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The Azorean archipelago, recognized as one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, is home to a diverse and unique community of arthropod species, highlighting a notable degree of endemism. However, the native forests that support these species are facing significant degradation due to habitat loss and fragmentation. In this study, we aimed to determine the ideal season for measuring the biological integrity of forest sites using a biological integrity index (IBI) based on arthropod communities captured with Sea, Land, and Air Malaise (SLAM) traps. Drawing on more than thirty years of research experience in the Azorean forests, we selected twelve reference sites, six representing preserved native forest and six representing disturbed native forest, and compared how IBI values vary between seasons. IBI values exhibited consistent variations between seasons in disturbed sites, indicating that measuring the biological integrity in these areas can be conducted at any time of the year without a specific seasonal preference. In contrast, significant differences were observed in pristine forest sites, with the winter season and the combination of winter and spring data (cold semester) showing notably higher values compared to other seasons and semesters. This finding suggests that measuring the biological integrity of preserved sites is best optimized in the cold seasons, while the detection of exotic species impact is most effective in summer and autumn. Consequently, if resources are limited, monitoring efforts should be concentrated in the winter and summer seasons to obtain the maximum and minimum values of IBI, respectively. Additionally, our study suggests that the summer season is the optimal time to detect potentially invasive exotic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Ecosystem services (ESs) and disservices (EDs) are routinely estimated from changes in service provider densities without measuring their actual levels. By using the sentinel approach (i.e., exposing a plant, seeds, and prey models in a standardized way), we tested how coriander (Coriandrum sativum) strips planted in mixed orchards on Terceira Island (Azores, Portugal) affected ESs/EDs via herbivory on lettuce plants, seed predation on wheat and weed seeds, and predation on artificial caterpillars. Vertebrates had more influence than invertebrates on ESs and EDs. Herbivory (ED) after 2 weeks was similar in the coriander and the control plots, while seed predation was higher in the control than in the coriander plots on both wheat grain (an ED: 30.8% vs. 15.3%) and weed seeds (an ES: 2.5% vs. 0.4%). Vertebrate predation (ES) rates after 48 h were significantly higher in the control (9%) than in the coriander plots (3%), while no difference was observed for invertebrate predation. Coriander strips did not support increased ES/reduced ED levels in this habitat. The sentinel approach is effective to quantitatively compare multiple ESs/EDs under different farming management strategies. The effect of flower strips on ecosystem services (ESs) and disservices (EDs) is routinely assessed following changes in service provider densities without measuring the associated levels of ES/EDs. By using the sentinel approach (i.e., exposing a plant, seeds, and prey models in a standardized way), we tested how coriander (Coriandrum sativum) strips planted in mixed orchards on Terceira Island (Azores, Portugal) affected herbivory on lettuce plants, seed predation on wheat and weed seeds, and predation on artificial caterpillars. Vertebrates had more influence than invertebrates on ESs/EDs. Herbivory (ED) after 2 weeks was similar in the coriander and the control plots (mean ± SD; 2.3% ± 3.3% vs. 2.2% ± 2.9%, n = 32 for both). Seed predation was higher in the control than in the coriander plots for both grain (ED; 30.8% ± 38.9% vs. 15.3% ± 10.8%, n = 18 for both) and weed seeds (ES; 2.5% ± 4.1% vs. 0.4% ± 0.5%, n = 18 for both). Vertebrate predation (ES) rates after 48 h were significantly higher in the control (estimate 9%, 95% CI: 4–20%) than in the coriander plots (3%, 1–8%), while no difference was observed for invertebrate predation. Coriander strips did not support increased ES/reduced ED levels in this setting. The tools used can be effective to quantitatively compare multiple ESs/EDs under different farming management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing decline of insect populations highlight the need for long-term ecological monitoring. As part of the "SLAM—Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change on the Natural Forests of Azores" project, we investigated changes in arthropod diversity and community structure over a ten-year period (2012–2022) in the native forest of the island of Terceira (Azores). Focused on two arthropod assemblages (indigenous and non-indigenous species) monitored with SLAM traps, we asked if there was a distinguishable pattern in the diversity and structure of the studied arthropod subsets in a pristine island native forest. Species richness remained relatively constant. Endemic arthropods dominated and remained stable over time, indicating the forest's ecological stability. In contrast, the assemblage of native non-endemic arthropods underwent changes, including increased hyperdominance and decreased biomass. The introduced arthropod assemblage showed more erratic dynamics driven by species turnover. Results suggested that temporal variation in each subset may be due to different ecological processes and that niche filtering may limit the establishment and spread of introduced arthropods. This research contributes to our understanding of the temporal dynamics of arthropods in native island forests and highlights the need for ongoing conservation efforts to protect these fragile ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the aims of island biogeography theory is to explain the number of species in an archipelago. Traditionally, the variables