Bee monitoring by community scientists: comparing a collections-based program with iNaturalist.

Bee monitoring, or widespread efforts to document bee community biodiversity, can involve data collection using lethal (specimen collections) or non-lethal methods (observations, photographs). Additionally, data can be collected by professional scientists or by volunteer participants from the general public. Collection-based methods presumably produce more reliable data with fewer biases against certain taxa, while photography-based approaches, such as data collected from public natural history platforms like iNaturalist, can involve more people and cover a broader geographic area. Few efforts have been made to quantify the pros and cons of these different approaches. We established a community science monitoring program to assess bee biodiversity across the state of Pennsylvania (USA) using specimen collections with nets, blue vane traps, and bowl traps. We recruited 26 participants, mostly Master Gardeners, from across the state to sample bees after receiving extensive training on bee monitoring topics and methods. The specimens they collected were identified to species, stored in museum collections, and the data added to public databases. Then, we compared the results from our collections to research-grade observations from iNaturalist during the same time period (2021 and 2022). At state and county levels, we found collections data documented over twice as much biodiversity and novel baseline natural history data (state and county records) than data from iNaturalist. iNaturalist data showed strong biases toward large-bodied and non-native species. This study demonstrates the value of highly trained community scientists for collections-based research that aims to document patterns of bee biodiversity over space and time.

Citizen silence: Missed opportunities in citizen science.

Citizen science is personal. Participation is contingent on the citizens' connection to a topic or to interpersonal relationships meaningful to them. But from the peer-reviewed literature, scientists appear to have an acquisitive data-centered relationship with citizens. This has spurred ethical and pragmatic criticisms of extractive relationships with citizen scientists. We suggest five practical steps to shift citizen-science research from extractive to relational, reorienting the research process and providing reciprocal benefits to researchers and citizen scientists. By virtue of their interests and experience within their local environments, citizen scientists have expertise that, if engaged, can improve research methods and product design decisions. To boost the value of scientific outputs to society and participants, citizen-science research teams should rethink how they engage and value volunteers.

Feeding en route: Prey availability and traits influence prey selection by an avian predator on migration.

During animal migration, ephemeral communities of taxa at all trophic levels co-occur over space and time. The interactions between predators and prey along migration corridors are ecologically and evolutionarily significant. However, these interactions remain understudied in terrestrial systems and warrant further investigations using novel approaches. We investigated the predator-prey interactions between a migrating avivorous predator and ephemeral avian prey community in the fall migration season. We tested for associations between avian traits and prey selection and hypothesized that prey traits (i.e. relative size, flocking behaviour, habitat, migration tendency and availability) would influence prey selection by a sexually dimorphic raptor on migration. To document prey consumption, we sampled trace prey DNA from beaks and talons of migrating sharp-shinned hawks Accipiter striatus (n = 588). We determined prey availability in the ephemeral avian community by extracting weekly abundance indices from eBird Status and Trends data. We used discrete choice models to assess prey selection and visualized the frequency of prey in diet and availability on the landscape over the fall migration season. Using eDNA metabarcoding, we detected prey species on 94.1% of the hawks sampled (n = 525/588) comprising 1396 prey species detections from 65 prey species. Prey frequency in diet and eBird relative abundance of prey species were correlated over the migration season for top-selected prey species, suggesting prey availability is an important component of raptor-songbird interactions during fall. Prey size, flocking behaviour and non-breeding habitat association were prey traits that significantly influenced predator choice. We found differences between female and male hawk prey selection, suggesting that sexual size dimorphism has led to distinct foraging strategies on migration. This research integrated field data collected by a volunteer-powered raptor migration monitoring station and public-generated data from eBird to reveal elusive predator-prey dynamics occurring in an ephemeral raptor-songbird community during fall migration. Understanding dynamic raptor-songbird interactions along migration routes remains a relatively unexplored frontier in animal ecology and is necessary for the conservation and management efforts of migratory and resident communities.

