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Mixed cropping with legumes may mitigate negative impacts of maize, Zea mays L. (Poaceae), production on arthropods by providing additional habitat structures and food resources. Still, knowledge about effects of less common legume partner crops for mixed cropping of maize is scarce. Activity density of epigeic predatory arthropods and proxies for ecosystem functions related to biological pest control were assessed on an experimental field. Plots of mixed cropping of maize and sainfoin, Onobrychis viciifolia Scop. (Fabaceae), and respective single plant species (plot size: 6 × 5 m; n = 48) differed in combination of the seed rate of each partner crop and tillage treatment. Using the "rapid ecosystem function assessment" approach in each plot on three occasions, we tested whether the activity density of generalist arthropod predators and their associated ecosystem functions can be promoted by mixed cropping of maize with sainfoin. Our data show that, compared with tilled maize as a pure culture, mixed cropping can increase activity density of generalist arthropod predators and insect predation potential but effects were limited to strip‐tilled cropping systems and partly depended on sampling date. Thus, from an ecological viewpoint, mixed cropping of sainfoin and maize in strip‐till systems offers the possibility to promote predatory insects and their potential for pest regulation. However, this system is inherently more prone to weed occurrence. Competition effects between cropping partners and weeds may reduce yields and hence lead to trade‐offs between enhancement of arthropods and economic viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The North Pacific distribution of coastal aleocharines has been explained as the result of either dispersal or vicariance. The rove beetle genus Psammostiba is a marine littoral group that occurs on the Pacific coasts of the Northern Hemisphere. We performed phylogenetic analysis of Psammostiba using molecular characters (4685 bp) to investigate their biogeographic patterns. The data were analysed using parsimony, Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods. Model‐based analyses showed the same pattern of Psammostiba species relationships, but parsimony analysis yielded different species relationships for the unresolved clade of Psammostiba. According to the reconstruction of the ancestral areas, both vicariance (two events) and dispersal (one event) have played roles in shaping its current distribution. Biogeographical analyses suggest that the common ancestor of Psammostiba occurred widely along the Pacific coasts of the Northern Hemisphere and underwent vicariance events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flower strips are a prominent agri‐environmental scheme with the central objective to promote biodiversity and maintain associated ecosystem services. The promotion of natural enemies by increasing resource availability through flower strips is a promising approach for integrated pest management.In a 3‐year field study, two annual and two perennial flower strip mixtures, as well as a grass mixture, were tested regarding their attractiveness for natural enemies at three different study sites in Germany. Natural enemies were sampled annually in nine sampling rounds at a 10‐day rhythm using sweep netting and pitfall traps. To assess available floral resources, we estimated the species‐specific flower cover and classified species into flower types.Flower strip mixtures differed in their attractiveness to natural enemies. Treatment effects on arthropod activity density were most pronounced in the second and third year. Overall, perennial were more attractive than annual flower strip mixtures for most natural enemies, however, the response to flower strip mixtures varied significantly among taxa. For example, perennial flower strips showed a two‐ to fourfold increase of plant‐dwelling spider and parasitoid wasp activity density as well as higher numbers of juvenile stages of predatory bugs and rove beetles compared to annual flower strips. In contrast, annual flower strip mixtures showed the highest attractiveness for ground beetles. Moreover, different natural enemy taxa were associated with varying flower strip characteristics such as flower type proportion, herbivore availability and plant species richness.Synthesis and applications. We found taxon‐specific responses of natural enemies to different flower strips, which provide guidance for the floral composition of flower strips in order to maximize their effectiveness for natural pest control. We suggest the use of perennial mixtures with high proportion of flower heads (Asteraceae) and disk flowers (esp. Apiaceae, Rubiaceae, Brassicaceae) in particular, but also flag blossoms (Fabaceae) as these flower types were positively associated with several natural enemy groups. However, since we found mixed responses to flower types, specific flower strip composition will ultimately depends on its objective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus and species of staphylinid beetle, Cretafrica orapensis gen. nov. et sp. nov. is described using a single well-preserved impression fossil from an Upper Cretaceous fossil insect deposit, the Orapa Diamond Mine in Botswana. Cretafrica is placed in the extant subfamily Mycetoporinae based on its general habitus, typical sublimuloid medium-to-large body form, elongated head, visible ridge on ventral side of head under eyes, antennomeres increasing in length and width apically, scutellum with basal carina that is distinctly divided medially, elevated area along suture of the elytra, and presumably large metacoxae, and tapering abdomen. It differs from other Mycetoporinae by its triangular head and elytra with broadly rounded apico-lateral margins. A possible preservation distortion illustrates brush-like or fork-like mouthparts. The fossil insect may have been found in forest litter or fresh and rotting mushrooms at Orapa. It confirms the widespread distribution of mycetoporines with phytophagous or mycophagous lifestyles during the mid-Cretaceous. Moreover, like other described fossil staphylinids, the fossil portrays morphological stasis dating back to the Cretaceous. It further confirms the proposed punctuated equilibrium pattern of evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neotropical myrmecophile rove beetle genus Paraxenopygus Bernhauer, 1911 is reviewed and two species are described as new, P. maurocyanossp. n. from Colombia and P. newtonisp. n. from Brazil. Lectotypes are designated for P. tremolerasi Bernhauer, 1911 and P. peruvianus Bernhauer, 1915. An identification key is provided along with photographs and illustrations for the identification of the five species in the genus. We also illustrated and discussed the importance of the metacoxal shield in Paraxenopygus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a phylogenetic analysis as a baseline, we conducted a taxonomic