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The agricultural sector has been intensifying production systems to increase yields. Olive cultivation is the most widespread permanent crop in Europe and the Mediterranean region and in many cases, it is under intensive farming practices with heavy use of agrochemicals, greatly affecting olive grove biodiversity. In this study we investigate the impact of different understorey management practices (undisturbed, cleared with mechanical means) on plant cover, ground beetle and bee richness and abundance, and on the abundance of ground arthropods and flying insects in olive groves on Lesvos Island, North Aegean, Greece. We found that undisturbed understorey had a positive impact on plant richness and abundance, ground beetle and bee richness and abundance, as well as ground arthropod and flying insect abundance. The results suggest that maintaining the plant cover undisturbed significantly improves the biodiversity of the olive groves and by extension the ecosystem services, such as pollination, pest control and soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ground beetle Synuchus nitidus (Motschulsky, 1861) (Carabidae: Harpalinae: Sphodrini) is one of the most common species in the forests of South Korea, which has the potential to be utilized as an environmental indicator. Here, we characterized the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of S. nitidus, which is the first in the harpaline tribe Sphodrini. Its genome is 16,392 bp in length and composed of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and an A + T rich region. In addition, we reconstructed a maximum likelihood tree to elucidate the phylogenetic position of Sphodrini among the seven harpaline tribes using nucleotide sequences of the 13 PCGs. The ML tree supported a monophyletic clade of the subfamily Harpalinae and showed a close relationship between Sphodrini and Lebinii with a low bootstrap value. The complete mitogenome of S. nitidus could be helpful for molecular species identification and exploring phylogenetic relationships among carabids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tiger beetle Zecicindela tekapoensis was described in 2018 from three specimens collected on the river flats of the lower Tekapo River, Canterbury, New Zealand. An extensive 2019 survey of various habitat types around the lower Pukaki and Tekapo Rivers resulted in the collection of additional specimens. Zecicindela tekapoensis was absent from degraded tussock lands and areas dominated by exotic pasture grasses, preferring open uncultivated shrubby herb field dominated by Rosa rubiginosa, Pilosella officinarum/praealtum, Styphelia nesophila, Muehlenbeckia axillaris, Anthoxanthum odoratum and Carex breviculmis. Relative abundance was estimated at 0.042 beetles per pitfall trap night over the Tekapo river flats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we describe Coarazuphium aulerisp. n. Until now, the species occurred in a single limestone cave, located at Nobres municipality (state of Mato Grosso – Central-Western Brazil). The new species comprises an apterous species from the genus Coarazuphium with the complete absence of hindwings, eyes are composed of very reduced eyes-scars, depigmentation and ommatidia are not evident. We also provide an updated key for species identification of Coarazuphium from the most recently published one. We followed the criteria of IUCN and classified the species as Critically Endangered – CR, IUCN criteria B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii), since the species has a restricted geographical distribution; estimated occurrence length <100 km2; population in few locations and with a continued decline in area, extent, and quality of habitat. According to Brazilian law, the existence of a critically endangered species places the Lagoa Azul cave as one of maximum relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liassodites obsti gen. et sp. nov., an Early Jurassic member of Trachypachidae, is described from Western Pomerania (Germany). An epoxy resin transfer method is applied for the preparation of three-dimensionally preserved fossil. An annotated list of Palaeozoic and Mesozoic trachypachid genera was elaborated. For each trachypachid fossil member and erroneously placed genus, a short diagnosis or available arguments on systematic position are proposed. The relations of the subfamilies Eodromeinae and Coptoclaviscinae (Coptoclavidae) are discussed. The description of Liassodites obsti gen. et sp. nov. makes it possible to suppose that the currently recognised hiatus between families Carabidae and Trachypachidae is not great enough to regard them as two separate families. The genus Coptoclavisca should be regarded as a member of Trachypachidae or Carabidae (including Trachypachinae). The new genus Apermunda gen. nov. is proposed for Petrodromeus minor. Novunda nom. nov. is proposed for Unda and the following binominal names are changed: Novunda angulata comb. nov., N. cursoria comb. nov., N. microplata comb. nov., N. pachycephala comb. nov. and N. chifengensis comb. nov. A synonymy of Evertus and Fortiseode is established, with change of species name: Evertus pervalimand comb. nov. The taxa Beipiaocarabus, Leptopodocoleus (including Leptopodocoleidae), Praedodromeus, Procalosoma, Xinbinia, 'Eodromeus' viriosus, 'Unda' chonggezhuangensis and 'Unda' pandurata, 'Karadromeus' xiangfanggouensis are regarded as incertae sedis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

†Antephilorhizus zerovae Kirichenko-Babko & Perkovsky sp. nov., the second species of this genus, is described from the Rovno amber (Ukraine). The new species is rather similar to the A. pripiatiensis Kirichenko-Babko & Perkovsky, 2021. The new taxon is compared with lebiines from Baltic amber. Based on a new data, the diagnosis of the genus †Antephilorhizus Kirichenko-Babko, 2021 is clarified and a key to both species of genus is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The data on host-mites associations between Canestriniidae and insects are summarized. Names of many hosts, incorrectly mentioned in the original works, have been corrected. 9 new genera have been described: Balearella, Cercediphotia, Ciprusenia, Ismaielienia, Javanellina, Kuramasenia, Midiphotia, Phaleratusellus and Sumatranella, 24 species are transferred to another or new genera Balearella asilahica, B. balearica, B. samsinaki, Ciprusenia carabicola, C. izabelae, C. kamelskyi, C. sellnicki, C. viviannae, Imaielienia egypti, I.maroccana, Javanellina macgillavryi, Kuramasenia illegalis, K. paavoi, K. pekingensis, K. pictura, K. ramoni, Midiphotia hispanica, M. jureceki, Phaleratusellus alatus, Psedocanestrinia damiani, P. roberti, Sumatranella batocerae, S. elae and S.phoebinae. 