Durante la migración animal, las comunidades efímeras de taxones de todos los niveles tróficos coexisten en el espacio y el tiempo. Las interacciones entre depredadores y presas a lo largo de los corredores migratorios son significativas desde el punto de vista ecológica y evolutivo. Sin embargo, estas interacciones siguen siendo poco estudiadas en los sistemas terrestres y justifican más investigaciones utilizando enfoques novedosos. Investigamos las interacciones depredador­presa entre un depredador avívoro migratorio y una comunidad de presas aviares efímeras en la temporada migratoria otoñal. Probamos las asociaciones entre los rasgos de las aves y la selección de presas y planteamos la hipótesis de que los rasgos de las presas (tamaño relativo, comportamiento de bandada, hábitat, tendencia migratoria y disponibilidad) influirían en la selección de presas por parte de una rapaz sexualmente dimórfica durante la migración. Para documentar el consumo de presas, recogimos rastros de ADN de presas de picos y garras de Gavilán Americano Accipiter striatus (n = 588) migratorios. Determinamos la disponibilidad de presas en la comunidad de aves efímeras extrayendo índices de abundancia semanales de los datos de eBird Estado y Tendencias. Utilizamos modelos de elección discreta para evaluar la selección de presas y visualizamos la frecuencia de las presas en la dieta y la disponibilidad en el paisaje durante la temporada migratoria otoñal. Utilizando el metacódigo de barras del ADN ambiental, detectamos especies de presas en el 94,1% de los halcones muestreados (n = 525/588), comprendiendo 1396 detecciones de 65 especies de presas. La frecuencia de presas en la dieta y la abundancia relativa de especies de presas en eBird se correlacionaron a lo largo de la temporada de migración para las principales especies de presas seleccionadas, lo que sugiere que la disponibilidad de presas es un componente importante de las interacciones entre aves rapaces y aves canoras durante el otoño. El tamaño de las presas, el comportamiento de las bandadas y la asociación con el hábitat no reproductivo fueron rasgos de presa que influyeron significativamente en la elección de los depredadores. Encontramos diferencias entre la selección de presas de gavilán hembra y macho, lo que sugiere que el dimorfismo sexual de tamaño ha conducido a distintas estrategias de alimentación durante la migración. Esta investigación integró datos de campo recopilados por una estación de monitoreo de migración de rapaces impulsada por voluntarios y datos generados públicamente por eBird para revelar la esquiva dinámica depredador­presa que ocurre en una comunidad efímera de rapaces y aves canoras durante la migración otoñal. Comprender las interacciones dinámicas entre rapaces y aves canoras a lo largo de las rutas migratorias sigue siendo una frontera relativamente inexplorada en la ecología animal y es necesaria para los esfuerzos de conservación y gestión de las comunidades migratorias y residentes.

A community science approach to public health and public trust in science.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the importance of health literacy and trust in pandemic management. Collaborating with the community to prepare for pandemics is incredibly effective in fostering understanding and building trust in public health and scientific research.

Detection of clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus in New York City.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b were detected in North America in the winter of 2021/2022. These viruses have spread across the Americas, causing morbidity and mortality in both wild and domestic birds as well as some mammalian species, including cattle. Many surveillance programs for wildlife as well as commercial poultry operations have detected these viruses. In this study, we conducted surveillance of avian species in the urban environment in New York City. We detected highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses in six samples from four different bird species and performed whole-genome sequencing. Sequencing analysis showed the presence of multiple different genotypes. Our work highlights that the interface between animals and humans that may give rise to zoonotic infections or even pandemics is not limited to rural environments and commercial poultry operations but extends into the heart of our urban centers.IMPORTANCEWhile surveillance programs for avian influenza viruses are often focused on migratory routes and their associated stop-over locations or commercial poultry operations, many bird species-including migratory birds-frequent or live in urban green spaces and wetlands. This brings them into contact with a highly dense population of humans and pets, providing an extensive urban animal-human interface in which the general public may have little awareness of circulating infectious diseases. This study focuses on virus surveillance of this interface, combined with culturally responsive science education and community outreach.