revision of the genus Loncovilius Germain, 1903 which now includes 10 valid species. Of them, six species, all restricted to the southern Andean region, are described as new for science: Loncovilius barclayi sp. nov. , L. cantharoides sp. nov. , L. carlsbergi sp. nov. , L. hammondi sp. nov. , L. impunctus sp. nov. , and Loncovilius variabilis sp. nov. A lectotype is designated for Loncovilius edwardsianus and an updated key is provided for the identification of all species of the genus. Apoquedius stat. nov. and Lienturius stat. nov. initially described as a subgenera, are given a status of separate genera within Amblyopinini. Our phylogeny necessitated the following new combinations: Apoquedius aeneipennis , comb. nov. , A. piciformis , comb. nov. , Lienturius leiocephalus , comb. nov. , Sphingoquedius discoideus , comb. nov. and S. brevis , comb. nov. and Sphingoquedius nanus , comb. nov. The ecological niche modeling analyses predict a substantial contraction of the local distribution range of L. cantharoides , L. edwardsianus , and L. lividipennis during the warmer periods of the future. For L. variabilis most areas are predicted to remain suitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: As an important group of species in forensic entomology, sarcosaprophagous beetles can provide valuable clues to the postmortem interval of cadavers, especially in the late stages of decay. However, compared with flies, these species have not received much attention, and their potential value in forensic science is yet to be fully exploited. Therefore, in order to attract people's attention to them and to increase their use in forensic practice, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of the literature on sarcosaprophagous beetles, statistically analyzed the beetles mentioned in successions, cases, and other experiments in relation to cadavers, briefly introduced each family of sarcosaprophagous beetles, and discussed the value of their immature species identification and forensic postmortem interval estimation. In forensic entomology, research focused on sarcosaprophagous flies, but the sarcosaprophagous beetles, as important "forensic indicator species" of late-stage PMI in cadaver decomposition, received less attention. To increase attention on, and use and understanding of, sarcosaprophagous beetles in forensic entomology, this paper presents a bibliometric analysis of the available relevant literature. The occurrence frequency of beetle families and species from succession studies, actual cases, and experiments were calculated and illustrated using graphs. As a result, a total of 14 families and 1077 species associated with carcasses were collected, with Staphylinidae being the most frequently recorded among the families, and Necrobia rufipes (Fabricius, 1781) (Coleoptera: Cleridae) being the most frequently recorded species. In addition, a brief introduction of the cadaver-related beetles of each family is given, and research on the species identification of the immature stages, age estimation of the immature stages, and estimation of the arrival time of sarcosaprophagous beetles are discussed and prospected. This work will aid in the increased use of sarcosaprophagous beetles in forensic science practice in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silphinae (Staphylinidae; carrion beetles) are important contributors to the efficient decomposition and recycling of carrion necromass. Their community composition is important for the provision of this ecosystem function and can be affected by abiotic and biotic factors. However, investigations are lacking on the effects of carrion characteristics on Silphinae diversity. Carrion body mass may affect Silphinae diversity following the more individuals hypothesis (MIH). The MIH predicts a higher number of species at larger carrion because higher numbers of individuals can be supported on the resource patch. Additionally, biotic factors like carrion species identity or decomposition stage, and the abiotic factors elevation, season and temperature could affect Silphinae diversity. To test the hypotheses, we collected Silphinae throughout the decomposition of 100 carcasses representing 10 mammal species ranging from 0.04 to 124 kg. Experimental carcasses were exposed in a mountain forest landscape in Germany during spring and summer of 2021. We analysed Silphinae diversity using recently developed transformation models that considered the difficult data distribution we obtained. We found no consistent effect of carrion body mass on Silphinae species richness and, therefore, rejected the MIH. Carrion decomposition stage, in contrast, strongly influenced Silphinae diversity. Abundance and species richness increased with the decomposition process. Silphinae abundance increased with temperature and decreased with elevation. Furthermore, Silphinae abundance was lower in summer compared to spring, likely due to increased co‐occurrence and competition with dipteran larvae in summer. Neither carrion species identity nor any abiotic factor affected Silphinae species richness following a pattern consistent throughout the seasons. Our approach combining a broad study design with an improved method for data analysis, transformation models, revealed new insights into mechanisms driving carrion beetle diversity during carrion decomposition. Overall, our study illustrates the complexity and multifactorial nature of biotic and abiotic factors affecting diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A taxonomic study of the genus Dinaraea Thomson in Korea is presented. Three species are recognized and D. linearis (Gravenhorst) is newly added to the Korean fauna. A key to Korean species, redescriptions, and illustrations of the habitus photographs and diagnostic characters are provided.

Flue‐cured tobacco, Nicotiana tabacum (L.), is often attacked by various pests such as aphids, whiteflies and tobacco budworm. Insecticide application has been the primary method in managing these pests for Yunnan Province. However, it is necessary to look for more sustainable strategies that can help control pests. In this context, conservation biological control is a highly promising alternative, involving the cultivation or conservation of flowering plants within the agricultural ecosystem to attract and support natural enemies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of alyssum, Lobularia maritima (L.) Desv., in attracting natural enemies and managing pests in flue‐cured tobacco cultivation. The study conducted two field experiments over successive years, each with of two treatments and three replicates, arranged in a completely randomized design. The treatments were (1) tobacco monoculture and (2) tobacco intercropped with alyssum flower strips. The population density of natural enemies and pests was monitored weekly throughout the study period. The results showed that the presence of alyssum flowers in the tobaccosalyssum treatment significantly increased the abundance