Ectropis grisescens Warren and Ectropis obliqua (Prout) are two morphologically similar sibling species with overlapping ranges. In this study, manipulative laboratory experiments were conducted to examine the possibility of reproductive interference in sympatric populations of E. grisescens and E. obliqua and the potential consequences of the mating interaction. Our results showed that the presence of males or females of different species could incur mating interference and significant reduction of F1 offspring. The reduction was not significant relevant to the initial relative abundance of E. grisescens and E. obliqua. Detailed observations of mating opportunity showed that female mating frequencies of both species were not significantly affected by the absolute species density, but the mating success of E. obliqua females with conspecific males depended on species ratio. In addition, adding males to the other species resulted in lower number of offspring suggesting that the males’ behaviour might be linked with mating interference. Males of both E. grisescens and E. obliqua could interfere the intraspecific mating of the other species, but the impact of the mating interference differed. These combined data indicated that asymmetric reproductive interference existed in E. grisescens and E. obliqua under laboratory conditions, and the offspring of the mixed species were significantly reduced. The long term outcome of this effect is yet to be determined since additional reproductive factors such as oviposition rate and progeny survival to adulthood may reduce the probability of demographic displacement of one species by the other in overlapping niches.

Insects' development can be significantly impacted by various environmental factors, including temperature. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of temperature on the predatory thrips, Scolothrips longicornis Priesner (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), which feeds on the strawberry spider mite, Tetranychus turkestani Ugarov and Nikolski (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae). Under laboratory conditions (16:8 L:D, 75 ± 5% RH), the impact of various temperature regimens (15–37.5°C) on the development, population parameters, and mass production of S. longicornis was assessed. Additionally, an age-stage, two-sex life table of the species was constructed. The study revealed that S. longicornis' pre-adult developmental period decreased as temperature increased until 35°C, after which the developmental period increased. The longevity of both males and females displayed significant differences across the temperature range, with the longest lifespan observed at 15°C and the shortest at 37.5°C. At 26°C, the mean total fecundity of S. longicornis was significantly higher (53.52 eggs per female) than the fecundity observed at other temperature regimens. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) demonstrated the highest values at 35°C. While R0 increased as the temperature rose from 15 to 30°C, it rapidly decreased at 35 and 37.5°C. The findings of this study suggest that temperature plays a crucial role in enhancing the rate of development and reproduction of S. longicornis, and a temperature range of 26–30°C could be considered optimal for rearing and mass production of S. longicornis.

There is interest in exploring biodegradable chemicals, e.g. sex pheromones, in behaviour manipulation to control the polyphagous mirid species Helopeltis bakeri Poppius. Understanding this insect pest’s reproductive behaviour is critical for identifying and isolating semiochemicals. H. bakeri rate of sexual maturation was determined by identifying the time the winged adult changed colour after the 5th and final nymphal form. We verified that there was no significant difference in the rate of colour change for both sexes. Copulation lasted an average of 167.0 ± 77.1 min and was observed on mating pairs >72 h old from the time of final molt. Close-range copulation behaviour of H. bakeri was recorded using the Behavioral Observation Research Interactive Software, and sequential behaviour analysis was performed by creating adjacency matrices. The ethograms revealed the absence of specific calling behaviour from either of the sexes. However, the male’s active pursuit of the female may indicate the latter’s role in releasing sex attractants. Using a wind tunnel, it was observed that the number of male visitations of 96-h to 120-h-old females significantly differed from the attraction in younger females (p < 0.05) and peaked from 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM. This supports the crepuscular nature of this mirid species. The difference in the sex maturation age and maximum male attraction implies that the secretion of sex attractant could happen after the completion of development, i.e. the exhibition of colour dimorphism.

The canopy of forests as the ‘last biotic frontier’ has often been neglected in insect biodiversity studies because it is harder to access compared to the understorey, even in relatively well-known temperate ecosystems. We investigated the diversity, abundance, and body size patterns of macromoths (Lepidoptera) in the canopy and understorey in a central European deciduous forest. We collected moths at two sites during 19 trapping nights and three lunar phases between July and September 2021 using a weak ultraviolet light emitting diode (LED) lamp (LepiLED mini). Overall, we captured 4368 individuals (165 species) from 11 families. Based on a number of metrics, richness and diversity was significantly lower in the canopy than in the understorey. Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordinations show that communities largely overlap, but the proportion of species that only occur in the understorey was higher. While Noctuidae and Erebidae species were abundant in both strata, Geometridae species were most frequently observed in the understorey. We identified 16 indicator species for the understorey but only three for the canopy. Forewing length of moths in the canopy was on average 1.7 mm longer than of those in the understorey. Overall, the understorey is far more important for moths than the canopy in a temperate forest. The canopy is dominated by fewer and larger species and probably has a higher proportion of dispersers.