Emerging technologies in citizen science and potential for insect monitoring.

Emerging technologies are increasingly employed in environmental citizen science projects. This integration offers benefits and opportunities for scientists and participants alike. Citizen science can support large-scale, long-term monitoring of species occurrences, behaviour and interactions. At the same time, technologies can foster participant engagement, regardless of pre-existing taxonomic expertise or experience, and permit new types of data to be collected. Yet, technologies may also create challenges by potentially increasing financial costs, necessitating technological expertise or demanding training of participants. Technology could also reduce people's direct involvement and engagement with nature. In this perspective, we discuss how current technologies have spurred an increase in citizen science projects and how the implementation of emerging technologies in citizen science may enhance scientific impact and public engagement. We show how technology can act as (i) a facilitator of current citizen science and monitoring efforts, (ii) an enabler of new research opportunities, and (iii) a transformer of science, policy and public participation, but could also become (iv) an inhibitor of participation, equity and scientific rigour. Technology is developing fast and promises to provide many exciting opportunities for citizen science and insect monitoring, but while we seize these opportunities, we must remain vigilant against potential risks. This article is part of the theme issue 'Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring'.

Engaging Students and Teachers as Community Scientists in DNA Barcoding Initiatives.

Historically, contributions to scientific knowledge have been perceived as something that only professional scientists have the ability to affect. This has led to the belief that scientific pursuits are done not by everyday people but by individuals who have no connection to the communities that their discoveries might impact. DNA barcoding initiatives have the potential to bridge this gap. Community leaders, students, teachers, and other community members can come together with engaged scientists to solve relevant issues that affect them. Over the last 20 years, DNA barcoding has been used successfully in a variety of educational contexts to incorporate original research into school curricula and informal outreach and education programs. DNA barcoding is especially suitable for educational settings because it is conceptually and technically straightforward, the workflow is adaptable to a variety of situations, and free and open-access online tools exist that allow participants to contribute high-quality data to international research efforts. DNA barcoding also offers a unique service-learning opportunity, where participants gain both knowledge and confidence in science. This is important because a growing body of evidence suggests that actively conducting research increases student and teacher engagement and retention of students in science. Here, we describe a framework and case studies in different educational settings that can be modeled and adapted to various educational contexts.

A Rapid, Equipment-Free DNA Isolation Method for DNA Barcoding.

This rapid, equipment-free DNA isolation procedure using chromatography paper is a simple method that can be performed in less than 30 min and requires no wet lab experience. With minimal expense, it offers an affordable alternative for anyone wanting to explore biodiversity. It also provides an excellent option for use in classrooms or other activities that are time limited. The method works best for plants or lichens, producing stable DNA on Whatman® chromatography paper at room temperature, which can be eluted as needed.

Evaluating the definition and distribution of spring ephemeral wildflowers in eastern North America.

PREMISE: The herbaceous layer accounts for the majority of plant biodiversity in eastern North American forests, encompassing substantial variation in life history strategy and function. One group of early-season herbaceous understory species, colloquially referred to as spring ephemeral wildflowers, are ecologically and culturally important, but little is known about the prevalence and biogeographic patterns of the spring ephemeral strategy. METHODS: We used observations collected by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) to quantify the ephemerality of 559 understory forb species across eastern North America and classify them according to a continuous ephemerality index (ranging from 0 = never ephemeral to 1 = always ephemeral). We then used this information to model where ephemeral forbs were most common across the landscape with the goal of identifying geographic and environmental drivers important to their distributions and ranges. RESULTS: Only 3.4% of all understory wildflower species were spring ephemerals in all parts of their range, and 18.4% (103 species) were ephemeral in at least part of their range. Spring ephemerals peaked in absolute species richness and relative proportion at mid latitudes. CONCLUSIONS: Spring ephemeral phenology is an important shade-avoidance strategy for a large segment of the total understory species in temperate deciduous forests. In North America, the strategy is relatively most important for forest understories at mid latitudes. The definitions of spring ephemerality we provide here serve as an important ecological context for conservation priorities and to evaluate responses of this biodiverse group to future environmental change.