of generalist predators such as syrphids, rove beetles, carabids, Orius sp. and spiders during both experiments. This increase in predator population led to a substantial reduction in tobacco pests, particularly aphids. Intercropping alyssum with tobacco can serve as an effective strategy for managing pests specific to the Nicotiana plant, as well as addressing the limited availability of approved insecticides for this crop. This approach may help to mitigate pest‐related issues and reduce the reliance on insecticides in tobacco cultivation, contributing to more sustainable pest management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coleopterans constitute the second largest order of insects of forensic importance, after the dipterans, which scavenger species are fundamental participants in the process of cadaveric decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems. This study aims to: (i) investigate whether coleopterans are indeed more attracted to the final stages of decomposition in the Cerrado, as observed in other biomes; (ii) identify which species colonize carcasses; and (iii) compile a list of forensically relevant beetles for the biome. We performed the experiments in two protected areas between June 2017 and January 2019, in months representative of the dry and rainy seasons. We conducted collections of beetles using 72 pig carcasses throughout all stages of decomposition. A total of 3,006 beetles were identified into 66 taxa from 12 families. Beetles were most abundant in the final stages of decomposition, particularly during the skeletonization stage, which accounted for approximately 45% of the collected individuals. Considering the most abundant families, Scarabaeidae showed no preference in attractiveness amongst the stages of decomposition, whilst Staphylinidae, Silphidae, Dermestidae, and Histeridae were more attracted by the two latter stages of the process. Two species, Dermestes maculatus (De Geer, 1774) and Oxelytrum discicolle (Brullé, 1840), were observed colonizing the carcasses. This work is pioneering for the Cerrado, uses a large number of carcasses and therefore contributes to a better understanding of ecological processes in the area by approaching the ecology of decomposition of carcasses and scavenger beetles. A list of the species in the region and their utility to forensic entomology is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization profoundly alters environmental conditions for organisms, particularly through the urban heat island (UHI) effect, which elevates temperatures in city centers. This study examines the influence of urban environmental variables on rove and ground beetle communities. We sampled 36 grasslands in Rennes (northwestern France), yielding 3317 and 505 staphylinid and carabid adult individuals, respectively, belonging to 121 and 60 species, respectively. Staphylinid and carabid communities are not primarily affected by temperature-related variables. Staphylinids, often overlooked in urban ecology, showed species composition variation to be influenced by habitat and temperature, whereas their functional diversity was positively correlated with herbaceous vegetation height only. In contrast, carabid communities exhibited no significant relationship with the tested environmental variables. This study underscores the taxon-dependent nature of ectotherm's responses to thermal environments. Although a further investigation into species-specific traits, and particularly dispersal capacities in staphylinids, is needed to advance our understanding of urbanization's impact, our results indicate that functional diversity in staphylinid assemblages can be favored by locally reducing the mowing frequency or increasing the cutting height within urban green spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we present a taxonomic treatment for the Brazilian species of Syrbatus (Reitter, 1882), including the description of three new species (Syrbatus moustache Asenjo & Valois sp. nov., Syrbatus obsidian Asenjo & Valois sp. nov. and Syrbatus superciliata Asenjo & Valois sp. nov.) from the Quadrilátero Ferrífero (Minas Gerais, Brazil). In addition, we designated lectotypes for the Brazilian species of species-group 2, Syrbatus centralis (Raffray, 1898), Syrbatus hetschkoi (Reitter, 1888), Syrbatus hiatusus (Reitter, 1888), Syrbatus transversalis (Raffray, 1898), and Syrbatus trinodulus (Schaufuss, 1887), besides recognizing the holotype for Syrbatus brevispinus (Reitter, 1882), Syrbatus bubalus (Raffray, 1898), and Syrbatus grouvellei (Raffray, 1898). The mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of the three new species are presented, for which we present the phylogenetic placement among Staphylinidae with previously published data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High temperatures that prevail at sun-exposed sites such as heaths, depressions, or on slopes, increase the risk of desiccation for rove beetles (Staphylinidae). Therefore, atmospheric and sub-atmospheric humidity determine the microclimates and thus habitat preference and activity of xerothermophilous species. In the nature reserve Marienfl ieß, a heathland in the south of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Northeast German Lowlands, air temperature and humidity were recorded year-round along a transect at 10 sites, i.e. where the vegetation was more dense and more humid than where the vegetation was sparse and it was drier, using data loggers placed in the litter layer that recorded the conditions every 30 min in 2021. Monthly visits were made to determine the biomass of vegetation, soil and litter properties, edaphic rove beetle fauna and total abundance and and that of individual species at 1 m2 sites. Statistical analysis of 365 diurnal cycles per site, with pronounced amplitude in air temperature and humidity, clearly delineated the cooler and more humid sites from warmer and drier ones. Between 10 and 22 of the 30 xerothermophilous species (73.3%), such as, e.g. Quedius persimilis Mulsant & Rey, 1876, Xantholinus gallicus Coiff ait, 1956, Cousya longitarsis (Thomson, 1867) and Euaesthetus superlatus Peyerimhoff, 1937, were recorded only at the cooler and moist sites on the heath. Comparison of the abundances and distribution of species revealed that the xerothermophilous heath-dwelling and desiccation-prone species prefer rather constant environmental conditions, i.e. niches in cool and moist habitats on warm and dry heathland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbe-microbe interactions - of central importance in biological systems - can be antagonistic or synergistic, acting to benefit or detriment of a host. Pederin-producing endosymbionts (PPE) are considered protective mutualists in their Paederus fuscipes (rove beetle) hosts but little is known about whether PPE affect other aspects of host fitness as well as host microbial diversity. We find strong deleterious costs of PPE infections on hosts related to an extended development time, smaller and shorter lifespan of females, as well as a lower hatching rates of progeny. 