Field surveys were conducted to collect and refine "Natural resource survey" and ecosystem research data of 23 National parks in South Korea, including Hallasan on Jeju Island and Palgongsan newly designated as national park in 2023. Among the collected data, a total of 1,538 species from 54 families of Hymenoptera insects were recorded. Within these families, the largest number of species was recorded in the family Ichneumonidae with 514 species, followed by Formicidae (118 species), Braconidae (112 species), and Tenthredinidae (135 species), exhibiting relatively high species diversity. Among the National parks, Jirisan, the first designated National park in South Korea with a relatively large area compared to other parks, recorded the highest species diversity with 618 species, while Taebaeksan recorded relatively low species diversity with 77 species. Correlation analysis between the number of Hymenoptera species and other factors revealed a statistically significant and relatively strong positive correlation (P > 0.005, R = 0.864) with the total number of insects, and a statistically significant but relatively weak positive correlation (P > 0.005, R = 0.615) with the park's area.

식용곤충은 미래식량 자원으로써 우수한 가치를 지니고 있어 해외에서는 사육자동화, IoT 및 AI 기술적용, 수직재배시스템 구축 등 많은 연구가 진행되고 있지만 국내에서는 대규모 사육농가나 곤충스마트팜 기술개발 이 부족하여 이를 위한 AI/빅데이터 인프라 구축이 시급한 실정이다. 학습용 인공지능 데이터는 식용곤충으로 활용되고 있는 장수풍뎅이, 흰점박이꽃무지, 갈색거저리, 백강잠, 메뚜기, 풀무치의 생애 주기별 총 6종의 RGB 사진데이터와 분광이미지 데이터 408,000장을 구축하였으며 온도, 습도, CO,, 암모니아, 조도, 수분 등 환경 데이 터 200,000세트를 수집하였다. 수집된 데이터는 원시데이터 수집, 원천데이터 가공, 라벨링 데이터 결합, 가공데 이터 검수 등을 통해 만들어졌으며 관련 데이터는 AI Hub(www.aihub.or.kr)에서 다운받을 수 있다. 확보된 식용곤 충 6종의 데이터는 곤충 종별 성장단계, 환경 변수에 따른 최적의 사육환경 조성, 생산시기 예측, 스마트대량사육 시스템 개발, 제품 가공시 추적이력제 도입, 식용곤충 스마트팜 기술 개발 및 연구 등 다양한 분야에 활용될 수 있을 것으로 예상된다.

Insects, constituting a classification group with exceptionally high diversity, account for over half of all known species on Earth and over 80% of the animal kingdom, holding potential for diverse genetic resources. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the distribution of terrestrial insects in major surveyed areas, focusing on firefly habitats in Muju-gun and key locations such as Ilsadae, Pahoe, Sushimdae, and Naedori Riverside Park in Muju-gun, to acquire fundamental data for the exploration and management of natural resources. As result of survey, Total 12 order, 104 family, 314 species of insect has been confirmed.

eDNA(enviromental DNA)는 물, 토양, 대기 등 다양한 환경에서 채취한 생명체의 유전자 또는 그 유전자를 채취· 분석하는 기술로 생물을 직접적으로 관찰하지 않아도 생물이 남긴 흔적을 통해 종의 동정이 가능하다는 장점이 있다. 따라서, 야외에서 해충의 예찰조사, 외래종 감시 및 멸종위기종 모니터링 등 다양한 목적으로 활용될 수 있는 장점이 있다. 최근, 국제적으로 미생물, 수생태계 및 육상곤충 등 다양한 방면으로 eDNA가 연구되고 있으나 국내에서는 eDNA 연구가 수생태계, 미생물 등 일부 분야에서만 진행 중이며 육상곤충의 eDNA 연구는 미비한 실정이다. 따라서, 금번 연구에서 육상곤충에 활용할 수 있는 eDNA 실험방법 확립을 위해 기존문헌 참고 및 곤충분야에 접목하여 활용 가능한 육상곤충 샘플링 방법을 탐색 및 정리하였으며, 추후 eDNA 연구에 기반을 마련하고자 한다.

