@article {pmid41162143,
year = {2025},
author = {Hutchings, P and Rowe, CE and Byrne, M and Przeslawski, R},
title = {Taxonomy is a foundation of marine science, and it is in trouble.},
journal = {Advances in marine biology},
volume = {101},
number = {},
pages = {197-212},
doi = {10.1016/bs.amb.2025.08.003},
pmid = {41162143},
issn = {2162-5875},
mesh = {*Classification/methods ; Animals ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Aquatic Organisms/classification ; Biodiversity ; *Marine Biology/education ; Australia ; },
abstract = {This volume of Advances highlights not only the importance of marine benthic diversity in several regions of the world but also the impediments to describing this fauna. Taxonomy is the science of classifying organisms and is the bedrock of marine biodiversity research and conservation, yet it faces significant decline in Australia. Thus, it is critical that the scientific community understand why taxonomy is so important. This paper underscores the foundational role of taxonomy in marine ecology, using case studies that highlight its critical relevance to species management, conservation policy, and international trade regulation. Despite extensive research and funding, unresolved taxonomies continue to affect our management of ecologically and economically important taxa, including crown-of-thorns seastar (Acanthaster spp.), exploited sea cucumbers (Holothuroidea), and invasive Cassiopea jellyfish. These ambiguities hamper accurate species identification, hinder effective conservation strategies, and complicate regulatory listings under frameworks such as CITES and the IUCN Red List. Key challenges include dwindling taxonomic expertise, reduced funding, lack of university training, and limited career pathways, all of which contribute to Australia's inability to adequately explore and manage its vast marine jurisdiction. The paper advocates for immediate systemic reforms through a series of 11 recommendations related to revitalizing taxonomic education, fostering museum-university partnerships, supporting early career researchers, and investing in infrastructure to enable species discovery. Taxonomic rigor is also essential to validate modern tools like eDNA, metagenomics, and image-based analysis. Without it, efforts to safeguard biodiversity and to foster a sustainable blue economy risk failure.},
}

*Classification/methods
Animals
Conservation of Natural Resources
*Aquatic Organisms/classification
Biodiversity
*Marine Biology/education
Australia

@article {pmid41162142,
year = {2025},
author = {Carter, HF and Sands, CJ},
title = {An understudied phylum? Conservation consequences of the historic lack of echinoderm taxonomists.},
journal = {Advances in marine biology},
volume = {101},
number = {},
pages = {153-196},
doi = {10.1016/bs.amb.2025.07.002},
pmid = {41162142},
issn = {2162-5875},
mesh = {Animals ; *Conservation of Natural Resources ; *Echinodermata/classification/physiology ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {The phylum Echinodermata is a familiar constituent of almost every marine environment and a predominant portion of the fauna in some regions. As with most marine taxa, the clade is currently threatened by a range of human mediated threats ranging in scale from the global consequences of climate change to local extinctions driven by disturbance, pollution and overfishing. In part due to their evolutionary and life history traits, echinoderms are often subject to dramatic swings in population size in the face of these threats, with knock on effects for their genetic diversity and population viability. Proper conservation of species and regional populations requires accurate taxonomic assessment to define species statuses and range size parameters, yet despite being the largest exclusively marine phylum, with more than 7000 accepted species, the Echinodermata have been comparatively understudied amongst marine clades. Herein we show the lack of taxonomic activity across the phylum has been dominated by a small number of experts and is unusually low for such a large clade. We discuss the ways in which the lack of taxonomic certainty and the over-application of names across cryptic or misidentified diversity has, in part, contributed to conservation pressures and complicated conservation measures, with discussion of invasive species, echinoderm fisheries and the complex biodiversity of the Southern Ocean.},
}

Animals
*Conservation of Natural Resources
*Echinodermata/classification/physiology
Biodiversity

@article {pmid41159702,
year = {2025},
author = {Oh, HS and Baek, IS and Kim, YR and Lee, H and Kang, MG and Park, SH},
title = {Regional and seasonal patterns of blowfly distribution in southern Korea: implications for forensic entomology.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjaf135},
pmid = {41159702},
issn = {1938-2928},
support = {//Projects for Research and Development of Police Science and Technology/ ; PR10-04-000-22//Center for Research and Development of Police Science and Technology of the Korean National Police Agency/ ; },
abstract = {Blowfly species, which play a crucial role in forensic investigations as primary colonizers of cadavers, are influenced by environmental factors. However, most research conducted on blowfly species in South Korea remains limited to a single province. We investigated the spatiotemporal distribution of forensically relevant blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in the southern provinces of South Korea to enhance forensic entomology databases and improve postmortem interval (PMI) estimation. Overall, 3,934 adult blowflies representing 14 species across 5 genera were collected from 4 regions (Changnyeong, Pohang, Yeosu, and Jeju) over a 1-yr period using baited traps. The dominant species included Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius), Lucilia illustris (Meigen), Lucilia caesar (Linnaeus), and Lucilia sericata (Meigen); Ch. megacephala exhibited a significantly higher abundance in Jeju than in the other regions, particularly during the warmer seasons. A self-organizing map (SOM) and principal component analysis (PCA) were employed to visualize and validate the spatiotemporal clustering of blowfly populations, confirming that seasonal factors strongly influence distribution patterns. The combination of SOM and PCA effectively distinguished seasonal and regional clustering patterns, demonstrating the influence of environmental factors on species-specific distributions. These findings emphasize the importance of considering regional and seasonal variations in forensic casework and the need to expand entomological databases to reflect geographic differences. Furthermore, the observed regional differences in species dominance underscore the need to incorporate environmental variability into forensic models to improve the accuracy of PMI estimates. This study provides fundamental data for improving forensic applications based on insect evidence, particularly PMI estimation and crime scene reconstruction.},
}

@article {pmid41158716,
year = {2025},
author = {Graffeo, BM and Abbas, G and Gauci, C and Brar, K and Brustenga, L and Liyanage, T and Fisher, M and Haining, J and Hufschmid, J and Beveridge, I and Jabbar, A},
title = {Gastrointestinal helminth parasites of urban and rural foxes around Melbourne, Australia.},
journal = {International journal for parasitology. Parasites and wildlife},
volume = {28},
number = {},
pages = {101147},
pmid = {41158716},
issn = {2213-2244},
abstract = {The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is an introduced species to Australia whose population and spatial distribution have grown irreversibly. Due to their opportunistic feeding habits, extensive populations of foxes now inhabit urban and rural environments, where they coexist with humans and domesticated animals. The proximity of these predators presents public and animal health concerns as they harbour diseases that can cross between species. Accordingly, monitoring potential disease risk and prevalence in urban foxes is warranted. This study investigated the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in urban and rural foxes around Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The gastrointestinal tracts of 51 opportunistically collected foxes were thoroughly examined to collect adult helminth (i.e., nematode and cestode) parasites from the stomach as well as from the small and large intestines. The results showed that 92.2 % of foxes were infected with at least one gastrointestinal helminth parasite. Based on a morphological identification of worms, the detected nematode parasites were Toxocara canis (66.7 %) and Uncinaria stenocephala (56.9 %), while the identified tapeworms included Dipylidium caninum (39.2 %), Taenia spp. (11.8 %) and Spirometra mansoni (5.9 %). Single cases of Trichuris vulpis and Physalopetra sp. infections were detected. This study highlights a human and domestic animal health risk, as a crossover of parasitic infections is possible in areas where these parasites coexist.},
}

@article {pmid41158294,
year = {2025},
author = {Dong, S and Zhao, W and Qin, T and Chen, H and Guo, W and Wang, H and Dong, H},
title = {Synergistic Effects of Microenvironmental Heterogeneity and Propagule Pressure Drive the Adaptive Expansion of a Wetland Invasive Plant in an Arid Region.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {10},
pages = {e72272},
pmid = {41158294},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Understanding how invasive species establish in environments outside their typical climatic range is crucial for predicting and managing biological invasions. This study experimentally assessed the survival mechanisms of giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida L.), a wetland plant, in the arid Yili Valley of Northwest China-a region with climatic conditions markedly different from its known distribution. Using comprehensive niche analysis methods (PCA and kernel density estimation), we confirmed that the Yili Valley represents a novel climatic space for this species, with mean annual precipitation (200 mm) far below its typical requirements (> 800 mm). Field experiments demonstrated that topographically driven moisture accumulation creates critical microhabitat refugia, with lower slope positions maintaining significantly higher soil moisture than middle and upper slopes throughout the growing season. Linear mixed-effects models revealed that slope position (F = 109.77, p < 0.001) and propagule pressure (F = 225.55, p < 0.001) were the primary drivers of seedling establishment, with their significant interaction (F = 5.18, p < 0.001) indicating that high propagule input can partially compensate for suboptimal moisture conditions. Seeds from different collection years (2010-2022) showed variable performance, with the collection year significantly affecting long-term survival (F = 20.24, p < 0.001) but not initial establishment, suggesting potential population-level changes during the invasion period that warrant further investigation with common garden experiments. Our findings demonstrate that microenvironmental heterogeneity provides crucial stepping stones for invasive species in climatically unsuitable regions, highlighting the importance of considering fine-scale habitat variation in invasion risk assessments.},
}

@article {pmid41157761,
year = {2025},
author = {Milutinović, M and Đunisijević-Bojović, D and Maksimović, V and Kostić Kravljanac, L and Popović, J and Marković, M},
title = {Differential Responses of Invasive Trees Ailanthus altissima Mill. Swingle and Fraxinus americana L. to Soil Phosphorus Availability.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {20},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14203204},
pmid = {41157761},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {contracts: 451-03-137/2025-03/ 200169; 451-03-136/2025-03/ 200169; 451-03-136/2025-03/200053//This research was financed by Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, Republic of Serbia/ ; },
abstract = {The availability of phosphorus in the soil has a key role in plant physiological processes, particularly in the adaptive responses of invasive species. This study examined how contrasting soil phosphorus concentrations (low: 9 mg/kg and adequate: 27 mg/kg) influence biomass production, lignin and extractive content, P concentration in leaves, and root exudate composition in two invasive species, Ailanthus altissima and Fraxinus americana. Seedlings were grown in rhizoboxes filled with alkaline soils of two types. Adequate phosphorus concentration increased both aboveground and root biomass in the examined species, while low phosphorus significantly reduced biomass, especially in the aboveground parts, which were 3 to 4 times smaller compared to plants grown under adequate conditions. Low phosphorus concentration increased lignin and extractive content in the stem. Root exudate analysis revealed that low phosphorus availability enhanced the secretion of malate in both species. Ailanthus altissima exhibited higher malate concentrations in root exudates compared to Fraxinus americana under both phosphorus conditions. Ailanthus altissima is more competitive than Fraxinus americana on low-phosphorus alkaline soils. The results reveal how Ailanthus altissima and Fraxinus americana adapt to varying soil phosphorus levels, aiding the development of strategies to manage these invasive species and preserve ecosystem stability.},
}

@article {pmid41157719,
year = {2025},
author = {Kornienko, V and Pirko, I and Meskhi, B and Olshevskaya, A and Shevchenko, V and Odabashyan, M and Teplyakova, S and Vershinina, A and Eroshenko, A},
title = {Evaluating the Vitality of Introduced Woody Plant Species in the Donetsk-Makeyevka Urban Agglomeration.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {20},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14203160},
pmid = {41157719},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {Introduced species of trees and shrubs used in landscaping of cities in the steppe zone are exposed to the combined negative impact of the ever-increasing load of various anthropogenic factors and unfavorable zonal natural and climatic conditions. In this regard, the assessment of the degree of plant resistance to unfavorable factors in the urban ecosystems of the steppe zone is a necessary condition for rationalizing the selection of the assortment and improving the condition of green spaces. This paper presents the results of the analysis of the vital state of 5509 representatives of 78 introduced species of trees and shrubs growing along the road and transport network in the territory with increased anthropogenic pressure. The age structure of plantings, as well as a number of biological and ecological characteristics of the species composition, are analyzed. The variation in the level of vitality in groups united by individual characteristics-taxonomic affiliation, geographical origin, morphobiological characteristics (habitus), growth rate and age of plants-is shown, and groups with the highest level of vitality are identified. As a result, a number of criteria are selected that can serve as indirect markers of plant adaptability to the ecological conditions of steppe zone cities when forming an assortment for landscaping. Using the examples of the features "plant height" and "plant age", the species-specific reaction of plants is shown, expressed in the limitation of growth and development, as well as the reduction of life expectancy under conditions of increased anthropogenic and climatic loads. The data obtained can be used to adjust the species composition of urban trees and shrubs, optimize their ratio and spatial and functional placement, and thereby optimize the operational characteristics of green spaces and increase the duration of their use.},
}

@article {pmid41157718,
year = {2025},
author = {Fuvel, A and Cosoveanu, A and Sopena Lasala, J and Ramón Arévalo, J and Cabrera, R},
title = {Allelopathic Effects of Artemisia thuscula and Plocama pendula on the Invasive Plant Cenchrus setaceus and Crops.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {20},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14203159},
pmid = {41157718},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {Cenchrus setaceus is an alien invasive species with significant ecological impact on both natural ecosystems and agricultural areas across the Canary Islands. In this study, we evaluated the allelopathic effects of foliar lixiviates from two endemic species, Artemisia thuscula and Plocama pendula, on Cenchrus setaceus and a group of crop species to assess (i) germination inhibition of the invasive species and (ii) selectivity towards non-target crops. A preliminary trial tested undiluted and diluted forms (1%, 10%) of concentrated lixiviates prepared at a 1:3 (w:v) leaf-to-water ratio, using C. setaceus and Lactuca sativa under growth chamber conditions. In the validation trial, lixiviates prepared at a 1:6 (w:v) ratio were applied directly to C. setaceus and seven crops (Zea mays, Allium cepa, Hordeum vulgare, L. sativa, Solanum lycopersicum, Brassica oleracea, and Raphanus sativus) under both growth chamber and greenhouse conditions. Germination indices were calculated across assays, and plumule and radicle lengths were measured in growth chamber assays. In both trials, C. setaceus germination was inhibited by up to 60% by both ratios of lixiviates (Dunn p < 0.05), with reduced speed and seedling growth (plumule: -37.5%; radicle: -85%). Crop sensitivity varied: A. cepa and H. vulgare showed no significant inhibition; B. oleracea and R. sativus were affected by P. pendula (germination reduced 2.5-2.7×); and Z. mays, L. sativa, and S. lycopersicum exhibited delayed germination and reduced seedling growth under both treatments. These results support the selective use of native plant lixiviates for integrated management of Cenchrus setaceus in sensitive agroecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid41157714,
year = {2025},
author = {Zaka, MM and Samat, A and Abuduwaili, J and Zhu, E and Akhtar, A and Li, W},
title = {Self-Supervised Learning and Multi-Sensor Fusion for Alpine Wetland Vegetation Mapping: Bayinbuluke, China.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {20},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14203153},
pmid = {41157714},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {2022TSYCCX0006//Tianshan Talent Development Program/ ; 42371389//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
abstract = {Accurate mapping of wetland vegetation is essential for ecological monitoring and conservation, yet it remains challenging due to the spatial heterogeneity of wetlands, the scarcity of ground-truth data, and the spread of invasive species. Invasive plants alter native vegetation patterns, making their early detection critical for preserving ecosystem integrity. This study proposes a novel framework that integrates self-supervised learning (SSL), supervised segmentation, and multi-sensor data fusion to enhance vegetation classification in the Bayinbuluke Alpine Wetland, China. High-resolution satellite imagery from PlanetScope-3 and Jilin-1 was fused, and SSL methods-including BYOL, DINO, and MoCo v3-were employed to learn transferable feature representations without extensive labeled data. The results show that SSL methods exhibit consistent variations in classification performance, while multi-sensor fusion significantly improves the detection of rare and fragmented vegetation patches and enables the early identification of invasive species. Overall, the proposed SSL-fusion strategy reduces reliance on labor-intensive field data collection and provides a scalable, high-precision solution for wetland monitoring and invasive species management.},
}

@article {pmid41157704,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, F and Zhao, C and Zhu, H and Yang, X and Hu, Y},
title = {Diversity Patterns of Spontaneous Plants and Their Multi-Scale Driving Mechanisms in Cold Regions: A Case of 14 Cities in Heilongjiang Province, China.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {20},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14203145},
pmid = {41157704},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {NO. LH2023E007//National Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province/ ; },
abstract = {Cold-climate cities remain poorly studied, yet their spontaneous flora is strongly shaped by severe winters and short growing seasons. Heilongjiang Province, the northernmost region of China, provides a valuable case study given its rapid urbanization. As an important component of urban biodiversity, the diversity distribution patterns of spontaneous plants and their underlying causes remain underexplored from multi-scale and multi-dimensional perspectives. Therefore, this study aimed to test how climatic subzones and habitat types jointly influence spontaneous plant diversity across urban landscapes in 14 cities of Heilongjiang Province. Based on vegetation surveys, we applied calculations of α- and β-diversity, along with hierarchical clustering, across climatic subzones, cities, and habitat types to elucidate the diversity patterns and their multi-scale driving mechanisms. The results showed the following: (1) A total of 778 spontaneous plant species were recorded, belonging to 98 families and 395 genera. Native plants accounted for 58.7%, and non-native plants accounted for 41.3% (including 77 invasive species). (2) Perennial herbs dominated overall (45.2%), consistent with winter filtering, whereas annual/biennial herbs were more common in warmer subzones such as II B2. (3) Forest gaps (FG) and shrub-grassland gaps (SG) supported the most diverse spontaneous plant communities, highlighting habitat heterogeneity. (4) Species richness peaked in subzone II B2 and was lowest in subzone I A1, while abandoned land (SA) and shrub-grassland gaps (SG) supported the richest communities. (5) β-diversity analyses indicated homogenization under extreme cold in subzone I A1 and greater turnover in warmer subzone II B2, reflecting contrasting climatic filters. The "light patches" in FG habitats and the "disturbance filtering" in LA habitats further shaped the differences in local communities. This study reveals the diversity distribution patterns and adaptation strategies of spontaneous plants in cold cities, emphasizing their integration into urban planning while addressing the dominance of invasive species.},
}

@article {pmid41156947,
year = {2025},
author = {Macena, M and Cruz-Lopes, L and Grosche, L and Santos-Vieira, I and Esteves, B and Pereira, H},
title = {Characterization of Lignocellulosic Byproducts from the Portuguese Forest: Valorization and Sustainable Use.},
journal = {Materials (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {18},
number = {20},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ma18204716},
pmid = {41156947},
issn = {1996-1944},
support = {2023.03677.BDANA//FCT-Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P./ ; UIDB/00681//CERNAS-IPV Research Centre/ ; UIDB/00239/2020//Forest Research Centre (CEF)/ ; },
abstract = {The increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability has placed biomass as a versatile and renewable resource, while the management and disposal of forest byproducts remain a significant challenge. This study explores the valorization of forest biomass residues derived from Pinus pinaster, Pinus pinea, and the invasive species Acacia dealbata, with a focus on their potential application as bioadsorbents. A comprehensive physicochemical characterization was conducted for different biomass fractions (leaves, needles, and branches of varying diameters). Leaves and needles contained higher amounts of extractives (from 7.7% in acacia leaves to 18.8% in maritime pine needles) and ash (3.4 and 4.2% in acacia leaves and stone pine needles, respectively), whereas branches contained more holocellulose (from 59.6% in P. pinea small branches to 79.2% in P. pinaster large branches). ATR-FTIR and pHpzc analyses indicated compositional and surface charge differences, with higher pHpzc values in A. dealbata relative to Pinus. TG analysis showed that acacia large branches degraded at a lower temperature (320 °C) compared to Pinus species (440-450 °C). Overall, the findings highlight the suitability of these underutilized forest byproducts as bioadsorbents, contributing to the advancement of circular economy practices.},
}

@article {pmid41153879,
year = {2025},
author = {Arena, R and Manuguerra, S and Gonzalez, MM and Petrosillo, E and Lanzoni, D and Poulain, C and Debeaufort, F and Giromini, C and Francesca, N and Messina, CM and Santulli, A},
title = {Valorization of Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus) By-Products into Antioxidant Protein Hydrolysates for Nutraceutical Applications.},
journal = {Animals : an open access journal from MDPI},
volume = {15},
number = {20},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ani15202952},
pmid = {41153879},
issn = {2076-2615},
support = {Project Code (CUP): G53D23003940006, Grant Assignment No. 1048//Project CELLtoFOOD, Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) funded by the European Union/ ; grant code CN_00000033, CUP B73C22000790001//NextGenerationEU. NBFC-National Biodiversity Future Center-Node 6 Biodiversity and human wellbeing/ ; },
abstract = {The Atlantic blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) is an opportunistic invasive species in the Mediterranean that is negatively affecting biodiversity, fisheries, and tourism. In Italy, it is appreciated for its good meat quality, but the processing yield is low (21.87 ± 2.38%), generating a significant amount of by-products (72.45 ± 4.08%), which are underutilized. Valorizing this biomass is in line with circular economy principles and can improve both environmental and economic sustainability. This study aimed to valorize Atlantic blue crab by-products (BCBP), producing protein hydrolysates and assessing their in vitro bioactivities, in order to plan applications in animal food and related sectors. BCBP hydrolysates were obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis using Alcalase and Protamex enzymes. The treatment with Alcalase resulted in a higher degree of hydrolysis (DH = 23% in 205 min) compared to Protamex (DH = 14% in 175 min). Antioxidant activity of the hydrolisates was evaluated through DPPH, ABTS, reducing power and FRAP assays, as well as in vitro test in fibroblasts (HS-68). At 10 mg/mL, hydrolysates from both enzymes exhibited the maximum radical scavenging activity in DPPH and ABTS assays. In HS-68 cells, 0.5 mg/mL hydrolysates protected against H2O2-induced oxidative stress, showing a cell viability comparable to cells treated with 0.5 mM N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), as an antioxidant. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) or Games-Howell post hoc tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Overall, both enzymes efficiently hydrolyzed BCBP proteins, generating hydrolysates with significant antioxidant activity and cytoprotective effects. These results demonstrate the potential to produce high-quality bioactive compounds from BCBPs, suitable for food, nutraceutical, and health applications. Scaling up this valorization process represents a viable strategy to improve sustainability and add economic value to the management of this invasive species, turning a problem in a resource.},
}