16S rRNA data reveal that PPE affect the microbiome of P. fuscipes depending on gender and organ, resulting in a decrease in the number of the potentially beneficial symbiotic bacteria Apibacter and the reproductive manipulator Wolbachia and an increase in the conditional pathogenic bacterium Bartonella. Predicted microbe functions related to metabolism, longevity, immunity and resistibility are enriched in uninfected females, potentially contributing to fitness costs of PPE infections. We further sequence and annotate the first complete genome of PPE and compare the pederin biosynthetic gene cluster (ped) with the pederin family biosynthetic gene cluster from other bacterial-eukaryote symbioses. This study highlights the fitness costs of PPE infections to P. fuscipes, even though the defensive pederin compound produced by PPE helps protect the host. The ecology and evolution of this mutualism is shaped by costs, not just the benefits they confer. Changes in the microbial community within infected rove beetles may mediate the negative impacts of PPE on fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of narrow-waisted bark beetle is described from Eocene Rovno amber (Ukraine): Diagrypnodes villumi sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Salpingidae). This fossil refutes a simplistic view of the genus Diagrypnodes as a typical Gondwanan lineage whose extant species are disjunct between Australia, New Caledonia, and New Zealand. Diagrypnodes villumi is the first definitive fossil species of the subfamily Inopeplinae, the other being Eopeplus stetzenkoi Kirejtshuk and Nel from lowermost Eocene (53 Ma) Oise amber which was placed in this subfamily, albeit tentatively. Extant inopeplines occur in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. The presence of Diagrypnodes and Eopeplus in Eocene Europe suggest a formerly different and presumably wider distribution of the subfamily. Furthermore, the ant Lasius schiefferdeckeri Mayr (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) preserved in the amber piece as a eusyninclusion with D. villumi is a new example of the simultaneous presence of the temperate and frost intolerant elements in European Eocene amber forests.LSID [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants that bloom in early spring often face constraints on reproduction, which are influenced by low temperatures and unpredictable weather conditions that affect pollinator activity. We aimed to elucidate the pollination ecology and the mating system of Ranzania japonica (Berberidaceae), a perennial plant of a monotypic genus endemic to deep‐snow regions in Japan. We documented the flowering phenology and visiting insects in the field, and conducted pollination experiments by using artificial treatments. R. japonica was suggested to be self‐incompatible but not pollen‐limited. Fruit set varied between years, and florivory seemed to have a negative influence on fruit set. Insects from various taxa were observed to visit the flowers of R. japonica, with Eusphalerum sp. (rove beetle) being the most abundant, followed by Bombylius major and hymenopteran species. The stamen movement in response to insect visits was observed. The results of the observation and the pollination treatments suggested that small‐ and medium‐sized Hymenoptera were the main pollinators and rove beetles may also contribute to pollination in R. japonica. Because early spring weather can be unsuitable for activity of bees, rove beetles may act as supplementary pollinators of R. japonica. The role of the supplementary pollinators may be an overlooked but important aspect for understanding the pollination biology of early‐spring blooming plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new extinct genus Dactylonudon gen. nov. with the type species D. longitarsus sp. nov. and a new species of the extinct genus Midinudon Tokareva & Żyła, 2023: M. elongatus sp. nov., both from Burmese amber are described, illustrated and distinguished from related species. A new record of the extinct species Diminudon schomannae Żyła, Yamamoto & Jenkins Shaw, 2019 from Burmese amber is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following new species from the listed countries are described and illustrated: Stenistoderus litoralis sp. nov. (Rep. Congo), Stenistoderus mirus sp. nov. (Rep. Congo), Notolinopsis involutus sp. nov. (South Africa: Cape), Notolinopsis microphthalmus sp. nov. (South Africa: Natal); Afrus collarti (Cameron, 1932) is a new record for Tanzania and Thyreocephalus magnus Janák, 2010 is a new record for Benin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species composition, abundance, and seasonality of Paederus in the paddy fields of the Malabar region, Kerala, India, are analysed. Among the five species of Paederus beetles collected from Malabar, four are known to cause dermatitis. Paederus sondaicus Fauvel 1895 was the dominant species in the paddy fields of the Malabar region. Regional variation in the species composition, abundance, and seasonality of species was observed. P. sondaicus was dominant in Wayanad and Palakkad, P. fuscipes Curtis, 1826 in Malappuram and Kozhikode and P. extraneus Wiedemann, 1823 in Kannur. A modified taxonomic key for identification of Paederus beetles in Kerala is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the extant staphylinid genus Vicelva Moore & Legner, V. rasilis sp. nov., is reported from mid‐Cretaceous Kachin amber of northern Myanmar. Vicelva rasilis is distinguishable from extant members of Vicelva by the smoother dorsal surface of head, pronotum and elytra, less prominent median projection of clypeus, unnotched mesal edge of mandibles, semiglabrous antennomere 6, and longer tarsomere 1. The pollen‐containing coprolite attached to the beetle and the crystals within the beetle body provide valuable information about the biology and taphonomy of the fossil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The well-known phenomenon of attracting untypical animals to disturbed territories has been poorly investigated in the polar mountains. We studied arthropod diversity in self-healing industrial clear-cuts and burn areas in the Khibiny Mountains, Kola Polar region. Fieldworks were conducted at four sites, including a control mountain taiga forest and its three transformed variants: burnt forest, uncleared clear-cut, and twice-disturbed burnt clear-cut. Arthropods were collected using formalin traps 2–3, 5–6, and 8–9 years after industrial deforestation in 2012 and an extensive grass-roots fire in 2013. Out of 124 identified species (spiders—61; ground beetles—41; and rove beetles—22), 79 (or 64%) were collected in disturbed, primarily burned areas and were absent in control forest. We note ten species of rove beetles, nine species of ground beetles, and eight species of spiders for the first time in the well-studied arthropod fauna of the