Chironomids are the most abundant aquatic insects in freshwater habitats that can survive in extreme conditions. In this study, as the microbiome provides extended genotype to the host to perform various functions, we explored the microbiota of the Chironomus circumdatus larvae to find out the putative role played by the symbiotic bacteria for the host. The metabarcoding analyses of the larvae revealed that the insect harbors 1771 phylotypes. Out of the various microbial communities found, the majority corresponded to the phyla Proteobacteria (52.59%) and Actinobacteria (20.56%), respectively. The midges also harbored Klebsiella (2.57%), Enterobacter (1.32%), Bacillus (2.29%), and Acinetobacter (2.13%) genera that are involved in detoxification of xenobiotics present in the water. The presence of radiation-resistant genera like Deinococcus, including bacterial species like radiodurans, a highly radiation-resistant bacterium, indicates its potential to support the host's ability to sustain in adverse environments. The functional profiling of the bacteria showed the relative abundance of many enzyme groups, such as transferases (40.62%), oxidoreductases (23.49%), and hydrolases (3.77%). The results indicate that the larvae harbor a considerable variety of bacteria that help the host adapt and survive in the polluted waters. The present study provides thorough insights into the microbiome of the C. circumdatus larvae that can be exploited for the bioremediation of certain pollutants through biomimetic strategies. It also gives us a wake-up call to take a good look at the guts of these disease-carrying insects' inabilities to spread deadly human diseases.

• MeSH
• Bacteria genetika   MeSH
• Chironomidae * mikrobiologie   MeSH
• larva mikrobiologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mikrobiota * MeSH
• střevní mikroflóra * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

An animal's fitness strongly depends on successful feeding, avoidance of predators and reproduction. All of these behaviours commonly involve chemosensation. As a consequence, when species' ecological niches and life histories differ, their chemosensory abilities need to be adapted accordingly. The intertidal insect Clunio marinus (Diptera: Chironomidae) has tuned its olfactory system to two highly divergent niches. The long-lived larvae forage in a marine environment. During the few hours of terrestrial adult life, males have to find the female pupae floating on the water surface, free the cryptic females from their pupal skin, copulate and carry the females to the oviposition sites. In order to explore the possibility for divergent olfactory adaptations within the same species, we investigated the chemosensory system of C. marinus larvae, adult males and adult females at the morphological and molecular level. The larvae have a well-developed olfactory system, but olfactory gene expression only partially overlaps with that of adults, likely reflecting their marine vs. terrestrial lifestyles. The olfactory system of the short-lived adults is simple, displaying no glomeruli in the antennal lobes. There is strong sexual dimorphism, the female olfactory system being particularly reduced in terms of number of antennal annuli and sensilla, olfactory brain centre size and gene expression. We found hints for a pheromone detection system in males, including large trichoid sensilla and expression of specific olfactory receptors and odorant binding proteins. Taken together, this makes C. marinus an excellent model to study within-species evolution and adaptation of chemosensory systems.

• MeSH
• biologická adaptace fyziologie   MeSH
• bulbus olfactorius metabolismus   fyziologie   MeSH
• Chironomidae metabolismus   fyziologie   MeSH
• čich fyziologie   MeSH
• čichové buňky metabolismus   MeSH
• hmyz metabolismus   fyziologie   MeSH
• hmyzí proteiny metabolismus   MeSH
• kladení vajíček fyziologie   MeSH
• kukla metabolismus   fyziologie   MeSH
• larva metabolismus   MeSH
• pohlavní dimorfismus * MeSH
• receptory pachové metabolismus   MeSH
• sensilla metabolismus   fyziologie   MeSH
• vodní organismy metabolismus   fyziologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