@article {pmid41152423,
year = {2025},
author = {Yoğurtçuoğlu, B and Tarkan, AS and Ekmekçi, FG and Kırankaya, ŞG and Kurtul, I and Özcan, D and Karadal, O and Öndes, F and Türkmen, G and Sarı, HM and Haubrock, PJ and Vilizzi, L},
title = {Turkish freshwaters as a case of rising invasion risk of aquarium fishes under climate change.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {37657},
pmid = {41152423},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Climate Change ; *Introduced Species ; *Fresh Water ; *Fishes/physiology ; Turkey ; Ecosystem ; Risk Assessment ; },
abstract = {Climate change is expected to increase the invasiveness of non-native aquarium fish, yet national assessments rarely consider future warming conditions. We screened 46 popular ornamental freshwater fish imported into Türkiye for invasion risk. Each species received a Basic Risk Assessment (BRA) score under current conditions and an adjusted Climate Change Assessment (CCA) score under regional warming scenarios. The BRA classified 12 species (26.1%) as high risk, while under the CCA, this rose to 16 species (34.8%). Four species, namely goldfish Carassius auratus, common carp Cyprinus carpio, vermiculated sailfin catfish Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus, and leopard pleco P. gibbiceps, reached very high-risk status. Climate change adjustment resulted in an increase in the basic scores for 34 species, a decrease for three, and no change for nine. Seven species achieved the maximum increment of + 12 under predicted climate change conditions. Our results show that marginal habitats, such as thermal springs and effluent canals, could become suitable for these species, even as water stress in Central Anatolia threatens both native and invasive species. We recommend dynamic, climate-aware risk protocols, combined with empirical validation via field and eDNA monitoring, and a precautionary 'whitelist' import system based on robust risk screening protocols as applied in this study.},
}

Animals
*Climate Change
*Introduced Species
*Fresh Water
*Fishes/physiology
Turkey
Ecosystem
Risk Assessment

@article {pmid41152307,
year = {2025},
author = {Sharma, A and Dixit, B and Goyal, B and Harit, R and Kumar, J and Biswas, S and Goswami, R and Pandey, KC and Emami, SN and Chakraborti, S},
title = {Olfactory gene dynamics in invasive Indian and non-invasive African malaria vectors at the crossroads of development, infection and resistance.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {37696},
pmid = {41152307},
issn = {2045-2322},
mesh = {Animals ; *Anopheles/genetics ; *Mosquito Vectors/genetics ; *Receptors, Odorant/genetics ; *Malaria/transmission/parasitology ; India ; *Insect Proteins/genetics ; *Smell/genetics ; Africa ; Introduced Species ; Insecticide Resistance/genetics ; },
abstract = {Olfaction plays a pivotal role in a mosquito's lifecycle, influencing vital functions such as finding food, mates, identifying hosts, and locating sites for laying eggs. However, a detailed catalog of the olfactory genes in mosquitoes has remained elusive-until now. In this study, we compiled the olfactory genes catalog for four key malaria vectors: two major Indian species, Anopheles stephensi and Anopheles culicifacies, along with two African species, Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles funestus. Using an extensive genome-wide approach, we uncovered crucial carrier proteins like odorant binding proteins (OBPs), chemosensory proteins (CSPs), and several receptors, including odorant receptors (ORs), ionotropic receptors (IRs), and gustatory receptors (GusRs). A particularly striking discovery was the significantly higher number of OBP, OR, and IR genes in African malaria vectors compared to their Indian counterparts, hinting at the gene gain and functional diversification in these species. The invasive A. stephensi-which has spread from Asia to Africa-showed closer genetic ties to A. minimus and A. gambiae than to A. culicifacies. Furthermore, when examining the expression of CSPs and SAPs in the larval stage of A. stephensi, we found that pyrethroid-resistant mosquito larvae exhibited elevated expression of SAP2 and SAP3, providing new evidence of their potential role in insecticide resistance. This study not only sheds light on the genetic basis of mosquito olfaction but also offers crucial insights into how these genes are linked to different physiological functions, paving the way for improved malaria control strategies.},
}

Animals
*Anopheles/genetics
*Mosquito Vectors/genetics
*Receptors, Odorant/genetics
*Malaria/transmission/parasitology
India
*Insect Proteins/genetics
*Smell/genetics
Africa
Introduced Species
Insecticide Resistance/genetics

@article {pmid41151273,
year = {2025},
author = {Kjaer, EL and Hovick, TJ and Sedivec, K and Limb, RF},
title = {Invasive grass litter controls rangeland plant community dynamics.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {395},
number = {},
pages = {127755},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.127755},
pmid = {41151273},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Invasive species cause significant ecological impacts worldwide, affecting numerous ecosystems. In North America, changes to historic fire and grazing regimes have created an opportunity for the invasion of herbaceous plants, such as Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis; hereafter: "bluegrass"). Bluegrass is one of the most aggressive, non-native grasses affecting rangelands across the Great Plains, with its success potentially attributed to the build-up of a novel thatch layer and accumulation of dense litter. Management of bluegrass is complicated as strategies that reduce bluegrass abundance also impact physiologically and morphologically similar native species, creating a need to understand and target the mechanisms that promote bluegrass invasion. To determine the mechanisms behind bluegrass invasion, we monitored the influence of targeted litter and thatch removal on plant community dynamics in south-central North Dakota over 50 months. We found that bluegrass invasion negatively impacted plant species richness, evenness, and occurrence, and that once thatch and litter were removed, all community dynamics metrics increased. These impacts were primarily driven by changes in invasive litter cover and depth. However, species evenness was also influenced by live bluegrass and thatch. These results are among the first to empirically tie thatch accumulation to negative impacts on plant community dynamics. However, our results suggest that litter accumulation, not thatch, is the primary, mechanism driving bluegrass invasion. Ultimately, our results suggest that management of bluegrass should focus on actions that can impede litter formation, such as the combination of fire and grazing, that allows native plants to establish and express themselves.},
}

@article {pmid41150870,
year = {2025},
author = {Du, YZ and Chang, YW and Reitz, SR},
title = {Interspecific Interactions and Management of Three Important Invasive Leafminer Flies of Liriomyza Mik (Diptera: Agromyzidae) in China.},
journal = {Annual review of entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-ento-121423-013536},
pmid = {41150870},
issn = {1545-4487},
abstract = {The genus Liriomyza Mik (Diptera: Agromyzidae) comprises a diverse group of leaf-mining flies that feed internally on plant tissues, with species ranging from host plant specialists to highly polyphagous pests. In this genus, Liriomyza trifolii, Liriomyza sativae, and Liriomyza huidobrensis have emerged as the dominant invasive species in China over the past three decades, causing extensive damage and complicating pest management efforts. Owing to having overlapping host ranges, these species frequently co-occur, resulting in intense interspecific competition and, in many cases, competitive displacement. This review synthesizes recent advances in understanding the invasion dynamics, species displacement processes, and ecological interactions of these three species. We highlight how interspecific competition, driven by variation in host preference, insecticide resistance, and climatic adaptability, has shaped species distributions and displacement outcomes. We also examine cryptic diversity within species, the importance of accurate diagnostics, and the limitations of current quarantine and management strategies. Finally, we discuss promising directions for integrated pest management, including the development of host plant resistance, the deployment of novel insecticides, and the application of molecular tools. By positioning Liriomyza as a model system, this review contributes to a broader understanding of invasive species ecology and offers guidance for the sustainable management of leafminers and other invasive agricultural pests.},
}

@article {pmid41149415,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, J and Chen, S and Tong, T and Yu, C},
title = {Assessment of Frozen Stored Silver Carp Surimi Gel Quality Using Synthetic Data-Driven Machine Learning (SDDML) Model.},
journal = {Gels (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {11},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/gels11100810},
pmid = {41149415},
issn = {2310-2861},
support = {NC1194 multistate project//USDA Hatch Grant/ ; },
abstract = {The invasive Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) in North America represents a promising resource for surimi production; however, its gel formability deteriorates significantly during frozen storage. This study investigated the deterioration of gel properties in Silver Carp surimi over six months of frozen storage, and showed that short-term frozen storage (<2 months) was beneficial for surimi gel-forming ability, while extended frozen storage (>2 months) tended to have detrimental effects. The adverse effect of long-term frozen storage could be mitigated via using food additives (e.g., manufactured microfiber, transglutaminase, and chicken skin collagen), among which transglutaminase was the most effective. Transglutaminase at a relatively low level (0.1 wt%) could effectively negate frozen storage's effects, and produced surimi gel with quality attributes (e.g., gel strength, hardness, and chewiness) at levels comparable to those from fresh fish samples. To assess the effects of the addition of various food additives for quality improvement, a synthetic data-driven machine learning (SDDML) approach was developed. After testing multiple algorithms, the random forest model was shown to yield synthetic data points that represented experimental data characteristics the best (R[2] values of 0.871-0.889). It also produced improved predictions for gel quality attributes from control variables (i.e., additive levels) compared to using experimental data alone, showing the potential to overcome data scarcity issues when only limited experimental data are available for ML models. A synthetic dataset of 240 data points was shown to supplement the experimental dataset (60 points) well for assessment of the Frozen Silver Carp (FSC) surimi gel quality attributes. The SDDML method could be used to find optimal recipes for generating additive profiles to counteract the adverse effects of frozen storage and to improve surimi gel quality to upgrade underutilized invasive species to value-added food products.},
}

@article {pmid41148884,
year = {2025},
author = {Valdés-Díaz, S and Tuñón, R and Castillo, D and Sanchez, A and Virola-Vasquez, B and Corro, PE and Serrano-Peraza, F and Zachrisson, B and Loaiza, J and Chang, R and Chaves, LF},
title = {Ensemble Distribution Modeling of the Globally Invasive Asian Cycad Scale, Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi, 1977 (Hemiptera: Diaspididae).},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16101016},
pmid = {41148884},
issn = {2075-4450},
abstract = {Species distribution models (SDMs) have become an important tool to inform conservation and pest surveillance programs about the potential biological invasion of insect pests. Nonetheless, to be operational, SDMs need to incorporate multiple environmental covariates and a representative number of occurrence points depicting the species' ecological niche. The algorithm of choice, model of choice, and comparison can also have a great effect on the final prediction output. We created a dataset based on previously published records, plus 36 new occurrences and 37 environmental predictors, to generate the first global ensemble distribution model for Aulacaspis yasumatsui. We employed a strategy that aggregates SDMs with the best performance (i.e., greater accuracy) from six different algorithms, resulting in an averaged and weighted model, i.e., the ensemble model. We then selected models from algorithms whose true skill statistic (TSS) was above 0.5 in order to map the potential global distribution of A. yasumatsui. Our results suggest that covariate selection and the individual model algorithms used in the ensemble may be more important for achieving an accurate SDM than the number of occurrence points.},
}

@article {pmid41148869,
year = {2025},
author = {Kucuk, RA and Trendle, BR and Jones, KC and Makarenko, A and Patel, V and Oliver, KM},
title = {Ecological Mercenaries: Why Aphids Remain Premier Models for the Study of Ecological Symbiosis.},
journal = {Insects},
volume = {16},
number = {10},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/insects16101000},
pmid = {41148869},
issn = {2075-4450},
support = {2240392//U.S. National Science Foundation/ ; },
abstract = {Aphids remain exceptional models for symbiosis research due to their unique experimental advantages that extend beyond documenting symbiont-mediated phenotypes. Nine commonly occurring facultative bacterial symbionts provide well-characterized benefits, including defense against parasitoids, pathogens, and thermal stress. Yet the system's greatest value lies in enabling diverse research applications across biological disciplines through experimental tractability combined with ecological realism. Researchers can create controlled experimental lines through symbiont manipulation, maintain clonal host populations indefinitely, and cultivate symbionts independently. This experimental power is complemented by extensive knowledge of symbiont dynamics in natural populations, including temporal and geographic distribution patterns-features generally unavailable in other insect-microbe systems. These advantages facilitate investigation of key processes in symbiosis, including transmission dynamics, mechanisms, strain-level functional diversity, multi-partner infections, and transitions from facultative to co-obligate relationships. Integration across biological scales-from genomics to field ecology-enables research on symbiont community assembly, ecological networks, coevolutionary arms races, and agricultural applications. This combination of experimental flexibility, comprehensive natural history knowledge, and applied relevance positions aphids as invaluable for advancing symbiosis theory while addressing practical challenges in agriculture and invasion biology.},
}

@article {pmid41148284,
year = {2025},
author = {Du, Y and Li, L and Ni, W and Shabgard, N},
title = {Invasion dynamics of super invaders: elimination of Allee effects by a strategy at the range boundary.},
journal = {Journal of mathematical biology},
volume = {91},
number = {6},
pages = {69},
pmid = {41148284},
issn = {1432-1416},
mesh = {Population Dynamics ; *Models, Biological ; Population Density ; *Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data ; Mathematical Concepts ; Animals ; Computer Simulation ; *Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {We consider a reaction-diffusion model with free boundaries in one space dimension for a single population species with density u(t, x) and population range [g(t), h(t)]. The equations governing the evolution of the range boundary are deduced from the biological assumption that the species maintains its population density at a fixed positive level at the range boundary by advancing or retreating the fronts. Our mathematical results suggest that the Allee effects are eliminated if the species maintains its population density at suitable levels at the range boundary, namely with such a strategy at the range edge the species can invade the environment successfully with all admissible initial populations, exhibiting the dynamics of super invaders. Numerical simulations are used to help understand what happens if the population density levels at the range boundary are maintained in other ranges.},
}

Population Dynamics
*Models, Biological
Population Density
*Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data
Mathematical Concepts
Animals
Computer Simulation
*Ecosystem

@article {pmid41147760,
year = {2025},
author = {Bi, H and Liu, J and Zong, S and Chan, X and Xin, X and Yang, Y},
title = {Preventing exotic pet beetle invasion with an improved lightweight and efficient pest detection model deployed on mobile devices.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70322},
pmid = {41147760},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {2315020A2020//Shanghai Customs College Scientific Research Startup Funding Project/ ; 3202088A2024//Shanghai Key Curriculum Construction Project/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The illegal smuggling of exotic pet beetles presents a growing threat to global ecosystems. Customs authorities play a critical role in preventing biological invasions, yet current identification methods rely heavily on expert knowledge and time-consuming laboratory analysis, which limits rapid responses at ports of entry. To address this issue, we propose EPB-YOLO-PD, a lightweight, mobile-deployable detection model for real-time recognition of exotic pet beetles. The source code is available at https://github.com/bihaojie/EPB-YOLO-PD.

RESULTS: EPB-YOLO-PD incorporates three originally designed components - the Feature Aggregation and Mixing Network (FAMNet), Multi-Scale Efficient Lightweight Optimization Network (MELON), and Partial Multi-Head Self-Attention Residual Block (C4PMS) - along with an improved detection head (CAHead), and a newly introduced loss function (Slide Loss). Structural pruning and knowledge distillation are applied to reduce model size and improve inference speed. When tested on a custom dataset of 13 intercepted species, the model achieved detection accuracies between 93.3% and 99.3%. Compared to the YOLOv11n baseline, EPB-YOLO-PD demonstrated a 2.0% increase in mAP0.5 (97.3%), a 74.04% reduction in model size (1.35 MB), and a 65.08% decrease in computational complexity (2.2 GFLOPs). The PetBeetle Finder app, based on this model, runs at over 25 frames per second (FPS) on a Huawei Mate 40 smartphone.

CONCLUSIONS: EPB-YOLO-PD offers an effective solution for real-time detection of exotic pet beetles at customs checkpoints. It enables rapid and accurate classification, effectively handling challenging scenarios such as incomplete morphological features and visually confusing backgrounds, and provides a replicable framework for intercepting other invasive species. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid41144466,
year = {2025},
author = {Pino-Vera, R and Abreu-Acosta, N and Foronda, P},
title = {Zoonotic bacteria in invasive California Kingsnake Lampropeltis californiae from Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {10},
pages = {e0334944},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0334944},
pmid = {41144466},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; Spain ; *Zoonoses/microbiology ; *Introduced Species ; Feces/microbiology ; *Bacteria/isolation & purification/genetics ; Humans ; *Colubridae/microbiology ; },
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: Invasive species can spread pathogens to newly colonised areas and indirectly affect animals and humans. In the Canary Islands territory (Spain), the California kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae) is one of the most relevant invasive species because its predatory habits, however, there is scarce information about the microorganisms they carry and the risk to human health, for that reason, and considering previous data on the pathogens harboured by exotic reptiles in the archipelago, the aim of this study was to analyse the presence of pathogenic bacteria in these animals.

METHODS: Fifty L. californiae specimens from Gran Canaria Island (Canary Islands, Spain) were examined for zoonotic bacteria. For that purpose, faecal samples were obtained during the necropsy of the animals and inoculated in different selective agar media. If bacterial growth was observed, bacterial colonies were subjected to DNA extraction. The species were confirmed using PCR methods and band pattern comparison.

RESULTS: Almost all, 49 out of 50 (98%), of the studied animals were positive for at least one of the selected bacteria. Salmonella spp. (76.0%, 38/50), Yersinia enterocolitica (58.0%, 29/50), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (42.0%, 21/50), Campylobacter spp. (34.0%, 17/50) and Escherichia coli virulence genes (stx and eae) (16.0%, 8/50) were identified.

CONCLUSIONS: The presence of well-known zoonotic bacteria in L. californiae from Gran Canaria suppose a threat to people that use them as pets, especially children, elderly, and animal handlers, since they cause gastrointestinal symptoms that can lead to severe complications and invasive infections. In addition to that, these colubrids could also spread pathogens to other animals and the environment, adding to the notorious problem of biodiversity losses due to predation of native fauna.},
}

Animals
Spain
*Zoonoses/microbiology
*Introduced Species
Feces/microbiology
*Bacteria/isolation & purification/genetics
Humans
*Colubridae/microbiology

@article {pmid41144059,
year = {2025},
author = {Lombardo, J and Aguilo-Arce, J and Tejada, S and Gil, L and Pinya, S and Ferriol, P and Sureda, A and Compa, M},
title = {Physiological Stress Induced by an Invasive Filamentous Green Alga on a Native Sponge from a Coastal Mediterranean Lagoon (Balearic Islands).},
journal = {Journal of chemical ecology},
volume = {51},
number = {6},
pages = {105},
pmid = {41144059},
issn = {1573-1561},
support = {BIOPRO2024-004//Govern de les Illes Balears/ ; BIOPRO2024-004//Govern de les Illes Balears/ ; BIOPRO2024-004//Govern de les Illes Balears/ ; BIOPRO2024-004//Govern de les Illes Balears/ ; BIOPRO2024-004//Govern de les Illes Balears/ ; BIOPRO2024-004//Govern de les Illes Balears/ ; PID2020-117686RB-C33//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; PID2020-117686RB-C33//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; PID2020-117686RB-C33//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; PID2020-117686RB-C33//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades/ ; TED2021-131303B-I00//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades,Spain/ ; TED2021-131303B-I00//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades,Spain/ ; TED2021-131303B-I00//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades,Spain/ ; TED2021-131303B-I00//Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades,Spain/ ; CB12/03/ 30038//Instituto de Salud Carlos III/ ; CB12/03/ 30038//Instituto de Salud Carlos III/ ; FJC2021-047606-I//Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Stress, Physiological ; *Porifera/physiology ; *Chlorophyta/physiology ; Mediterranean Sea ; Glutathione Peroxidase/metabolism ; Glutathione Reductase/metabolism ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism ; Catalase/metabolism ; Oxidative Stress ; Metabolomics ; },
abstract = {This study reports the physiological effects of the invasive alien species Batophora occidentalis within a small lagoon in the Balearic Islands. This study aims to determine whether the presence of newly colonizing invasive macroalgae causes physiological effects on the sessile Porifera species Sarcotragus spinosulus through the application of biochemical markers and metabolomic fingerprinting. Sections of 27 different individuals were collected at three representative sites (N = 9 in each site) of varying degrees of epibiont colonisation (high, low, and absent). The activation of antioxidant enzymes for catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GRd) was observed between individuals that were highly affected by B. occidentalis in addition to the detoxification mechanism for glutathione s-transferase (GST). In terms of oxidative damage, MDA levels were found to be nonsignificant, although those individuals characterised by high epibiont colonisation reported higher levels than those in areas where B. occidentalis was not present. Furthermore, significant differences were observed in the metabolomic fingerprinting of the different levels of epibiont colonisation, an indication B. occidentalis is causing changes in chemical and metabolomic characteristics in S. spinosulus. These findings highlight the need for targeted conservation strategies to mitigate the ecological impact of this invasive species in Mediterranean coastal lagoons.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Stress, Physiological
*Porifera/physiology
*Chlorophyta/physiology
Mediterranean Sea
Glutathione Peroxidase/metabolism
Glutathione Reductase/metabolism
Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism
Catalase/metabolism
Oxidative Stress
Metabolomics

@article {pmid41142302,
year = {2025},
author = {Valdivia, CE and Orellana, JI and Murúa, M},
title = {Nectar robbing by the invasive bumblebee Bombus terrestris (Apidae) changes the behavior of native flower visitors of Fuchsia magellanica Lam. (Onagraceae) but not seed set.},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e20253},
pmid = {41142302},
issn = {2167-8359},
mesh = {Animals ; *Plant Nectar/metabolism ; Bees/physiology ; *Pollination/physiology ; *Flowers/physiology ; *Seeds/growth & development ; *Introduced Species ; Chile ; Feeding Behavior ; },
abstract = {Mutualisms between plants and pollinators may be threatened by nectar robbers, as these animals typically consume nectar without providing the essential pollination service. In the temperate forests of Chile, the shrub Fuchsia magellanica is primarily pollinated by the hummingbird Sephanoides sephaniodes and the native bumblebee Bombus dahlbomii. However, some populations are also affected by nectar robbing from the invasive bumblebee Bombus terrestris. In a study evaluating 24 populations of F. magellanica, we assessed the effects of nectar robbing on nectar production, the foraging behavior of key pollinators, and the reproductive success of the plant. We measured the nectar production rate and standing crop in flowers that were either protected from visitors or exposed to them. We also observed flower visitation, the foraging behavior of pollinators, and seed sets in experimentally manipulated flowers. Results indicated that nectar robbing reduced nectar production rates by a factor of 4, and the standing crop of nectar by 2.9 times. With an increased percentage of flowers pierced by B. terrestris, the hummingbird S. sephaniodes appeared to reduce its pollinating visits, while B. terrestris increased its robbing visits. Despite these changes in pollinator behavior, there was no significant effect on the seed set. Ultimately, our findings suggest that for F. magellanica, B. terrestris does not pose a significant threat to reproduction, despite its disruptive impact on pollinator behavior.},
}

Animals
*Plant Nectar/metabolism
Bees/physiology
*Pollination/physiology
*Flowers/physiology
*Seeds/growth & development
*Introduced Species
Chile
Feeding Behavior

