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Los muestreos realizados en el área maicera centro de la Argentina durante las campañas 2006-2008, con el fin de identificar la composición específica de auquenorrincos presentes permitieron detectar altas densidades de "chicharritas", pertenecientes a la subfamilia Typhlocybinae, que causaban evidentes daños. Este hallazgo motivó la primera mención para la Argentina del género Typhlocybella Baker y la descripción de una nueva especie: Typhlocybella maidica Catalano. El objetivo fue describir los perjuicios ocasionados por la alimentación de T. maidica sobre sus hospederos naturales y dar a conocer las características más sobresalientes para su identificación. T. maidica se reconoce por su pequeño tamaño (3mm), coloración castaño-amarillenta con dos manchas fuscas a ambos lados de la corona, alas anteriores con manchas anaranjadas y castañas, y por su característico vuelo corto y rápido entre las plantas hospederas. El daño consiste en típicas áreas cloróticas alineadas en zig-zag sobre ambas epidermis foliares. El examen microscópico reveló la pérdida de cloroplastos de las células del mesófilo y de la vaina parenquimática que rodea al haz vascular, así como una alteración morfológica de aquellos presentes en la vaina. Depósitos salivales, asociados particularmente con el floema, también fueron detectados. T. maidica se alimenta principalmente del contenido de las células del mesófilo, usando la estrategia de alimentación conocida como "cell-rupturing". La alta frecuencia de lesiones observadas sobre el maíz motiva a proseguir con los estudios de evaluación de perjuicios causados por esta especie y de su importancia en la sanidad del cultivo.In surveys performed during 2006-2008 in order to identify the specific composition of auchenorrhynchous present in maize crops in the central area of Argentina, high densities of leafhoppers belonging to the Typhlocybinae subfamily were found in several sites associated with damage to corn leaves. This finding prompted the first mention of the Typhlocybella Baker genus for Argentina, and also the description of a new species: Typhlocybella maidica Catalano. The objective was to describe the feeding damage caused by T. maidica on its host plants and to show its main characteristics for identification. T. maidica is recognized by its small size (3mm), brown-yellowish color with two lateral fuscous spots on its crown, forewings with orange and brown marks, and the typical short and active flight movement among host plants. The damage produced consisted in typical chlorotic areas arranged in zigzag, on both foliar epidermises. Microscopic examination revealed lost of chloroplasts in mesophyll and vascular bundle parenchymal sheath cells and changes in the morphology of the chloroplasts of the bundle sheath. Also, the presence of salivary deposits particularly in relation to phloem was observed. T. maidica feeds primarily from mesophyll cell contents using the cell rupturing feeding strategy. The high frequency of leaf injuries on maize stimulates the pursuit of new studies in order to evaluate the importance of the damages caused by this species, as well as to determine if they play a role in the health of the crop.

The fully sequenced genome of aster yellows phytoplasma strain witches' broom (AY-WB; Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris) was mined for the presence of genes encoding secreted proteins based on the presence of N-terminal signal peptides (SP). We identified 56 secreted AY-WB proteins (SAP). These SAP are candidate effector proteins potentially involved in interaction with plant and insect cell components. One of these SAP, SAP11, contains an N-terminal SP sequence and a eukaryotic bipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS). Transcripts for SAP11 were detected in AY-WB-infected plants. Yellow fluorescence protein (YFP)-tagged SAP11 accumulated in Nicotiana benthamiana cell nuclei, whereas the nuclear targeting of YFP-tagged SAP11 mutants with disrupted NLS was inhibited. The nuclear transport of YFP-SAP11 was also inhibited in N. benthamiana plants in which the expression of importin α was knocked down using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). Furthermore, SAP11 was detected by immunocytology in nuclei of young sink tissues of China aster plants infected with AY-WB. In summary, this work shows that AY-WB phytoplasma produces a protein that targets the nuclei of plant host cells; this protein is a potential phytoplasma effector that may alter plant cell physiology.

