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Abstract: Climate change is increasing the frequency, severity, and extent of wildfires and drought in many parts of the world, with numerous repercussions for the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of streams. However, information on how these perturbations affect top predators and their impacts on lower trophic levels in streams is limited. The top aquatic predator in southern California streams is native Oncorhynchus mykiss, the endangered southern California steelhead trout (trout). To examine relationships among the distribution of trout, environmental factors, and stream invertebrate resources and assemblages, we sampled pools in 25 stream reaches that differed in the presence (nine reaches) or absence (16 reaches) of trout over 12 years, including eight reaches where trout were extirpated during the study period by drought or post‐fire flood disturbances. Trout were present in deep pools with high water and habitat quality. Invertebrate communities in trout pools were dominated by a variety of medium‐sized collector–gatherer and shredder invertebrate taxa with non‐seasonal life cycles, whereas tadpoles and large, predatory invertebrates (Odonata, Coleoptera, Hemiptera [OCH]), often with atmospheric breather traits, were more abundant in troutless than trout pools. Structural equation modelling of the algal‐based food web indicated a trophic cascade from trout to predatory invertebrates to collector–gatherer taxa and weaker direct negative trout effects on grazers; however, both grazers and collector–gatherers also were positively related to macroalgal biomass. Structural equation modelling also suggested that bottom‐up interactions and abiotic factors drove the detritus‐based food web, with shredder abundance being positively related to leaf litter (coarse particulate organic matter) levels, which, in turn, were positively related to canopy cover and negatively related to flow. These results emphasise the context dependency of trout effects on prey communities and of the relative importance of top‐down versus bottom‐up interactions on food webs, contingent on environmental conditions (flow, light, nutrients, disturbances) and the abundances and traits of component taxa. Invertebrate assemblage structure changed from a trout to a troutless configuration within a year or two after trout were lost owing to post‐fire scouring flows or drought. Increases in OCH abundance after trout were lost were much more variable after drought than after fire. The reappearance of trout in one stream resulted in quick, severe reductions in OCH abundance. These results indicate that climate‐change induced disturbances can result in the extirpation of a top predator, with cascading repercussions for stream communities and food webs. This study also emphasises the importance of preserving or restoring refuge habitats, such as deep, shaded, perennial, cool stream pools with high habitat and water quality, to prevent the extirpation of sensitive species and preserve native biodiversity during a time of climate change.

Eucalyptus afforestation negatively affects the ecological condition of streams by impacting macroinvertebrates, whose responses to habitat deterioration and changes in basal resources are not well understood. This study examines the effects of Eucalyptus afforestation on macroinvertebrate functional diversity and trait structure, driven by variations in local habitat and basal resources. The study was conducted once in summer and winter across 27 subtropical lowland streams along an Eucalyptus spp. afforestation gradient. We measured physicochemical water parameters, habitat variables (substrates, depth and current velocity) and biomass of basal resources (macrophytes, periphyton and detritus) simultaneously with macroinvertebrate sampling. We used co-inertia multivariate RLQ and four-corner analyses to explore relationships between physicochemical water parameters, local habitat and basal resources, with trait structure. Structural equation modelling-SEM was used to understand the direct and indirect effects of Eucalyptus afforestation on macroinvertebrate functional diversity. SEM revealed that Eucalyptus afforestation indirectly reduced macroinvertebrate functional diversity by reducing macrophyte biomass in both seasons. The RQL analysis revealed a positive correlation among the biomass of macrophytes, density of predators and number of small- and medium-sized animals. This suggests that the decrease in macrophyte biomass may affect the available refuges and biological interactions by affecting predators and small and medium body sizes. These findings emphasise the importance of macrophytes in sustaining a unique functional trait composition of macroinvertebrates in stream ecosystems. Although afforestation did not influence substrate types, they positively affect functional diversity. Macroinvertebrate functional traits are effective indicators of ecological degradation in streams affected by Eucalyptus afforestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amoebae, fascinatingly diverse protists, showcase a dual nature that positions them as both friends and foes in our world. These organisms, defined by their distinctive pseudopodia, span a spectrum from harmful to helpful. On the darker side, species like Entamoeba histolytica pose serious health risks, causing intestinal and liver diseases, while the infamous "brain-eating" Naegleria fowleri leads to fatal primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), with a daunting 97% mortality rate. Other free-living amoebae, including Acanthamoeba castellanii and Balamuthia mandrillaris , also threaten the human central nervous system. Yet, beyond these dangers, amoebae play critical ecological roles. They function as nature's recyclers, decomposing organic material and nourishing aquatic ecosystems, while also serving as food for various organisms. Moreover, certain amoebae help control plant pathogens and offer insight into human disease, proving valuable as model organisms in biomedical research. This review sheds light on the complex, multifaceted world of amoebae, highlighting their dual role as pathogens and as key contributors to vital ecological processes, as well as their significant impact on research and their promising potential for enhancing human well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human‐induced changes in fire regimes worldwide are leading to changes in the diversity and composition of plant and insect communities through alterations in vegetation and habitat characteristics. As species interact in complex networks, environmental disturbances, such as an increase in fire frequency, can affect species directly and indirectly through cascading effects across trophic levels. This study examines the effects of fire frequency on multi‐guild communities in the Chaco region in Argentina, aiming to disentangle the direct and indirect pathways of influence between five different species groups: plants, phytophagous insects, ants, predators, and parasitoids. We assess cross‐taxon congruence by analysing α and β diversity indices and performing a structural equation model and Procrustes tests, respectively, trying to elucidate the pathways of influence between fire frequency and the different guilds. Multi‐guild communities responded to environmental changes produced by fire frequency via direct and indirect effects. Fire has both negative and positive, but weak indirect effects on predator richness through a bottom‐up cascading effect from plant richness across phytophagous insects and ants. However, when species relative abundances were considered, no effects have been observed on Shannon and Simpson diversity indices. A positive correlation between species composition of different guilds and fire frequency indicated congruence between connected guilds suggesting that changes in beta diversity propagate across all trophic chains. Given an increase in fire frequency, changes posed to vegetation translated in weak changes via species richness but through pronounced effects on species composition across different trophic levels. Our findings emphasise the importance of a multi‐guild approach to understanding biodiversity responses to environmental changes, highlighting the complexity and intricate dynamics of ecological communities in fire‐prone ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green spaces in urban areas, such as parks and gardens, provide recreational, social, and health benefits for more than half of the world's inhabitants. Arthropods in urban vegetation may cause some disruption to humans but also provide vital ecological services such as biological control and pollination. However, little is known about the ecology of urban pests, their natural enemies, and how to manage them in an ecofriendly manner, especially in Southern Europe. In this review article, we consider the information available concerning the biological control of aphids in the urban green areas of Spain, mainly focusing on the different aphid species, their natural enemies (and how to enhance them), and the sampling methods used to study them. A wide range of aphid species is found in Spain, but only a few are responsible for the majority of damage (so-called k-aphids, most of which are holocyclic species), and these show two distinct injury profiles (short and long) that determine monitoring and control strategies. Urban aphids have numerous natural enemies, including more than 20 species of ladybeetles, as well as predatory