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Urban areas can be both detrimental for pollinators or function as suitable habitats, depending on the land-use type, the urban context and the pollinator group in focus. Urban green spaces, including gardens, parks or cemeteries can provide essential resources for a wide range of pollinator groups, like wild bees, hoverflies and beetles. Urban community gardens can be particularly structurally complex and harbour a diverse range of nesting and food resources for pollinators. However, we know little about how garden features may vary with the urban context of gardens and which specific garden features can increase the abundance of pollinators in general and of different pollinator groups. Over two summer seasons, we recorded garden features and pollinators using flower observations in 33 urban community gardens in Munich and Berlin, Germany. We examined how garden features differ amongst urban community gardens from three urbanisation categories, and analysed the effects of garden features such as floral and nesting resources and landscape imperviousness (as indicator of urbanisation) on pollinator abundance, richness and diversity. In more urbanised gardens, flower richness and bare substrate were less prevalent. Flower richness was positively correlated with overall pollinator abundance, richness and diversity as well as with the abundances of all pollinator taxa excluding beetles. Landscape imperviousness was negatively correlated with hoverfly and beetle abundances. Hoverflies also decreased with increasing bare substrate and wasp abundance decreased with increasing deadwood availability. Our findings highlight the important role of flower richness for insect conservation in urban management and show that pollinator taxa react differently to garden features and urbanisation. To support pollinating insects, gardeners can increase flower richness, especially in highly urbanised areas. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astylus atromaculatus Blanchard is a native beetle of South America that feeds on pollen. During the summer of 2022–2023 in Argentina and Uruguay, an explosive infestation of these insects occurred in pastures in which ruminants were grazing. This was believed to be associated with a severe drought, which had significantly reduced the flowering of crops. Three farms in Uruguay and one in Argentina were visited to examine the flocks and perform autopsies. Affected sheep had watery diarrhea, anorexia, depression, and ruminal atony. The average morbidity, mortality, and case fatality rates were 7.5%, 4.3%, and 68%, respectively. The main gross findings in all animals were in the jejunum; the serosa had multifocal hemorrhages, and the mucosa was necrotic and covered by a pseudomembrane. Microscopically, the mucosa had partial-to-complete necrosis of the lamina propria, as well as loss of villus and crypt epithelium with neutrophilic infiltration. Overlying the necrotic mucosa was a pseudomembrane of fibrin, cell debris, desquamated epithelial cells, degenerate neutrophils, and bacteria. Many specimens of A. atromaculatus were in all paddocks in which sheep grazed, as well as in the ruminal content of the autopsied animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• • At 19 − 34 °C, D. maculatus can complete the entire immature stage of development. • • The lower and upper developmental thresholds were 15.28 and 34.03 °C, respectively. • • The survival rate was the highest at 22 °C and the lowest at 34 °C. • • Body length, the widths of head capsule and pronotum were modeled over time. Necrophagous beetles are sometimes used to estimate the minimum postmortem interval (PMI min) in the decay and remains stages of a corpse. Among these, the Dermestidae is one of the most common groups used and therefore has important research and application value. In this study, the developmental events of Dermestes maculatus de Geer, 1774, were recorded at six constant temperatures, and isomorphen diagrams were established. The thermobiological parameters were estimated using linear and non-linear models, and morphological indicators such as larval body length were measured. The results showed that the developmental duration of the whole immature stage decreased from 66.13 ± 8.58 days at 19 °C to 21.9 ± 2.01 days at 34 °C. The survival rate of the immature stages, especially the egg stage, varies greatly with temperature, with the lowest survival observed at 34 °C and the highest at 22 °C. The lower developmental threshold, the intrinsic optimum temperature, and the upper lethal developmental threshold obtained by the curvilinear Optim SSI models were 15.28 °C, 28.36 °C, and 34.03 °C, respectively. The body length, head capsule width, and pronotum width showed obvious growth patterns with larval developmental duration, which were characterized by equations and isomegalen diagrams. This study provides important basic data for the application of D. maculatus to estimate the PMI min in forensic entomology in the Yangtze River Delta region of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beetles of the genus Antherophagus are phoretic organisms that inhabit the nests of Bombus species. They migrate and colonize new nests using the same bumblebees as carriers. Although Antherophagus beetles from temperate Europe and North America are known to use some plant species to move between bumblebees, it is unknown which plants are used as transfer stations by neotropical Antherophagus. Here, we report for the first time how phoretic Antherophagus beetles of an undescribed species use the inflorescences of Chuquiraga jussieui to transfer between individuals of Bombus funebris in the páramos of Central Ecuador. Our observations are the highest records (at 4200 m asl) of a phoretic interaction performed so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astylus atromaculatus is a pollen beetle native to South America, commonly found in crop flowers. Experimental intoxication of sheep and guinea pigs by this beetle resulting in fibrinonecrotizing enteritis has been reported. We describe here 6 natural outbreaks of intoxication in cattle associated with consumption of alfalfa (5 of 6) and mixed native (1 of 6) pastures heavily contaminated with A. atromaculatus. The outbreaks occurred during the summer (January–February) of 2023 in Argentina (n = 4) and Uruguay (n = 2), in beef cattle under extensive or semi-extensive rearing systems, with overall cumulative incidence and mortality of 22.3% and 17.8%, respectively. The main clinical signs included acute onset of anorexia, lethargy, hyperthermia, hindlimb weakness, reluctance to move, and diarrhea, for up to 15 d. In 2 outbreaks, sudden death was observed. Eight Hereford, Angus, and/or crossbreed heifers, cows, steers, and/or calves were autopsied. Gross and microscopic findings included multifocal necrosis with fibrinous pseudomembranes in the forestomachs and/or small and large intestines. Fragments or whole specimens of A. atromaculatus were identified in the ruminal content of all animals. Testing for multiple gastroenteric pathogens was negative as was testing of A. atromaculatus for cantharidin and batrachotoxin. GC-MS and LC-MS/MS performed on the beetles did not identify any known toxic compounds. Based on the exposure to A. atromaculatus –contaminated pasture, gross and microscopic lesions, and negative results of all testing for multiple gastroenteric pathogens, a diagnosis of intoxication by A. atromaculatus is proposed. Disease caused by A. atromaculatus consumption has not been reported previously