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Climate change has shifted geographical ranges of species northwards or to higher altitudes on elevational gradients. These changes have been associated with increases in ambient temperatures. For ectotherms in seasonal environments, however, life history theory relies largely on the length of summer, which varies somewhat independently of ambient temperature per se. Extension of summer reduces seasonal time constraints and enables species to establish in new areas as a result of over-wintering stage reaching in due time. The reduction of time constraints is also predicted to prolong organisms’ breeding season when reproductive potential is under selection. We studied temporal change in the summer length and its effect on species’ performance by combining long-term data on the occurrence and abundance of nocturnal moths with weather conditions in a boreal location at Värriötunturi fell in NE Finland. We found that summers have lengthened on average 5 days per decade from the late 1970s, profoundly due to increasing delays in the onset of winters. Moth abundance increased with increasing season length a year before. Most of the species occurrences expanded upwards in elevation. Moth communities in low elevation pine heath forest and middle elevation mountain birch forest have become inseparable. Yet, the flight periods have remained unchanged, probably due to unpredictable variation in proximate conditions (weather) that hinders life histories from selection. We conclude that climate change-driven changes in the season length have potential to affect species’ ranges and affect the structure of insect assemblages, which may contribute to alteration of ecosystem-level processes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00442-020-04632-w) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

It has been hypothesised that the 2‐year oscillations in abundance of Xestia moths are mediated by interactions with 1‐year Ophion parasitoid wasps. We tested this hypothesis by modelling a 35‐year time series of Xestia and Ophion from Northern Finland. Additionally, we used DNA barcoding to ascertain the species diversity of Ophion and targeted amplicon sequencing of their gut contents to confirm their larval hosts. Modelling of the time‐series data strongly supported the hypothesised host–parasitoid dynamics and that periodic occurrence of Xestia moths is mediated by Ophion. DNA barcodes revealed that Ophion included five species rather than just one while targeted amplicon sequencing verified that Ophion does parasitise Xestia. At least one Ophion species employs 1‐year Syngrapha interrogationis as an alternate host, but it did not detectably affect Xestia–Ophion dynamics. We also demonstrate the previously unrecognised complexity of this system due to cryptic parasitoid diversity., We provide evidence that the periodic fluctuations in abundance of Xestia moths are mediated by Ophion parasitoids. By sequencing the gut contents of adult parasitoids, we provide genetic evidence of their larval hosts. We also demonstrate cryptic diversity in the studied parasitoids.

Publisher Copyright: © 2021 The Authors. Molecular Ecology Resources published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. To associate specimens identified by molecular characters to other biological knowledge, we need reference sequences annotated by Linnaean taxonomy. In this study, we (1) report the creation of a comprehensive reference library of DNA barcodes for the arthropods of an entire country (Finland), (2) publish this library, and (3) deliver a new identification tool for insects and spiders, as based on this resource. The reference library contains mtDNA COI barcodes for 11,275 (43%) of 26,437 arthropod species known from Finland, including 10,811 (45%) of 23,956 insect species. To quantify the improvement in identification accuracy enabled by the current reference library, we ran 1000 Finnish insect and spider species through the Barcode of Life Data system (BOLD) identification engine. Of these, 91% were correctly assigned to a unique species when compared to the new reference library alone, 85% were correctly identified when compared to BOLD with the new material included, and 75% with the new material excluded. To capitalize on this resource, we used the new reference material to train a probabilistic taxonomic assignment tool, FinPROTAX, scoring high success. For the full-length barcode region, the accuracy of taxonomic assignments at the level of classes, orders, families, subfamilies, tribes, genera, and species reached 99.9%, 99.9%, 99.8%, 99.7%, 99.4%, 96.8%, and 88.5%, respectively. The FinBOL arthropod reference library and FinPROTAX are available through the Finnish Biodiversity Information Facility (www.laji.fi) at https://laji.fi/en/theme/protax. Overall, the FinBOL investment represents a massive capacity-transfer from the taxonomic community of Finland to all sectors of society.

