment to test whether the abundance of viable AM fungal propagules differs under biocrusts compared to bare soil, or across invasion levels. We used 18S rRNA gene sequencing on field-collected soil to test whether the structure of the AM fungal community differs under biocrusts versus bare soil across invasion levels. Invasion by V. dubia was associated with lower biocrust cover, distinct biocrust community structure, lower abundance of viable AM fungal propagules below biocrusts, and distinct AM fungal community structure with invasion. Our results support broader United Nations Sustainable Development Goals focused on the protection and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems. A better understanding of the interactions among plants, biocrusts, and AM fungi is important for mitigating the impacts of invasive species and informing grassland restorations.},
}

@article {pmid40635791,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, P and Zhang, L and Li, J and Yang, C and Xie, G and Wang, W},
title = {Using Ecological Modeling to Study the Response of Distribution Dynamics of Paraglenea fortunei (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) to Human Activities and Climate Change to in Northeast Asia.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {7},
pages = {e71782},
pmid = {40635791},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Invasive species pose an increasing threat to biodiversity, agriculture, and ecosystem stability, especially under accelerated climate change. Paraglenea fortunei, a longhorn beetle native to East Asia, has emerged as a potential pest, warranting urgent attention to its possible range expansion. This study aims to predict the current and future potential distribution of P. fortunei using an optimized MaxEnt ecological niche model under various climate change scenarios across Northeast Asia. The results indicate that climatic factors, such as temperature stability, precipitation, and human activities are key drivers influencing its distribution. These findings suggest that P. fortunei prefers to live in ecosystems with cooler climates, more consistent changes, and abundant precipitation. Meanwhile, P. fortunei may expand to many countries and regions in the future, including central and western China, Sakhalin in Russia, the Hokkaido Islands in Japan, Vietnam, Myanmar, India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. In addition, P. fortunei may migrate to higher latitudes as climate conditions change. These findings contribute to a better understanding of climate-driven distribution dynamics and offer scientific guidance for pest risk management and regional ecological planning.},
}

@article {pmid40635435,
year = {2025},
author = {Holman, LE and Bohmann, K and Craig, OE and Orton, D and Pedersen, MW and Tange Olsen, M and Thurstan, RH and Scourse, J},
title = {Shifting seas: understanding deep-time human impacts on marine ecosystems.},
journal = {Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences},
volume = {380},
number = {1930},
pages = {20240026},
pmid = {40635435},
issn = {1471-2970},
support = {/ERC_/European Research Council/International ; },
mesh = {Oceans and Seas ; *Ecosystem ; *Climate Change ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; Humans ; *Biodiversity ; *Anthropogenic Effects ; },
abstract = {Humans have interacted with, and impacted, marine ecosystems for millennia. During this time, the oceans have experienced ecosystem degradation through harvesting, habitat change, pollution, the introduction of invasive species and climate change. Despite extensive documentation of substantial recent anthropogenic impacts, our understanding of ancient marine biodiversity remains limited for many ocean regions. This theme issue advances our knowledge of past oceans, revealing how diverse perspectives from across disciplines can provide new insights into marine anthropogenic exploitation over thousands of years. Through engaging a range of source materials, including material remains, historical records and palaeoenvironmental archives, the contributions reveal shifting seas responding to both natural climatic changes and human impacts. Collectively, these outputs demonstrate the value of interdisciplinarity and cross-cultural approaches in understanding ocean change. As marine restoration programmes expand globally, combining disciplinary approaches and novel methods across deep time can provide novel baseline data against which to measure recovery and raise ambition for marine conservation. Beyond biodiversity baselines, understanding past ocean changes can provide key insights into the mechanisms through which human impacts alter marine ecosystems, allowing us to learn from our ancestors' effective and ineffective ocean stewardship practices. Just as diverse ecosystems are buffered against change, diverse human-ocean interactions are important for flourishing future seas.This article is part of the theme issue 'Shifting seas: understanding deep-time human impacts on marine ecosystems'.},
}

Oceans and Seas
*Ecosystem
*Climate Change
*Conservation of Natural Resources
Humans
*Biodiversity
*Anthropogenic Effects