@article {pmid41140871,
year = {2025},
author = {Talamantes-Becerra, B and Chang, WS and Michie, M and Hodda, M and Hopper, M and Caron, V},
title = {RNA-seq dataset of land snails collected in Australia.},
journal = {Data in brief},
volume = {63},
number = {},
pages = {112122},
pmid = {41140871},
issn = {2352-3409},
abstract = {Snails are known to be host of pathogens and parasites and they can play an important role in the transmission of some parasites and pathogens, including nematodes and trematodes of medical and veterinary importance. They have a diverse diet, and can be classified as detritivores, plant feeders, or carnivores. The datasets presented here include raw RNA-seq data of 10 terrestrial land snails collected in three locations in Australia, including Northern Territory, Queensland and South Australia. The snails were identified morphologically, and RNA was extracted from whole organisms using a modified version of the Maxwell ® RSC simplyRNA Tissue Kit. The sequencing was performed in all samples and generated an average of at least 56 million paired-end reads per sample. RNA-seq raw reads and assembled transcripts including both host-derived and non-host sequences were deposited into a DRYAD repository. Assembled transcripts including only host data are also provided in this project. The dataset has reuse potential for environmental studies related to conservation biology, invasive species surveillance, disease research, educational purposes, development of bioinformatic tools for environmental transcriptomics or host-pathogen interactions. Moreover, the dataset can be used for benchmarking metatranscriptomic classification tools in non-model invertebrates.},
}

@article {pmid41140590,
year = {2025},
author = {Senphan, T and Mungmueang, N and Hoque, MS and Sriket, C and Benjakul, S and Buamard, N and Leelapongwattana, K and Nalinanon, S},
title = {Optimization of salt washing protocols for surimi production from invasive blackchin tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron): Molecular and functional properties.},
journal = {Food chemistry: X},
volume = {31},
number = {},
pages = {103127},
pmid = {41140590},
issn = {2590-1575},
abstract = {This study presents the first systematic molecular characterization and protein chemistry optimization for surimi processing from invasive blackchin tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron), introducing novel salt washing protocols. Ten treatments were evaluated including conventional washing, single/multiple salt washing (0.3-0.9 % NaCl), and pH-shifting methods. Molecular analyses (SDS-PAGE, ATR-FTIR and SEM) revealed myofibrillar protein preservation and distinct structural modifications. The optimized 0.6 % NaCl protocol achieved selective heme protein removal while preserving myofibrillar integrity, yielding superior gel chemistry (whiteness: 76.47 vs. 71.04) and highest sensory acceptance (7.33 vs. 6.40). pH-shifting enhanced protein recovery (68.59 %) but caused molecular aggregation and network disruption, reducing gel strength by 82 %. Molecular analysis demonstrated that salt washing selectively removes chromoproteins while preserving essential gel-forming proteins, whereas pH-shifting caused protein aggregation. SEM confirmed dense protein matrices in salt-washed samples versus fragmented networks in pH-treated surimi. This chemistry-guided approach transforms invasive species into functional protein ingredients.},
}

@article {pmid41140302,
year = {2025},
author = {Mulcahy, DG and Reyes-Velasco, J and Vázquez-Arce, DI and Cervantes-Pasqualli, JA and Martínez-Gómez, JE and de Queiroz, K},
title = {Anthropogenic or Natural Dispersal: Case of the Spiny-Tailed Iguanas (Ctenosaura) on Clarion Island, Mexico.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {10},
pages = {e72366},
pmid = {41140302},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Clarion Island, in the Revillagigedo Archipelago off the Pacific Coast of Mexico, hosts a unique assemblage of vertebrates. Introduced species have caused significant ecological damage, and Spiny-tailed Iguanas (Ctenosaura pectinata) were assumed to have been introduced in recent times, prompting plans for eradication. To investigate the origin of the Ctenosaura population on Clarion Island, we conducted phylogenetic analyses of the Clarion Island and mainland populations using a portion of the mitochondrial DNA gene ND4. We estimated the date of divergence of the Clarion Island population from mainland Mexico populations using a relaxed-clock method. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that Clarion iguanas are sister to mainland C. brachylopha populations in northwestern Mexico, a species recently resurrected out of C. pectinata. We estimated a divergence of approximately 425,600 years ago for the Clarion population-predating human colonization of the Americas. These findings support natural dispersal, likely through rafting on vegetation mats, as the mechanism of colonization. Iguanas are well known for their ability to colonize islands, and this represents their second-longest overwater dispersal (> 1100 km); slightly greater than the distance of the Galapagos Islands from mainland Ecuador. Our findings demonstrate that Spiny-tailed Iguanas are native to Clarion Island and should be considered an integral part of the island's native fauna. Conservation plans must prioritize the protection of this population, which we identify as an evolutionarily significant unit (ESU). Further genetic sampling and analyses are needed to determine the population's genetic variation and taxonomic status. Our findings challenge prior assumptions and emphasize the need for evidence-based conservation strategies to preserve the integrity of oceanic island ecosystems.},
}

@article {pmid41139382,
year = {2025},
author = {Skokanová, K and Murgašová, M and Pulišová, K and Šingliarová, B},
title = {A Trojan horse inside the gates: Alien-native mating interactions in mixed populations of Solidago taxa.},
journal = {Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1111/plb.70125},
pmid = {41139382},
issn = {1438-8677},
support = {VEGA 2/0024/23//Vedecká Grantová Agentúra MŠVVaŠ SR a SAV/ ; APVV-19-0134//Agentúra na Podporu Výskumu a Vývoja/ ; },
abstract = {The establishment and possible impacts of alien-native hybrids depend on their formation frequency and ability to spread using generative and vegetative reproduction. Here, we investigated the frequency and pathways of hybrid Solidago ×niederederi formation and its subsequent mating interactions with parental species in mixed populations of invasive alien S. canadensis and native S. virgaurea. DAPI flow cytometry was used for progeny screening (991 seedlings) of the 15 plants from two mixed populations to document their mating interactions based on previously shown differences in relative genome size of the studied taxa. Seedlings of presumed hybrid origin (F1 hybrids) were formed at low frequency (up to 3%) by both S. canadensis and S. virgaurea. About 46% of germinating seeds produced by S. ×niederederi plants represented later hybrid generations. Backcrossing of S. ×niederederi with parental species within the mixed populations was thus intense, but its frequency differed in direction: backcrossing was less frequent with S. virgaurea as pollen donor (<8%), while there was a strong asymmetric pattern towards S. ×niederederi backcrossing with S. canadensis as the pollen donor (almost 47%). Furthermore, the formation of tri- and tetrapolyploid seedlings within the progeny of the two hybrid plants was recorded. Hybridisation and introgression appear to be established in mixed populations of S. canadensis, S. virgaurea and S. ×niederederi. These post-invasion processes might later be mirrored in the spreading success of descendants of the invasive species and genetic erosion of the native species. Therefore, their pathways, extent and consequences require further attention.},
}

@article {pmid41139195,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, H and Ye, A and Liu, S and Qi, S and Ren, G and Dai, Z and Li, Y and Du, D},
title = {Insights into the ecological mechanisms of Conyza canadensis invasion in heavy metal-contaminated soil.},
journal = {Planta},
volume = {262},
number = {6},
pages = {128},
pmid = {41139195},
issn = {1432-2048},
support = {32201297//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32171509//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32401311//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 11130900123008//Changzhou Vocational Institute of Engineering Research Foundation/ ; 11130300123005//Changzhou Vocational Institute of Engineering Research Foundation/ ; 23KJB180003//Natural Science Foundation of the Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China/ ; KY-A-07//Special Research Project of School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University/ ; },
mesh = {*Soil Pollutants/metabolism ; Soil Microbiology ; *Metals, Heavy/metabolism ; Soil/chemistry ; *Conyza/physiology/microbiology/metabolism ; Introduced Species ; Cadmium/metabolism ; Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism ; Lead/metabolism ; Microbiota ; },
abstract = {Soil nutrients and associated bacterial shifts revealed that positive plant-soil feedback enables Conyza canadensis to colonize metal-contaminated soil. The identified thresholds provide guidance for effective weed management under environmental stress. Invasion by non-native plants can trigger a self-promoting mechanism that facilitates their invasion by affecting soil nutrients and microbiota. Notably, the invasive Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist tends to colonize metal-contaminated areas. This study investigated how its progressive invasion affected abiotic and biotic properties in cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) co-contaminated soil. Different invasion stages were simulated by varying the relative densities of C. canadensis and the non-invasive Lactuca indica Linn. Both abiotic and biotic components were significantly altered as the invasion intensity increased. Along the invasion gradient of C. canadensis, the soil contents of total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), and soil organic matter (SOM), the structure of soil bacterial communities, and the accumulation of heavy metals in plant roots were altered. The relative abundances of key bacterial taxa associated with nutrient cycling, such as the phyla Gemmatimonadota and Planctomycetota, and the families Gemmatimonadaceae, Burkholderiaceae, Micrococcaceae, and Sphingomonadaceae, were shifted. Importantly, critical thresholds for abrupt nutrient shifts were identified through the discontinuous changes of AK and AP when C. canadensis invasion levels reached 38% and 48%, respectively. These nutrient thresholds coincided with shifts in the relative abundance of bacterial taxa involved in nutrient cycling, such as Micrococcaceae (OTU68) and Solibacteraceae (OTU208). The triggering of changes in the abiotic and biotic components of the soil system may represent crucial functional traits that promote positive feedbacks to increase the invasiveness of C. canadensis. These interactions support the ecological dynamics and successful colonization of C. canadensis in heavy metal-contaminated soil, and the identified invasion thresholds can provide guidance for effective weed management under environmental stress.},
}

*Soil Pollutants/metabolism
Soil Microbiology
*Metals, Heavy/metabolism
Soil/chemistry
*Conyza/physiology/microbiology/metabolism
Introduced Species
Cadmium/metabolism
Plant Roots/microbiology/metabolism
Lead/metabolism
Microbiota

@article {pmid41138421,
year = {2025},
author = {Chen, Z and Zhang, X and Chen, S and Wang, Y and Zhang, C and Yuan, F and Hao, Z},
title = {Spartina alterniflora alters characteristics and controlling factors of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in coastal wetland sediments.},
journal = {Journal of hazardous materials},
volume = {499},
number = {},
pages = {140180},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.140180},
pmid = {41138421},
issn = {1873-3336},
abstract = {Distribution, sources, and controlling factors of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Yancheng coastal wetlands under the invasion of Spartina alterniflora (S. alterniflora) were explored, PAHs concentrations in sediment ranged from 43.02 to 154.51 ng g[-][1] dw. Source apportionment revealed that traffic emissions and combustion were the primary contributors to PAHs contamination, with a minor portion originating from petroleum. The comparison across different habitats indicated that S. alterniflora directly promoted the accumulation of PAHs, and this effect increased with time. Conversely, after S. alterniflora removal, PAHs were reduced (with a 20.57 % reduction). Moreover, S. alterniflora also changed the physicochemical properties, especially fine particles. Correlation and linear regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between physicochemical properties and PAHs, highlighting their important influence on PAHs distribution. By modifying these properties, S. alterniflora indirectly increased PAHs accumulation, with total organic carbon (TOC) as the primary controlling factor. These results indicated that the control of S. alterniflora could not only mitigate the issue of invasive species, but also modify the sediment physicochemical properties and reduce PAHs contamination. These findings provided a scientific basis for dual-effect management and remediation strategies, supporting the simultaneous remediation of S. alterniflora invasion and PAHs pollution in coastal wetlands.},
}

@article {pmid41134804,
year = {2025},
author = {Si, Q and Hu, J and Hua, Z and Wang, J and Ji, M and Xu, G and Wu, B and Zhang, Y},
title = {Mechanisms of multi-species mealybug invasions in Hainan Island of China: Integrating niche, distribution, and habitat drivers.},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {10},
pages = {e0333679},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0333679},
pmid = {41134804},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {Animals ; China ; *Introduced Species ; *Ecosystem ; *Hemiptera/physiology ; Islands ; Biodiversity ; },
abstract = {Mealybugs, highly invasive pests causing global agricultural damage, threaten China's tropical Hainan Island-a critical biosecurity zone. This study investigates spatial patterns, interspecific interactions, and environmental drivers of 15 invasive mealybug species using integrated ecological niche modeling (Maxent), niche/range overlap analyses, Joint Species Distribution Models (JSDM), and Structural Equation Models (SEM). Our research revealed that a strong coastal-inland richness gradient emerged, where humid tropical climates and monoculture plantations supported 11-15 species in eastern coasts, whereas topographic complexity limited invasions to 0-5 species in forested mountains. In parallel, high niche overlap (I ≥ 0.67) among species reflected climate-mediated thermal tolerance and habitat-driven broad host preferences. Range overlap patterns diverged: high-overlap pairs (e.g., Planococcus minor and Paracoccus marginatus, I > 0.8) coexisted via adaptation to 24-28°C and generalist hosts, whereas low-overlap pairs (e.g., Icerya purchasi and Phenacoccus nigra, I = 0.37) segregated through host specificity. Mechanistically, JSDM confirmed these patterns, revealing competitive exclusion where resource overlap and thermal adaptation divergence occurred (e.g., P. marginatus vs. Dysmicoccus brevipes), versus coexistence promoted by host specialization (e.g., Ceroplastes psidii's rubber tree specificity versus P. marginatus's generalism), reproductive strategy divergence (parthenogenesis vs. seasonal outbreaks), and external environmental factors. Ultimately, SEM analyses and Linear regression identified significant positive correlations between habitat conditions and species suitability (R[2] = 0.71, p < 0.001), with habitat type as the dominant driver (total effect = 0.48), where climate and topography indirectly regulated suitability through habitat characteristics (e.g., elevation, latitude) while pest-infested areas directly enhanced suitability (path coefficient = 0.24). Our research framework elucidates multi-species invasion assembly mechanisms, new insights and theoretical support for the management of 15 invasive mealybug species, providing a solid foundation for optimizing future species distribution models, and validating the methodological value of integrated modeling (JSDM-SEM) in disentangling invasion complexities.},
}

Animals
China
*Introduced Species
*Ecosystem
*Hemiptera/physiology
Islands
Biodiversity

@article {pmid41133314,
year = {2025},
author = {Obame-Nkoghe, J and Niangui, BG and Ondo-Oyono, A and Moudoumi Kondji, F and Longo-Pendy, NM and Okomo Nguema, Y and Nkoghe-Nkoghe, LC and Ngangue, MF and Otomo, PV and Kengne, P and Paupy, C},
title = {Standardized Bioassays to Better Understand the Invasion Dynamics of the Global Arbovirus Vector Aedes albopictus.},
journal = {Current protocols},
volume = {5},
number = {10},
pages = {e70240},
doi = {10.1002/cpz1.70240},
pmid = {41133314},
issn = {2691-1299},
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/virology/physiology ; *Mosquito Vectors/virology/physiology ; *Biological Assay/methods/standards ; Female ; *Arboviruses ; Arbovirus Infections/transmission ; *Introduced Species ; Larva ; Oviposition ; },
abstract = {The global spread of the arbovirus vector Aedes albopictus has become a major public health concern. In tropical regions, competitive interactions with native species such as Aedes aegypti may have influenced its invasive success. Understanding the bioecological drivers behind its establishment and spread is crucial for informing targeted control measures. Here, we propose experimental settings, based on life history traits, to elucidate the factors that allow Ae. albopictus to colonize new environments, outcompete native species, expand geographically, and ultimately subject invaded regions to risks of arbovirus diseases. To this effect, we designed a series of Basic Protocols listed below. Each protocol simulates environmental conditions in which Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti coexist, allowing comparison of their bioecological responses and adaptability to shared resources. The validated results, showing the reproducibility of these methods, provide a foundation for evidence-based strategies to mitigate the public health risks posed by the spread of Ae. albopictus in invaded territories. © 2025 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. Support Protocol: Essential preliminary procedures Basic Protocol 1: Evaluation of larval habitat occupancy rates Basic Protocol 2: Evaluation of the female oviposition rate and reproductive potential Basic Protocol 3: Evaluation of embryonic kinetics Basic Protocol 4: Evaluation of hatching rate Basic Protocol 5: Evaluation of longevity.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/virology/physiology
*Mosquito Vectors/virology/physiology
*Biological Assay/methods/standards
Female
*Arboviruses
Arbovirus Infections/transmission
*Introduced Species
Larva
Oviposition

@article {pmid41132806,
year = {2025},
author = {Xie, X and Ma, T and Chen, Y and Zhuo, J and Chen, S and Kang, T and Hao, M and Ding, F and Jiang, D},
title = {Modeling the Potential Invasion Risk of Ageratina adenophora in China From an Ecological Suitability Perspective.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {10},
pages = {e72392},
pmid = {41132806},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Invasive species like Ageratina adenophora significantly threaten biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and economic resources in China. This study assesses the current and future potential invasion risk of A. adenophora across China, focusing on the provinces of Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou, and Guangxi-areas identified as highly susceptible to invasion. Utilizing both climate and human activity data, our results reveal that population density and temperature seasonality are dominant national-scale factors that affect the invasion risk of A. adenophora, while regional drivers exhibit significant variation. Projections show a northward and altitudinal shift in invasion risk by the 2060s, highlighting new potential invasion hotspots driven by future changes in climate and human activities. These findings underscore the importance of region-specific management strategies and establish a foundation for adaptive measures to mitigate the ecological and economic impacts of A. adenophora.},
}

@article {pmid41131726,
year = {2025},
author = {Cooper, RD and Messerman, AF and Searcy, CA and Toffelmier, E and Grether, GF and Shaffer, HB},
title = {Building genomically-informed demographic models to guide management of invasive hybrids.},
journal = {Ecological applications : a publication of the Ecological Society of America},
volume = {35},
number = {7},
pages = {e70116},
doi = {10.1002/eap.70116},
pmid = {41131726},
issn = {1051-0761},
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Hybridization, Genetic ; *Models, Biological ; *Ambystoma/genetics/physiology ; *Conservation of Natural Resources/methods ; California ; Bayes Theorem ; },
abstract = {Invasive species present one of the most challenging threats to native biodiversity, particularly when they hybridize with imperiled native taxa. In California, hybridization between the endangered California tiger salamander ("CTS," Ambystoma californiense) and the invasive barred tiger salamander ("BTS," Ambystoma mavortium) is one of the best understood examples of this management challenge. Reclusive life history and cryptic hybridization, often on private land, render eradication programs difficult or impossible. This study evaluates hydroperiod management as a tool to conserve and maintain native CTS populations threatened by hybridization. We adapt a recent, empirically informed Bayesian integral projection model (IPM) for CTS to incorporate new results that link genotype and ecology to fitness, and use this individual-based model to evaluate alternative management scenarios. We found overwhelming support for the importance of hydrology in both native and hybrid populations, where a 10-day increase in hydroperiod can increase population growth rate (λ $$ \uplambda $$) 17% and triple the carrying-capacity (K). We assess hydroperiod management as a strategy to control and contain hybrid introgression, and suggest a three-pronged strategy. First, for native populations not at risk of hybridization, hydroperiod should be increased to >120 days to support robust populations. Second, within the geographic hybrid zone, hydroperiod should be reduced to limit hybrid populations, maintain vernal pool function, and improve the efficiency of adult hybrid removal. Finally, our models indicate that managers should combine hydroperiod management with rapid field-based genotyping and hybrid removal, focusing on ponds where hybrids are rare, typically at the leading edge of the hybrid swarm. Efforts should also prioritize high-intensity surveys and early removal as opposed to long-duration (10+ years), lower effort surveys. This study demonstrates the value of integrating demographic, genetic, and ecological information to evaluate strategies for endangered species management, and may serve as modeling framework for a wide variety of imperiled species.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Hybridization, Genetic
*Models, Biological
*Ambystoma/genetics/physiology
*Conservation of Natural Resources/methods
California
Bayes Theorem

@article {pmid40211767,
year = {2025},
author = {Charbonnel, E and Benoit, L and Nidelet, S and Ortega-Abboud, E and Gschloessl, B and Leblois, R and Ouvrard, D and Chapuis, MP},
title = {Optimization and Evaluation of the bestRAD Sequencing Approach: Towards Ascertainment of the Invasion Routes of the Oriental Fruit Fly, Bactrocera dorsalis.},
journal = {Molecular ecology resources},
volume = {25},
number = {8},
pages = {e14114},
doi = {10.1111/1755-0998.14114},
pmid = {40211767},
issn = {1755-0998},
support = {ANR-20-CE32-0012//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; //Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement/ ; //Labex CeMEB (Centre Méditerranéen de l'Environnement et de la Biodiversité)/ ; //Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l'Alimentation, de l'Environnement et du Travail/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Tephritidae/genetics/classification ; *High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods ; *Introduced Species ; *Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods ; *Genotyping Techniques/methods ; Genotype ; },
abstract = {The bestRAD technique is a reduced genome representation approach with high-capacity sample multiplexing and physical isolation of biotin-labelled target DNA fragments using streptavidin beads, which should reduce total cost and genotyping errors. While we here formalise the relevance of this approach within the HTS landscape, our foremost aim was to improve its replicability, validity, and transparency. We first optimised the molecular laboratory protocol and shared the associated protocols (e.g., final detailed methodologies, quality control, best practices) under the FAIR principles. Using 84 worldwide individual samples of the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, a major invasive pest, we revealed a low rate of PCR duplicates, robustness to DNA quality and quantity, high genotype call rate, insignificant genotyping error rate, high nuclear and mitochondrial genome representativeness, and a high level of genetic information. This in-depth data quality assessment, along with total cost and handling time reduced by an estimated one-third relative to the parent RAD-Seq version, demonstrates that bestRAD is an excellent compromise between cost and quality. While we generated high-quality genomic resources for B. dorsalis, we also share details and recommendations for the bestRAD technique that can be readily used in any laboratory and applied to all organisms, even without published genome sequence.},
}

Animals
*Tephritidae/genetics/classification
*High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing/methods
*Introduced Species
*Sequence Analysis, DNA/methods
*Genotyping Techniques/methods
Genotype

@article {pmid41130060,
year = {2025},
author = {de Araújo, FV and Amaral, WG and Barroso, GM and Pinheiro, AC and Dos Santos, JB and Pereira, IM},
title = {Overcoming barriers to invasive grasses: strategies for restoring native vegetation in the Atlantic forest with direct seeding.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {395},
number = {},
pages = {127737},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.127737},
pmid = {41130060},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {Invasive grasses such as Urochloa decumbens pose a significant obstacle to forest restoration by preventing the establishment of native species. Direct seeding offers a cost-effective, biodiversity-enhancing alternative to conventional restoration methods. However, this technique depends on the effective suppression of invasive grasses to create favorable conditions for germination and growth. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of herbicides (glyphosate, haloxyfop, and trifluralin) and mechanical methods (Harrowing and Mowing) in controlling U. decumbens and facilitating native species establishment through direct seeding. Glyphosate achieved the highest reduction in U. decumbens cover (up to 90 %), followed by trifluralin (45 %), while haloxyfop and mechanical methods showed limited effectiveness, due to rapid regrowth within 30 days. Glyphosate and trifluralin increased herbaceous cover and exposed soil, whereas mechanical treatments promoted the presence of invasive plants. All treatments improved native seedling emergence and survival compared to the untreated control. Glyphosate also enhanced plant height and crown diameter. These findings show that herbicide use, when adjusted to restoration goals, effectively controls U. decumbens. In contrast, mechanical methods face limitations due to the rapid regrowth of the invasive grass. This study underscores the need for restoration-specific guidelines that balance invasive species control with ecological sustainability to improve forest recovery outcomes.},
}