Integrated distance sampling models for simple point counts.

Point counts (PCs) are widely used in biodiversity surveys but, despite numerous advantages, simple PCs suffer from several problems: detectability, and therefore abundance, is unknown; systematic spatiotemporal variation in detectability yields biased inferences, and unknown survey area prevents formal density estimation and scaling-up to the landscape level. We introduce integrated distance sampling (IDS) models that combine distance sampling (DS) with simple PC or detection/nondetection (DND) data to capitalize on the strengths and mitigate the weaknesses of each data type. Key to IDS models is the view of simple PC and DND data as aggregations of latent DS surveys that observe the same underlying density process. This enables the estimation of separate detection functions, along with distinct covariate effects, for all data types. Additional information from repeat or time-removal surveys, or variable survey duration, enables the separate estimation of the availability and perceptibility components of detectability with DS and PC data. IDS models reconcile spatial and temporal mismatches among data sets and solve the above-mentioned problems of simple PC and DND data. To fit IDS models, we provide JAGS code and the new "IDS()" function in the R package unmarked. Extant citizen-science data generally lack the information necessary to adjust for detection biases, but IDS models address this shortcoming, thus greatly extending the utility and reach of these data. In addition, they enable formal density estimation in hybrid designs, which efficiently combine DS with distance-free, point-based PC or DND surveys. We believe that IDS models have considerable scope in ecology, management, and monitoring.

Disentangling the biotic and abiotic drivers of bird-building collisions in a tropical Asian city with ecological niche modeling.

Bird collisions with buildings are responsible for a large number of bird deaths in cities around the world, yet they remain poorly studied outside North America. We conducted one of the first citywide fine-scale and landscape-scale analyses of bird-building collisions in Asia and used maximum entropy modeling (as commonly applied to species distribution modeling) in a novel way to assess the drivers of bird-building collisions in the tropical city-state of Singapore. We combined 7 years of community science observations with publicly available building and remote sensing data. Drivers of bird-building collisions varied among taxa. Some migratory taxa had a higher relative collision risk that was linked to areas with high building densities and high levels of nocturnal blue light pollution. Nonmigratory taxa had a higher collision risk in areas near forest cover. Projecting our results onto official long-term land-use plans, we predicted that future increases in bird-building collision risk stemmed from increases in blue light pollution and encroachment of buildings into forested areas and identified 6 potential collision hotspots linked to future developments. Our results suggest that bird-building collision mitigation measures need to account for the different drivers of collision for resident and migratory species and show that combining community science and ecological modeling can be a powerful approach for analyzing bird-building collision data.

Modelos de nicho ecológico para esclarecer los causantes bióticos y abióticos de las colisiones entre aves y edificios en una ciudad tropical asiática Resumen Las colisiones entre aves y edificios son causa de un gran número de muertes en todas las ciudades del mundo, y aun así se estudian muy poco fuera de América del Norte. Realizamos uno de los primeros análisis a escala fina y a escala de paisaje en una ciudad asiática y usamos el modelo de entropía máxima (como se aplica con frecuencia a los modelos de distribución de especies) de manera novedosa para analizar los causantes de estas colisiones en Singapur, una ciudad-estado tropical. Combinamos siete años de observaciones de ciencia comunitaria con los datos públicos de teledetección y construcción. Los causantes de las colisiones entre aves y edificios variaron entre taxones. Algunos taxones migratorios tuvieron un riesgo de colisión relativamente más alto relacionado con áreas de alta densidad de edificios y niveles elevados de contaminación lumínica de luz azul nocturna. Los taxones no migratorios tuvieron un riesgo de colisión más elevado en las áreas cercanas a la cobertura forestal. Con la proyección de nuestros resultados sobre los planes oficiales de uso de suelo a largo plazo, pronosticamos que el incremento en el futuro de colisiones entre aves y edificios vendrá del incremento en la contaminación de luz azul y la invasión de edificios en las áreas forestales; también identificamos seis potenciales puntos calientes de colisión relacionados a futuros desarrollos inmobiliarios. Nuestros resultados sugieren que para mitigar estas colisiones se necesita considerar los diferentes causantes de dichas colisiones para las especies migratorias y residentes y también muestran que la combinación de la ciencia comunitaria y los modelos ecológicos puede ser una estrategia poderosa para analizar los datos de colisiones entre aves y edificios.