@article {pmid40634263,
year = {2025},
author = {Johnson, AJ and Bednar, D and Hulcr, J},
title = {Objective risk assessment of bark and ambrosia beetles non-indigenous to North America.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {5},
pages = {e70072},
pmid = {40634263},
issn = {1939-5582},
support = {AP20PPQS&T00C083//Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/ ; AP21PPQS&T00C112//Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Risk Assessment ; *Introduced Species ; Models, Biological ; *Coleoptera/physiology ; *Weevils/physiology ; North America ; United States ; },
abstract = {Pest risk assessment informs regulatory decisions to facilitate safe trade while also protecting a country's agricultural and environmental resources. The first step in pest risk assessment is pest categorization which can help determine whether an in-depth examination is needed. We created a model to predict the potential impact of non-indigenous bark and ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae). This model uses biological variables derived from extensive assessment of alien species and produces a five-point scale of impact prediction. We accommodate uncertainty and missing data using random decision tree forests with Monte Carlo simulations. Non-indigenous bark beetles include both invasive species with significant ecological impacts, such as widespread tree death, and others that pose little risk. We assembled a comprehensive list of 60 introduced non-native bark beetle species in the continental United States as the training set. Forty-two potentially predictive variables were chosen from reports on behaviors, pestilence, recorded damage/interpretations in literature, biological traits, and interactions with fungi including plant pathogens. The model builds upon strategies used by USDA-APHIS in existing risk assessments, specifically the Objective Prioritization of Exotic Pests (OPEP) model, with changes in the following: (1) a transparent dataset for building and training the model enabling future updates and use in other systems, (2) uncertainty simulations using values derived from an extensive natural history matrix rather than an assumed equal distribution, and (3) predictions made on the probability of multiple impact levels, allowing users to decide based on acceptable risk. The model is designed for pest risk analysis for Scolytinae in the continental United States but can be adapted to other pests or regions. We tested the model's performance by iteratively removing each species from the training set and retraining the model. The retrained models accurately predicted the removed species. To demonstrate the model's application, we predicted the impact of scolytine beetles not yet present in the continental United States, Xylosandrus morigerus and Hypoborus ficus, plus an additional hypothetical species with no known data. Our model predicts that these species are likely to have moderate impacts and unlikely to have high impacts if they were introduced.},
}

Animals
Risk Assessment
*Introduced Species
Models, Biological
*Coleoptera/physiology
*Weevils/physiology
North America
United States

@article {pmid40633519,
year = {2025},
author = {Frizzera, D and Strobl, V and Yañez, O and Seffin, E and Zanni, V and Annoscia, D and Neumann, P and Nazzi, F},
title = {Interactions between agrochemicals and parasites endangering insect populations.},
journal = {Environment international},
volume = {202},
number = {},
pages = {109664},
doi = {10.1016/j.envint.2025.109664},
pmid = {40633519},
issn = {1873-6750},
abstract = {There is clear evidence for declines of wild insects and high losses of managed ones, thereby threatening their key ecosystem services. Interactions among stressors such as agricultural intensification and invasive species have been implicated in these declines. However, both the nature of these interactions as well as the actual outcomes are often poorly understood. This holds true for ubiquitous agrochemicals and ectoparasitic Varroa destructor mites, and losses of managed honey bee, Apis mellifera, colonies. Here, we show that two pesticides (sulfoxaflor and coumaphos) can enhance parasite reproduction, thereby contributing to host colony losses. A gene expression study revealed a consistent effect on key genes in the hormonal pathways regulating honey bee development, thereby suggesting a link with parasite reproduction. Because all animals have parasites and are exposed to such agrochemicals even in nature reserves, this mechanism could be relevant for a wide range of insect species and may represent a serious threat for their conservation.},
}