in cattle, to our knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood-boring insects such as the deathwatch beetle can cause significant damage to historical artefacts and timbers, but the extent of internal damage (and tunnelling activity in general) can be difficult to understand and quantify without the use of destructive sampling techniques. This study explored the potential of high-resolution photography and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) to investigate beetle activity and inform on the extent of internal damage to a timber from HMS Victory. Micro-CT imaging has allowed the visualisation of deathwatch beetle activity within the timber, revealing differences in tunnelling behaviour preferences for adult and larval forms. Digital techniques were developed to determine the surface area of flight holes on some wooden blocks but were less successful for those blocks where the external surfaces were darkened with age. It was not possible to accurately determine the internal volumes of beetle tunnels within blocks of timber due to the presence of frass, which was found to be virtually indistinguishable digitally from the wood matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using evidence of wood-borers in several of the National Museum of the Royal Navy's historic ships, this article will examine the threat posed to the historic fabric by non-marine species and the reasons that we struggle to eradicate the problem. The relationship between fungal attack and beetle activity will be discussed, and the need for supporting research into this and other aspects of damage due to wood-boring species. HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and HMS Trincomalee all suffer from attack by wood-boring species, though the infestations are in different stages of development on each vessel. By investigating and employing an integrated pest management strategy on Trincomalee, we hope to learn more about the most effective means of combatting the much more widespread infestation of death watch beetle on Victory. Other wood-borers including weevil, furniture beetle and wharfborer are also present across our collection of ships, and all these species are facilitated by the damp conditions which can never be truly resolved as the ships are located in open coastal environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The click-beetle genus Elathous Reitter, 1890 (Elateridae: Dendrometrinae) contains almost 50 species distributed in the Palaearctic and Nearctic realms. Specimens of this genus are rare in collections, partly due to their largely unknown biology and ecology. Until now, larvae were known only for three species, all of them described decades ago. Due to the intensive fieldwork research by the first author, who found larvae of Elathous agilis Németh, 2019 in Lebanon and Elathous brucki (Candèze, 1878) in Greece, we have an opportunity to describe their morphology for the first time. We compare them with each other and the remaining known larvae of Elathous and related genera. Although we are able to differentiate larvae of all known Elathous species, our limited knowledge on dendrometrine immature stages as well as the genus-level systematics is insufficient to propose a reliable generic diagnosis for Elathous based on the larval morphology. Additionally, we provide updated information on biology and ecology of Elathous species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, the mycophagous beetle Sericoderus lateralis (Gyllenhal, 1827) was documented feeding on tomato leaf mold (Cladosporium fulvum Cooke, 1878) tissues. The phenomenon was observed during the years 2022 and 2023 in a hydroponic tomato greenhouse situated near the Czech-Polish border within the cadastre of Dolní Lutyně municipality in Czechia. Greenhouse and laboratory observations confirmed that adult and larvae feeding activity led to a reduction in tomato leaf mold lesions. In addition, there was a positive correlation between tomato leaf mold disease progression and increased populations of S. lateralis in the tomato crop. Petri dish observations confirmed egg laying occurred on a diet of tomato leaf mold. Further research is warranted to discern whether S. lateralis is a potential biological control agent for tomato leaf mold or if it acts to facilitate the spread of the disease by acting as a spore vector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying and applying biological control approaches using entomopathogens against important agricultural insect pests is a sustainable, environmentally friendly practice for controlling their high density in agricultural communities, especially in monocultures. In this review, three species of important beetles were considered – the grey maize weevil, Tanymecus dilaticollis, the cereal leaf beetle Oulema melanopus and the Western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera. They cause significant damage to crops in some regions of distribution. Characteristics related to pest infestations, plant damage, species compositions of entomopathogens, and bioassays with them against the targeted insect species were summarized. The presented list includes viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoan, and nematode species found and tested in these pests: seven in T. dilaticollis, twelve in O. melanopus, and thirty-two in D. v. virgifera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Listy Cukrovarnicke a Reparske is the property of VUC Praha a.s. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The present study aimed to determine the effects of three different doses of three thyme essential oils on Sitophilus oryzae (L.) and Sitophilus granarius (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The present study was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions (25°C temperature and 65% relative humidity) in 2020. Various thyme varieties (Origanum majorona (L.), Origanum saccatum P.H. Davis, Thymbra spicata var spicata L. ( Lamiaceae)), cultivated in Diyarbakır province ecological conditions were employed in the study. After the 4th day of the experiment, the highest mortality rates (100%) were observed with the highest doses of T. spicata var spicata and O. majarona on S. granarius adults, while the mortality rate was 73.75% with O. saccatum. The LC90 values for T. spicata var. spicata, O. majarona, and O. saccatum were 0.9, 0.1, and 1.3 µl/ml respectively. After the 4th day, 100% S. oryzae adult mortality was observed with higher doses of O. majarona (0.5%; 1% v/v), while 1% (v/v) T. spicata var spicata dose led to a 72.50%, and 1% (v/v) O. saccatum oil dose led to 46.25% mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Listy Cukrovarnicke a Reparske is the property of VUC Praha a.s. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A comparative taxonomic study was performed between the Syndesini genera Syndesus MacLeay, 1819 and Psilodon Perty, 1830. Both taxa are redescribed, with the addition of more precise diagnostic traits, including the description of male and female genitalia. We provide comparative remarks to support the separation of both genera, with additional information obtained through the application of geometric morphometric analysis to the following morphological structures: right mandible of males (RMM); lateral view of left mandible of males (LMM); lateral view of males pronotal tubercle (PT); dorsal face of male and female pronotum (DFP); dorsal face of male and female elytra (DFE). The shapes of all analysed traits showed to be different through the performance of Principal Component Analyses producing two well-define clusters, except for the elytral shape which showed a high superposition, however all Procrustes and Mahalanobis distances showed significant differences, supporting the existence of two Syndesini genera instead of one. It was also possible to register a significant influence regarding the biogeographic distribution of the specimens, obtaining statistical differences when comparing the shape data from the Australasian and Neotropical biogeographic dominions, suggesting a strong relation between Syndesus and Psilodon divergence and the Gondwanan vicariant events. Finally, a checklist was provided including all the described species for both genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we describe the feeding habits of two threatened Adelophryne species for the first time. Additionally, for A. maranguapensis we tested whether predator body size influences the prey size consumed, and whether sexual dietary differences exist. This study was carried out, during the rainy season, in the rainforest enclave of Serra de Maranguape, Ceará state, northeastern Brazil. We found 19 prey categories, Acari and Formicidae being the most frequent and important prey items consumed by A. maranguapensis. Prey volume and frog snout-vent length were positively related, but we found no significant differences regarding the volume and composition of prey items consumed by males and females. For A. baturitensis, we found nine prey categories, with Formicidae and Isoptera as the most important prey items. Although both Adelophryne species have different microhabitat-use, these species had a high trophic niche overlap. Except for Formicidae and Coleoptera, all prey items groups found in the stomachs of both species are new for the diet of the genus. These frogs are considered cryptical species and more studies are still needed to understand which niche aspects allow them successfully to live in sympatry even though they have a high trophic niche overlap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first inventory of saproxylic beetles collected during 2009-2022 years from 19 forest ecosystems was performed in the Republic of Moldova. A total of 103 Coleoptera species belonging to 91 genera and 36 families were identified. One genus (Xylophilus) and 12 species (Aesalus scarabaeoides (Panzer, 1794), Calodromius spilotus (Illiger, 1798), Malthinus balteatus Suffrian, 1851, Mycetochara flavipes (Fabricius, 1792), Mycetophagus fulvicollis Fabricius, 1793, Plegaderus dissectus Erichson, 1839, Ptenidium formicetorum Kraatz, 1851, Rhizophagus bipustulatus (Fabricius, 1792), Siagonium humerale Germar, 1836, Synchita undata Guérin-Méneville, 1844, Tritoma bipustulata Fabricius, 1775 and Xylophilus testaceus (Herbst, 1806)) are new for the fauna of the Republic of Moldova. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tachyura (s. str.) polita polita (Motschulsky, 1852) is redescribed and figured, including male and female genitalia. This species is native to the southeastern part of the Palaearctic region and the Oriental region. In the present paper, T. polita polita is recorded for the first time in Europe based on specimens from the Czech Republic (as adventive species). In addition, it is newly recorded from Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Malaysia. The exact locality data based on which the species was listed in the Palaearctic Catalogue (Kopecký 2003, 2017) from the Chinese provinces of Fujian, Guangdong, and Guizhou are presented. The year of publication, usually given as 1851, is corrected to 1852 based on Bousquet & Davies (2021). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meta‐analyses have become a valuable tool with which to synthesize effects across studies, but in ecology and evolution, they are often characterized by high heterogeneity, where effect sizes vary between studies. Much of this heterogeneity can be attributed to species‐specific differences in responses to predictor variables. Here, we aimed to incorporate a novel trait‐based approach to explain species‐specific differences in a meta‐analysis by testing the ability of morphological traits to explain why the effectiveness of flight‐intercept trap design varies according to beetle species, a critical issue in forest pest management. An existing morphological trait database for forest beetles was supplemented, providing trait data for 97 species, while data from a previous meta‐analysis on capture rates of bark or woodboring beetles according to different trap designs were updated. We combined these sources by including nine morphological traits as moderators in meta‐analysis models, for five different components of trap design. Traits were selected based on theoretical hypotheses relating to beetle movement, maneuverability, and sensory perception. We compared the performance of morphological traits as moderators versus guild, taxonomic family, and null meta‐analysis models. Morphological traits for the effect of trap type (panel vs. multiple‐funnel) on beetle capture rates improved model fit (AICc), reduced within‐study variance (σ2), and explained more variation (McFadden's pseudo‐R2) compared with null, guild, and taxonomic family models. For example, morphological trait models explained 10% more of the variance (pseudo‐R2) when compared with a null model. However, using traits was less informative to explain how detailed elements of trap design such as surface treatment and color influence capture rates. The reduction of within‐study variance when accounting for morphological traits demonstrates their potential value for explaining species‐specific differences. Morphological traits associated with flight efficiency, maneuverability, and eye size were particularly informative for explaining the effectiveness of trap type. This could lead to improved predictability of optimal trap design according to species. Therefore, morphological traits could be a valuable tool for understanding species‐specific differences in community ecology, but other causes of heterogeneity across studies, such as forest type and structure, require further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restoration of degraded areas is now a central tool in humanity's response to continued species‐loss. However, restoration projects often report exceedingly slow or failed recolonization of fauna, especially dispersal‐constrained groups such as invertebrates. Active interventions via reintroducing or "rewilding" invertebrates may assist recolonization and speed up restoration of communities toward a desired target. However, invertebrate rewilding is rarely implemented during ecological restoration. Here, we studied the efficacy of invertebrate rewilding as a means of reintroducing dispersal‐constrained species and improving diversity and compositional similarities to remnant communities during restoration. Rewilding was conducted by transplanting leaf litter and soil, including associated communities of invertebrates from species rich remnant sites into species poor, and geographically isolated, revegetated farmland sites. We sampled pre‐ and post‐rewilding invertebrate communities in remnant, rewilded revegetation, and control revegetation sites. We analyzed morphospecies richness, abundance, community composition, and modeled morphospecies traits (dispersal method/trophic guild) using a Hierarchical Modelling of Species Communities approach to determine which biological properties facilitated establishment. Beetle (Coleoptera) morphospecies richness increased rapidly in rewilded sites and was indistinguishable from