used to explain the species richness on an island are its area and distance to the mainland. However, increasing evidence suggests that accounting for other variables is essential for better estimates. In particular, the distance between islands should play a role in determining species richness. This work uses a Bayesian framework using Gaussian processes to assess whether distance to neighbouring islands (spatial autocorrelation) can better explain arthropod species richness patterns in the Azores Archipelago and in the Canary Islands. This method is flexible and allows the inclusion of other variables, such as maximum altitude above sea level (elevation). The results show that accounting for spatial autocorrelation provides the best results for both archipelagos, but overall, spatial autocorrelation seems to be more important in the Canary archipelago. Similarly, elevation plays a more important role in determining species richness in the Canary Islands. We recommend that spatial autocorrelation should always be considered when modelling an archipelago's species richness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many stakeholders, from governments to civil society to businesses, lack the data they need to make informed decisions on biodiversity, jeopardising efforts to conserve, restore and sustainably manage nature. Here we review the importance of enhancing biodiversity monitoring, assess the challenges involved and identify potential solutions. Capacity for biodiversity monitoring needs to be enhanced urgently, especially in poorer, high-biodiversity countries where data gaps are disproportionately high. Modern tools and technologies, including remote sensing, bioacoustics and environmental DNA, should be used at larger scales to fill taxonomic and geographic data gaps, especially in the tropics, in marine and freshwater biomes, and for plants, fungi and invertebrates. Stakeholders need to follow best monitoring practices, adopting appropriate indicators and using counterfactual approaches to measure and attribute outcomes and impacts. Data should be made openly and freely available. Companies need to invest in collecting the data required to enhance sustainability in their operations and supply chains. With governments soon to commit to the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, the time is right to make a concerted push on monitoring. However, action at scale is needed now if we are to enhance results-based management adequately to conserve the biodiversity and ecosystem services we all depend on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aimed to determine and compare the effect of elevation and season on the productivity and the nutritive value of pastures in the Azores (Terceira Island). Forage was collected and analysed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), ether extract (EE), mineral ash (Ash), dry matter digestibility (DMD) and organic matter digestibility (OMD). The net productivity (NP) was higher in the low elevation pasture A (1.80 g m−2), lower in pasture B (0.98 g m−2) and peaked in the winter in both pastures A (3.57 g m−2) and B (2.33 g m−2) and during the summer in the high elevation pasture C (2.15 g m−2). The soil chemical proprieties varied significantly among the three pastures. The highest soil pH, available P, K, Ca and Mg were recorded in pasture A. Positive correlations were observed between all soil parameters analysed and NP, except for the OM content. The DM, PB and EE changed significantly with elevation, while all nutritive parameters (except CP, EE and Ash) increased significantly along the growth season. Environmental factors influenced the nutritive parameters and productivity, suggesting that climate change might have significant impacts on forage production and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The vertical structure and the tree species in a forest have a strong influence on the communities of wood-inhabiting beetles. Little is known about how this influence varies between rare and common beetle species. We compared alpha and beta diversity patterns of common and rare species in the canopy of the Leipzig floodplain forest to assess their response to vertical structuring of the canopy and tree species. We assessed rarity firstly by using red list status and secondly based on the abundances of the beetle species. The understory displayed a significantly higher number of common species than the tree canopy. Conversely, the canopy harbored a higher number of rare species. The beetles' beta diversity patterns were predominantly shaped by differences in species composition, not by differences in species richness. Vertical structure had a higher influence on the beetle communities than tree species. Both factors had a higher influence on common than on rare beetle species. Our results indicate that studies carried out in the understory alone do not allow drawing conclusions regarding the biodiversity in the forest canopy, and thus regarding the overall community structure of xylobiont beetles in the canopy. Vertical stratification and host tree species are factors with a high influence on the structure of communities of xylobiont beetles. However, little is known about how this influence varies between common and rare species. Based on estimated species richness, we compared alpha and beta diversity patterns of common and rare species in the canopy of the Leipzig floodplain forest to assess their response to vertical stratification and tree species. We used two measures of rarity: threat level in red lists and abundance based on octaves. The understory displayed a significantly higher number of common species than the canopy strata. Conversely, the canopy strata harbored a higher number of rare species. Turnover was always dominant over richness differences in beta diversity partitions. Using Raup–Crick null models and non-metric multidimensional scaling, we found that the vertical strata accounted for 19% of the overall beta diversity of