@article {pmid40632788,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, L and Wang, T and Zhang, XW and Lin, XF and Li, J and Liao, JB and Wang, RW},
title = {Evolution of foraging behaviour induces variable complexity-stability relationships in mutualist-exploiter-predator communities.},
journal = {PLoS computational biology},
volume = {21},
number = {7},
pages = {e1013245},
pmid = {40632788},
issn = {1553-7358},
mesh = {Animals ; *Predatory Behavior/physiology ; *Models, Biological ; *Biological Evolution ; Population Dynamics ; Ecosystem ; Computational Biology ; *Feeding Behavior/physiology ; *Symbiosis/physiology ; Computer Simulation ; Food Chain ; },
abstract = {Early ecological theory predicts that complex ecological networks are unstable and are unlikely to persist, despite many empirical studies of such complexity in nature. This inconsistency has fascinated ecologists for decades. To resolve the complexity-stability debate, coupling population dynamics and trait dynamics is considered to be an important way to understand the long-term stability of ecological community assemblages. However, we still do not know how eco-evolutionary feedbacks affect the relationship between complexity and stability in ecologically realistic networks with both antagonistic and mutualistic interactions. Here, we explored an adaptive network model to evaluate how the evolution of foraging preference to determine the relationship between network complexity (i.e., connectance) and stability (i.e., community persistence at steady state) in mutualist-exploiter-predator communities (MEST). Our theoretical results showed: (i) adaptive foraging of the top predator contributes to the stability of mutualism and intermediate intensity of foraging adaptations can lead to chaotic dynamics in a four-species MEST community; (ii) the complexity-stability relationship may show positive monotonic, negative monotonic, peaked and double-peaked patterns in general MEST communities, while the double-peaked pattern is only obtained when both the adaptation intensity and interspecific competition are high. Furthermore, model predictions may be consistent with both the negative monotonic pattern revealed in freshwater communities and the peaked pattern revealed in marine communities. Finally, we infer that foraging adaptations of the top predator may alter positive or/and negative feedback loops (trait-mediated indirect effects) to affect the stability of general MEST communities. Our adaptive network framework may provide an effective way to address the complexity-stability debate in real ecosystems.},
}

Animals
*Predatory Behavior/physiology
*Models, Biological
*Biological Evolution
Population Dynamics
Ecosystem
Computational Biology
*Feeding Behavior/physiology
*Symbiosis/physiology
Computer Simulation
Food Chain

@article {pmid39973118,
year = {2025},
author = {Shallow, EE and Glaspie, CN and Polito, MJ and Lovell, MS},
title = {Stomach content and stable isotope analysis of invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans) in the Florida Keys.},
journal = {Journal of fish biology},
volume = {106},
number = {6},
pages = {1863-1875},
doi = {10.1111/jfb.16067},
pmid = {39973118},
issn = {1095-8649},
support = {LEQSF(2019-22)-RD-A-06//Louisiana Board of Regents/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; Florida ; *Perciformes/physiology ; Nitrogen Isotopes/analysis ; Carbon Isotopes/analysis ; *Gastrointestinal Contents/chemistry ; *Diet ; *Food Chain ; Coral Reefs ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {The invasive red lionfish, Pterois volitans, plays a unique role in seagrass and reef ecosystems, where it functions as a top predator and competitor for both food and shelter. Given the ubiquitous distribution of lionfish in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean basins, their species provides an excellent opportunity to understand how an invasive predator's diet and primary energy pathways change as a function of size and habitat type. To investigate these patterns, we studied lionfish from a mosaic of deep reef, shallow patch reef, and seagrass bed habitats in the Florida Keys using stomach contents and stable isotope analysis (δ[13]C and δ[15]N). In August 2020, lionfish (n = 48) and other native species were collected from coastal habitats in the Florida Keys, including deep (20-30 m), intermediate (12-18 m), and shallow (<8 m) reefs, to obtain representation of the local food web. Lionfish on shallow reefs were found to feed from different basal carbon sources than lionfish on intermediate and deep reefs. Bayesian mixing models predicted reef particulate organic matter to be the greatest source contributor to the primary energy pathways of lionfish and reef fish at similar trophic levels, and a high degree of resource use overlap between lionfish and native reef fish was documented. Over time, niche overlap with native species could lead to a decline in their populations through resource competition and/or direct predation, thus creating the need to further study the impact of lionfish in the Florida Keys ecosystem. With the increasing scientific consensus that lionfish diets and niche overlap are highly location-specific, this study further contributes to our collective understanding of the role that lionfish play in the food web of patch reefs in the Florida Keys.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
Florida
*Perciformes/physiology
Nitrogen Isotopes/analysis
Carbon Isotopes/analysis
*Gastrointestinal Contents/chemistry
*Diet
*Food Chain
Coral Reefs
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40630840,
year = {2025},
author = {Ramula, S and Blande, JD and Kalske, A},
title = {Soil microbiota enhance the population growth rate of a nitrogen-fixing herbaceous legume.},
journal = {AoB PLANTS},
volume = {17},
number = {4},
pages = {plaf012},
pmid = {40630840},
issn = {2041-2851},
abstract = {Soil microbiota can modify a plant's growth and chemistry, with consequences for plant population persistence. Therefore, an approach that considers the entire life cycle of a given plant species may be necessary for quantifying the net effect of soil microbiota on longer-lived plants. Here, we investigated the effects of soil microbiota on the fitness-related traits and population growth rate of the nitrogen-fixing legume Lupinus polyphyllus. Using seeds collected from native (North American) and invasive (Finnish) populations of the species, we conducted a greenhouse experiment in which we manipulated the soil microbiota by adding to plants either intact or autoclaved soil inoculum obtained from invasive populations. We grew the plants for two growing seasons and recorded six fitness-related traits (height early and later in life, survival, flowering probability, number of flowering shoots, inflorescence length), characterized floral volatiles, and estimated the asymptotic population growth rate (λ) using a demographic model. With the intact soil inoculum, flowering probability tended to be higher regardless of plant origin, while for early height, the effect of the inoculum treatment depended on plant origin. The other traits and floral volatile composition were not affected by soil inoculum treatment. At the population level, demographic models confirmed the positive effect of the intact soil inoculum, which yielded 130% and 30% greater λ for plants of invasive and native origins, respectively, than the autoclaved soil inoculum treatment. These results demonstrate that, at least under greenhouse conditions, soil microbiota contribute to plant population persistence and may affect species abundance. Moreover, our findings indicate that a demographic approach that considers the entire life cycle is needed to assess the net effect of soil microbiota on plant populations.},
}