Little life history data is available on the larvae of Adelidae (Lepidoptera, Adeloidea). We provide information on the life history of Nemophora bellela (Walker, 1863), a circumpolar adelid species occurring in northern Europe on peat bogs and open tundra with Betula nana. The habitat is described and details of the larval behavior and larval diet are provided. The later instar larvae are case dwelling and feed on the ground on detritus. The larval case and chaetotaxy are described in detail. The female pupal exuviae is described. Our observations on the life history of N. bellela are in general agreement with the known details of the life history of related species, but some differences were also observed.

Changes in climate are influencing the distribution and abundance of the world's biota, with significant consequences for biological diversity and ecosystem processes. Recent work has raised concern that populations of moths and butterflies (Lepidoptera) may be particularly susceptible to population declines under environmental change. Moreover, effects of climate change may be especially pronounced in high latitude ecosystems. Here, we examine population dynamics in an assemblage of subarctic forest moths in Finnish Lapland to assess current trajectories of population change. Moth counts were made continuously over a period of 32 years using light traps. From 456 species recorded, 80 were sufficiently abundant for detailed analyses of their population dynamics. Climate records indicated rapid increases in temperature and winter precipitation at our study site during the sampling period. However, 90% of moth populations were stable (57%) or increasing (33%) over the same period of study. Nonetheless, current population trends do not appear to reflect positive responses to climate change. Rather, time-series models illustrated that the per capita rates of change of moth species were more frequently associated negatively than positively with climate change variables, even as their populations were increasing. For example, the per capita rates of change of 35% of microlepidoptera were associated negatively with climate change variables. Moth life-history traits were not generally strong predictors of current population change or associations with climate change variables. However, 60% of moth species that fed as larvae on resources other than living vascular plants (e.g. litter, lichen, mosses) were associated negatively with climate change variables in time-series models, suggesting that such species may be particularly vulnerable to climate change. Overall, populations of subarctic forest moths in Finland are performing better than expected, and their populations appear buffered at present from potential deleterious effects of climate change by other ecological forces.

The draining of mires for silvicultural purposes has caused one of the most dramatic changes in the landscape during the last century in Finland. To study the effects of mire drainage, carabid beetle assemblages were sampled using pitfall trapping in three different mire habitat types. Carabids were sampled from mires in their natural state, drained mires and drained mires with an open power line to see whether the cleared power line can serve as an alternative habitat for mire dependent carabids. The draining of mires greatly increases the species richness of the carabid assemblages. Yet, the conservation value of the environment has dropped following the draining, since only common and abundant forest carabids have benefited from human impact. The role of the open power line as an alternative habitat for mire specialists remains questionable. A few carabid species have, however, benefited from the open habitat of the power line. The vegetation structure had a significant effect in determining the compositions of the carabid assemblages on the studied habitat types. It seems that mire dwelling carabids cannot survive on the drained mires, unless at least some characteristics, other than the mere openness of the cleared power lines, of natural mires remain.

The dynamics of animal populations are greatly influenced by interactions with their natural enemies and food resources. However, quantifying the relative effects of these factors on demographic rates remains a perpetual challenge for animal population ecology. Food scarcity is assumed to limit the growth and to initiate the decline of cyclic herbivore populations, but this has not been verified with physiological health indices. We hypothesized that individuals in declining populations would exhibit signs of malnutrition-induced deterioration of physiological condition. We evaluated the association of body condition with population cycle phase in bank voles (Myodes glareolus) during the increase and decline phases of a population cycle. The bank voles had lower body masses, condition indices and absolute masses of particular organs during the decline. Simultaneously, they had lower femoral masses, mineral contents and densities. Hemoglobin and hematocrit values and several parameters known to respond to food deprivation were unaffected by the population phase. There were no signs of lymphopenia, eosinophilia, granulocytosis or monocytosis. Erythrocyte counts were higher and plasma total protein levels and tissue proportions of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids lower in the population decline. Ectoparasite load was lower and adrenal gland masses or catecholamine concentrations did not suggest higher stress levels. Food availability seems to limit the size of voles during the decline but they can adapt to the prevailing conditions without clear deleterious health effects. This highlights the importance of quantifying individual health state when evaluating the effects of complex trophic interactions on the dynamics of wild animal populations.