Advances in life-history knowledge for 35 seahorse species from community science.

Marine community science presents an important route to gather valuable scientific information while also influencing local management and policy, thus contributing to marine conservation efforts. Because seahorses are cryptic but charismatic species, they are good candidates for engaging diverse people to help overcome the many gaps in biological knowledge. We have synthesized information contributed to the community science project iSeahorse from October 2013 to April 2022 for 35 of 46 known seahorse species. We then compared the obtained results with information in existing IUCN Red List assessments, executed from 2014 to 2017, to explore the potential of iSeahorse in expanding seahorse knowledge. Our results show updated geographic ranges for 7 seahorse species, new habitats described for 24 species, observations outside the previously recorded depth range for 14 species, and new information on sex ratio for 15 species and on pregnancy seasonality for 11 species. As one example of the power of iSeahorse, contributed observations on Coleman's pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus colemani) indicated that its geographic range is thousands of square kilometers larger, its habitat more diverse, and its depth range shallower than previously known. It is clear that iSeahorse is expanding knowledge on seahorses to a level that will help improve IUCN Red List assessments. The power of community science for marine conservation in general needs to be fully explored.

Assessing adequacy of citizen science datasets for biodiversity monitoring.

Tracking the state of biodiversity over time is critical to successful conservation, but conventional monitoring schemes tend to be insufficient to adequately quantify how species' abundances and distributions are changing. One solution to this issue is to leverage data generated by citizen scientists, who collect vast quantities of data at temporal and spatial scales that cannot be matched by most traditional monitoring methods. However, the quality of citizen science data can vary greatly. In this paper, we develop three metrics (inventory completeness, range completeness, spatial bias) to assess the adequacy of spatial observation data. We explore the adequacy of citizen science data at the species level for Australia's terrestrial native birds and then model these metrics against a suite of seven species traits (threat status, taxonomic uniqueness, body mass, average count, range size, species density, and human population density) to identify predictors of data adequacy. We find that citizen science data adequacy for Australian birds is increasing across two of our metrics (inventory completeness and range completeness), but not spatial bias, which has worsened over time. Relationships between the three metrics and seven traits we modelled were variable, with only two traits having consistently significant relationships across the three metrics. Our results suggest that although citizen science data adequacy has generally increased over time, there are still gaps in the spatial adequacy of citizen science for monitoring many Australian birds. Despite these gaps, citizen science can play an important role in biodiversity monitoring by providing valuable baseline data that may be supplemented by information collected through other methods. We believe the metrics presented here constitute an easily applied approach to assessing the utility of citizen science datasets for biodiversity analyses, allowing researchers to identify and prioritise regions or species with lower data adequacy that will benefit most from targeted monitoring efforts.

Rare edges and abundant cores: range-wide variation in abundance in North American birds.