@article {pmid40629186,
year = {2025},
author = {Manyweathers, J and Hayes, L and Rampano, B and Higgins, N and Hernandez-Jover, M},
title = {Engagement by New South Wales Marine Estate Users with and Evaluation of Communication Approaches to Strengthen Biosecurity Practices.},
journal = {Environmental management},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40629186},
issn = {1432-1009},
abstract = {Marine environments are susceptible to the impact of human boating activities that facilitate incursions of marine pests and diseases, including invasive alien species (IAS). Movement and maintenance of recreational boats is largely unregulated, and if boats are improperly maintained, movement of IAS on these unmaintained boats can impact livelihoods and food security. This project evaluated the impact of communication and engagement interventions implemented within the New South Wales marine estate that aimed at strengthening biosecurity practices of small to medium permanently moored boat owners/managers. A mixed method approach using a cross-sectional survey and interviews was used to evaluate exposure to and impact of the communication and engagement strategies, including Facebook images and videos on biosecurity practices in the NSW marine estate. Participants expressed a desire for information about marine pests and diseases via electronic newsletters (43.3%, n = 58) and of the survey participants who used Facebook, the majority (90.2%, n = 119) had not seen the communication interventions. Interview participants identified some infrastructural barriers to keeping their boats clear of biofouling despite a desire to do so. Overall, most participants showed awareness of and wanted to help protect waterway health, which supports ongoing efforts by New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Agriculture and Biosecurity Aquatic unit to improve biosecurity practices of all marine estate stakeholders and informs future development of aquatic biosecurity communication and engagement strategies.},
}