remnant communities as early as 7 months post‐rewilding. Beetle community similarity in the rewilding sites significantly deviated from the control sites 27 months post‐rewilding, however remnant communities remained distinct over the study timeframe. Establishment success varied as other taxa did not respond as consistently as beetles within the study timeframe. Furthermore, there were no discernible shifts in dispersal traits in rewilded sites. However, predatory morphospecies were more likely to establish post‐rewilding than other trophic groups. Our results demonstrate that the relatively simple act of transplanting leaf litter can result in comparatively large increases in morphospecies richness during restoration in a short timeframe. We advocate methodologies such as ours should be adopted more frequently to address failed community restoration as they are cost‐effective and can be easily applied by practitioners in various restoration settings. However, further efficacy tests (e.g., varying the number of rewilding events) and longer study timeframes are needed to ensure effectiveness for a broader range of invertebrate taxa and ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study of phenotypic changes in organisms at different organizational levels (population, community, and ecosystem) in combination with genetic and genomic tools have helped researchers to understand how microevolutionary processes may lead to adaptation. Insects have been used in many studies as change bioindicators in the ecosystem and they have been the focus of many genetic, ecological and morphological studies. In the following research, we studied how an endemic beetle species Carabus exaratus Quensel, modified its phenotype in response to the altitudinal clines in the Russian North Caucasus. Altitude plays an important role in the size and shape of many species. Shape changes were studied across three altitudinal gradients from 90 to 1018 m.a.s.l using geometric morphometric tools in order to identify if there are specialized phenotypes to altitude. Our results showed a principal relationship between centroid size and altitude where specimens from higher mountains were bigger than the other two groups, also an independent body shape was noted between the three populations where organisms of the mountain had a bigger and convex shape in comparison with smaller and oval shape from the foothill and plain. These results were analyzed using geometric morphometrics for the first time on endemic beetles from the Russian North Caucasus, helping us to understand morphological changes. They suggest that these changes may depend on climatic conditions at high altitudes, where univoltine and bivoltine reproductive behaviors were noticed, implying larger and shorter breeds which are directly reflected on morphological changes. More studies are needed to identify the ontogenetic pattern that affects the body shape in these environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, with the progression in ICT, information sharing (IS) has turned outto be more possible. IS in supply chains (SC) has grown up more proficient by the global preamble of long-term coordination and cooperation that leads to enhancement of aggressive advantages of companies. However, lack of IS in companies results in incompetence of coordinating activities in organizations. Here, this work aims to enhance the security and privacy of the proposed block-chain-aided SCM, wherein the modified "Data Sanitization and Data Restoration" is done with an optimal key creation procedure to protect the receptive data in every block. Here, the optimal key is chosen via Sine Map estimation-based BSO (SME-BSO) algorithm. Finally, parametric analysis varies ra 2 from 0-1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the histoanatomy of the male reproductive organs was described for Pimelia subglobosa (Pallas, 1781) using light and scanning electron microscopy. Our study results revealed that the reproductive system in P. subglobosa consists of a pair of testes, vasa deferentia, seminal vesicles, two pairs of accessory glands (the first pair of glands is spiral shape and the second pair of glands is long-tubular shape), a ductus ejaculatorius and an aedeagus, all of which are described and illustrated. Each testis is made up of numerous oval testicular follicles. The testes resemble immature broccoli florets. The histo-anatomical examinations of testicular follicles showed that the growth, maturation and differentian zones contain various stages of spermatogenesis-spermiogenesis and could be divided into four stages depending on the shape and histological organization, which is divided into spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids and spermatozoa. Sperm cells that are fully developed are transferred from testicular follicles to the vas deferens, which is in the form of a thin, long and convoluted duct. The seminal vesicle is a wide and sac-shaped structure into which the vas deferens enters. The first pair of accessory glands attach dorsally to the ejaculatory duct above the seminal vesicles. The wall of the second pair of accessory glands is very thin and located just above the first accessory gland. The ductus ejaculatorius connects the other parts of reproductive organs to the aedeagus. The aim of this paper is to summarize current state of knowledge of the male reproductive organs in P. subglobosa. These data are discussed in comparison with the male reproductive system in other coleopteran species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in physical properties of Tenebrio molitor and Tribolium castaneum elytra (hardened forewings) were studied to understand how the development of microstructure and chemical interactions determine cuticle mechanical properties. Analysis of these properties supports a model in which cuticular material is continuously secreted from epidermal cells to produce an extracellular matrix so that the outermost layers mature first. It is hypothesized that enzymatic crosslinking and pigmentation reactions along with dehydration help to stabilize the protein-chitin network within the initial layers of cuticle shortly after eclosion. Mature layers are proposed to bear most of the mechanical loads. The frequency dependence of the storage modulus and the tan δ values decreased during the beginning of maturation, reaching constant values after 48 h post-eclosion. A decrease of tan δ indicates an increase in crosslinking of the material. The water content declined from 75% to 31%, with a significant portion lost from within the open spaces between the dorsal and ventral cuticular layers. Dehydration had a less significant influence than protein crosslinking on the mechanical properties of the elytron during maturation. When Tribolium cuticular protein TcCP30 expression was decreased by RNAi, the tan δ and frequency dependence of E' of the elytron did not change during maturation. This indicates that Tc CP30 plays a role in the crosslinking process of the beetle's exoskeleton. This study was inspired by previous work on biomimetic multicomponent materials and helps inform future work on creating robust lightweight materials derived from natural sources. Examination of changes in the physical properties of the elytra (hardened forewings) of two beetle species advanced understanding of how the molecular interactions influence the mechanical properties of the elytra. Physical characterization, including dynamic mechanical analysis, determined that the outer portion of the elytra matured first, while epidermal cells continued to secrete reactive components until the entire structure reached maturation. RNA interference was used to identify the role of a key protein in the elytra. Suppression of its expression reduced the formation of crosslinked polymeric components in the elytra. Identifying the molecular interactions in the matrix of proteins and polysaccharides in the elytra together with their hierarchical architecture provides important design concepts in the development of biomimetic materials. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change will lead to higher frequencies of natural disasters, including flooding events. Consequently, more severe and widespread attacks by invasive ambrosia beetles associated with stressed trees are predicted to occur. In this scenario, understanding which tree species are expected to be more susceptible, as well as which ambrosia beetle species could be expected to have the biggest impacts, represent a research priority. To this aim, potted-trees of eight tree species (four in the order Fagales and four in the order Rosales) were first exposed to flood-stress in a common garden experiment; then emerging insects were counted and logs obtained from infested trees were analyzed through X-ray tomography to evaluate host selection patterns (entry holes), colonization success (percentage of branched galleries and offspring production), and potential damage to the tree (volume of the log occupied by galleries) by native and exotic ambrosia beetle species. Four ambrosia beetle species attacked flood-stressed trees: the native Anisandrus dispar and Xyleborinus saxesenii , and the exotic Xylosandrus crassiusculus and Xylosandrus germanus. Flood-stressed Rosales species were consistently more attacked than Fagales species, with different ambrosia beetle species showing distinct preferences for certain tree species. Rosales were also generally more suitable for ambrosia beetle reproduction than Fagales, even though differences were also evident among tree species within the two orders. The exotic X. crassiusculus was the most successful species, showing higher percentage of branched galleries and higher offspring production. Our study showed a differential susceptibility of common tree species to native and exotic ambrosia beetles in a flood-stress scenario. In addition, it highlighted that X-ray tomography provides a novel method for characterizing the host selection and colonization of trees by ambrosia beetles and can be considered a reliable methodology to improve our comprehension of these mechanisms. [Display omitted] • Ambrosia beetles are associated to broadleaved trees stressed by flooding. • X-ray tomography can consistently quantify colonization of xylem by ambrosia beetles. • Rosales are more attacked and colonized than Fagales in a common garden experiment. • Xylosandrus crassiusculus showed the highest attack rate and colonization success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

City populations are growing rapidly, with built-up areas occupying ever-larger areas within the cities. One of the last green places in a city is urban lawns. Our study aimed to investigate how lawn management changes can contribute to improving insect pollinator biodiversity at the city scale. Over two years, we studied dozens of urban lawns in Prague (Czech Republic) that were partially left unmown, and we selected three major groups of pollinators: Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera. This study showed that leaving unmown lawn areas has a strong positive effect on insect biodiversity. The high intensity of lawn flowering through the vegetation season was also crucial. Our research showed that leaving unmown parts of urban lawns is one of the key amendments to maintain or even increase pollinator biodiversity in cities. It also appears to be the best way to attract red-listed species. A significant reducing mowing frequency to achieve a higher flowering intensity should be a positive solution. So-called insect gardening by reducing urban lawn mowing frequency or leaving parts of lawns completely unmown can help not only pollinators but also other animals that find food or shelter in them. This management will also enable the propagation of flowering plants. Additionally, biodiversity measures coincide with reducing evapotranspiration and thus cooling urban heat islands. • Unmown parts of urban lawns promoted insect pollinators. • Biodiversity increased with increasing flowering intensity caused by lower mowing frequency. • Insect gardening in cities is suitable for red-listed pollinators. • Honeybees prefer mowed lawns with abundant blossoms. • Biodiversity management of lawns goes hand in hand with cooling cities as heat islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weapon target assignment is a crucial issue for firepower resources optimization in modern warfare. Such a problem is complicated, multi-constrained, strongly nonlinear, NP-complete and the existing studies did not consider the suitability between different weapons and targets. In this paper, a novel weapon target assignment model is established that involves the weapon-target suitability and is closer to the real combat scenarios. Then, in view of that the conventional weapon target assignment methods are difficult to be applied in the large-scale problems efficiently, this work proposes a dynamic Gaussian mutation beetle swarm optimization algorithm with rule-based chaotic initialization. With the assistance of the dynamic parameter adjustment strategies and Gaussian mutation, the improved algorithm has fast convergence speed and high convergence accuracy, and it can solve the weapon target assignment problems with excellent optimization capabilities. Besides, the rule-based chaotic initialization strategy is embedded in this algorithm to generate high-quality population with better diversity. Finally, two comparative simulation cases of different initialization methods and algorithms for solving the large-scale weapon target assignment problems are designed. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach can provide more superior assignment schemes than its competitors with enhanced efficiency. • An improved beetle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed for weapon target assignment. • The weapon-target suitability is considered in the optimization model. • The dynamical parameters and Gaussian mutation are employed to enhance the algorithm efficiency. • A new initialization strategy is presented to improve the population diversity and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae), continues to threaten maize worldwide, with an endemic range in Mexico, Central and Northern South America, and an exotic range in Sub-Saharan Africa. There was a targeted effort beginning in the 1990s to create maize hybrids in the hope of controlling P. truncatus. Through those efforts, several resistant maize hybrids were developed, which were able to reduce progeny production by P. truncatus. However, where P. truncatus has yet to fully establish, including parts of Europe such as Italy and Greece, existing maize hybrids developed for production in Europe have not been investigated for resistance against P. truncatus. In this study, we sought to compare the fitness of two different strains of P. truncatus , one from the native range in Mexico and the other from the invaded range in Ghana, by investigating the progeny production, number of damaged kernels, and frass production of both strains on three maize hybrids (Pico 1, Hamilton 2, and AGN 672) developed for use in Greece and wider Europe to evaluate susceptibility and/or tolerance to P. truncatus. The Mexico strain of P. truncatus produced more progeny on the Pico 1 than the AGN 672 hybrid, while the Ghana strain did not significantly differ in progeny production among hybrids. All hybrids were susceptible to both strains of P. truncatus. There were no real differences in damaged kernels or frass production between the two strains and across the three maize hybrids. Overall, this study provides a foundation for exploring maize resistance in European cultivars to P. truncatus as a possible new tool. • We compared fitness of two different strains of P. truncatus (Mexico and Ghana) on different maize hybrids. • We found progeny production differed among insect strain and hybrids. • The native P. truncatus (Mexico) fitness was decreased on European hybrids compared to the invasive strain (Ghana). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barber traps were used to monitor the coleopteran fauna of grasslands in the Bilbor area. In 2017, 268 specimens were collected using Barber traps. They belong to 55 species, systematically classified in 13 families. Of the total catches, 58.2% are represented by phytophagous beetles and 41.8% of them are predatory beetles. Most catches belong to the Carabidae family, with 75 specimens represented by 14 species. Most of the specimens caught belong to the species Carabus ulrichii Germar. In 2018, 305 copies were collected. They belong to 56 species, systematically classified in 13 families. This year too, most catches belong to the Carabidae family, which means 25.9% of the total catches. Most of the captured specimens belong to the species Harpalus tardus Panz. In the two years, 573 beetles, belonging to 65 species, were captured. Of the species reported, 31 are phytophagous species and 34 are zoophagous. According to the Ecological Significance Index (W) 5 species are accessory with the value of the index between 1.1-5.0% (Carabus ulrichii Germar, Harpalus distinguendus Duft., Ips amitinus Eichh., Ips typographus L. and Olibrus affinis Sturm.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total-evidence approach reveals a new genus in the Neotropical (NT) lineage of the rove-beetle subtribe Philonthina. Carmenlyrus gen. nov. is described and illustrated, including four new species, C. adrianae , C. newtoni , C. tapanti and C. thayerae, the type species of the genus. Phylogenetic relationships within the NT lineage of Philonthina as well as those of Carmenlyrus with other Neotropical representatives are newly assessed and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fumigation toxicity of Melaleuca alternifolia (Maid. & Betche) Cheel. (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) essential oil and its major fractions was studied under laboratory conditions against adults of Sitophilus oryzae L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to protect wheat grains (Triticum aestivum L.) (Poales: Poaceae) from this global pest that destroys the host plant during storage. By analyzing M. alternifolia essential oil (EO) using GC/MS terpinen-4-ol and γ-terpinene were detected as major components. In the fumigation toxicity, M. alternifolia EO showed the highest toxicity (LC50 = 0.31 µl · l-1 air), followed by terpinen-4-ol (LC50 = 23.65 µl · l-1 air) and γ-terpinene was the least toxic (LC50 = 43.55 µl · l-1 air). When tested for their insecticidal activities against S. oryzae in stored wheat, no progeny emerged after 3 months of treatment with M. alternifolia EO at 10 mg · g-1 or with terpinen-4-ol and γ-terpinene for 2 months. However, none of these compounds could protect wheat grain from damage throughout the entire study period (4 months). Interestingly, all tested compounds at the highest application rate did not show any phytotoxic effects after 4 months of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important order among insects, featuring incredible diversity, Coleopterans are increasingly the subject of immunity research. They are not vectors of human and animal diseases, but their impact on plant communities and plant-based food sources, mainly as pests (forest, agricultural, and storage), is significant. Insect immunity research focuses on the mechanisms required for host defense against a wide array of pathogens. The role of the fat body, hemocytes, the formation of antimicrobial peptides, as well as signaling pathways against infection are essential to insect immunity. Innate immune mechanisms in beetles are closely related to their pathology and the hosts' responses to infectious agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi, microsporidia). Most of the established mechanisms of beetle innate immunity mainly come from model organisms such as Tenebrio molitor, Tribolium castaneum, and Leptinotarsa decemlineata. With the advent of modern and environmentally friendly approaches to pest control, more and more issues related to their reactions to pathogenic infections are becoming key. The current review presents a summary of studied defense mechanisms in Coleoptera and data on insect immunity, established in more than 50 beetle species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper refers to the distribution and ecology of a very rare false click beetle, Nematodes filum (Fabricius, 1801), comparing the ecosozological status in European countries where this species occurs. We also tried to assess the real state of the threat and outline the main points of conservation management. This "umbrella species" indicates high-biodiversity sites, being relatively easily identifiable. We consider that this species should be listed among the species of European importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studii de Ştiintă şi Cultură is the property of Studii de Stiinta si Cultura and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Beetles provide valuable ecosystem services as biological pest control and soil fertilization. However, their community structure has not been completely elucidated. The current study was performed to make specific inventories of beetles in agricultural environments, provide fundamental information on their community structure and evaluate their diversity based on the seasonal climate of Northwestern Algeria. Regular sampling of beetle specimens was done by using the Barber pitfall traps and the yellow traps in four agroecosystems: one cereal field (CF), one citrus orchard (CO) and two potato fields (PT1 and PT2). A total of 205 species, belonging to 29 families, were recorded from the four studied environments. Tenebrionidae, carabidae and Scarabeidae were the most dominant families in terms of individuals and species. However, the Shannon-Wiener index and equitability presented their highest values in the CF (H'=3.63 and E=0.76). The biggest qualitative and quantitative similarities were recorded between the faunas of PT1 and PT2(S=0.57; J=0.40). The chi-squared test showed that the family abundances were dependent of the environments. The species number rates differed significantly among the seasons in the four studied environments. An important taxonomic diversity of the beetle community was found, which is highly related to environmental variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Progress in Plant Protection is the property of Institute of Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• Skin lesion segmentation is done using R2U-Net. • Artificial Namib Beetle Optimization (ANBO) is used to train R2U-Net. • Skin cancer detection is done with Dense Convolutional Network (DenseNet) • DenseNet is trained by using the