common species and for 15% of the overall beta diversity of rare species. The tree species accounted for 7% of the overall beta diversity of the common species and 3% of the beta diversity of the rare species. Our results indicate that studies carried out in the understory alone do not allow drawing conclusions regarding the biodiversity in the canopy strata, and thus regarding the overall community structure of xylobiont beetles in the canopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We studied the diversity of arthropods in native forests along a 1000 m elevation gradient on Terceira Island, Azores (Portugal). These forests form an isolated and threatened habitat with unique endemic species. We analysed the change in alpha and beta diversity of arthropod species with elevation and if the diversity of endemic, native non-endemic and introduced species responds differently to elevation. Resident arthropods were sampled using SLAM (Sea, Land and Air Malaise) traps between 2014 and 2018. Spiders (Araneae), beetles (Coleoptera), true bugs (Hemiptera) and barklice (Psocoptera), as well as endemic, native and introduced species, were analysed separately. Total species richness decreases with elevation for all species, Coleoptera and Psocoptera, and particularly so for introduced species, but peaks at mid-high elevation for Araneae and endemic species. These patterns are probably driven by unfavourable climatic conditions at higher elevations while being influenced by human disturbance at lower elevations. Total species diversity along the whole elevation gradient is shaped by this decreasing richness as well as the replacement of species at different elevations. We present an analysis of arthropod diversity patterns in native forest communities along the small elevation gradient (0–1021 m a.s.l.) of Terceira island, Azores (Portugal). We analysed (1) how the alpha diversity of Azorean arthropods responds to increasing elevation and (2) differs between endemic, native non-endemic and introduced (alien) species, and (3) the contributions of species replacement and richness difference to beta diversity. Arthropods were sampled using SLAM traps between 2014 and 2018. We analysed species richness indicators, the Hill series and beta diversity partitioning (species replacement and species richness differences). Selected orders (Araneae, Coleoptera, Hemiptera and Psocoptera) and endemic, native non-endemic and introduced species were analysed separately. Total species richness shows a monotonic decrease with elevation for all species and Coleoptera and Psocoptera, but peaks at mid-high elevation for Araneae and endemic species. Introduced species richness decreases strongly with elevation especially. These patterns are most likely driven by climatic factors but also influenced by human disturbance. Beta diversity is, for most groups, the main component of total (gamma) diversity along the gradient but shows no relation with elevation. It results from a combined effect of richness decrease with elevation and species replacement in groups with many narrow-ranged species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Islands have been disproportionately affected by the current biodiversity crisis. In island biotas, one of the most recurrent anthropic alterations is species introduction. Invasion of exotic species may represent a major threat for island biotas, because invasive species may change species composition and simplify community dynamics. We investigated diversity patterns of native and introduced species in native and exotic forests of Terceira Island (Azores, Portugal) by using diversity profiles based on Hill numbers. Use of diversity profiles allows for a complete characterization of the community diversity because they combine information on species richness, rarity, and dominance. We found that native forest remnants are crucial for the maintenance of endemic Azorean arthropod diversity. However, we also found that some lowland patches of exotic forests can sustain populations of rare endemic species. Our findings reinforce the importance of the few and small remnants of native forests, which are a pillar to the conservation of Azorean endemic arthropods. However, areas occupied by exotic forests, whether they are large and contiguous or small and isolated, close to native forests, or embedded in a matrix of agriculture activities, can also play a role in the conservation of native species, including endemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Lycocerus Gorham, 1889 has about 320 species worldwide at present, of which a small part have been attributed into 13 species groups, but the rest remain uncertain in their status. In the present study, five previously known species and another four new species from China and Vietnam were classified to the Lycocerusfainanus species group, based on their morphological characters. Then the distribution pattern of this group was analyzed with ArcGIS techniques. It showed that all species were constricted to the subtropical area of the Oriental region and distributed in both Taiwan and the continent. Further, the ancestral distribution range was reconstructed with the aid of the Reconstruct Ancestral State in Phylogenies (RASP) software, based on a phylogeny of morphological data. The results showed that the spatial origin was located in northern Vietnam and southwest China. Subsequently, two dispersal routes occurred: the first originated from the continent and then to Taiwan, the second from Taiwan to the continent, and the divergence between the species was caused by dispersal and vicariance. Unfortunately, it was difficult to estimate the timing of origin because of the lack of direct fossil evidence and molecular data. Five previously known species were attributed to the Lycocerus fainanus species group, including L. inopaciceps (Pic 1926), L. oberthueri (Gorham 1889), L. oudai (Švihla 2004), L. metallipennis (Fairmaire 1887), and L. nigripes (Wittmer, 1995). Four new species