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Liparus glabrirostris is one of the largest European weevils, and it has been recently proposed as the flagship species for threatened riparian habitats in the mountains. For effective conservation of its populations (and associated habitats), it is crucial to understand its history, contemporary distribution, genetic diversity and predict changes in the range, including its highly isolated populations on the Baltic coast. Here, we examined numerous populations of L. glabrirostris across almost the entire species range using phylogeography and species niche modeling (SNM) approaches. Analyses of mtDNA and nucDNA markers revealed the existence of 2 major mitochondrial lineages generally separated between 1) the Alpine region and 2) the Bohemian Massif, the Carpathians, and the Baltic coast areas. Genetic diversity in nuclear genes was more complicated with no clear division between populations. The origin of Baltic populations was derived from the Carpathians, but there were probably multiple expansion events to the north. SNM suggested the existence of glacial refugia for L. glabrirostris, mainly in the Alps and the Southern Carpathians. Current predictions of species range were found to be generally congruent with zoogeographic data; however, the Baltic coast was not really supported as a suitable area for L. glabrirostris. An important prediction of future distribution (2050–2070 CE) suggests a shrinkage of the L. glabrirostris range and extinction of some of its populations (particularly those isolated on lower altitudes). Based on the aforementioned data, proposals for the protection of this species are proposed, including the designation of several evolutionary units of conservation importance.

Different populations of two closely related species, Cryptocephalusflavipes and C. bameuli, from western (Alps, Apennines and Pyrenees) and central Europe (Poland, Ukraine and Pannonia) were analysed. On the basis of DNA sequences from two genes, cox1 and ef1-alpha, distinctiveness of both species was confirmed. Nevertheless, possible hybrids were identified in Carpathian mountains. We found a significant genetic differentiation among populations of C. flavipes and C. bameuli from distant regions but a high genetic similarity between populations of C. bameuli from north and south of the Carpathians. Demographic estimates suggest a past population expansion in the case of C. bameuli and a recent one for C. flavipes, possibly occurred during Pleistocene and Holocene, respectively. Distribution modelling showed that C. flavipes is typically present in the mountain systems, whereas C. bameuli is associated with hilly areas of central and eastern Europe. Based on the present data, Last Glacial Maximum refugia of both species were located in the Alpine region and Black Sea coasts, but on different elevations. The characterization of the insect diet, through a DNA metabarcoding approach targeting the trnL plant intron, demonstrated a significant differentiation of food preferences between the two species, as well as between geographic populations within the species.

The beetles of the Suwalski Landscape Park (NE Poland) were studied between the years 2006−2013. The park covers an area of 6338 ha. Various field methods were used including sweep netting, dip netting, catching by hand, investigation of potential foraging sites of saproxylic beetles, rearing of cambio- and xylophagous larvae from inhabited material and attracting to artificial light sources. On the basis of our field studies and literature data, 1052 beetle species from 70 families were recorded, of which 715 have not been previously reported in the Park. One species – Variimorda briantea – is new to the Masurian Lake Region. The most numerous families were: rove beetles Staphylinidae (208 species), weevils Curculionidae (161 species), ground beetles Carabidae (99 species), leaf beetles Chrysomelidae (86 species) and true water beetles Dytiscidae (64 species). Among recorded beetles, 111 are rare and/or protected species. They were depicted on photographs and discussed in detail. Three species of Carabidae (Carabus coriaceus, C. glabratus, C. nitens) are protected by Polish law, another species belonging to this family – Epaphius rivularis – is listed in the Polish Red Data Book of Animals. A total of 32 species from the Red List of Threatened Animals in Poland were found, four species from the list of Primeval forest relict beetles of Central Europe (Peltis grossa, Tritoma subbasalis, Cryptophagus confusus, Corticeus suturalis), as well as 26 species listed in the European Red List of Saproxylic Beetles. Areas within the Park, considered as the most interesting in terms of beetle fauna, were described. All recorded beetle species were characterized based on their habitat preferences. The most numerous group were open-area inhabitants (379 species) which constituted 36% of all species recorded in the Park. Two other main groups were a forestspecies (275) and water and riparian species (273). Each of these groups constitue 26% of all recorded beetles. The group of xerothermophilous beetles, which include: Philonthus lepidus, Dolichosoma lineare, Afrogethes tristis, Thymogethes lugubris, Olibrus bimaculatus, Hyperaspiscampestris, Mordellistena pseudonana, M. pseudoparvula, M. purpureonigrans, Anaspis brunnipes, Cassida pannonica, Dibolia cryptocephala, Ceratapion austriacum, Protapion ruficrus, Squamapion oblivium, Lixus tibialis, Cleopus solani, Tychius aureolus, T. medicaginis, T. schneideri, Ceutorhynchus nanus and Ethelcus denticulatus, are very interesting from the faunistic perspective. Adult beetles and larvae were characterized separately with reference to microhabitat and trophism, respectively. A comparison between the beetle faunas of the Suwalski Landscape Park and other protected areas in Poland was conducted. All beetle fauna of the Suwalski Landscape Park, together with particular taxonomic and ecological groups, were also compared with whole beetle fauna of Poland. Water beetles, with over 40% of all species known from Poland, are relatively well represented. Other families with fairly complete coverage in the Suwalski Landscape Park include marsh beetles Scirtidae (41%), apionid weevils Apionidae (37%), ladybirds Coccinellidae (28%), shining flower beetles Phalacridae (25%) and longhorn beetles Cerambycidae (23%). Total number of beetles recorded until now in the Suwalski Landscape Park (17% of Polish fauna) is not large. But considering such factors as intensity of research, area of the Park and its geographic location, it is quite rewarding. Future field investigations should increase the number of species known from the Park, especially in the less-intensively researched groups. Concept of protection of the species richness in the Suwalski Landscape Park was discussed with reference to different ecological groups and habitats. In the case of saproxylic beetles, the main threats are a low amount of dead wood in the forests, and its inferior quality (trees only with thin breast diameters, limited number of tree species). Establishing the designed reserve ”Peat bogs over the Jaczno Lake” is needed to ensure the protection for the most valuable area for saproxylic fauna. This area have also high importance for hygrophilous insects.

