Bombus pyrosoma is one of the most abundant bumblebee species in China, with a distribution range of very varied geomorphology and vegetation, which makes it an ideal pollinator species for research into high-altitude adaptation. Here, we sequenced and assembled transcriptomes of B. pyrosoma from the low-altitude North China Plain and the high-altitude Tibet Plateau. Subsequent comparative analysis of de novo transcriptomes from the high- and low-altitude groups identified 675 common upregulated genes (DEGs) in the high-altitude B. pyrosoma. These genes were enriched in metabolic pathways and corresponded to enzyme activities involved in energy metabolism. Furthermore, according to joint analysis with comparative metabolomics, we suggest that the metabolism of coenzyme A (CoA) and the metabolism and transport of energy resources contribute to the adaptation of high-altitude B. pyrosoma. Meanwhile, we found many common upregulated genes enriched in the Toll and immune deficiency (Imd)signaling pathways that act as important immune defenses in insects, and hypoxia and cold temperatures could induce the upregulation of immune genes in insects. Therefore, we suppose that the Toll and Imd signaling pathways also participated in the high-altitude adaptation of B. pyrosoma. Like other organisms, we suggest that the high-altitude adaptation of B. pyrosoma is controlled by diverse mechanisms.

To date, 26 species of the subfamily Nomiinae are known to occur in Pakistan. Among these, most of the species have been reported from the northern parts of Punjab, particularly the Pothwar region. In this study, sweat bees from the subfamily Nomiinae were collected from six districts of southern Punjab, Pakistan, to identify their taxonomic diversity. A total of nine species from four genera i.e., Austronomia Michener, 1965, Lipotriches Gerstaecker, 1858, Nomia Letreille, 1804, and Pseudapis Kirby, 1900 were identified. These species were Austronomia pilipes (Smith, 1875), Lipotriches (Armatriches) fervida (Smith, 1875), L. (Lipotriches) fulvinerva (Cameron, 1907), Nomia (Leuconomia) interstitialis Cameron, 1898, N. (Nomia) curvipes (Fabricius, 1793), N. (Hoplonomia) westwoodi (Gribodo, 1894), Pseudapis (Pseudapis) nilotica (Smith, 1875), P. (Pseudapis) oxybeloides (Smith, 1875), and P. (Nomiapis) bispinosa (Brulle, 1832). All the bee species except P. oxybeloides are reported for the first time from southern Punjab, Pakistan. A key to the genera of the subfamily Nomiinae, species, diagnoses, floral hosts, and distributions are provided. Moreover, habitus photographs and male genitalia illustrations are provided for each species except L. fervida and L. fulvinerva, as no male specimens were collected during the entire study period. This study will be helpful in the establishment of conservation strategies for native bees.

Atractomorpha lata Motschoulsky (Orthoptera: Pyrgomorphidae) has recently emerged as an important agricultural pest in China. Understanding the impact of temperature on its developmental period is crucial for predicting its population dynamics. This study systematically observed the biological characteristics of A. lata at five temperatures (16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 °C) using the age-stage, two-sex life table method. The effects of temperature on the developmental period, survival rate, and fecundity of A. lata were studied using fresh bean leaves as host. The results demonstrated that as temperature increased from 16 °C to 32 °C, the developmental period, preadult time, adult longevity, adult preoviposition period (APOP), and total preoviposition period (TPOP) significantly decreased. The developmental threshold temperatures for various stages were calculated, ranging from 10.47 °C to 13.01 °C, using the linear optimal method. As temperature increased, both the intrinsic rate of increase (r) and the finite rate of increase (λ) also increased, while the mean generation time (T) decreased. The optimal values of the net reproductive rate (R₀ = 54.26 offspring), gross reproductive rate (GRR = 185.53 ± 16.94 offspring), and fecundity (169.56 ± 9.93 eggs) were observed at 24 °C. Similarly, the population trend index (I) for A. lata peaked at 24 °C (61.64). Our findings indicate that A. lata exhibits its highest population growth rate at 24 °C, providing a scientific basis for predicting its population dynamics in the field.

Bumblebees, the most important wild pollinators in both agricultural and natural ecosystems, are declining worldwide. The global decline of bumblebees may threaten biodiversity, pollination services, and, ultimately, agricultural productivity. Several factors, including pesticide usage, climate change, habitat loss, and species invasion, have been documented in the decline of bumblebee species, but recent studies have revealed the dominating role of pathogens and parasites over any of these causes. Unfortunately, there is a lack of a full understanding of the role of pathogens and parasites in the decline of bumblebee species. The current study provides a comprehensive review of how pathogens and parasites contribute to the decline of bumblebee species. The study also explores the prevalence of each pathogen and parasite within bumblebee populations. Furthermore, we address the synergistic effects of pathogens and other stressors, such as pesticides, climatic effects, and habitat loss, on bumblebee populations. To summarize, we propose possible conservation and management strategies to preserve the critical role of bumblebees in pollination services and thus to support ecosystem and agricultural health.