@article {pmid41130058,
year = {2025},
author = {Yang, J and Cui, L and Zhuo, Z and Tian, J and Li, P and Min, Y and Ke, Y},
title = {Rapid change in structural stability of tidal flats in response to large-scale eradication of Spartina alterniflora: evidence from dense time-series PlanetScope satellite imagery.},
journal = {Journal of environmental management},
volume = {395},
number = {},
pages = {127652},
doi = {10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.127652},
pmid = {41130058},
issn = {1095-8630},
abstract = {The invasion of Spartina alterniflora (S. alterniflora) has significantly affected coastal wetland ecosystems globally. In China, a nationwide eradication campaign has been launched, aiming to remove 90 % of the species by 2025. While S. alterniflora enhances sedimentation and prevents tidal flats from erosion, how these stabilizing effects may alter and what geomorphic impacts may arise following its large-scale removal remain unclear. This study investigates the impacts of S. alterniflora removal on the structural stability of tidal flats in the Yellow River Delta (YRD), where ∼5500 ha had been invaded since 2008 and over 90 % was removed by 2021. Using dense time-series, high-resolution PlanetScope imagery from 2019 to 2023, we developed a Tidal Flat Structural Stability Index (TFSSI) that integrates multiple indicators, including tidal inundation frequency (IF), land-to-water conversion frequency (CF), tidal channel morphology, and shoreline change. By comparing these indicators before and after removal across three zones with different invasion histories, we found that Zones A and B-both heavily invaded-exhibited rapid and pronounced changes following removal. These included significant increases in IF and CF, substantial expansion in channel number, length, and width in Zone B, artificial ditch excavation in Zone A, accelerated shoreline retreat, and marked declines in TFSSI in both zones. In contrast, Zone C, which experienced minimal invasion, remained relatively stable throughout the study period. The results demonstrate that large-scale S. alterniflora removal can rapidly disrupt hydrological regimes and intensify geomorphic processes, potentially reducing tidal flat resilience. This study provides critical insights for balancing invasive species management with the long-term structural stability and restoration of coastal wetlands.},
}

@article {pmid41129653,
year = {2025},
author = {Thakur, MP and Gu, Z and van Kleunen, M and Zhou, X},
title = {Invasion impacts in terrestrial ecosystems: Global patterns and predictors.},
journal = {Science (New York, N.Y.)},
volume = {390},
number = {6771},
pages = {381-385},
doi = {10.1126/science.adq3101},
pmid = {41129653},
issn = {1095-9203},
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; *Biodiversity ; Animals ; *Ecosystem ; Soil ; Plants ; Greenhouse Gases ; },
abstract = {Biological invasions can alter ecosystems, yet their impacts vary across ecological contexts. Using a global meta-analysis of 775 studies (2223 effect sizes) in terrestrial systems, we show that the most consistent negative impacts are reductions in native plant diversity caused by invasive plants and increases in greenhouse gas emissions driven by both invasive plants and animals. However, evidence of publication bias suggests the latter should be interpreted with caution. Invader residence time emerged as a key predictor: Longer residence times intensified the negative effects of invasive plants on native diversity, whereas impacts on soil abiotic properties tended to weaken over time. Our synthesis reveals that some properties, such as native plant diversity, remain persistently sensitive to invasion, whereas others are more variable as invasions persist.},
}

*Introduced Species
*Biodiversity
Animals
*Ecosystem
Soil
Plants
Greenhouse Gases

@article {pmid41129360,
year = {2025},
author = {Guillén, YG and Vences-Blanco, MO and Meraz-Medina, T and Antillón-Navarro, MDS and Martínez-Ibarra, JA},
title = {Feeding and defecation behavior of two populations of Triatoma longipennis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) from Central Mexico.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjaf151},
pmid = {41129360},
issn = {1938-2928},
abstract = {Chagas disease is one of the most important vector-borne diseases in Mexico. Triatoma longipennis (Usinger. 1939) is one of the most epidemiologically important vector species of Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909), the etiological agent of Chagas disease. This study reports the third collection of T. longipennis from the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. This paper evaluates and compares feeding and defecation behaviors for each instar of two populations of T. longipennis recently detected in Hidalgo, Mexico. No significant differences were noted between the two populations in the mean time to initiate feeding (immediate "attack"), feeding times (> 10 min), and defecation delay (when feeding or immediately after feeding: 77% to 99% vs 84.5% to 100%). These observed behaviors in the two populations of T. longipennis from Hidalgo align with the characteristics of an effective transmitter of T. cruzi. Given these results, the recently detected populations of T. longipennis could be considered significant potential vectors of T. cruzi to human populations and may replace key triatomine species within their new distribution area.},
}

@article {pmid41127958,
year = {2025},
author = {Ayi, Q and Zhang, X and Pedersen, O and van Bodegom, PM and Xia, F and Wang, Q and He, B and Zeng, B and Cornelissen, JHC},
title = {High-density nodal diaphragms in stems slow down, but do not obstruct, longitudinal oxygen diffusion during partial submergence.},
journal = {Journal of experimental botany},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jxb/eraf468},
pmid = {41127958},
issn = {1460-2431},
abstract = {The species Alternanthera philoxeroides is a flood-tolerant species, which has to cope with the hypoxic stress under submergence. However, the pith cavity in stem of this species is interrupted and partitioned by low-porosity nodal diaphragms at nodes. To date little knowledge is available about whether discontinuous pith cavities are functional for internal gas transport in plants. To disclose the role of stem discontinuous pith cavities in internal gas transport, the diffusive transport capacity of O2, tissue O2 status of intact plants and the influence of restricting longitudinal O2 supply on whole-plant growth during partial submergence were assessed. We found that stem pith cavity was the main pathway for diffusional supply of molecular O2, blocking only one internode significantly decreased the O2 flux to lower internodes, and the reduced O2 flux translated into reduced growth in partially submerged plants. A major output component of the study is a model that uses normalized tissue dimensions and concentration gradients to establish a fair foundation for comparison of contrasting species under different experimental conditions. We therefore predict that future studies will use this approach to further broaden the scope and value of resistance and flux measurement in target species.},
}

@article {pmid41126002,
year = {2025},
author = {Tzuc-Dzul, JC and Garcia-Rejon, JE and Cigarroa-Toledo, N and Chi-Chim, WA and Baak-Baak, CM},
title = {The First National Record of the Invasive Mosquito Aedes vittatus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Mexico, a Threat to Public Health in Continental America.},
journal = {Neotropical entomology},
volume = {54},
number = {1},
pages = {112},
pmid = {41126002},
issn = {1678-8052},
support = {CF-2023-I-678//Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnología/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Aedes/classification ; Mexico ; *Introduced Species ; Female ; *Mosquito Vectors ; Public Health ; *Animal Distribution ; },
abstract = {Aedes (Fredwardsius) vittatus (Bigot) has a native geographical distribution that encompasses tropical areas of Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean region of Europe. In its native range, this mosquito species is a potential vector of the dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever viruses. Currently, Ae. vittatus is reported in the Caribbean countries of Cuba, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. We report the discovery of one female Ae. vittatus captured on September 11, 2024, in X-Calakoop, located near a major tourist site in Yucatán. Additionally, 11 mosquito species were found: Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus), Aedes albopictus (Skuse), Aedes bimaculatus Coquillett, Aedes cozumelensis Díaz Nájera, Aedes podographicus Dyar & Knab, Aedes taeniorhynchus (Wiedemann), Culex coronator Dyar & Knab, Culex nigripalpus Theobald, Haemagogus mesodentatus Komp & Kumm, Limatus durhamii Theobald, and Toxorhynchites moctezuma (Dyar & Knab). Notably, Ae. albopictus was the most abundant mosquito in the collection, accounting for 77.5% of the adults and 78.66% of the immature stages. The identification of Ae. vittatus in Mexico represents the first record of this species for continental America. The discovery represents the 252nd species in the country and 49th in Yucatán. The increase in the distribution pattern may have implications for public health in tropical America.},
}

Animals
*Aedes/classification
Mexico
*Introduced Species
Female
*Mosquito Vectors
Public Health
*Animal Distribution

@article {pmid41125977,
year = {2025},
author = {Johnson, AE and Cornell, A and Zhu, F and Shay, AE and Davis, G and Hoover, K},
title = {Sequestration of plant defenses by spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) and effects on avian predators.},
journal = {Journal of chemical ecology},
volume = {51},
number = {6},
pages = {102},
pmid = {41125977},
issn = {1573-1561},
support = {PEN04755//USDA NIFA McIntire-Stennis Grant/ ; PEN04755//USDA NIFA McIntire-Stennis Grant/ ; 2019-51181-30014//USDA NIFA SCRI Grant CAP Award/ ; 2019-51181-30014//USDA NIFA SCRI Grant CAP Award/ ; C940001077//Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Grant/ ; C940001077//Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Grant/ ; },
abstract = {Lycorma delicatula is a polyphagous phloem feeder, which is spreading rapidly in the U.S., and is a major threat to grapes, hops, and ornamentals. Among its hosts, L. delicatula prefers Ailanthus altissima, an invasive tree from which it sequesters toxins, including several quassinoid compounds. We tested how these defenses affected predation by birds of nymphal and adult L. delicatula. Freeze-killed nymphs of each instar were reared with or without access to A. altissima and placed into cups on top of nest boxes occupied by house wrens (Troglodytes aedon). House wrens ate or fed their chicks a greater proportion of L. delicatula nymphs that had not had access to A. altissima than the nymphs that had access to this host plant. Adult L. delicatula reared with or without access to A. altissima were ground up and incorporated into separate batches of suet that were placed into double sided feeders set up at different sites during the winter. Trail camera video was reviewed to record how many times birds pecked each suet cake. Birds pecked the suet containing L. delicatula reared without access to A. altissima significantly more frequently than the suet containing adults that had fed on A. altissima. Of the quassinoids sequestered by L. delicatula from phloem sap of A. altissima, ailanthone and four other quassinoids were identified and quantified in different tissues, with the highest concentrations in the salivary glands. Results suggest that sequestration of toxic chemicals from A. altissima provides some protection to L. delicatula from avian predators.},
}

@article {pmid41125914,
year = {2025},
author = {Al-Bakre, DA},
title = {Modeling the invasive potential of the opuntia cactus in arid ecosystems by assessing current and future distribution trends.},
journal = {Scientific reports},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {36991},
pmid = {41125914},
issn = {2045-2322},
abstract = {Invasive plant species threaten biodiversity, ecosystem stability, and agricultural productivity by outcompeting native flora and altering ecological processes. Opuntia ficus-indica is a highly invasive species that has established itself across arid and semi-arid regions due to its resilience to extreme environmental conditions and rapid vegetative propagation. This study employs ecological niche modeling (ENM) with MaxEnt to assess the current and future distribution of O. ficus-indica in Saudi Arabia. Occurrence records were compiled from field surveys, literature, and biodiversity databases. Occurrence records were compiled from field surveys, literature, and global biodiversity databases. Nineteen bioclimatic, ten soil, and three topographic variables were initially selected, and six key predictors were retained after multicollinearity reduction and Jackknife testing. Model performance was validated using the area under the curve (AUC) and partial ROC to ensure predictive accuracy. The most influential environmental predictors shaping its distribution were maximum temperature of the warmest month (bio5), NDVI, precipitation of the wettest month (bio14), mean temperature of the warmest quarter (bio10), soil organic carbon (SOC), and soil pH. The results indicate that the current distribution of O. ficus-indica is concentrated in southwestern Saudi Arabia, particularly in regions with moderate precipitation and temperature. Future climate projections (SSP245 and SSP585) suggest a northward and inland expansion, with increasing habitat suitability in Najran, Al Qassim, and central Riyadh, while certain highly suitable areas in the southwest may decline due to extreme warming. These findings highlight the potential ecological risks posed by climate-driven invasion and underscore the need for proactive management strategies. Integrated control measures, including mechanical removal, biological control, habitat restoration, and policy interventions, are recommended to mitigate its spread. This study provides a scientific basis for policymakers and conservationists to develop effective invasion management plans, ensuring the protection of native ecosystems in the face of climate change.},
}

@article {pmid41125600,
year = {2025},
author = {Pabst, R and Sousa, CA and Essl, F and García-Rodríguez, A and Liu, D and Lenzner, B and Schertler, A and Zêzere, JL and Capinha, C},
title = {Global invasion patterns and dynamics of disease vector mosquitoes.},
journal = {Nature communications},
volume = {16},
number = {1},
pages = {9127},
pmid = {41125600},
issn = {2041-1723},
mesh = {Animals ; *Mosquito Vectors/physiology ; Humans ; *Introduced Species ; *Culicidae/physiology/classification ; Animal Distribution ; },
abstract = {Mosquitoes are major vectors of human diseases, and their geographic expansion is primarily driven by the unintentional, human mediated introduction beyond their native ranges. Despite the substantial public health implications and rising numbers of disease outbreaks, a global picture of the introduction trends and the resulting range expansions of mosquitoes is missing. Here, we present a comprehensive and up-to-date compilation and analysis of reported first records of human disease vector mosquitoes worldwide. We show that 45 mosquito species (~25% of those known to transmit human pathogens) have been introduced worldwide, with 28 species having established in at least one region. From the 1950's onwards, the introduction of new species has increased sharply, with 12 species recorded for the first time outside their native range since 2000 alone. Initially, most introduced species were native to Africa, but over time, Asian species have become more dominant. North America, Australia and Europe remain the main recipients. Our results highlight the role of global trade and transportation in mosquito spread and emphasizes the need for international cooperation to control their spread and potential threat to public health.},
}

Animals
*Mosquito Vectors/physiology
Humans
*Introduced Species
*Culicidae/physiology/classification
Animal Distribution

@article {pmid41124535,
year = {2025},
author = {Pinto, HA and Melo, AL and Mati, VLT},
title = {Crossing the health misinformation crisis: Lessons from the giant hammerhead flatworm.},
journal = {Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical},
volume = {58},
number = {},
pages = {e02122025},
doi = {10.1590/0037-8682-0212-2025},
pmid = {41124535},
issn = {1678-9849},
mesh = {Animals ; Humans ; Brazil ; *Platyhelminths/classification ; *Communication ; Mass Media ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {We examined the recent surge in misinformation surrounding giant hammerhead flatworms (Bipaliinae, primarily Bipalium kewense), which has generated widespread confusion across multiple countries regarding their risks to human health. Prompted by a routine taxonomic identification, this study aims to restore scientific accuracy and address the growing disconnect between science and the public concerning these worms, which have become an Internet sensation. In late 2023, we were asked to identify specimens collected in Pedro Leopoldo, Minas Gerais, Brazil, that had already attracted considerable online and regional media attention, warning of a "new, invasive, and dangerous worm" and its supposed threats. After confirming the species was B. kewense, we reviewed the literature, constructed a timeline of scientific and media reports, and compared information retrieved from Google News and Google Scholar. Our findings indicate that while academic research on invasive species has steadily increased, sensationalized and often inaccurate content on hammerhead worms proliferated in the general media, particularly between 2017 and 2018. Notably, claims (2023-2024) regarding the toxicity of Bipalium spp. lack scientific support. This case illustrates the broader challenges of health misinformation in the digital age, where misleading narratives rapidly transcend countries and languages. We discuss potential drivers, including communication gaps between academia and the public, the influence of media and social networks, and behavioral factors underlying misinformation. Finally, we highlight the urgent need for innovative strategies and coordinated efforts to strengthen online science communication and ensure the dissemination of accurate information.},
}

Animals
Humans
Brazil
*Platyhelminths/classification
*Communication
Mass Media
Introduced Species

@article {pmid41124138,
year = {2025},
author = {Bennett, JA and Elshamy, O and Trefiak, M and Wasan, JP},
title = {Fertilizer and fungicide reduce herbicide efficacy and enhance growth of invasive common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare).},
journal = {PloS one},
volume = {20},
number = {10},
pages = {e0333818},
doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0333818},
pmid = {41124138},
issn = {1932-6203},
mesh = {*Herbicides/pharmacology ; *Fertilizers ; *Introduced Species ; *Fungicides, Industrial/pharmacology ; *Tanacetum/growth & development/drug effects/microbiology ; Mycorrhizae/drug effects ; Biomass ; },
abstract = {Common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare; Asteraceae) is a widespread invasive species in North America that threatens biodiversity and agricultural productivity by displacing resident vegetation. Combined with being unpalatable, it can be toxic and thus poses significant challenges for the livestock industry. Current tansy control strategies are largely chemical and rely on a suite of synthetic auxin herbicides. The need for reapplication may lead to resistance development in addition to significant biodiversity losses. Recent work suggests that invasive Asteraceae may rely on symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to give them a competitive advantage. We hypothesized that suppressing AMF would reduce tansy growth and reduce reliance on more damaging herbicides. Fungicides and fertilizers, known to suppress AMF, may be potential tools for tansy suppression by reducing its competitive ability; however, both may also enhance invader growth and represent a significant risk. We conducted a two-year experiment crossing three herbicides, with varying degrees of residual control, with fungicide and fertilizer treatments to explore their effects on tansy. Despite initially reducing AMF abundances, both fertilizer and fungicide unexpectedly improved tansy growth, especially when applied with the non-residual herbicide (2,4-D), where strong control was eliminated by either treatment. This suggests that, at least at our study site, any suppression of AMF did not affect tansy strongly enough to overcome the benefits of increased nutrients and pathogen suppression. Independent of fungicide or fertilizer, all three herbicides reduced tansy biomass and increased community biomass by year two, driven by increases in grasses. The most effective herbicide (picloram), however, also caused the greatest declines in broadleaf plants, leading to significant species losses. Conversely, 2,4-D was only slightly less effective after two years, while having limited non-target effects. Non-residual herbicides, like 2-4D, may offer a better balance between tansy control and biodiversity conservation.},
}

*Herbicides/pharmacology
*Fertilizers
*Introduced Species
*Fungicides, Industrial/pharmacology
*Tanacetum/growth & development/drug effects/microbiology
Mycorrhizae/drug effects
Biomass

@article {pmid41123665,
year = {2025},
author = {Rivera-Estay, V and N Moreno-Gómez, F and Córdova-Lepe, F and Gutiérrez, R and Benítez, H},
title = {Studying the role of phenotypic change in biological invasion success through mathematical modeling.},
journal = {Journal of mathematical biology},
volume = {91},
number = {5},
pages = {61},
pmid = {41123665},
issn = {1432-1416},
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data ; Phenotype ; *Models, Biological ; Predatory Behavior ; Mink/physiology ; Biological Evolution ; Mathematical Concepts ; Population Dynamics ; Ecosystem ; Algorithms ; Food Chain ; },
abstract = {When an exotic species is introduced outside its natural range, new interspecific interactions with native species may arise. These interactions can induce phenotypic changes, which may originate from phenotypic plasticity or adaptive processes. Phenotypic change may play an important role in biological invasions, either by promoting or by preventing its success. In this work, a mathematical modeling approach is used to study a native predator-prey system exposed to an exotic species that predates on the native species and that also competes by interference with the native predator. This proposed approach allows to describe the eco-evolutionary dynamics involving the inducible defense of the prey and the inducible offense of both predators. The model is represented by a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs), analyzed using advanced analytical and numerical methods. Specifically, we applied the qualitative theory of ODEs and developed numerical algorithms for parameter sweeps. Parameter values for the numerical experiments were based on the American mink, one of the most harmful invasive species in Europe and South America. The results show that the role of phenotypic change in invasion success depends on three components: the efficiency of the new trait values, the associated costs, and the speed of trait change. The specific conditions that lead to an unsuccessful invasion are: the prey's defense efficiency against the exotic predator is higher than its defense efficiency against the native predator. The cost imposed by the exotic predator is greater than the cost imposed by the native predator. Lastly, the speed of phenotypic change is faster in the native predator than in the exotic predator.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species/statistics & numerical data
Phenotype
*Models, Biological
Predatory Behavior
Mink/physiology
Biological Evolution
Mathematical Concepts
Population Dynamics
Ecosystem
Algorithms
Food Chain

@article {pmid41123560,
year = {2025},
author = {Brons, JK and Hackl, T and Iacovelli, R and Haslinger, K and Lequime, S and van der Meij, SET},
title = {De novo whole genome assembly of the globally invasive green shore crab Carcinus maenas (Linnaeus, 1758) via long-read Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencing.},
journal = {The Journal of heredity},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jhered/esaf085},
pmid = {41123560},
issn = {1465-7333},
abstract = {Invasive species are reshaping aquatic ecosystems worldwide at an accelerating pace, with profound ecological and economic impacts. Many crustacean species have demonstrated invasive potential or are already well-established invaders. The green shore crab, Carcinus maenas, native to Europe and North Africa, is one of the most successful global marine invaders and is now present on six continents. Although the role of genomics in invasion science is increasingly recognized, genomic resources for brachyuran crabs remain limited, including the notable absence of a reference genome for C. maenas. Here we report on a de novo whole genome assembly of C. maenas via long-read Oxford Nanopore Technology sequencing. The assembly spans 1.09 Gbp across 21,887 scaffolds (NG50 = 13 Mbp) with a BUSCO completeness of 98.4%, providing a high-quality resource for future genomic analyses. We provide a detailed protocol for obtaining high-quality DNA to successfully sequence brachyuran crabs using a long-read approach. This new resource expands available genomic data for the species-rich infraorder Brachyura, and provides a valuable foundation for understanding the genetic factors underlying the global invasion success of C. maenas, supporting future research in marine invasion genomics.},
}

@article {pmid41123172,
year = {2025},
author = {Chuang, A and Nelsen, DR and Sitvarin, MI and Bailey, JB and Bergmann, HE and Bertagnolli, VE and De Araujo, EP and Donohoe, B and Geitner, WA and Hunter, SR and Ing, JK and Park, JJ and Vasquez, KA and Wang, AS and Coyle, DR},
title = {Chemical management strategies for the invasive Jorō spider, Trichonephila clavata (Araneae: Araneidae).},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf225},
pmid = {41123172},
issn = {1938-291X},
abstract = {Historically, spider management has received relatively little attention in the literature compared to insect pests, and few studies have examined the efficacy of chemical management strategies on orb weaver mortality and web site fidelity. However, the introduction and rapid spread of the Jorō spider, Trichonephila clavata (L. Koch, 1878; Araneae: Araneidae), in North America has created a wave of media and public awareness. Characterized by its large size, bright coloration, dense aggregations, and durable webs, this species has garnered concern from residents who wish to manage this pest. Internet-based advice ranges from using products labeled for arthropod control to common products around the home. Our study evaluated spider mortality from eleven separate products and two control treatments (water and no treatment at all). High doses of pyrethroid pesticides or essential oil and detergent-based pesticides were highly effective in killing T. clavata. Although spraying foaming dish soap and machine lubricant also led to high mortality rates, we do not condone the use of products outside of their registered label use. We also evaluated several products that did not cause high mortality for their potential to cause T. clavata to abandon their webs-a result that may be just as desirable for residents-though none of these products led to high rates of web abandonment. We strongly recommend that property managers carefully weigh the pros and cons and safety aspects of different management strategies (including mechanical management) and assess whether T. clavata management is warranted in the first place.},
}