of this group were discovered from China and Vietnam, L. binotatus sp. nov., L. testacicollis sp. nov., L. daliensis sp. nov., and L. vietnamensis sp. nov. An updated key to all species was provided. A geographical distribution map is presented, which shows that all the members were located between 18.69041–33.93441° N, and between 98.61413–121.77102° E. The ancestral geographical range was reconstructed based on a phylogeny of morphological data by the Bayesian Binary MCMC method. The result showed that the spatial origin of L. fainanus species group was probably located in northern Vietnam and southwest China. The divergence of the species in southwest China and Taiwan was caused by vicariance about 24 Ma ago, when the latter was separated in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and the remaining species of mainland China all originated from Taiwan after traveling around Southeast Asia and back to China. Nevertheless, this conclusion should be verified when fossil evidence and molecular data are available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of elevational patterns is a valuable method for inferring the influence of the climate and other variables in the regional distributions of species. Bryophytes are ideal for revealing different environmental patterns in elevational studies, since they occur from sea level to above the tree line. Taking advantage of the long elevational transect of Pico Island and the use of standardized survey methods, our main aims were: (1) to identify and characterize the alpha and beta diversities of bryophytes across the full elevational gradient (12 sites of native vegetation, ranging from 10 to 2200 m above sea level [a.s.l.]); (2) to detect the ecological factors driving bryophyte composition; (3) to identify bryophytes' substrate specificity; and (4) to check the presence of rare and endemic species. The identification of 878 microplots yielded 141 species (71 liverworts and 70 mosses), almost half of those known to occur on Pico Island. The bryophyte species richness followed a parabolic unimodal pattern with a mid-elevation peak, where the richest native forests occur. A canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) of the bryophyte composition and explanatory variables revealed the effect of the elevation, precipitation, disturbance, richness of vascular plants and bark pH in explaining bryophyte compositions at regional levels. Very few species of bryophytes showed substrate specificity. Pico Island's elevational gradient could be an asset for studying long-term changes in bryophyte species composition and alpha diversity under global change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Euryommatus mariae is a legendary weevil species in Europe, first described in the 19th century and not collected through the 20th century. Though rediscovered in the 21st century at few localities in Poland, Austria, and Germany, it remains one of the rarest of European weevils, and its biology is unknown. We present the first descriptions of the larva and pupa of E. mariae, and confirm its saproxylic lifestyle. The differences and similarities between immatures of E. mariae and the genera Coryssomerus, Cylindrocopturus and Eulechriopus are discussed, and a list of larval characters common to all Conoderitae is given. The characters of adult postabdomen are described and illustrated for the first time for diagnostic purposes. Our study confirmed the unusual structure of the male endophallus, equipped with an extremely long ejaculatory duct enclosed in a peculiar fibrous conduit, not seen in other weevils. We hypothesize that the extraordinarily long and spiral spermathecal duct is the female's evolutionary response to the male's extremely long intromittent organ. The larva and pupa of the saproxylic Euryommatus mariae Roger, 1857, the weevil species extremely rare in Europe, are described from Poland. It was reared from galleries in dead branches of a fallen spruce Picea abies. The larval morphology is compared with available larval descriptions of other genera of the supertribe Conoderitae, namely, the Palaearctic Coryssomerus, and the Nearctic Cylindrocopturus and Eulechriopus. The specific characters of the male and female postabdomen are described and illustrated, expressing the peculiar structure of endophallus and spermathecal duct, not seen in any other weevil species. A hypothesis regarding the mechanics of mating in this species is proposed. Euryommatus mariae is recorded for the first time to occur in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensive agricultural practices leading to habitat degradation represent a major threat to pollinators. Diverse management practices are expected to influence wild pollinator abundance and richness on farms, although their effect in perennial crops is still unclear. In this study, we assessed the impact of management on apple (Malus domestica) pollination on an oceanic island, by comparing conventional (with and without herbicide application) and organic apple orchards. Pollinator visitation and pan trap surveys were carried out in six apple orchards in Terceira Island (Azores) and the landscape composition surrounding orchards was characterized. We also quantified fruit set, seed set and apple weight. We found no significant effect of management on insect visitation rates, whereas there was a negative association with increasing surrounding agricultural land. In contrast, management had an effect on species abundance, richness and diversity at the orchard level. Conventional orchards without herbicides showed higher abundance than the rest, but lower richness and diversity than conventional orchards with herbicides. Management had an effect on fruit set, but not on seed set or fruit weight. Our results suggest that management alone is insufficient for the overall improvement of apple pollination on an oceanic island, while landscape composition may play a relevant role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]