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Renewable energies are a major tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Among renewables, solar parks are a key technology and their expansion will strongly increase in the future. Hence, there is a great need for research regarding their impact on biodiversity. In this study, we investigated the importance of three solar parks in northern Germany as habitat for carabid beetles. More specifically, we determined how habitat characteristics (temperature, vegetation structure), species richness, activity densities and carabid beetle assemblages vary between different locations within solar parks: areas under solar panels "UNDR", gaps between panel rows "BTW" and areas at the edge of solar parks "EDGE". We found that UNDR strongly differed from BTW/EDGE in terms of habitat conditions, species richness and activity densities of carabid beetles. UNDR mainly provided habitat for a species- and individual-poor subset of species already present in BTW/EDGE and made only a small contribution to the total species richness of the investigated solar parks. BTW and EDGE, on the other hand, differed only slightly. Thus, the narrow gaps between the panel rows were of similar importance as a habitat for carabid beetles as the edge areas. Overall, the investigated solar parks—and thus also the more species-rich areas EDGE and BTW—almost exclusively provided habitat for widespread and common non-threatened generalists, while species of conservation concern were extremely rare. Implications for insect conservation: The low importance of UNDR for carabid beetles should be considered when assessing the biodiversity value of solar parks, since a large proportion of these facilities is covered with solar panels. Between panel rows and at the edge of solar parks, larger areas should be kept free from construction with solar panels in order to provide habitats for carabid beetles and other species groups. More research should be conducted on how to further improve solar parks for carabid beetles and overall biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Laboulbeniales are a group of lesser-known fungi. They occur as ectoparasites on the exoskeleton of various arthropod species, mainly beetles, cockroaches, ants, dipterans and a few millipede genera appearing as hairs/bristles coming out of their cuticle. They are small, non-mycelial fungi forming compact multicellular thalli, starting from a two-celled sheathed ascospore which continues to envelop the mature thallus. The fungi, being obligate, spend their entire life cycle on their insect hosts. The present study attempted to locate the Laboulbeniales fungi in the common insects of India, isolate them and identify them based on morphology. Different species of insects; Carabid beetles - Stenolophus sp., Bembidion sp., Black ants - Camponotus sp., and Earwigs - Labidura riparia; were collected from different habitats of damp garden soil, river banks, light sources and entomological collection museum situated as different sites New Delhi. The insects were scrutinized for the presence of fungi through light and scanning electron microscopy. The morphological features of each fungus were recorded, and the species were characterized. The studies showed the presence of Laboulbenia anaplogenii and L. stenolophi on the legs of Stenolophus sp.; L. egens on Bembidion sp. legs; L. camponoti on the wings of black ants and Dimeromyces anisolabis on the legs of earwigs. The identification was made primarily based on the size, shape and structure of basal foot, receptacles, antheridia and foot of the thallus or it's remnant scar found on the insect cuticle. This is the first Indian report of conducting scanning imaging of the Laboulbeniales fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the Hessian strict forest program, the reserve Hasenblick was set aside from forest management in 1988. The program aims to document the faunas of forest reserves in unprecedented detail, using a set of many different sampling methods. Here data on ground dwelling spiders and beetles that were sampled with pitfall traps in 2000 and 2001 and again in 2012 and 2013 are analyzed to assess temporal changes. In light of putative insect declines, we hypothesized a significant decrease in abundance, biomass, diversity, and trait composition of the arthropod communities. No substantial changes in community trait composition were observed in any species group. Abundance, biomass, and functional diversity of beetles and spiders were higher in the second survey, with exception of the beetle biomass, when Anoplotrupes stercorosus was excluded, and the functional diversity of spiders showed only a tendency to be higher in the second survey. Additionally, the extrapolated number of ground dwelling beetle species was higher during the second survey. However, in all tested measures, the observed differences between the surveys were not significantly higher than differences observed between consecutive years. Therefore, we are not able to detect directed long-term trends of (functional) diversity or biomass in our dataset. The results rather indicate high stability of the arthropod communities in this naturally developing forest, although short-term fluctuations in populations are high. And while climatic factors affected abundance and biomass of beetles and spiders overall, the timespan of about 10 years may be too short to clearly detect effects of climate change or changes in forest structure on the trait composition of the beetle or spider communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects provide valuable ecosystem services to agriculture, but their populations are often lower in these areas.We established floral strips on the edges of eight organic and seven conventional crop fields in southern Manitoba. We then compared the capture rates of ground beetles, syrphid flies and bees in floral strips; control (unmodified) field edges; nearby semi‐natural sites; and within the strip and control fields at six distances away from field borders (5–150 m). The effects of farm management and landscape context on insect abundance, diversity and associated species traits were investigated.Capture rates of bees and beetles were significantly higher within the floral strips than the control treatment. However, capture rates of syrphids were significantly higher in the control. Beetles and bees responded positively to blooming forb cover and edge density (0.5 km), whereas syrphids responded positively to non‐rewarding agriculture and negatively to the semi‐natural areas (1 km). We found no significant difference in insect abundance or diversity between organic and conventional management types, and no differences in insect abundances within the fields were detected. No significant associations between insect traits and landscape variables were identified.These results show that floral strips are effective at attracting ground beetles and bees shortly after establishment, but these communities are functionally similar to those present in control fields. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether populations continue to increase over time and become more functionally diverse in fields with floral strips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Insect declines have been discussed intensively among experts, policymakers, and the public. Albeit, decreasing trends have been reported for a long time for various regions in Europe and North America, but the controversial discussion over the role of specific drivers and pressures still remains. A reason for these uncertainties lies within the complex networks of inter-dependent biotic and abiotic factors as well as anthropogenic activities that influence habitats, communities, populations, and individual organisms. Many recent publications aim to identify both the extent of the observed declines and potential drivers. With this literature analysis, we provide an overview of the drivers and pressures and their inter-relationships, which were concluded in the scientific literature, using some of the best-studied insect groups as examples. We conducted a detailed literature evaluation of publications on Carabidae (Coleoptera) and Lepidoptera trends with data for at least 6 years in countries of Central and Western Europe, with a focus on agricultural landscapes. From the 82 publications identified as relevant, we extracted all reported trends and classified the respective factors described according to the DPSIR model. Further, we analysed the level of scientific verification (presumed vs correlated vs examined) within these papers for these cited stressors. The extracted trends for both species groups underline the reported overall declining trend. Whether negative or positive trends were reported in the papers, our semi-quantitative analysis shows that changes in insect populations are primarily anthropogenically driven by agriculture, climate change, nature conservation activities, urbanisation, and other anthropogenic activities. Most of the identified pressures were found to act on habitat level, only a fraction attributed to direct effects to the insects. While our analysis gives an overview of existing research concerning abundance and biodiversity trends of carabids and lepidopterans, it also shows gaps in scientific data in this area, in particular in monitoring the pressures along with the monitoring of abundance trends. The scientific basis for assessing biodiversity changes in the landscape is essential to help all stakeholders involved to shape, e.g. agriculture and other human activities, in a more sustainable way, balancing human needs such as food production with conservation of nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of studies is investigating insect population trends based on time series data. However, the available data is often subject to temporal pseudoreplication. Inter‐annual variability of environmental conditions and strong fluctuations in insect abundances can impede reliable trend estimation. Temporal random effect structures in regression models have been proposed as solution for this issue, but remain controversial.We investigated trends in ground beetle abundance across 24 years using generalised linear mixed models. We fitted four models: A base model, a model featuring a random year intercept, a model featuring basic weather parameters, and a model featuring both random year intercept and weather parameters. We then performed a simple sensitivity analysis to assess the robustness of the four models with respect to influential years, also testing for possible spurious baseline and snapshot effects.The model structure had a significant impact on the overall magnitude of the estimated trends. However, we found almost no difference among the models in how the removal of single years (sensitivity analysis) relatively affected trend coefficients. The two models with a random year intercept yielded significantly larger confidence intervals and their p‐values were more sensitive during sensitivity analysis. Significant differences of the model with random year intercept and weather parameters to all other models suggest that the random year effects and specific weather effects are rather additive than interchangeable.We conclude that random year intercepts help to produce more reliable and cautious uncertainty measures for insect population trends. Moreover, they might help to identify influential years in sensitivity analyses more easily. We recommend random year intercepts in addition to any variables representing temporally variable environmental conditions, such as weather variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In defensive mimicry, resemblance between unequally defended species can be parasitic; this phenomenon has been termed quasi-Batesian mimicry. Few studies have used real co-mimics and their predators to test whether the mimetic interactions were parasitic. Here, we investigated the mimetic interaction between two well-defended insect species, the bombardier beetle Pheropsophus occipitalis jessoensis (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and the assassin bug Sirthenea flavipes (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), using their potential predator, the pond frog Pelophylax nigromaculatus (Anura: Ranidae), which coexists with these insect species in the same habitat in Japan. We observed behavioural responses of this frog species (adults and juveniles) to adult Ph. occipitalis jessoensis and adult S. flavipes under laboratory conditions. Among the frogs, 100% and 75% rejected Ph. occipitalis jessoensis and S. flavipes, respectively, suggesting that, compared with the assassin bug S. flavipes, the bombardier beetle Ph. occipitalis jessoensis is more well-defended against frogs. An assassin bug or a bombardier beetle was provided to a frog that had encountered the other insect species. Frogs with a history of assassin bug encounter demonstrated a lower rate of attack toward bombardier beetles. Similarly, frogs with a history of bombardier beetle encounter demonstrated a lower rate of attack toward assassin bugs. Therefore, both the bombardier beetle Ph. occipitalis jessoensis and the assassin bug S. flavipes benefit from the mimetic interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Declining biodiversity in agricultural landscapes has increased the need for research and monitoring of insect abundance and diversity at the landscape level. Objectives: We investigated the accuracy of different spatial sampling designs in estimating landscape-level abundance and species richness of carabids in agricultural landscapes and, further, which sample size per landscape section was required and whether dominating land use or landscape subdivision affected accuracy and required sample size. Methods: We developed a simulation model that created raster maps of agricultural landscapes, compiled local carabid communities (species composition and abundances) within raster cells and simulated the sampling of carabids with pitfall traps using different spatial sampling designs and sample sizes between 4 and 49 sampling points per landscape section. Spatial sampling designs included random, systematic grid-based, stratified and clustered schemes. Results: To estimate landscape-level abundance, area-proportional stratified random sampling was most accurate followed by systematic grid-based designs. A sample size of 25 appeared to be the best trade-off between accuracy and sampling cost. Accuracy was not affected substantially by landscape characteristics in most cases. With respect to species richness, all designs except for clustered sampling had comparable accuracies, but even 49 samples were not sufficient to detect 80% of the species. Conclusion: Systematic grid-based designs are generally recommendable for sampling of carabids in agricultural landscapes and, in case a carabid-specific habitat classification is available, area-proportional stratified random sampling provides optimal accuracy for estimating landscape-level abundance. For assessment of species richness, large sample size is more important than spatial sampling design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining heathlands in early successional stages to sustain heather (Calluna vulgaris) is a common, large-scale management practice in Europe. However, allowing patches of long-term natural vegetation development may increase habitat heterogeneity benefitting insects, but empirical evidence is sparse. We investigated how old-growth heathland (> 30 years abandonment) affect species richness and composition of bees (Anthophila), crane flies (Tipuloidea), ground beetles (Carabidae), hoverflies (Syrphidae) and rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in relation to their hygropreference. Adult insects, vegetation and edaphic explanatory variables were collected in old-growth, managed and wet sites and compared in four lowland heathland locations in Denmark. We found 299 species including 24 nationally red-listed. Species composition differed between managed, old-growth and wet heathland for all taxa. Indicator species and richness analyses showed a predominance of xerophilic bee species in managed heathland. Old-growth heathland showed a predominance of mesophilic indicator species, and higher richness of mesophilic