hoverflies, midges, lacewings, bugs, and other groups. More than 40 species of aphid parasitoids and their tritrophic aphid plant associations have been reported. The availability and usefulness of commercially reared aphid natural enemies is discussed, and two methods to enhance natural enemies are described. We also review aphid sampling methods developed for urban green spaces. The studies provide basic information on the ecology of aphids to support conservation biological control as a reliable strategy in the urban green areas of Spain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many specialized herbivorous insects sequester single classes of toxic secondary metabolites from their host plants as protection against natural enemies. If and how herbivores can use multiple classes of plant toxins across the large chemical diversity of plants for self-protection is unknown. We show that the polyphagous adults of the beetle Diabrotica virgifera are capable of selectively accumulating benzoxazinoids, cucurbitacins, and glucosinolates but not cyanogenic glycosides. Female beetles transfer the sequestered defense metabolites into their eggs, protecting them against generalist predators. Eggs containing a mixture of toxins are better protected than eggs with individual toxins. This work shows how herbivores can exploit plant chemical diversity to their own benefit as a novel adaptive mechanism that contributes to the structuring of multitrophic interaction networks. • Western corn rootworm beetles sequester multiple toxins from their host plants • Females transfer these toxins into their eggs, which protects them against predators • Eggs with a mixture of toxins are better protected than eggs with individual toxins • They optimize offspring survival using the full diversity of plant defense chemistry Arce et al. show that the polyphagous beetle Diabrotica virgifera virgifera , which is a devastating pest of maize crops, has the ability to sequester a variety of metabolites from different host plants, transferring them to its eggs. This enhances egg protection against predators, contributing to its success as an invasive pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The sorghum aphid is an invasive pest of grain sorghum grown in North America that was first observed in 2013 along the Gulf Coastal Plains ecoregion of Texas, Louisiana (USA), and Mexico. In the decade since its invasion, results point to increasing suppression of the sorghum aphid as most likely attributable to a native complex of predators and parasitoids that have shifted spatially and temporally. Indicators of increased suppression observed across six years and five locations from south to north Texas were as follows: (1) aphid abundances trending downwards across the years, (2) overall natural enemy abundances trending upwards during the same time period, and (3) a key parasitoid and coccinellid species increasing in dominance. In light of these findings, the importance of monitoring and stewarding natural enemies of invasive insect pests is discussed as part of a comprehensive strategy to measure and reduce the impact of a pest invasion in large-scale agroecosystems. Melanaphis sorghi (Theobald) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), commonly called the sorghum aphid, is an invasive pest of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) (L.) in North America. It was first observed in 2013 along the Gulf Coastal Plains ecoregion of Texas, Louisiana (USA), and Mexico, where it quickly established itself as an economically important pest within a few years. This ecoregion contains an established complex of aphid natural enemies, including both predators and parasitoids. In the decade since its invasion, indicators of increased suppression observed across six years and five locations from south to north Texas were as follows: (1) aphid abundances trending downwards across the years, (2) overall natural enemy abundances trending upwards during the same time period, and (3) a key parasitoid and coccinellid species increasing in dominance. Two key taxa, Aphelinus nigritus (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) and six species of coccinellids (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), were likely responsible for the majority of the pest's suppression. In light of these findings, the importance of monitoring and stewarding natural enemies of invasive insect pests is discussed as part of a comprehensive strategy to measure and reduce the impact of a pest invasion in large-scale agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereal grains both for human consumption and animal feed are an essential component of global food systems. However, during production they are often targeted by various pest insects, including aphids. A survey was carried out from 2017 to 2021 in six cereal production sites in Tunisia to evaluate aphid diversity and identify natural enemies on Triticum turgidum subsp. durum (durum wheat), Hordeum vulgare (barley), Avena sativa (oat) and Triticum secale (triticale). Six aphid species belonging to four genera were recorded: Diuraphis noxia, Rhopalosiphum maidis, R. padi, Schizaphis graminum, Sitobion avenae and Sitobion fragariae. Among these, S. avenae and R. padi emerged as the most prevalent species across the majority of sites, infesting durum wheat, barley and triticale. Sc. graminum, R. maidis and D. noxia were less frequent, while S. fragariae was exclusively found on oat plants. Common aphid predators observed included Coccinella algerica, Hippodamia variegata and C. undecimpunctata, as well as syrphid flies such as Episyrphus balteatus and Sphaerophoria rueppellii. Lysiphlebus testaceipes was the sole parasitoid species detected, emerging exclusively from R. padi and R. maidis mummies. Furthermore, the study on the efficacy of L. testaceipes against R. maidis indicated that parasitism levels increased with the number of introduced parasitoid pairs. Aphid and natural enemy diversity were also evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is an anthropogenic pollutant that is intensifying and expanding in marine environments, but experimental studies of community‐level effects are generally lacking. The inshore, shallow, and clear‐water locations of coral reefs and their diverse photosensitive inhabitants make these ecosystems highly susceptible to biological disturbances; at the same time, their biodiversity and accessibility make them model systems for wider insight. Here, we experimentally manipulated ALAN using underwater LED lights on a Polynesian reef system to investigate the influence on localised nighttime fish communities compared to control sites without ALAN. We collected infrared video censuses of baseline communities prior to manipulation, which we repeated following short‐term (mean of three nights) and prolonged (mean of 25 nights) exposures to ALAN. Short‐term ALAN exposure did not induce any significant alterations to the nighttime fish community, but prolonged ALAN exposure increased nighttime species richness. Species compositions exposed to prolonged ALAN were more dissimilar from their baseline compared to control sites. The difference between community compositions at prolonged ALAN exposure and control sites was not apparent at the family level; instead, it was observed from the composition of trait guilds. Following prolonged ALAN exposure, more diurnal and nocturnal predatory species (piscivores, invertivores, and planktivores)—particularly those that are site‐attached or mobile within reefs—were present in nighttime assemblages. Our experimental findings show that coastal ALAN could cause trophic imbalances and circadian disturbances in localised nighttime reef fish communities. Given that community‐wide consequences were only apparent after prolonged ALAN exposure suggests that management of the duration of artificial lighting could potentially be used to reduce impacts on marine ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides comprehensive data on the life history of Oxybelus trispinosus (Fabricius, 1787). Female individuals of this species supply approximately 3–4 flies per cell as a food source for their larvae. The collected prey includes specimens of four Diptera families: Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Sarcophagidae, and Tachinidae. Nests are constructed in various soil types, featuring a primary burrow measuring 6–7 cm in length that terminates in a single cell. Both male and female specimens were observed on plants of the Apiaceae family. Notably, these nests faced attacks from kleptoparasitic flies, specifically Metopia argyrocephala (Meigen, 1824) and Senotaina conica (Fallén, 1810) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae). The mature larva of Oxybelus trispinosus exhibits similarities to the larva of Oxybelus variegatus Wesmael, 1852, with a distinguishing characteristic of two straight horizontal lines of four bristles in the frontal region between the antennae. The parietal region is characterised by multiple setae: five setae from the pleurostomal ridge to the anterior tentorial fossa, three more on the sides, and six above the antennae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introductions of insect predators and parasitoids for biological control are a key method for pest management. Yet in recent decades, biological control has become more strictly regulated and less frequent. Conversely, the rate of unintentional insect introductions through human activities is rising. While accidental introductions of insect