Pest Cockroaches May Overcome Environmental Restriction Due to Anthropization

Schapheer, Constanza; Sandoval, Gino; Villagra, Cristian A.

doi:10.1093/jme/tjy090

Cited by 12 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 40 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…The urban microhabitat features unique climatic regimes, photoperiod and resource availability. In response to these selective pressures, successful synanthropic animals including cockroaches [4], rats [5] and crows [6] exhibit many behaviours absent in non-urbanized sibling species. Understanding these behaviours is of major importance to public health.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Computational and experimental insights into the chemosensory navigation of Aedes aegyptimosquito larvae

2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Mosquitoes are prolific disease vectors that affect public health around the world. Although many studies have investigated search strategies used by host-seeking adult mosquitoes, little is known about larval search behaviour. Larval behaviour affects adult body size and fecundity, and thus the capacity of individual mosquitoes to find hosts and transmit disease. Understanding vector survival at all life stages is crucial for improving disease control. In this study, we use experimental and computational methods to investigate the chemical ecology and search behaviour of Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae. We first show that larvae do not respond to several olfactory cues used by adult Ae. aegypti to assess larval habitat quality, but perceive microbial RNA as a potent foraging attractant. Second, we demonstrate that Ae. aegypti larvae use chemokinesis, an unusual search strategy, to navigate chemical gradients. Finally, we use computational modelling to demonstrate that larvae respond to starvation pressure by optimizing exploration behaviour—possibly critical for exploiting limited larval habitat types. Our results identify key characteristics of foraging behaviour in an important disease vector mosquito. In addition to implications for better understanding and control of disease vectors, this work establishes mosquito larvae as a tractable model for chemosensory behaviour and navigation.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Computational and experimental insights into the chemosensory navigation of Aedes aegyptimosquito larvae

2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Three of these species correspond to worldwide distributed synanthropic species, where most research on medical entomology has been focused (Nasirian 2019; Schapheer et al . 2018). For instance, the general biology, urban ecology and pathogenic associations of P. americana (Kassiri & Kazemi 2012; Yoon et al .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The generalized prevalence of pest cockroaches we found in Quetta should be considered as a public health concern by the relevant authorities and decisions makers in Pakistan and abroad (Greene & Breisch 2002; Krieger & Higgins 2002; Schapheer et al . 2018). This may become especially important when the world is still battling a global pandemic, and knowing that cockroaches are capable of contributing to the transmission of nosocomial infections (Fakoorziba et al .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These characteristics have enabled pest cockroaches to inhabit diverse microhabitats within human settlements, such as food storage areas and kitchens, bathrooms and toilets and to extend their distribution even to the most extreme climatic conditions (Schapheer et al . 2018). These adaptations of pest cockroach species to city habitats, added to their capacity to carry and transmit allergens and pathogens, make it imperative to study their urban ecology in a public health dimension.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Spatial distribution of synanthropic cockroaches found in Quetta, Pakistan and antibiotic‐resistant bacteria strains found in Shelfordella lateralis (Walker, 1868) (Blattodea: Blattidae)

Kamran

Schapheer

Ali

et al. 2021

Entomological Research

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Synanthropic cockroaches are a public health concern, because they can carry pathogens and allergens. These insects inhabit urban spaces and must be constantly monitored in order to assess the pest emergence outbreaks. Here, we combined spatial population monitoring with microbiological testing to survey the main pest cockroach species found inside residences of the city of Quetta, Pakistan. We evaluated the distribution of pest cockroaches at two scales: landscape (neighborhood) and patch (inside houses). We found at least one of the following pest species in the 73.2% of the total residences surveyed (n = 112): Shelfordella lateralis 37.1%, Periplaneta americana 23%, Blatella germanica 16.7%, Blatta orientalis 13.4% and Polyphaga aegyptiaca 9.8%. At landscape scale, the most common was S. lateralis, presenting a clustered distribution in two sampled zones, also heavily urbanized. At indoor scale, S. lateralis were most frequently found in kitchens. When we studied the bacterial loads in this species, we found that S. lateralis carried several pathogenic bacteria. Susceptibility tests tested on these strains against 10 common formulations showed antibiotic resistance for some bacteria. For instance, Pasteurella spp was susceptible towards six antibiotics tested, while Helicobacter spp showed resistance against eight antibiotics tested. Our evidence suggests that S. lateralis have the potential to displace main cosmopolitan pests and, most concerning, also carry antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria. Considering that this emergent Asian-native pest is now present in Europe and America, it may correspond to a relevant urban pest deserving further international public health attention.