Understanding how the abundance of species varies across geographical ranges is central to ecology; however, few studies test hypotheses using detailed abundance estimates across the full ranges of species on a continental scale. Here, we use unprecedented, detailed estimates of breeding abundance for North American birds (eBird) to test two hypotheses for how abundance varies across species' ranges. We find widespread support for the rare-edge hypothesis-where the abundance of species declines near the range edge-reflecting both reduced occurrence and lower local abundance near range edges. By contrast, we find mixed support for the abundant-centre hypothesis-where the abundance of species peaks in the centre of the range and declines towards the edges-with limited support in conservative tests within species, but general support in among-species tests that control for unbalanced sampling and consider a broader definition of the range centre. Overall, results are consistent with a gradual decline in suitable conditions and increase in challenge towards the range edge that eventually limit the ability of populations to persist.

Urban tolerance does not protect against population decline in North American birds.

Population declines of organisms are widespread and severe, but some species' populations have remained stable, or even increased. The reasons some species are less vulnerable to population decline than others are not well understood. Species that tolerate urban environments often have a broader environmental tolerance, which, along with their ability to tolerate one of the most human-modified habitats (i.e. cities), might allow them to persist in the face of diverse anthropogenic challenges. Here, we examined the relationship between urban tolerance and annual population trajectories for 397 North American bird species. Surprisingly, we found that urban tolerance was unrelated to species' population trajectories. The lack of a relationship between urban tolerance and population trajectories may reflect other factors driving population declines independent of urban tolerance, challenges that are amplified in cities (e.g. climate warming, disease), and other human impacts (e.g. conservation efforts, broad-scale land-use changes) that have benefitted some urban-avoidant species. Overall, our results illustrate that urban tolerance does not protect species against population decline.

Geographical and temporal distribution of Megalopygidae in the United States and Puerto Rico.

Background: The venom of Megalopygidae caterpillars causes inflammation and pain. Understanding geographic and temporal variation in exposure will help physicians and the public understand when and where the species in this family may be encountered. Methods: Photographs uploaded by community scientists to the iNaturalist database were reviewed and identified. GIS data points were used to model distribution of species based on geographic variables at the location of photographs for each group. Data on temporal abundance was also noted. Results: Maps were created predicting the geographic range for 11 species of Megalopygidae. Peak larval abundance for the most abundant species, Megalopyge opercularis, was determined as September in the southeastern United States and October in south-central US. Conclusion: Geographic and temporal distributions, based on community science observations, allow for more accurate predictions on the likelihood of encountering venomous Megalopygidae caterpillars.

Insects in the city: Determinants of a contained aquatic microecosystem across an urbanized landscape.

Cities can have profound impacts on ecosystems, yet our understanding of these impacts is currently limited. First, the effects of the socioeconomic dimensions of human society are often overlooked. Second, correlative analyses are common, limiting our causal understanding of mechanisms. Third, most research has focused on terrestrial systems, ignoring aquatic systems that also provide important ecosystem services. Here we compare the effects of human population density and low-income prevalence on the macroinvertebrate communities and ecosystem processes within water-filled artificial tree holes. We hypothesized that these human demographic variables would affect tree holes in different ways via changes in temperature, water nutrients, and the local tree hole environment. We recruited community scientists across Greater Vancouver (Canada) to provide host trees and tend 50 tree holes over 14 weeks of colonization. We quantified tree hole ecosystems in terms of aquatic invertebrates, litter decomposition, and chlorophyll a (chl a). We compiled potential explanatory variables from field measurements, satellite images, or census databases. Using structural equation models, we showed that invertebrate abundance was affected by low-income prevalence but not human population density. This was driven by cosmopolitan species of Ceratopogonidae (Diptera) with known associations to anthropogenic containers. Invertebrate diversity and abundance were also affected by environmental factors, such as temperature, elevation, water nutrients, litter quantity, and exposure. By contrast, invertebrate biomass, chl a, and litter decomposition were not affected by any measured variables. In summary, this study shows that some urban ecosystems can be largely unaffected by human population density. Our study also demonstrates the potential of using artificial tree holes as a standardized, replicated habitat for studying urbanization. Finally, by combining community science and urban ecology, we were able to involve our local community in this pandemic research pivot.