Plant volatiles are important cues for the orientation of herbivorous insects. It is possible that these compounds indicate whether the plant is suitable for feeding and larval development, or for mating aggregation. Vernonia condensata (Asteraceae) is known to attract species of leafhoppers, most of them important vectors of the citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC). In this study, we evaluated the role of volatiles of V. condensata on the orientation of Bucephalogonia xanthophis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Four-arm olfactometer bioassays showed that only males were attracted to the volatiles of the host-plants Citrus sp. and V. condensata. Furthermore, fresh leaves of V. condensata induced a stronger response than volatiles from hexane-extracted leaves. This study opens the possibility to utilize V. condensata volatiles for pest management programs of B. xanthopis.Os voláteis de plantas são sinais importantes para a orientação de insetos herbívoros. É possível que esses compostos indiquem que a planta é apropriada para alimentação e desenvolvimento larval, ou para agrupamento reprodutivo. Vernonia condensata (Asteraceae) atrai espécies de cigarrinhas, muitas delas vetores da clorose variegada dos citros (CVC). Neste trabalho, foi avaliado o papel dos voláteis de V. condensata na orientação de Bucephalogonia xanthophis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Bioensaios em olfatômetro de quatro braços mostraram que somente os machos foram atraídos pelos voláteis das plantas hospedeiras Citrus sp. e V. condensata, sendo que os voláteis das folhas frescas de V. condensata induziram uma maior resposta quando comparada aos extratos hexânicos da planta. A possibilidade de usar os voláteis de V. condensata abre novas perspectivas para programas e alternativas para o manejo de pragas.

Brochosomes production is considered a feature of Cicadellidae, and may represent an outstanding innovation which has played an important role in the development and diversification of this insect group. The objective of this study was to identify the species of Proconiini that produced egg brochosomes associated with grapevines in the Serra Gaúcha region of Brazil. Egg brochosome characteristics and an identification key are also discussed. The specimens were collected using yellow sticky cards in four vineyards (Vitis vinifera L.) from October 2004 to May 2006. Eight species capable of producing egg brochosomes were identified:Acrogonia citrina Marucci & Cavichioli; Homalodisca ignorata Melichar; Molomea consolida Schröder; Molomea lineiceps Young; Molomea personata (Signoret); Oncometopia facialis (Signoret); Oncometopia fusca Melichar; and Tapajosa rubromarginata (Signoret). Egg brochosomes are useful structures to identify Proconiini species in vine.A produção de brocossomos é considerada uma característica dos Cicadellidae e pode representar uma inovação importante no desenvolvimento e diversificação deste grupo. O objetivo do estudo foi identificar as espécies de Proconiini formadoras de brocossomos de ovos associadas à cultura da videira na região da Serra Gaúcha. As características dos brocossomos de ovos e uma chave para identificação também são discutidas. Os espécimes foram coletados com cartões adesivos amarelos em quatro vinhedos (Vitis vinifera L.) no período de outubro de 2004 a maio de 2006. Foram identificadas oito espécies com capacidade de produzir brocossomos de ovos: Acrogonia citrina Marucci & Cavichioli; Homalodisca ignorata Melichar; Molomea consolida Schröder; Molomea lineiceps Young; Molomea personata (Signoret); Oncometopia facialis (Signoret); Oncometopia fusca Melichar e Tapajosa rubromarginata (Signoret). Os brocossomos de ovos são estruturas que podem ser utilizadas na identificação de espécies de Proconiini em videira.

ABSTRACT The South American sharpshooter genus Cardioscarta Melichar, 1932 comprises six species. In this paper we describe and illustrate C. splendida sp. nov. based on a specimen from Bolivia (male holotype deposited in DZUP). The new species can be recognized by the orange ground color with five transverse dark brown stripes on dorsum (one on crown and four on forewings), and by the aedeagus with two pairs of dorsal processes on the basal apodemes and a single process at the apex of the shaft. A female from Peru is tentatively assigned to the new species and is also described, since it has the same color pattern as the holotype. An updated key to males and females of all known species of the genus is also given.

Phytoplasmas are plant pathogenic wall-less bacteria transmitted in a persistent propagative manner by hemipteran insects, mainly belonging to the suborder Auchenorrhyncha (Fulgoromorpha and Cicadomorpha). Flavescence dorée (FD) is a quarantine disease of grapevine, causing great damage to European viticulture and associated with phytoplasmas belonging to 16SrV-C (FD-C) and -D (FD-D) subgroups. FD-C and FD-D strains share similar pathogenicity, but mixed infections are rare in nature. To investigate the competition among FDp strains, specimens of the laboratory vector Euscelidius variegatus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) were forced to acquire both phytoplasma haplotypes upon feeding on FD-C- and FD-D-infected plants or after the injection of both strains. The pathogen colonization of insect bodies and heads was monitored with multiplex qPCR, and the efficiencies of phytoplasma transmission were estimated. Single infection, irrespective of strain type, was more frequent than expected, indicating that competition among FD strains occurs. Hypotheses of competition for resources and/or host active sites or the direct antibiosis of one strain against the other are discussed, based on the genetic complexity of FDp populations and on the high genome variability of the FD-D strain. As FD management still mainly relies on insecticides against vectors, the characterization of FDp haplotypes and the description of their epidemiology also have practical implications.