Phycodes radiata is a significant pest of fig trees, causing extensive damage to fig orchards in the Semnan region of Iran in recent years. egg masses of P. radiata were collected from four Ficus carica cultivars, Zard Semnan, Ghermez Semnan, Zard Garmsar, and Ficus sp., and were subsequently reared under laboratory conditions. The study investigated the biological parameters of P. radiata when fed on four different fig cultivars. The feeding index parameters were significantly higher in the Zard Semnan cultivar than in the others. Hemocyte types observed in the larval hemolymph included prohemocytes, plasmatocytes, granulocytes, and oenocytoids, as identified via light microscopy. The pathogenicity of five isolates of entomopathogenic fungi: three isolates of Beauveria bassiana (B1, B2, and B3), one isolate of Metarhizium anisopliae, and one isolate of Lecanicillium muscarium were assessed against P. radiata larvae. The larvae were directly immersed in the fungal suspension for 6 seconds. Control larvae were treated similarly with Tween 80 (0.01%) and distilled water. Larval mortality was highest with the B2, B1, and B3 isolates, respectively. To evaluate hemocyte density in response to pathogenic fungi, fungal spores were injected into insect hemolymph, and hemocyte type changes were recorded at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-injection. The most pronounced effects were observed with the B1 and B2 isolates at 3 and 6 hours post-injection. Overall, the findings indicate that entomopathogenic fungi can effectively disrupt the growth and defense mechanisms of P. radiata, leading to impaired development and increased larval mortality.

Understanding the interactive effects of temperature and diet on insect life cycles is crucial for effective pest management. Here, the influence of different temperatures and diets on the life cycle of Conogethes punctiferalis was investigated using the age-stage, two-sex life table analysis. The results support the hypothesis that temperature and diets (maize, apple, and artificial diet) significantly influence the entire life cycle performance of C. punctiferalis. The duration of larval development was significantly prolonged, whereas adult lifespan was shortened and showed lower reproductive capacity on apple and artificial diet than maize. The total pre-oviposition period was longer on apples than on maize and artificial diet at both temperatures (20, 26°C). The highest r (0.113 d−1), λ (1.128 d−1), R0 (57.213), and GRR (75.54) of C. punctiferalis were found on maize at 26°C, while the highest T (45.062) was found on apples. Similar results were obtained in the age-specific survival curves (sxj), fecundity (mx), maternity (lxmx), and reproductive value (vxj) of YPM on different host plants when exposed to 20°C. These findings highlight the need for further research into the complex interactions between temperature, diet, and insect life history traits to develop effective pest management strategies and enhance our understanding of insect ecology in agroecosystems.

C-type lectins (CTLs), a diverse family of pattern recognition receptors, are essential for immune recognition and pathogen clearance in invertebrates. TcCTL17 contains one carbohydrate recognition domain and three scavenger receptor Cys-rich domains. Spatial and temporal expression analysis revealed that TcCTL17 is highly expressed in early pupa, early adult stages, and the larval gut at 20 days. The recombinant TcCTL17 exhibited dose-dependent binding to lipopolysaccharides and peptidoglycans, Ca2+-dependent binding and agglutination of bacteria in vitro. Knocking down TcCTL17 before bacterial exposure reduced survival rates and increased bacterial loads in T. castaneum larvae, accompanied by decreased antimicrobial peptide expression and haemolymph phenoloxidase activity. Additionally, TcCTL17 RNA interference caused developmental abnormalities, affecting metamorphosis and fecundity, possibly by influencing the 20E, JH, and vitellogenin pathways. These findings underscore dual functions of TcCTL17 in immunity and development, making it a potential target for pest management.