A Community-Curated DokuWiki Resource on Diagnostics, Diversity, Pathogenicity, and Genetic Control of Xanthomonads.

Xanthomonads, including Xanthomonas and Xylella species, constitute a large and significant group of economically and ecologically important plant pathogens. Up-to-date knowledge of these pathogens and their hosts is essential for the development of suitable control measures. Traditional review articles or book chapters have inherent limitations, including static content and rapid obsolescence. To address these challenges, we have developed a Web-based knowledge platform dedicated to xanthomonads, inspired by the concept of living systematic reviews. This platform offers a dynamic resource that encompasses bacterial virulence factors, plant resistance genes, and tools for diagnostics and genetic diversity studies. Our goal is to facilitate access for newcomers to the field, provide continuing education opportunities for students, assist plant protection services with diagnostics, provide valuable information to breeders on sources of resistance and breeding targets, and offer comprehensive expert knowledge to other stakeholders interested in plant-pathogenic xanthomonads. This resource is available for queries and updates at https://euroxanth.ipn.pt. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Paenibacillus larvae and their phages; a community science approach to discovery and initial testing of prophylactic phage cocktails against American Foulbrood in New Zealand.

Background: American foulbrood (AFB) is a devastating disease of the European honey bee (Apis mellifera) and is found throughout the world. AFB is caused by the bacterium Paenibacillus larvae (P. larvae). Treatment with antibiotics is strictly forbidden in many regions, including New Zealand. Safe and natural prophylactic solutions to protect honey bees from AFB are needed. Bacteriophages are a well-studied alternative to antibiotics and have been shown to be effective against P. larvae in other countries. Methods: We employed a community science approach to obtaining samples from around New Zealand to discover novel bacteriophages. Standard isolation approaches were employed for both bacteria and bacteriophages. Host range testing was performed by agar overlay spot tests, and cocktail formulation and in vitro testing were performed in 96-well plate assays, followed by sub-sampling and CFU visualization on agar plates. Results: Herein, we describe the discovery and isolation of eight P. larvae bacterial isolates and 26 P. larvae bacteriophages that are novel and native to New Zealand. The phage genomes were sequenced and annotated, and their genomes were compared to extant sequenced P. larvae phage genomes. We test the host ranges of the bacteriophages and formulate cocktails to undertake in vitro testing on a set of representative bacterial strains. These results form the basis of a promising solution for protecting honey bees in New Zealand from AFB.

The distribution of triatomine (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) in Illinois and Missouri: historical records and specimen submissions from community science programs.

Triatomine species (kissing bugs) infected with Trypanosoma cruzi are found across the southern United States. The northern limits of Trypanosoma cruzi infected kissing bugs are less understood. The objective of this work was to describe the locations of kissing bugs from Illinois and Missouri based on historical records, submissions to Texas A&M University's (TAMU) Kissing Bug Community Science Program and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and records from online platforms (iNaturalist, BugGuide, and GBIF) up to and including 2022. A total of 228 records were discovered, including 186 from historical or observation platforms and 42 specimens submitted to TAMU or CDC. Species included Triatoma sanguisuga (221 total records, 9 nymphs) and Triatoma lecticularia (7 records). Notably, nearly all (24/26) records submitted to TAMU were collected indoors. Twelve of the 30 (40%) specimens tested were positive for the presence of T. cruzi, including parasite discrete taxonomic units TcI and TcIV. One triatomine sample had been found in a bed feeding on the submitter; this bug was positive for T. cruzi and had evidence of human blood in its gut. Records suggest a ubiquitous distribution in Missouri and potentially to the northernmost border in Illinois. Further investigations into triatomine distribution and infection status are needed within states assumed to be northern limits in order to create public health and veterinary health messaging and baseline distributional maps from which to measure future range shifts in relation to a changing climate.