Recilia dorsalis is a notorious rice pest that harbors numerous symbiotic microorganisms. However, the structure and dynamics of bacterial communities in various tissues of R. dorsalis throughout its life cycle remain unclear. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the bacterial communities in the digestive, excretory, and reproductive systems of R. dorsalis at different developmental stages. The results showed that the initial microbiota in R. dorsalis mostly originated from vertical transmission via the ovaries. After the second-instar nymphs, the diversity of bacterial communities in the salivary gland and Malpighian tubules gradually decreased, while the midgut remained stable. Principal coordinate analysis revealed that the structure of bacterial communities in R. dorsalis was primarily influenced by the developmental stage, with minimal variation in bacterial species among different tissues but significant variation in bacterial abundance. Tistrella was the most abundant bacterial genus in most developmental stages, followed by Pantoea . The core bacterial community in R. dorsalis continuously enriched throughout development and contributed primarily to food digestion and nutrient supply. Overall, our study enriches our knowledge of the bacterial community associated with R. dorsalis and provides clues for developing potential biological control technologies against this rice pest.

Here we report a unique plant-insect interaction between the leafhopper Aloka depressa (tribe Phlogisini) and the host liana, Diploclisia glaucescens, from a Botanic Garden located at the southern edge of Western Ghats in India. Field observations and SEM micrographs were employed to derive evidences on this rare plant-insect interaction. 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E), insect moulting hormone, was detected and quantified in the host plant D. glaucescens using HPTLC-densitometry. 20E was isolated and characterized from D. glaucescens using column chromatography, 1H-, 13C-NMR and HR-MS. 20E was also detected in A. depressa excrement using HPTLC-densitometry. The leafhopper A. depressa is functioning as a 'sharpshooter' drawing nutrients from the host liana, D. glaucescens, and flinging the waste fluid as droplets through their tail ends. SEM micrographs of A. depressa revealed its external morphological features, characteristic of a sharpshooter. We quantified 20E (0.44-1.44%, dry wt.) in various parts of D. glaucescens. 20E (1.47%, dry wt.) was also detected in the excrement of A. depressa. This plant (D. glaucescens)-insect (A. depressa) association crucially is not damaging the host liana. Considering the diseases caused by sharpshooting leafhoppers in the Americas, this association and the survival of the host plant (D. glaucescens) is illustrating a unique plant-insect interaction., (© 2023 German Society for Plant Sciences, Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands.)

The sharpshooter genus Atkinsoniella Distant, 1908 includes 99 valid species worldwide. Here, three new species from China are described and illustrated: Atkinsoniellastenopyga , A.wangi , and A.yingjiangensis spp. nov. An updated checklist of the known Atkinsoniella species worldwide based on the data of previous literature and studied materials is also provided. All the type specimens of three new species are deposited at the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China., (Yan Jiang, Xiao-fei Yu, Mao-fa Yang.)