natural enemies can potentially have serious ecological consequences, they are challenging to quantify as their movements go largely unobserved. We used historical border interception records collected by the US Department of Agriculture from 1913 to 2018 to describe the diversity of entomophagous insects transported unintentionally, their main introduction pathways, and trends in host specificity. There were 35,312 interceptions of insect predators and parasitoids during this period, representing 93 families from 11 orders, and 196 species from these families. Commodity associations varied, but imported plants and plant products were the main introduction pathway. Most interceptions originated with commodities imported from the Neotropical, Panamaian, and Western Palearctic regions. Among the intercepted species, 27% were found in material originating from more than one country. Two thirds of species were polyphagous host generalists. Furthermore, 25% of species had already been introduced intentionally as biological control agents internationally, and 4.6% have documented negative impacts on native biodiversity or human society. Most of the intercepted species that have not established in the United States are host generalists or have at least one known host species available. The unintentional transport of diverse natural enemy insects has the potential to cause substantial ecological impacts, both in terms of controlling pests through accidental biocontrol and disrupting native communities. Characterizing the insects being transported and their introduction pathways can inform biosecurity practices and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the period 2023-2024, on the territory of the "Sinite Kamani" Nature Park, Eastern Stara Planina, Bulgaria, the circadian and spatial activity overlap of selected predator mammals was analyzed. The aim of the study is to determine whether niche segregations are observed in the spatial and temporal relationships between mutually competing predators inhabiting the same habitats. The red fox and the badger showed the highest degree of temporal overlap - 85%. The fox and the Martes sp. showed 75% of temporal overlap, while the red fox and Felis sp. showed a lower degree overlap - 62 %. The golden jackal and the Felis sp. showed the lowest interspecific temporal overlap too - 62%. The Felis sp. and Martes sp. showed 63% temporal overlap. The Felis sp. and the badger showed 61% temporal overlap. The temporal overlap between the jackal with the red fox and the badger showed similarity temporal overlap - 71% with red fox and 74% with the badger. The golden jackal and the Martes sp. showed 68 % the of temporal overlap. The badger and the Martes sp. showed 77 % the of temporal overlap. Similar to diurnal activity, a high degree of overlap was found in spatial activity, and avoidance of one predator species to another was not found. In the conducted research, no niche segregation was found in the spatial and temporal ecological niche in the predator species with a similar food spectrum. These results provided insights for the better management of the species in the protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fall armyworm has emerged as a major pest of maize in Pakistan. Multiple fall armyworm management options exist, but their consequences for non-target arthropods in Pakistan have been underreported. Keeping in view this gap, current experiments, using the randomized complete block design, compared the effectiveness of synthetic pesticides and biorational options (including dried plant powders and sand mixtures, and eucalyptus based biopesticides) on fall armyworm control, as well as their effects on non-target fauna. The results showed that fall armyworm damage was lowest in synthetic pesticide treatment, followed equally by eucalyptus-based biopesticide, sand mixtures of neem, red pepper, ash and turmeric, while the highest damage was recorded where no management was done. For the occurrence of the non-target arthropods during live observations, ants and whiteflies were significantly higher as compared to other groups. Overall, live observations showed higher arthropod abundance in biorational treatments as compared to synthetic insecticide treatment. The pitfall trapping differences showed significant differences in the insect orders captured. Moreover, the maize yield at the end of the trial was higher in synthetic pesticide treatments (field recommended doses) as compared to the plots managed using biorational approaches. Among biorational options, the yield of sand and mango wood ash mix showed a higher yield. The current evidence is useful for integrating biorational options into fall armyworm management, especially for smallholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquatic organisms are subject to various forcing factors that affect their structure, some of which are natural, while others result from human activities, both having variable effects. This study aimed to determine the importance of a natural stressor (zooplankton) and an herbicide (atrazine) on phytoplankton density and morphological composition in a microcosm experiment. A natural phytoplankton assemblage was exposed to two zooplankton predators: a copepod (Argyrodiaptomus falcifer) and a cladoceran (Ceriodaphnia dubia), and to atrazine (27 µg L−1), in three combinations of factors (zooplankton treatments (Z), atrazine treatment (A), the combination of both (ZA)) plus a Control. The experiment lasted 48 h. Samples were taken at the beginning and the end of the experiment, and relevant limnological variables, including inorganic nutrient concentrations, were considered. Results indicated differences in phytoplankton densities when treatments were compared with Control. In this respect, Chlorophyceae, Euglenophyceae, and Bacillariophyceae exhibited more changes than other phytoplankton classes. Chlorophyceae densities tended to be higher in the Control than in the treatments; the combination of zooplankton and atrazine favored Euglenophyceae, while atrazine favored Bacillariophyceae densities. Regarding morphological groups, unicellular and small colonies (<35 µm), showed differences between the Control and particularly with Z treatment, colonial-cenobia forms were negatively affected by atrazine and silica forms were favored by both stressors combined. It is concluded that interactions among natural and anthropogenic stressors could be complex, influencing factors such as phytoplankton taxonomical affinities, morphological groups, and the nature of the stressor applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1) Predation by eagles on semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) is a known human-wildlife conflict in Fennoscandia. Both the Golden (Aquila chrysaetos) and the White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) are believed by herders to predate on reindeer, however, there is a considerable knowledge gap regarding the extent of predation and scavenging. Herders believe that predation levels are higher than assumed and that current compensation in Sweden, based on herd size, is insufficient. 2) We developed this pilot Before-After-Control-Impact project to fill the existing knowledge gaps by investigating the patterns of eagle abundance before, during, and after reindeer calving in a reindeer herding district in northern Sweden and testing the effect of two potential deterrents (air ventilators and rotating prisms) in diverting eagles from reindeer calving areas. 3) During the single study period, we made 12, 47, and 17 eagle observations before, during, and after calving respectively. Eagle abundance increased during calving and decreased again after calving ended. Predation levels were difficult to infer and neither direct attacks nor dead calves killed by eagles have been observed. Most eagle observations were made in the control area, with significantly higher odds of observing eagles in the control area compared to areas with deterrents. 4) We show that eagle abundance increased during the calving period and declined afterwards, with subadults particularly fluctuating. Deterrents appear promising in diverting eagles, though further studies are needed to fully assess their effectiveness and the broader issue of eagle predation on reindeer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to assess the vulnerability and tolerance levels of macroinvertebrate functional feeding groups (FFGs) in forested streams draining urban areas in the Niger Delta. It contributes to our understanding of how human activities affect freshwater ecosystems. Between 2008 and 2012, we conducted monthly measurements of physicochemical variables and collected macroinvertebrates. We categorised sampling sites into three groups based on disturbance levels: least impacted sites (LIS), moderately impacted sites (MIS), and heavily impacted sites (HIS). Multivariate (RLQ) analysis was used to visualise associations among physicochemical variables across the sampled sites, revealing distinct relationships between certain FFGs and different sites. The RLQ model we constructed showed that grazers and collector-filterers were predominantly observed in LIS, suggesting their vulnerability to environmental stressors. Conversely, predators and shredders were more prevalent in impacted sites (MIS and HIS), indicating their tolerance to disturbances such as elevated nitrate levels and higher water temperatures. The fourth corner graph highlighted differing responses of FFGs to physicochemical variables, with predators showing