Agathis montana is a conifer endemic to New Caledonia and one of the most threatened (Critically Endangered) plant species of this area. The exact causes of its decline are still unknown. The authors describe the characteristics of A. montana, the history and methodology of population monitoring, and possible factors causing the decline and habitat degradation. In 2014, some twigs showing symptoms suggesting attack by wood-boring insects were collected. From these, imagines of an unknown weevil species belonging to the genus Pactola Pascoe (Eugnomini) were reared. The new species is described as Pactola kuscheli Mazur sp. nov. Colour photographs of the dorsal habitus, line drawings of taxonomically relevant structures and a key to all New Caledonian species of Pactola are provided. The biology of P. kuscheli Mazur sp. nov. is described and its role as a key threatening process of A. montana is discussed.

The phylogeography of species associated with European steppes and extrazonal xeric grasslands is poorly understood. This paper summarizes the results of recent studies on the phylogeography and conservation genetics of animals (20 taxa of beetles, butterflies, reptiles and rodents) and flowering plants (18 taxa) of such, "steppic" habitats in Eastern Central Europe. Most species show a similar phylogeographic pattern: relatively high genetic similarity within regional groups of populations and moderate-to-high genetic distinctiveness of populations from currently isolated regions located in the studied area. This distinctiveness of populations suggests a survival here during glacial maxima, including areas north of the Bohemian Massif-Carpathians arc. Steppic species generally do not follow the paradigmatic patterns known for temperate biota (south-north “contraction–expansion”), but to some extent are similar to those of arctic-alpine taxa. There are three main groups of taxa within Eastern Central Europe that differ in their contemporary distribution pattern, which may reflect historical origin and expansion routes. Present diversity patterns of the studied steppic species suggest that they share a unique genetic signature and distinct assemblages exist in each of the now isolated areas rich in steppic habitats. At least some of these areas probably act as present “interglacial refugia” for steppic species. This study strongly supports the need to protect steppic species throughout their entire ranges in the region, as the continuous destruction of steppic habitats in some areas may lead not only to the disappearance of local populations, but also to the extinction of unique evolutionary units.

