Sanad H. Ragab

Danaus plexippus L. (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) is well-known and captivating migratory insect that cannot overwinter in temperate climates. Although common throughout North America, monarch butterfly populations appear to be declining widely in their geographically distinct areas. Rapid climatic change is posing a serious threat to monarch butterfly populations, especially the migratory groups in the east. This study assesses how several climate change scenarios will affect the global distribution of monarch butterflies. Using climate projections from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 model, we conducted projections for the near future (2021–2040) and far future (2041–2060, 2081–2100) under high (SSP5_8.5) and low (SSP1_2.6) emission scenarios. We estimated habitat gain, loss, and stability for D. plexippus. True Skill Statistic (TSS) and the Area Under the Curve (AUC) were used to assess the model’s performance. The results indicated that annual precipitation, land cover, and altitude (Alt) were the most influential factors affecting D. plexippus distribution. Potential habitat shifts were observed in Central Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America, with both gains and losses. These findings highlight the interconnected relationship between the climatic factors and distribution of migratory insects, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation efforts to mitigate climate change impacts on D. plexippus populations. Management strategies should prioritize habitat restoration, focus on overwintering site preservation, and implement adaptive management approaches. This research provides an evidence base for adaptive management to minimize climate change impacts on migratory insect populations.

The presence of mosquitoes in a certain area is sufficient evidence of the transmission of diseases, in addition to the inconvenience and harassment they cause to the population. In order for mosquito control to be successful, there must be sufficient reports and information about the extent of the distribution and spread of the mosquito in this area. This study was conducted seasonally to calculate the distribution and abundance of mosquitoes and to initially detect hepatitis C virus in the most abundant species collected in some localities: Kafr Saqr (Hanot, El-Kodah, Abo Shokok, El-Hagarsa); Abo Kebeer (Manshat Radwan, Bane Aiat, Al-Rahmania, Horbat); Diarb Negm (Safor, El-Asaied, Karmot Sahbara, Saft Zreka); and El-Zakazik (Om El-Zein, Bany Amer, Al-Zankalon, Shanbrt El-Mimona) along Sharkia Governorate. According to the results, 12 mosquito species belonging to two genera were recorded in four stations (16 sites). The species Culex pipiens was found to be the most abundant across the majority of locations. It is reaching its peak in Al-Zankalon with a maximum count of 139 ± 7.61 individuals. C. antennatus exhibited a significant level of abundance (p < 0.001), especially in Al-Rahmania (82.5 ± 4.3). Species such as C. perexiguus and An. pharoensis were found in moderate-to-low numbers. The prevailing species is C. pipiens in all locations and seasons, especially during the summer. Other species like C. antennatus and An. pharoensis are also important, although their significance is somewhat less pronounced. Clusters of sites with similar features indicate that specific locations or species exhibit consistent patterns of activity or abundance throughout several seasons. These clusters represent groups of locations that share similar characteristics, as determined by the principal components. The findings of detecting hepatitis C virus in C. pipiens (the most abundant species) collected samples showed negative results for the presence of HCV during the summer season in Sharkia Governorate.

Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) is a disease vector for the West Nile virus (WNV). Climate change impacts the disease transmission carried by mosquitoes, and it is partly to blame for the resurgence of mosquitoes as important disease vector insects. This study assessed the geographic range of Culex pipiens in the United States under both present and projected climatic scenarios, identifying the primary environmental factors influencing its distribution. Employing species distribution modeling (MaxEnt, Version 3.4.1) and occurrence data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, we examined the effects of key variables, including altitude, temperature seasonality (bio4), and annual precipitation (bio12), on habitat suitability for C. pipiens. The analysis revealed that altitude accounted for 60.3% of the model’s explanatory power, followed by temperature seasonality (31%) and annual precipitation (8.7%). Areas having low elevation and moderate temperature fluctuations were the most favorable for C. pipiens, with a predicted range extending across the Midwest and southeastern United States under present variables. Future projections for 2050 and 2070 under Representative Concentration Pathway (climatic change) scenarios suggest possible northward expansion in response to rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns. The study highlights some shifts in C. pipiens distribution and the potential for increased disease transmission into new areas. This study serves as a catalyst for decision-makers to coordinate their management reaction and create more resilient and comprehensive strategies to safeguard human health.