crane flies and of hygrophilic ground and rove beetles compared to managed heathland. Wet heathland was generally dominated by hygrophilic species. Soil moisture, bare soil and vegetation height density were important drivers explaining the contrasting responses in richness and composition between heathland types. Our results demonstrate that heathland management focusing solely on early successional vegetation stages may homogenize insect communities. We suggest that management practices should focus on improving structural vegetation heterogeneity. This can be achieved through management regimes that reset the succession and expose bare soil, but also by allowing patches of old-growth vegetation stages to develop and by conserving existing ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we focused on the diversity and abundance of Carabidae in the Somosierra forest in Madrid, Spain. This forest is atypical for the Mediterranean region due the presence of birch. Collection of 13 monthly samples yielded 29 635 specimens, including 4829 imagos of 21 Carabidae species. The dominant species was west European chorotype of Calathus (Amphyginus) rotundicollis. There was a high proportion of endemism of Iberian species, and considerable seasonal variations in the activity of different species. A wing development assessment indicated that most species were brachypterous (i.e., with reduced wings). This feature restricts the carabid dispersal suggesting high environmental stability in the forest. Overall, our study supports the uniqueness of the study forest and that stable environments support species that are highly vulnerable for anthropogenic disturbances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protected areas provide diverse resources with the least disturbance in a habitat that favours insect species belonging to different guilds to coexist and contribute to the ecosystem processes. Whereas agricultural landscapes are expected to affect the distribution patterns of insect fauna. To understand the species composition and abundance of the agricultural landscape, we explored insect fauna in Deva Vatala National Park (DVNP), Bhimber (Azad Kashmir), and associated croplands of Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan. We explored the diversity of insect orders, families, and species. Fortnightly surveys were conducted during 2017-2019. We sampled insects by handpicking, using sweep nets, light traps, and pitfall traps. The specimens were identified by using taxonomic keys. We recorded a total of 239 insect species representing 10 orders and 69 families from both habitat types. Data showed significant differences in community composition at species, family, and order levels. Overall insect orders and families demonstrated significant differences (p< 0.05) in either abundance or richness or both between the two types of habitats. Coleoptera was the dominant insect order with 15 families and 71 species with a relative abundance of 14.20 %. Among families, Scarabaeidae (dung beetles), Carabidae (ground beetles), and Coccinellidae (ladybird beetles) showed greater species richness in DVNP. Similarly, we also noted 12 families and 54 species of Coleoptera with a relative abundance of 14.20 % in the croplands of Gujrat. The overall greater abundance of insect orders was observed in DVNP. The study concludes that both habitats share insect diversity though variations in species richness of different groups differ significantly. Protected areas adjacent to croplands have the potential to contribute immensely to biodiversity conservation and the provision of ecosystem services. [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]

(1) Background: The conservation of entomofauna in individual macroregions requires efforts to study the distribution and abundance of insects. For this purpose, databases are created that enumerate this information. Such databases, with the processing of significant factual material, make it possible to objectively assess the status of a species and, if necessary, take measures for its protection. The aim of the paper is to describe the modern Coleoptera fauna in nine regions of Russia on the basis of a recently published dataset. (2) Methods: We conducted our own studies in 1994, 1996, 1998–2003 and 2005–2022. The dataset also includes data from museum specimens from other years. We used a variety of methods, such as sifting through litter, searching under the bark of trees and stumps, trapping by light, soil traps, beer traps, window traps, etc. For each observation, the coordinates of the find, the number of individuals observed and the date were recorded. (3) Results: The dataset contains data on 1469 species and subspecies of Coleoptera from 85 families found in the Volga Region. In total, there are 31,433 samples and 9072 occurrences in the dataset. (4) Conclusions: The largest families in terms of species diversity are Curculionidae (202 species), Carabidae (145 species) and Chrysomelidae (142 species). There are 54 species of Coleoptera with a northern range boundary in the macroregion, two species with a southern range boundary and one species with an eastern range boundary. Twenty-one invasive Coleoptera species have been recorded in the macroregion. Dataset: https://doi.org/10.15468/u4c9y5. Dataset License: Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 License. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Galerita Fabricius, 1801 belongs to the tribe Galeritini of the family Carabidae. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome (GenBank: ON920164.1) of G. orientalis is newly sequenced, annotated, characterized, and composed of 37 typical genes, and one control region. Mitogenome is a circular DNA molecule of 16,137 bp with a 78.79% AT content. All 13 protein-coding genes are initiated using a typical ATN (Met) as the start codon, except for nad1, which has a TTG as the start codon, and are terminated using a typical TAN stop codon. Twenty-two tRNAs could fold into a typical cloverleaf structure, including trnS1-GCU, which lacks the DHU stem observed in other mitogenomes of the subfamily Harpalinae. Both rrnS and rrnL contain many helices. A conserved poly-T stretch (19 bp) and seven tandem repeats are observed in the control region, and a phylogenetic analysis indicated that the genus Galerita is an independent lineage. The complete mitogenome of G. orientalis will contribute to further studies on the molecular basis of the classification and phylogeny of Harpalinae, and even Carabidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A checklist, distribution pattern and taxonomic keys to the Carabidae fauna of the Thar Desert (Rajasthan) are provided. Seventeen species belonging to five subfamilies (Anthiinae, Brachininae, Carabinae, Harpalinae, and Licininae) were recorded. Eight species of Carabidae are first records from the state of Rajasthan. [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 Carabidae is by far the largest family of the Adephaga, with more than 40,000 described species. Whereas their phylogeny has been extensively studied, convergences and reversals in morphological traits prevent a robust phylogenetic concept so far. In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genomes of Notiophilus quadripunctatus (Nebriinae) and Omophrom limbatum (Omophroninae) using high-throughput sequencing. Both mitogenomes consisted of a single circular DNA molecule that encoded the typical 13 protein-coding genes, two subunits of mitochondrial RNAs, 22 tRNAs and a putative control region. Our phylogenetic study placed Omophrom limbatum as sister taxon to all other analyzed ground beetle species whereas Notiophilus quadripunctatus was identified as sister to Nebria brevicollis as part of the Nebriinae. The analyses also support the monophyly of the Cicindelidae but place Trachypachus holmbergi (Trachypachidae) within the Carabidae. Nevertheless, almost all carabid subfamilies with more than one analyzed species were identified as monophyla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green walls are a component of urban green infrastructure and contribute to a range of ecosystem services including habitat