positive correlations with several factors but no significant association with phosphate levels. Overall, these findings showed the importance of considering the responses of different FFGs to environmental variables in assessing the health and integrity of aquatic ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community structure and ecosystem function may be driven by the size or the energy within a given habitat, but these metrics (space and energy) are difficult to separate, especially in systems where the habitat itself is also food, such as detritus. Only a handful of studies have attempted to isolate potential mechanisms experimentally, which has left a notable knowledge gap in understanding the drivers of community structure and function. Here, we tested whether fine woody debris (FWD) affects leaf litter communities primarily as a source of space or energy. We used a crossed factor design to isolate the effects of FWD as space and energy, with four treatments: (1) no FWD, (2) only energy‐providing FWD (sawdust), (3) only space‐providing synthetic wood debris, and (4) a combination of both space and energy. We hypothesized that the highest levels of diversity, carnivore:detritivore ratio, and decomposition rate would occur on plots supplied with sawdust (representing energy), synthetic woody debris (representing space), or a combination of both, depending on the relative significance of FWD as a source of either energy or space. After 7 months, FWD as a source of energy but not space led to decreased decomposer abundance and richness. Conversely, increased proportion of carnivores and labile substrate decomposition was primarily driven by FWD as a source of space. However, the fastest decomposition of more recalcitrant substrates required both space and energy (additive), and the synergy of space and energy supported the greatest proportion of carnivores. These results suggest that the presence of FWD in forest ecosystems supports increased diversity and decomposition through a synergistic interaction of space and energy and the maintenance of deadwood like FWD in forest ecosystems can thus significantly contribute to forest ecosystem function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predators can alter the movement of nutrients through ecosystems by depositing waste products following predation. Whilst the benefits of predator waste for large predators (e.g. bears) or dense accumulations of predators (e.g. seabirds on islands) seem clear, less is known about whether smaller, solitary predators can have measurable effects on local ecosystem processes. In separate experiments with web‐building and wandering spiders, we tested if the presence of predators affected soil nutrient content, soil respiration, soil microbial communities, and plant growth. In the first experiment with black widow spiders, total nitrogen and nitrate were not affected by spider presence, but ammonia and phosphorus were higher from soil under the edge of the spider web than soil away from the spider. Soil respiration and plant growth were both higher in soil collected from under the spider retreat compared with soil collected away from the spider web. In a second experiment with wolf spiders, we tested for interactions between spiders and soil microbial communities. There were positive effects of wolf spider presence on all soil nutrients and there were interactions between spiders and soil type (i.e. field‐collected versus autoclaved) for total carbon, total nitrogen, nitrate, and pH. Spider presence and soil type also affected soil respiration and spider presence had a large effect on the composition of the microbial community of the soil. There were also positive effects of wolf spider presence on plant biomass and plant height, with a significant interaction between spiders and soil type for plant height. Overall, our results show that two spiders with different life histories (i.e. web‐building and wandering) both have significant positive effects on plant growth through the deposition of their waste products. These effects may occur through the direct deposition of nutrients and changes in soil microbial communities. Although, further work is needed to resolve these interactions. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Holocene accumulations of rodent bones digested by raptors have been found in El Bolsón, a high-altitude valley in Catamarca, Argentina. Yet, so far there were no relevant taphonomic frames of reference to account for them. We thus studied a modern accumulation in Los Viscos rockshelter from a taphonomic perspective. The rockshelter is used for roosting, and the surface is covered by rodent skeletal remains. The analysed sample (NISP = 421) is dominated by remains of Phyllotis vaccarum, and also comprises other cricetid species, cavids, ctenomids and abrocomids. The anatomical, breakage and digestion patterns were compared to data on different predators. The most probable predator related to this accumulation is a Strigiformes (Aves) species. Most variables, including digestion, suggest a low-intensity modifier, probably Tyto alba, an individual of which was spotted around. Although Athene cunicularia may produce similar bone breakage, the prey taxa are not compatible with its diet. Alternatively, intense fragmentation may relate to postdepositional processes such as trampling. We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding the formation of the zooarchaeological and palaeontological record in the area, as well as for helping assess the global variability of Tyto alba taphonomic signature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mallophora ruficauda is a dipteran ectoparasitoid and insect predator native to South America, that as an adult feeds mainly on foraging honeybees. Under suitable conditions, population outbreaks can detrimentally impact apiculture and plant pollination. In turn during its larval stages, it serves as a parasitoid of scarab beetle larvae that can affect a variety of crops. This review offers an updated insight into the ecology and behaviour of M. ruficauda, presenting new information on how it selects its prey and hosts, a process distinctively carried out by both adults and larvae. By studying this species as a predator and parasitoid, our work sheds light on intricate ecological interactions, paving the way for strategies centered on early detection, containment, and management. The implications of these findings are crucial for developing effective and eco-friendly approaches to mitigate the impact of M. ruficauda on apiculture while balancing its ecological importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural land abandonment is an increasing concern in the EU, especially in Mediterranean regions where traditional perennial crops like olive groves are left unmanaged. This study focuses on the impact of land abandonment on soil-dwelling arthropods in olive groves in Monte Pisano, Tuscany, examining ants, spiders, myriapods, and carabids. Using Generalized Linear Mixed Models, the potential olive fruit fly predator community was analyzed over two sampling periods repeated over two years to assess the effects of both abandonment and its proximity to managed fields. Ants were significantly more abundant in managed fields next to abandoned ones, though there were no differences between managed and abandoned fields. Spider abundance did not respond to abandonment nor proximity. Myriapods were more abundant in abandoned fields during the first sampling period, but the proximity of an abandoned field had no effect. Carabids were more abundant in managed fields, especially those adjacent to other managed fields. These results indicate that arthropod responses to abandonment are taxon-specific, highlighting that a mosaic of managed and abandoned fields can both enhance and reduce olive fruit fly predator abundance. Conservation strategies should integrate varying management intensities to optimize biodiversity in Mediterranean agroecosystems. Future research should investigate long-term effects and specific predator responses to abandonment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In urban community gardens, cultivated vegetation provides variable levels of habitat complexity, which can suppress pests by promoting predator diversity and improving pest control. In this study, we examine three components of the structural complexity of garden vegetation (cover, diversity, and connectivity) to investigate whether higher garden vegetation complexity leads to fewer herbivores, more predators, and higher predation. We worked in eight community gardens where we quantified vegetation complexity, sampled the arthropod community, and measured predation on corn earworm eggs. We found that plots with high vegetation cover supported higher species richness and greater abundance of predatory insects. High vegetation cover also supported a greater abundance and species richness of spiders. In contrast, high vegetation diversity was negatively associated with predator abundance. While high predator abundance was positively associated with egg predation, greater predator species richness had a negative impact on egg predation, suggesting that antagonism between predators may limit biological control. Community gardeners may thus manipulate vegetation cover and diversity to promote higher predator abundance and diversity in their plots. However, the species composition of predators and the prevalence of interspecific antagonism may ultimately determine subsequent impacts on biological pest control.