Investigations were made upon the biology and habitat demands of the larvae and adults of Polythrena coloraria in the Kivach nature reserve in the Republic of Karelia, Russia, close to the eastern border of Finland. In the laboratory females laid eggs only on Ribes nigrum, although other plants were also available. Eggs were found in the field under the leaves of this plant, too. Instead larvae were not found in the field. In the laboratory they did not eat any other plants offered. In addition, the male and female genitalia and larval morphology are described. Based on these characteristics, the systematic position of the species is discussed. A parasitoid wasp Telenomus acarnas (Hymenoptera, Scelionidae, Telenominae) is reported fromthe eggs of P. coloraria. It seems to be the first host record for this parasitoid wasp.

Colonnelli, E. 2004: Catalogue of Ceutorhynchinae of the World, with a key to Genera. – Argania Editio, Barcelona. 124 pp. ISBN 84- 931847-6-4. Price 80 EUR. Hausmann, A. 2004: The Geometrid Moths of Europe, Vol. 2: Sterrhinae. Apollo Books, Kirkeby Sand 19, DK-5771 Stenstrup, Denmark. ISBN 87-88757-37-4, Hardback, 600 pp. Price 960,00 DKK. Beck, H. 1999–2000: Die Larven der Europäeischen Noctuidae. Revision der Systematik der Noctuidae (Larvae of European Noctuidae. Revision of the systematics of the Noctuidae). With the help of Matti Ahola (numerous drawings) and Ivar Hasenfuss (systematic notes on Noctuoidea, Acronictinae, and occasional drawings). Volumes I–IV. 864+448+336+512 pp. ISSN 0723-595X, ISBN 3-923807-04-X. Price 530 EUR.

The clouded Apollo Parnassius mnemosyne is a food plant specialist with short but frequent movements between habitat patches. The short average dispersal distances suggest that the probability of colonisation of vacant patches decreases rapidly as the distance between the source and target patches increases, which means that a dense habitat network is needed for the conservation of the species. Both emigration rate and the number of immigrants varied among patches and were not affected only by isolation but also by several other patch characteristics. The model that explained most of the variation in emigration rates among patches included patch area and the number of conspecifics. The area and the population density of the target patch had significant effects on the number of arriving immigrants. Thus, the colonisation of vacant patches is dependent on these patch characteristics. Generally, emigration rates were lower and residence times longer in large patches with many conspecifics. Butterfly density was the most important single factor explaining the variation in the number of immigrants among patches, although the positive effect of the area of the target patch was also significant. As a consequence of the marked positive density dependence caused by conspecific attraction, small patches with higher than average butterfly density, receive more immigrants than could be expected based on the patch area only. Due to conspecific attraction, per capita immigration rates are higher in small than large patches. Thus, immigration may have a more significant effect on the local dynamics of small than large populations.

The Aethes rubigana complex is shown to comprise four closely related species in the Palearctic region: Eurasian Aethes cnicana (Westwood, 1854), European A. rubigana (Treitschke, 1830), Asiatic A. citreoflava V. I. Kuznetsov, 1966, and A. kyrkii, here described as a new species from northern Finland. A. kyrkii is morphologically most close to A. cnicana, but enzyme electrophoresis revealed complete genetic isolation between them. Descriptions are given of the three species occurring in Europe, and their respective biologies are outlined. Statistical analyses of traits of the forewing are given. The taxonomic status of A. arcticana (Brandt, 1937) is revised.

Numerous insect species with fixed multiannual life cycle emerge synchronously in large numbers, mostly with a period of two or three years. Moths in the genus Xestia with a two-year life cycle are strikingly abundant in boreal forests around the Northern Hemisphere every second year but scarce in alternate years. Many hypotheses have been put forward to explain their periodic occurrence, including interaction with natural enemies. Here we present biological, numerical and modelling evidence strongly suggesting that the scarcity of the even-year cohorts of eight coexisting Xestia species in eastern Finnish Lapland is due to regulation by the parasitoid wasp Ophion luteus, possibly reinforced by predation by shrews.