provision for urban biodiversity, screening out aerial particulate matter, improving air quality, attenuating noise, and enhancing aesthetics of the cityscape. Insects can be the organic grower’s best friend. Whether pollinators or predators, they will help manage pests and keep urban gardens healthy. The organic growers encourage flowers, along with trees, shrubs and water, to provide a valuable and diverse ecosystem. The green wall was set in the experimental fruit field of the Faculty of Horticulture within USAMV Bucharest, at the border between the vineyard and the organic apple and cherry growing sector. Observations were made on the green wall impact on beneficial insects, as pollinators, hoverflies (Diptera), ladybirds (Coleoptera), parasitic wasps (Hymenoptera), butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera), lacewings (Neuroptera), ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae). The preliminary results indicate that Lonicera japonica, Hedera helix, Mentha, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, Akebia Quinata,Campsis radicans they attract beneficial insects such as pollinators or aphid eaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Femoro‐tibial leg joint, head–prothorax joint (gular area) and occipital region of the head were examined using scanning electron microscopy in insects from the orders Blattodea and Coleoptera. Lubricating substances and corresponding pore openings were found in Argentinean Wood Roach Blaptica dubia and in the beetles from families Carabidae, Hydrophilidae, Silphidae, Scarabaeidae, Elateridae, Tenebrionidae and Curculionidae. Lubricant on the contacting surfaces were found on femoral and tibial counterparts of leg joints of different beetle species and cockroaches, in the gular region of the head in beetles, and in the occipital region of the head of the cockroach. Typical pore opening was on an average 1 µm in diameter (ranging from 0.5 µm to 10.0 µm). The amount of pore openings in a joint varies from a few pores to hundreds. The lubricant is found to be strongly variable in its appearance usually in the form of a single elongated filiform flow, as well as long or short drops, often forming accumulations or spreading over the surface. The supposed function of the lubricant in studied joints is discussed and assumed as friction and wear minimization. The presence of a high amount of the lubricant in leg joints of insects with intense leg locomotion is presumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An annotated checklist of ground beetles in the family Carabidae from the state of Sonora in Mexico is presented with notes including number of specimens examined, municipios, habitat, vegetation, elevation, and collection dates. The checklist includes 388 taxa, of which 270 are described taxa (included are 19 subspecies and 1 hybrid) and 118 are unnamed morphospecies, in 92 genera representing 35 tribes. Dot maps display where specimens were collected. Three new species are described, with corrected keys and images: Calathus mcclevei, new species (type locality: Mexico, Sonora, Municipality of Yécora, 10 km south of Yécora, ca. 28.278° N 108.926° W); Calathus tigrinus, new species (type locality: Mexico, Sonora, Municipality of Nacozari de García, Rancho El Tigre, 28.3 km (by air) WNW Bavispe, Sierra El Tigre, 30.58988° N 109.20811° W); and Amblygnathus balli, new species (type locality: Mexico, Sonora, Municipality of Fronteras, Rancho Capulín, 23.5 km (by air) WSW Fronteras, Sierra Buenos Aires, 30.76167° N 109.82361° W). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tropical dry forest (TDF) ecosystem is characterised by strong seasonality exasperated periodically by the El Niño/southern oscillation (ENSO). The environment produced by this event could constrain the survival of small organisms, such as insects. Carabid beetles were collected in a TDF in Armero, Colombia, during wet and dry seasons in both El Niño and non-El Niño periods. A series of traits linked to desiccation resistance were measured to characterise their adaptation to the TDF environment and to investigate changes experienced by carabid beetles during both episodes in quantitative (assemblage) and qualitative (traits) parameters. We found no difference in the presence of traits between El Niño and non-El Niño episodes, but carabid assemblages changed significantly in composition and assemblage structure between these episodes. During both periods, small-sized and nocturnal species dominated the assemblages, but in terms of number of individuals, medium and large-sized, and visual hunter species dominated. Calosoma alternans and Megacephala affinis were the most abundant species with high dispersal capacity. Carabid beetles exhibited morphological traits well-adapted to drought experienced in TDF, including when it is exasperated by ENSO. However, long-term studies can help to elucidate the real effects of ENSO and to confirm the adaptation of carabid beetles to cope with this extreme environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) spawn and die, they deliver marine‐derived nutrient subsidies to freshwater and riparian ecosystems. These subsidies can alter the behavior, productivity, and abundance of recipient species and their habitats. Isotopes, such as nitrogen‐15 (15N), are often used to trace the destination of marine‐derived nutrients in riparian habitats. However, few studies have tested for correlations between stable isotopes and physiological responses of riparian organisms. We examined whether increases in δ15N in terrestrial insect bodies adjacent to salmon spawning habitat translate to changes in percent nitrogen content and body size. This involved comparisons between distance from a salmon‐bearing river, marine‐derived nutrients in soils and insects, soil moisture content, and body size and nitrogen content in two common beetle families (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Carabidae). As predicted, δ15N in riparian soils attenuated with distance from the river but was unaffected by soil moisture. This gradient was mirrored by δ15N in the herbivorous curculionid beetles, whereas carabid beetles, which feed at a higher trophic level and are more mobile, did not show discernable patterns in their δ15N content. Additionally, neither distance from the river nor body δ15N content was related to beetle body size. We also found that nitrogen‐15 was not correlated with total percent nitrogen in insect bodies, meaning that the presence of spawning salmon did not increase the percent nitrogen content of these insects. We conclude that while salmon‐derived nutrients had entered terrestrial food webs, the presence of δ15N alone did not indicate meaningful physiological changes in these insects in terms of percent nitrogen nor body size. While stable isotopes may be useful tracers of marine‐derived nutrients, they cannot necessarily be used as a proxy for physiologically important response variables. [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]