@article {pmid40629151,
year = {2025},
author = {Mota, FMM and Lima-Santos, D and Kenedy-Siqueira, W and Oki, Y and Fernandes, GW},
title = {Climate-driven distribution shifts of invasive earthworm species in a river basin affected by mining tailings.},
journal = {Environmental monitoring and assessment},
volume = {197},
number = {8},
pages = {879},
pmid = {40629151},
issn = {1573-2959},
mesh = {Animals ; *Oligochaeta/physiology ; *Introduced Species ; *Climate Change ; Brazil ; Rivers ; *Environmental Monitoring ; *Mining ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, along with extreme weather events, have altered natural habitats, contributing to species extinctions and ecosystem fragmentation worldwide. Climate change can exacerbate disturbances and trigger biological invasions that threaten native species. Here, we used ecological niche models to predict the future distribution of five invasive earthworm species (Amynthas corticis, Amynthas gracilis, Dichogaster bolaui, Polypheretima elongata, and Pontoscolex corethrurus) within the Doce River Basin (DRB), Brazil. We also assessed the potential contribution of the Fundão dam collapse to changes in species distributions by using a vegetation index as a proxy for forest cover. We found that, despite being invasive, most species are expected to experience contractions in climate suitable areas, with losses reaching up to 30.2% for P. elongata. Only D. bolaui is predicted to find climate suitable areas across the entire study area in all climate scenarios. The results also indicated that the Fundão collapse may contribute to greater reductions in the average climate suitable area within forested areas, with post-collapse areas approximately 44% smaller than pre-collapse conditions. Nevertheless, the southwestern portion of the DRB is projected to retain suitable climate conditions for all species, indicating a high invasive potential in this region. These findings highlight the need for targeted management strategies to prevent the dominance of invasive species and restore vegetation to buffer against the impacts of climate change and control invasive earthworms. Ecological restoration efforts, alongside the integration of environmental monitoring and ecological modeling, are crucial for mitigating biodiversity loss and enhancing ecosystem resilience to invasion by alien earthworms in the face of climate change.},
}

Animals
*Oligochaeta/physiology
*Introduced Species
*Climate Change
Brazil
Rivers
*Environmental Monitoring
*Mining
Ecosystem

@article {pmid40629086,
year = {2025},
author = {Battlay, P and Hendrickson, BT and Mendez-Reneau, JI and Santangelo, JS and Albano, LJ and Wilson, J and Caizergues, AE and King, N and Puentes, A and Tudoran, A and Violle, C and Vasseur, F and Patterson, CM and Foster, M and Stamps, C and Innes, SG and Allio, R and Angeoletto, F and Anstett, DN and Anstett, J and Bucharova, A and Comerford, MS and David, S and Falahati-Anbaran, M and Godsoe, W and González-Lagos, C and Gundel, PE and Hood, GR and Lampei, C and Lara, C and Lázaro-Lobo, A and Silva Leandro, D and Merritt, TJS and Mitchell, N and Mohammadi Bazargani, M and Moles, A and Murúa, M and Paule, J and Pfeiffer, V and Raeymaekers, JAM and Rennison, DJ and Rios, RS and Rowntree, JK and Schneider, AC and Stack Whitney, K and Tamburrino, Í and VanWallendael, A and Kim, PY and Ness, RW and Johnson, MTJ and Hodgins, KA and Kooyers, NJ},
title = {Haploblocks contribute to parallel climate adaptation following global invasion of a cosmopolitan plant.},
journal = {Nature ecology & evolution},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {40629086},
issn = {2397-334X},
support = {OIA-1920858//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; DBI-2244712//National Science Foundation (NSF)/ ; EQPEQ 423691//Gouvernement du Canada | Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (Conseil de Recherches en Sciences Naturelles et en Génie du Canada)/ ; RGPIN 2016 06063//Gouvernement du Canada | Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (Conseil de Recherches en Sciences Naturelles et en Génie du Canada)/ ; RGP0001//Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP)/ ; },
abstract = {The role of rapid adaptation during species invasions has historically been minimized with the assumption that introductions consist of few colonists and limited genetic diversity. While overwhelming evidence suggests that rapid adaptation is more prevalent than originally assumed, the demographic and adaptive processes underlying successful invasions remain unresolved. Here we leverage a large whole-genome sequence dataset to investigate the relative roles of colonization history and adaptation during the worldwide invasion of the forage crop, Trifolium repens (Fabaceae). We show that introduced populations encompass high levels of genetic variation with little evidence of bottlenecks. Independent colonization histories on different continents are evident from genome-wide population structure. Five haploblocks-large haplotypes with limited recombination-on three chromosomes exist as standing genetic variation within the native and introduced ranges and exhibit strong signatures of parallel climate-associated adaptation across continents. Field experiments in the native and introduced ranges demonstrate that three of the haploblocks strongly affect fitness and exhibit patterns of selection consistent with local adaptation across each range. Our results provide strong evidence that large-effect structural variants contribute substantially to rapid and parallel adaptation of an introduced species throughout the world.},
}