Resting animals are highly vulnerable to predation, making the location and manner in which they rest crucial for their survival. Some lepidopteran larvae and spiders rest while suspended in the air at night. Although previous studies have hypothesised that nocturnal suspended resting serves as an anti‐predator defence, this hypothesis has not yet been tested.We found that Pogonopygia nigralbata larvae (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Ennominae) rest on leaves of the host plant Illicium anisatum (Austrobaileyales: Schisandraceae) during the day but hang from leaves by a thread at night. As some predators, such as praying mantises, centipedes and tree frogs, were observed on host plants at night, the larvae might hang from leaves to avoid encounters with these predators.To test this hypothesis, we artificially placed model prey (i.e., live mealworms) on I. anisatum trees during the day and at night. We compared the attack rates on model prey suspended from leaves with those directly attached to the leaves. Model prey were attacked more frequently during the day than at night. Suspended models were attacked less frequently than those attached leaves at night. A mealworm attached to a leaf was also consumed by a centipede at night. Additionally, centipedes were found more frequently on the host plant I. anisatum at night than during the day. Furthermore, our laboratory experiments showed that P. nigralbata larvae were frequently consumed by praying mantises and centipedes.Our results suggest that the nocturnal suspended resting of P. nigralbata larvae plays a crucial role in evading nocturnal predators, such as praying mantises and centipedes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Biological control is a promising alternative or complementary approach for controlling vector populations in response to the spread of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors. This study evaluated the efficacy of three selected potential predators on the density and fitness parameters of Anopheles funestus larvae in rural Tanzania. Methods Common predator families Aeshnidae (dragonflies), Coenagrionidae (damselflies), and Notonectidae (backswimmers) and An. funestus group larvae were collected from natural aquatic habitats in rural south-eastern Tanzania. Predators were starved for 12-h while An. funestus larvae were given fish food before starting the experiment. Anopheles funestus larvae were placed into artificial habitats containing predators, exposing them to potential predation. The number of surviving An. funestus larvae were counted every 24-h. An emergence traps were placed at the top of artificial habitats to capture emerging mosquitoes. Emerged mosquitoes were monitored until they died. Female wings were measured and used as a proxy for body size. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) with binomial variates at 95% CI and Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the proportion of dead mosquitoes and the daily survival determined. Results There were significant differences in the number of emerged mosquitoes between the treatment and control groups (P

Mediterranean Quercus forests have great ecological importance but face numerous threats, including pests. The spongy moth, Lymantria dispar L., is a major oak defoliator across its geographical range and has a natural enemy complex that may control its population dynamics. This study aimed to investigate candidate predators (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae, Ichneumonidae, Pteromalidae, Braconidae, Bethylidae, Ceraphronidae, Eulophidae, Eupelmidae and Trichogrammatidae; and Diptera: Tachinidae), for the control of L. dispar in two areas in Andalusia (Spain). We studied 10 Quercus stands (Q. suber, Q. ilex, and Q. pyrenaica), with different L. dispar infestation level. Insects were collected using pitfall and cross-vane traps, during the defoliator's larval period. Four genera comprised 92.2% of all the Carabidae predators found: Steropus Dejean (34.1%), Carabus L. (28.4%), Calathus Bonelli (15.9%), and Platyderus Stephens (13.8%); and four Hymenoptera families comprised 93.7% of the parasitoid specimens collected: Encyrtidae (61%), Ichneumonidae (17.5%), Pteromalidae (10.7%), and Braconidae (4.5%). Both the natural enemy assemblage composition and the abundance per tree varied between geographical areas, as well as between levels of defoliator infestation. The candidate enemy complex was markedly diverse and abundant in stands not infested by L. dispar, where no insecticides had been applied. Our results suggest the importance of generalist predators as natural enemies of L. dispar.

Melanaphis sorghi is a pest that is native to Africa but is now distributed worldwide. In 2013, its destructive capacity was demonstrated when it devastated sorghum crops in the United States and Mexico, making it a new pest of economic importance in North America. At the time, the phytosanitary authorities of both countries recommended the use of pesticides to control the outbreak, and biological control products for the management of this pest were not known. In response to the outbreak of M. sorghi in North America, several field studies have been performed in the last decade on sorghum crops in the USA and Mexico. Works have focused on assessing resistant sorghum hybrids, pesticide use, and recruitment of associated aphid predators and entomopathogens for natural control of M. sorghi populations. The objective of this review is to compile the information that has been generated in the past decade about indigenous enemies affecting M. sorghi naturally in the field, as well as the search for biological control alternatives and evaluations of interactive effects of resistant sorghum hybrids, pesticides, and natural enemies. To date, different predators, parasitoids, fungi, and bacteria have been evaluated and in many cases found to affect M. sorghi populations in sorghum agroecosystems or laboratory bioassays, and the use of resistant sorghum varieties and pesticides did not have clear toxic effects on natural enemy populations. Many of the macroorganisms and microorganisms that have been evaluated as potential biological controls have shown potential as alternatives to synthetic pesticides for keeping M. sorghi population densities below economic damage thresholds and are compatible with integrated management of sorghum aphids. While most tests of these biological alternatives have shown that they have aphidicidal potential against sorghum aphids, it is crucial to take into account that their effectiveness in the field depends on a number of abiotic and biotic factors, including soil texture, temperature, humidity, and natural enemies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fires are becoming increasingly frequent, intense, severe and prolonged worldwide, and such situation is worsening. As a result, extreme fire conditions will increase, with consequences for wildlife, including increased mass mortality and changes in trophic relationships in natural communities. This intensification is expected to be particularly pronounced in the Mediterranean ecosystems. In this scoping review, we summarized current knowledge and gaps in understanding the effects of fires on wildlife, focusing on predator–prey interactions. These interactions play a critical role in animal communities and their understanding is fundamental for appropriate management and conservation. Mammals were chosen as a model group because of their remarkable ecological role. We grouped and analysed the post-wildfire changes in the predator–prey relationships into three-time intervals: immediate, short- and long-term effects. This is relevant as vegetation restoration, by altering cover and habitat structure, may affect hunting strategies and anti-predatory behaviour. Our review showed that studies generally had several limitations, the most common of which were the lack of replication, the strong geographical bias, and the focus on few target species. Nevertheless, we could formally describe how fire affects predator–prey relationships in Mediterranean ecosystems through processes that exert different cascading effects at different times after the fire event. We encourage long-term studies on communities, including as many components of the food chain as possible, using an interdisciplinary approach, and prioritising investigations in high-risk ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extent and pattern of occurrence of natural enemies of Lac insect (Kerria lacca (Kerr.) during the rainy seasons (Katki crop) of 2017-2018 around the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha was studied. Three sites viz., agricultural fields/agroforestry, strips along the roads, and village commons (complex landscapes) differing in the degree of disturbance/landscape were chosen. Palash tree (Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub) was the host plant for rangeeni strain of K. lacca where we observed 7 enemies (3 predators and 4 parasitoids) belonging to 06 families infesting on the lac insect. The village commons landscape had maximum number of natural enemies (predators and parasitoids) with mean number of individuals of natural enemies per 30 cm of stick lac whereas it was the least from the agricultural fields. During 2017 the prevalence of Eublemma amabilis showed the highest peak density (11.08/30 