The effect of Wolbachia on the viability and antimicrobial activity of the ectoparasitoid Habrobracon hebetor was evaluated in laboratory experiments. Two lines of the parasitoid, Wolbachia-infected (W+) and Wolbachia-free (W−), were used. Parasitoid larvae were fed with a host orally infected with a sublethal dose of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and on the host uninfected with Bt. Parasitoid survival was assessed at developmental stages from second-instar larvae to adults. At all developmental stages, there were no statistically significant differences in survival between lines W+ and W−, regardless of host Bt infection. In both W+ and W− lines, the expression of lysozyme-like proteins, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and Hsp70 genes was analysed in fourth-instar larvae fed with an infected and uninfected host. In addition, lysozyme-like activity and antibacterial activity were evaluated. The expression of AMPs was significantly higher in W− larvae and did not get induced during the feeding on the Bt-infected host. mRNA expression of lysozyme-like proteins and lysozyme activity were significantly higher in W+ larvae than in W− larvae and did not get induced when the larvae were fed with the infected host. In whole-body homogenates of H. hebetor larvae fed with the uninfected host, antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis) was significantly higher in the W+ line and did not get induced during the feeding with the Bt-infected host. Therefore, there is no obvious immunostimulatory effect of Wolbachia in H. hebetor larvae when they feed on a host infected with an entomopathogenic bacterium.

We evaluated the lethal and sublethal effects of two novel Betaproteobacteria-based insecticides (Burkholderia spp. strain A396 as Venerate® XC; Chromobacterium subtsugae strain PRAA4-1 as Grandevo® WDG) and two neem-based insecticides (1.2% azadirachtin A and B as Azatrol and 3% azadiractin as Molt-X) on the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii, and its natural enemy, Coccinella septempunctata. Aphids were given both residual and direct treatments, i.e. exposed to residues applied by leaf dipping, or by spraying the insects and foliage, while the predator was treated directly with insecticides. Well-established spirotetramat (Movento® 240 SC) was used as standard due to its effectiveness against a wide range of pests, its unique mode of action, and its systemic properties. All insecticides were effective against aphid mostly in concentration-dependent manner, as do exposure time, but at different magnitudes. Spirotetramat and Azatrol induced the highest toxicity to adult aphids, while spirotetramat and Molt-X were more noxious to aphid nymphs. C. subtsugae and Burkholderia were less effective, inducing only moderate levels of aphid mortality. Azatrol and spirotetramat were more detrimental to the fecundity of aphid compared to other products. Insecticides significantly increased the development time of nymphs surviving exposure to insecticides, except Burkholderia. Azatrol were more destructive to eggs, larvae and adult of Coccinella septempunctata, together with spirotetramat for young larvae and adults, relative to other treatment. The development time of predator larvae remained unaffected by treatment. New Betaproteobacteria- and neem-based insecticides except Azatrol seem to be a promising tool to suppress population of Aphis gossypii and integrate pest management programmes.

The gut pH plays crucial roles in diet preference, habitat choice, insect fitness, and insect-microbial relationships. It significantly impacts enzyme activity efficiency, as well as the internalisation and efficacy of pesticides. Without a comprehensive understanding of the gut environment, potential pest management strategies cannot be fully optimised.

This study investigates the gut pH of the globally invasive pest insect Western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis, and the effect its Gram-negative symbiotic gut bacterium BFo2 has on pH modulation. Indicator dyes were fed to F. occidentalis and the gut pH was found to vary between 6 and 7. In general, the larval and adult guts appear to have a pH of between 6 and 6.5; however, the posterior gut of some adults appears to be closer to 7. This almost neutral pH offers a favourable environment for the neutrophilic symbiotic BFo2. The ability of BFo2 isolates to buffer pH towards neutral was also observed during in vitro culture using broths at different pH values.

This paper also discusses the implications of this gut environment on dsRNAi delivery. By laying the foundation for understanding how gut pH can be leveraged to enhance current pest management strategies, this study particularly benefits research aimed at optimising the delivery of lethal dsRNA through symbiont-mediated RNAi to Western flower thrips in pest management programs.