A new rice viral disease exhibiting distinct symptoms--yellow stripes, mosaic and twisted tips on leaves--was found in China. Electron microscopy of infected leaf cells revealed the presence of bacilliform virions and electron-translucent granular-fibrillar viroplasm in the cytoplasm. The enveloped viral particles were 300 to 375 nm long and 45 to 55 nm wide. The leafhopper Recilia dorsalis was able to transmit the virus to rice seedlings, which subsequently exhibited symptoms similar to those observed in fields. The complete genome of the virus was obtained by small-RNA deep sequencing and reverse transcription-PCR product sequencing. The anti-genome contains seven open reading frames (ORFs). The deduced amino acids of ORF1, ORF5, and ORF7 are, respectively, homologous to the nucleocapsid protein (N), glycoprotein (G), and large polymerase protein (L) of known rhabdoviruses. The predicted product of ORF2 is identified as a phosphoprotein (P) based on its multiple potential phosphorylation sites and 12.6 to 21.0% amino acid (aa) identities with the P proteins of plant rhabdoviruses. The product of ORF4 is presumed to be the viral matrix (M) protein for it shares 10.3 to 14.3% aa identities with those of other rhabdoviruses. The above five products were confirmed as the viral structural proteins by SDS-PAGE and aa sequencing analyses of purified virus preparation. ORF3 and ORF6 are considered to encode two nonstructural proteins with unknown functions. Phylogenetic analysis based on protein N, G, and L amino acid sequences indicated that the isolated virus, which we have tentatively named Rice stripe mosaic virus (RSMV), is a new species in the genus Cytorhabdovirus. To our knowledge, RSMV is the only cytorhabdovirus naturally infecting rice and the first reported leafhopper-transmitted cytorhabdovirus. Our surveys of rice fields indicate that RSMV occurs frequently in Guangdong Province, China. Although the disease incidence is low at present, it might become serious with the vector insect population increasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmission trials showed typical BTS symptoms developed in all papaya plants after three months post-inoculated with Empoasca papayae. The BTS phytoplasma was identified in 28 out of 45 inoculated papayas, whose partial 16S rDNA sequence was 99.9% identical to those of the phytoplasma identified in the field-collected papayas, and that previously detected in E. papayae in Cuba. These are all members of the phytoplasma subgroup 16SrI-B. A rickettsia was identified in 41 out of 45 inoculated papayas. It showed a 100% of identity of its partial sdhA sequence to those from the field-collected papayas, E. papayae and the rickettsia previously identified. Results confirmed the ability of E. papayae to simultaneously transmit the BTS phytoplasma and the rickettsia pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insects depend on innate immunity only to defend themselves against pathogens and to regulate interactions with many other microorganisms, such as different kinds of symbionts. Recently, it has been suggested that immunocytes could play a role in the vectorial capacity of insects leading to an increased interest towards primary immunocyte cultures. We analysed at molecular and cellular level the immune response of the leafhopper Euscelidius variegatus with the aim to provide an in vitro model for studying the insect-microbe interactions. We in vitro cultured and kept alive for more than 3 months E. variegatus immunocytes that showed a mitotic capacity as well as adhesion and phagocytic activities. In situ hybridization revealed that the defensin gene is actively transcribed in cultured immunocytes, while cecropins were not recorded in this species. These promising results obtained with E. variegaus, a leafhopper frequently used as a laboratory experimental model of insect vector of phytoplasmas, will help in developing in vitro tools for the study of the interactions between these pathogens and their vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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High population levels of Osbornellus horvathi (Matsumura 1908) in Mediterranean natural environments and our previous findings of adults infected by ' Candidatus Phytoplasma phoenicium', in Sicily in 2012, highlight the potential role of this species as a phytoplasma vector. In the present work, O. horvathi and other Auchenorrhyncha species were collected using sticky traps between May-October of 2013 in a natural area in Sicily. The insects were analyzed for phytoplasma detection and characterization. Among the 20 Auchenorrhyncha species collected, only O. horvathi was positive for phytoplasmas. Phytoplasma transmission to periwinkle and broad bean plants by field-collected phytoplasma-infected O. horvathi individuals was also carried out. The number and composition of Auchenorrhyncha populations in the area were described together with information on the biology of O. horvathi. ' Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris' was successfully transmitted to broad bean and periwinkle by field-collected ' Ca. P. asteris' and ' Ca. P. phoenicium' double-infected O. horvathi, thus highlighting its vector competence for the former phytoplasma. Further studies are required to assess the ability of O. horvathi to transmit ' Ca. P. phoenicium'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytoplasmas of groups 16SrI (' Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris') and 16Sr VII (' Ca. Phytoplasma fraxini') have been associated with phytoplasma diseases in several urban