370 species of canestriniids belonging to 101 genera were collected from 361 species of hosts belonging to 113 genera. Canestriniidae were found in 12 Insecta families and in 2 Diplopoda families but species of the families Blattidae and Geotrupidae are accidental hosts. The main hosts of Canestriniidae are Cassidinae (Chrysomelidae) (77 canestriniid species), Cetoniinae (Scarabaeidae) (48), Carabinae (Carabidae) (42), Macroliniinae (Passalidae) (35) and Dynastinae (Scarabaeidae) (20). About 58% of the canestriniid genera are associated with one genus of host and about 60% of canestriniid species are associated with one host species. Canestriniids with large host number have also been found: Arrunsithiana battosi (15 host species), Grandiellopsis gambosa (15) and many others. Most canestriniid species found in Asia (109), South America (78), Africa (66), Europe (51), Oceania (33) and Central America (28). Many species of canestriniids were found in Indonesia (47), Brazil (44) and Papua New Guinea (23). Keyes to genera of the Asia, Europe and Oceania are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Mastax Fischer von Waldheim 1827 belongs to the family Carabidae. Specimens of adult Mastax latefasciata Liebke, 1931 were collected from Yājì Hill, Huáihuà City, Húnán Province, China. The complete mitochondrial genome (GenBank accession number ON674050.1) of M. latefasciata was sequenced, annotated, and characterized. The results showed that it was a circular DNA molecule of 16,735 bp with 81.07% AT content and comprised 13 protein-coding genes (PCG), 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 1 control region. The PCGs were initiated using typical ATN (Met) and TTG (Met) start codons and terminated using typical TAN stop codons. The phylogenetic position of Mastax within the Carabidae was first evaluated using complete mitogenomes, and the results showed that it was close to Cicindela anchoralis and Manticora tibialis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first ground beetle, Antephilorhizus pripiatiensis gen. et sp. nov., is described from late Eocene Rovno amber. The new genus Antephilorhizus is placed within the subtribe Dromiusina Bonelli, 1810 and similar to the extant Philorhizus Hope, but it differs by the weakly obliquely truncate apex of the elytra, unidentate mentum tooth, four setae on the apical margin of the labrum, tarsomere V of the hind tarsus is shorter than tarsomere I, and a series of umbilicate setae from 4 + 1 + 4 + 1. Comparative analysis is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present population of Oscheius shamimi Tahseen and Nisa 2006 is the first report of its isolation from ground beetle Scarites indus Olivier 1795. The species has been redescribed based on light microscopy and scanning electron microscopic observations and molecular characterization of ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) region. O. shamimi Tahseen and Nisa 2006 belonging to Insectivorous group is characterized by ovoviviparous females having slightly offset lip region with lips forming three doublets; each sector of metastegostom with two warts; six lateral lines; slightly protruded vulval lips flanked by cuticular flaps; spicules with prominent velum and thin, crochet/hook-shaped distal end; bursa leptoderan; genital papillae nine pairs arranged in 1 + 1 + 1/3 + 3 + Ph configuration. Some information on the dauer juveniles and cell lineage has also been added to the description. The phylogenetic relationship was studied using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We re-examined the knowledge on the relationships between fauna and forest management in Italy. We focused our attention on Vertebrates, including small mammals (Rodents and Soricomorphs), bats, birds, reptiles and amphibians, and on carabid and saproxylic beetles. We found that nearly all groups respond in accordance with Angelstam's scheme of the traditional forestry cycle, with open habitat specialists followed by generalists and forest specialists when pristine conditions have been attained, though with some differences for some taxa. In all groups, some forest "superspecialists" or old growth indicators could be found, in (sub)Mediterranean forests some carabid beetles could be defined as "dendrophilous," i.e. associated with the presence of old trees. Poplar plantations are poor substitutes for native forests, as well as exotic conifers. We propose a model for an ideal forest structure that may efficiently preserve the faunal components, at the microscale level this coincides with the structure of an unmanaged old growth forest stand, marked also by a deep and humus-rich soil layer. Some caveats at the landscape scale have dealt with in relation to the size of the designed area, in order to avoid fragmentation effects. A sustainable harvesting scheme has indicated in the "systemic silviculture" proposed by Ciancio and other scientists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opportunities to track environmental changes over more than a century are rare in tropical mountains. Edward Whymper's survey of flora and fauna on the summit of Mt. Corazón (Ecuador, 4788 m a.s.l.) in 1880 provides a unique opportunity to compare historical observations with the current composition of plant and insect communities on a tropical alpine mountain top. We studied Whymper's archives and historic specimens in London and Paris, and performed a resurvey of vascular plants and ground beetles (Coleoptera Carabidae) in January 2020. Currently, a large part of the summit area of Corazón is heavily damaged by trampling and stone removal due to mountain tourism, and no vascular plants are present in the deteriorated area on the top of the ridge. However, more species were collected in 2020 than in 1880: 22 of vascular plants vs. 7, and 4 of ground beetles vs. 1. Upslope shifts over 140 years may partly explain this increase in species richness, although the low numbers of Whymper's sampling may also be due to less skilled collectors and to the presence of permanent snow beds on the summit. The current faunistic and floristic data presented in this contribution can be used as a baseline for future resurveys of Corazón, in order to monitor changes in the species distribution and community composition of its summit area. Owing to the very small area of its superpáramo and to the soil deterioration by trampling along the summit ridge, Corazón is especially exposed to the effects of climate change and to the risk of extirpation of endemic cold-adapted specialists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined members of the ground-beetle genus Bembidion Latreille, 1802 from northern Iran using a combination of COI sequences and morphological data. A total number of 29 specimens belonging to 12 species of the genus Bembidion and one species of the genus Trechus from the Alborz Mountains were collected and analysed. 