ANBO algorithm. Skin cancer is one of the deadly diseases and with the advancement of technology; it is possible to identify skin cancer effectively. Although, segmenting skin cancer at the preliminary phase is highly difficult owing to the high level of similarity and low contrast among the infected and normal regions. Moreover, inter and intra-lesion similarities affect the classification performance. Hence, this work is carried out to create a novel technique for segmenting and detecting skin cancer with high accuracy. Here, an Artificial Namib Beetle Optimization (ANBO)-enabled Deep Learning (DL) technique is proposed for segmenting and detecting skin cancer. A Recurrent Residual Convolutional Neural Network (RRCNN) based on U-Net (R2U-Net) optimized by ANBO is used for isolating the skin lesions. Further, skin cancer detection is executed with the help of the Dense Convolutional Network (DenseNet), and the hyper parameter tuning of the DenseNet is performed by the ANBO technique. The ANBO-DenseNet is assessed for its performance considering accuracy, True Negative Rate (TNR), True Positive Rate (TPR), Matthews's correlation coefficient (MCC), and is found to attain values of 0.921, 0.924, 0.928, and 0.919, and the ANBO-R2U-Net measured Jaccard coefficient of 0.911. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pair of Little Eagles Hieraaetus morphnoides in the Australian Capital Territory was recorded (on closed-circuit camera) feeding and mating on a nest and had added a layer of green pine sprigs in preparation for egg-laying. Many beetles, likely a species of Dermestidae, were recorded in the nest during the time that the birds were there. The Eagles abandoned the nest and moved to another 1.7 km away, where they laid a clutch. It is possible that the beetle infestation was the cause of abandonment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most phytophagous insects are specialists, so availability of suitable host plants often may be a critical factor limiting establishment of non-native insect species. Here we investigate the extent to which established non-native tree-feeding insects utilize hosts that are native to the invaded range as well as hosts that are themselves non-native. We accomplish this by comparing host use among all native and non-native bark beetles and pinhole borers (Scolytinae and Platypodinae) established in Europe and North America reported in the literature. These groups of insects are well-known for the disparity among species in specialized behavior and development tied to host physiology. We find considerable variation in host breadth, as measured by species-level and genus-level host richness and phylogenetic diversity of hosts, among different feeding guilds (ambrosia beetles, true bark beetles, twig beetles, and others). In each region, ambrosia and twig beetles exhibit the greatest diversity of hosts. Host breadth on native plants was generally greater for native beetle species than for non-native beetle species. In contrast, host breadth of non-native beetles is generally greater on non-native plants than on plants native to the focal region. These results indicate that successful invasion of these insect herbivores is dependent on the prior introduction of their non-native host plants, or the availability of native hosts that are closely related to their ancestral host plants. • Host availability is critical for establishment of tree-feeding non-native insects. • We analyzed primary hosts of all bark and ambrosia beetles in Europe and N. America. • We quantified host breadth based on host richness and phylogenetic diversity. • Native host plant breadth is greater for native beetles than for non-native beetles. • Non-native host breadth is greater for non-native beetles than for native beetles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic habitat loss and fragmentation are major concerns to conservationists, since these processes lead to species decline and extinction. Edge effect is one of the most important causes of biodiversity losses in fragmented habitats. The depth of edge influence, the distance over which the edge effect penetrates into the adjacent habitat is a central issue, as it fundamentally determines whether the habitat fragment has any remaining core habitat, which is essential for the survival of habitat specialist species. We reviewed 204 edge studies on ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) of different feeding habits, in forests, one of the habitats most impacted by humans. Meta-analysing 1814 abundance data of 351 ground beetle species from forest edges and their adjoining interiors, we showed that forest edges had significantly higher abundance of herbivorous, omnivorous, and predatory ground beetles than their interiors. Edge history considerably affected the depth of edge influence which on all trophic groups was similar in natural edges and those maintained by agriculture (≤ 10–20 m), while it was wider (> 300 m) when created by forestry or other anthropogenic activities. Consequently, the minimum area of a forest fragment should be ∼ 330 ha in order to keep half of it as core habitat to preserve forest-interior species. • We analysed ground beetle abundance in forest interiors and their edges. • 1814 edge-interior abundance comparisons were evaluated by meta-analysis. • All types of forest edges had higher ground beetle abundance than their interiors. • Depth of edge influence was ≤20 m at natural and agriculture-maintained edges. • Depth of edge influence was larger in forestry- or other human-maintained edges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ips bark beetles (Ips species; Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) play an important role in forest ecosystems by attacking injured, stressed, or dying pine (Pinus) trees. Management of Ips bark beetles has largely focused on prevention by maintaining tree health through silvicultural treatments including thinning to reduce basal area or prescribed fire. However, there is conflicting evidence of whether prescribed fire leads to increased bark beetle populations and, subsequently, increased tree mortality. Recent outbreaks of Ips bark beetles in the southeastern U.S. have caused renewed interest in the interactions between pine management and bark beetle populations. We monitored Ips populations following prescribed fire in intensively managed pine stands and quantified Ips damage. We captured over 361,000 Ips bark beetles with I. avulsus being the most abundant of the three species collected. While we found high variation among Ips populations across study sites and years, there was a significant increase in bark beetle populations after prescribed fire followed by a significant decline the next year. While Ips populations increased up to three-fold after prescribed burns, damage ratings in burned stands were no different than unburned stands which had significantly lower bark beetle populations. Unburned stands had higher basal area and a higher average tree damage rating, but the lowest number of Ips bark beetles. A total of 14,071 facultative (e.g., Monochamus = 9775) and obligate (e.g., Thanasimus dubius = 4296) predators were collected during the study across all sites and the ratio of predators: Ips also significantly increased following prescribed fire. These data suggest that while Ips are ubiquitous and abundant in pine forests being managed with prescribed fire, natural mechanisms such as predator activity mediate their overall damage and impact to southeastern pine stands. • Ips bark beetles are ubiquitous in pine stands regardless