Numerous Dermestidae insects are considered significant pests because of their capacity to inflict substantial economic harm on stored food items. Trogoderma and Attagenus genera members are commonly discovered in imported grain and other food products. Usually, infestations of these species consist of various species that reproduce quickly and spread effortlessly. The small size of Attagenus and Trogoderma stored-product stages makes it extremely challenging to identify them based on their morphological characteristics. Hence, it is imperative to have precise identification techniques in place to ensure the safety and dependability of the grain industry, as well as to streamline efficient plant quarantine measures. Various molecular methods have been employed for insect species identification, such as restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP), DNA sequence analysis, and species-specific primer PCR (SS-PCR) techniques. Despite the considerable focus on quickly identifying these species in stored products in recent years, there is a notable absence of systematic molecular identification. This research highlights the use of genetic techniques to differentiate between Trogoderma and Attagenus species.

Group movements of insects are bases for unravelling origin of social behavior of animals and are important in both theoretical (e.g., evolution) and practical (monitoriing) aspects. Automatic recognition and effective computational methods were developed for characterizing multi-individual interactions in laboratory conditions. Movements of Drosophila species in different genetic strains were continuously observed across days. Characteristic behaviors are objectively expressed based on parameter extraction and data structure visualization. Group activities, including aggregation, inter-individual interactions and arena positioning were objectively characterized in different photo- and scoto-phases according to machine-learning and spatio-termporal patterning techniques. Individual-group relationships are presented regarding how individual movements would contribute to formulating group activities. Usefulness of automatic monitoring of insect group movement is further discussed for a basis for genetic functioning in behavioral aspect.

현재 기후변화 및 산업화 등으로 생물다양성 감소, 환경오염에 대한 위기가 확산되고 있어 지속가능한 미래설 계에 대한 관심이 높아지고 있다. 이에 따라, 본 연구에서는 대표 도시숲인 국립세종수목원에 조성된 총 16개 전시원을 대상으로 총 6차례에 걸쳐 방문곤충과 화분매개곤충 다양성을 조사하였다. 조사시기별 분석결과로 2차(‘23.7.31) 조사 시기에 가장 다양한 종을 확인할 수 있었으며(총 80종), 전시원별 분석결과 숲정원에서 가장 다양한 종을 확인할 수 있었다(총 59종). 또한 주요 식물 6종(배롱나무, 나무수국, 무궁화, 좀개미취, 범부채, 부처 꽃)에 7~10월 기간 중 양봉꿀벌, 애황나나니, 호박벌, 네발나비, 호랑나비, 흰점박이꽃무지, 호리꽃등에, 배짧은 꽃등에가 화분매개 행동을 하는 것을 확인하였다. 본 발표에서는 2023년 국립세종수목원 전시원 내 방문곤충 및 화분매개곤충 다양성 연구의 구체적인 결과를 제시하고, 곤충의 보전 필요성, 도시숲 내 체계적인 방문곤충 및 화분매개곤충 조사의 중요성에 대하여 논하고자 한다.

To overcome the challenges in tracking insects underground, a detection method consisting of a metal detector and aluminum tag was developed for tracking a dung beetle, Copris ochus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). First, detection rate was evaluated for varying volumes of aluminum tags varying orientations of the tags under soil. Then, the detection efficacy was evaluated in the field at varying depths of hidden tags in two types of vegetation. Finally, the effect of aluminum-tagging on the survivorship, burrowing depth, and horizontal movement of C. ochus adults were assessed. Generally, an increase in tag volume resulted in a greater detection depth with maximum depth of 17 cm. Orientation, however, did not affect detection rate except when tag was placed perpendicular to the soil surface. In the field, metal detectors could detect aluminum-tagged models with success rates ≥85% up to 10 cm and 45−60% at 20 cm under soil. Finally, no significant effect of tagging on survivorship and behaviors of C. ochus was observed.

Medically significant indoor/ectoparasitic insect populations, including bed bugs and head lice, have developed considerable resistance to insecticides due to limited introduction of new genetic traits and the absence of an overwintering barrier. In contrast, outdoor pests like Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes exhibit fluctuating resistance patterns, likely influenced by factors such as overwintering barriers and relatively wider open habitats. Mosquitoes also face selection pressure from diverse sources beyond public health insecticides unlike bed bugs or head lice. Understanding different factors driving resistance among pests is essential for effective resistance management.