107 sequences from NCBI Genbank were added for molecular analysis. Our results confirm a high efficiency of DNA barcodes to resolve species of the genus. A clear barcoding gap, allowing a robust identification of the analysed species, was observed. Based on our results we propose species status for Bembidion haupti Reitter, 1908, formerly ranked as subspecies of Bembidion dalmatinum Dejean, 1831. This study represents the first effort generating DNA sequence data for members of the genus Bembidion in Iran and is a starting point for more local barcoding studies in the high-diversity regions of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new and a known species of the genus Mesorhabditis (Osche 1952) Dougherty, 1953 are described and illustrated based on light and scanning electron microscopic observations. The known species M. microbursaris (Steiner 1926) was isolated from the larva of ground beetle (Phyllophaga sp.) and the new species M. denticulatus from the larva of longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae), emerging inside the dead log of Dulbergia sisso. The new species M. denticulatus is characterised by lateral fields with six incisors. Lips with raised setose sensilla. Cheilostom angular bracket-shaped. Metastegostomal swellings with two prominent denticles. Pharyngeal collar indistinguishable. Phasmid posterior to anus. Spicules 1.2–1.6 times anal body diameter long with round capitula, short and narrower calomus. Gubernaculum 50% of spicule length. Bursa rudimentary. GP five pairs, one pair precloacal and four pairs post cloacal, arranged in 1/1 + 1 + 2 configuration. GP4 and GP5 closely placed forming a group. The association between the species of the genus Mesorhabditis and insects is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of Beauveria bassiana on non-target arthropods were assessed following field application on rangeland and alfalfa agroecosystems in Canada. Densities and prevalence of B. bassiana within non-target arthropods were measured by two methods, surface sanitation of non-target cadavers followed by homogenisation and plating on selective medium, or incubation in a high humidity environment. From rangeland, numbers of B. bassiana colony-forming units (cfu) in spiders, and carabid and tenebrionid beetles were low (≤2.0 × 103 cfu/ individual) and none of the 2500 arthropods incubated in high humidity were colonised. In alfalfa, increases in numbers of B. bassiana cfu in homogenised specimens were observed only in the first four days in coccinellid beetles (Coccinellidae) while high cfu numbers persisted in some harvestmen (Phalangidae). Laboratory assays with coccinellids indicated that recovered B. bassiana emanated from ingested conidia within the alimentary tracts rather than from hyphal bodies within hemocoels. A relatively low prevalence of non-target arthropods from which B. bassiana was isolated in rangeland and alfalfa coupled with the decrease in numbers of internal cfu as a function of time indicated that the fungus imparted a minor and short-lived impact on non-target arthropods. Although B. bassiana did not affect leafcutting bee larvae, prepupae or adult emergence following overwintering diapause, a small number of foraging bees were infected under field conditions. Measuring internal fungal populations on selective medium or incubation of cadavers in a high humidity environment were found to be convenient and efficient methods for safety assessment to non-target arthropods of a mycopesticide applied under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spoil heaps arising from mineral ore mining and smelting are a potential source of air, water and soil's metalliferous contamination. However, the importance of such man-made sites as biodiversity refuge for rare or endangered species is assuredly undoubted, as the natural habitats are in decline. It is questionable, how potential risk elements, including heavy metals and metalloids released into the environment of spoil heaps, affect this phenomenon, since just the soil fauna representatives are in close contact with contaminants. Surface-dwelling soil macrofauna, with special emphasis on the carabids, were surveyed at spoil heaps within two metal post-mining areas in Eastern Slovakia. Contents of potential risk elements, including heavy metals and metalloids, were determined in substratum and selected invertebrate taxa too. Iron and aluminium dominated in substratum at both localities, where the environmentally most hazardous elements As, Cd, Cu, Pb and especially Hg exceeded permissible limits. The highest concentrations of Al and Fe were also found in the invertebrates. Regarding Zn, Cd and Sb, soil macrofauna representatives figured as their macro-concentrators. Our results indicate that metal post-mining spoil heaps have the potential to offer suitable habitats, especially for psammophilous species and groups preferring sites with the bare soil and sparse vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Soil macrofauna is vital for soil functions and soil-mediated processes in all ecosystems. However, environmental perturbations, such as drought, that threaten both the abundance and function of soil macrofauna remain mostly unexplored, particularly in an agroforestry system. We investigated the effects of drought on soil macrofauna abundance and vertical distribution under three different planting systems including two intercropping systems, comprising Chinese prickly ash (Zanthoxylum bungeanum) intercropped with soybean (Glycine max) (Z-G) or bell pepper (Capsicum annuum) (Z-C), and one monoculture system, comprising only Z. bungeanum (Z). Soil samples were collected at depths of 0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm, and soil macrofauna and chemical properties were analyzed. Soil dryness negatively affected soil macrofauna in all planting systems. Drought reduced the total macrofauna density, biomass, genera richness, and Pielou's evenness. Additionally, drought significantly decreased density and biomass of Drawida and Eisenia but had no effect on Carabid beetles. Soil macrofauna density was highest in the Z-G intercropping system and higher at 0–10 cm than at other soil depths. These results indicate that intercropping soybean rather than bell pepper increases the abundance and biomass of soil macrofauna, and drought remarkably impacts the response of soil macrofauna to planting systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carabidae (Coleoptera) are commonly used as indicators of ecosystem health due to their high diversity, conservation value and relative ease of identification. Carabids were monitored at Ahuriri Scenic Reserve, Port Hills, Canterbury, from August 2007 to September 2008 using pitfall traps. Carabid captures, species richness and distribution across the reserve were compared with those found in a similar study in 1977–1978. Monthly carabid captures were highly correlated with average temperature in both studies. There was little evidence of carabids responding to habitat factors, such as leaf litter depth, pH or ground cover. However, Megadromus antarcticus was positively associated with canopy openness and ground cover, whereas Holcaspis angustula was more abundant where canopy cover was extensive and there was a relatively high incidence of bare rock. Thirteen species of carabid were recorded in 1977–1978, of which six were absent, four had decreased, one was stable and two species increased in abundance from collections made in 2007–2008. The loss of one Banks Peninsula and five New Zealand endemic beetle species from this reserve is of concern, and future work should aim to gain more detailed information on the habitat requirements of these species to assist conservation management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Siagona europaea and Poecilus pantanellii are two carabid beetles strictly bound to clay soils typical of the Italian Apennines. The first exhibits a very flat body whereas the other has more "normal" proportions, suggesting a very different use of space. We tested the use of space of both species using three sets of live pitfall traps put in place at different depths in the clay soil of a Mediterranean Hedysarum pasture. Poecilus pantanellii is a very early spring breeder and more than 90% of its individuals show epigean locomotory activity. Siagona europaea's activity begins later, when the clay fissures become larger and deeper, and in the months of June and July about 80% of its population lives in the subterranean soil crevices. Morphometric measurements support these space use strategies: P. pantanellii has a wider antenna/eye angle and shorter antennae, indicating a possible visual component in prey recognition, as well as a thicker body and robust trochanters linked to "wedge pushing"; whereas S. europaea has longer antennae and a smaller antenna/eye angle suitable for olfactory-tactile prey recognition, and also has an extremely flat body and small trochanters. In the summer individuals climb up and down in the crevice system of clays searching for their specialised prey (worker ants exploring the space around their ant nests). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-throughput DNA methods hold great promise for the study of the hyperdiverse arthropod fauna of the soil. We used the mitochondrial metagenomic approach to generate 39 mitochondrial genomes from adult and larval specimens of Coleoptera collected from soil samples. The mitogenomes correspond to species from the families Carabidae (6), Chrysomelidae (1), Curculionidae (9), Dermestidae (1), Elateridae (1), Latridiidae (1), Scarabaeidae (3), Silvanidae (1), Staphylinidae (12), and Tenebrionidae (4). All the mitogenomes followed the putative ancestral gene order for Coleoptera. We provide the first available mitogenome for 30 genera of Coleoptera, including endogean representatives of the genera Torneuma, Coiffaitiella, Otiorhynchus, Oligotyphlopsis, and Typhlocharis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cereal leaf beetle (CLB), Oulema melanopus (L.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is an invasive pest in North America recently reported in the Canadian Prairies. We performed a series of laboratory assays to identify potential predators and a field study to quantify predation of CLB eggs. In no-choice Petri dish assays, ground beetles (Carabidae), rove beetles (Staphylinidae), and several common lady beetle species (Coccinellidae) were the most consistent predators of eggs and larvae. Nabis spp. (Hemiptera: Nabidae) and wolf spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae) consumed many larvae, but did not consume eggs. Hippodamia spp., Coccinella septempunctata (L.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and Pterostichus melanarius (Illiger) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) also fed on CLB eggs on potted plants when an alternative food source was available, Sitobion avenae (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Aphididae). In our field study, we found an average of 24.5% of sentinel eggs disappeared over a 24 h period, likely due to predation. Our results suggest that generalist predators can play an important role in the biological control of CLB, and warrant further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new mite species of the genus Gaeolaelaps, G. scarites Joharchi and Saeidi sp. nov., collected from under the elytra and on the abdomen of Scarites (Parallelomorphus) terricola Bonelli (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in Iran is described and illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scats from tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) were investigated in autumn at Ōrokonui Ecosanctuary on South Island, New Zealand. Eighty-seven tuatara had been translocated there 5–7 months previously, either directly from Stephens Island/Takapourewa or via captivity. Tuatara at Ōrokonui fed on diverse invertebrates, including beetles, millipedes, spiders, dipteran flies and cave wētā. Prey occurrence in large scats (presumed to come from adults) was similar in frequency to that in small scats (presumed to be from medium–large juveniles), apart from a higher incidence of spiders in those from adults. Tuatara scats contained scarabaeid and large carabid beetles more frequently, and tenebrionid beetles less frequently, than reported on Stephens Island. Unlike tuatara on Stephens Island, those at Ōrokonui do not have access to seabirds or tree wētā, and showed no certain predation on passerines or reptiles. Some differences in diet composition may reflect differences in prey availability resulting from the past presence of rodents at Ōrokonui. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Few groups of insects have been surveyed over a very long period (50 years or more) in an area. Three groups were considered here meeting the long survey condition: ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae), ground Scelionidae (Hymenoptera) and species ofTenthredo(Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae). The diversity of ground beetles in agricultural sites around Ottawa (Ontario) and Montreal (Quebec) has been markedly reduced during the 1980s and 1990s. During the same period we witnessed the collapse of other insect groups outside agricultural sites. Species of sawflies of the genusTenthredoand a group of ground scelionid wasps were clearly affected. The decline is correlated with the presence of a new crop, corn, in these regions with a herbicide spray protocol in late May or early June. Herbicides are not killing insects on contact. Contaminated insects are free to disperse away from agricultural sites to a wide range of habitats where they are preyed upon by insects, spiders and birds. The consumption of contaminated insects by predators is probably behind their population collapse of many species or even the extirpation of some species from the study areas. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Although all ground beetles have pygidial glands homologous in structure and function, there are many differences among species, often significant, in terms of chemical composition of the secretion and morphology of the gland components. In this paper, two predatory ground beetle species of the genusCarabus, namelyC. (Tomocarabus)convexusandC. (Procrustes)coriaceus, were subjected to chemical, morphological and histological study of their pygidial glands and the glands’ secretions. Altogether, three carboxylic acids were isolated, and the pygidial gland reservoir and other glandular parts are morphologically described in the study. We also tested whether there exist differences in chemical content of the secretion obtained by upsetting the beetles in a traditional way and that obtained directly from intact reservoirs. Detailed data on morphology of the pygidial glands of both species are presented, as well as updated information about the chemical components of the glandular secretions. Apart from tiglic and methacrylic acids, which are typical forCarabuspygidial secretions, we also found benzoic acid as a minor component of the secretion in both species. In addition, a chemotaxonomic overview ofCarabustaxa is given in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Spatial autocorrelation is a common feature of ecological data and can be found in the distribution pattern of many species or in the diversity of many species assemblages. The presence of spatial autocorrelation in species distribution along primary successions on recently deglaciated terrains has been largely overlooked until now, despite its potential consequences for comparisons between glacier forelands. Here, we investigated the occurrence of spatial autocorrelation at different spatial scales in the distribution and diversity of ground beetles and spiders along glacier forelands. We found positive spatial autocorrelation in patterns of occurrence of most species and in patterns of species assemblages diversity at spatial scales representing single (< 3 km) or adjacent valleys (< 7 km), whereas at a larger spatial scales (0–30 km) such positive spatial autocorrelation disappeared. We concluded that spatial autocorrelation could be a key issue for studies investigating distribution of arthropods, including in glacier forelands, in order to perform more robust analysis and to avoid misinterpretation of species distribution in relation to the glacier retreat and other environmental characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acoptolabrus changeonleei Ishikawa et Kim, 1983 (Coleoptera: Carabidae) has been listed as an endangered insect in South Korea. The complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the species was 16,831-bp long with a typical set of genes (13 protein-coding genes [PCGs], 2 rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes) and one non-coding region, with the arrangement identical to that observed in most insect genomes. Twelve PCGs had the typical ATN start codon, whereas ND1 had the atypical TTG codon. The 1,712-bp long A+T-rich region was composed of 88.6% A/T nucleotides and had no long repeat sequences. Phylogenetic analyses with concatenated sequences of the 13 PCGs and the lrRNA gene placed A. changeonleei as a sister to the within-subfamilial species Damaster mirabilissimus in Carabinae, with the highest nodal support by both analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pheropsophus occipitalis MacLeay is a predatory enemy prey heavily on agricultural pests. The length of the complete mitochondrial genome of P. occipitalis was 16,800 bp with 20.4% GC content, including 41.2% A, 11.9% C, 8.4% G, 38.5% T. The genome encoded 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNA), two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA). Phylogenetic analysis showed that P. occipitalis was clustered with Pheropsophus bimaculatus and Pheropsophus sobrinus. This study provided a scientific basis for the population genetics, phylogeny, and molecular taxonomy of P. occipitalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Megadromus guerinii, an endemic carabid beetle (Carabidae), is the most common carabid throughout its restricted range on Banks Peninsula, a formation of extinct volcanoes in Canterbury, New Zealand. This study characterises the small-scale phylogeographic patterns ofM. gueriniiacross the formerly volcanically active Banks Peninsula using mitochondrial and ribosomal genes. Between the eastern and western areas of the peninsula, the mitochondrial, but not nuclear, DNA has a well-defined geographic distribution. Specifically, mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (CO1) identifies two distinct groups (> 6% divergence between eastern and western beetles) while ribosomal genes show no discernible pattern. Whether such a pattern represents male-biased dispersal,Wolbachiainfection, a recent range expansion of a divergent lineage, or a deeper historic separation is explored. There is potential that male-biased dispersal could have occurred.Wolbachiainfection was not detected. We conclude that historical processes have likely separated taxa in the eastern and western peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Carabidae beetles (Coleoptera) were sampled by flight intercept traps (FITs) and hand sampling in the understory of a lowland rainforest in eastern Ecuador. Sampling occurred in June and July of 2011 and 2012 at 24 sites within temporarily flooded forest (FP) and non-flooded terra firme (TF) forest. A total of 674 Carabidae (excluding Cicindelinae) individuals, representing 18 tribes, 50 genera and 133 morphospecies, were collected. Significantly more individuals were collected by hand compared to FITs, particularly by hand in FP forests. After correction through sample-based rarefaction there are no significant differences in species richness between sampling methods and forest types. Ordination and dissimilarity analysis show FITs and hand sampling target different portions of the Carabidae community. Understanding sampling biases for various sampling methods and how it may be affected by forest type will result in more accurate and efficient surveys in tropical forests. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Bryophytes from seven different genera colonized 3- to 6-year-old ground near a receding glacier in central South Norway. Microscopic studies of the gut content in pioneer invertebrates revealed that mosses were grazed upon by four species: an abundant and large Collembola ( Bourletiella hortensis), a moss-eating Byrrhidae beetle ( Simplocaria metallica), and two omnivorous Carabidae beetles ( Amara alpina and A. quenseli). The three most abundant moss species were preferred by the moss-eaters: Pohlia filum, Ceratodon purpureus, and Bryum arcticum. Special parts of the moss plant could be selected. Three other Collembola species present were classified as herbivores because they had diatom algae in their gut, indicating that they grazed on terrestrial biofilm. Chironomidae midges hatching from young ponds represented an important element in the gut content of three common predators: the Opiliones Mitopus morio, and two Carabidae beetles Nebria nivalis and Bembidion hastii. The present data show that chlorophyll-based food chains start almost immediately on bare ground, but in a rather invisible way by tiny pioneer mosses and terrestrial biofilm with diatom algae. Pioneer mosses may be regarded as 'drivers' in early animal succession, before higher plants establish. Since several of the pioneer invertebrates were herbivores or omnivores, the present community did not fit with the 'predator first' hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A four-year investigation comparing organic and conventional horticultural vegetable rotation systems was carried out in Central Italy using soil arthropods as bioindicators. The indexes of biodiversity showed, in general, higher values on organic in comparison with conventional management, but the differences were strongly affected by the crops. An index specifically designed to select the Carabid species, which benefit from organic versus conventional, was calculated in order to understand faunistic data on this group. Our data demonstrated that the spray intensity adversely affects the Carabid species richness, as proved by the lowest diversity values recorded in the conventional plots. The experiment, planned by following a “system approach research,” was suitable to understand the ecological sustainability in organic farming in comparison with conventional. The better conservation of arthropod fauna in the organic seems to be coherent also with the enhancement of organic matter in this system. For this reason, a holistic effect of the organic system can provide a reasonable interpretation of the better conservation of the living component and, in particular, of Carabid beetle biodiversity, during the four-year period. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Pitfall traps were used to monitor predatory arthropod numbers along two types of field boundary, a post and wire fence line and a Cupressus macrocarpa hedge, along the same paddock margin in Canterbury, New Zealand, over 24 months. The seven most abundant predator groups recorded were: Araneae > Phalangiidae > Staphylinidae > Coccinellidae > Chilopoda > Hemerobiidae > Carabidae. Araneae, Phalangiidae, Staphylinidae, Chilopoda and Hemerobiidae were found in larger numbers at the wire fence than at the hedge site, whereas the numbers of Carabidae and Coccinellidae adults exhibited no field margin preference. However, more species of Araneae and Staphylinidae were caught at the hedge site, whereas species richness of carabid beetles was greatest at the wire fence. Principal component analysis clearly separated the samples collected from the two habitats based on the assemblages of Araneae, Staphylinidae and Carabidae, and certain species in each of these taxonomic groups appeared to be particularly associated with one boundary type or the other. All the main taxonomic groups exhibited clear seasonal patterns, with distinct peaks in abundance occurring at certain times of the year. The results of the study reinforce the idea that management of field boundaries can be used to manipulate the type and abundance of particular groups of predatory arthropods, and that seasonal patterns should be taken into account in schemes of integrated pest management so that any adverse effects of biocide application on these beneficial species may be minimised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new stridulatory structure for Carabidae, based on morphology and acoustics of the Southern Hemisphere genus Gonogenia, is described. Sound is produced by abdomino--elytral movement between the surfaces of two projections on the inner lateral surface of the elytra (pars stridens) against the surfaces of two opposing projections from the outer edges of the first abdominal sternite (plectrum). While both males and females have stridulatory organs, only males were recorded producing signals. Signals were broad spectrum extending into ultrasound frequency ranges (3.5-75 kHz). Signals were produced continually by male Gonogenia tabida individuals while mobile in a localized area and likely represent a form of intraspecific communication, due to absence of observed potential disturbance stimuli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new eyeless species,Oodinotrechus liyoubangin. sp, is described from northern Guangxi. All specimens of this interesting species were collected in three limestone caves in Mulun National Nature Reserve of northern Guangxi, southern China. It is the second species for the genusOodinotrechusUéno, 1998, distinguished from the type speciesO. kishimotoiUéno, 1998 by its visible scutellum and pronotal structure. Several additional diagnostic characters for the genus and a geographical distribution map for both known species are also provided. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:F82E3C03-0A15-4410-B674-BC8EB95607CE [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carabid beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) diversity and community composition was investigated along an altitudinal gradient from 1400 m to 3400 m in southeastern Peru, utilizing recently published data of the first systematic inventory of carabid beetles in the region. The study transect is located in one of the highest biological diversity regions in the world. Active and passive collection techniques were used to examine temporal (rainy and dry seasons) and spatial (altitude) structure of adult carabid beetle assemblages. After adjusting for collection effort, species richness, as estimated by the Mao Tau richness estimator, peaked at 2000 m, some 600 meters above the lowest sampled altitude in this study. Similarity between species assemblages from different altitudinal sites was ≤52%. Species richness was approximately 10% higher in the rainy season than the dry season, with 64% of species occurring in both seasons. Despite the importance of multi-seasonal survey sampling for Neotropical habitats, most surveys to date have been limited to the dry season. Studies of organisms that can serve as indicators of habitat shift along altitudinal gradients become increasingly relevant with predicted global climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ground beetle taxonKashmirobroscusgen. nov. and two speciesKashmirobroscus mirabilissp. nov. andKashmirobroscus ortrudaesp. nov. are described from the Northwest Himalaya of Pakistan. Diagnostic characters of both new species are figured and their distributional areas are mapped. Several features of the new genus are discussed to work out its systematic position within Broscini. As a result,Kashmirobroscusis proposed as a sister taxon of the East Asian genusEobroscusKryzhanovskij, 1951, of the subtribe Broscina. In addition, new data relating to systematics and distribution of all the known species of the genusEobroscusare provided. The taxonOrobroscusMorita, 1990 is proposed as a junior synonym ofEobroscusKryzhanovskij, 1951, andEobroscus uenoiMorita, 1995 is proposed as a junior synonym ofEobroscus bhutanensisMorvan, 1982, a macropterous species with a wide distribution in the eastern parts of High Asia.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:1775013D-FE87-41CA-87AF-D730E809331B [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Diplocheila zealandica Redtenbacher is a natural enemy of aphids and larva of lepidoptera worldwide. Here, we first report the characterization of mitochondrial genome of D. zealandica in Diplocheila and its phylogenetic position. The complete mitogenome (GenBank accession number: MN995217) of D. zealandica from Henan Province consisted of a circular DNA molecule of 16,190 bp (with 21.66% G + C content), which comprised 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), and 22 tRNA, and two rRNA genes. PCGs had typical ATN (Met) initiation codons and were terminated by typical TAN stop codons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Krantzoseius walteri gen. nov., sp. nov. (Mesostigmata: Phytoseioidea: Blattisociidae: Blattisociinae) is described from female, male, deutonymphal, protonymphal and larval specimens collected from Trichosternus perater Sloane (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Pterostichini) in South East Queensland, Australia. The family assignment of the new species is tentative and is based largely on its lack of the apomorphic characters that define the other phytoseioid families (Otopheidomenidae, Phytoseiidae and Podocinidae). Its highly hypotrichous body, reduced body shields and leg chaetotaxy are especially unusual, and although similar to the Otopheidomenidae in these characters, K. walteri lacks the adaptations to parasitism that define the Otopheidomenidae. Curiously, the opisthosomal chaetome of the larvae (12 pairs of setae plus postanal seta) is richer than that of the protonymph (nine pairs of setae plus postanal seta), representing a rare example of postlarval setal suppression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ground beetles include many species of rather recent evolutionary origin that are extremely similar in their external morphology. We used geometric morphometrics to quantify the relative degree of morphological divergence in three closely related polytypic alpine species of the genus Nebria, subgenus Nebriola (Nebria cordicollis, N. laticollis and N. fontinalis). To examine evolutionary patterns, we adopted a hierarchical design, using both shape and size to discriminate between species, subspecies within species, and populations within subspecies. A semilandmark-based approach was used to describe the pronotum, elytron and median lobe of the aedeagus. The three closely related species diverged significantly in shape and size. There were clear interspecific differences in the shape of external traits (elytron and pronotum) and of the median lobe of the aedeagus. Furthermore, species also diverged in body size, and in the relative size of traits (evaluated by computation of their static allometries). Shape differences among subspecies and populations were more limited. However, the three subspecies of N. cordicollis considered, N. c. cordicollis, N. c. kochi and N. c. winkleri, showed three distinct body sizes and differences in relative size of the elytron. A few size differences were also evident between distinct populations. These results seem to suggest that size may diverge more rapidly than shape in Nebriola ground beetles. Both at the species and subspecies level, body size order was not reflected in the relative size order, indicating that body size and relative size of traits do not necessarily evolve in concert. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This two-year study explores the community structure and temporal dynamics of carabid and tenebrionid beetles in five eastern Mediterranean juniper maquis formations in relation to successional stage. Based on vegetation cover, density and soil pH, the successional stage in two of the sites (Crete, Cyprus) was an earlier state compared with the other three (Attiki, Naxos, Samos), as a result of intense goat grazing. Diversity indices and abundance distributions were compared using morphoecological surrogates of the taxa. Temporal dynamics were regulated more by cumulative species richness than by sharp phenological patterns. The higher values of niche pre-emption parameter and species turnover imply better adaptation of endemic tenebrionids to the rapid change of environmental conditions, compared with carabids. Significantly lower abundance and biomass, and higher evenness and temporal turnover for both families in Crete and Cyprus are ascribed to the reversed course of succession caused by overgrazing. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Agent-based models (ABMs) explicit handling of space and time and integration of nonlinear interactions between system components to create a system response could facilitate realistic risk assessment modeling. We used this approach to evaluate the impact of spatial dynamic factors on a theoretical risk assessment of an insecticide on a carabid beetle population (based on Bembidion lampros). Results indicated that both impacts and recovery were dependent on period of application, area treated, spatial distribution of stressor, beetle dispersal, and underlying habitat suitability. The impact of the stressor was detected far outside the area to which it was applied, and the extent of this impact was affected by beetle dispersal and landscape structure. The results call into question the validity of the recovery endpoint as assessed by field trials because model recovery was primarily influenced by reinvasion, depleting surrounding areas. Despite the simplicity of the acute stressor/Bembidion system modeled, the results obtained were highly variable dependent on the precise inputs used. Therefore, we suggest that application of modeling to risk assessment in the future will require a much more complete description of the risk assessment problem than has hitherto been the case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The melting of glaciers in the European Alps has exposed new terrain in the last decades. Ground beetles (Carabidae, Coleoptera) are among the first colonizers of this new alpine land. Since 1999, we have studied the ground beetle