The hyperdiverse order Coleoptera comprises a staggering ~25% of known species on Earth. Despite recent breakthroughs in next generation sequencing, there remains a limited representation of beetle diversity in assembled genomes. Most notably, the ground beetle family Carabidae, comprising more than 40,000 described species, has not been studied in a comparative genomics framework using whole genome data. Here we generate a high‐quality genome assembly for Nebria riversi, to examine sources of novelty in the genome evolution of beetles, as well as genetic changes associated with specialization to high‐elevation alpine habitats. In particular, this genome resource provides a foundation for expanding comparative molecular research into mechanisms of insect cold adaptation. Comparison to other beetles shows a strong signature of genome compaction, with N. riversi possessing a relatively small genome (~147 Mb) compared to other beetles, with associated reductions in repeat element content and intron length. Small genome size is not, however, associated with fewer protein‐coding genes, and an analysis of gene family diversity shows significant expansions of genes associated with cellular membranes and membrane transport, as well as protein phosphorylation and muscle filament structure. Finally, our genomic analyses show that these high‐elevation beetles have endosymbiotic Spiroplasma, with several metabolic pathways (e.g., propanoate biosynthesis) that might complement N. riversi, although its role as a beneficial symbiont or as a reproductive parasite remains equivocal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A paper on the occasion of the 75th birthday of Terry Lee Erwin (1940-2020), an outstanding biologist and founding Editor-in-Chief of ZooKeys, was published in 2015 and contained complete lists of Erwin's publications, patronyms (taxa named after him) and new taxa published by him. The present paper aims to complement these lists with all new information published after 2015, including the papers in the present special issue of ZooKeys dedicated to the blessed memory of Terry Lee Erwin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distribution patterns and literature details of 45 Dryptinae and 33 Panagaeinae species reported from the Indian subcontinent are provided. Out of the 45 Dryptinae species, six species are endemic to the Western Ghats & Sri Lanka hotspot of biodiversity, two species are endemic to the Indo-Burma hotspot of biodiversity and two species are endemic to the Himalaya hotspot of biodiversity. Distribution patterns revealed that 24 Dryptinae species are endemic to the Indian subcontinent with 22 species recorded from the Oriental (ORR) region and two from the Palearctic (PAR) region. Out of the 33 Panagaeinae species, 20 species are endemic to the Indian subcontinent with 17 of these species distributed in the Oriental region; two in the Palearctic region and one species in both Oriental and Palearctic regions. Seven species are endemic to the Western Ghats & Sri Lanka hotspot of biodiveristy and two endemic to the Himalaya hotspot of biodiversity. Six Panagaeinae species and seven Dryptinae species recorded only from the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka hotspot of biodiversity are likely to be representatives of the Gondwana remnants. Genus Ardistomopsis with five species is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planting non-native tree species, like Douglas fir in temperate European forest systems, is encouraged to mitigate effects of climate change. However, Douglas fir monocultures often revealed negative effects on forest biota, while effects of mixtures with native tree species on forest ecosystems are less well understood. We investigated effects of three tree species (Douglas fir, Norway spruce, native European beech), on ground beetles in temperate forests of Germany. Beetles were sampled in monocultures of each tree species and broadleaf-conifer mixtures with pitfall traps, and environmental variables were assessed around each trap. We used linear mixed models in a two-step procedure to disentangle effects of environment and tree species identity on ground beetle abundance, species richness, functional diversity and species assemblage structure. Contradictory to our expectations, ground beetle abundance and functional diversity was highest in pure Douglas fir stands, while tree mixtures showed intermediate values between pure coniferous and pure beech stands. The main drivers of these patterns were only partially dependent on tree species identity, which highlights the importance of structural features in forest stands. However, our study revealed distinct shifts in assemblage structure between pure beech and pure Douglas fir stands, which were only partially eased through mixture planting. Our findings suggest that effects of planting non-native trees on associated biodiversity can be actively modified by promoting beneficial forest structures. Nevertheless, integrating non-native tree species, even in mixtures with native trees, will invariably alter assemblage structures of associated biota, which can compromise conservation efforts targeted at typical species composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mamboicus bittencourtae sp. nov. from Mozambique is described as a new species. The new species is illustrated including its aedeagus, and compared with the related taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clivina (Leucocara) bartolozzii sp. nov. from Tanzania is described, illustrated including the female styli, and compared with similar hitherto known African species of the subgenus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taeniolobus moreti sp. nov. from Ecuador is described, illustrated (including its aedeagus) and compared with the most similar South American species of the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We established field boundaries with late mowing and high mowing heights. • This practice increased the numbers of inflorescences and pollinators. • The mowing regime did not influence the average weed cover in wheat fields. • The mowing regime did not influence the number of ground beetles. Herbaceous boundaries adjacent to arable fields can deliver ecosystem services not sufficiently provided at the field scale, as well as disservices such as increased weed pressure. The levels of services and disservices depend on the management regime implemented in these boundaries. Our study was conducted in Western France, where herbaceous boundaries of many arable fields constitute the road verge, and various mowing regimes were tested for conservation purposes. Until now, most studies of the influence of mowing regimes focused on one taxonomic group and documented contrasting results depending on the environmental context. This study aimed to compare the influence of two mowing regimes on road verges by evaluating different taxonomic groups that could potentially deliver services or disservices to adjacent arable fields. The mowing regimes used were a standard and an agro-environmental regime, the latter being characterized by one late mowing, a high mowing height and biomass removal. We monitored, during two consecutive years, seven road verges and their adjacent arable fields. Each road verge was divided into two zones of equal length, characterized by a different mowing regime. Communities of plants, flower-visiting insects and ground beetles were sampled in herbaceous boundaries and/or arable fields in the period between the mass-flowering of oilseed rape and sunflower crops. In zones where the agro-environmental mowing regime had been implemented, the average number of inflorescences and flower-visiting insects within boundaries were higher than under the standard mowing regime. However, between the two mowing regimes, no differences in weed cover within arable fields and the average number of ground beetles within boundaries and arable fields were observed. To conclude, our study suggests that in our particular environmental context, an agro-environmental mowing regime could promote pollination in adjacent arable fields without increasing weed pressure within the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of the ground beetle genus Pterostichus Bonelli, 1810 are some of the most common carabids in Europe. This publication provides a first comprehensive DNA barcode library for this genus and allied taxa including Abax Bonelli, 1810, Molops Bonelli, 1810, Poecilus Bonelli, 1810, and Stomis Clairville, 1806 for Germany and Central Europe in general. DNA barcodes were analyzed from 609 individuals that represent 51 species, including sequences from previous studies as well as more than 198 newly generated sequences. The results showed a 1:1 correspondence between BIN and traditionally recognized species for 44 species (86%), whereas two (4%) species were characterized by two BINs. Three BINs were found for one species (2%), while one BIN for two species was revealed for two species pairs (8%). Low interspecific distances with maximum pairwise K2P values below 2.2% were found for four species pairs. Haplotype sharing was found for two closely related species pairs: Pterostichus adstrictus Eschscholtz, 1823/Pterostichus oblongopunctatus (Fabricius, 1787) and Pterostichus nigrita Paykull, 1790/Pterostichus