cm stick lac) in village commons followed by Pseudohypatopa pulverea (8.03/30 cm stick lac) and Chrysopa spp. (5.13/30 cm stick lac). Among the four parasitoids A. purpureus had the highest density (7.65/30 cm stick lac) as the major parasitoid whereas, Tachardiphagus tachardiae, E. tachardiae and Parechthrodryinus clavicarnis were minor parasitoids with a peak population density of 2.77, 1.77 and 1.00 per 30 cm stick lac, respectively, in village commons. However during 2018, A. purpureus was also recorded as the major parasitoid with a peak population density (6.96 per 30 cm stick lac), whereas Tachardiphagus tachardiae, E. tachardiae and Parechthrodryinus clavicarnis were the minor parasitoids in the village commons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. As conversion of natural areas to human development continues, there is a lack of information about how developed areas can sustainably support wildlife. While large predators are often extirpated from areas of human development, some medium-bodied mammalian predators (hereafter, mesocarnivores) have adapted to co-exist in human-dominated areas. Aims. How human-dominated areas such as residential yards are used by mesocarnivores is not well understood. Our study aimed to identify yard and landscape features that influence occupancy, relative abundance and spatial-temporal overlap of three widespread mesocarnivores, namely, coyote (Canis latrans), grey fox (Urocyon cineroargenteus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Methods. Over the summers of 2021 and 2022, we deployed camera-traps in 46 and 96 residential yards, spanning from low-density rural areas (<1 home per km2) to more urban areas (589 homes per km2) in north-western Arkansas, USA. Key results. We found that mesocarnivore occupancy was marginally influenced by yard-level features as opposed to landscape composition. Fences reduced the occupancy probability of coyotes, although they were positively associated with the total area of potential shelter sites in a yard. We found that relative abundance of grey fox was highest in yards with poultry, highlighting a likely source of conflict with homeowners. We found that all three species were primarily nocturnal and activity overlap between the species pairs was high. Conclusions. Thus, these species may be using spatio-temporal partitioning to avoid antagonistic encounters and our data supported this, with few examples of species occurring in the same yards during the same 24-h period. Implications. As the number of residential yards continues to grow, our results suggested that there are ways in which our yards can provide resources to mesocarnivores and that homeowners also have agency to mitigate overlap with mesocarnivores through management of their yard features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The blue shark (Prionace glauca) and swordfish (Xiphias gladius) are two large apex predators sharing the same pelagic environment and exhibiting partial dietary overlap, which collectively lead to interactions that might include conflicts. This paper presents the first verified case of a blue shark surviving an impalement by a swordfish, marking the first incident of its kind in the Adriatic Sea. On February 17, 2023, an adult blue shark captured in Vlorë (southern Albania) was found with an 18.6 cm fragment of swordfish bill embedded in its suborbital shelf of the neurocranium, extending through the stapedial fenestra. Despite this injury, no major internal damage was observed and the shark exhibited active feeding behaviour. The paper further provides a detailed overview of all known incidents of blue shark impalements by swordfish to date. The findings presented herein highlight the need for further observations to understand the nature of these conflicts and the interactions between swordfish and sharks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Asian tiger mosquito, Diptera: Culicidae) in Mexico has been documented, and we expanded this knowledge by evaluating the seasonality and bioclimatic conditions necessary for this pest to survive. We installed artificial containers under trees or rocks to monitor the mosquito for 48 weeks (January to December 2020) in a low deciduous forest in Yucatan, Mexico. The presence of predators within the breeding sites was recorded. The binary logistic regression model (BLRM) was used to analyze the relationship between Ae. albopictus and bioclimatic variables. We evaluated the spatial variation of aridity in Yucatan State using the De Martonne aridity index (IDM) to determine the gradients of drought in the region. A total of 2,492 Ae. albopictus immatures were recorded, and 85.5% were larvae and 14.5% pupae. The likelihood of the infestation of containers by an immature mosquito was 2.33, 1.84, and 1.44 times higher during the rainy season, under the Bromelia karatas plant and semi-dark water. Predators (frog tadpole of Scinax staufferi and larvae of the mosquito Toxorhynchites moctezuma) in the containers influenced the decrease in the abundance of Ae. albopictus. The IDM's spatial distribution indicated moderate aridity in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphids are among the most economically significant pests in cereal crops worldwide. Despite high interest in the natural control of aphids by applying natural enemies, intercropping and companion planting, the concurrent effects of the combinations of these methods due to their synergistic or antagonistic interactions remain largely unknown for both aphids and their host crops. Here we identify the relative effectiveness of simultaneous bottom–up and top–down factors in controlling one of the most economically important species of cereal aphids, the bird cherry‐oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi L. For this, we conducted microcosm experiments using a full‐factorial design of three aphid‐control treatments including predator presence (i.e., lacewing larvae of Chrysoperla carnea), host‐plant intercropping (i.e., barley alone vs barley in combination with wheat and rye) and companion planting with an aphid‐repellent plant (garlic), and estimated their direct, indirect and interactive effects on aphid density. Our results show strong simultaneous top–down control of the aphid population by predation and bottom–up control by both host‐plant biomass and companion planting with garlic. The use of garlic as a companion plant for cereal crops in our study neither altered crop biomass nor suppressed the efficiency of aphid predator. Our findings suggest that the simultaneous application of aphid predator and companion planting with garlic holds promise as a potential strategy for the natural control of cereal aphid populations on grain crops, without generating related agroecosystem disservices, such as loss in crop production and deterioration of the natural enemies of pests. However, given the controlled lab conditions and limited timeframe of our study, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in field conditions to ensure its broader applicability in sustainable agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet cherry (Prunus avium) production relies on modern growing practices like polytunnel coverings to improve yields but this may interrupt arthropod- mediated ecosystem services. The distribution of beneficial arthropods (natural enemies and flower visitors) and the ecosystem services they provide may be affected under polytunnel systems, especially at orchard edges. Across 10 commercial cherry orchards grown in polytunnels, we explored how wildflower strips mitigated edge effects on beneficial arthropods and pest regulation and pollination services. In each orchard, we established a standard wildflower strip (SWS; single cut at the end of the season) and an actively managed wildflower strip (AMWS; regularly cut at 20 cm height) between tree rows and compared this to a conventional control strip (CS). We recorded natural enemies in alleyways and cherry trees post-cherry anthesis (flowering) and flower visitors during and post-cherry anthesis at different distances from the orchard edge (2017-2019). In 2019, we deployed insect prey bait cards in trees to measure pest regulation services and recorded fruit quality (2017-2019) and fruit set (2018-2019) to measure pollination services. Distance from the orchard edge did not affect natural enemy density or diversity in any year or under any alleyway treatment, but pest regulation services decreased towards orchard centres with CS (by 33.0% reduction). Flower visitor density (-34% individuals) and diversity declined with distance from the edge during cherry anthesis. For post-cherry anthesis, marginal negative edge effects were observed for flower visitor density and diversity and behaviour. Overall, fruit set decreased towards the orchard centre while fruit quality increased. Our results suggest that wildflower strips are an effective tool to mitigate edge effects on pest regulation services but have limited effects on flower visitors and pollination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mosquitoes are insects of medical interest. They contribute to the transmission and spread of many viral and parasitic diseases. Various methods have been used to control mosquitoes such as conventional insecticides, which are widely used throughout the world and have a negative impact on the environment and