@article {pmid41123166,
year = {2025},
author = {Nelsen, DR and Chuang, A and Corbit, AG and Sitvarin, MI and Bergmann, HE and De Araujo, EP and Hunter, SR and Ing, JK and Park, JJ and Vasquez, KA and Wang, AS and Coyle, DR},
title = {Keep calm and carry on: bites from Trichonephila clavata are unlikely and cause minimal discomfort.},
journal = {Journal of medical entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jme/tjaf103},
pmid = {41123166},
issn = {1938-2928},
support = {//American Arachnological Society/ ; RPNELSEN7//Clemson University/ ; },
abstract = {Arachnophobia is a widespread phenomenon, despite the fact that the vast majority of spiders pose no meaningful threat to people. The introduction and spread of an invasive spider (Trichonephila clavata L. Koch, 1878) to the United States has prompted questions about whether it should be considered dangerous. These questions are particularly relevant because the spider is large, builds webs on and near human structures, and has been documented to consume small vertebrate prey. To understand the realistic threat this species represents, we examined spider-human interactions in the field with escalating levels of contact intensity. During these interactions, spiders primarily moved to avoid human contact, and bites were incredibly rare, mainly occurring when spiders were forcibly restrained. To assess the medical significance of a bite by T. clavata, we conducted what we believe to be the first controlled study of spider bites. Spiders were induced to bite volunteers under controlled laboratory conditions while supervised by medical staff. Subjects who were bitten reported reliably low levels of pain and only localized physical symptoms (eg redness and swelling) that attenuated quickly. It is clear that this spider is unlikely to bite someone who encounters it in nature, and the symptoms are minor and fleeting in the event of a bite. Although T. clavata is spreading quickly in the United States, the risk of its bite or resulting symptoms should not be cause for fear.},
}

@article {pmid41122908,
year = {2025},
author = {Du, Z},
title = {Dynamic microRNA Responses Contribute to Phenotypic Plasticity and Stress Memory in Invasive Species.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70160},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70160},
pmid = {41122908},
issn = {1365-294X},
}

@article {pmid41121443,
year = {2025},
author = {Vogrinec, L and Bačnik, K and Bačič, M and Mehle, N and Fowkes, AR and Lengar, Ž and Harju, V and Adams, IP and Fox, A and Kutnjak, D},
title = {Wild and globally traded ornamental aquatic plants harbor diverse plant viruses, including notable crop pathogens.},
journal = {Environmental microbiome},
volume = {20},
number = {1},
pages = {133},
pmid = {41121443},
issn = {2524-6372},
support = {J4-4553//The Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency/ ; J4-4553//The Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency/ ; P1-0212//The Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency/ ; J4-4553//The Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency/ ; J4-4553//The Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency/ ; J4-4553//The Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Aquatic plants play key roles in ecosystems, serving as primary producers and providing habitat for other aquatic life. While many are ecologically important, some invasive species, often introduced through the ornamental plant trade, pose threats to various aquatic ecosystems. Although viral infections have been documented to some extent in aquatic crops, the viral diversity in wild and ornamental aquatic plants remains largely unexplored. Investigating the viral communities of aquatic plants is important, as their direct contact with water allows for the potential long-distance transmission of stable viruses released from infected individuals. Invasive aquatic plants exacerbate this issue by introducing novel microbes, including viruses, to new regions, increasing the potential threat to native plant populations.

RESULTS: Here, we investigated the viral communities of diverse aquatic plants by mining publicly available transcriptome data of 79 wild aquatic species and sequencing the RNA from 14 plant species (some of them of different ornamental varieties), sourced from hobby aquascaping stores. Plant viruses from various families were detected in taxonomically diverse aquatic plants, ranging from algae to angiosperms. Alongside sequences of known crop pathogens, such as turnip yellows virus, cucumber mosaic virus, and lettuce chlorosis virus, we identified contigs of putative novel viral species belonging to several plant-infecting viral families. Most notably, we discovered sequences of known and novel begomoviruses, which may be causing observed ornamental phenotypes in two different aquatic plants. Further, we identified a novel potyvirus that appears to be globally present in multiple ornamental plants from the genus Sagittaria. We detected it in three plants sourced from online stores in Slovenia, as well as six plants intercepted during the import process into the UK.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings expand on the so far limited knowledge of aquatic plant viruses, revealing known and putative novel plant viral species across diverse aquatic plant taxa. The detection of crop viruses, including regulated pathogens, in ornamental aquatic plants highlights the risks associated with their unregulated global trade. Further research into viruses of aquatic plants may provide insights into their role in ecosystems as well as their potential impact on agriculture.},
}

@article {pmid41121675,
year = {2024},
author = {Smith, L and Long, RA and Cannizzaro, AG and Sawicki, TR},
title = {Vicariance and cryptic diversity revealed by molecular phylogenetic analyses of estuarine Gammarus species (Crustacea: Amphipoda) due to formation of the Labrador Current.},
journal = {Invertebrate systematics},
volume = {38},
number = {4},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1071/IS24003},
pmid = {41121675},
issn = {1447-2600},
abstract = {The metapopulation of the estuarine species Gammarus tigrinus along the east coast of the United States has been hypothesised to represent two cryptic species divided biogeographically off the coast of North Carolina, USA. This divergence has been attributed to a strong temperature gradient created by the formation of the cold Labrador Current c. 3.0 million years ago. In addition, the northern phylogeographic clade of G. tigrinus has been demonstrated to be invasive in estuarine habitats across a large portion of northern Europe. Recent collections of G. tigrinus from Florida and Maryland, USA, allow for new approaches to test this hypothesis. Using the nuclear 18S and 28S rRNA, and mitochondrial 16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I genes, species delimitation models provide support that the genetic divergence of the northern and southern clades is equivalent to species level. In addition, molecular clock data demonstrate that this phylogeographic divergence coincides with the formation of the Labrador Current. Furthermore, the collections of G. daiberi from Florida, a species with biogeographical and ecological characteristics similar to those of G. tigrinus, provide independent support for the hypothesis. The potential for invasive species to be cryptic highlights the need for accurate identification of taxa to ensure that appropriate biogeographical assessment of potential source populations and mechanisms of dispersal can be made.},
}

@article {pmid41119991,
year = {2025},
author = {Zitoun, JL and Rousseau, R and Gourbière, S},
title = {Source-sink dynamics explains the coexistence of the invasive pest Dryocosmus kuriphilus and its biological control agent Torymus sinensis across French Eastern Pyrenees.},
journal = {Journal of the Royal Society, Interface},
volume = {22},
number = {231},
pages = {20250283},
doi = {10.1098/rsif.2025.0283},
pmid = {41119991},
issn = {1742-5662},
support = {//Agence Nationale de la Recherche/ ; //MITI CNRS/ ; //Région Occitanie Pyrénées-Méditerranée/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; France ; *Models, Biological ; *Pest Control, Biological ; *Fagaceae/parasitology ; },
abstract = {Integrating factors affecting the success of invasive insect pests into dynamical models can help assessing their invasion risks and control. Here, we model the spread of a gall-forming hymenopteran parasite of chestnut trees, Dryocosmus kuriphilus, and its control agent, Torymus sinensis, across 23 natural forest sites located in the French Eastern Pyrenees. The integration of field estimates of the levels of bottom-up (frequency, density and genetic susceptibility of chestnut trees) and top-down (hyperparasitism by native insects and fungi) control of the pest in a Nicholson-Bailey model allowed to identify source and sink sites for the invasive species and its control agent. Comparisons with the observed levels of hyperparasitism by T. sinensis showed that it was found in 7/23 sink sites. The extension of our modelling into a two-site model showed that dispersal rates as low as 1‰ can be responsible for the persistence of T. sinensis in sinks, regardless of the precise dynamical regime of D. kuriphilus-T. sinensis coexistence in the source. Although dispersal promotes the persistence of the control agent and tends to homogenize its effectiveness in both sites, it was also shown to reduce the global biological control effectiveness at high rates of coupling.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
France
*Models, Biological
*Pest Control, Biological
*Fagaceae/parasitology

@article {pmid41119705,
year = {2025},
author = {Golovatch, SI and Enghoff, H and Efeykin, BD},
title = {Chondrodesmus riparius Carl, 1914, a millipede species new to the fauna of Costa Rica, originally described from Colombia, and introduced to and presently widespread across Europe (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Chelodesmidae).},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5692},
number = {1},
pages = {161-174},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5692.1.8},
pmid = {41119705},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; Costa Rica ; Male ; Female ; Colombia ; *Arthropods/classification/anatomy & histology/growth & development/genetics ; Europe ; Animal Distribution ; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development ; Body Size ; Organ Size ; Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {The fairly large-bodied Neotropical millipede genus Chondrodesmus Silvestri, 1897, includes 23 species described from Central America, to Costa Rica in the north, and 25 more from South America, to Colombia, Venezuela, Peru and central-western Amazonia of Brazil in the south. Among them, seven species have hitherto been described or recorded from Costa Rica, including Chondrodesmus hoffmanni (Peters, 1865), from an unknown place, and here revised based on the holotype. Unexpectedly, it appears to differ markedly from all Costa Rican congeners, and instead it shows profound similarities to Chondrodesmus riparius Carl, 1914, from Colombia. The status of the European introduction heretofore provisionally referred to either as C. cf. riparius or C. riparius is confirmed here, since morphologically the European and Tropical American C. riparius populations represent the same species. To support this, comparative molecular studies using COI barcoding data, freshly obtained from a population from Costa Rica, with a European population of C. riparius show a congruence of 99.2%. This not only indicates the conspecificity of C. riparius from South America and Europe, but it also suggests the source area whence its introduction to Europe could have occurred.},
}

Animals
Costa Rica
Male
Female
Colombia
*Arthropods/classification/anatomy & histology/growth & development/genetics
Europe
Animal Distribution
Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development
Body Size
Organ Size
Introduced Species
Ecosystem

@article {pmid41119496,
year = {2025},
author = {Pereira, SE and Azevedo, F and Hajdu, E and Cavalcanti, FF and Klautau, M},
title = {Calcareous sponges (Porifera, Calcarea) from So Sebastio, So Paulo: new species and new records in two marine protected areas of Southeastern Brazil Ecoregion.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5688},
number = {1},
pages = {1-107},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5688.1.1},
pmid = {41119496},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; *Porifera/classification/anatomy & histology/genetics/growth & development ; Brazil ; Animal Distribution ; Ecosystem ; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development ; Organ Size ; Body Size ; Phylogeny ; },
abstract = {In Southeastern Brazil ecoregion, the assessment of calcareous sponges diversity has been particularly focused on Rio de Janeiro State, with 26 species recorded, while So Paulo State remains relatively unexplored, with only 11 species known up to date. So Sebastio, located on the northern coast of So Paulo, encompassing the Alcatrazes Archipelago, is an area of high ecological relevance. This study investigates the diversity of calcareous sponges within two Marine Protected Areas in So Sebastio region, integrating morphological and molecular approaches. A total of 18 species were identified, including two of the subclass Calcinea and 16 of the subclass Calcaronea. Among them, six are new to science: Ascandra arenaria sp. nov., Amphoriscus tenax sp. nov., Leucandra anoducta sp. nov., Leucosolenia sebastianensis sp. nov., Sycon caissarum sp. nov., and Sycon crassapicale sp. nov. Additionally, other eight species represent new records for So Paulo, with Leucandra caribea being reported for the first time in Brazil, extending their distribution ranges. The remaining four species had previously been recorded in the region. Furthermore, as an important additional morphological character, we are originally reporting the presence of a few tetractines, alongside triactines, in the atrial skeleton of the invasive species Paraleucilla magna. Our findings provide a comprehensive baseline inventory of calcareous sponge species from the So Sebastio area (Ilhabela and So Sebastio, including the Alcatrazes Archipelago) and contribute to understanding the biogeographical affinities of the calcarean fauna of Southeastern Brazil with regions within and beyond the Atlantic Ocean.},
}

Animals
*Porifera/classification/anatomy & histology/genetics/growth & development
Brazil
Animal Distribution
Ecosystem
Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development
Organ Size
Body Size
Phylogeny

@article {pmid41119281,
year = {2025},
author = {Pritchard, ZA and Ivie, MA and Oneill, KM and Delphia, CM},
title = {A faunal treatment of the Megachile (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) of Montana with a key for their identification.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5683},
number = {1},
pages = {1-51},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5683.1.1},
pmid = {41119281},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; Montana ; Animal Distribution ; Female ; Male ; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development ; Bees/classification/anatomy & histology/growth & development ; Body Size ; Organ Size ; Ecosystem ; },
abstract = {We provide the first statewide inventory of the species of Megachile in Montana from 5,406 records, based on collecting efforts in 20192021 and physical specimen data from publications, natural history museums, private collections, and online data aggregators. We documented 35 species within the state, six of which are new state records: Megachile casadae Cockerell, Megachile centuncularis (Linnaeus), Megachile gentilis Cresson, Megachile mellitarsis Cresson, Megachile mendica Cresson, and Megachile snowi Mitchell. These were predicted to occur in Montana based on existing range data but had not been previously sampled due to limited prior collecting. We also confirmed Megachile dakotensis Mitchell and Megachile nevadensis Cresson to occur in eastern Montana, which had not been recorded in the state for 85 and 84 years respectively, most likely from a lack of collecting in their ranges. Based on published distributional data, we identified eight native species that might be found in the state with further collecting, as well as two introduced species that could reach Montana in the future. This work adds important Megachile species range data in North America, articulates several taxonomic challenges within the group, and will aid future identifications of Montana Megachile through a taxonomic key provided here.},
}

Animals
Montana
Animal Distribution
Female
Male
Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development
Bees/classification/anatomy & histology/growth & development
Body Size
Organ Size
Ecosystem

@article {pmid41120002,
year = {2025},
author = {Ligocki, IY and Brand, JA and Thoré, ESJ and Aich, U and Brodin, T and Camacho-Cervantes, M and Martin, JM and Munson, A and Polverino, G and Wong, BBM and Bertram, MG},
title = {Uncovering the role of chemical pollutants in shaping biological invasions.},
journal = {Proceedings. Biological sciences},
volume = {292},
number = {2057},
pages = {20251232},
doi = {10.1098/rspb.2025.1232},
pmid = {41120002},
issn = {1471-2954},
support = {//Australian Research Council/ ; //Svenska Forskningsrådet Formas/ ; //Kempestiftelserna/ ; //Forrest Research Foundation Fellowship/ ; //Italian Ministry of University and Research/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Animals ; *Environmental Pollutants/adverse effects ; Ecosystem ; *Environmental Pollution ; },
abstract = {Ecosystems around the globe are under unprecedented pressure from human activities. Chemical pollution and biological invasions are two leading drivers of environmental change, each of which causes substantial harm to wildlife and the ecosystems they inhabit. However, despite their individual impacts being well-documented, the combined effects of these pervasive environmental pressures are seldom studied. Here, we address this critical gap by first examining the potential interactions between chemical pollution and biological invasions in animals. We then discuss possible impacts of chemical pollution on animals-both invasive and native-across the distinct stages of the invasion process. Further, we examine gaps in our current understanding of the potential interactions between chemical pollution and biological invasions, including the role of pollutants in mediating interactions between native and non-native species, how pollutants may influence the potential for the invasion process to act as a selective filter, and the relevance of phenotypic plasticity and behavioural syndromes in this context. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying key research gaps, this review underscores the importance of considering chemical pollution and biological invasions in combination in ecological research. Understanding the combined impacts of these widespread and frequently co-occurring phenomena is essential for developing effective conservation and restoration measures in an increasingly human-modified world.},
}

*Introduced Species
Animals
*Environmental Pollutants/adverse effects
Ecosystem
*Environmental Pollution

@article {pmid41119941,
year = {2025},
author = {Iftime, A and Oel, V},
title = {An annotated systematical checklist of the Romanian ichthyofauna.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5654},
number = {1},
pages = {1-64},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5654.1.1},
pmid = {41119941},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Romania ; Animals ; Checklist ; Animal Distribution ; Male ; Female ; },
abstract = {The ichthyofauna of Romania has long constituted the object of scientific studies; however, rapid changes in both taxonomy and the composition of local fauna require constant updating of the country species list. We attempt here to give a complete checklist of Romanian ichthyofauna, including recently extinct and introduced species, and discussing doubtful records. A discussion of the taxonomical status of recorded species is also included. We discuss 272 species (plus 2 introduced hybrids) recorded for Romania, belonging to 79 families and 31 orders. The distribution and status of treated species are also briefly delineated.},
}

Romania
Animals
Checklist
Animal Distribution
Male
Female

@article {pmid41119448,
year = {2025},
author = {Gallego, D and Dios, MNG and Riba-Flinch, JM and Garca-Reina, A and Galin, J and Mas, H and Lencina, JL and Zafra, M and Henares, I and Rodrguez, F and Alczar, MD and Knek, M and Gmez, DF},
title = {Euwallacea similis (Ferrari), a new ambrosia beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) for the Iberian Peninsula, and new records on Euwallacea fornicatus (Eichhoff), Xyleborus bispinatus Eichhoff and Amasa parviseta Knek & Smith.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5673},
number = {1},
pages = {63-78},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5673.1.4},
pmid = {41119448},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; Spain ; *Weevils/classification/anatomy & histology/growth & development/physiology ; Animal Distribution ; Male ; Female ; Introduced Species ; Ecosystem ; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development ; Body Size ; Organ Size ; },
abstract = {The rise of invasive species is a global concern, increasingly driven by international trade and climate change. Ambrosia beetles (Xyleborini) are particularly successful invaders due to their ability of asexual reproduction and symbiotic relationship with fungi. Here we report and map the distribution of Xyleborini alien species in the Iberian Peninsula, expanding knowledge about the distribution of already established species and identifying a new host plant for Xyleborus bispinatus. Some populations have been detected through early detection trapping networks. The presence of Euwallacea fornicatus and E. similis is confirmed for the first time in the Iberian Peninsula, with E. similis establishing populations in Southeastern Spain, while E. fornicatus is confirmed in the South, affecting avocado crops. Additionally, the distribution of X. bispinatus has been expanded. Amasa parviseta was also recorded, suggesting a broader distribution than previously known. The study highlights the increasing arrival and establishment of invasive Xyleborini in Spain, likely driven by trade, climate change, and urban development. This work underscores the urgent need for monitoring and early detection programs to manage and mitigate potential impacts.},
}

Animals
Spain
*Weevils/classification/anatomy & histology/growth & development/physiology
Animal Distribution
Male
Female
Introduced Species
Ecosystem
Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development
Body Size
Organ Size

@article {pmid41119215,
year = {2025},
author = {Evcen, A and Inar, ME},
title = {Sponge fauna of the Aegean coast of Trkiye with new records for the eastern Mediterranean Sea.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5631},
number = {2},
pages = {201-244},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5631.2.1},
pmid = {41119215},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; *Porifera/classification/growth & development/anatomy & histology ; Mediterranean Sea ; Animal Distribution ; Ecosystem ; Animal Structures/growth & development/anatomy & histology ; Body Size ; Organ Size ; Turkey ; },
abstract = {This study was conducted to determine the taxonomic, ecological and distributional characteristics of sponge species distributed along the Aegean Sea coast of Trkiye. Samples were collected from 36 coastal and 7 offshore stations of different depths (35400 m) and biotopes. Benthic sampling was performed by diving at coastal stations and by bottom-trawling at offshore stations. As a result of the faunistic analysis of the samples, a total of 114 species belonging to 3 classes, 17 orders and 44 families were identified, of which 9 species were new to the eastern Mediterranean, 10 species were new to the Aegean Sea, and 13 species were new to the coasts of Trkiye. Among the biotopes, rocky shores were characterized by the highest number of sponge species (85 species), while the stony coral Cladocora caespitosa was represented by the lowest number of species (3 species). The majority of sponge species (73 species) were found in the depth interval 1020 m. Among the sponges identified, only one invasive alien species, namely Paraleucilla magna, was found on artificial substrata at one station in the inner part of zmir Bay. The majority of the species (71% of the total number of species) found in the study area have the Atlanto-Mediterranean distribution pattern.},
}

Animals
*Porifera/classification/growth & development/anatomy & histology
Mediterranean Sea
Animal Distribution
Ecosystem
Animal Structures/growth & development/anatomy & histology
Body Size
Organ Size
Turkey

@article {pmid41119157,
year = {2025},
author = {Masunari, S and Lopes, OL and Ahyong, ST},
title = {Introduction of the Indo-West Pacific mantis shrimp, Oratosquillina interrupta (Kemp, 1911) (Stomatopoda, Squillidae), to Brazil.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5637},
number = {1},
pages = {180-184},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5637.1.10},
pmid = {41119157},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; Brazil ; Male ; Female ; Animal Distribution ; Animal Structures/growth & development/anatomy & histology ; Body Size ; *Decapoda/anatomy & histology/classification/growth & development ; Organ Size ; Atlantic Ocean ; Introduced Species ; Pacific Ocean ; },
abstract = {The Indo-West Pacific mantis shrimp, Oratosquillina interrupta (Kemp, 1911), is recorded for the first time from the Brazilian coast and Atlantic Ocean. A total of 39 specimens (4 males and 35 females) of O. interrupta were obtained during trawls for white shrimp fishing along Paran State coast, southern Brazil in 2023 and 2024. Oratosquillina interrupta, now known from Brazilian waters, is the fourth species of the family Squillidae to become established outside of its native range.},
}

Animals
Brazil
Male
Female
Animal Distribution
Animal Structures/growth & development/anatomy & histology
Body Size
*Decapoda/anatomy & histology/classification/growth & development
Organ Size
Atlantic Ocean
Introduced Species
Pacific Ocean