Upon immune challenge, recognition signals trigger insect immunity to remove the pathogens through cellular and humoral responses. Various immune mediators propagate the immune signals to nearby tissues, in which polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) derivatives play crucial roles. However, little was known on how the insects terminate the activated immune responses after pathogen neutralization. Interestingly, C20 PUFA was detected at the early infection stage and later C18 PUFAs were induced in a lepidopteran insect, Spodoptera exigua. This study showed the role of epoxyoctadecamonoenoic acids (EpOMEs) in the immune resolution at the late infection stage to quench the excessive and unnecessary immune responses. In contrast, dihydroxy-octadecamonoenoates (DiHOMEs) were the hydrolyzed and inactive forms of EpOMEs. The hydrolysis is catalyzed by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). Inhibitors specific to sEH mimicked the immunosuppression induced by EpOMEs. Furthermore, the inhibitor treatments significantly enhanced the bacterial virulence of Bacillus thuringiensis against S. exigua. This study proposes a negative control of the immune responses using EpOME/DiHOME in insects.

수서곤충은 일반적으로 하루살이목, 날도래목, 강도래목, 잠자리목, 노린재목, 딱정벌레목, 뱀잠자리목, 파리 목의 8개의 목(Order)에 속하며, 물을 기반으로 서식하는 곤충들을 의미한다. 국내 수서곤충의 연구는 도입기 (40-50년대), 형성기(60년대), 발전기(70-80년대), 도약기(90-2010년대)를 거쳐 왔다. 물을 기반으로 수질을 평가 하기 위해 수서곤충은 생태학적 연구가 먼저 시작되었으며, 이후 분류학적 연구가 시행되고 현재는 유전학적 및 응용학적 연구로 다양성을 증명하고 있다. 하지만, 물을 기반으로 하는 수서곤충의 서식처는 도시화로 인한 다양한 개발과 교란으로 감소하고 사라지고 있다. 서식처뿐만 아니라 수서곤충을 연구하는 학자들과 학생들도 정체기와 쇠퇴기를 거치고 있다. 국내 수서곤충의 다양성 종 목록은 1999년 처음으로 학술논단에서 491종이 정리되었으며, 이후 약 10년 만에 개정목록이 2011년에 988종으로 수정되었다. 이후 지속적인 국가생물다양성 확보 및 보전 전략에 따라 미발굴된 수서 파리류들이 대거 기록되면서 2018년에는 처음 기록보다 3배 이상 증가하 여 1,567종이 보고되었다. 이처럼 표면적으로는 수서곤충의 연구가 활성화되어 다양성은 늘어가고 있는 것처럼 보이지만 다양한 문제점들이 나타나고 있다. 수서곤충은 성충보다는 유충을 주로 연구하는 학문으로 많은 연구 자가 어려움을 겪고 있다. 단기간의 다양성 증진보다는 심도 있는 다양한 주제로 접근하는 방법이 필요할 것으로 보이며, 수서곤충의 다양성과 함께 서식처 회복 및 복원 방안도 함께 마련되어야 할 것으로 판단된다. 본 발표에서 는 국내 수서곤충의 다양한 연구주제와 피해 상황 및 활용방안을 소개하여 미래의 수서곤충의 방향성과 연구 방향을 심도 있게 논의하고자 한다.

Community composition and abundance of aquatic invertebrates are important for ecological functions. Community characteristics of insects and gastropods were compared in five regions to investigate the effect of geological factors in surveys conducted between June and August to analyze seasonal changes in invertebrate communities. Underwater traps were used to obtain a constant collection effect. Insect communities were dominated by Hydrochara affinis, Rhantus suturalis and Sigara nigroventralis, and nMDS analysis demonstrated the separation of their communities by region. H. affinis and Sternolophus rufipes were not found in Haenam and Cheolwon, respectively. The results showed the effects of regional temperature on the distribution of aquatic insects. Pomacea canaliculata, Hippeutis cantori and Austropeplea ollula were dominant in the gastropod community. The seasonal variation in the abundance of P. canaliculata was the most pronounced, and its abundance in August was 38.2 times higher than in June. The abundances of several species including Hippeutis cantori were negatively correlated with that of P. canaliculata. These results suggest that P. canaliculata is a pivotal factor that drives seasonal changes in gastropod community.