show abstract

“…Observations from the field in both native and invaded ranges show that P. dominula appear to preferentially nest near human habitation (Höcherl andTautz 2015, Roets et al 2019). This pattern of synanthropy is seen in related species (Parent et al 2020) and has been shown to allow other taxa to invade regions where environmental conditions are unsuitable (Schapheer et al 2018). Additional modelling including human habitation and land-use as variables may be able to produce a more realistic prediction of P. dominula potential range.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 86%

Ecological impact and spread of an invasive paper wasp in New Zealand (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Howse¹

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Social wasps are considered among the most successful and impactful invasive species in the world. One species, Polistes dominula has spread from its native Mediterranean range to every continent except Antarctica. This wasp reached New Zealand in the last decade where it has established in the north of the South Island, however, reports of its presence are increasing throughout the country. Due to its recent arrival in New Zealand, little is known about where this species is likely to establish or what impacts it may have on local insect communities. In this thesis, I conducted two studies to investigate these questions, providing valuable information that may inform future management of this invasive species. In chapter 2, I used two bioclimatic modelling methods to predict areas of suitable habitat across four regions in the southern hemisphere. These models were informed by global temperature and precipitation data as well as global distribution occurrence data of P. dominula. These data were used to estimate conditions most highly correlated with the presence of this wasp. The models identified large areas across the target regions that were climatically suitable for the establishment of P. dominula. Many of these areas are not known to currently contain populations of this species, representing habitat potentially vulnerable to further invasion by P. dominula. Areas across South America, South Africa and Australia were predicted to be climatically suitable. In New Zealand, much of the North Island and eastern parts of the South Island were predicted to be suitable habitat for this wasp. These results suggest that P. dominula could potentially establish across more of the country and expand its invaded range. Information provided by these models may guide conservation and biosecurity management by highlighting key areas where prevention and mitigation should be prioritized. In chapter 3, I used molecular diet analysis to investigate the range of prey being utilised by P. dominula in New Zealand. Using DNA barcoding, larval gut contents of P. dominula and another closely related species, Polistes chinensis, were analysed to identify what species were present in the diet of both wasps. Butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) were found to be the most highly represented order in both species’ diets. True bugs (Hemiptera) and flies (Diptera) were also abundant. Both wasps were shown to consume a range of native and introduced species including a number of agricultural pests. P. dominula was found to utilise a wider range of prey than P. chinensis. This more diverse prey range, combined with known differences in nesting behaviour, suggest that P. dominula may represent a more significant threat to invertebrate diversity than the already well-established P. chinensis. These results may inform conservation and biosecurity managers on which species are most at risk where this new invasive wasp becomes established. This thesis provides insights into the potential impacts of a new invasive species to New Zealand. Both chapters represent the first time that these methods have been used to study P. dominula. This work highlights the need for continued monitoring of wasp populations throughout New Zealand, especially in regions highlighted as vulnerable to P. dominula establishment. We also suggest the need to prioritise the conservation of ‘at-risk’ species in coastal and human-altered habitats. Increased public engagement through the citizen-science initiatives should be encouraged while more research into management and control methods is recommended.

show abstract

Pest Cockroaches May Overcome Environmental Restriction Due to Anthropization

Cited by 12 publications

References 40 publications

Computational and experimental insights into the chemosensory navigation of Aedes aegyptimosquito larvae

Computational and experimental insights into the chemosensory navigation of Aedes aegyptimosquito larvae

Spatial distribution of synanthropic cockroaches found in Quetta, Pakistan and antibiotic‐resistant bacteria strains found in Shelfordella lateralis (Walker, 1868) (Blattodea: Blattidae)

Ecological impact and spread of an invasive paper wasp in New Zealand (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About