Khibiny Mts. We found that grass-root fires transform the soil vegetation covers in the polar mountain forests more powerfully in comparison with extensive deforestation and attract a greater diversity of arthropods with different preferences, enriching the fauna of the polar mountains and the Subarctic region as a whole. The attraction effect persists for, at least, a decade after the violations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fall armyworm has emerged as a major invasive pest of maize in multiple regions of Africa and Asia, affecting the crop at different stages. Pesticides have been widely used to manage fall armyworm in maize, however, there is always a need to explore other management options, including biological control. The current study aimed to explore the occurrence of the biological control agents in maize field, along with the predatory activity of selected groups under lab conditions. For live observations of the predatory arthropods in the field, weekly observations were made from five different maize fields located in Multan. For estimating predatory potential, selected groups of predators were collected using hand picking method and released in the Petri dishes under laboratory conditions. Diversity indices including the Shannon's and Simpson's diversity indices, showed significant differences in diversity of predators across various months and sites. The abundance of arthropod predators was significantly higher during September, October, March, and April. During fall 2022, spiders, red ants and lady bird beetles showed higher abundance followed by rove beetles and black ants. During spring 2023, spiders showed the highest mean abundance followed by red ants, rove beetles and lady bird beetles. The laboratory predation experiments showed lady bird beetles as an effective predator against the 1st larval instar of fall armyworm, followed by spiders and black ants, respectively. Results of the current study will help to identify the beneficial insects providing natural control of fall armyworm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), and leafhopper, Amrasca biguttulla biguttulla, Ishida, are the major biotic constraints in cultivation of okra, causing considerable economic damage. The present study aims to evaluate the laboratory and field efficacy of butenolide insecticide, flupyradifurone 200 SL against these key sucking pests, its phytotoxicity, safety to natural enemies as well as pollinators and cost-efficiency in okra. Dose probit mortality assays indicated flupyradifurone to be the most toxic and thiamethoxam least toxic to leafhopper and whitefly. Based on the LC50 values for whitefly and leafhopper, flupyradifurone exhibited 11.07 and 2.98-fold difference, respectively, when compared to thiamethoxam. Laboratory bioassays confirmed that the maximum dose of flupyradifurone (250 g a.i. ha−1) had a high level of toxicity to whitefly adults and leafhopper nymphs. Of the three field rates (150, 200, 250 g a.i. ha−1) of flupyradifurone evaluated under open field conditions, application at 250 g a.i. ha−1 was most effective for the control of whitefly and leafhopper population with a high marketable fruit yield in okra. Flupyradifurone reduced the population of whitefly by 71.80 & 76.68 per cent and leafhopper by 82.19 and 80.21 per cent during first and second season, respectively, as compared to untreated control. Furthermore, it was superior and more economical, giving the highest benefit: cost ratio (2.77) than other test insecticides included for comparison. Flupyradifurone application showed no phytotoxic symptoms on the okra crop. Additionally, it was found to be safer to natural enemies i.e. spiders and rove beetles that are prevalent in the okra ecosystem. The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that flupyradifurone was apparently less toxic to honey bees in short-term and long-term exposure assays. These findings will aid in utilizing the flupyradifurone in insecticide window spray schedules and IPM programs for the management of sucking pests in okra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stephanorhynchus White, 1846 is a eugnomine weevil genus endemic to New Zealand, with 18 nominal taxa described within the genus. Examination of the type specimens of these taxa with greater understanding of related genera has led to the distinction of four well-defined genera from the species ascribed to the genus. These are the monotypic genus Pittosporobiusgen. nov., with type species P. crassus (Broun, 1880) comb. nov.; Moanusgen. nov., with type species M. lawsoni (Sharp, 1876) comb. nov., and including M. brevipennis (Pascoe, 1876) comb. nov. (= Stephanorhynchus griseipictus Broun, 1886 syn. nov.), M. nigrosparsus (Broun, 1893) comb. nov. (= Stephanorhynchus pygmaeus Broun, 1903 - syn. nov.) and M. tumulus Mazur and Brown sp. nov. (type locality Mt Dick, Otago Lakes, South Island, New Zealand); Glabrorhynchusgen. nov., with type species G. costifer (Broun, 1893) comb. nov., and including G. insolitus (Broun, 1893) comb. nov., G. purus (Pascoe, 1876) comb. nov., and G. halli (Broun, 1914) comb. nov. A reduced concept of Stephanorhynchus White, 1846 contains now four species: S. curvipes White, 1846, S. tuberosus Broun, 1881, S. attelaboides (Fabricius, 1775), S. aper Sharp, 1886. All species within the complex have been redescribed, with details provided of their external morphology and terminal structure and supported by drawings and colour photographs. Keys to genera and species are also provided as well as distribution maps and information about host plants and biology. The systematic position of these genera within the Eugnomini and their similarity with the genus Callistomorphus Perroud, 1865 from New Caledonia are discussed.Article registered number New taxa Glabrorhynchus gen. nov. Moanus gen. nov. Moanus tumulus sp. nov.Pittosporobius gen. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Cleopus Dejean, 1821, a genus belonging to the tribe Cionini Schoenherr, 1825 of the large subfamily Curculioninae and the family Curculionidae, is distributed in the Oriental and Palaearctic regions. This paper reviews all valid species of the genus based on morphological characters for the first time. Five already known species are redescribed, and thirteen species new to the science are described. This is the fourth part of the revision of the tribe Cionini after three revisions of Palaearctic, Afrotropical, and Oriental species of the genus Cionus Clairville, 1798. Beside detailed descriptions and redescriptions, illustrations of habitus and male genitalia, diagnoses, remarks and comparative notes, biological notes, distribution, lists of examined specimens, and a key to all valid species are given. The genus Cleopus Dejean, 1821 is herein revised for the first time. Based on adult morphological characteristics, 18 species are recognized as valid. Thirteen species, all distributed in the Eastern Palaearctis or Oriental region, are described as new: C. aduncirostris sp. n.; C. cognatus sp. n.; C. confusus sp. n.; C. dohertyi sp. n.; C. hajeki sp. n.; C. lirenae sp. n.; C. longitarsis sp. n.; C. minutus sp. n.; C. pallidisquamosus sp. n.; C. parvidentatus sp. n.; C. philippinensis sp. n.; C. simillimus sp. n.; and C. subaequalis sp. n. Lectotypes of following two valid species and three synonyms were designated: Curculio solani Fabricius, 1792; Curculio pulchellus Herbst, 1795; Cionus setiger Germar, 1821; Curculio immunis Marsham, 1802; and Cleopus pulchellus rigidus Stephens, 1831. Neotypes of Curculio perpensus Rossi, 1792 and Cleopus pulchellus flavus Stephens, 1832 were designated. The following new synonyms of Cleopus pulchellus (Herbst, 1795) were established: Cleopus pulchellus var. flavus Stephens, 1831 syn. n. and C. pulchellus var. rigidus Stephens, 1831 syn. n. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study presents an analysis of the Coleoptera fauna in the forests of the Euro-pean Russia in 2022 and 2023, after a fire. Insects were sampled from burned plots (9) in 2010 and 2021, as well as unburned (control) plots (2), and alpha diversity was compared. After processing the material, we examined a total of 12,218 Coleoptera specimens from 38 families and identified 194 species. The families Nitidulidae, Cerambycidae, Elateridae, and Scarabaeidae were the most abundant across all plots. Cerambycidae, Elateridae, Nitidulidae, Staphylinidae, Coccinellidae, and Scarabaeidae exhibited the greatest species diversity. In total, 17 species were found on all plots. Only five species exhibited preferences for some certain plots. Maximum abundance and species diversity were observed on unburned (control) plots. The plots where fires occurred in 2010 and 2021 had the lowest total abundance values for Coleoptera. These fires destroyed almost all potential sites for beetle settlement, feeding, breeding, and shelter. Fires can significantly impact forest ecosystems. However, studies on the effects of fires on insect communities in post-fire plots in natural forests are rare. This study presents an analysis of the Coleoptera fauna in the forests of the Mordovia State Nature Reserve (European Russia) in 2022 and 2023 after a fire. Insects were sampled from burned plots (9) in 2010 and 2021, as well as unburned (control) plots (2), and alpha diversity was compared. After processing the material, we examined a total of 12,218 Coleoptera specimens from 38 families and identified 194 species. The families Nitidulidae, Cerambycidae, Elateridae, and Scarabaeidae were the most abundant across all plots. Cerambycidae, Elateridae, Nitidulidae, Staphylinidae, Coccinellidae, and Scarabaeidae exhibited the greatest species diversity. In total, 17 species were found on all plots, including Cetonia aurata, Protaetia cuprea volhyniensis, Trogoderma glabrum, Carpophilus hemipterus, Epuraea biguttata, Glischrochilus grandis, Glischrochilus hortensis, Glischrochilus quadripunctatus, Soronia grisea, Pediacus depressus, Chrysanthia geniculata, Anastrangalia reyi, Leptura quadrifasciata, Leptura thoracica, Lepturalia nigripes, Rhagium mordax, and Anisandrus dispar. Only five species exhibited preferences for certain plots. Maximum abundance and species diversity were observed on unburned (control) plots. The plots where fires occurred in 2010 and 2021 had the lowest total abundance values for Coleoptera. These fires destroyed almost all potential sites for beetle settlement, feeding, breeding, and shelter. Traps recorded a higher abundance of Coleoptera in the first year after fires compared to the second year. The Coleoptera fauna showed the greatest similarity on the control plots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Cybister Curtis, 1827 is reviewed for the fauna of Vietnam. The 5 species are diagnosed with illustrated habitus, leg, and male genitalia. Additional measurement data, and an updated identification key for all species are provided. Two species Cybister convexus Sharp, 1882, and Cybister danxiaensis Zhuo-Yin Jiang, 2023, are recorded for the first time in Vietnam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To illustrate the impact of genetically modified (GM) Bt maize on the natural enemy communities in the Huang-Huai-Hai summer maize-growing region in China, the abundance of 7 common predator taxa (Geocoris pallidipennis Costa, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), lacewings, Orius sauteri (Poppius), Propylea japonica (Thunberg), spiders, and Staphylinidae) was quantitatively evaluated by comparing Bt-Cry1Ab DBN9936 and Bt-Cry1Ab/Cry2Aj Ruifeng 125 events to their near non-Bt isolines during the growing season from 2016 to 2019. A total of 10,302, 19,793, 13,536, and 5,672 individuals were observed during 4 years, and the abundance of each taxa on Bt maize varied between sample dates among those arthropod taxa. Shannon–Wiener diversity index of predator communities from 7 taxa showed very similar temporal dynamics and principal response curve analyses to examine community-level effects showed no significant differences in predator abundance in Bt maize compared with non-Bt maize. We conclude that the 2 Bt maize hybrids did not adversely affect the predator community in the Huang-Huai-Hai summer maize-growing region of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthropods are active during the winter in temperate regions. Many use the seasonal snowpack as a buffer against harsh ambient conditions and are active in a refugium known as the subnivium. While the use of the subnivium by arthropods is well established, far less is known about subnivium community composition, abundance, biomass, and diversity and how these characteristics compare with the community in the summer. Understanding subnivium communities is especially important given the observed and anticipated changes in snowpack depth and duration due to the changing climate. We compared subnivium arthropod communities with those active during the summer using pitfall trapping in northern New Hampshire. We found that compositions of ground-active arthropod communities in the subnivium differed from those in the summer. The subnivium arthropod community featured moderate levels of richness and other measures of diversity that tended to be lower than the summer community. More strikingly, the subnivium community was much lower in overall abundance and biomass. Interestingly, some arthropods were dominant in the subnivium but either rare or absent in summer collections. These putative "subnivium specialists" included the spider Cicurina brevis (Emerton 1890) (Araneae: Hahniidae) and 3 rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae): Arpedium cribratum Fauvel, 1878, Lesteva pallipes LeConte, 1863, and Porrhodites inflatus (Hatch, 1957). This study provides a detailed account of the subnivium arthropod community, establishes baseline information on arthropod communities in temperate forests of northeastern North America, and explores the idea of subnivium specialist