Index to genera and species • ENTOMOL. FENNICA Vol. 11

In Finland, the distribution of Tenthredo vespa Retzius corresponds well to that of the wild buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides L.). The larvae of this sawfly were shown to feed on the leaves of the plant in an ovipositing experiment and in field studies on the phenology of larvae in buckthorn bushes. It seems that the buckthorn is the main food plant for the larva along the shore of the Gulf of Bothnia. The larva can also feed on cultivated buckthorn, as it appeared in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Index to genera and species • ENTOMOL. FENNICA Vol. 10

The study was carried out in the Vaniotunturi fell area (67°44'N, 29°37 'E) under northern taiga forest conditions. The habitat, a Pinus heath is extremely poor and monotonous. Altogether 196 pitfall traps 10 metres apart (Ø 8.5 cm, height 10.3 cm, with a lid 5 cm above the trap) arranged in a quadrat were used in 1991, and the same field with an additional40 traps placed one trap at each end of a two-metre wall was used from 1992 to 1994. The individuals of Carabus glabratus were marked with a small label cut off from a traffic sign sticker in 1991 and 1992. Only these captured and marked ones were recorded in the following years. In 1994 the trapping was done by killing the beetles. 524 individuals were marked. Males dominated in both years. The recapture proportion was significantly higher for the beetles marked in 1992 than for those of the previous year. The marked beetles were recaptured within four days on average. The estimated maximal population size in 1991 was 1400 individuals, occurring at the beginning of July, while in 1992 it was 3000 exx., in the middle of June. About 15% of the beetles marked in 1991 were caught at least once during the year of marking. Two years after marking, the proportion of recaptures decreased to 2%, but one male marked in 1991 was still captured in 1994.

We studied the abundance of arthropods in relation to forest patch size, edge orientation, distance from the forest - open-land edge, and stand characteristics in pine-dominated forests in northern Finland. Arthropod samples were collected using the sweep-net method. The total catch of arthropods, catches from the field layer and deciduous shrubs, the numbers of flying arthropods, small (5 ha) than in small patches (5 ha). The edge orientation and the type of adjacent open area (clearcut area or treeless mire) had no impact on the abundance of arthopods in the patches. The distance from the forest edge affected the total abundance of arthropods, small arthropods, flying arthropods, and Coleoptera (especially Cantharidae) in that all decreased in number from the forest edge to the interior of the forest stand. The abundance of many arthropod taxa correlated positively with the numbers of saplings, deciduous shrubs, and spruces. It was clear that the existence of these vegetation characteristics mainly explained the observed differences in the abundance of arthropods between forest patches of different sizes and also between forest edges and stand interiors.

Four different combinations of light-traps and bulbs were tested during the summer 1996 in Kainuu, northern Finland: a Jalas model with a 160-W (J/160W) blended light lamp or a 125-W (J/125W) mercury vapour lamp, a Ryrholm trap with a 125-W (R/125W) mercury vapour lamp and a Rothamsted trap with a 200-W tungsten lamp (G/200W). The traps were rotated between four sites every night, but were kept in the same position for the fifth night in order to prevent the possible influence of moonlight. The longest distance between the traps was 150m, and there was no direct visibility between any of them. Three orders were inspected, i.e. Lepidoptera, Coleoptera and Hemiptera, the total numbers of individuals and species being as follows: 20857/425, 862/101 and 1868/58. G/200W collected significantly fewer moths than the other traps. In some cases, J/125W collected significantly more moths and less species than the J/160W design. The R/125W design collected significantly more species than the J/160W design. Similar differences in the effectiveness of the lamps and traps were found in the case of Coleoptera and Hemiptera. Alpha diversities showed the same trend.

We studied 105 genitalia of mostly Finnish male Coleophora vacciniella Herrich-Schäffer, 1861, in order to inspect the variation in certain features: the number of chitinous teeth on the dorsal side of the phallotheca, the number of spines at the distal end of it, and the number of cornuti in the vesica. All of the parameters were close to a normal distribution, which did not coincide with our original idea of splitting this species complex into two or even more species. On the contrary, we had to synonymise C. betulaenanae Klimesh, 1958, with C. vacciniella, as we could not find reasonable differences between them.

The larval mine of Stigmella lappovimella in leaves of Salix lapponum of different host leaf thickness is described and differences between the mine and the mines of Stigmella salicis on Salix caprea and Stigmella zelleriella on Salix repens are noted. The best diagnostic characters differentiating the mine of S. lappovimella from the two others was the almost unbroken frass line in the first half and the limited frass particle dispersion in the second half of the mine. Wing length was also measured and a small but statistically significant difference was observed between S. lappovimella and S. zelleriella.

