Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), Prostephanus truncatus (Horn), and Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae) are noxious insect pests of grains in storages. Pirimiphos-methyl is widely used to protect grains at the post-harvest stage. However, the sub-lethal impact of this active ingredient on the offspring of all three coleopterans remains unknown. Thus, mated females of each species were exposed separately to pirimiphos-methyl at short exposures (30 min, 3, 5, 8, 16, 24, and 36 h), where the elytra and hindwings of the adult progeny were analyzed with the geometric morphometrics method. Males and females of all species were incorporated into the analysis. The results revealed variability among species. Tenebrio molitor was the most sensitive among three species, displaying significant deformations in the elytra and hindwings. Males had more conspicuous morphological changes than females. Prostephanus truncatus hindwings exhibited deformities after 36 h of exposure to pirimiphos-methyl. In contrast, R. dominica offspring were not affected by pirimiphos-methyl. In light of our findings, organophosphorus insecticides may cause variable sub-lethal effects to stored-product insects. This issue may lead to different insecticidal treatments according to the targeted stored-product species.
The genus Binodoxys includes only nine species found in Europe, yet despite its frequent occurrence, it remains insufficiently studied. This study addresses this knowledge gap through an exhaustive literature review and material collection, and a compilation of a comprehensive list detailing tritrophic associations. Based on the available molecular data, we constructed a maximum likelihood tree for six European species. Several new hosts were identified for the first time, and the geographical distribution of one species was broadened. An identification key for females of European Binodoxys species is provided. Future studies should prioritize gathering host data and investigate the existence of cryptic species among polyphagous species. Furthermore, the status of the three species not analyzed in this study due to the lack of material should be investigated by encompassing both morphological and molecular approaches.