targeted species. Predatory insects are significant for the biocontrol of various pests, including the important potential against the larval instars of mosquitoes. In this study, we tested the efficacy of five species Piona uncata Koenike, 1888; Notonecta glauca Linnaeus, 1758; Corixa punctata Illiger, 1807, Ilyocoris cimicoide Linnaeus, 1758; and Sympetrum striolatum Charpentier, 1840 against the fourth instars larvae of Culex pipiens Linnaeus, 1758, according to two exposure phases (Light phase, Twilight phase). The predation assays show a significant effect of tested species against mosquito larvae with the following decreasing order of efficacy: S. striolatum> N. gluca> P. uncata> I. cimicoides> C. pinctata. The early larval instars are the most favourable trophic choice of the five predatory species. On the other hand, we noticed a difference in the predation rate for each species during the two experimental periods. The light phase exhibits the highest predatory efficacy than the twilight phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ciencia y Tecnología Agropecuaria is the property of Agrosavia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In Africa, mixed cropping and intercropping are widely practiced, boosting the provision of ecosystem services such as improved pest control, nutrient cycling, and systems profitability. This study aimed at characterizing the role of associated crops in organic banana and plantain cropping systems and investigating their contribution to pest control and improved productivity of the system. The type of associated crops, crop productivity/profitability, and arthropod communities were assessed in 12 organic banana farmer's fields randomly selected. The attractiveness potential of predator arthropods in the plots of three vegetable species and cowpea associated with organic plantains was evaluated using an experimental site. In total, 2112 arthropod specimens were collected in organic banana farms including 975 individuals of predatory arthropods. The abundance of several predators including seven-spot ladybird Coccinella septempunctata, staphylinids Staphylinus sp., ants Camponotus sp., spiders Araneus sp. and some herbivore species variegated locust Zonocerus variegatus and vegetable leafminer Liriomyza sativae was manly observed in the gardens. The abundance of the three pest herbivores Chaetanaphothrips, Southern Green Stink Bug Nezara viridula, and Diabrotica virgifera were lower in the presence of associated plant species. Mixed gardens (or intercrops) had a significant effect on the overall productivity and financial profitability of the banana and plantain cropping systems. Groundnut and banana and plantain associations had the highest average gross margin per hectare followed by association with maize. In the experimental site, the predator abundance was highest on Vernonia amygdalina followed by Vigna unguiculata and Ocimum gratissimum. These Findings show out interesting banana and crop association which could help to implement strategies for sustainable ecological pest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Protection & Pathology is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Plant Protection & Pathology is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Arab Journal of Plant Protection is the property of Arab Society for Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A field study was conducted at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research to investigate insect pest populations and their natural enemies in different organic rice modules during the rabi 2020 season. Three organic rice regimes, farmers' practice and untreated control were compared across three phenological stages in rice for the population dynamics of pests and natural enemies of Hemiptera and Hymenoptera. Sampling was done fortnightly for three months using various methods such as visual counting, sticky traps, sweep netting, and D-net. Pest and predator populations peaked during the vegetative stage, while parasitoids peaked during the reproductive stage. Pest population means were highest in untreated control during the reproductive and ripening stages exhibiting the impact of treatments. The predator population was highest in untreated control during the vegetative and reproductive stage, while parasitoid population size was highest in Pseudomonas treatment in the vegetative and reproduction stages of the crop and the Trichoderma treatment in the ripening stage. Predator diversity was highest in untreated control during vegetative and reproductive stages of the crop while parasitoid diversity was maximum during reproductive and ripening stage. Pearson's correlation coefficient between the population of pests and natural enemies was found to be positive and highly significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indochinese leopard, Panthera pardus delacouri is classified as Critically Endangered in the Red List of Threatened Species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The subspecies has been recorded for the first time in Ulu Sat Permanent Forest Reserve (USPFR). Camera trap records show the presence of a female melanistic leopard, which is of additional biological interest. It is hoped that these observations will stimulate long-term studies on leopards of USPFR and promote conservation efforts in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural vegetation in and around crops effectively increases predators. Semi‐natural habitats (SNHs; non‐crop vegetation) surrounding crops provide refuge and resources. However, the function of SNHs may depend on several factors, and the response of natural predators may vary among crops and regions. Here, we examined the spider community in a SNH and at an adjacent vineyard in a semi‐arid region of Argentina. We collected spiders in a gradient from an adjacent SNH, towards the vineyard at three distances from the SNH using two techniques: beating and pit‐fall traps. We collected spiders in December and February during two consecutive years at two strata: in vegetation and on the ground. In vegetation, spider abundance significantly decreased from SNH towards the interior of the vineyard at 80 m. On the ground, spider abundance was also significantly higher in SNH. However, after decreasing at the 5 and 20 m sites inside the vineyard, the abundance increased at 80 m. For foliage spiders, species richness followed the same pattern as abundance, whereas ground spider richness significantly increased from SNH to the interior of the vineyard. Species composition also showed different tendencies between foliage and ground spiders. The foliage spider community differed between SNH vs. all the vineyard sites. Contrarily, at the ground stratum, SNH was similar in composition to the edge of the vineyard, and they both differed from the other vineyard sites. We found that the adjacent SNH influenced the spider community in the vineyard and that this effect depended on the distance from that habitat and the association of the community to various strata. These results highlight the importance of studying the whole community of spiders when aiming to increase predator abundance to enhance biological control in this kind of crop. In addition, we found species that may act as indicators of native vegetation which has important implications for the management of natural habitats in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 'landscape of fear' concept offers valuable insights into wildlife behaviour, yet its practical integration into habitat management for conservation remains underexplored. In this study, conducted in the subtropical monsoon grasslands of Bardia National Park, Nepal, we aimed to bridge this gap through a multi‐year, landscape‐scale experimental investigation in Bardia National Park, Nepal. The park has the highest density of tigers (with an estimated density of ~7 individuals per 100 km2) in Nepal, allowing us to understand the effect of habitat management on predation risk and resource availability especially for three cervid species: chital (Axis axis), swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii) and hog deer (Axis porcinus). We used plots with varying mowing frequency (0–4 times per year), size (ranging from small: 49 m2 to large: 3600 m2) and artificial fertilisation type (none, phosphorus, nitrogen) to assess the trade‐offs between probable predation risk and resources for these cervid species, which constitute primary prey for tigers in Nepal. Our results showed distinct responses of these deer to perceived predation risk within grassland habitats. Notably, these deer exhibited heightened use of larger plots, indicative of a perceived sense of safety, as evidenced by the higher occurrence of pellet groups in the larger plots (mean = 0.1 pellet groups m−2 in 3600 m2 plots vs. 0.07 in 400 m2 and 0.05 in 49 m2 plots). Furthermore, the level of use by the deer was significantly higher in larger plots that received mowing and fertilisation treatments compared to smaller plots subjected to similar treatments. Of particular interest is the observation that chital and swamp deer exhibited greater utilisation of the centre (core) areas within the larger plots (mean = 0.21 pellet groups m−2 at the centre vs. 0.13 at the edge) despite the edge (periphery) also provided attractive resources to these deer. In contrast, hog deer did not