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David Schneider
Let me introduce myself: Born and raised on a tiny island in France,
I grew up in a loving family which has always supported my interest in Science and Nature.I went to college on the "mainland" and then lived in several Europeans countries for a while as a postgraduate student and then settled in Baja California as a postdoctoral researcher.
My research carreer started with a single plant called Salicornia and then my interest in interactions took off when I started my Master's degree with parasitoid wasps, then moving on tritrophic system during my Ph.D.
Currently I am exploring how the vegetations and habitats surrounding Baja's vineyards change the arthropod community that lives inside the crop.
I always loved the complexity of interaction in ecosystems, either native or agriculturals.
Nowaday, we have powerfull tools to expand our understanding of such a complex living network.I am greatly confident that mixing new techs such as machine visual recognition, metabarcoding, big data and deep learning will pave to way towards true integrative ecology and agroecology..
As a human being. my hope is to get a deep understanding of the different actors in the vineyards (insects, plants, soil. etc... ) and promote a of ecosystemic services use culture in the local industry, over conventionals ways (heavy mechanical and chemical practices).
For the sake of Baja's wildlife, the local community and crop workers health, ranch owners profit margins as well the downstream wine drinker experience.
Get to know the academic ME on researchgate.com
Papers as first Author
Two Adaptations of Foray's Unified Energetic Budget
Measurement Protocol for Highly Chitinized Insects and
Faster Glycogen Determination
In this study, we address the limitations of existing protocols for energetic budget measurements in heavily chitinized insects. Two primary adaptations are proposed: the use of liquid nitrogen for sample processing and a simplified method for glycogen concentration determination. Liquid nitrogen allows for efficient handling of hard exoskeletons without affecting the accuracy of lipid, protein, and carbohydrate measurements. The glycogen measurement, traditionally conducted through low-protein binding membrane filtration, is streamlined using a centrifugation technique. These adaptations not only facilitate quicker and more efficient analysis but also extend the applicability of the protocol to a broader range of insect species, enhancing research capabilities in entomological studies.
Multigenerational experimental simulation of climate change on an economically important insect pest
Long-term multigenerational experimental simulations of climate change on insect pests of economically and socially important crops are crucial to anticipate challenges for feeding humanity in the not-so-far future. Mexican bean weevil Zabrotes subfas- ciatus, is a worldwide pest that attacks the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris seeds, in crops and storage. We designed a long term (i.e., over 10 generations), experimental simulation of climate change by increasing temperature and CO2 air concentration in controlled conditions according to model predictions for 2100. Higher temperature and CO2 concentrations favored pest's egg-to-adult development survival, even at high female fecundity. It also induced a reduction of fat storage and increase of pro- tein content but did not alter body size. After 10 generations of simulation, genetic adaptation was detected for total lipid content only, however, other traits showed signs of such process. Future experimental designs and methods similar to ours, are key for studying long-term effects of climate change through multigenerational ex- perimental designs.
Altitude, temperature, and parasitoid pressure may prevent competition between two Mexican bruchid beetles attacking wild Phaseolus vulgaris
Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) and Acanthoscelides obvelatus (Bridwell) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) are two sympatric beetle species that infest bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris L.; Fabaceae). Using field-sampled wild P. vulgaris pods and data of population density, body size, and parasitoid pressure for both species across elevation and temperature gradients in the Mexican Altiplano, we explored whether interspecific competition occurs between the two bruchids. We expected that population density, body size, and parasitoid pressure of A. obtectus and A. obvelatus to be inversely related to one another. We found that population densities of the two species differed among the elevations, but their body sizes were independent of expected density patterns. Moreover, the parasitoid emergence rate was correlated to A. obvelatus abundance but not A. obtectus abundance. Our data suggest that niches of A. obtectus and A. obvelatus overlap only to such extent that interspecific competition seems unlikely due to a) alternative hosts are available for A. obtectus, and b) P. vulgaris seeds and alternative legumes are a fairly common resource in the studied area.