Phosphine is a common pesticide used to control grain pests in Rice Processing Complex(RPC). However, increasing use of aluminum phosphide caused the occurrence of phosphine resistance pests. In this study, phosphine resistance pests collected at RPC in 2023 was investigated with FAO No. 16 test, Dihydrolipomaide dehydrogenase(DLD) test and amino acid mutation analysis to identify the occurrence of phosphine resistance in Korea. Tested pests were collected in the 7 province 35 region. As a result of the FAO test of 21 regions, all sample were phosphine sensitives. In DLD test and amino acid analysis, 7 region samples were weak resistances. It is required to inspect the RPC and other grain storage continuously to inhibit the widespread of resistant pest.

The soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) plays a crucial role in insect immunity and development by metabolizing oxylipins such as EpOMEs and EETs. This study investigates sEH's involvement in insect antiviral response against Autographacalifornicanuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) infection. Viral infection assays were performed on Plutellaxylostellaand Marucavitrata, utilizing occlusion bodies (OB, via feeding) and budded virus (BV, through injection). Insect mortality was monitored every 12 h for up to 7 days. Our findings demonstrated a dose-dependent impact of both virus forms (OB and BV) on insects. Additionally, the sEH inhibitor, AUDA (12-(3-adamantan-1-yl-ureido) dodecanoic acid), was employed alongside the virus. The results indicated that combining AUDA with the virus increased insect mortality. Furthermore, fluorescence assays revealed the gradual movement of the virus from the gut to hemolymph and fat body. AUDA was observed to expedite virus infection. Moreover, sEH expression rapidly increased along with the viral infection in Spodoptera exigua. RNA interference of sEH expression enhanced the viral virulence against S.exigua. These suggest that EpOMEs play crucial roles in immune resolution against viral infection in insects.

Historically, the control of stored-product insects has mostly relied on the use of fumigants such as methyl bromide (MB) and phosphine. However, methyl bromide is no longer used for structural fumigations, and phosphine insecticide resistance is rising globally. Methyl benzoate (MBe) is a new green pesticide that occurs naturally as a metabolite in plants. In this study, we evaluated the the potential use of MBe as a fumigant against a variety of stored-product insects. According to our laboratory findings, MBe showed strong fumigation toxicity against the Indian meal moth and flat grain beetle with an LC50 value of 0.1 μL/L and 0.76 μL/1.5 L air, respectively, compared to the other tested insects. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in susceptibility levels between the lab strain and the phosphine-resistant lesser grain borer and rice weevil. However, the red flour beetle had the highest LC50 value of 8.26 μL/1.5 L air. Overall, MBe seems to be a highly promising candidate for the development of environmentally-friendly alternative fumigants.

The walking-stick insects, Ramulus mikado, are outbreaks in several mountainous areas from 2020 to 2022. In recent, some population of the insect are showed rapidly decline in their abundance, while some of them are still maintained high population density. In worldwide, insects belonging to Phasmida are reported to outbreak in their habitats as mentioned above environments, but knowledge about outbreak pattern of the walking-stick insects is still lacking. In this study, we aimed which biological and environmental factors are related to wax and wane of the insect population. From 2022 to 2023, we studied host tree preferences in natural conditions, ecological stoichiometry in major host trees, overwintering ecology of R. mikado eggs, and infection rate by entomophathogenic fungi during growing season.

Invasive alien species pose a considerable threat to both natural ecosystems and human societies. Among these invasive species, forest pests stand out as particularly detrimental, as they can lead to a substantial decline in native biodiversity, deforestation, and the loss of forestry products. The recent effects of climate change and the expansion of international trade have further exacerbated the spread of these invasive species. In this study, we provide an overview of prediction models based on species distribution models for assessing the potential distribution of invasive forest pests in Korea. This information can prove invaluable in the development of effective management and control strategies for these alien species.