@article {pmid41119037,
year = {2025},
author = {Hauptman, T and Capuder, L and Devetak, Z and Groot, M and Faccoli, M and Pikur, B},
title = {First record of the non-native Cnestus mutilatus (Blandford) and further findings of other Xyleborini (Curculionidae, Scolytinae) recently recorded in Slovenia.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5653},
number = {1},
pages = {143-150},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5653.1.9},
pmid = {41119037},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; Slovenia ; Male ; Female ; Animal Distribution ; *Weevils/classification/anatomy & histology/growth & development ; Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development ; Organ Size ; Introduced Species ; Body Size ; },
abstract = {Ambrosia beetles of the subfamily Scolytinae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) have successfully invaded many parts of the world and are increasingly being introduced to new areas, primarily through international trade. The number of non-native species recorded in Slovenia is also increasing. During the national survey of quarantine species in 2024, a new non-native scolytine beetle, Cnestus mutilatus, was recorded for the first time in Slovenia. Two specimens were trapped at Radmoanci, a location in northeastern Slovenia. New data on two other species recently recorded in Slovenia, Anisandrus maiche and Xylosandrus compactus, are also presented.},
}

Animals
Slovenia
Male
Female
Animal Distribution
*Weevils/classification/anatomy & histology/growth & development
Animal Structures/anatomy & histology/growth & development
Organ Size
Introduced Species
Body Size

@article {pmid41118965,
year = {2025},
author = {Boll, PK and Luna, M},
title = {Diversity of land planarians (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida: Geoplanidae) in Central America: annotated checklist with new records of native and introduced species from citizen science.},
journal = {Zootaxa},
volume = {5695},
number = {1},
pages = {1-70},
doi = {10.11646/zootaxa.5695.1.1},
pmid = {41118965},
issn = {1175-5334},
mesh = {Animals ; *Planarians/classification/anatomy & histology/growth & development ; Central America ; Animal Distribution ; *Biodiversity ; Citizen Science ; Introduced Species ; Checklist ; Female ; Ecosystem ; Male ; },
abstract = {The Neotropical ecozone is the most diverse region on the planet regarding land planarians. However, its northern part, especially Central America, has been only occasionally sampled, so its land planarian fauna remains mostly unknown. We compiled a list of records of land planarians in Central America, including both formally described species and records of undescribed species from literature and the citizen science platform iNaturalist. The compiled data includes at least 112 morphospecies, with 23 comparable to described species and 89 potentially new species. Four described and exotic species are recorded in Central America for the first time. Our survey demonstrates the high land planarian diversity across Central America, of which most species are yet to be described. We recommend joint efforts of local researchers with land planarian taxonomists to promote the study of this important invertebrate community.},
}

Animals
*Planarians/classification/anatomy & histology/growth & development
Central America
Animal Distribution
*Biodiversity
Citizen Science
Introduced Species
Checklist
Female
Ecosystem
Male

@article {pmid41118114,
year = {2025},
author = {Jeon, K and Suk, HY and Hwang, UW},
title = {A new Korean genotype of bluegill Lepomis macrochirus (Centrarchidae) covering the Korean Peninsula: insights for management of an introduced freshwater fish.},
journal = {Genes & genomics},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
pmid = {41118114},
issn = {2092-9293},
support = {NNIBR20251202//Nakdonggang National Institute of Biological Resources/ ; Ministry of Education//Ministry of Education/ ; },
}

@article {pmid41117369,
year = {2025},
author = {Baird, SJE and Daley, N},
title = {The Shapes of Clines and Wavefronts.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {e70109},
doi = {10.1111/mec.70109},
pmid = {41117369},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {22-32394S//Grantová Agentura České Republiky/ ; //Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic through the e-INFRA CZ/ ; //RECETOX Research Infrastructure (ID LM2023069, MEYS CR, 2023-2026/ ; },
abstract = {Cline theory has a central place in speciation studies. Cline locations delimit taxon boundaries, cline widths scale with barrier strength, and the shapes of clines (smooth or stepped) suggest whether species barriers are mono- or polygenic. How cline shapes vary along chromosomes therefore forms part of the genome's species barrier landscape. Further, asymmetric moving clines (wave fronts) can mark adaptive introgression puncturing species barriers, potentially leading to their collapse or decay. Here we review the development of cline and wavefront models and relate this to the use of dispersal kernels in epidemiology and ecology. We contrast classical results to those for a thick-tailed kernel, showing how cline shape affects the speed of spatial processes, including the widening of neutral clines and the spatial coalescent. We critique current cline models used for inference (both spatial and genomic clines) and address Barton's question: Why (after decades of cline fitting) is there so little evidence of stepped clines? We suggest evidence is weak because stepped cline models are over-parameterised, while current genomic cline models are under-parameterised. We explore goldilocks cline parameterisations and discuss non-parametric approaches that may help resolve these issues. This broadens to a discussion of the future of, and alternatives to, cline fitting.},
}

@article {pmid41116737,
year = {2025},
author = {Hiatt, D and Dillon, WW and Gardner, A and Cabrera, S and Dietze, M and Allan, BF and Flory, SL},
title = {Mechanistic pathways of tick exposure risk in native and invaded plant communities.},
journal = {Ecology},
volume = {106},
number = {10},
pages = {e70233},
doi = {10.1002/ecy.70233},
pmid = {41116737},
issn = {1939-9170},
support = {RC-2636//Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Deer/parasitology ; Ecosystem ; *Tick Infestations/veterinary/epidemiology/parasitology ; *Ixodidae/physiology ; },
abstract = {Plant invasions may alter disease vector abundance by several mechanistic pathways, including modifying microclimates that influence vector survival or changing habitats to influence host use. Here, we used a field experiment and observational data to evaluate multiple mechanistic pathways (tick survival and host abundance) by which plant invasions may alter vector-borne disease risk using the common disease vector lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum), its preeminent host white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and the widespread invasive cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) in the southeastern United States. In the field experiment, ticks survived over 50% longer in areas dominated by the invasive plant compared to those with only native plant species. Invaded areas had lower temperatures and higher relative humidity, yielding a lower vapor pressure deficit (VPD) that likely reduced tick desiccation. The observational study showed similar average tick abundance in native and invaded plant communities and no difference in wildlife host (white-tailed deer) activity between plant communities. However, there was a positive relationship between tick abundance and white-tailed deer activity, but only in native areas. Together, these results suggest that more favorable microclimate conditions resulting in greater tick longevity are the dominant driver of tick abundance in invaded areas, while tick abundance in native-dominated areas may be promoted, at least in part, by white-tailed deer activity. Our results demonstrate that plant invasions can affect multiple, potentially counteracting mechanistic pathways that contribute to tick exposure risk. The complexity of these relationships highlights the need for a better understanding of how invasive species and other global change drivers influence disease vectors and, ultimately, disease transmission.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Deer/parasitology
Ecosystem
*Tick Infestations/veterinary/epidemiology/parasitology
*Ixodidae/physiology

@article {pmid40815303,
year = {2025},
author = {R, M and Das, B and Kumar, P},
title = {Predicting the global invasion risk of ambrosia beetle Euplatypus parallelus under climate change based on CMIP6 projections.},
journal = {International journal of biometeorology},
volume = {69},
number = {11},
pages = {3035-3048},
pmid = {40815303},
issn = {1432-1254},
mesh = {Animals ; *Climate Change ; *Introduced Species ; *Coleoptera/physiology ; *Models, Theoretical ; },
abstract = {Euplatypus parallelus (Fabricius, 1801) is a highly destructive invasive insect pest endemic to the Neotropics, causing economic and ecological damage to natural forests, plantations, and fruit trees. We employed the MaxEnt model to predict the global suitability of E. parallelus under current and future scenarios based on the shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) 126 and SSP585 in 2050 and 2070, utilizing the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) dataset. The model demonstrated remarkable performance achieving AUC values of 0.964 and 0.957, TSS of 0.841 and 0.796, and CBI of 0.967 and 0.928 during model calibration and validation, respectively. The temperature seasonality BIO4 (43.8%), annual precipitation BIO12 (31.2%), and minimum temperature of the coldest month BIO6 (14.7) were the most significant bioclimatic variables affecting the distribution of E. parallelus. The model shows that the maximum suitability of E. parallelus is primarily concentrated in Asia, Africa, and South America. Future climate change predicts a 12.85% expansion in suitable habitat areas for E. parallelus. Our predictions demonstrate that the biological suitability and global potential spread of E. parallelus would increase under the SSP126 and SSP585 scenarios in 2050 and 2070. The study findings will help the researchers, policymakers, and academicians to plan, develop, and implement effective preventive strategies to combat the spread and infestation of E. parallelus.},
}

Animals
*Climate Change
*Introduced Species
*Coleoptera/physiology
*Models, Theoretical

@article {pmid41115821,
year = {2025},
author = {Zhang, Y and Wan, W and Yang, T and Cao, F and Cai, B and Francis, F and Xian, X and Liu, W},
title = {Multiple drivers synergistically shape the genetic differentiation pattern and invasion potential of Bactrocera umbrosa.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70288},
pmid = {41115821},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//the National Key R&D Program of China (Grant No. 2023YFC2605200)/ ; //the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program (ASTIP) (Grant No. CAAS-ZDRW202505)/ ; //the Central Public-interest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund (Grant no. S2025XM07)/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: As an oligophagous pest of Artocarpus fruits, especially breadfruit and jackfruit, Bactrocera umbrosa poses a growing threat to global agriculture through trade-facilitated invasion. This study integrates population genetic analysis (321 COI sequences) and ecological niche modeling to elucidate its population structure, historical dynamics, and invasion potential.

RESULTS: Genetic analyses revealed three phylogeographic groups: genetically diverse Southwest Pacific (SWP), Mainland Southeast Asia (MSEA), and Island Southeast Asia (ISEA). Subregional differentiation in Southeast Asia was likely driven by geographical barriers (e.g., the Isthmus of Kra) and human activities. Neutrality tests and mismatch distributions indicated recent demographic expansions across all populations, most pronounced in MSEA. Ecological niche analyses showed SWP populations with broad climatic tolerance, while MSEA and ISEA exhibited niche contractions, reflecting environmental filtering or founder effects during colonization. Projections under the SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5 climate scenarios suggested range expansion to tropical Africa, the Amazon Basin, and Southeast Asia by the 2030s and 2050s. Notably, the potential geographical distribution of this pest significantly overlapped with suitable cultivation zones of Artocarpus altilis and Artocarpus heterophyllus. Regions such as the Caribbean, West Africa, and South Asia were identified as areas facing a heightened invasion risk.

CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights synergistic roles of geographic factors, human activity, and climate change in shaping population genetic structure and invasion potential of B. umbrosa. These insights can facilitate preemptive management of this pest under accelerating globalization and climate change. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid41115719,
year = {2025},
author = {Nelson, A and Downey, M and Murry, M and Weber, B and Aguirre, E and McCrea, RS and Mims, J and Vigilant, M and Standlee, C and Murray, KO and Kneubehl, A and Brown, EL and Essigmann, HT and Gunter, SM},
title = {Emerging Tick-Borne Disease Risk in an Urban Center of Harris County, Texas.},
journal = {Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1177/15303667251386209},
pmid = {41115719},
issn = {1557-7759},
abstract = {Background: Tick-borne diseases are an endemic and emerging public health concern in the United States. Ongoing tick range expansion, invasive species, and newly identified pathogens are rapidly altering disease epidemiology. Surveillance is critical to understanding vector ecology and disease risk. Harris County, Texas, with nearly five million residents and diverse ecological zones, offers a unique setting to study local tick dynamics. Methods: From January 2021 to December 2022, we conducted weekly tick surveillance across 63 sites in Harris County (City of Houston), Texas. Ticks were morphologically identified and tested for Rickettsia, Borrelia, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma via real-time PCR. Samples positive by initial screening were confirmed to the species level using endpoint PCR and sequencing. Results: We collected 1,219 ticks-primarily Ixodes scapularis and Amblyomma maculatum-with distinct seasonal and spatial patterns. Of 1,195 tested ticks, 61% were positive for Rickettsia, with multiple species identified. Notably, Rickettsia parkeri was detected in 23.1% of Rickettsia-positive A. maculatum ticks. Conclusion: Our findings reveal significant tick-borne pathogen activity in Harris County, highlighting the need for continued surveillance and public health efforts in urban and peri-urban Texas.},
}

@article {pmid41114853,
year = {2025},
author = {de Scally, SZ and McDonald, MJ},
title = {Evolution of One Species Increases Resistance to Invasion in a Simple Synthetic Community.},
journal = {Microbial ecology},
volume = {88},
number = {1},
pages = {110},
pmid = {41114853},
issn = {1432-184X},
support = {CE230100001//Australian Research Council/ ; },
mesh = {*Escherichia coli/genetics/growth & development/physiology ; *Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics/growth & development/physiology ; *Biological Evolution ; Models, Biological ; Ecosystem ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {The species that make up a microbial community determine its potential function. A major goal of microbial ecology is to make assemblages of microbes - synthetic communities - with targeted applications. Replacing a dysfunctional community with a synthetic microbial community can have transformative impacts upon a host or ecosystem, yet the introduced community may be outcompeted by local species or communities, resulting in transient effects. Here, we study a simple synthetic community comprised of two species - E. coli and S. cerevisiae - that have coevolved for either 0, 1000 or 4000 generations, and evaluate the potential for 12 bacterial strains, from five species, to invade. We find that the dominant species (E. coli) in the community protects the less dominant species from being outcompeted during an invasion, and that this effect is strengthened by longer periods of coevolution. Using a mathematical model, we show how prolonged co-evolution leads to protective effects for a community member sensitive to displacement.},
}

*Escherichia coli/genetics/growth & development/physiology
*Saccharomyces cerevisiae/genetics/growth & development/physiology
*Biological Evolution
Models, Biological
Ecosystem
Introduced Species

@article {pmid41113824,
year = {2025},
author = {Nsabatien, V and Zanga, J and Mvuama, N and Bokulu, A and Lukoki, H and Diza, G and Kantin, D and Mbashi, L and Bosulu, C and Basosila, N and Bukaka, E and Agossa, F and Nagahuedi, J and Palata, JC and Metelo, E},
title = {Aedes mosquito distribution across urban and peri-urban areas of Kinshasa city, Democratic Republic of Congo.},
journal = {GigaByte (Hong Kong, China)},
volume = {2025},
number = {},
pages = {gigabyte166},
pmid = {41113824},
issn = {2709-4715},
abstract = {In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Aedes mosquitoes are vectors of medically important arboviruses, mediating the transmission of yellow fever, dengue, and chikungunya. However, systematic surveillance of these species remains limited, preventing the rapid detection of changes in distribution, abundance, and behaviour. Here, we present a geo-referenced dataset of 6,577 entomological occurrence records collected in 2024 throughout urban and peri-urban areas of Kinshasa city, DRC, using Larval dipping, Human landing catches, Prokopack aspirator, and BG-Sentinel traps. Our records include Aedes albopictus (n = 2,694), Aedes aegypti (n = 1,939), Aedes vittatus (n = 2), and Aedes spp. (n = 1,942), annotated with species, sex, life stage, reproductive status, and spatial coordinates. Our dataset is published as a Darwin Core archive in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. This dataset, the most detailed spatial record of Aedes mosquitoes in Kinshasa to date, provides a robust foundation for entomological research and data-driven arbovirus vector control in DRC.},
}

@article {pmid41112160,
year = {2025},
author = {Žele Vengušt, D and Kušar, D and Vengušt, G and Bandelj, P},
title = {First report of the giant liver fluke (Fascioloides magna) in Slovenia and molecular species confirmation based on the ITS2 marker.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1673629},
pmid = {41112160},
issn = {2297-1769},
abstract = {INTRODUCTION: The giant liver fluke, Fascioloides magna, is a parasite that primarily infects wild and domestic ruminants. Originally from North America, it has been an invasive species in Europe since the nineteenth century. Of the three natural foci that have become established in Europe, the Danube floodplain forest is the one that is still spreading. The first outbreak of fascioloidosis in Slovenia described in this report indicates that red deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama), and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) are the three wild ruminants affected by the parasite.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 22 frozen deer livers (14 red deer, five fallow deer, and three roe deer) were subjected to necropsy, parasitological and molecular examinations. Molecular detection of the extracted parasites was performed using species-specific PCR and Sanger sequencing techniques.

RESULTS: The presence of F. magna was confirmed in all liver samples. The infected livers of red deer and fallow deer were characterized by marked enlargement and the development of pseudocysts and distinct black pigmented lines within the parenchyma, whereas the livers of roe deer were of normal size and contained only migratory paths.

DISCUSSION: The first report and molecular confirmation of F. magna in red deer, fallow deer, and roe deer in Slovenia indicate a northward spread of the trematode along the eastern side of the Mura River. Hunters, veterinarians, and farmers should be made aware of the existence of F. magna in north-east Slovenia and encouraged to report any liver abnormalities in ruminants. Future research should aim to investigate the spread of F. magna, its origins and economic impact.},
}

@article {pmid41112150,
year = {2025},
author = {Scholz, T and Kuchta, R},
title = {Tapeworms of freshwater fishes in North America: an integrative review of taxonomy, phylogeny, host specificity, and research priorities.},
journal = {Frontiers in veterinary science},
volume = {12},
number = {},
pages = {1661118},
pmid = {41112150},
issn = {2297-1769},
abstract = {Tapeworms (Cestoda) are a diverse group of parasitic flatworms that are highly specialized in a parasitic lifestyle. The freshwater fish tapeworms of North America have been relatively well studied since 1855, although their diversity is limited compared to other regions. Most knowledge was gained in the 20th century, with research declining in recent decades, although some groups have recently been revised based on morphological and molecular data. This review updates the current understanding of species diversity, phylogenetic relationships and host-parasite interactions based on a critical re-evaluation of the earlier records. The new data can also inform fisheries management, invasive species control and public health surveillance. Currently, 130 valid adult species are known in six orders, most of which are native to the Nearctic, with the USA having the greatest diversity (121 species). The vast majority of North American fish tapeworms exhibit narrow host specificity, with almost three quarters specializing in a single host species or host genus. Larval stages (metacestodes) from four orders also occur in fish, but are difficult to identify morphologically. Future work should focus primarily on little-studied fish groups and regions with probably undescribed diversity (e.g., the southern USA), combined with integrative taxonomic approaches.},
}

@article {pmid41112100,
year = {2025},
author = {Nhhala, N and Kchikich, A and Ennoury, A and Roussi, Z and García-Angulo, P and Nhiri, M and Nhiri, N},
title = {Ulva lactuca extract as biostimulant for reducing salt stress effect in common bean crops.},
journal = {Physiology and molecular biology of plants : an international journal of functional plant biology},
volume = {31},
number = {9},
pages = {1557-1574},
pmid = {41112100},
issn = {0971-5894},
abstract = {The massive proliferation of Ulva lactuca in the Nador lagoon has become a major environmental concern due to its accumulation, stranding, and decomposition along the coast, leading to ecological disturbances and social discomfort. Yet, seaweed extracts are increasingly recognized for their ability to stimulate plant growth and enhance resilience to both abiotic and biotic stresses, owing to their rich and diverse content of bioactive compounds. In a sustainable valorization approach aimed at mitigating the ecological impact of this invasive species, Ulva lactuca was investigated as a promising natural biostimulant, tested experimentally on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under salt stress conditions. Controlled trials were conducted using common bean plants exposed to two levels of salt stress (moderate: 34.2 mM NaCl; high: 68.4 mM NaCl), with or without treatment with Ulva lactuca extract (ULE) applied at three concentrations (1%, 3%, and 6%). Results showed that ULE significantly enhanced plant growth under both non-stress and saline conditions, particularly at 1% and 3%. This positive effect was associated with improved morphological traits, chlorophyll content, antioxidant enzyme activities, and carbon-nitrogen metabolism, along with increased accumulation of key osmolytes. Additionally, ULE treatments reduced lipid peroxidation and suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. These findings highlight the potential of Ulva lactuca extract as an effective, eco-friendly biostimulant capable of alleviating salt stress in crops, especially in regions facing salinized irrigation water challenges. At the same time, this work offers an innovative and sustainable strategy to valorize an overabundant marine resource while addressing environmental concerns.},
}

@article {pmid41109684,
year = {2025},
author = {Campbell, MA and Silver, LW and Balachandran, N and Pathirana, E and Jeffrey, C and Lal, M and O'Connor, WA and Hogg, CJ and Becker, JA},
title = {A long-reads based de-novo assembly of Magallana bilineata for improved tropical oyster aquaculture.},
journal = {G3 (Bethesda, Md.)},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/g3journal/jkaf242},
pmid = {41109684},
issn = {2160-1836},
abstract = {True oysters, molluscs in the family Ostreidae, are important species in fisheries and aquaculture. As such, genome enabled research can improve these industries and the conservation of these species. The tropical rock oyster Magallana bilineata (known as the black scar oyster or Indian backwater oyster) is naturally distributed in the tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean excluding Australia and is intensively cultured in India and the Philippines. It is also an aquaculture species in Sri Lanka with potential for much greater cultivation. We present the first reference genome for M. bilineata sourced from a Sri Lankan individual along with genetic variants that can be used in tool development for questions of molecular ecology and evolution as well as applications in breeding and commercial applications. Long-read PacBio data from a single M. bilineata were assembled following the Vertebrate Genomes Project workflow on the Galaxy Australia platform. A primary assembly composed of 105 contigs that is 551.94 Mbp in size was produced. The assembly N50 is 13.42 Mb and has a BUSCO completeness score of 98.1%. As collection and transport conditions challenged transcriptomic as well as scaffolding data generation, these approaches were undertaken computationally. Genetic variants in the form of SNPs from 90 individuals representing three naturally occurring populations in Sri Lanka and a fourth introduced population in Fiji was generated through DArTseq and a set of 3,115 SNPs produced after filtering. Combined we present the first known genome assembly and the first genome-wide SNP data from M. bilineata, both of which have diverse applications for conservation and aquaculture.},
}

@article {pmid41109494,
year = {2025},
author = {Meraz-Medina, T and Vences-Blanco, MO and Ramírez-Cervantes, AG and Nogueda-Torres, B and Martínez-Ibarra, JA},
title = {First record and vital statistics of Triatoma longipennis (Heteroptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) from Southern Mexico.},
journal = {Acta tropica},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {107873},
doi = {10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107873},
pmid = {41109494},
issn = {1873-6254},
abstract = {Several insect species exist beyond their native habitats, some classified as invasive alien species (IAS), which can affect human health by carrying parasites and causing disease. These include vectors of vector-borne diseases, such as American trypanosomiasis, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, a major vector-borne disease primarily affecting the Americas. Mexico ranks third in the number of individuals infected with T. cruzi. Among the 35 Mexican triatomine species, Triatoma longipennis is notably significant. The presence of T. longipennis is reported for the first time in Southern Mexico, specifically in the state of Guerrero, outside its usual distribution areas. To assess the potential impact of these T. longipennis populations, several biological parameters were evaluated, including egg-to-adult development time, mortality rates, and feeding and defecation behaviors for each instar. No significant (p > 0.05) differences were noted in the primary parameters studied across both populations. Four parameters (the number of blood meals at each nymphal instar (8 vs 9 meals), the median time-lapse for beginning of feeding (immediate "attack"), feeding times (durations exceeding 15 min), and defecation timing (during or immediately after feeding; more than 50%) - align with those of an effective T. cruzi transmitter. These findings suggest that the T. longipennis populations could serve as significant potential vectors of T. cruzi to human populations. As T. longipennis appears to be undergoing range expansion in Mexico, increased surveillance is necessary, particularly in regions susceptible to invasion and successful establishment due to favorable ecological conditions.},
}

