Biodiversity of Australasian Insects

Cranston, Peter S.

doi:10.1002/9781118945568.ch6

Cited by 6 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 108 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Many Chalcidoidea are associated with galls, either as gall-formers, inquilines or parasitoids. Chalcidoidea on Eucalyptus represents a notable Australian plant-associated radiation (Cranston, 2017), although there are a few Eucalyptus species endemic to New Guinea and Indonesia (Hill & Johnson, 2000). In contrast, in the northern hemisphere, hymenopteran gall-formers largely belong to the Cynipidae, while in Australia most are in the Eulophidae and Pteromalidae (Austin et al, 2004).…”

Section: Gall-forming Hymenoptera Of Eucalyptusmentioning

confidence: 99%

Invasive gall‐forming wasps that threaten non‐native plantation‐grownEucalyptus: diversity and invasion patterns

Dittrich-Schroder

Hurley

Wingfield

et al. 2020

Agri and Forest Entomology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Gall-forming hymenopterans of Eucalyptus species are highly successful invaders causing significant damage in non-native plantation forests. To date, at least 16 of these species have been recorded as invasive eucalypt gall formers, of which less than half are known from Australia where they are thought to be native. About 80% of the species have become invasive only in the last two decades, <10%, of which were known from Australia beforehand. 2 Two species, Leptocybe invasa and Ophelimus maskelli are global invaders that have become established in 43 and 23 countries, respectively, since 2000. They belong to a large number of wasps that cause similar damage and that could become invasive in the future. 3 The problem of identification is exacerbated by the fact that many species lack taxonomic descriptions; over 80% of the invasive eucalypt gall wasps were first described from their invasive range. The small number of taxonomists able to identify these insects slows accurate diagnoses. Even when initial identifications have been made, these may be confused with morphologically similar but distinct cryptic species, which may differ in their host range and natural enemy interactions. 4 Furthermore, detailed information regarding their biology and native distribution is typically sparse or unknown. This lack of information delays the initiation of management actions because breeding for resistance and biological control requires accurate identification of the target pest. 5 The gall-forming hymenopterans associated with Eucalyptus represent an important group on which to focus the development of pre-emptive quarantine, monitoring and potential management options. Given the global nature of invasions by these insects, an international and collaborative research approach is required, where knowledge and tools for study can be shared in a more effective manner.

show abstract

Section: Gall-forming Hymenoptera Of Eucalyptusmentioning

confidence: 99%

Invasive gall‐forming wasps that threaten non‐native plantation‐grownEucalyptus: diversity and invasion patterns

Dittrich-Schroder

Hurley

Wingfield

et al. 2020

Agri and Forest Entomology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Australia has around 200 000 species of insects (Austin et al ; Cranston ), yet there are only a few records of insects or insect products used for medicinal purposes by Australian Aborigines. Here, we review current ethnobiological records from Indigenous Australians with a view to consolidating existing literature, identifying knowledge gaps and hopefully encouraging the documentation of more information before it is lost.…”

Section: An Integrated Approach To Bioprospecting In Australiamentioning

confidence: 99%

Plant‐derived medicinal entomochemicals: an integrated approach to biodiscovery in Australia

Faast

Weinstein

2019

Austral Entomology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Despite an ancient and well‐established use of insects in traditional medicine, our understanding of their bioactive compounds (entomochemicals) lags far behind that of medicinal plants (phytochemicals). In this review, we focus particularly on insect–plant interactions, to examine the possible dependence of the medicinal properties of insects on phytochemicals that they bioaccumulate or chemically modify. We suggest that a cross‐disciplinary approach including ethnobiology, insect ecology and phytochemistry can provide new opportunities in bioprospecting. Such opportunities lie not only in identifying medicinal entomochemicals that are based on phytochemical accumulation or modification but also on using insects as bioindicators of what plants may contain novel phytochemicals that have not yet been studied. Firstly, evidence is drawn from the international literature on the medicinal use of insects, many of which have pharmacological properties now well established in the Western scientific paradigm. Secondly, we highlight the value of a cross‐disciplinary approach to bioprospecting in an Australian context, where records of traditional Aboriginal use of medicinal insects are scant. Particularly, we explore the Aboriginal use of Lepidoptera as a case study, including witchetty grubs, hawkmoths and processionary caterpillars. We conclude that opportunities remain to connect traditional, ecological and chemical knowledge for biodiscovery, in collaboration with Indigenous communities. Ultimately, the success of any such endeavour is dependent on the successful conservation management of insect biodiversity into the future.

show abstract

“…Ants (family Formicidae) are a remarkable and exceptionally diverse group of insects that have captivated the interest of scientists and nature advocates [1][2][3][4]. Ants exemplify a success story in the domain of terrestrial life, with more than 9,500 recognized species and an estimated total species diversity of well over 20,000 [5,6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Review on Mitochondrial Genome of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Kolondam,

Tallei,

Koneri

et al. 2023

Heca J. Appl. Sci.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Ants, which are members of the Formicidae family, have been the subject of considerable scientific scrutiny due to their remarkable diversity and ecological importance. Extensive research endeavors have been directed towards understanding the complex behaviors and ecological responsibilities exhibited by these organisms. The advent of cutting-edge sequencing technology in recent times has sparked a significant breakthrough in the deciphering of mitochondrial genomes in many animals, including ants. The objective of this review paper is to provide an informative summary of the mitochondrial DNA of ants. Exploring the intricate structural aspects, we investigate the genetic diversity that exists in the mitochondrial genomes of ants. The investigation of evolutionary processes provides insight into the complex alterations that have shaped genomes throughout time. The broader ramifications of these genetic differences for the fields of ant biology and conservation are thoroughly considered. An examination is conducted on the structural characteristics, genetic variations, and evolutionary features of ant mitochondrial genomes, along with an investigation into their physiological impacts. As the molecular complexities of ant mitochondrial genomes are revealed, there is an opportunity to further explore their realm, leading to a more comprehensive comprehension of these extraordinary organisms.

show abstract

Biodiversity of Australasian Insects

Cited by 6 publications

References 108 publications

Invasive gall‐forming wasps that threaten non‐native plantation‐grownEucalyptus: diversity and invasion patterns

Invasive gall‐forming wasps that threaten non‐native plantation‐grownEucalyptus: diversity and invasion patterns

Plant‐derived medicinal entomochemicals: an integrated approach to biodiscovery in Australia

A Review on Mitochondrial Genome of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About