rhaeticus Heer, 1837. In contrast to this, high intraspecific sequence divergences with values above 2.2% were shown for three species (Molops piceus (Panzer, 1793), Pterostichus panzeri (Panzer, 1805), Pterostichus strenuus (Panzer, 1793)). Summarizing the results, the present DNA barcode library does not only allow the identification of most of the analyzed species, but also provides valuable information for alpha-taxonomy as well as for ecological and evolutionary research. This library represents another step in building a comprehensive DNA barcode library of ground beetles as part of modern biodiversity research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sperm show marked morphological diversity, but the processes and mechanisms driving this diversity have not been fully elucidated. The beetle family Carabidae represents a potential model system for studying sperm trait evolution. In this study, sperm traits (mainly conjugation and sperm conjugate gross morphology) of 42 species from nine subfamilies of Carabidae were examined using light microscopy. Except in Harpalinae, the type of conjugation was shared by all members of a particular subfamily: in Carabinae, Elaphrinae, Patrobinae and Brachinae, sperm conjugates were observed in which variable numbers of sperm clumped together; in Nebriinae, Cicindelinae and Trechinae, sperm were not organized as conjugates but were present individually; and in Broscinae, both individual sperm and sperm conjugates were observed. In the remaining subfamily, Harpalinae, sperm conjugates were formed in most species, but a loss of conjugation was observed in some species. Mapping the observed sperm traits onto within-family molecular phylogenetic trees suggested that sperm conjugation was ancestral, with loss of conjugation evolving in several lineages. In sperm conjugates, a short spermatostyle (the axis of sperm conjugates) was the ancestral state, while a long spermatostyle evolved in subsequent lineages. In the long spermatostyle trait, the flexible type without a conspicuous 3D structure was ancestral, while the type with a conspicuous 3D structure, such as the spiral structure, evolved in derived lineages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental thermal conditions play a major role at all levels of biological organization; however, there is little information on noxious high temperature sensation crucial in behavioral thermoregulation and survival of small ectothermic animals such as insects. So far, a capability to unambiguously encode heat has been demonstrated only for the sensory triad of the spike bursting thermo- and two bimodal hygro-thermoreceptor neurons located in the antennal dome-shaped sensilla (DSS) in a carabid beetle. We used extracellular single sensillum recording in the range of 20–45°C to demonstrate that a similar sensory triad in the elaterid Agriotes obscurus also produces high temperature-induced bursty spike trains. Several parameters of the bursts are temperature dependent, allowing the neurons in a certain order to encode different, but partly overlapping ranges of heat up to lethal levels in a graded manner. ISI in a burst is the most useful parameter out of six. Our findings consider spike bursting as a general, fundamental quality of the classical sensory triad of antennal thermo- and hygro-thermoreceptor neurons widespread in many insect groups, being a flexible and reliable mode of coding unfavorably high temperatures. The possible involvement of spike bursting in behavioral thermoregulation of the beetles is discussed. By contrast, the mean firing rate of the neurons in regular and bursty spike trains combined does not carry useful thermal information at the high end of noxious heat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies showing temporal changes in local and regional insect populations received exaggerated global media coverage. Confusing and inaccurate science communication on this important issue could have counterproductive effects on public support for insect conservation. The insect apocalypse narrative is fuelled by a limited number of studies that are restricted geographically (predominantly the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States) and taxonomically (predominantly some bees, macrolepidoptera, and ground beetles). Biases in sampling and analytical methods (e.g., categorical versus continuous time series, different diversity metrics) limit the relevance of these studies as evidence of generalized global insect decline. Rather, the value of this research lies in highlighting important areas for priority investment. We summarize research, communication, and policy priorities for evidence-based insect conservation, including key areas of knowledge to increase understanding of insect population dynamics. Importantly, we advocate for a balanced perspective in science communication to better serve both public and scientific interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insect, tadpole shrimp and plant macrofodssil assemblages dated to different intervals of MIS5 are presented for three sites in the northern part of the West Siberian plain: Karymkarskyi sor, Belaya Gora and Kiryas. The beetle faunas suggest a relatively warm climate associated with boreal forest and marsh communities of the middle and southern taiga type; this interpretation is in agreement with the paleobotanical studies. Evidence of warm climate is provided by the occurrence of the carabid beetle Trechus secalis , found in Karymkarskyi sor and Belaya Gora sites. This fossil occurrence is referred substages to MIS5e and MIS5c on the basis of TL and U/Th dates, and coincides with the presence of bark beetle remains at the Kiryas locality. Both plant macrofossils from the Belaya Gora locality and tadpole shrimp remains from Kiryas site do not include species indicative of warmer-than-present climate, despite the presence of residues of woody plants. Our data were compared with paleobotanical data from a number of locatities in the central and northern parts of the West Siberian plain that have been dated to MIS5 on the basis of TL and Th/U dates. Most of these sites yielded paleobotanical data indicative of relative warm climate and forest vegetation. The exception is the Elizarovo point site, where the palynological data indicate periglacial environments. Insect, crustacean and plant macrofossil data are well correlated with the results of studies of fossil insect and paleobotanical data from other regions of Northern Eurasia and may confirm warm and humid climate during some periods of MIS5 (substages 5e and 5c) and distribution of forest landscapes and corresponding insect complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Ecogeographical patterns have been widely studied in endothermic vertebrates, but relatively few studies have simultaneously examined patterns and causes of gradients in species richness, range size and body size in ectothermic insects. We examined patterns in species richness, mean range size and mean body size of ground beetle assemblages across the biogeographical provinces of Northern Europe, a region that was mostly covered by ice sheets during the latest Ice Age and that presents strong contemporary climatic gradients. Location: Northern Europe. Methods: We used literature information on the occurrence of ground beetles, and analysed patterns in species richness, mean range size and mean body size across the provinces using generalized linear models and boosted regression tree (BRT) analysis. Results: We found a strongly decreasing gradient in species richness with increasing latitude, a strongly unimodal range size‐latitude relationship, and a weak unimodal body size‐latitude relationship in entire ground beetle assemblages. These gradients also varied among four major genera, suggesting that the overall patterns result from the nuances of smaller clades of ground beetles. The relative importance of contemporary environmental drivers also varied between species richness, mean range size and mean body size in BRT analysis. While species richness increased with mean annual temperature, mean range size showed an opposite relationship. Mean body size was most