@article {pmid41105848,
year = {2025},
author = {Gastineau, R and Murchie, AK and Winsor, L and Justine, JL},
title = {An Irish cocktail of flatworm, earthworm and parasite DNAs: genomics of invasive land flatworms (Geoplanidae) reveal infestations by two new Mitosporidium species (Microsporidia).},
journal = {Parasite (Paris, France)},
volume = {32},
number = {},
pages = {67},
doi = {10.1051/parasite/2025060},
pmid = {41105848},
issn = {1776-1042},
support = {"Regional Excellence Initiative" Program for 2024-2027//Minister of Science/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Oligochaeta/genetics/parasitology/microbiology ; Introduced Species ; *Microsporidia/genetics/classification/isolation & purification ; Phylogeny ; *Platyhelminths/genetics/microbiology/parasitology ; Genomics ; Northern Ireland ; DNA, Helminth/genetics/isolation & purification ; Genome, Mitochondrial ; },
abstract = {According to the classical Enemy Release Hypothesis, one reason for the success of invasive species is that they have escaped their predators and parasites during migration to newly invaded territories. In this context, the discovery of any parasite of an invasive species is of particular interest. Here, we report the results of genomic investigations performed on two invasive species of land flatworms (Geoplanidae) collected in Northern Ireland, Kontikia andersoni Jones, 1981, and Australoplana sanguinea (Moseley, 1877). We describe the mitogenomes and paralogous RNA genes of both species. Prey DNA was detected in both flatworm species, providing molecular evidence that their diet includes earthworms. Unexpectedly, we detected sequences assigned to the microsporidian genus Mitosporidium Haag et al., 2015, which, prior to this study, included a single species. Each land flatworm species harboured its own species of Mitosporidium. For nomenclatural reasons, we could not assign binomial names to these species; instead, we designate them as Mitosporidium sp. JL467 (in K. andersoni) and Mitosporidium sp. JL472 (in A. sanguinea). For each new Mitosporidium species, we describe the gene content of the mitogenome and the complete cluster of nuclear ribosomal RNA genes. In the absence of direct evidence of host-parasite relationships, we discuss the possible hosts of these Microsporidia, which could be the flatworms themselves or their prey; the most likely hypothesis is that they are parasites of land flatworms. Other Mitosporidium species should be sought for in native land flatworms from the Australasian region, where the two invasive flatworm species originated. Investigations on the possible pathogenic role of these parasites are needed.},
}

Animals
*Oligochaeta/genetics/parasitology/microbiology
Introduced Species
*Microsporidia/genetics/classification/isolation & purification
Phylogeny
*Platyhelminths/genetics/microbiology/parasitology
Genomics
Northern Ireland
DNA, Helminth/genetics/isolation & purification
Genome, Mitochondrial

@article {pmid41104462,
year = {2025},
author = {Pinto, AF and Gómez, MI and Dai, B and Kwon, EH and Loeb, GM and Riggs, DM and Callahan, CW and Lane, DE and Wallis, A},
title = {Economic analysis of using exclusion netting for spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) management in organic blueberry production systems.},
journal = {Pest management science},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1002/ps.70280},
pmid = {41104462},
issn = {1526-4998},
support = {//National Institute of Food and Agriculture/ ; },
abstract = {BACKGROUND: Spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) (Drosophila suzukii) is a devastating invasive species that affects soft and stone fruit crops. The SWD poses significant challenges to high-value fruit industries, especially organic production. Organic growers primarily rely on frequent applications of organic pesticides, but these are expensive, have limited residual activity, and require rotation with less effective alternatives to manage resistance. Exclusion netting has emerged as a promising alternative for organic growers. This study assesses the economic performance of exclusion netting compared to organic insecticide applications for managing SWD on New York blueberry farms.

RESULTS: In the baseline scenario, organic blueberry growers could increase their income by $1856 per acre and achieve a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.115 by using exclusion netting in netting trellis structures instead of organic insecticides. This indicates that for every dollar invested in netting, growers gain $1.115 in return, making it a marginally profitable option. Both strategies generate positive profits from year 1, but netting surpasses insecticides in cumulative cash flow by year 3. Sensitivity analyses, considering different marketing channels and blueberry prices, show that BCR remains above 1 in all scenarios, with the highest BCR achieved when selling through indirect markets at $12.12 per kilogram.

CONCLUSION: Our results offer critical insights into SWD management for organic growers who face production challenges due to limited pesticide options and resistance risks. These findings provide clear information on the economic viability of using exclusion netting in organic blueberry production. Consistent with previous research, the costs of insecticide applications can outweigh the benefits under low pest pressure. Despite concerns over high initial investments, exclusion netting proves to be a cost-effective and profit-maximizing alternative, generating positive profits as early as year 1. © 2025 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.},
}

@article {pmid41103566,
year = {2025},
author = {van Steenderen, CJM and Sandenbergh, E and Brookes, D and Moran, PJ and Cristofaro, M and Hoyer, WF and Paterson, ID},
title = {Population Genetics Reveals the Invasion Pathways of Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum in North America.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {10},
pages = {e72262},
pmid = {41103566},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Invasive populations of the slenderleaf iceplant, Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum L., are problematic along the west coast of North America. The plant is hypothesised to originate from southern Africa, though it has established populations in North Africa and the Mediterranean. There is interest in initiating a biological control programme for the weed in its invaded range, but a clearer understanding of its invasion pathways and sources of origin is required in order to prioritise potential biological control agents. This study used both NextGen RADseq and fragment analysis ISSR techniques to uncover the population structure and genetic diversity of M. nodiflorum in its native, introduced and invaded ranges. The results supported a South African origin of the species based on a higher number of private alleles and overall genetic diversity. Our results suggest a bridgehead effect, where a secondary invasion to North America from Mediterranean populations took place, rather than a direct invasion from the native range in South Africa. The present results indicated that surveys for potential biocontrol agents for M. nodiflorum should be conducted in the native South African distribution, where the greatest diversity of specialist natural enemies is likely to be present.},
}

@article {pmid41103545,
year = {2025},
author = {Comte, S and Bengsen, AJ and Parker, L and Forsyth, DM},
title = {Annual, seasonal, and daily space-use of Common Fallow Deer (Dama dama) in Australian agricultural landscapes.},
journal = {Journal of mammalogy},
volume = {106},
number = {5},
pages = {1261-1272},
pmid = {41103545},
issn = {0022-2372},
abstract = {The Common Fallow Deer (Dama dama; hereafter "fallow deer") has been widely translocated from its native Mediterranean range and is now present on all continents except Antarctica. In some countries-such as Australia-introduced populations of fallow deer have increased in range and abundance, negatively affecting agricultural production. However, little is known about how this species uses these agricultural landscapes annually, seasonally, or daily. We used GPS collars to track the hourly movements of 68 adult fallow deer (25 males, 43 females) at 3 sites in mixed pastoral farmland (a mosaic of open eucalypt woodland and pasture) in eastern Australia between 2020 and 2024. We estimated annual and monthly home ranges, daily distance moved, and diel movement cycles. As expected, annual home ranges (using the biased random bridge method) were larger for males (median = 1,848.1 ha, 95% CrI: 929.2 to 3,584.0 ha) than females (median = 646.3 ha, 95% CrI: 368.1 to 1,068.5 ha), and home ranges and core areas were similar across the 3 sites. Both sexes had a strong crepuscular movement pattern that was consistent across sites. Male fallow deer increased their movement rates in April-May (i.e., during the mating season), and their movement patterns were most restricted during summer. Female fallow deer movements were more consistent across the year than those of males, but movement patterns were also most restricted during summer. There was substantial individual variation in daily movement patterns between and within sites, especially during the mating season. Most individuals exhibited strong site fidelity, but some males and females made short excursions (up to a week and 10 km) from their home range. The strong site fidelity of fallow deer suggests that management strategies utilizing repeated culling will be most effective at reducing overabundant fallow deer populations in Australian agricultural landscapes.},
}

@article {pmid40925042,
year = {2025},
author = {Menouillard, M and Blanchet, A and Desurmont, GA},
title = {Olfactory preferences of the allium leafminer, an emerging pest in North America: comparison of three experimental bioassays.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {118},
number = {5},
pages = {2301-2308},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf218},
pmid = {40925042},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {0212-22000-030-000D//ARS/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Diptera/physiology ; Biological Assay ; Smell ; Female ; *Allium ; Odorants ; Male ; Introduced Species ; },
abstract = {Evaluating the olfactory preferences of emerging insect pests is critical to develop monitoring tools and improve early detection and management strategies. Here the chemical ecology and olfactory preferences of the allium leafminer Phytomyza gymnostoma Loew (Diptera: Agromyzidae), an invasive pest in North America affecting allium crops such as leeks and onions, were investigated. Three bioassay methods were assessed under laboratory conditions: wind tunnel, Y-tube olfactometer, and arena bioassay. All bioassays measured the responses of P. gymnostoma adults to odors of host and non-host plants. Two common allium crops, leek and chive, were used as host plants. Results of the wind tunnel bioassays showed a clear preference for host plants compared to non-host plants, with leek being twice as attractive as chive. Leek plants already infested by P. gymnostoma were half as attractive as healthy plants. Olfactometer and arena bioassays failed to show any significant response of adult flies toward host plant volatiles. This study is the first to compare multiple bioassays for behavioral investigations of P. gymnostoma, providing novel insights into the pest's host-finding behavior and highlighting methodological considerations for future work. Overall, these results suggest that both visual and chemical cues play a role in P. gymnostoma's foraging behavior and are a promising first step toward the development of monitoring tools against this invasive pest.},
}

Animals
*Diptera/physiology
Biological Assay
Smell
Female
*Allium
Odorants
Male
Introduced Species

@article {pmid40853335,
year = {2025},
author = {Wallsten, C},
title = {Digest: Rapid evolution of an annual invader, the African fig fly Zaprionus indianus.},
journal = {Evolution; international journal of organic evolution},
volume = {79},
number = {10},
pages = {2338-2340},
doi = {10.1093/evolut/qpaf162},
pmid = {40853335},
issn = {1558-5646},
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Biological Evolution ; Wings, Animal/anatomy & histology ; },
abstract = {Little is known about evolutionary dynamics shortly after species introduction. Gray et al. (2025) found that the African fig fly (Zaprionus indianus) evolved smaller wings and a decreased wing:thorax ratio within one season of colonizing a temperate region of the United States, but did not differ along a latitudinal cline. This demonstrates the species' capability for rapid adaptation and potential for enhanced invasiveness.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Biological Evolution
Wings, Animal/anatomy & histology

@article {pmid40848306,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, X and Hamby, K and Demchak, K and Stout, A and Biddinger, D and Regan, K and Lue, CH and Hoelmer, KA},
title = {Establishment of key Asian larval parasitoids of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in the US Mid-Atlantic states.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {118},
number = {5},
pages = {2042-2053},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf188},
pmid = {40848306},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {//USDA/ ; 60-8010-4-001//APHIS Farm Bill/ ; 60-8010-5-009//APHIS Farm Bill/ ; #8010-22000-031D//USDA/ ; #2020-5118-32140//NIFA/ ; #C940001078//Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture/ ; #PEN04743//National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hatch Appropriations/ ; #1023221//National Institute of Food and Agriculture and Hatch Appropriations/ ; #8010-22000-031D//ARS/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Wasps/physiology/growth & development ; Larva/parasitology/growth & development ; *Drosophila/parasitology/growth & development ; *Pest Control, Biological ; Fruit/growth & development ; Introduced Species ; Mid-Atlantic Region ; },
abstract = {The widespread establishment of Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) has instigated a classical biological program in the United States and Europe for this invasive pest of soft-skinned fruits. This study reports the first release of an introduced key Asian larval parasitoid, Ganaspis kimorum Buffington (Hymenoptera: Figitidae), in 3 Mid-Atlantic states (Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania), where a total of 26,950 wasps were released in 6 counties during the 2022 and 2023 fruit seasons. Pre-release monitoring in 2023 and 2024 recovered G. kimorum individuals, indicating successful overwintering of parasitoids released in 2022 and 2023. A total of 617 pre- and post-release fruit collections were conducted in a temporal sequence of ripening fruits of 30 different fruit species throughout the 2022 and 2023 fruit seasons at all release locations. G. kimorum were recovered in 40 post-release samples from 9 different host plants at all release locations. However, the overall levels of mean parasitism by G. kimorum were <2% at this early stage of release. At the same time, adventive populations of an unreleased key Asian larval parasitoid, Leptopilina japonica Novković & Kimura (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) were found from 16 sampled host plants throughout the fruit season. Mean parasitism of D. suzukii (primarily by L. japonica) ranged from 0% to 20.0%, which varied by season and host plant but peaked with fruiting of the most D. suzukii-infested wild hosts. We discuss potential ecological mechanisms that may affect the establishment and impacts of these key parasitoids on D. suzukii in this region and future release strategies for G. kimorum.},
}

Animals
*Wasps/physiology/growth & development
Larva/parasitology/growth & development
*Drosophila/parasitology/growth & development
*Pest Control, Biological
Fruit/growth & development
Introduced Species
Mid-Atlantic Region

@article {pmid40635500,
year = {2025},
author = {Beckwith, KM and Burrack, HJ and Flanagan, M and Wiggins, G and Levenson, HK},
title = {Temporal fluctuations and geographic distributions of Leptopilina (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) species in North Carolina: implications for biological control of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae).},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {118},
number = {5},
pages = {2032-2041},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf152},
pmid = {40635500},
issn = {1938-291X},
mesh = {Animals ; North Carolina ; *Wasps/physiology ; *Pest Control, Biological ; *Drosophila/parasitology ; *Animal Distribution ; Introduced Species ; Female ; Seasons ; },
abstract = {Biological control is an important component of integrated pest management programs. This can include classical biological control agents, but also adventive biological control agents that naturally established. Here, we provide details of the presence and seasonal biology of potential biological control agents for the invasive Drosophila suzukii Matsumura in Southeastern USA blackberry production systems, including a recently established adventive parasitoid wasp species, Leptopilina japonica Novković & Kimura. To better understand the populations of this new species, we compare detection methods and report on temporal fluctuations and geographic distributions in North Carolina blackberry fields. In total, we collected 1,142 specimens from 6 sites including 5 different Leptopilina species: Leptopilina boulardi Barbotin, Carton & Kelner-Pillault, Leptopilina clavipes Hartig, Leptopilina heterotoma Thomson, Leptopilina japonica, and Leptopilina leipsi Lue & Buffington. We confirm previous reports of L. japonica, L. boulardi, and L. heterotoma in North Carolina, but report L. clavipes and L. leipsi in the state for the first time. While several Leptopilina species have now been documented in North Carolina, L. japonica shows the most promise as a biological control agent for D. suzukii. Understanding the when and where each of these parasitoid species is present in crop fields is an important first step in improving D. suzukii management efforts. These data will aid in understanding how best to protect these species and how best to incorporate them into on-farm management plans.},
}

Animals
North Carolina
*Wasps/physiology
*Pest Control, Biological
*Drosophila/parasitology
*Animal Distribution
Introduced Species
Female
Seasons

@article {pmid41101766,
year = {2025},
author = {Hogg, BN and Daane, KM},
title = {Semi-natural habitat as a source of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and its parasitoids in California cane berry fields.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf267},
pmid = {41101766},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {2030-22000-029-000D//USDA CRIS/ ; 2030-22000-033-000D//USDA CRIS/ ; 2020-51181-32140//USDA NIFA/ ; 18-0001-058-SC//California Specialty Crop Grant Program/ ; },
abstract = {The invasive pest spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), attacks many wild and ornamental hosts and may persist in semi-natural habitats when fruit is unavailable in the crop. Semi-natural habitat or non-crop habitat (NCH) may also provide shelter for D. suzukii or refuge from insecticide applications. We examined population dynamics of D. suzukii in berry fields and adjacent NCH over 3 growing seasons and sampled at different distances from NCH to determine whether NCH is a source for D. suzukii and its parasitoids in adjacent crop fields. Numbers of D. suzukii adults were higher in NCH on most sample dates and increased in berry fields with proximity to NCH in spring and fall, indicating that NCH was a refuge and source for D. suzukii. Proportions of female D. suzukii were higher in berry fields in spring and fall and increased with distance from NCH along transects, suggesting that females dispersed more widely in berry fields than males. NCH did not appear to be a significant source of D. suzukii in summer, when D. suzukii numbers tended to be similar between habitats and did not change along transects within berry fields. Parasitism of sentinel D. suzukii pupae by the dominant naturally occurring parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae (Perkins) did not differ between NCH and berry fields, indicating that T. drosophilae dispersed easily between habitats.},
}

@article {pmid41099278,
year = {2025},
author = {Fumarola, LM and Leoni, V and Marchessaux, G and Sarà, G and Piraino, S and Bosch-Belmar, M},
title = {Global Warming and the Spread of the Introduced Jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda: Thermal Niche and Habitat Suitability in the Mediterranean Sea.},
journal = {Global change biology},
volume = {31},
number = {10},
pages = {e70548},
doi = {10.1111/gcb.70548},
pmid = {41099278},
issn = {1365-2486},
support = {B73C22000790001//National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), Mission 4 Component 2 Investment 1.4 - Call for tender No. 3138 of 16 December 2021, rectified by Decree No. 3175 of 18 December 2021 of Italian Ministry of University and Research funded by the European Union - NextGenerationEU; Project code CN_00000033, Concession Decree No. 1034 of 17 June 2022 adopted by the Italian Ministry of University and Research, Project title "National Biodiversity Future Center - NBFC"/ ; G.A.n°101060072//European Union's Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme ACTNOW project "Advancing understanding of Cumulative Impacts on European marine biodiversity, ecosystem functions and services for human wellbeing"/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; Mediterranean Sea ; *Scyphozoa/physiology ; *Global Warming ; *Ecosystem ; *Introduced Species ; *Animal Distribution ; Temperature ; Climate Change ; },
abstract = {Climate change affects marine ecosystems in multiple ways, including sea warming and changes in biological community structure and diversity. The Mediterranean Sea has emerged as one of the most vulnerable regions, also because of the diverse patterns of introduction of non-native species. First recorded in the coastal waters of Cyprus in 1903, the Red Sea jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda (Forskål, 1775) is spreading its distribution and local abundance, posing questions on its potential ecological implications. Here we identified the thermal tolerance, habitat suitability, and potential distribution range of the C. andromeda polyps, a key life cycle stage responsible for asexual reproduction and population persistence. By laboratory-controlled respirometric measurements, we assessed that the polyps of C. andromeda exhibit their optimal metabolic performances at high water temperatures, but they are tolerant to winter conditions across the Mediterranean basin. Combining experimental respiration measurements with modelling approaches enabled the definition of the species' fundamental thermal niche, with an optimal seawater temperature at 35.7°C and critical limits at 6.4°C (minimum) and 39°C (maximum). Trait-based thermal habitat suitability maps indicated a future increase of favourable habitats for the species under warming conditions according to the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP 4.5 and 8.5 for 2050) in Mediterranean coastal areas. In the context of climate change scenarios, the rise of seawater temperature may enable polyps to thrive across a wider geographic range, predicting a westward and northward enlargement of C. andromeda populations in the Mediterranean Sea.},
}

Animals
Mediterranean Sea
*Scyphozoa/physiology
*Global Warming
*Ecosystem
*Introduced Species
*Animal Distribution
Temperature
Climate Change

@article {pmid41098972,
year = {2025},
author = {Kirova, N and Kirova, V and Kotov, A},
title = {Diversity of the cladocerans (Crustacea, Branchiopoda) in the Republic of Tyva, Russian Federation.},
journal = {Biodiversity data journal},
volume = {13},
number = {},
pages = {e163656},
pmid = {41098972},
issn = {1314-2828},
abstract = {BACKGROUND: The cladoceran fauna is well studied across the Palaearctic, but remains poorly known in the Republic of Tyva, Russia. Our database represents the results of the faunistic survey of the cladocerans in this region performed during almost 30 years (1993-2022). A total of 902 sites were investigated, most of them being located in mountain areas (49°45' - 53°46' North latitude and 88°49' - 98°56' East longitude). The dataset includes the cladocerans sampled from permanent and temporary waterbodies with varying depths, altitudes and salinity levels. Sampling was conducted using plankton nets and then samples were transported to the Tuvinian Institute for Exploration of Natural Resources of the Siberian Branch of RAS for identification and further examined at the A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Ecology RAS. Species were identified, based on recent monographs and juvenile specimens (sometimes indeterminable, based on morphological methods) were excluded from the dataset. The dataset was published as a Darwin Core Archive in GBIF. For each sampling event, the coordinates of the location, date and collector are recorded.