BACKGROUND: Chironomids, a major invertebrate taxon in many standing freshwaters, rely on adult flight to reach new suitable sites, yet the impact of weather conditions on their flight activity is little understood. We investigated diel and seasonal flight activity patterns of aquatic and terrestrial chironomids in a reclaimed sandpit area and analysed how weather conditions and seasonality influenced their total abundance and species composition. RESULTS: Air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and air pressure significantly affected total flight activity of both groups, but not in the same way. We identified an intermediate temperature and humidity optimum for the flight activity of terrestrial chironomids, which contrasted with weaker, timescale-dependent relationships in aquatic species. Flight activity of both groups further declined with wind speed and increased with air pressure. Observed flight patterns also varied in time on both daily and seasonal scale. Flight activity of both groups peaked in the evenings after accounting for weather conditions but, surprisingly, aquatic and terrestrial chironomids used partly alternating time windows for dispersal during the season. This may be driven by different seasonal trends of key environmental variables in larval habitats and hence implies that species phenologies and conditions experienced by chironomid larvae (and probably other aquatic insects with short-lived adults) influence adult flight patterns more than weather conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide detailed insights into the drivers of chironomid flight activity and highlight the methodological challenges arising from the inherent collinearity of weather characteristics and their diurnal and seasonal cycles.

• MeSH
• Chironomidae fyziologie   MeSH
• cirkadiánní rytmus MeSH
• let zvířat * MeSH
• počasí * MeSH
• populační dynamika MeSH
• roční období MeSH
• životní prostředí * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

Impacts of neonicotinoids on non-target insects, including aquatic species, may significantly influence ecosystem structure and functioning. The present study investigated the sensitivity of Chironomus riparius to imidacloprid exposures during 24-h, 10- and 28-days by assessing larval survival, growth, emergence and oxidative stress-related parameters. C. riparius exhibited high sensitivity compared to other model aquatic species with acute 24-h LC50 being 31.5 μg/L and 10-days LOEC (growth) 0.625 μg/L. A 28-days partial life cycle test demonstrated imidacloprid effects on the emergence of C. riparius. Exposure to sublethal concentrations during 10-days caused an imbalance in the reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG), and slightly induced lipid peroxidation (increased malondialdehyde, MDA). Our results indicate that oxidative stress may be a relevant mechanism in the neonicotinoid toxicity, reflected in the insect development and life cycle parameters.

• MeSH
• Chironomidae účinky léků   MeSH
• dusíkaté sloučeniny toxicita   MeSH
• hmyz MeSH
• neonikotinoidy toxicita   MeSH
• oxidační stres MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The fungicide cyproconazole (CPZ) inhibits the biosynthesis of ergosterol, an essential sterol component in fungal cell membrane and can also affect non-target organisms by its inhibitory effects on P450 monooxygenases. The predicted environmental concentration of CPZ is up to 49.05 μg/L and 145.89 μg/kg in surface waters and sediments, respectively, and information about CPZ toxicity towards non-target aquatic organisms is still limited. This study aimed to address the lack of ecotoxicological data for CPZ, and thus, an evaluation of the lethal and sub-lethal effects of CPZ was performed using two freshwater invertebrates (the midge Chironomus riparius and the planarian Dugesia tigrina). The estimated CPZ 48 h LC50 (95% CI) was 17.46 mg/L for C. riparius and 47.38 mg/L for D. tigrina. The emergence time (EmT50) of C. riparius was delayed by CPZ exposure from 0.76 mg/L. On the other hand, planarians showed higher tolerance to CPZ exposure. Sub-lethal effects of CPZ on planarians included reductions in locomotion (1.8 mg/L), delayed photoreceptors regeneration (from 0.45 mg/L), and feeding inhibition (5.6 mg/L). Our results confirm the moderate toxicity of CPZ towards aquatic invertebrates but sub-lethal effects observed also suggest potential chronic effects of CPZ with consequences for population dynamics.

• MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu toxicita   MeSH
• Chironomidae účinky léků   MeSH
• ekotoxikologie MeSH
• LD50 MeSH
• ploštěnky účinky léků   MeSH
• sladká voda chemie   MeSH
• triazoly toxicita   MeSH
• vodní organismy účinky léků   MeSH
• vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Insecticides usually present in low concentrations in streams are known to impair behaviour and development of non-target freshwater invertebrates. Moreover, there is growing awareness that the presence of natural stressors, such as predation risk may magnify the negative effects of pesticides. This is because perception of predation risk can by itself lead to changes on behaviour and physiology of prey species. To evaluate the potential combined effects of both stressors on freshwater detritivores we studied the behavioural and developmental responses of Chironomus riparius to chlorantraniliprole (CAP) exposure under predation risk. Also, we tested whether the presence of a shredder species would alter collector responses under stress. Trials were conducted using a simplified trophic chain: Alnus glutinosa leaves as food resource, the shredder Sericostoma vittatum and the collector C. riparius. CAP toxicity was thus tested under two conditions, presence/absence of the dragonfly predator Cordulegaster boltonii. CAP exposure decreased leaf decomposition. Despite the lack of significance for interactive effects, predation risk marginally modified shredder effect on leaf decomposition, decreasing this ecosystem process. Shredders presence increased leaf decomposition, but impaired chironomids performance, suggesting interspecific competition rather than facilitation. C. riparius growth rate was decreased independently by CAP exposure, presence of predator and shredder species. A marginal interaction between CAP and predation risk was observed regarding chironomids development. To better understand the effects of chemical pollution to natural freshwater populations, natural stressors and species interactions must be taken into consideration, since both vertical and horizontal species interactions play their role on response to stress.

• MeSH
• Chironomidae účinky léků   růst a vývoj   fyziologie   MeSH
• hmyz účinky léků   růst a vývoj   fyziologie   MeSH
• insekticidy toxicita   MeSH
• larva účinky léků   růst a vývoj   fyziologie   MeSH
• listy rostlin MeSH
• nymfa účinky léků   růst a vývoj   fyziologie   MeSH
• olše MeSH
• ortoaminobenzoáty toxicita   MeSH
• potravní řetězec * MeSH
• predátorské chování * MeSH
• stravovací zvyklosti účinky léků   MeSH
• vážky růst a vývoj   fyziologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The insecticide thiamethoxam (TMX) is a systemic neonicotinoid widely used for pest control in several agricultural crops. TMX mimics the action of acetylcholine causing uncontrolled muscular contraction eventually leading to insect death. TMX is being found in freshwater ecosystems at concentrations of up to 225µg/L. Still, chronic toxicity data for freshwater invertebrates is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the acute and chronic effects (at organismal and biochemical levels) of TMX on the freshwater insect Chironomus riparius. C. riparius life history responses were significantly affected by TMX exposure, namely with a decrease in growth and delay in emergence. Concerning the biochemical responses, after a short exposure (48h) to TMX, our results showed that low concentrations of TMX significantly reduced CAT activity and LPO levels of C. riparius. No effects were observed in AChE, GST and ETS activities. Effects in terms of survival, development rates and biochemical responses of C. riparius exposed to low concentrations of TMX observed in this study suggest potential deleterious effects of this neonicotinoid on aquatic insects inhabiting freshwaters environments near agricultural areas.

• MeSH
• analýza rozptylu MeSH
• bezobratlí účinky léků   MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu toxicita   MeSH
• Chironomidae účinky léků   růst a vývoj   MeSH
• dusíkaté sloučeniny toxicita   MeSH
• hmyz účinky léků   MeSH
• insekticidy toxicita   MeSH
• larva účinky léků   růst a vývoj   MeSH
• oxaziny toxicita   MeSH
• sladká voda analýza   MeSH
• stadia vývoje účinky léků   MeSH
• thiazoly toxicita   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Despite the frequent detection of organic ultraviolet-filters (UV-filters) in freshwater sediments, there is a lack of ecotoxicological data undermining a correct risk assessment for these emerging contaminants. The present study assessed the effects of three of the most commonly used UV-filters (benzophenone-3 - BP3; 3-(4-methylbenzylidene)camphor - 4-MBC and octocrylene - OC) on Chironomus riparius life history and biochemical responses. Standard ecotoxicological assays confirmed that all compounds impaired growth of C. riparius larvae and induced developmental effects such as delayed emergence and a reduction of imagoes weight. Concerning the biochemical responses analysed no evidences of oxidative damage in lipids or neurotoxicity (tested assessing acetylcholinesterase activity) were observed for any of the tested compounds. However, 4-MBC exposure induced a decrease in catalase activity and an increase in glutathione-S-transferase activity at 14.13mg/Kg while OC exposure caused an increase in total glutathione levels at 0.23 and 18.23mg/Kg. Exposure to all UV-filters tested, increased energy consumption on C. riparius with significant differences above 1.00mg/Kg for BP3, 0.09mg/Kg for 4-MBC and 2.13mg/Kg for OC. These results suggest that environmental relevant concentrations of UV-filters can cause deleterious effects to aquatic benthic species, such as C. riparius, and call for further research concerning effects of organic UV-filters on natural invertebrate communities and ecosystem functioning.