assemblages of the recently deglaciated areas in the Hornkees glacier foreland (Zillertal Alps, Austria). Data were collected in July 1999, 2001, 2007, and 2009. Two species of Carabidae, Nebria jockischii and Nebria germari, were dominant in the areas immediately below the glacier in all sampling periods. The occurrence of Nebria jockischii larvae very close to the edge of the glacier strongly suggests that reproduction occurred in the area which had been ice-free for only one year. Comparison of the carabid beetle assemblages from the recently deglaciated areas with those from neighboring and longer exposed areas indicates that the first colonizers continuously expanded their range following the path of the glacial retreat. We hypothesize that Nebria jockischii populated the new alpine terrain by initial migration from the banks of the glacial stream, whereas Nebria germari probably colonized the recently deglaciated area by migration from the lateral moraines. These carabid beetles represent the first predatory insects in the initial phase of colonization of the Hornkees foreland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eutarsopolipus jamaicaensis is described, illustrated and compared with nine related species of Eutarsopolipus in the biunguis group. E. jamaicaensis is an ectoparasite of Platynus punctus (Darlington) collected on a bromeliad plant in St. Andrew Parish of Jamaica, British West Indies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A historical review of the study of genus Typhlocharis and a synthesis of current knowledge are carried out, providing a historical context for the description of a new species in the province of Alicante (Spain). Relevant data on the biotic and abiotic environment where the species lives are also provided. With regard to its taxonomic position, it is affiliated with the Typhlocharis monastica group, although it is necessary to redefine that group. The most plausible hypothesis for the unusual presence of unguiform gonocoxites in the genus Typhlocharis and the implications for the systematics of the group are discussed. Finally, a dispersal mechanism for Typhlocharis that would explain its wide distribution in the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, electrophysiological and behavioural tests were performed on Siagona europaea Dejean 1826 adults to investigate the importance of chemical cues in ant location. Olfactory responses of labial palp to terpenoids (citral, limonene and geraniol), carboxylic acids (acetic and formic acids), aliphatic ketones (heptanone) and aldehydes (hexanal) were tested by means of an electropalpogram (EPG) bioassay. Our electrophysiological results showed that only acetic and formic acids evoked EPG responses. Y-shape olfactometer bioassays showed that adults were attracted by acetic and formic acids. The role of these chemicals on prey detection is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trigynaspid mite family Parantennulidae is reviewed and Parantennulus is re-diagnosed based on the type series in the Berlese Acaroteca. The family Parantennulidae is currently composed of five species in three known genera (Parantennulus, Diplopodophilus, and Micromegistus), and along with the families of Philodanidae and Promegistidae, it constitutes the superfamily Parantennuloidea. A key to genera and species of the family based on male is provided. The type specimens of Diplopodophilus antennophoroides Willmann collected from the millipede Apfelbeckia lendenfeldi in Karst caves in western Balkan peninsula appear to have been lost. This species is in need of recollection and study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From 2002 to 2004 two sampling methods were combined to assess the population of insects known as vectors of rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) in the three major irrigated rice ecosystems in the north of Cameroon (Lagdo, Maga, Yagoua) and in lowland rice fields. Samplings were conducted by means of sweep net and D-Vac (the sucking trap) fortnightly in 2002 and 2003 until mid-October in lowland rice fields while in the irrigated fields, samplings occurred between December and April. Simultaneously, rearing on death concerned insects was conducted in the laboratory to identify the parasitoid insect species. From samples obtained at the different sites: (1) the dominant structure of the RYMV insect vectors was analysed according to the rice phenology; (2) the diversity and the occurrence of potential major groups of predators and parasitoids were assessed. Among the RYMV insect vectors sampled: Chaetocnema pulla Chapuis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Chnootriba similis Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Trichispa sericea Guerin-Meneville (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), Locris rubra Fabricius (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), Oxya hyla Stål (Orthoptera: Acrididae) and Conocephalus longipennis (de Haan) (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) were the most encountered insect species during the rice growing seasons. When investigating the arthropods acting in the rice fields as predators, spiders (Araneae) came at the top position with a high concurrency of Pardosa spp. (>42%) at all sites. At the sites Maga and Yagoua, the carabid beetles species Abacetus crenulatus Dejean and Abacetus foveolatus Chaudoir were the most numerous whereas the Lagdo site was highly colonised by Clivina erythropyga Putzeys, Paederus sabaeus Erichson and Stenus ravus Puthz were the most abundant staphylinid beetles. The rearing of dead RYMV insect vectors gave results on the emergence of the following parasitoids: Eurytoma spp., Pediobius spp., Tetrastichus spp., Telenomus spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to develop a sampling methodology, based on soil invertebrates, to provide a reliable and easy-to-perform measure of environmental quality. Hand-sorting and pitfall-trapping were the main sampling systems adopted because they are quick and easy to use and do not require particular skills or tools. Both agroecosystems (organic and conventional) and seminatural environments (planted woods, hedgerows, flooded areas) have been monitored in a coastal lagoon area reclaimed to farmland in North Eastern Italy. Taxa at high hierarchical levels proved to be useful in separating different type of habitat, but were unable to provide information about the type of rural management. Carabidae (Coleoptera) seem particularly useful in studying agroecosystems: 23 species have been collected, mainly in the organic farm and in the hedgerow. The earthworm population was mainly affected by type of soil. In agroecosystems, cultivated fields had fewer individuals with respect to hedgerow, probably due to disturbance caused by soil management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]