Background A multi-faceted approach was used to investigate the wintertime ecophysiology and behavioral patterns of the raccoon dog, Nyctereutes procyonoides, a suitable model for winter sleep studies. By utilizing GPS tracking, activity sensors, body temperature (Tb) recordings, change-point analysis (CPA), home range, habitat and dietary analyses, as well as fatty acid signatures (FAS), the impact of the species on wintertime food webs was assessed. The timing of passive bouts was determined with multiple methods and compared to Tb data analyzed by CPA. Results Raccoon dogs displayed wintertime mobility, and the home range sizes determined by GPS were similar or larger than previous estimates by radio tracking. The preferred habitats were gardens, shores, deciduous forests, and sparsely forested areas. Fields had close to neutral preference; roads and railroads were utilized as travel routes. Raccoon dogs participated actively in the food web and gained benefit from human activity. Mammals, plants, birds, and discarded fish comprised the most important dietary classes, and the consumption of fish could be detected in FAS. Ambient temperature was an important external factor influencing Tb and activity. The timing of passive periods approximated by behavioral data and by CPA shared 91% similarity. Conclusions Passive periods can be determined with CPA from Tb recordings without the previously used time-consuming and expensive methods. It would be possible to recruit more animals by using the simple methods of data loggers and ear tags. Hunting could be used as a tool to return the ear-tagged individuals allowing the economical extension of follow-up studies. The Tb and CPA methods could be applied to other northern carnivores.

The female of Rhigognostis sibirica Kyrki, 1989, is described. Habitually it is similar to the male. The genitalia are characterized by two signa and a narrow elongated antrum. A key to the identification of female Rhigognostis species on the basis of genitalia is given. R. sibirica is reported as new for the American continent.

Distributions and abundances of insect species depend on a variety of factors, but whether we focus on food plants and availability, environmental niches and shelters, predators or parasites, by far the most important limiting factor is climate. Shifts in insect community structure have successfully been correlated with glacial and inter-glacial periods (Coope 1995; Ashworth 1997; Morgan 1997), but have also attracted the attention of researchers concerned with current climate trends. Parmesan (2001) and Forester et al. (2010) examined examples from North America and Europe and emphasized that predictions of responses to a warmer climate must incorporate observations on habitat loss or alteration, land management and dispersal abilities of the species in question. For the United Kingdom, Hill et al. (2001) have summarized data on changes in the distribution of specifically three butterfly species (Pararge aegeria, Aphantopus hyperantus, and Pyronia tithonus). These authors report that the three species have been shifting northward since the 1940s and they present maps of simulated butterfly distributions for the period 2070-2099, based on the changes seen since the 1940s. According to that scenario Iceland will see some colonies of these three species in less than a hundred years. Monitoring specifically moth distributions has been less popular (Chen et al. 2009; Park et al. 2009), and especially microlepidopteran species have not received the attention they deserve, so that few detailed observations on their distribution pattrerns, covering longer periods, exist. Soderman (1994) reports that a programme to monitor moth abundance and species composition has been developed and run as a Nordic project since the middle of the 1990 s. At the moment the following countries are involved in this Moth Monitoring Scheme (MMS): Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, (at regional level), Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Russia (restricted to Karelia, the St.Petersburg region, and the Pskov region). The methods recommended and explained further below are meant to be used by all

The psocid fauna living on spruce branches was studied in northern Finland, both in urban areas near the industrial city of Oulu and in rural surroundings, during the years 1986-88. Samples of about 6000 psocids of 19 species were taken from old and young spruces. The psocid assemblage of the rural area of Taivalkoski differed significantly from other areas according to the pooled data of old spruces. Mesopsocus unipunctatus (Müller), Caecilius burmeisteri Brauer and Trichadenotecnum majus (Kolbe) were most numerous in the most urban areas, Reuterella helvimacula (Enderlein) in the areas characterized by the epiphytic lichen Hypogymnia physodes.

476 individuals of Carabus glabratus were collected in the years 1989-90 with pit-fall traps in the Väniötunturi fell terrain in NE Finland. The catch in 1990 was about twice as great as in the previous year. The tertiary sex ratio was even. The main habitat was Scots pine forest 370 m a.s.l., but the species also occurred in abundance in the mountain birch forest zone, in spruce forest, on a Nardus stricta sloping fen and on the shore of Lake Kuutsjärvi, whereas the treeless summit of the fell was almost totally avoided. The main activity period was at the end of June and the beginning of July, the males occurring over a shorter period. Daily catches closely followed the temperature curves.