of damage or mortality. • Prescribed fire results in significant increases in bark beetle trap collections. • Natural enemies also increase significantly in response to prescribed fire. • Two years after prescribed fire, Ips bark beetles decline, likely due to predators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Red Turpentine Beetle (Dendroctonus valens) is a forest pest that invaded China from North America. There is few research on the damage characteristics of D. valens in China, particularly given the changes in its biological and ecological characteristics compared to its original habitat. The impact of this exotic bark beetle native insects is also insufficiently studied. In our study, we felled 12 damaged Pinus tabuliformis trees, categorizing them into three stages of attack: green, yellow, and red. Native trunk-boring beetles and natural enemy insects colonizing the roots, trunks, and branches were counted and identified. Our observations revealed a significantly higher density of D. valens in the green-attack stage at the base of Chinese pine trunks compared to the other stages (P =0.028). At the roots, densities of D. valens in the green-attack stage significantly differed from those in the red-attack stage (P =0.048). We identified a total of 13 species of native trunk-boring beetles and 2 species of natural enemy insects colonizing the injured trees. Native beetle abundance, species richness, and Shannon diversity indices increased considerably from the green to yellow stages (with almost all significant differences in roots, trunks and branches). The attack stages were the most significant factor in determining community composition, followed by the relative moisture content of the phloem (including cambium), trunk/branch diameter, relative height above ground, and the section of the tree (trunk/branch). Our research revealed the colonization times and locations of these species as well as the temporal-spatial niches of each species. Additionally, our findings demonstrated that D. valens was more active, and colonized the hosts earlier than all native trunk-boring beetles. Most native species exhibited neither spatial overlap nor competitive interaction with D. valens. Our survey did not identify any natural enemies of D. valens. The invasion by D. valens has resulted in increased mortality and degradation of Chinese pines, thereby creating favorable conditions for the proliferation of native trunk-boring beetles. We recommend the implementation of management strategies during the green-attack stage in newly invaded areas to effectively control D. valens , which could also mitigate its impact on local insect populations. Felling trees in the yellow and red stages does not contribute to the control of D. valens. • Thirteen species of native trunk-boring beetles cohabitate with D. valens on pine. • D. valens established colonization earlier than other native trunk-boring beetles. • The population of D. valens was small when crown of the infested tree turned red. • The invasion of D. valens has led to an increase in native trunk-boring beetles. • Felling trees with discolored crowns does not effectively control D. valens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population growth of different strains of the larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) (Coleoptera: Bostrychidae), a key pest of stored maize, was evaluated at a range of temperatures. Three different strains of P. truncatus with different geographic origins (USA, Mexico and Tanzania) were left for 45 or 70 d to develop and reproduce under six temperatures (25, 30, 32, 35, 38 and 40 °C). Progeny production and maize-infestation indicators (frass, damaged maize kernels) were examined to estimate possible differences between the strains in terms of development performance and optimal thermal requirements. Population growth of the species appeared to be affected by the combination of temperature and/or developmental period. The optimum temperature range for fast development and serious infestations was found to be 25–32 °C, which resulted in newly-emerged adults after 45 days. Differences were observed between the strains, both in terms of their growth rate and the damage they caused on the kernels over time. The present study aims to highlight how the strain is a factor of significance for P. truncatus based on the different thermal responses. These data can support more accurate prediction or elimination of future infestations, targeting immediate and early detection of the pest in areas where it is likely to establish. • Prostephanus truncatus thrived at 25–32 °C while growth decreased above 35 °C. • Population growth rate differed among the strains of P. truncatus at optimal temperatures. • Prostephanus truncatus completed one generation within 45 days at optimal temperatures. • Prostephanus truncatus infested over 50% of maize within 45 days of incubation. • Insect infestation led to damaged maize at >37 °C, but without progeny production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural disturbances are increasing around the globe, also impacting protected areas. Although previous studies have indicated that natural disturbances result in mainly positive effects on biodiversity, these analyses mostly focused on a few well established taxonomic groups, and thus uncertainty remains regarding the comprehensive impact of natural disturbances on biodiversity. Using Malaise traps and meta‐barcoding, we studied a broad range of arthropod taxa, including dark and cryptic taxa, along a gradient of bark beetle disturbance severities in five European national parks. We identified order‐level community thresholds of disturbance severity and classified barcode index numbers (BINs; a cluster system for DNA sequences, where each cluster corresponds to a species) as negative or positive disturbance indicators. Negative indicator BINs decreased above thresholds of low to medium disturbance severity (20%–30% of trees killed), whereas positive indicator BINs benefited from high disturbance severity (76%–98%). BINs allocated to a species name contained nearly as many positive as negative disturbance indicators, but dark and cryptic taxa, particularly Diptera and Hymenoptera in our data, contained higher numbers of negative disturbance indicator BINs. Analyses of changes in the richness of BINs showed variable responses of arthropods to disturbance severity at lower taxonomic levels, whereas no significant signal was detected at the order level due to the compensatory responses of the underlying taxa. We conclude that the analyses of dark taxa can offer new insights into biodiversity responses to disturbances. Our results suggest considerable potential for forest management to foster arthropod diversity, for example by maintaining both closed‐canopy forests (>70% cover) and open forests (<30% cover) on the landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diet of the Imperial Shag (Phalacrocorax atriceps) at Vintter Lake, Patagonia, Argentina, was investigated through analysis of 157 regurgitate pellets collected during the summer seasons of 2008–2010 and 2016–2017. The native fish Galaxias platei was the main prey throughout the study period, accompanied only by a few gastropod species (2010) and coleopterans (2009 and 2016). Our results markedly differ from those previously reported for Imperial shags breeding at Vintter Lake and other sites. The results are discussed in relation to the population decline observed in shags at Vintter Lake throughout the study period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]