taxa that are highly active in winter and might be especially vulnerable to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six new reports of staphylinids viz., Anotylus glareosus(Wollaston, 1854); Oxytelus bengalensis(Erichson, 1840); Oxytelus incisus (Motschulsky, 1858); Oxytelus lividus (Motschulsky, 1858); Oxytelus nigriceps (Kraatz, 1859) and Oxytelus puncticeps (Kraatz,1859) are recorded for the first time from south India. The current geographical distribution of these are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Saproxylic beetles are important components of biodiversity and are used for monitoring the quality of old-growth forests. Due to the substantial reduction of forested areas and low availability of dead wood, saproxylic beetles are becoming threatened and many small coleopteran species risk disappearing before they are even discovered. Material and methods. The research was carried out in one natural forest, three natural and two landscape reserves. Coleoptera species were identified using morphological characters and DNA barcoding. Molecular identification established using the GenBank database was confirmed by querying the BOLD Systems database. Results. The work includes 9 species of coleoptera: Batrisodes unisexualis, Trichonyx sulcicollis, Sepedophilus bipunctatus, S. constans, S. pedicularius, Gyrophaena manca, Scaphisoma agaricinum, Medon rufiventris and Hypnogyra angularis newly identified for the fauna of the Republic of Moldova. Obtained COI sequences were analysed and compared with European species stored in GenBank. From a phylogeographic point of view, the majority of the sequences from the Republic of Moldova are grouped into private haplotypes, that are distributed only in the analysed region. The species Gyrophaena manca has 2 haplotypes, one is present in Finland and Germany, another in the Republic of Moldova. Conclusions. As a result of the research 9 species of saproxylic coleoptera from the studied natural forests were identified as new for the fauna of the Republic of Moldova. Obtained genetic data are available for future phylogeny, phylogeography and conservation biology studies carried out at European level.

Simple Summary: The negative impact of numerous chemical compounds entering the environment from various anthropogenic sources is one of the reasons for the decline in populations and biodiversity of aboveground invertebrates. Chemical compounds can cause various effects (attracting or repelling) on insects. In laboratory conditions, the motor response of 1802 adult Philonthus decorus Gravenhorst beetles to 40 organic compounds and mixtures of compounds (acids, alcohols, ketones, phenols, aldehydes, aromatic carbohydrates solvents, and vehicle fuels) was revealed. It has been established that females of this rove species are generally less sensitive to odors. Organic acids in most cases were characterized by a repellent (oleic, acetic, oxalic, citric, formic acids) or neutral effect on beetles. The exception was some amino acids that have a moderate attractive effect. Alcohols most often exhibited the properties of moderate repellents or neutral substances for Ph. decorus imagoes. The exceptions were butyl alcohol (strong repellent of females), and methyl alcohol (moderate attractant of females). Aldehydes showed a moderate repellent effect on males and did not affect females. Aromatic hydrocarbons had a weak repellent effect on rove beetles. Organic solvents and fuels exerted no repellent or attractant effects on Ph. decorus. In most cases, they had a moderate repellent or neutral effect on these insects, with the exception of diesel fuel. This type of fuel attracted females. The majority (55%) of the chemical compounds and mixtures of compounds participating in the experiment had no attractant or repellent effect on the staphylinids. The use of organic compounds in different spheres of human activity is accompanied by their influx to and accumulation in the environment. The negative impact of those compounds can be one of the reasons for a decline in populations and biodiversity of aboveground invertebrates. Chemical compounds can potentially cause a variety of effects (attractant or repellent) on insects, including species of the Staphylinidae family. In a laboratory experiment, we identified repellent and attractant influence of 40 organic compounds and mixtures of compounds (acids, alcohols, ketones, phenols, aldehydes, aromatic carbohydrates solvents, and vehicle fuels) on Philonthus decorus Gravenhorst, 1802. The ambulatory responses of the males and females to the same chemical compounds most often varied. A strong repellent activity against both sexes of Ph. decorus was caused by oleic acid, while hexane repelled the males. Acetic acid, 1-butanol, and ammonia solution were found to be strongly repellent against females. A moderate (average) repellent activity towards male Ph. decorus was displayed by organic solvents and fuels, some alcohols (isopropanol, isoamyl alcohol, methanol, ethanol), acids (acetic, formic acid), aromatic carbohydrates (toluene, xylene), and formaldehyde. Female Ph. decorus in general were less sensitive to the odors. The list of repellents with moderate activity against the females was much shorter: solvent 646, white spirit, toluene, isopropanol, isoamyl alcohol, citric and oxalic acids, and glycerol. Moderate attractant activity for Ph. decorus was exhibited by some amino acids, alcohols, and fuel mixes: glycine and L-cysteine (for the males), and phenylalanine, methanol, and diesel fuel (for the females). The rest of the 40 chemical compounds we studied caused no ambulatory responses in Ph. decorus. The difficulties we encountered in the interpretation of the results suggest a need for further experimental studies that would expand the knowledge of the chemoecology of insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies suggest that arthropod diversity in German forests is declining. Currently, different national programs are being developed to monitor arthropod trends and to unravel the effects of forest management on biodiversity in forests. To establish effective long-term monitoring programs, a set of drivers of arthropod diversity and composition as well as suitable species groups have to be identified. To aid in answering these questions, we investigated arthropod data collected in four Hessian forest reserves (FR) in the 1990s. To fully utilize this data set, we combined it with results from a retrospective structural sampling design applied at the original trap locations in central European beech (Fagus sylvatica) forests. As expected, the importance of the different forest structural, vegetation, and site attributes differed largely between the investigated arthropod groups: beetles, spiders, Aculeata, and true bugs. Measures related to light availability and temperature such as canopy cover or potential radiation were important to all groups affecting either richness, composition, or both. Spiders and true