display any discernible reaction to the experimental treatments, suggesting potential species‐specific variations in response to perceived predation risk arising from management interventions. Our findings emphasise the importance of a sense of security as a primary determinant of habitat selection for medium‐sized deer within managed grassland environments. These insights carry practical implications for park managers, providing a nuanced understanding of integrating the 'landscape of fear' into habitat management strategies. This study emphasises that the 'landscape of fear' concept can and should be integrated into habitat management to maintain delicate predator–prey dynamics within ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In symbiotic interactions, microorganisms associated with the intestinal tract, constituting the gut microbiome, are especially important, because they influence the life history and fitness of their host organisms. The gut microbiome of ground beetles, one of the most species-rich animal families, is poorly known, and research on sex-specific differences is almost completely missing. Investigating the gut bacterial microbiome of a widespread European carnivorous species, Carabus convexus, using next-generation high-throughput sequencing, we found 1138 different operational taxonomic units belonging to 21 bacterial phyla, 90 families, and 197 genera. One of the most abundant bacterial families and genera was previously not known from the digestive tracts of other ground beetle species. We also detected carbohydrate-degrading gut bacterial symbionts, which indicated possible plant feeding in this predatory species. Although the composition of the gut bacterial microbiome was not significantly different between the sexes, the gut symbionts showed more between-individual variability in females. This difference may result from the different mobility of sexes and the difference in reproductive investment. Biological interactions, including symbiotic ones, have vital roles in ecological and evolutionary processes. Microbial symbionts in the intestinal tracts, known as the gut microbiome, are especially important because they can fundamentally influence the life history, fitness, and competitiveness of their hosts. Studies on the gut-resident microorganisms of wild animals focus mainly on vertebrates, and studies on species-rich invertebrate taxa, such as ground beetles, are sparse. In fact, even among the species-rich genus Carabus, only the gut microbiome of two Asian species was studied, while results on European species are completely missing. Here, we investigated the gut bacterial microbiome of a widespread European Carabus species, targeting the V3 and V4 regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA genes by next-generation high-throughput sequencing. We identified 1138 different operational taxonomic units assigned to 21 bacterial phyla, 90 families, and 197 genera. Members of the carbohydrate-degrading Prevotellaceae family, previously not detected in ground beetles, were the most abundant in the gut microbiome of the carnivorous C. convexus. Presumably, individuals from the studied wild populations also consume plant materials, especially fruits, and these carbohydrate-degrading bacterial symbionts can facilitate both the consumption and the digestion of these supplementary foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Projective tests, which were thought to provide key insights concerning motivation, have largely disappeared from personality psychology. Participants in the present studies (total N = 924) were presented with a Revised Animal Preference Test (RAPT) that quantifies desires to be predator animals in a reliable manner. Drawing from several literatures, including the psychopathy literature, it was hypothesized that higher levels of predator self-identification would be linked to higher levels of fearlessness as well as lower levels of negative emotionality. Consistent with this analysis, participants wishing to be predator (relative to prey) animals scored lower in neuroticism (Study 1), responded to physical threat scenarios in a fearless manner (Study 2), and exhibited lower levels of emotionality in their daily lives (Study 3). The RAPT appears to assess motivations that are linked with callous-unemotional functioning. The findings can be extended, however, and future directions are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: In New Zealand and Australia, rural landowners believe that local control of invasive predators aimed at protecting the indigenous biota exacerbates European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) problems on their land. Aims: We tested this using rabbit index data collected in replicated areas with and without predator control in rural landscapes of the Hawke's Bay region of New Zealand. Methods: Spotlight data were available from two ecological restoration areas. For the Cape to City area, data were collected from 2016 to 2021, with three sites subjected to ongoing predator control (traps deployed in 2016 and 2017) and two sites untreated. For the Poutiri Ao ō Tāne area, data were collected from 2012 to 2021, with two sites subjected to ongoing predator control (beginning in 2012) and three sites untreated. Generalised linear mixed-effects models were used to assess whether predator control was a statistically significant predictor of rabbit counts. Cameras were also deployed annually, beginning in 2015, in the treatment and non-treatment areas in Cape to City. Mixed-effects models were fitted to the camera detection data using a 'Before After Control Impact' framework to assess whether camera detection rates of rabbits changed with predator control. Key results: Contrary to landowner expectations, fewer rabbits were counted under spotlight at the predator control sites at Cape to City, although no effect was detected in the camera detection data. More rabbits were counted on the predator control sites at Poutiri Ao ō Tāne, but this effect was not statistically significant and only became apparent in the last 2 years of the 9-year monitoring period. Conclusions: The effects of predator control on rabbit abundance indices in the Hawke's Bay region were contradictory and inconclusive. This suggests that the influence of predators on rabbit populations is minor compared with other sources of population limitation or regulation, such as disease and poor food quality. Implications: The absence of a definitive predator effect should reassure landowners concerned about potential rabbit population outbreaks following predator control. Rural landowners believe that reducing populations of invasive predators to protect indigenous fauna exacerbates European rabbit problems on their land. We tested this in replicated areas with and without predator control in rural landscapes of the Hawke's Bay region, New Zealand, and found contradictory and inconclusive results. This suggests that predator effects on rabbit populations are minor compared with other sources of population limitation or regulation, which should reassure landowners concerned that rabbit populations will irrupt following predator control. Photograph by Jan Kelly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biological control is a promising alternative or complementary approach for controlling vector populations in response to the spread of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors. This study evaluated the efficacy of three selected potential predators on the density and fitness parameters of Anopheles funestus larvae in rural Tanzania. Methods: Common predator families Aeshnidae (dragonflies), Coenagrionidae (damselflies), and Notonectidae (backswimmers) and An. funestus group larvae were collected from natural aquatic habitats in rural south-eastern Tanzania. Predators were starved for 12-h while An. funestus larvae were given fish food before starting the experiment. Anopheles funestus larvae were placed into artificial habitats containing predators, exposing them to potential predation. The number of surviving An. funestus larvae were counted every 24-h. An emergence traps were placed at the top of artificial habitats to capture emerging mosquitoes. Emerged mosquitoes were monitored until they died. Female wings were measured and used as a proxy for body size. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) with binomial variates at 95% CI and Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the proportion of dead mosquitoes and the daily survival determined. Results: There were significant differences in the number of emerged mosquitoes between the treatment and control groups (P < 0.001). Thus, all predator species played a significant role in reducing the density of An. funestus mosquitoes (P < 0.001). Furthermore, these predators had notable effects on the fitness parameters and survival of emerged mosquitoes (P < 0.001). Among the three predators studied, Coenagrionidae (damselflies) were most efficient followed by Notonectidae (backswimmers), with Aeshnidae (dragonflies) being the least efficient. Conclusion: Selected aquatic predators have the potential to reduce the survival and density of An. funestus larvae. They might eventually be included within an integrated malaria vector control strategy, ultimately leading to a reduction in malaria transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]