Parasitoids employ diverse oviposition strategies to enhance offspring survival and maximise fitness gains from hosts. Ladybird parasitoids, significant natural enemies of ladybirds, have the potential to disrupt biocontrol efforts, yet their biology and ecology remain poorly understood. This study investigated the host–parasitoid interaction among three sympatric larval endoparasitoids of Cheilomenes sexmaculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): Homalotylus hemipterinus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), Nothoserphus mirabilis (Hymenoptera: Proctotrupidae) and Oomyzus scaposus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). Our objective was to understand host instar preferences from five perspectives related to host profitability, handling difficulty or parasitism decision-making, and to examine the occupation rates of each parasitoid in different host instars. Host profitability was determined by development time, adult offspring dry mass, sex ratio, brood size, parasitism success rate and host handling time. Host handling difficulty was evaluated through host defensive behaviour and handling time. Parasitism decision-making was evaluated through acceptance rate and preference score that considered the first reaction of female wasp to the host. Results showed that each parasitoid responded differently to the host from various perspectives. However, the first two suitable hosts of these parasitoids overlap on the third instar host, with first to third instar hosts being ideal for H. hemipterinus, and third to fourth instar hosts being ideal for N. mirabilis and O. scaposus. In the field, the occupation rate of each parasitoid in third instar host was influenced by the population of N. mirabilis, implying its superior competitiveness. This study reveals the host instar preferences of ladybird parasitoids and highlights the potential for interspecific competition.

Leaf epicuticular waxes play a crucial role in host selection of Spilosoma obliqua, Amsacta albistriga, Spodoptera litura, and Spilarctia luteum. The leaf epicuticular waxes of groundnut, soybean, mikania, and parthenium indicated the presence of 25 different n-alkanes (C14 to n-C36) and 15 free fatty acids (FFAs) (C12:0 to C22:0). All the chemical analysis and bioassays were conducted by using the standard protocols. The attraction index (AI %) and oviposition preference index (OPI %) of each pest species towards the combined-synthetic-mixtures of respective leaf wax chemicals (4 n-alkanes [n-C16, n-C18, n-C20, n-C22] + 4 FFAs [C14:0, C16:1, C16:0, C20:0]) were more preferred due to respective wax chemicals. The AI (%) and OPI (%) towards the said mixture (C3) of the selected host plants (groundnut > soybean > parthenium > mikania) were in the order of S. obliqua > S. litura > S. luteum > A. albistriga for better survival and growth of their neonates because of the respective amounts of leaf wax chemicals including other phytoconstituents. The said synthetic mixture in respective leaf equivalent amount (µg leaf−1) acted as the most preferred lure to develop baited trap and or groundnut as trap crop for soybean to support integrated pest management of such crops (groundnut and soybean). It also supports the use of such pest species as biocontrol agent for the exotic weeds (mikania and parthenium). This finding promotes sustainable pest and weed management for climate smart agriculture to maintain and sustain quality of our planet in the near future.

The tomato leafminer, Phthorimaea absoluta (synonym Tuta absoluta Meyrick, 1917), is a transboundary plant pest that poses a serious threat to global tomato cultivation and production, with significant negative social and environmental impact from increased insecticide usage for its management. We present three P. absoluta draft mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) from Malawi and South Africa, thereby increasing the mitogenome resources for this invasive agricultural pest. Comparative analysis with Spain, China, and Kenya samples revealed at least seven maternal lineages across its current invasive ranges, supporting multiple introductions as a major factor for the spread of invasive populations. Mitogenome results therefore identified unexpected diversity as compared to the use of the partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (mtCOI/cox1) gene marker for the inference of P. absoluta invasion biology. The whole-genome sequencing approach further identified alternative mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene regions necessary to improve diversity estimates, and enables concurrent characterisation of insecticide resistance genes. Characterisation of the VSSG (Para) and AChE-1/ace-1 gene profiles that underpin pyrethroid and organophosphate (OP) resistances, respectively, confirmed co-introductions of pyrethroid and OP resistance genes into Malawian and South African populations. Our study highlights the need for additional P. absoluta mitogenome resources, especially from native populations that is needed for more accurate interpretations of introduction pathways and the development of future sustainable management strategies.