Entomologica Fennica. 22 October 2001

The invertebrate fauna living on old Norwegian spruce (Picea abies) branches was studied in the years 1986 and 1987 in four localities in northern Finland. Three of the study areas, Linnanmaa, Sanginjoki and Muhos, were located close to the coast of the Bothnian Bay. The fourth area, Taivalkoski, lays inland, in the most easterly location of the four. The numbers of invertebrates living on spruce branches varied seasonally, as well as between the individual branches of a sample. They were highest at Linnanmaa, near the city of Oulu, and lowest at Taivalkoski. The most abundant taxa were mites (Acarina), spiders (Araneae) and springtails (Collembola). As regards the total invertebrate index Linnanmaa differed significantly from the other areas. Most of the animal groups showed a similar trend as well. In addition to a geographical cline (from coast to inland), the level of pollution is considered a possible cause of the observed uneven distribution in invertebrate numbers.

Eight clusters of mummified females of Atherix ibis (Fabricius) were found on 6.IX.1988 under a bridge over the Kouvanjoki River, PP: Pudasjärvi, northern Finland. Inspection of 120 bridges during the winter yielded 17 new finds. A distribution map complemented with records from museums indicates that the distribution in Finland is northern. Features of the clusters and characters of the larval stage are described and discussed. The larval development seems to last two years.

The immature stages of the Clouded Apollo (Parnassius mnemosyne) are assumed to be thermophilic due to the possible time limitations and variable weather conditions during their development. Thus, the degree of canopy coverage may affect habitat use by the species. We explored the spatial distribution of larvae and the development time of pupae under variable canopy coverage conditions. Larvae were most abundant in the areas exposed to direct sunlight, although the last instar larvae are mobile. Larvae also basked under litter between their for aging periods, probably to enhance digestion and the food intake rate. Moreover, pupal developmentwas retarded by increasing canopy coverage. Prolonged pupal development and larval avoidance of Corydalis growths under tree canopies indicate that the species suffers from overgrowing and consequently increasing canopy coverage.

The female of Elachista leifi Kaila & Kerppola is described based on two females collected in northern Finland. In addition to the larger size; the almost black ground colour, the small light area at fringe at the tip of the forewing and the bluish lustre on the underside of the thorax are the best diagnostic characters. The female genitalia of the species can be separated from those of other closely related species, except E. kilmunella, by the shape of antrum, the teeth of ductus bursae and the size and shape of signum. We did not find any reliable differences in female genitalia between E. kilmunella and E. leifi, due to variation in the characteristics of E. kilmunella.

The ecology and biology of Coleophora boreella Benander, 1939 are described. In Hailuoto, northern Finland, the food plant is Sagina nodosa (L.) Fenzl (Caryophyllaceae). The larva mines and feeds externally on the leaves and also feeds on seeds. The larval case is described and the taxonomic status of C. sternipennella group is briefly discussed.

The rapid decline of Capricornia boisduvaliana in Finland during the past two decades is summarised. The only known occupied meadow is located in northern Finland, in the vicinity of Rovaniemi. The distribution of the species in two provinces (Oba and Obb) was surveyed in 1998 by searching through 95 sites. No other occupied sites were found. The biology of the species was also studied. Larvae overwinter as half-grown and feed on Trifolium pratense L. close to the ground, where they spin silken webs around the base of the food plant and among protective litter. In Finland, the species is currently critically threatened, and restoration of habitat and experimental introductions were, therefore, started in the summer 1999 in Rovaniemen mlk. close to the known occupied site. The eggs produced by 15 females were divided into three groups and transported onto three restored meadows. Habitat restoration at three other sites was also started in the same summer. The next summer, reinforcement + introductions were carried out. After the first two years, both larvae and adults were observed at two introduction sites. Restoration of habitats continued in 2001.

László Nowinsky 2008 (ed.): Light trapping and the Moon. Savaria University Press. Z-Press Kiadó KFT,Miskolc. ISBN 978-963-9882-05-8, 170 pp. Price 30 EUR.