Two Adaptations of Foray's Unified Energetic Budget
Measurement Protocol for Highly Chitinized Insects and
Faster Glycogen Determination
In this study, we address the limitations of existing protocols for energetic budget measurements in heavily chitinized insects. Two primary adaptations are proposed: the use of liquid nitrogen for sample processing and a simplified method for glycogen concentration determination. Liquid nitrogen allows for efficient handling of hard exoskeletons without affecting the accuracy of lipid, protein, and carbohydrate measurements. The glycogen measurement, traditionally conducted through low-protein binding membrane filtration, is streamlined using a centrifugation technique. These adaptations not only facilitate quicker and more efficient analysis but also extend the applicability of the protocol to a broader range of insect species, enhancing research capabilities in entomological studies.
Multigenerational experimental simulation of climate change on an economically important insect pest
Long-term multigenerational experimental simulations of climate change on insect pests of economically and socially important crops are crucial to anticipate challenges for feeding humanity in the not-so-far future. Mexican bean weevil Zabrotes subfas- ciatus, is a worldwide pest that attacks the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris seeds, in crops and storage. We designed a long term (i.e., over 10 generations), experimental simulation of climate change by increasing temperature and CO2 air concentration in controlled conditions according to model predictions for 2100. Higher temperature and CO2 concentrations favored pest's egg-to-adult development survival, even at high female fecundity. It also induced a reduction of fat storage and increase of pro- tein content but did not alter body size. After 10 generations of simulation, genetic adaptation was detected for total lipid content only, however, other traits showed signs of such process. Future experimental designs and methods similar to ours, are key for studying long-term effects of climate change through multigenerational ex- perimental designs.
Altitude, temperature, and parasitoid pressure may prevent competition between two Mexican bruchid beetles attacking wild Phaseolus vulgaris
Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) and Acanthoscelides obvelatus (Bridwell) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) are two sympatric beetle species that infest bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris L.; Fabaceae). Using field-sampled wild P. vulgaris pods and data of population density, body size, and parasitoid pressure for both species across elevation and temperature gradients in the Mexican Altiplano, we explored whether interspecific competition occurs between the two bruchids. We expected that population density, body size, and parasitoid pressure of A. obtectus and A. obvelatus to be inversely related to one another. We found that population densities of the two species differed among the elevations, but their body sizes were independent of expected density patterns. Moreover, the parasitoid emergence rate was correlated to A. obvelatus abundance but not A. obtectus abundance. Our data suggest that niches of A. obtectus and A. obvelatus overlap only to such extent that interspecific competition seems unlikely due to a) alternative hosts are available for A. obtectus, and b) P. vulgaris seeds and alternative legumes are a fairly common resource in the studied area.
Two Adaptations of Foray's Unified Energetic Budget
Measurement Protocol for Highly Chitinized Insects and
Faster Glycogen Determination
In this study, we address the limitations of existing protocols for energetic budget measurements in heavily chitinized insects. Two primary adaptations are proposed: the use of liquid nitrogen for sample processing and a simplified method for glycogen concentration determination. Liquid nitrogen allows for efficient handling of hard exoskeletons without affecting the accuracy of lipid, protein, and carbohydrate measurements. The glycogen measurement, traditionally conducted through low-protein binding membrane filtration, is streamlined using a centrifugation technique. These adaptations not only facilitate quicker and more efficient analysis but also extend the applicability of the protocol to a broader range of insect species, enhancing research capabilities in entomological studies.
Multigenerational experimental simulation of climate change on an economically important insect pest
Long-term multigenerational experimental simulations of climate change on insect pests of economically and socially important crops are crucial to anticipate challenges for feeding humanity in the not-so-far future. Mexican bean weevil Zabrotes subfas- ciatus, is a worldwide pest that attacks the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris seeds, in crops and storage. We designed a long term (i.e., over 10 generations), experimental simulation of climate change by increasing temperature and CO2 air concentration in controlled conditions according to model predictions for 2100. Higher temperature and CO2 concentrations favored pest's egg-to-adult development survival, even at high female fecundity. It also induced a reduction of fat storage and increase of pro- tein content but did not alter body size. After 10 generations of simulation, genetic adaptation was detected for total lipid content only, however, other traits showed signs of such process. Future experimental designs and methods similar to ours, are key for studying long-term effects of climate change through multigenerational ex- perimental designs.
Altitude, temperature, and parasitoid pressure may prevent competition between two Mexican bruchid beetles attacking wild Phaseolus vulgaris
Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) and Acanthoscelides obvelatus (Bridwell) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) are two sympatric beetle species that infest bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris L.; Fabaceae). Using field-sampled wild P. vulgaris pods and data of population density, body size, and parasitoid pressure for both species across elevation and temperature gradients in the Mexican Altiplano, we explored whether interspecific competition occurs between the two bruchids. We expected that population density, body size, and parasitoid pressure of A. obtectus and A. obvelatus to be inversely related to one another. We found that population densities of the two species differed among the elevations, but their body sizes were independent of expected density patterns. Moreover, the parasitoid emergence rate was correlated to A. obvelatus abundance but not A. obtectus abundance. Our data suggest that niches of A. obtectus and A. obvelatus overlap only to such extent that interspecific competition seems unlikely due to a) alternative hosts are available for A. obtectus, and b) P. vulgaris seeds and alternative legumes are a fairly common resource in the studied area.
Two Adaptations of Foray's Unified Energetic Budget
Measurement Protocol for Highly Chitinized Insects and
Faster Glycogen Determination
In this study, we address the limitations of existing protocols for energetic budget measurements in heavily chitinized insects. Two primary adaptations are proposed: the use of liquid nitrogen for sample processing and a simplified method for glycogen concentration determination. Liquid nitrogen allows for efficient handling of hard exoskeletons without affecting the accuracy of lipid, protein, and carbohydrate measurements. The glycogen measurement, traditionally conducted through low-protein binding membrane filtration, is streamlined using a centrifugation technique. These adaptations not only facilitate quicker and more efficient analysis but also extend the applicability of the protocol to a broader range of insect species, enhancing research capabilities in entomological studies.
Multigenerational experimental simulation of climate change on an economically important insect pest
Long-term multigenerational experimental simulations of climate change on insect pests of economically and socially important crops are crucial to anticipate challenges for feeding humanity in the not-so-far future. Mexican bean weevil Zabrotes subfas- ciatus, is a worldwide pest that attacks the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris seeds, in crops and storage. We designed a long term (i.e., over 10 generations), experimental simulation of climate change by increasing temperature and CO2 air concentration in controlled conditions according to model predictions for 2100. Higher temperature and CO2 concentrations favored pest's egg-to-adult development survival, even at high female fecundity. It also induced a reduction of fat storage and increase of pro- tein content but did not alter body size. After 10 generations of simulation, genetic adaptation was detected for total lipid content only, however, other traits showed signs of such process. Future experimental designs and methods similar to ours, are key for studying long-term effects of climate change through multigenerational ex- perimental designs.
Altitude, temperature, and parasitoid pressure may prevent competition between two Mexican bruchid beetles attacking wild Phaseolus vulgaris
Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) and Acanthoscelides obvelatus (Bridwell) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) are two sympatric beetle species that infest bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris L.; Fabaceae). Using field-sampled wild P. vulgaris pods and data of population density, body size, and parasitoid pressure for both species across elevation and temperature gradients in the Mexican Altiplano, we explored whether interspecific competition occurs between the two bruchids. We expected that population density, body size, and parasitoid pressure of A. obtectus and A. obvelatus to be inversely related to one another. We found that population densities of the two species differed among the elevations, but their body sizes were independent of expected density patterns. Moreover, the parasitoid emergence rate was correlated to A. obvelatus abundance but not A. obtectus abundance. Our data suggest that niches of A. obtectus and A. obvelatus overlap only to such extent that interspecific competition seems unlikely due to a) alternative hosts are available for A. obtectus, and b) P. vulgaris seeds and alternative legumes are a fairly common resource in the studied area.
Two Adaptations of Foray's Unified Energetic Budget
Measurement Protocol for Highly Chitinized Insects and
Faster Glycogen Determination
In this study, we address the limitations of existing protocols for energetic budget measurements in heavily chitinized insects. Two primary adaptations are proposed: the use of liquid nitrogen for sample processing and a simplified method for glycogen concentration determination. Liquid nitrogen allows for efficient handling of hard exoskeletons without affecting the accuracy of lipid, protein, and carbohydrate measurements. The glycogen measurement, traditionally conducted through low-protein binding membrane filtration, is streamlined using a centrifugation technique. These adaptations not only facilitate quicker and more efficient analysis but also extend the applicability of the protocol to a broader range of insect species, enhancing research capabilities in entomological studies.
Multigenerational experimental simulation of climate change on an economically important insect pest
Long-term multigenerational experimental simulations of climate change on insect pests of economically and socially important crops are crucial to anticipate challenges for feeding humanity in the not-so-far future. Mexican bean weevil Zabrotes subfas- ciatus, is a worldwide pest that attacks the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris seeds, in crops and storage. We designed a long term (i.e., over 10 generations), experimental simulation of climate change by increasing temperature and CO2 air concentration in controlled conditions according to model predictions for 2100. Higher temperature and CO2 concentrations favored pest's egg-to-adult development survival, even at high female fecundity. It also induced a reduction of fat storage and increase of pro- tein content but did not alter body size. After 10 generations of simulation, genetic adaptation was detected for total lipid content only, however, other traits showed signs of such process. Future experimental designs and methods similar to ours, are key for studying long-term effects of climate change through multigenerational ex- perimental designs.
Altitude, temperature, and parasitoid pressure may prevent competition between two Mexican bruchid beetles attacking wild Phaseolus vulgaris
Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) and Acanthoscelides obvelatus (Bridwell) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) are two sympatric beetle species that infest bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris L.; Fabaceae). Using field-sampled wild P. vulgaris pods and data of population density, body size, and parasitoid pressure for both species across elevation and temperature gradients in the Mexican Altiplano, we explored whether interspecific competition occurs between the two bruchids. We expected that population density, body size, and parasitoid pressure of A. obtectus and A. obvelatus to be inversely related to one another. We found that population densities of the two species differed among the elevations, but their body sizes were independent of expected density patterns. Moreover, the parasitoid emergence rate was correlated to A. obvelatus abundance but not A. obtectus abundance. Our data suggest that niches of A. obtectus and A. obvelatus overlap only to such extent that interspecific competition seems unlikely due to a) alternative hosts are available for A. obtectus, and b) P. vulgaris seeds and alternative legumes are a fairly common resource in the studied area.
Two Adaptations of Foray's Unified Energetic Budget
Measurement Protocol for Highly Chitinized Insects and
Faster Glycogen Determination
In this study, we address the limitations of existing protocols for energetic budget measurements in heavily chitinized insects. Two primary adaptations are proposed: the use of liquid nitrogen for sample processing and a simplified method for glycogen concentration determination. Liquid nitrogen allows for efficient handling of hard exoskeletons without affecting the accuracy of lipid, protein, and carbohydrate measurements. The glycogen measurement, traditionally conducted through low-protein binding membrane filtration, is streamlined using a centrifugation technique. These adaptations not only facilitate quicker and more efficient analysis but also extend the applicability of the protocol to a broader range of insect species, enhancing research capabilities in entomological studies.
Multigenerational experimental simulation of climate change on an economically important insect pest
Long-term multigenerational experimental simulations of climate change on insect pests of economically and socially important crops are crucial to anticipate challenges for feeding humanity in the not-so-far future. Mexican bean weevil Zabrotes subfas- ciatus, is a worldwide pest that attacks the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris seeds, in crops and storage. We designed a long term (i.e., over 10 generations), experimental simulation of climate change by increasing temperature and CO2 air concentration in controlled conditions according to model predictions for 2100. Higher temperature and CO2 concentrations favored pest's egg-to-adult development survival, even at high female fecundity. It also induced a reduction of fat storage and increase of pro- tein content but did not alter body size. After 10 generations of simulation, genetic adaptation was detected for total lipid content only, however, other traits showed signs of such process. Future experimental designs and methods similar to ours, are key for studying long-term effects of climate change through multigenerational ex- perimental designs.
Altitude, temperature, and parasitoid pressure may prevent competition between two Mexican bruchid beetles attacking wild Phaseolus vulgaris
Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) and Acanthoscelides obvelatus (Bridwell) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) are two sympatric beetle species that infest bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris L.; Fabaceae). Using field-sampled wild P. vulgaris pods and data of population density, body size, and parasitoid pressure for both species across elevation and temperature gradients in the Mexican Altiplano, we explored whether interspecific competition occurs between the two bruchids. We expected that population density, body size, and parasitoid pressure of A. obtectus and A. obvelatus to be inversely related to one another. We found that population densities of the two species differed among the elevations, but their body sizes were independent of expected density patterns. Moreover, the parasitoid emergence rate was correlated to A. obvelatus abundance but not A. obtectus abundance. Our data suggest that niches of A. obtectus and A. obvelatus overlap only to such extent that interspecific competition seems unlikely due to a) alternative hosts are available for A. obtectus, and b) P. vulgaris seeds and alternative legumes are a fairly common resource in the studied area.
Two Adaptations of Foray's Unified Energetic Budget
Measurement Protocol for Highly Chitinized Insects and
Faster Glycogen Determination
In this study, we address the limitations of existing protocols for energetic budget measurements in heavily chitinized insects. Two primary adaptations are proposed: the use of liquid nitrogen for sample processing and a simplified method for glycogen concentration determination. Liquid nitrogen allows for efficient handling of hard exoskeletons without affecting the accuracy of lipid, protein, and carbohydrate measurements. The glycogen measurement, traditionally conducted through low-protein binding membrane filtration, is streamlined using a centrifugation technique. These adaptations not only facilitate quicker and more efficient analysis but also extend the applicability of the protocol to a broader range of insect species, enhancing research capabilities in entomological studies.
Multigenerational experimental simulation of climate change on an economically important insect pest
Long-term multigenerational experimental simulations of climate change on insect pests of economically and socially important crops are crucial to anticipate challenges for feeding humanity in the not-so-far future. Mexican bean weevil Zabrotes subfas- ciatus, is a worldwide pest that attacks the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris seeds, in crops and storage. We designed a long term (i.e., over 10 generations), experimental simulation of climate change by increasing temperature and CO2 air concentration in controlled conditions according to model predictions for 2100. Higher temperature and CO2 concentrations favored pest's egg-to-adult development survival, even at high female fecundity. It also induced a reduction of fat storage and increase of pro- tein content but did not alter body size. After 10 generations of simulation, genetic adaptation was detected for total lipid content only, however, other traits showed signs of such process. Future experimental designs and methods similar to ours, are key for studying long-term effects of climate change through multigenerational ex- perimental designs.
Altitude, temperature, and parasitoid pressure may prevent competition between two Mexican bruchid beetles attacking wild Phaseolus vulgaris
Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) and Acanthoscelides obvelatus (Bridwell) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) are two sympatric beetle species that infest bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris L.; Fabaceae). Using field-sampled wild P. vulgaris pods and data of population density, body size, and parasitoid pressure for both species across elevation and temperature gradients in the Mexican Altiplano, we explored whether interspecific competition occurs between the two bruchids. We expected that population density, body size, and parasitoid pressure of A. obtectus and A. obvelatus to be inversely related to one another. We found that population densities of the two species differed among the elevations, but their body sizes were independent of expected density patterns. Moreover, the parasitoid emergence rate was correlated to A. obvelatus abundance but not A. obtectus abundance. Our data suggest that niches of A. obtectus and A. obvelatus overlap only to such extent that interspecific competition seems unlikely due to a) alternative hosts are available for A. obtectus, and b) P. vulgaris seeds and alternative legumes are a fairly common resource in the studied area.
Two Adaptations of Foray's Unified Energetic Budget
Measurement Protocol for Highly Chitinized Insects and
Faster Glycogen Determination
In this study, we address the limitations of existing protocols for energetic budget measurements in heavily chitinized insects. Two primary adaptations are proposed: the use of liquid nitrogen for sample processing and a simplified method for glycogen concentration determination. Liquid nitrogen allows for efficient handling of hard exoskeletons without affecting the accuracy of lipid, protein, and carbohydrate measurements. The glycogen measurement, traditionally conducted through low-protein binding membrane filtration, is streamlined using a centrifugation technique. These adaptations not only facilitate quicker and more efficient analysis but also extend the applicability of the protocol to a broader range of insect species, enhancing research capabilities in entomological studies.
Multigenerational experimental simulation of climate change on an economically important insect pest
Long-term multigenerational experimental simulations of climate change on insect pests of economically and socially important crops are crucial to anticipate challenges for feeding humanity in the not-so-far future. Mexican bean weevil Zabrotes subfas- ciatus, is a worldwide pest that attacks the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris seeds, in crops and storage. We designed a long term (i.e., over 10 generations), experimental simulation of climate change by increasing temperature and CO2 air concentration in controlled conditions according to model predictions for 2100. Higher temperature and CO2 concentrations favored pest's egg-to-adult development survival, even at high female fecundity. It also induced a reduction of fat storage and increase of pro- tein content but did not alter body size. After 10 generations of simulation, genetic adaptation was detected for total lipid content only, however, other traits showed signs of such process. Future experimental designs and methods similar to ours, are key for studying long-term effects of climate change through multigenerational ex- perimental designs.
Altitude, temperature, and parasitoid pressure may prevent competition between two Mexican bruchid beetles attacking wild Phaseolus vulgaris
Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) and Acanthoscelides obvelatus (Bridwell) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) are two sympatric beetle species that infest bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris L.; Fabaceae). Using field-sampled wild P. vulgaris pods and data of population density, body size, and parasitoid pressure for both species across elevation and temperature gradients in the Mexican Altiplano, we explored whether interspecific competition occurs between the two bruchids. We expected that population density, body size, and parasitoid pressure of A. obtectus and A. obvelatus to be inversely related to one another. We found that population densities of the two species differed among the elevations, but their body sizes were independent of expected density patterns. Moreover, the parasitoid emergence rate was correlated to A. obvelatus abundance but not A. obtectus abundance. Our data suggest that niches of A. obtectus and A. obvelatus overlap only to such extent that interspecific competition seems unlikely due to a) alternative hosts are available for A. obtectus, and b) P. vulgaris seeds and alternative legumes are a fairly common resource in the studied area.
Two Adaptations of Foray's Unified Energetic Budget
Measurement Protocol for Highly Chitinized Insects and
Faster Glycogen Determination
In this study, we address the limitations of existing protocols for energetic budget measurements in heavily chitinized insects. Two primary adaptations are proposed: the use of liquid nitrogen for sample processing and a simplified method for glycogen concentration determination. Liquid nitrogen allows for efficient handling of hard exoskeletons without affecting the accuracy of lipid, protein, and carbohydrate measurements. The glycogen measurement, traditionally conducted through low-protein binding membrane filtration, is streamlined using a centrifugation technique. These adaptations not only facilitate quicker and more efficient analysis but also extend the applicability of the protocol to a broader range of insect species, enhancing research capabilities in entomological studies.
Multigenerational experimental simulation of climate change on an economically important insect pest
Long-term multigenerational experimental simulations of climate change on insect pests of economically and socially important crops are crucial to anticipate challenges for feeding humanity in the not-so-far future. Mexican bean weevil Zabrotes subfas- ciatus, is a worldwide pest that attacks the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris seeds, in crops and storage. We designed a long term (i.e., over 10 generations), experimental simulation of climate change by increasing temperature and CO2 air concentration in controlled conditions according to model predictions for 2100. Higher temperature and CO2 concentrations favored pest's egg-to-adult development survival, even at high female fecundity. It also induced a reduction of fat storage and increase of pro- tein content but did not alter body size. After 10 generations of simulation, genetic adaptation was detected for total lipid content only, however, other traits showed signs of such process. Future experimental designs and methods similar to ours, are key for studying long-term effects of climate change through multigenerational ex- perimental designs.