Mango is a delicious tropical fruit with high economic value worldwide. The Forest-Savanna Transition zone of Ghana contributes significantly to the production of mangoes for both local and international markets. The zone is plagued with the fruit fly ‘menace’ like all mango-producing areas in Ghana. Not much has been done in terms of species monitoring. A 24- month fruit fly monitoring survey was conducted in eight mango orchards, to assess the composition of fruit flies associated with Mango and their damage levels. Four para-pheromone attractants (Methyl Eugenol, Terpinyl Acetate, Trimedlure, and Cuelure) were used to monitor fruit flies. Eight improvised water bottle traps (two per lure) were purposefully deployed in each orchard. A total of 18 tephritid species belonging to five genera were recorded. Bactrocera (one species), Ceratitis (six species), Dacus (eight species), Zeugodacus (one species) and Xanthaciura (two species). Bactrocera dorsalis was the most abundant species (90% of the collected samples), while the native mango fly, C. cosyra constituted 0.5%. Dacus fuscovittatus and Dacus pleuralis were for the first time captured and identified in Ghana. Dacus langi, Dacus carnesi, Dacus (diastatus?), Ceratitis silvestrii and C. quinaria were recorded for the first time in the zone. The zone recorded a diversity index of 0.41. Damage levels ranged from 41–91%. Ten out of the 18 species, are of economic importance on mango and must be watched. Periodic updates on seasonal fluctuations, species composition and new arrivals are key to the successful implementation of any management strategy.

Hymenopteran parasitoids are an understudied group of insects despite being important in biological control programs globally. Little is known about the ability of parasitoids to control the passionvine hopper (Scolypopa australis (Walker); PVH), which was introduced to New Zealand (NZ) in the 1800s and has since become a major economic pest of kiwifruit. However, in their native Australia, this species has not reached pest status, likely due to the presence of associated parasitoids. Understanding the ecology of parasitoids associated with PVH in their native range is a critical step in identifying potential biological control agents that could be used in NZ. In this study, PVH presence and occupancy on different plant species was determined and the PVH parasitoid fauna of NZ compared with the Australian fauna. Collections were undertaken in and around Melbourne, Australia, between December 2021 and May 2023 in public and private gardens, roadside verges and parklands. Parasitoids were reared from the nymphs and eggs of PVH and identified. Ten species of parasitoid were discovered to parasitise PVH, eight of which were new host records. Three parasitoids, Dryinus koebelei, Neodryinus nelsoni, and Neodryinus koebelei, were reared from PVH nymphs and seven parasitoids were reared from PVH eggs: Ablerus sp., Anastatus sp., Centrodora sp., Cheilonoeurus sp., Ooencyrtus sp., and unknown species belonging to the families Figitidae and Platygastridae. These new data have made a significant contribution to understanding the ecology of PVH in their native range.

Juvenile hormone (JH) regulates multiple physiological functions in insects including growth, metamorphosis, and reproduction. Juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase (JHEH) and juvenile hormone esterase (JHE) are degradative enzymes that metabolise JH, and JH receptor (methoprene-tolerant, Met) functions in the regulation of female reproduction and vitellogenesis. In this study, JH titres in Coccinella septempunctata adult females were determined using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry; the JH titres ranged from 0.03 to 0.16 ng g−1 in 5- to 30-day-old female adults. JHEH, JHE, and Met expression were studied in different reproductive stages of C. septempunctata females by quantitative real-time PCR. JHEH transcription levels were highest in 25-day-old female adults and were 1.93-fold higher than expression levels in 5-day-old adults. JHEH and JHE expression levels were inhibited by the addition of JH to the artificial diet. Met expression in C. septempunctata supplied with 3 μl JH in artificial diet was similar to Met transcription in females supplied with an aphid diet, and the results showed that supplementation with 3 μl JH in 582.2 g of artificial diet was the most suitable for reproductive regulation of C. septempunctata. The results of this study provide important insights for the improvement of C. septempunctata artificial diets.

Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a significant pest of Capsicum annuum (Solanales: Solanaceae) and exhibits intraspecific differentiation within populations. To investigate the adaptability of Hap3 and Hap17 A. gossypii to various C. annuum varieties, including ‘Lvzhou101’ (LZ), ‘Lashen’ (LA), ‘Saierweilvtianjiao’ (SE), ‘Haimaihongri’ (HM), ‘Chaotianjiao’ (CT), and ‘Luosijiangjun’ (LS), we employed life tables to analyse growth and population parameters post-feeding and conducted petri dish host choice experiments to assess the host plant preference of A. gossypii. Survival rates of A. gossypii varied significantly across C. annuum varieties. Notably, Hap3 and Hap17 thrived on ‘LZ’ but failed to establish populations on ‘LA’. The net reproductive rate (R0), average generation time (T), and intrinsic rate of increase (rm) differed markedly between Hap3 and Hap17 across C. annuum varieties. Feeding on ‘LZ’ resulted in a significantly higher R0 value (26.49) for Hap3 relative to other varieties. The T (7.60 days) and rm (0.27) values for Hap3 on ‘SE’ were superior to those observed on other C. annuum varieties. These findings indicate that ‘SE’ is the optimal host for Hap3 growth, while ‘LZ’ best supports Hap17. Both haplotypes exhibited the lowest adaptability to ‘LA’. Therefore, the utilisation capacity of A. gossypii populations on C. annuum demonstrates differentiation, and the resistance levels among C. annuum varieties to A. gossypii vary. This differentiation can inform targeted management strategies for aphid infestations on pepper crops.

Significant differences in life-history traits between the southern population (S) and northern (N) population of the cabbage beetle Colaphellus bowringi make it an excellent model for studying inheritance in this insect. In the present study, we observed the life-history traits of pure strains, F1, reciprocal backcross and reciprocal F2 progeny under a photoperiod of L:D 15:9 h at 22 °C. The S population had shorter larval development time, longer pupal time, higher body weight, growth rate and weight loss compared with the N population. In the F1 testing, the larval development time and body weight in hybrid populations were intermediate between the parents, and the paternal parents played a greater role in determining the larval development time, while the maternal parents exhibited a greater role in determining the body weight. The pupal time of hybrid populations was significantly shorter than that of the parents. In the reciprocal backcross testing, both father and grandfather affected the larval development time, while both mother and grandmother affected the body weight. Consistently, in the reciprocal F2 cross testing, the grandfather was more influential in determining the larval development time, and grandmother was more important in determining the body weight. In all tested populations, females had greater body weight, higher growth rate and weight loss than males. Hybridization pattern did not affect sex dimorphism and sex ratio. Overall, these findings suggest that different pathways (maternal or paternal effects) were involved in the inheritance of various life-history traits in C. bowringi.

Land use change has significantly altered most ecosystem functioning, such as nutrition provisioning, water flows and pollination services. So far, the impact of land use change on the dietary diversity of predatory insects has remained largely unexplored. In this study, we explored the prey composition of reared yellow-legged hornets Vespa velutina Lepeletier (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in landscapes with a gradient of surrounding green lands, using metabarcoding of feces eliminated by larvae. The hornets primarily fed upon insects, with dipterans, coleopterans, lepidopterans, hemipterans, hymenopterans, and orthopterans being the dominant prey groups. The percentage of green lands had a significantly positive effect on prey richness at a spatial scale of 1500 m, but no effect on Shannnon index of the prey community. Meanwhile, the green lands had significantly positive effects on richness of coleopteran prey and lepidopteran prey, but no significant effect on richness of dipteran prey, hemipteran prey, hymenopteran prey, or orthopteran prey. In terms of beta diversity, the percentage of green lands explained the dissimilarity of prey communities among landscapes, whereas local factors, such as the distance to green lands and the distance to buildings, did not explain the dissimilarity. Our study indicated that the green lands in the landscape positively affected the dietary diversity of reared yellow-legged hornets, but this effect varied among different taxonomic groups of prey.

Rhopalosiphum padi is an important grain pest, causing severe losses during crop production. As a systemic insecticide, flonicamid can control piercing-sucking pests efficiently. In our study, the lethal effects of flonicamid on the biological traits of R. padi were investigated via a life table approach. Flonicamid is highly efficiently toxic to R. padi, with an LC50 of 9.068 mg L−1. The adult longevity and fecundity of the R. padi F0 generation were markedly reduced under the LC25 and LC50 concentrations of flonicamid exposure. In addition, negative transgenerational effects on R. padi were observed under exposure to lethal concentrations of flonicamid, with noticeable decreases in the reproductive period, adult longevity, total longevity, and total fecundity of the F1 generation under the LC25 concentration of flonicamid. Furthermore, the third nymph stage (N3), preadult stage, duration of the adult pre-reproductive period, duration of the total pre-reproductive period, reproductive period, adult longevity, total longevity, and total fecundity of the F1 generation were significantly lower under treatment with the LC50 concentration of flonicamid. The life table parameters were subsequently analysed, revealing that the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and the net reproductive rate (R0) were significantly lower but that the finite rate of increase (λ) and the mean generation time (T) were not significantly different under the LC25 and LC50 concentrations of flonicamid. These data are beneficial for grain aphid control and are critical for exploring the role of flonicamid in the integrated management of this key pest.