• MeSH
• acetylcholinesterasa metabolismus   MeSH
• akryláty toxicita   MeSH
• benzofenony toxicita   MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu toxicita   MeSH
• Chironomidae účinky léků   enzymologie   MeSH
• glutathiontransferasa metabolismus   MeSH
• kafr analogy a deriváty   toxicita   MeSH
• katalasa metabolismus   MeSH
• larva účinky léků   enzymologie   MeSH
• přípravky chránící proti slunci toxicita   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Recent advances in video tracking technologies provide the tools for a sensitive and reproducible analysis of invertebrate activity under stressful conditions nurturing the field of behavioural ecotoxicology. This study aimed to evaluate behavioural responses of the freshwater planarian Dugesia subtentaculata exposed to a model compound, chlorantraniliprole (CAP). This compound is an anthranilic diamide insecticide and due to its neurotoxic action can, at low concentrations, impair behaviour of exposed organisms. Behavioural endpoints measured included feeding and locomotor activities. Feeding responses were based on planarian predatory behaviour using Chironomus riparius larvae as prey. Locomotion was measured by the traditional planarian locomotor velocity (pLMV) assay and additionally using an automated video tracking system using a Zebrabox(®) (Viewpoint, France) device. While feeding and pLMV were significantly impaired at 131.7μg/L CAP, the video tracking system showed that total distance covered by planarians was significantly reduced at concentrations as low as 26.2μg/L CAP. Our results show that more advanced automated video recording systems can be used in the development of sensitive bioassays allowing a reliable, time- and cost-effective quantification of behaviour in aquatic invertebrates. Due to their ecological relevance, behavioural responses should not be disregarded in risk assessment strategies and we advocate the suitability of planarians as suitable organisms for behavioural ecotoxicological studies.

• MeSH
• audiovizuální záznam MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu toxicita   MeSH
• Chironomidae růst a vývoj   fyziologie   MeSH
• insekticidy toxicita   MeSH
• larva účinky léků   fyziologie   MeSH
• lokomoce účinky léků   MeSH
• ortoaminobenzoáty toxicita   MeSH
• sladká voda chemie   MeSH
• stravovací zvyklosti účinky léků   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

The goal of this study was to contribute to understanding of the mechanisms behind sensitivity differences between early and late instar larvae of Chironomus riparius and to address the influence of the differences in standard testing approaches on the toxicity evaluation. A 10-day contact sediment toxicity test was carried out to assess sensitivity to cadmium exposure in relation to different age and laboratory culture line origin of test organisms. Chironomid larvae of early (OECD 218 method) and late instar (US-EPA600/R-99/064 method) differed substantially in sensitivity of traditional endpoints (OECD: LOEC 50 and 10 μg Cd/g dry weight (dw); US-EPA: LOEC > 1000 and 100 μg Cd/g dw for survival and growth, respectively). Bioaccumulated cadmium and metallothioneins (MTs) concentrations were analyzed to investigate the role of MTs in reduced sensitivity to cadmium in late instar larvae. Metallothioneins were induced after treatment to greater Cd concentrations, but their levels in relation to cadmium body burdens did not fully explain low sensitivity of late instars to cadmium, which indicates some other effective way of detoxification in late instars. This study brings new information related to the role of MTs in age-dependent toxicant sensitivity and discusses the implications of divergence in data generated by chironomid sediment toxicity tests by standardized methods using different instars.

• MeSH
• Chironomidae účinky léků   MeSH
• kadmium toxicita   MeSH
• larva účinky léků   MeSH
• metalothionein analýza   metabolismus   MeSH
• testy toxicity MeSH
• vystavení vlivu životního prostředí MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH