New insights into predictive biology through stored product insect genomes

Many insect species have diverse life histories, feeding abilities, and physiological capabilities. In many cases, our knowledge of an insect’s life history comes from careful observations under controlled conditions in the laboratory or from field observations. However, many insects display an impressive metabolic plasticity and it is difficult to appreciate their full metabolic repertoire through lab studies and field observations alone. Insect genomes are being released at an unprecedented scale thanks to initiatives like USDA ARS Ag100Pest and Darwin Tree of Life. These genome sequences contain key information that can allow us to predict biology and life history, which can be especially important when performing risk assessments of novel or invasive insect species. USDA-ARS in Manhattan, KS has recently sequenced the genomes of fifteen different stored product insect species and has used them as a tool to clarify many misnomers about the biology of this diverse group of insects. For example, several species have been reported as wood-borers as they have been on/around logs and trees in the field. However, genome sequencing analysis has revealed that these insects do not code the genes necessary for breaking down woody tissue and may be using logs as refugia. In other cases, surprises regarding previously unknown metabolic capabilities have been revealed, thus making genomes an excellent tool for rapidly understanding the biology of diverse groups of pest insects.