Altitude, temperature, and parasitoid pressure may prevent competition between two Mexican bruchid beetles attacking wild Phaseolus vulgaris
Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) and Acanthoscelides obvelatus (Bridwell) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) are two sympatric beetle species that infest bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris L.; Fabaceae). Using field-sampled wild P. vulgaris pods and data of population density, body size, and parasitoid pressure for both species across elevation and temperature gradients in the Mexican Altiplano, we explored whether interspecific competition occurs between the two bruchids. We expected that population density, body size, and parasitoid pressure of A. obtectus and A. obvelatus to be inversely related to one another. We found that population densities of the two species differed among the elevations, but their body sizes were independent of expected density patterns. Moreover, the parasitoid emergence rate was correlated to A. obvelatus abundance but not A. obtectus abundance. Our data suggest that niches of A. obtectus and A. obvelatus overlap only to such extent that interspecific competition seems unlikely due to a) alternative hosts are available for A. obtectus, and b) P. vulgaris seeds and alternative legumes are a fairly common resource in the studied area.
Two Adaptations of Foray's Unified Energetic Budget
Measurement Protocol for Highly Chitinized Insects and
Faster Glycogen Determination
In this study, we address the limitations of existing protocols for energetic budget measurements in heavily chitinized insects. Two primary adaptations are proposed: the use of liquid nitrogen for sample processing and a simplified method for glycogen concentration determination. Liquid nitrogen allows for efficient handling of hard exoskeletons without affecting the accuracy of lipid, protein, and carbohydrate measurements. The glycogen measurement, traditionally conducted through low-protein binding membrane filtration, is streamlined using a centrifugation technique. These adaptations not only facilitate quicker and more efficient analysis but also extend the applicability of the protocol to a broader range of insect species, enhancing research capabilities in entomological studies.
Multigenerational experimental simulation of climate change on an economically important insect pest
Long-term multigenerational experimental simulations of climate change on insect pests of economically and socially important crops are crucial to anticipate challenges for feeding humanity in the not-so-far future. Mexican bean weevil Zabrotes subfas- ciatus, is a worldwide pest that attacks the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris seeds, in crops and storage. We designed a long term (i.e., over 10 generations), experimental simulation of climate change by increasing temperature and CO2 air concentration in controlled conditions according to model predictions for 2100. Higher temperature and CO2 concentrations favored pest's egg-to-adult development survival, even at high female fecundity. It also induced a reduction of fat storage and increase of pro- tein content but did not alter body size. After 10 generations of simulation, genetic adaptation was detected for total lipid content only, however, other traits showed signs of such process. Future experimental designs and methods similar to ours, are key for studying long-term effects of climate change through multigenerational ex- perimental designs.
Altitude, temperature, and parasitoid pressure may prevent competition between two Mexican bruchid beetles attacking wild Phaseolus vulgaris
Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) and Acanthoscelides obvelatus (Bridwell) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) are two sympatric beetle species that infest bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris L.; Fabaceae). Using field-sampled wild P. vulgaris pods and data of population density, body size, and parasitoid pressure for both species across elevation and temperature gradients in the Mexican Altiplano, we explored whether interspecific competition occurs between the two bruchids. We expected that population density, body size, and parasitoid pressure of A. obtectus and A. obvelatus to be inversely related to one another. We found that population densities of the two species differed among the elevations, but their body sizes were independent of expected density patterns. Moreover, the parasitoid emergence rate was correlated to A. obvelatus abundance but not A. obtectus abundance. Our data suggest that niches of A. obtectus and A. obvelatus overlap only to such extent that interspecific competition seems unlikely due to a) alternative hosts are available for A. obtectus, and b) P. vulgaris seeds and alternative legumes are a fairly common resource in the studied area.
Other papers where I collaborated on research and/or writing or just provided material or samples.
Ultraviolet polarized light and individual condition drive habitat selection in tropical damselflies and dragonflies
The potential of temporary shelters to increase survival of the endangered Mexican axolotl
Integrative taxonomy to assess the species richness of chalcidoid parasitoids (Hymenoptera) associated to Bruchinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) from Mexico
A New Species of Torymus (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) Associated with Two Genera of Bruchinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in México
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