The application of novel insect proteins as future food resources in the food field has attracted more and more attention. In this study, a biodegradable antibacterial food packaging material with beneficial mechanical properties was developed using Tenebrio molitor larvae protein (TMP), chitosan (CS) and propolis ethanol extract (PEE) as raw materials. PEE was uniformly dispersed in the film matrix and the composite films showed excellent homogeneity and compatibility. There are strong intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions between CS, TMP, and PEE in the films, which exhibit the structure characteristics of amorphous materials. Compared with CS/TMP film, the addition of 3 % PEE significantly enhanced the elongation at break (34.23 %), water vapor barrier property (22.94 %), thermal stability (45.84 %), surface hydrophobicity (20.25 %), and biodegradability of the composite film. The composite film has strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which were enhanced with the increase of PEE content. These biodegradable films offer an eco-friendly end-of-life option when buried in soil. Composite films can effectively delay the spoilage of strawberries and extend the shelf life of strawberries. Biodegradable active packaging film developed with insect protein and chitosan can be used as a substitute for petroleum-based packaging materials, and has broad application prospects in the field of fruits preservation.

Twenty-three species of the genera Aspistomella Hendel, 1909, Polyteloptera Hendel, 1909, and Ulivellia Speiser, 1929 occurring in South America (Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil) form a monophyletic lineage sharing certain combinations of plesiomorphies and apomorphies with similar larval biology. The name Aspistomella Hendel, 1909 is a new senior subjective synonym of Paraphyola Hendel, 1909. The group of genera is extended by the addition of six known species, Aspistomella angustifrons (Hendel, 1909) comb. nov., A. crucifera (Hendel, 1909) comb. nov., A. lobioptera Hendel, 1909, A. heteroptera Hendel, 1909, A. lunata (Hendel, 1909) comb. nov., Polyteloptera apotropa Hendel, 1909, and Ulivellia inversa Speiser, 1929, and 17 previously unknown species. Aspistomella duo Kovac, Kameneva & v. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. enderleini Kameneva & v. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. garleppi Kameneva & v. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. obliqua Kameneva, v. Korneyev & Savaris, sp. nov., A. pachitea Kameneva & v. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. quinquincisa Kameneva & v. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. sachavaca Smit & Kameneva, sp. nov., A. schnusei Kameneva & v. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. steyskali Kameneva & S. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. teresensis Ara & uacute;jo, v. Korneyev & Savaris, sp. nov., A. tres Kovac, Kameneva & v. Korneyev, sp. nov., Ulivellia amnoni Smit, sp. nov., U. arcuata Kovac & Kameneva, sp. nov., U. laetitiae Smit, sp. nov., U. pseudinsolita Kameneva & v. Korneyev sp. nov., and U. tenoris Kovac & Kameneva sp. nov. are described. A key to the genera and species is given. Among the Lipsanini, this group of genera is easily recognised by the combination of an enlarged, anteriorly produced epistome (lower part of the face) and a low clypeus (in the other lipsanine genera the clypeus is high and the epistome is not enlarged), which supports its monophyly, and the differentiated short parafrontal setulae and long and strong frontal and interfrontal setae, which is a synapomorphy of a larger monophyletic lineage that also includes Chaetopsis Loew, 1868 and related taxa, as well as Amethysa Macquart, 1835, Euphara Loew, 1868 and their relatives. As far as is known, most species of this larger lineage are associated with various Poaceae plants. The species included here in the Aspistomella group are also associated with neotropical tall grasses: bamboo ( Guadua ) and wild cane ( Gynerium ). Aspistomella and Ulivellia larvae inhabit water-filled internode cavities (= bamboo phytotelmata) of living bamboo culms of Guadua angustifolia. Newly emerged larvae use tunnels made by lepidopteran borers (Crambidae caterpillars) to penetrate the hard bamboo walls. Aspistomella and Ulivellia larvae are saprophagous and adapted to an aquatic lifestyle. The last instar larvae jump easily and pupate in the soil. The external morphology, cuticular sensilla and cephalopharyngeal skeletons of the third instar larvae of five Aspistomella and Ulivellia species (one with unknown adult stage) were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. The main features that allow the identification of larvae and puparia are the unique posterior spiracles and the structure of the abdominal creeping welts. The morphological characteristics of Aspistomella and Ulivellia larvae are compared with other Lipsanini and their feeding habits with other ulidiids. An identification key for Aspistomella and Ulivellia is given. The adaptations to life in bamboo phytotelmata found in both neotropical Aspistomella and Ulivellia and in oriental members of the closely related family Tephritidae are discussed.

The protein from black soldier fly larvae was used as a functional ingredient of a novel green nanofiber. Larvae protein powder (LP) was blended with biodegradable poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) and processed in an electrospinning machine using a coaxial feeding/mixing method to produce nanofibers approximately 100-350 nm in diameter. To improve the dispersion and interface bonding of various PCL/LP nanofiber components, a homemade compatibilizer, maleic anhydridegrafted poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (MPCL), was added to form MPCL/LP nanofibers. The structure, morphology, mechanical properties, water absorption, cytocompatibility, wound healing, and biodegradability of PCL/LP and MPCL/LP nanofiber mats were investigated. The results showed enhanced adhesion in the MPCL/LP nanofiber mats compared to PCL/LP nanofiber mats; additionally, the MPCL/LP nanofibers exhibited increases of approximately 0.7-2.2 MPa in breaking strength and 9.0-22.8 MPa in Young's modulus. Decomposition tests using a simulated body fluid revealed that the addition of LP enhanced the decomposition rate of both PCL/LP and MPCL/LP nanofiber mats and in vitro protein release. Cell proliferation and migration analysis indicated that PCL, MPCL, and their composites were biocompatible for fibroblast (FB) growth. Biodegradability was tested in a 30 day soil test. When the LP content was 20 wt%, the degradation rate exceeded 50%.