clearly associated with the precipitation of the driest month. Main Conclusions: Our findings showed that the latitudinal species richness gradient was strong, and it was closely related to concomitant variation in temperature, whereas variations in mean range size and mean body size were more complex. These findings suggest that the causes for range size and body size variation in insects may be complex, requiring additional insights from studies conducted at local, regional and continental scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sperm structure of seven species from different Carabidae tribes was studied. Carabus preslii and Carabus granulatus interstitialis form sperm bundles (spermatozeugmata) in which the heads of conventional insect sperm cells are embedded in the apical cap (spermatostyle), leaving the posterior flagella free. On the contrary, Pterostichus morio, Pterostichus melas, Pterostichus melanarius and Amara aulica form complex spermatozeugmata bearing conspicuous axial spermatostyles associated with lateral groups of sperm. Individual sperm cells are contained in chambers delimited by laminar extensions of the cortical region of the spermatostyle. Demetrias atricapillus shares the general spermatozeugma structure with the above species, but the anterior spermatostyle region has a different structure and posteriorly, the lateral groups of sperm are separated from the spermatostyle but remain connected to it by peduncles consisting of extensions of the cortical region of the spermatostyle. The sperm of the species examined in the study consist of a short, flat acrosomal cap and, with the exception of the Carabus species, show long nuclei which extend parallel to the axonemes, along the flagella. Two relatively small mitochondrial derivatives and two small accessory bodies flank the axoneme. These bodies become very thick in the posterior flagellar region of D. atricapillus. The study revealed different spermatozeugma models and different sperm organization in the Carabidae family. • The spermatozeugma ultrastructure of seven species of Carabidae was described. • Carabus preslii and C. granulatus interstitialis form spermatozeugmata with sperm heads embedded in apical spermatostyles. • Pterostichus morio , P. melas, P. melanarius, Amara aulica have spermatozeugmata with sperm associated to axial spermatostyles. • Demetrias atricapillus spermatozeugmata show posteriorly lateral groups of sperm pedunculated. • With the exception of Carabus , the species have long nuclei which extend in parallel with the axonemes along the flagella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new subspecies of the lebiine species Rugitarus puellarum Baehr, 2009 is described from eastern New South Wales, Australia: Rugitarus puellarum bivittatus subsp. n. It differs from all other subspecies by its wide, markedly cordiform prothorax and the bivittate elytra and is placed into the previous key to subspecies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parental care in which females attend their offspring is recorded in over 30 species of ground beetles. Despite this, there is no quantitative data on the fate of the offspring when the mother is experimentally removed. This paper investigates parental care in Pterostichus anthracinus (Coleoptera: Carabidae). The objectives of the study were to estimate: (1) egg survival when the female is removed; (2) the ability of females to defend their eggs from attack by predators; (3) the ability of females to repair a damaged nest in which egg attendance takes place. In the laboratory, the reproductive activity of P. anthracinus lasted four months (from May till August) and peaked in late June. Mean (± SE) number of eggs in each clutch was 25.25 ± 2.19. All of the egg clutches were guarded by a female. Female attendance had no effect on egg mortality due to microbial attack. The duration of embryonic development lasted on average 5.2-5.3 days, and did not differ between the groups with and without maternal care. In P. anthracinus maternal care is important in preventing egg mortality due to predators. In the laboratory the percentage mortality of eggs without maternal care due to predators was 100%. In the group in which females attended their eggs, percentage mortality of offspring due to predation was about 51%. Female ability to repair damaged nests is important in preventing dehydration and reducing predation pressure. This laboratory study provides the first quantitative data on the importance of maternal care in ground beetles in determining the survival of their offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carabid subfamily Paussinae contains many species known to be obligately associated with ants during at least one stage of their life history. Myrmecophilous larvae have been documented for members of the tribe Paussini as well as several genera in the tribes Ozaenini, including Physea and Eustra. Here we describe the first instar larva of Ozaena lemoulti, and find it to be the most highly modified ozaenine larva that we have examined to date. Many structures of the larva suggest that it is a myrmecophile. Unlike all other described ozaenine larvae, which live in burrows that they construct and seal with their terminal disk, the completely unique larval morphology suggests Ozaena has adapted to living without the protection of a burrow and therefore must have a completely different feeding strategy than the typical ambush strategy of burrow dwelling larvae. We hypothesize that Ozaena larvae live in association with ants and use their long legs for running within the nest, and modifications of the mouthparts suggest the larva feeds on soft lightly sclerotized prey, such as ant brood. Our findings support an earlier hypothesis that Ozaena is mymecophilous during the adult stage. Comparisons of the functional anatomy of the eggs, larvae and adult between Ozaena lemoulti and the closely related, non-myrmecophilous general arthropod predator, Goniotropis kuntzeni, provide complementary, yet independent, evidence suggestive of this shift in lifestyle. We also examine and molecularly identify gut contents, providing direct evidence that adult Ozaena exclusively eat Camponotus ants. We conclude that Ozaena represents an independent shift to adopting a life of myrmecophily among beetles classified within the carabid subfamily Paussinae and document the morphological changes at each life history stage associated with the shift to a nest parasite lifestyle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carabids are of special interest as environmental quality assessment indicators of exposure to xenobiotic and for pest control. In agroecosystems, they can be exposed to a wide range of pathogens and environmental pollution exerting a stronger selection on their innate immune systems. Therefore, information on species-specific immunocompetence is necessary to complete the ecological framework of ground beetles. In this study, cellular and humoral responses were characterized in adults of Harpalus (Pseudoophonus) rufipes (De Geer, 1774) to define a baseline knowledge for future ecotoxicological studies. The circulating hemocytes were characterized by light and transmission electron microscopy and in vivo assay performed by injecting latex beads to identify phagocytizing hemocytes. Ultrastructural analyses revealed four morphologically distinct types of circulating hemocytes: prohemocytes, plasmatocytes, granular cells and oenocytoids. Differential hemocyte counts showed that plasmatocytes and granular cells were the most abundant circulating cell types and granular cells exhibited phagocytic activity following immune challenge with latex beads. Mitotic figures and non-differentiated hemocytes observed under light microscopy indicate a continuous cell turnover in the hemolymph. Melanotic nodules found 2h after the immune challenge were formed to immobilize the latex beads. Phenoloxidase (PO) assays revealed an increase of basal PO activity in hemolymph after immune system activation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). However, the LPSstimulated adults showed no significant variation in the lysozyme-like enzyme activity