The potential range and distribution of insects are greatly impacted by climate change. This study evaluates the potential global shifts in the range of Gryllus bimaculatus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) under several climate change scenarios. The Global Biodiversity Information Facility provided the location data for G. bimaculatus, which included nineteen bioclimatic layers (bio01–bio19), elevation data from the WorldClim database, and land cover data. For the near future (2021–2040) and far future (2081–2100) under low (SSP1-2.6) and high (SSP5-8.5) emission scenarios, the Beijing Climate Center Climate System Model (BCC-CSM2-MR) and the Institute Pierre-Simon Laplace Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (IPSL-CM6A-LR) were used. Assessing habitat gain, loss, and stability for G. bimaculatus under potential scenarios was part of the evaluation analysis. The results showed that the main environmental parameters affecting the distribution of G. bimaculatus were mean temperature of the driest quarter, mean diurnal temperature range, isothermality, and seasonal precipitation. Since birds, small mammals, and other insectivorous insects rely on G. bimaculatus and other cricket species as their primary food supply, habitat loss necessitates management attention to the effects on the food web. The spread of G. bimaculatus as a sentinel species in the food chain and its use in animal feeds are both impacted by habitat loss and gain.

The common myna bird (Acridotheres tristis Linnaeus, 1766) is widely recognized as one of the most formidable invasive avian species globally. The bird poses significant challenges due to its ability to outcompete a variety of native cavity-nesting birds. Additionally, the common myna is a notable agricultural pest and a substantial threat to indigenous biodiversity. The current study is focused on understanding the distribution pattern of the common myna (Acridotheres tristis Linnaeus, 1766) in Egypt and the significant favorable conditions to predict the invasion scale of the bird to the Egyptian fauna. To determine the environmental variables influencing the invasion range of the common myna in Egypt, a Species Distribution Model (SDM) was employed. The current work documented 117 invasion sites of the species from February to December 2023. The predicted habitats are mainly concentrated close to the Nile Delta of Egypt, the Suez Canal region, North and South Sinai, in addition to scattered areas on the Red Sea coast, along the riverbanks of Upper Egypt, in addition to a few northwestern areas of the Western Desert. The most significant environmental factors affecting the establishment were the Minimum Temperature of the Coldest Month, the Mean Temperature of the Coldest Quarter, and Elevation. The current invaded areas comprise about 0.8% of Egypt (8240 km² out of roughly one million km²). We found that this is significant and of concern due to the expectation of increasingly favourable conditions due to global warming; this will turn this invasive species into a real threat to Egyptian ecosystems due to its aggressive competition with native cavity-nesting birds, its impact as an agricultural pest, and its potential to disrupt local biodiversity.

Actilasioptera gagné (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is a gall inducer associated with the gray mangrove, Avicennia marina (Acanthaceae) which hasn't been previously recorded in Egypt. Mangrove forests are unique functional ecosystems having much social, ecological, economic and biological importance. This work aimed to study the relationship between the gall marker Actilasioptera Gagné and the gray mangrove, Avicennia marina,in addition to evaluating the quantifications of phytochemical and proximate compositions of Avicennia marina leaves with galls and without galls, as well as their antinutrients compositions on the Red Sea coast. The results of phytochemical compositions showed that total flavonoids, flavonols, steroids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, and total phenolic contents were statistically significant at p < /del>P< 0.05 and higher in Avicennia marina leaves with galls than without galls. The total flavonoids, flavonols, and phenolic acids in the Avicennia marina leaves with galls and leaves without galls were 181.93± 1.36 mg RTE/ g DW, 51.10± 0.56 mg RTE/ g DW, 20.27± 0.65 mg RTE/ g DW, 8.77± 0.51 mg RTE/ g DW, 70.42± 0.61 mg GAE / g DW, and 26.90± 1.25 mg GAE / g DW, respectively. In addition, total steroids, saponins, tannins, and alkaloids were significantly higher in the Avicennia marina leaves with galls than in leaves without galls. The high values of proximate contents were found in Avicennia marina leaves with galls than Avicennia marina leaves without galls. Furthermore, the highest levels of anti-nutrients were found in Avicennia marina leaves with galls: oxalates, phytates, and cyanogenic glycosides were 21.60± 0.52 mg / 100 g, 1.102± 0.08 mg / 100 g, and 6.98± 0.22 mg / 100 g, respectively. Actilasioptera Gagné can infest and damage mangrove plant leaf, leading to the death of the plant leaf as a result of access of plant defense chemicals against insect pests.