Contents, Volume 11 (2000) • ENTOMOL. FENNICA Vol. 11

Contents, Volume 10 (1999) • ENTOMOL. FENNICA Vol. 10

Nielsen, O.F. 1998: De danske guldsmede Danmarks Dyreliv, Bind 8 (The Dragonflies of Denmark. Animal Life of Denmark, vol. 8)

A. Maitland Emmet (ed.) 1996: The moths and butterflies of Great Britain and Ireland. Volume 3. Yponomeutidae-Elachistidae. - Harley Books, Martins, Great Horkesley, Colchester, Essex C06 4AH, England. 452pp. (11 colour plates, 8 duotone plates of larval cases, several hundred text figures and 240 maps). ISBN 0-946589-56-9 £75.00 net; P/B ISBN 0 946589 56 9 £37.50 net.

A new food plant, Empetrum nigrum ssp. hermaphroditum (Hagerup) Böcher, is reported ror Entephria polata.Larvae were observed to live on the buds of the plant in early summer. The find is discussed and the older records reviewed.

Two new rearing records of Trogus lapidator (Fabricius, 1787) ssp. panzeri Carlson, 1975 (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) are reported. In the light of these data we question the hypothesis according to which Trogus lapidator became extinct in Finland in the early 1960s and colonized the country again in the 1970s from the east.

Chromatomyia linnaeae (Griffiths), previously known from Canada, is reported from northern Finland, where the larvae mine leaves of Linnaea borealis.

Great numbers of Drosophila repleta Wollaston were found in 1989 in a cow barn near the city of Raahe, northern Finland, and later in 1993 in a garden in the city of Kuopio, Central Finland. The characters distinguishing the species from the closely related Drosophila hydei Sturtevant are given.

Entomologica Fennica. 13 November 2000

Nilsson, A.1 996:Aquaticinsects of North Europe. A taxonomic handbook.-ApolloBooks, 274pp. ISBN 87-88757-09-9.

Xestia moths (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae, subgenera Anomogyna and Pachnobia) were collected with eleven light traps installed in various virgin habitats in the Varriotunturi fell area, E Finnish Forest Lapland (67° 44′N, 29° 37′E). Seven Xestia species were caught during the years 1978–84. The most abundant species, X. tecta and X. alpicola inhabited the widest range of habitats, from spruce-covered ravines up to the treeless summit. The other species were almost entirely caught in the sprucecovered ravine. The largest catches were obtained in odd years, although some moths were also caught in the even years. There was a striking male dominance. The trap catches were separated into three groups, corresponding to the original classification of the trap habitats. Of the habitats, the open pine forest was nearest to the summit and the spruce forest farthest away. X. alpicola and X. tecta appear to be ecologically related species, while X. gelida and X. laetabilis are located at the other end of this ecological scale.

Laboratory studies have shown that heibivory-induced biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions might enhance aerosol formation and growth. To increase understanding of the atmospheric relevance of this enhancement, we analyzed 25 years of data from SMEAR I (Station for Measuring Ecosystem-Atmosphere Relations) in northern Finland, where autumnal moth (Epirrita autumnata) larvae are prominent defoliators of mountain birch. We did not find a direct correlation between the autumnal moth density and aerosol processes, nor between the total number concentration and temperature, and hence the basal BVOC emissions. Instead, there is some evidence that the total particle concentration is elevated even for a few years after the infestation due to delayed defense response of mountain birch. The low total biomass of the trees concomitantly with low autumnal moth densities during most of the years of our study, may have impacted our results, hindering the enhancement of aerosol processes.

To get reliable estimates of biodiversity or relative population sizes, it is important to develop and properly test new survey tools in comparison with previous methods. Here, we introduce a new, effective bait-trap model, viz. the “Oulu” model, for Lepidoptera surveys and monitoring schemes. An extensive field experiment showed that the new bait-trap model captures more individuals and more species than the widely-used “Jalas”model, while the species richness and species composition of the total catches did not differ between the trap models. The differences between the trap models were consistent over time and habitats. We suggest that the “Oulu” model yields high catches because few individuals can escape from the trap. It is thus an effective tool to be used in Lepidoptera surveys and studies.