in hemolymph. Based on these results, H. rufipes displays a rapid, non-specific immune response involving cellular and humoral effectors that both sequester and clear pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporal and spatial variation in Ground beetles diversity was described for neotropical ecosystems. The present study evaluated the seasonal patterns of Ground beetles assemblages within habitats in the Brazilian Amazon, to determine the most appropriate time-window to undertake significant ecological sampling. The study area comprised the most representative habitats such as primary and secondary forests, agriculture and pastures for livestock. Pronounced differences in richness and abundance of Ground beetles assemblages between seasons and habitats were noticed. The abundance and richness were significantly higher in the rainy season, and this pattern was related for all habitats. Our results show that when logistical constrains prevent multiple sampling, the most appropriate season to monitor Ground beetles communities in the scope of ecological status assessments is during the rainy season. On the other hand, we also highlight the importance of sampling different seasons if the study objective is a full community characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, species of the subtribe Dromiusina Bonelli, 1810 from southwestern Saudi Arabia are revised. Eleven species in six genera (Calodromius, Dromius, Mesolestes, Metadromius, Microlestes, and Zolotarevskyella) are recognized. Dromius saudiarabicus Rasool, Abdel-Dayem and Felix, sp. n. is newly described species from Rayda Nature Reserve Asir province. The presence of Metadromius ephippiatus in Saudi Arabia is doubtful. A key is also provided to genera and species level for Dromiusina of Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents several beetle species. Highlighted species include Rosemary beetle, Marsh ground beetle, Scarce fungus weevil and Cylindrical bark beetle. Mentioned is the presence of Cylindrical bark beetle or Pycnomerus fuliginosus around Whiteknights campus at the University of Reading in Berkshire, England.

Habitats on land with low oxygen availability provide unique niches inhabited by numerous species. The occupation of such hypoxic niches by animals is hypothesized to come at a cost linked to the limitations of aerobic metabolism and thus energy budget but may also provide benefits through physical protection from predators and parasitoids or reduced competition for food. We investigated the effects of hypoxic conditions on standard metabolic rate (SMR) and specific dynamic action (SDA) in male Carabus nemoralis . SMR and SDA were determined under three manipulated oxygen availabilities: 7, 14 and 21% O 2 and two feeding regimes: limited or ad libitum food consumption. In both hypoxic conditions, C. nemoralis was able to maintain SMR at levels similar to those in normoxia. When the meal size was limited, SDA duration did not differ among the oxygen availability conditions, but SDA was smaller under hypoxic conditions than at normoxic levels. The relative cost of digestion was significantly higher in normoxia than in hypoxia, but it did not affect net energy intake. In contrast, when offered a large meal to simulate ad libitum food conditions, beetles reduced their food consumption and net energy gain by 30% under hypoxia. Oxygen availability may influence the consumed prey size: the hypoxic condition did not limit net energy gain when the beetles fed on a small meal but did when they fed on a large meal. The results indicate that meal size is an important variable in determining differences in physiological costs and whole animal energy budgets at different concentrations of environmental oxygen levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of agricultural practices and soil management on the communities of arthropods living in the agricultural landscape is acknowledged as a critical issue by the literature, and it needs to be better investigated to improve the ecological sustainability of agriculture. In the present study, we aimed to study how soil management affect carabid species distribution in one of the most typical agroecosystem of the Mediterranean region, i.e. the olive grove. In South Italy olive plantations feature different types of soil management, from tillage to half- or full-cover cropping. Species distribution has been examined for a total of 10,189 individuals and 62 species collected from 17 sites. Notably from our analysis we have observed that three factors (climax vegetation, soil features and soil management) explained half of the data variability. The composition of species groupings mirrors both bioclimatic conditions (climax vegetation) and soil features, especially watering, while soil management affects the species distribution, with different intensity from site to site. Eleven species have been recognized as the most abundant in the different facets of the studied olive groves and consequently designated as characteristics of the olive agroecosystem. The species traits of the sampled species have been weighted for a compelling evaluation of the effects of agricultural management on biodiversity, showing uniform traits distribution when coping with the ecological factors that characterize the different plantation facets. We have found that carabid beetles can be used as model organisms for studying the effects of agricultural practices. Our study suggests that the interaction of man-induced trasformation with the natural background of the olive agroecosystem may be difficult to disentangle, so that such complexity must be taken into account when carabid beetles are expected to provide an ecosystem service for good agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of studied problems of identification and distribution in the Baltic countries of four species of Badister (s. str.) subgenus: B. unipustulatus, B. meridionalis, B. bullatus, and B. lacertosus, are presented in the current paper. The relevance of a number of diagnostic body traits both in males and females is widely discussed and illustrated by original drawings. The morphological traits of some structures of the reproductive tract of females and their utility for identification of species have described for the first time. Based on analysis of published sources and on available material, the distribution of these species in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania is specified and reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life-history traits influence colonization, persistence, and extinction of species on islands and are important aspects of theories predicting the geographical distribution and evolution of species. We used data collected from a large freshwater lake (1,413 km2) in central Canada to test the effects of island area and isolation on species richness and abundance of carabid beetles as a function of body size, wing length, and breeding season. A total of 10,018 individual beetles from 37 species were collected during the frost-free period of 2013 using transects of pitfall traps on 30 forested islands ranging in area from 0.2 to 980.7 ha. Life-history traits improved the predictive ability and significantly modified the shape of species-area and abundance-area curves. Abundance and richness of small-bodied (< 13.9 mm), macropterous (winged), and spring-breeding species decreased with island area and increased with isolation. In contrast, richness and abundance of larger-bodied (> 14.0 mm) and flightless species increased with area, but not isolation. Body size of female Carabus taedatus Fabricius, the largest-bodied species, was positively related to island area, while body size on the adjacent mainland was most similar to that on smaller islands. Overall, species with large body size and low dispersal ability, as indicated by flightlessness, were most sensitive to reductions in area. We suggest that large-bodied, flightless species are rare on small islands because habitat is less suitable for them and immigration rates are lower because they depend on freshwater drift for dispersal to islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]