Natural enemy insects, including predators and parasitoids, are beneficial organisms that feed upon other agricultural pests. Using natural enemy insects to suppress or prevent outbreak of pests is a key component of integrated pest management strategy. It is safe, effective, and environmentally friendly and can be applied easily to the greenhouses, filed crops and orchards. Rearing and application of natural enemy insects in biocontrol in China have a long history. As early as 1700 years ago, the predator Oecophylla smaragdina has been used for controlling many kinds of citrus pests. Up to now, more than 30 species of natural enemies that can be artificially mass produced and widely used for biological control of many kinds of pests, including caterpillars, aphids, whiteflies, thrips, leaf mites and scales in China. The annual average application area of natural enemies is over 11.34 million hectares. However, with the increasing demand of using natural enemies in biological control programs, the development of natural enemy insect industrialization still face many challenges. It is urgent to explore more effective candidate natural enemies, improve the production efficiency, increase the shelf life of products and enhance the colonization of natural enemy insects after release, and thus facilitate the commercially production and application of natural enemies. This is of great significance for comprehensively promoting the use of green prevention and control techniques for crop diseases and pests, reducing the use of chemical pesticides, ensuing the quality and safety of food and agricultural products, and ultimately promoting sustainable agricultural development.

농촌진흥청에서 진행한 ‘왕귀뚜라미 돌보기 프로그램’으로 노인들의 우울증과 인지 기 능 개선을 통한 정서적 안정에 도움이 된다는 사실을 과학적인 방법을 통해 확인하고 이 를 관련 저명 학술지 제기하였다. 이를 바탕으로 본 연구는 전라북도 익산시에 거주하는 5세부터 10세까지 아동 50명을 대상으로 직접 만나 전문가의 자문을 받아 작성한 총 11 문항의 설문지를 활용하여 조사를 진행하였다. 설문조사는 소리 곤충에 대한 인식도는 높 았지만, 선호도와 사육 의향에서 부정적인 결과가 나왔다. 또한 소리곤충 중 귀뚜라미의 소리에 대한 문항에서는 긍정적인 결과가 나온 반면 여치의 소리에 대한 문항에서는 부정 적인 결과가 나왔다. 본 논문에서는 소리 곤충에 대한 아동의 인식도 및 선호도를 파악하 기 위한 설문조사 연구를 통해 관련 연구와 활동에 자료를 제공하고자 한다.

곤충은 지구상의 생물 중에서 가장 많은 종을 차지하고 있다. 또 인류보다도 훨씬 오래 된 지구의 선점자이며, 환경에 대한 적응력이 뛰어나 전 세계적으로 서식하고 있다. 현대 에 접어들면서 곤충은 사람들에게 식품(식용 곤충), 치유(소리, 정서곤충) 등의 다양한 효 과를 제공하고 있지만, 사람들은 그 효과에 대해서 잘 알지 못하고 징그럽다고 생각하는 것이 대부분이다. 그래서 우리는 곤충 중에서도 울음소리로 사람들의 마음을 치유하는 소 리곤충(귀뚜라미, 여치)를 주제로 본 연구를 하였다. 본 연구는 무작위의 성인 30명을 대 상으로 소리곤충(귀뚜라미, 여치)에 대한 인지 정도를 알아보고 실제 성인들이 소리곤충 (귀뚜라미, 여치) 울음소리의 효능에 대해서 알고 있는지, 알지 못한다면 그 효능에 대해 서 알리기 위한 것이 목적이다. 이에, 본 연구를 위하여 설문지 법을 사용하였으며, 대상 자는 무작위 대상의 남녀 30명(여:18, 남:12) 이었다. 설문조사 결과로는 응답자의 과반 수가 소리곤충 울음소리에 대해서 긍정적인 답변을 보였다. 하지만 소리의 호감도에 비해 직접 소리곤충을 키울 의향이 있다는 사람은 5명(20%)밖에 되지 않았다. 이에 성인들을 대상으로 귀뚜라미나 여치 등을 키우는 체험이 활성화된다면 더욱 긍정적인 결과가 나올 것으로 판단한다.