Bacterial communities play a crucial role in the biology, ecology, and evolution of multicellular organisms. In this research, the microbiome of 24 selected beetle species representing five families (Carabidae, Staphylinidae, Curculionidae, Chrysomelidae, Scarabaeidae) and three trophic guilds (carnivorous, herbivorous, detrivorous) was examined using 16S rDNA sequencing on the Illumina platform. The aim of the study was to compare diversity within and among species on various levels of organization, including evaluation of the impact of endosymbiotic bacteria. Collected data showed that beetles possess various bacterial communities and that microbiota of individuals of particular species hosts are intermixed. The most diverse microbiota were found in Carabidae and Scarabaeidae; the least diverse, in Staphylinidae. On higher organization levels, the diversity of bacteria was more dissimilar between families, while the most distinct with respect to their microbiomes were trophic guilds. Moreover, eight taxa of endosymbiotic bacteria were detected including common genera such as Wolbachia, Rickettsia, and Spiroplasma, as well as the rarely detected Cardinium, Arsenophonus, Buchnera, Sulcia, Regiella, and Serratia. There were no correlations among the abundance of the most common Wolbachia and Rickettsia; a finding that does not support the hypothesis that these bacteria occur interchangeably. The abundance of endosymbionts only weakly and negatively correlates with diversity of the whole microbiome in beetles. Overall, microbiome diversity was found to be more dependent on host phylogeny than on the abundance of endosymbionts. This is the first study in which bacteria diversity is compared between numerous species of beetles in a standardized manner. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00248-019-01358-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica(Gyllenhal): Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an invasive pest of alfalfa (Medicago sativaLinnaeus; Fabaceae) in the Holarctic region. Across the wide geographic distribution of the species different local adaptions have been observed. Further, several distinct mitochondrial lineages have been discovered, which have been treated as western and Egyptian/eastern strains. However, our knowledge of the biogeography ofH. posticais largely limited to North American and Japanese populations. We sampled the species from four locations in Iran and two countries in Europe (Poland and Czech Republic) and sequenced the mitochondrial COI gene to detect patterns of mitochondrial DNA divergence among Iranian and European strains. We detected two groups separated by a deep molecular split, even justifying the distinction of two molecular operational taxonomic units. Joint analyses with previously published sequences suggest that the European samples may represent the western strain, whereas both the western and Egyptian/eastern strains can be found in Iran. This distribution of genetic lineages may be the result of human-mediated translocations. The directionality, however, cannot be inferred. Our data suggest that translocations may have led to the coexistence of multipleH. posticalineages in some parts of the world,e.g., Iran. We discuss these findings against the background of the current taxonomy ofH. postica.

A new genus and species, Koghicola karolinae, is described from New Caledonia. Illustrations of main structures of new species, colour dorsal habitus photograph of the adult and checklist to the worldwide genera are given.

Fragmentation and isolation may have detrimental effects on the viability of populations. Xerothermic grasslands, which are extra-zonal analogues of steppes, are among Europe's most endangered natural environments. Information about connectivity between the remaining habitat patches is critical for effective conservation planning. However, very little is known about the actual levels of isolation of individual xerothermic patches at the inter-regional and local scale. In this study, 16 microsatellite loci were used to investigate genetic diversity, structuring, effective sizes (Ne), and connectivity among populations of the weevil Centricnemus leucogrammus at various geographic scales. Analysis of 22 populations from three geographic regions, differing in the time of origin and the degree of geographic isolation of the populations, showed that the isolated populations from northern Poland showed the least variability, whereas those from central Poland and Ukraine sustained a similar level of microsatellite variability and were moderately connected within regions. Very low effective sizes (Ne = 14–44) were estimated, and signatures of bottlenecks were detected in all populations. Effective sizes were generally higher in larger xerothermic patches, which constitute a good quality habitat, and in populations sampled in nature reserves, as opposed to unprotected turfs. Such information is useful for the design of conservation and management plans. As C. leucogrammus is characteristic of xerothermic and steppic habitats in central and eastern Europe, it may be considered an excellent target species for assessing the quality of xerothermic habitats as well as estimating and monitoring their connectivity.

Xerothermic species are rare and threatened in central and eastern Europe. In light of the continuing loss of steppe-like habitats due to anthropogenic fragmentation and degradation, the evaluation of genetic variation in populations inhabiting them is of immediate importance if appropriate conservation measures are to be undertaken. Here we report on the genetic diversity of the rare leaf beetle Crioceris quatuordecimpunctata, whose populations in central and eastern Europe inhabit highly geographically isolated areas. All of the studied populations (in Poland, Ukraine, and Slovakia) were differentiated at the mitochondrial marker COI. However, with respect to the nuclear marker ITS1, Polish populations were monomorphic, but distinct from all other populations. The distinctiveness of the studied populations was confirmed by Wolbachia screening, which showed that all populations carried different strains (one or two), which were probably transferred independently from other insects. On the other hand, no diversity was found in any marker within particular populations, which could be caused (at least for mtDNA) by a Wolbachia selective sweep. Crioceris quatuordecimpunctata probably consists of isolated populations, which went through narrow bottlenecks leading to a drastic reduction in their genetic diversity. As these populations are reciprocally monophyletic for mtDNA haplotypes and show a significant divergence of allele frequencies at nuclear loci, they could be classified as evolutionarily significant units (ESUs). In addition, DNA barcodes were used to identify Asparagus officinalis as the host plant for members of all studied populations. These data should be valuable in efforts to conserve populations of C. quatuordecimpunctata (e.g., for guiding reintroductions).

Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea) of the Stobrawski Landscape ParkThe work presents the results of faunistic and ecological studies on the weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea without Scolytinae) of the Stobrawski Landscape Park. Between 2006-2008 more than 4 000 specimens representing 285 species of weevils were collected from nine types of plant communities.Mesotrichapion punctirostre, Nanophyes brevis, Otiorhynchus lepidopterus, Phytobius leucogaster, Rhaphitropis marchicuswere collected for the first time in Lower or Upper Silesia. The geographical, habitat and food preferences of particular species are presented. The relationships between weevil species and the different habitats are analysed.

The paper presents the results of a study on the tenebrionid beetles (more than 10,500 specimens belonging to 78 species) collected in Poland and preserved in the following national zoological collections: Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals PAS, Cracow (ISEA), Museum and Institute of Zoology PAS, Warsaw (MIZ) and Upper Silesian Museum, Bytom (USMB). The occurrence of 14 rarely recorded species is confirmed. The presence of 14 studied species on the „Polish Red List of Endangered Animals” and „Polish Red Data Book of Animals” is recorded. The common species, Isomira murina (L.), as a senior synonym of I. semiflava (KUST.), should be excluded from the „Polish Red List of Endangered Animals”. Two species should be excluded from Polish fauna because of an erroneous determination: Pedi- nus helopioides AHR. as Crypticus quisquilius (L.), and Isomira icteropa (KUST.) as Isomira murina (L.). New distributional data on the occurrence on Catalogus faunae Poloniae regions is given for 44 species. Centorus elongatus (HERBST), Cryphaeus cornutus (FISH.) and Nalassus convexus (COM.) are recorded from Poland, but not included in Polish fauna.

DNA barcoding facilitates many evolutionary and ecological studies, including the examination of the dietary diversity of herbivores. In this study, we present a survey of ecological associations between herbivorous beetles and host plants from seriously threatened European steppic grasslands. We determined host plants for the majority (65%) of steppic leaf beetles (55 species) and weevils (59) known from central Europe using two barcodes (trnL and rbcL) and two sequencing strategies (Sanger for mono/oligophagous species and Illumina for polyphagous taxa). To better understand the ecological associations between steppic beetles and their host plants, we tested the hypothesis that leaf beetles and weevils differ in food selection as a result of their phylogenetic relations (within genera and between families) and interactions with host plants. We found 224 links between the beetles and the plants. Beetles belonging to seven genera feed on the same or related plants. Their preferences were probably inherited from common ancestors and/or resulted from the host plant's chemistry. Beetles from four genera feed on different plants, possibly reducing intrageneric competition and possibly due to an adaptation to different plant chemical defences. We found significant correlations between the numbers of leaf beetle and weevil species feeding on particular plants for polyphagous taxa, but not for nonpolyphagous beetles. Finally, we found that the previous identifications of host plants based on direct observations are generally concordant with host plant barcoding from insect gut. Our results expand basic knowledge about the trophic relations of steppic beetles and plants and are immediately useful for conservation purposes.

Recently, several papers were published dealing with host plant identification for selected species of insects, including beetles. These studies took advantage of the DNA barcoding approach and generally showed that it is possible to identify diet composition from plant DNA present in insect guts. However, none of these studies considered how the impact of environmental conditions affected the likelihood of insect feeding and, therefore, the presence of host plant DNA that could be amplified and sequenced. In the present study, individuals of the polyphagous weevil Centricnemus leucogrammus (Germar, 1824) (Curculionidae: Entiminae) were used to test the hypothesis that harsh environmental conditions limited its feeding activity. The diet of 50 specimens collected during favourable conditions in the middle of the species reproductive period was compared against the diet of 50 specimens collected during harsh environmental conditions. Results clearly showed that almost no weevils fed during rainy and cold conditions and only a minority of individuals (20%) fed during the drought condition (on drought-resistant plants). It is important to consider such factors in any studies dealing with host plant identification and feeding behaviour. Results of ecological studies could lead to erroneous conclusions, e.g., underestimation of number and composition of host plants in the diet of studies species.

The cosmopolitan genus Glischrochilus Reitter, 1873 (Nitidulidae: Cryptarchinae) is distributed in Holarctic and Oriental regions. According to the most recent catalogue (Jelinek & Audisio 2007), 32 species are known from the Palaearctic region. In China the genus is represented by 13 species, most of which were described by Jelinek (1975, 1982, 1999) and Lason (2009).

Pactola fiji sp. n. is the first species from the tribe Eugnomini described from the Fiji Archipelago. A description, with illustrations and data about the general distribution of the genus, are provided. The genus Pactola Pascoe, 1876 now contains eleven species distributed on New Zealand, New Caledonia and Taevuni Island (Fiji Archipelago).

Pactola corporosa sp. n. is described from New Caledonia. Illustrations of body parts, terminalia of both sexes and distributional data of the new species are provided. The genus Pactola Pascoe, 1876 now contains thirteen species distributed in New Zealand, New Caledonia and Taevuni Island (Fiji Archipelago).