tree species in Bogotá, Colombia and surrounding areas. The insect vectors responsible for this phytoplasma transmission are unknown. The objectives of this study were to test for the presence of phytoplasmas in leafhopper species (Cicadellidae) collected in areas with diseased trees and to determine the phytoplasma transmission ability of two of these species. Leafhoppers of nine species were collected at two sampling sites and tested by nested or double nested PCR using primers for the 16S rRNA gene. The amplicons were subjected to RFLP and/or sequencing analysis. Phytoplasmas of group 16SrI were detected in morphospecies MF05 ( Haldorus sp.), group 16Sr VII in MF07 ( Xestocephalus desertorum), MF08 ( Empoasca sp.) and MF09 (Typhlocybinae), and both groups 16SrI and 16Sr VII in MF01 ( Empoasca sp.), MF02 (Typhlocybinae), MF03 ( Scaphytopius sp.), MF04 ( Amplicephalus funzaensis) and MF06 ( Exitianus atratus). Transmission tests to uninfected bean plants ( Phaseolus vulgaris) were performed using field collected A. funzaensis and E. atratus individuals in separate assays. After 5 weeks, the test plants exposed to individuals of both species of leafhoppers showed symptoms, suggesting phytoplasma infection. Phytoplasma groups 16SrI and 16Sr VII were detected in the two groups of exposed plants, indicating that A. funzaensis and E. atratus were able to transmit both groups of phytoplasmas. This is the first report of insect vectors for phytoplasmas of group 16Sr VII in the world and of 16SrI in South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In general, leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) possess a pair of bacteriomes in the abdomen, which harbor two types of obligate bacterial symbionts: a very ancient Sulcia symbiont and another ancient Nasuia-allied co-symbiont (or a younger Baumannia co-symbiont). However, when we inspected three eared leafhoppers of the subfamily Ledrinae, namely Ledra auditura Walker, Ledropsis discolor (Uhler) and Tituria angulata (Matsumura), L. discolor harbored only Sulcia symbiont while L. auditura and T. angulata possessed no bacterial symbionts. Instead, all the species possessed specialized cells full of yeast-like fungal symbionts within fat bodies. Molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed that the fungal symbionts are placed within the entomoparasitic fungal genus Ophiocordyceps (Ascomycota: Hypocreales: Ophiocordycipitaceae). These results suggest the possibility that (1) the fungal symbiont was acquired in the evolutionary course of the Ledrinae, (2) the original fungus was likely an entomoparasite of the genus Ophiocordyceps, (3) the fungal symbiont replaced the Nasuia-allied symbiont in an ancestral lineage, and (4) even the ancient Sulcia symbiont was finally lost and taken over by the fungal symbiont. Meanwhile, the possibility of multiple independent fungal acquisitions from closely related entomoparasitic Ophiocordyceps fungi cannot be excluded. Our finding uncovers an evolutionary process from a prokaryotic essential symbiosis to a eukaryotic one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cerrado occupies about 23% of the Brazilian territory and is characterized by great diversity of plants and insects and a great degree of endemism, and Caryocar brasiliense A. St.-Hil. (Malpighiales: Caryocaraceae) is widely distributed in this region. The diversity and abundance of hemipterans and their natural enemies were studied on trees of C. brasiliense in the Cerrado, pasture, and anthropic area in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. We observed 1 rare, 8 common, and 1 frequent species of sucking insects; and 2 rare, 7 common, and 6 frequent species of natural enemies. Sucking insects and their natural enemies were most abundant in the pasture and least abundant in the Cerrado. Increasing diversity indices and numbers of species and individuals of sucking insects were followed by similar trends in the populations of natural enemies. Increasing populations of sucking insects led to greater numbers of individuals of ants, green lacewings, predator thrips, and ladybeetles. Aluminum level positively affected the number of species and individuals, and the pH of the soil reduced those of sucking insects. Leafhoppers had greater numbers on plants on soils with low pH values and high aluminum levels, but the opposite was noted for the aphids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anagrus erythroneurae S. Trjapitzin & Chiappini and Anagrus daanei Triapitsyn are the key parasitoids of the western grape leafhopper (Erythroneura elegantula Osborn) in northern California vineyards. Erythroneura elegantula overwinters as an adult in reproductive diapause. To successfully overwinter, Anagrus spp. must locate an alternate leafhopper host that overwinters in an egg stage that they can parasitize. These alternate leafhopper hosts are thought to be primarily located in the natural habitats surrounding vineyards. This study identifies the noncrop host plants utilized by Anagrus spp. not only during the overwintering period but throughout the entire year, as well as the leafhopper species associated with these host plants. Over a 2-yr period, Anagrus spp. and leafhoppers were sampled from numerous plants in natural and cultivated habitats surrounding vineyards. Results from this study confirm previously known Anagrus spp. host plants, but also identify new host plant species. Some of the host plants harbored Anagrus spp. year-round while others were utilized only during certain periods of the year. Leafhoppers associated with Anagrus spp. host plants may potentially serve as the alternate host utilized by Anagrus spp. on these plants, but this was not confirmed in the current study. Records of E. elegantula demonstrate their cyclical movement between the vineyard floor (winter), temporary noncrop hosts (spring/fall), and the grape vine canopy (summer). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species Scaphoideus destitutus sp. n. is described and illustrated from Guangxi Autonomous Region, China. A key based on the male genitalia is given to distinguish species with bicolored forewings of this genus. A map showing the geographic distribution of the species in China is also provided. The type specimen of the new species is deposited in the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China (GUGC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection of W heat dwarf virus ( WDV) strains on barley results in dwarf disease, imposing severe economic losses on crop production. As the natural resistance resources against this virus are limited, it is imperative to elaborate a biotechnological approach that will provide effective and safe immunity to a wide range of WDV strains. Because vector insect-mediated WDV infection occurs during cool periods in nature, it is important to identify a technology which is effective at lower temperature. In this study, we designed artificial microRNAs ( amiRNAs) using a barley miRNA precursor backbone, which target different conservative sequence elements of the WDV strains. Potential amiRNA sequences were selected to minimize the off-target effects and were tested in a transient sensor system in order to select the most effective constructs at low temperature. On the basis of the data obtained, a polycistronic amiRNA precursor construct ( VirusBuster171) was built expressing three amiRNAs simultaneously. The construct was transformed into barley under the control of a constitutive promoter. The transgenic lines were kept at 12-15 °C to mimic autumn and spring conditions in which major WDV infection and accumulation take place. We were able to establish a stable barley transgenic line displaying resistance to insect-mediated WDV infection. Our study demonstrates that amiRNA technology can be an efficient tool for the introduction of highly efficient resistance in barley against a DNA virus belonging to the Geminiviridae family, and this resistance is effective at low temperature where the natural insect vector mediates the infection process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bio-efficacy of imidacloprid seed treatment against leafhopper and thrips of groundnut was studied during kharif (23rd to 42nd standard week) and summer (5th to 23rd standard week) cropping seasons of 2010 and 2011. The six different concentrations viz., 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 g a. i. kg-1 were tested for their bio-efficacy. A modified sweep net method was followed to record the leafhopper and thrips populations. Seed treatments with imidacloprid @ 2.0 to 5.0 g a. i. kg-1 were found most effective in reducing the insect population. However, seed treatment with imidacloprid @ 2.0 g a. i. kg-1 may be included in integrated pest management (IPM) package for groundnut from environmental safety point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensification of land use reduces biodiversity but may also shift the trait composition of communities. Understanding how land use affects single traits and community trait composition, helps to understand why some species are more affected by land use than others. Trait-based analyses are common for plants, but rare for arthropods. We collected literature-based traits for nearly 1000 insect and spider species to test how land-use intensity (including mowing, fertilization, and grazing) across 124 grasslands in three regions of Germany affects community-weighted mean traits across taxa and in single taxa. We additionally measured morphometric traits for more than 150 Heteroptera species and tested whether the weighted mean morphometric traits change with increasing land-use intensity. Community average body size decreased and community average dispersal ability increased from low to high land-use intensity. Furthermore, the relative abundance of herbivores and of specialists among herbivores decreased and the relative abundance of species using the herb layer increased with increasing land-use intensity. Community-weighted means of the morphometric traits in Heteroptera also changed from low to high land-use intensity toward longer and thinner shapes as well as longer appendices (legs, wings, and antenna). While changes in traits with increasing mowing and fertilization intensity were consistent with the combined land-use intensity, community average traits did often not change or with opposite direction under increasing grazing intensity. We conclude that high land-use intensity acts as an environmental filter selecting for on average smaller, more mobile, and less specialized species across taxa. Although trait collection across multiple arthropod taxa is laborious and needs clear trait definitions, it is essential for understanding the functional consequences of biodiversity loss due to land-use intensification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus, Sphinctogoniella, is described to accommodate Sphinctogonia lingula Yang & Li, 2002, its type species from China. Sphinctogoniella lingula (Yang & Li, 2002), comb. n. is re-described and illustrated. Differences between the new genus and Sphinctogonia Breddin, 1901 are tabulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]