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E.Smith) in combination with climate change impacts poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity, ecoregion habitat, and biodiversity in the Neotropical Realm. This study presents an assessment of the fall armyworm distribution in the Neotropics under the influence of climate change. To conduct this analysis our methodology used 19 bioclimatic variables, altitude, and land cover to evaluate the habitat suitability of fall armyworm across the Neotropics. By comparing four future climate scenarios against the current baseline scenario, we determined the potential changes in Gain, Unsuitability, Stability, and Loss of habitat for fall armyworm within the eight Neotropic ecoregions. The results have implications for both agricultural food security and biodiversity as the fall armyworm will continue to be a pest within the Neotropical Realm. Our findings emphasize the ongoing habitat suitability that is expected to persist and potentially expand in some Neotropic areas under the climate change scenarios. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies can be used to mitigate agricultural losses and combat food insecurity arising from this crop pest. FAW is an indiscriminate defoliator and its control will help reduce biodiversity loss from synergistic impacts of climate change altered habitats and pest insect defoliation.

Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E.Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) commonly known as the fall armyworm (FAW), is a serious maize and sorghum pest endemic to North and South America. Recently, the insect has invaded most of Africa, China and the Tropics where it is now considered a serious threat to small farm holder productivity and to local food security. The work presented details an assessment of the global invasion risk of S. frugiperda using 19 bioclimatic variables, altitude and land cover. We calculate Gain, Unsuitable, Stable and Loss of habitat for S. frugiperda comparing four future scenarios against the current baseline scenario. The results show that under various habitat suitability scenarios S. frugiperda will continue to be invasive and endemic. It emphasizes the ongoing need for adaptive and integrated pest management in recently invaded regions as a way to manage this insect, minimize annual crop loss and to maintain global food security into the future.

Background: Climate change is one of the most important factors associated with medically important insect pests such as mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae). Diseases spread by mosquitoes are increasing due to changes in global temperature and weather patterns that are altering vector host ranges allowing spread into new regions. Zika, dengue fever, chikungunya and yellow fever are arboviral infections that are spread by Aedes aegypti (Culicidae). The objective of the current research is to study the potential geographic distribution habitats of Ae. aegypti in the world under current and future climate conditions. Methods: Data of Ae. aegypti was obtained from the global biodiversity information facility and used 19 bioclimatic layers (bio01-bio19) and elevation from the WorldClim database. The scenarios used are the Beijing climate center climate system model (BCC-CSM2-MR) and the institute Pierre-Simon Laplace, coupled model intercomparison project (IPSL-CM6A-LR) with two shared socio-economic pathways (SSPs) for each of the general circulation model (GCMs): SSP126 and SSP585. Results: The results revealed that altitude, temperature, seasonality (standard deviation *100) (bio4), and annual precipitation (bio12) were the most important environmental variables that affect the distribution of Ae. aegypti. Conclusions: The models showed that Africa and South America maintained very high and excellent habitat suitability for Ae. Aegypti under the current potential distribution map.

Spodoptera frugiperda, (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) commonly known as the fall armyworm (FAW), is a serious maize and sorghum pest endemic to North and South America. Recently, the insect has invaded most of Africa, China and the Tropics where it is now considered a serious threat to small farmholder productivity and to local food security. The work presented details an assessment of the global invasion risk of S. frugiperda using 19 bioclimatic variables, altitude and land cover. We calculate Gain, Unsuitable, Stable and Loss of habitat for S. frugiperda comparing four future scenarios against the current baseline scenario. The results show that under various habitat suitability scenarios S. frugiperda will continue to be invasive and endemic. It emphasizes the ongoing need for adaptive and integrated pest management in recently invaded regions to better manage this insect, minimize crop loss and to maintain food security into the future.