NEW INFORMATION: The dataset contains information on zooplankton and microzoobenthos from numerous permanent and temporary waterbodies in the Republic of Tyva, Russian Federation. Previously, the region's cladoceran fauna was poorly studied.Our core data table includes 3,599 records representing 76 species from 902 locations. The most species-rich families are Chydoridae (30 species from 17 genera) and Daphniidae (26 species from 5 genera). No invasive species were detected.The results of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the plankton and microzoobenthos communities in the Central Asian mountain regions.},
}

@article {pmid41098891,
year = {2025},
author = {Li, H and Jia, H and Peng, J and Peng, X and Ren, Z and Zhang, H},
title = {Monitoring Alien Species Diversity in Ballast Water Based on Environmental DNA Metabarcoding.},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {10},
pages = {e72320},
pmid = {41098891},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Invasive alien species pose serious threats to ecosystems, public health, and socio-economic systems, with ballast water discharge serving as a major pathway for their introduction. Organisms that survive the harsh conditions inside ballast tanks may establish populations in recipient ports, where they can disrupt native biodiversity. Therefore, effective monitoring of ballast water is essential for reducing the risk of biological invasions. This study applied environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding to investigate the biological communities in ballast water from ships arriving at Dongjiakou Port, Qingdao, with a particular focus on alien species. Three universal primer sets targeting the 18S V4, 18S V9, and 12S regions were used to amplify and sequence DNA from phytoplankton, invertebrates, and fish. In total, nine ballast water samples were collected from six ships originating from the South China Sea, Seto Inland Sea, Taiwan Strait, and the Yellow Sea. Bioinformatic analysis revealed 16 alien phytoplankton species, 13 alien invertebrate species, and 12 alien fish species, including three invasive species: Styela clava, Lates calcarifer, and Anguilla anguilla. Species composition varied considerably among tanks on the same ship, whereas ballast water location and age had no significant effect on composition across different ships. These results demonstrate the potential of eDNA metabarcoding as an efficient, noninvasive approach for monitoring ballast water biodiversity and alien species. Such insights are valuable for informing policy and management strategies to curb the spread of invasive species through shipping networks.},
}

@article {pmid41096878,
year = {2025},
author = {Huang, K and Liu, T and Xu, A and Yu, J and Yang, Y and Liu, J and Li, F and Zhu, D and Gong, L and Liu, L and Lü, Z},
title = {Genomic Signatures of Adaptive Evolution in Taenioides sp. During Northward Invasion.},
journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},
volume = {26},
number = {19},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/ijms26199613},
pmid = {41096878},
issn = {1422-0067},
support = {42171069 and 41976121//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Adaptation, Physiological/genetics ; China ; Genetic Variation ; Genomics/methods ; Genetics, Population ; *Perciformes/genetics ; Evolution, Molecular ; Genome ; Gene Flow ; Selection, Genetic ; },
abstract = {The success and impact of biological invasions depend on adaptations to novel abiotic and biotic selective pressures. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying adaptations in invasive species are inadequately understood. Taenioides sp. is an invasive worm goby, originally endemic to brackish waters in the estuaries of Southeastern China, and now colonizes multiple inland freshwaters of North China within decades as a byproduct of the East Route of South-to-North Water Transfer (ESNT) project. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their adaptations to the climate of North China, especially the temperature regime, are unknown. Here, we performed genomic resequencing analysis to assess genetic diversity and population genetic structure, and further investigated the genomic signatures of local adaptation in the invasive population of Taenioides sp. during their northward invasion. We revealed that all invasive populations exhibited no genetic differentiation but low gene flow and an obvious signal of population bottleneck. Yangtze River estuary may serve as the source population, while Gaoyou Lake serves as a potential bridgehead of the invasion. Selective sweep analyses revealed 117 genomic regions, containing 673 candidate genes, under positive selection in populations at the invasive front. Redundancy analysis suggested that local temperature variables, particularly the monthly minimum temperature, represent critical evolutionary forces in driving adaptive divergence. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that multiple biological processes, including metabolism and energy production, substance transmembrane transport, and neural development and synaptic transmission, may play important roles in adaptation to regional temperature conditions. Our findings revealed a scenario of adaptive evolution in teleost species that underpins their regional climate adaptation and successful establishment of invasive populations in a human-facilitated invasion context. Proper management strategies should be established to manage Taenioides sp invasion as soon as possible.},
}

Animals
*Introduced Species
*Adaptation, Physiological/genetics
China
Genetic Variation
Genomics/methods
Genetics, Population
*Perciformes/genetics
Evolution, Molecular
Genome
Gene Flow
Selection, Genetic

@article {pmid41095148,
year = {2025},
author = {Wang, DZ and Wang, CJ and Zhang, FX and Li, HL},
title = {Risk Assessment of Alien Woody Plants in China's National Nature Reserves Under Climate Change.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {19},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14193006},
pmid = {41095148},
issn = {2223-7747},
support = {QNTD202510//the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities/ ; No.202302//the emergency response project of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration of China/ ; 2021YFC2600400//the National Key Research and Development Program of China/ ; },
abstract = {Alien woody plants (AWPs) increasingly threaten biodiversity in China's national nature reserves, with climate change expected to intensify these risks. We used species distribution modeling (MaxEnt) and spatial prioritization (Zonation) to assess invasion risk for 251 AWP species across 479 national nature reserves under current and future climate scenarios (SSP245 and SSP585). Spatial prioritization revealed current hotspots in southern tropical-subtropical national nature reserves (e.g., Hainan, Fujian, Yunnan provinces), with significant northward and westward expansion projected under warming. A total of 71 species-such as Quercus robur, Salix alba, and Robinia pseudoacacia-pose consistently high risks, while some others (e.g., Ficus benghalensis) may become emerging threats under future conditions. These range shifts are driven by thermal constraint relaxation and longer growing seasons. To mitigate future impacts, we recommend region-specific strategies: containment and seed-source control in southern national nature reserves, and early detection and monitoring in northern and western regions. Our findings provide a spatially explicit framework for climate-informed invasive species management in protected areas.},
}

@article {pmid41095107,
year = {2025},
author = {Nădășan, I and Babotă, M and Rusu, A and Tanase, C},
title = {Potential Therapeutic and Medicinal Applications of Four Invasive Non-Native Plant Species: A PRISMA-Guided Systematic Review of PubMed Studies.},
journal = {Plants (Basel, Switzerland)},
volume = {14},
number = {19},
pages = {},
doi = {10.3390/plants14192966},
pmid = {41095107},
issn = {2223-7747},
abstract = {Invasive non-native plant species are of ecological concern globally, as they may negatively affect biodiversity, the economy, and human health. At the same time, invasive non-native plants comprise an underutilised biomass that contains valuable natural bioactive compounds, which could find various biomedical applications and potential medicinal uses. In this paper, we aimed to systematically review the published data surrounding four selected invasive non-native plant species in a medical and therapeutic context. The search was conducted using PubMed and PRISMA guidelines, and strict criteria were employed to provide a thorough framework for the study selection process. After rigorous screening of the 53 selected articles, we were able to summarise the main findings and current knowledge regarding the valorisation opportunities for the selected plants in a medical context and to identify research gaps and highlight further research opportunities. Finally, we concluded that the selected invasive non-native plant species may provide valuable services in the biomedical field if the focus of future research is concentrated on their potential applicability in clinical settings. Furthermore, the valorisation of invasive non-native plant species may prove to be a viable strategy for controlling their spread.},
}

@article {pmid41092659,
year = {2025},
author = {Diniz, LGR and Cappelini, LTD and Boas, ASCAV and Mansano, AS and de Almeida Oliveira, TM and Franco, TCRS and Quinete, N and Vieira, EM},
title = {Antifouling booster biocides diuron and irgarol at Brazilian ports.},
journal = {Marine pollution bulletin},
volume = {222},
number = {Pt 3},
pages = {118755},
doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.118755},
pmid = {41092659},
issn = {1879-3363},
abstract = {Biofouling, the natural buildup of organisms on submerged surfaces like ship hulls, is usually controlled using antifouling paints containing biocides such as diuron and irgarol, which are widely detected in marine environments. While these paints help reduce maintenance costs and ecological risks like invasive species, their use in port areas can still contribute to environmental pollution and impact coastal ecosystems. In this study, the presence of diuron and irgarol was investigated in water samples collected from the port complex of São Luís and the estuarine systems of Santos and São Vicente in Brazil. A method employing solid phase extraction (SPE) in combination with high performance liquid chromatography equipped with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) was validated and applied for the determination of the biocides in surface water. The method demonstrated satisfactory recovery ranging from 72 to 115 % and relative standard deviations below 10 %, with adequate quantification limit of 0.07 ng mL[-1] and 0.50 ng mL[-1] for diuron and irgarol, respectively. Concentrations ranged from 0.30 to 7.39 μgL[-1] for diuron and 1.98 to 5.70 μg L[-1] for irgarol in the studied area, reflecting their current widespread use as primary antifouling agents. Higher concentrations were detected at sites near docking berths, with particularly elevated levels of diuron in anchorage zones. An ecotoxicological risk assessment using the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) approach was performed, indicating that the observed water concentrations of biocides may adversely affect several sensitive species and disrupt key ecological functions in the region, with potential impacts on fisheries and livelihoods.},
}

@article {pmid40820650,
year = {2025},
author = {Dickie, IA and Allen, WJ and Waller, LP},
title = {When the novelty wears off: enemy spillover drives plant invasion success.},
journal = {The New phytologist},
volume = {248},
number = {4},
pages = {1686-1691},
doi = {10.1111/nph.70486},
pmid = {40820650},
issn = {1469-8137},
support = {//Tertiary Education Commission CORE funding to Bioprotection Aotearoa/ ; },
mesh = {*Introduced Species ; Herbivory ; *Plants/microbiology ; *Plant Physiological Phenomena ; Animals ; },
abstract = {Integrating plant physiological traits (ideal weed hypothesis) and interactions with enemies (enemy release hypothesis) may be key to understanding plant invasions. Contrary to enemy release, recent evidence suggests that invasive plants often accumulate generalist enemies due to the same r-selected physiological traits that often drive invasive success. Despite high enemy loads, successful invasive plants can remain dominant due to high growth rates rather than due to lack of damage. Consequently, generalist herbivore and pathogen populations may be amplified by invaders and can spillover onto native plants, with these indirect interactions disproportionately affecting native rather than invasive plant species via apparent competition. Where this occurs, the generalist enemies of invasive plants may instead be hidden allies that amplify invader success and impacts.},
}

*Introduced Species
Herbivory
*Plants/microbiology
*Plant Physiological Phenomena
Animals

@article {pmid40674063,
year = {2025},
author = {Venkataraman, YR and Kelso, JC and Payne, C and Freitas, HL and Kohler, J and Tepolt, CK},
title = {Plasticity, not Genetics, Shapes Individual Responses to Thermal Stress in Non-Native Populations of the European Green Crab (Carcinus maenas).},
journal = {Integrative and comparative biology},
volume = {65},
number = {4},
pages = {1148-1165},
doi = {10.1093/icb/icaf131},
pmid = {40674063},
issn = {1557-7023},
support = {2209018//National Science Foundation/ ; 2150401//National Science Foundation/ ; ICER-2023192//National Science Foundation/ ; OCE-1850996//National Science Foundation/ ; //Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution/ ; },
mesh = {Animals ; *Brachyura/physiology/genetics ; Introduced Species ; *Thermotolerance ; Hot Temperature ; Acclimatization ; Genetic Variation ; Stress, Physiological ; Male ; Phenotype ; *Heat-Shock Response ; Adaptation, Physiological ; },
abstract = {Temperature is a major driver of individual performance in ectotherms, with this impact depending on stressor intensity and duration. Differences in individual response across temperature, time, and populations are shaped by the interplay between evolutionary adaptation and phenotypic plasticity. Some populations are able to thrive in novel and changing environments despite limited genetic diversity, raising the question of how plasticity and adaptation interact after significant genetic diversity loss. The European green crab (Carcinus maenas) is a textbook example of this phenomenon: invasive populations boast a broad thermal tolerance and exceptional thermal flexibility even after repeated genetic bottlenecks. Despite this loss of diversity overall, prior work has found a strong population-level association between variation at a specific extended genomic region (supergene), cold tolerance, and sea surface temperature. We conducted a series of three experiments using righting response to characterize sublethal thermal tolerance and plasticity in introduced green crab populations, then determined if these factors were associated with supergene genotype for individual adult crabs. Crabs showed signs of stress after exposure to a 30°C heat shock in one experiment. Interestingly, a second experiment exposing C. maenas to repeated 24-h heat shocks showed that prior heat shock conferred beneficial plasticity during a subsequent event. The third experiment examined cold acclimation over multiple timepoints up to 94 h. At 5°C, certain crabs exhibited an acclimatory response where righting slowed dramatically at first, and then gradually sped up after a longer period of cold exposure. Several crabs failed to right at 1.5°C, which could be indicative of dormancy employed to reduce energy consumption in colder conditions. There were no significant relationships between individual plasticity and supergene genotype in any experiment. Linking population-level genetic associations with individual-level physiology is complex, and reflects the impact of environmental conditions such as temperature throughout life history in shaping adult phenotype. Our results highlight the robust thermal tolerance and plasticity that adult green crabs maintain despite a substantial reduction in genetic diversity, and underscore the importance of probing population-level genotype-phenotype associations at the individual level.},
}

Animals
*Brachyura/physiology/genetics
Introduced Species
*Thermotolerance
Hot Temperature
Acclimatization
Genetic Variation
Stress, Physiological
Male
Phenotype
*Heat-Shock Response
Adaptation, Physiological

@article {pmid40130427,
year = {2025},
author = {Yan, W and Fu, R and Huang, X and Zhan, A},
title = {Dynamic and Functional miRNA-Mediated Gene Regulations in Response to Recurrent Environmental Challenges During Biological Invasions.},
journal = {Molecular ecology},
volume = {34},
number = {20},
pages = {e17749},
doi = {10.1111/mec.17749},
pmid = {40130427},
issn = {1365-294X},
support = {32471740//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32061143012//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; 32101352//National Natural Science Foundation of China/ ; },
mesh = {*MicroRNAs/genetics ; Animals ; *Introduced Species ; *Gene Expression Regulation ; Gene Regulatory Networks ; *Ciona intestinalis/genetics ; Salinity ; Stress, Physiological/genetics ; Gene Expression Profiling ; },
abstract = {Biological invasions offer a valuable 'natural experiment' to investigate survival mechanisms, as invaders successfully endure substantial environmental changes during their geographical spread and settlement. Phenotypic plasticity enhances fitness by enabling rapid responses without requiring new genetic variations. Among numerous mechanisms involved in phenotypic plasticity, microRNAs (miRNAs) and their regulatory networks are believed to enable rapid responses by fine-tuning gene expression, though their roles remain poorly understood. By integrating miRNAomic and transcriptomic analyses in the model invasive ascidian Ciona robusta, we simulated recurring salinity stresses encountered during invasions to investigate the molecular mechanisms of miRNA-mediated gene regulation in response to recurrent environmental challenges. Multiple analyses demonstrated that miRNAs exhibited rapid, dynamic and reversible responses to recurrent stresses, displaying duration-dependent and stage-specific profiles. The upregulation of genes in the miRNA biogenesis process, rather than the decay pathway, primarily accounted for the increased expression abundance of miRNAs. Responsive miRNAs regulated target genes through an intricate regulatory network, demonstrated by both up and downregulatory relationships and diverse binding sites. Interestingly, miRNAs and their target genes exhibited a 'stress memory' effect, where miRNAs 'remembered' previous challenges and further mediated the enhanced response of target genes at later stresses. Functionally, miRNA-mediated salinity coping strategies and associated genes exhibited temporal variations depending on challenge duration and stage, and these strategies primarily involved the modulation and alternation of free amino acid metabolism and ion transport to maintain osmotic homeostasis. These findings highlight the importance of miRNA-mediated regulatory networks in shaping short-term phenotypic plasticity in response to environmental changes.},
}

*MicroRNAs/genetics
Animals
*Introduced Species
*Gene Expression Regulation
Gene Regulatory Networks
*Ciona intestinalis/genetics
Salinity
Stress, Physiological/genetics
Gene Expression Profiling

@article {pmid40108861,
year = {2025},
author = {Talukder, P and Dasgupta, M and Hazra, A and Adhikari, A and Dutta, A and Sengupta, S and Karmakar, M},
title = {Impact of Invasive Weeds Lantana camara L. and Parthenium hysterophorus L. on the Secondary Metabolite Profiles of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.).},
journal = {Biotechnology and applied biochemistry},
volume = {72},
number = {5},
pages = {1405-1427},
doi = {10.1002/bab.2751},
pmid = {40108861},
issn = {1470-8744},
mesh = {*Abelmoschus/metabolism/growth & development ; *Plant Weeds/metabolism ; *Lantana/metabolism ; *Asteraceae/metabolism ; Antioxidants/metabolism ; *Introduced Species ; Flavonoids/metabolism ; *Secondary Metabolism ; Parthenium hysterophorus ; },
abstract = {The impact of two invasive weed species, Lantana camara and Parthenium hysterophorus, on the development and secondary metabolism of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is the focus of this study. We explored the potential role of secondary metabolites as antioxidants to mitigate the stress induced by these common weeds on okra plants with special emphasis on chlorogenic acid (CGA). The study has been done with six experimental setups. One setup includes okra grown alone, and another set consists of okra co-cultivation with L. camara, P. hysterophorus, and a combination of both. Each setup consisted of 30 plants of each species. After these, biochemical assays were done to measure the production of secondary metabolites, which include polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants. They are all measured in response to weed-induced stress. Total polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants displayed a significant increment in okra when co-cultivated with Lantana or Parthenium. Co-cultivation with both weeds presented synergistic negative effects, like that interaction is characterized by elevated markers of stress, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating the compounded adverse effect on the okra plants. Moreover, it points out the effect of the weed's presence on secondary metabolism in okra. Gene expression analysis of two genes, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HQT), which are critical in the phenylpropanoid pathway, validated the role of secondary metabolites in weed-induced stress alleviation. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis shows that CGA has increased significantly in okra plants co-cultivated with weeds. It suggests a plant response to counteract weed-induced stress by enhancing CGA production. Therefore, the study shows the impact of weeds on stress indicators, such as ROS, RNS, and MDA. So, it is observed that stress levels are increased in okra in the weed's presence, as indicated by high lipid and proline content. These findings suggest practical strategies for weed management by enhancing secondary metabolism in crops to improve resilience and productivity under stress conditions caused by invasive weeds.},
}

*Abelmoschus/metabolism/growth & development
*Plant Weeds/metabolism
*Lantana/metabolism
*Asteraceae/metabolism
Antioxidants/metabolism
*Introduced Species
Flavonoids/metabolism
*Secondary Metabolism
Parthenium hysterophorus

@article {pmid41092440,
year = {2025},
author = {Wilson, S and Thorne, MS and Peck, DC and Wright, MG},
title = {Susceptibility of different forage grasses to feeding damage by Prosapia bicincta (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) adults in Hawai'i.},
journal = {Journal of economic entomology},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {},
doi = {10.1093/jee/toaf266},
pmid = {41092440},
issn = {1938-291X},
support = {65973//Hawai'i Department of Agriculture/ ; 68126//Hawai'i Department of Agriculture/ ; //Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources/ ; C81112//Hawai'i Invasive Species Council/ ; C20556//Hawai'i Invasive Species Council/ ; C30930//Hawai'i Invasive Species Council/ ; 58-2040-9-010//United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service/ ; C006362//Hawai'i County Office of Research and Development/ ; },
abstract = {The twolined spittlebug, Prosapia bicincta (Say), is a pest of forage and turfgrasses causing economic and ecological damage to rangelands in Hawai'i. First detected in 2016, this pest now infests >143,000 ha on Hawai'i Island. Host plant resistance is a key strategy for management of grass-feeding spittlebugs in pastures. The susceptibility of 12 different grass species and cultivars to adult P. bicincta feeding was evaluated in greenhouse trials. Grasses were arranged in a randomized complete block design and after 12 d of adult feeding, damage to the foliage was quantified and above- and below-ground dry biomass were measured. Three species/cultivars were moderately susceptible (foliar damage 28 to 41%) and 2 were extremely susceptible (foliar damage ≥80%). Kikuyu (Cenchrus clandestinus (Hochst. ex Chiov.) Morrone), a key pasture grass used for livestock forage in Hawai'i, exhibited the highest level of susceptibility (≥85% mean foliar damage) and significant reductions in above- (38 to 50%) and below-ground (51 to 71%) biomass compared to non-infested control plants. Seven grasses demonstrated resistance, with ≤15% mean foliar damage. Among the resistant grasses, 5 were Urochloa (P. Beauv.) cultivars (Cayana, Cayman, Marandú, Mulato II, Sabiá) and the remaining 2 were Bahia T9 (Paspalum notatum (Flugge) var. saurae (Parodi) cv. 'Tifton-9') and fountain grass (Cenchrus setaceus (Forssk.) Morrone). This study is the first to identify resistance in these grasses to P. bicincta. The underlying mechanisms of resistance were not identified and necessitates further research. Hawai'i's existing Kikuyu grass pastures are severely threatened, but the incorporation of resistant grasses is a promising management strategy.},
}

@article {pmid41089890,
year = {2025},
author = {van Koppenhagen, N and Gossner, MM and Eisenring, M and Mathis, DS and Haller, J and Bolliger, J},
title = {Artificial Light at Night Affects Larval Growth Without Altering Survival or Pupation in Spongy Moth (Lymantria dispar dispar).},
journal = {Ecology and evolution},
volume = {15},
number = {10},
pages = {e72311},
pmid = {41089890},
issn = {2045-7758},
abstract = {Artificial light at night (ALAN) can disrupt circadian rhythms in nocturnal insects, but its effects on immature stages remain understudied. However, this knowledge is crucial, as a change in the development of insects can have ecological and economic consequences. For example, the spongy moth (Lymantria dispar dispar), native to Europe and Asia, has become an invasive species in North America, causing extensive defoliation of trees in forests and urban landscapes. Therefore, we investigated how LED light color influences larval development and pupation in the spongy moth. Larvae were reared under three light conditions simulating outdoor lighting: (1) neutral white LED (3700 K), (2) amber LED (2200 K), and (3) a dark control (no light). Results showed no significant differences in larval survival, growth patterns, or pupal stage outcomes between treatments. However, larvae exposed to 3700 K light reached significantly higher body masses at the eighth instar than those exposed to 2200 K and tended to be heavier than the control caterpillars. This is accompanied by a consistently higher weight gain at 3700 K in all larval stages. These results suggest that ALAN can influence larval growth-a crucial factor for fitness and population dynamics. Understanding the effects of ALAN on fitness-related traits-especially in pest species like the spongy moth-is critical given the increasing prevalence of nighttime illumination.},
}

@article {pmid41088751,
year = {2025},
author = {Jiao, Z and Ren, Z and Hu, C and Ma, X and Zhang, GQ and Chen, LJ and Wei, G and Peng, DH and Lan, S and Luo, YB and Liu, ZJ},
title = {Unidirectional genomic introgression facilitates the colonization of invasive orchid in arid metal-enriched sedimental habitats.},
journal = {Plant communications},
volume = {},
number = {},
pages = {101561},
doi = {10.1016/j.xplc.2025.101561},
pmid = {41088751},
issn = {2590-3462},
abstract = {Genes that introgress between species can influence the evolutionary and ecological fate of recipients exposed to novel environments. However, key questions on the patterns and molecular mechanisms of introgression in perennial herbaceous plants, which enable distantly related invasive species to thrive in extreme habitats, remain largely unanswered. Here, we report unidirectional introgression from the local species Dendrobium huoshanense to the distantly related invasive species D. catenatum (D. officinale) in the lithophytic habitats of eastern China. The introgressed regions, which comprise approximately 1% of the genome, contain genes that regulate responses to drought, cold, and metal ion stresses. Notably, introgressed loci like CDPK, HHP, PIF, BRI1, and FY show distinct selection signatures and differential expression compared to their paralogs, each playing a distinct role in drought and cold stress responses. Additionally, CIPK23, PDR9, and HAM demonstrate differential expression in relation to their paralogous genes and alleles within introgressed loci, indicating their potential involvement in responses to metal ion stress. The introgression facilitates the colonization of D. catenatum in arid, metal-enriched sedimental habitats. Our findings enhance the understanding of Orchidaceae evolution and elucidate the evolutionary roles of unidirectional introgression in the extreme environmental adaptation of perennial herbaceous plants.},
}