bugs were affected by the broadest range of explanatory variables, which makes them a good choice for monitoring general trends. For targeted monitoring focused on forestry-related effects on biodiversity, rove and ground beetles seem more suitable. Both groups were driven by a narrower, more management-related set of variables. Most importantly, our study approach shows that it is possible to utilize older biodiversity survey data. Although, in our case, there are strong restrictions due to the long time between species and structural attribute sampling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nisotra chrysomeloides Jacoby, 1885, N. dohertyi (Maulik, 1926), N. gemella (Erichson, 1834), and Nisotra nigripes Jacoby, 1894 are redescribed with illustrations of aedeagi, antennae, gonocoxae, abdominal ventrite VIII, and spermathecae. Nisotra nigripes is recorded for the first time from Taiwan. The immature stages and life history of N. gemella were studied in the laboratory using a novel rearing design. Four synonyms previously proposed are confirmed: Sphaeroderma javana de Motschulsky, 1866, S. orbiculata de Motschulsky, 1866, Nisotra bowringi Baly, 1876, and Podagrica hibisci Bryant, 1941 with N. gemella (Erichson, 1834). Lectotypes are designated for Haltica gemella Erichson, 1834, N. chrysomeloides Jacoby, 1885, N. bowringi Baly, 1876, and Podagrica hibisci Bryant, 1941. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of ambrosia beetle Indocryphalus chiyui Lin & Beaver (tribe Xyloterini LeConte, 1876) from Taiwan is described. The species is monogamous and xylomycetophagous, breeding in Castanopsis cuspidata var. carlesii (Hemsl.) Yamazaki (Fagaceae). Indocryphalus sordidus (Blandford) is recorded for the first time from Taiwan. Diagnostic characters, biological data and a key to species of Indocryphalus in Taiwan are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Microperus ambrosia beetle fauna of Taiwan is reviewed. Microperus alpha (Beeson, 1929), M. kadoyamaensis (Murayama, 1934), M. kirishimanus (Murayama, 1955), M. perparvus (Sampson, 1922), M. quercicola (Eggers, 1926) have all been previously recorded from Taiwan. Microperus bucolicus Sittichaya, Smith & Beaver, 2021 and M. latesalebrinus Smith, Beaver & Cognato, 2020 are new country records for Taiwan. Of which, the males of M. alpha, M. bucolicus, M. kadoyamaensis, M. latesalebrinus, M. perparvus, and M. quercicola are described for the first time. In this study, we document a likely occurrence of mycocleptism by M. bucolicus. Diagnostic characters, biological data and a key to species in Taiwan are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first phylogenetic inference of Calopterini and Eurrhacini focused on Calocladon and related taxa was carried out. A data matrix composed of 46 species and 51 morphological characters was assembled and analyzed using parsimony and model-based approaches. Eurrhacini were recovered monophyletic. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses highly supported the Calocladon clade including also Atlanticolycus, Cladocalon, and Gorhamium gen. nov. as its sister clade. Our trees consistently recovered monophyly of the new genus with two new species: Gorhamium bidentatum sp. nov. (Panama, Baru Volcano) and G. unidentatum sp. nov. from the Pacific slopes of Ecuador. A revised key to the genera of Eurrhacini is given and illustrations of distinguishing characters are provided. Phylogenetic relationships of Eurrhacini and character evolution are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scarab genus Osmoderma (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) includes several large species called hermit beetles that develop within dead and decaying hardwood trees. Males of at least three Palearctic species produce the aggregation-sex pheromone (R)-(+)-γ-decalactone, including the endangered O. eremita (Scopoli). However, hermit beetles have received less attention in the western hemisphere, resulting in a large gap in our knowledge of the chemical ecology of Nearctic species. Here, we identify (R)-(+)-γ-decalactone as the primary component of the aggregation-sex pheromone of the North American species Osmoderma eremicola (Knoch). Field trials at sites in Wisconsin and Illinois revealed that both sexes were attracted to lures containing (R)-(+)-γ-decalactone or the racemate, but only males of O. eremicola produced the pheromone in laboratory bioassays, alongside an occasional trace of the chain-length analog γ-dodecalactone. Females of the congener O. scabra (Palisot de Beauvois) were also significantly attracted by γ-decalactone, suggesting further conservation of the pheromone, as were females of the click beetle Elater abruptus Say (Coleoptera: Elateridae), suggesting that this compound may have widespread kairomonal activity. Further research is needed to explore the behavioral roles of both lactones in mediating behavioral and ecological interactions among these beetle species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lycid genus Ponyalis Fairmaire, 1899 is reviewed. Six new species are described from China, including P. longicornis sp. nov., P. truncata sp. nov., P. dabieshanensis sp. nov., P. hainanensis sp. nov., P. quadricollimima sp. nov., and P. zhejiangensis sp. nov. Nine previously known species, including P. alternata (Pic, 1927), P. fukiensis (Bocak, 1999), P. gracilis (Bocak, 1999), P. himalejica (Bourgeois, 1885), P. klapperichi (Bocak, 1999), P. laticornis Fairmaire, 1899, P. nigrohumeralis (Pic, 1939), P. quadricollis (Kiesenwetter, 1874), and P. variabilis Li, Bocak & Pang, 2015 are illustrated with images of the habitus and aedeagi to make the comparisons with the new species. In addition, a distribution map and an identification key to all 24 species of Ponyalis are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus of malachiine Melyridae, Platyintybia gen. nov., is described based on several male-specific characters, along with description of its type species, Platyintybia zhongshanensis sp. nov., from China. A new combination, Platyintybia sarawakensis (Champion, 1921), comb. nov., is proposed after examining the type specimen; this species is newly recorded from China. A key to the genera of Chinese Apalochrini is provided for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large carrion beetles (Silphidae) are the focus of ongoing behavioral ecology, forensic, ecological, conservation, evolutionary, systematic, and other research, and were recently reclassified as a subfamily of Staphylinidae. Twenty-three analyses in 21 publications spanning the years 1927–2023 that are relevant to the question of the evolutionary origin and taxonomic classification of Silphidae are reviewed. Most of these analyses (20) found Silphidae nested inside Staphylinidae (an average of 4.38 branches deep), two found Silphidae in an ambiguous position, and one found Silphidae outside Staphylinidae, as sister to Hydrophilidae. There is strong evidence supporting the hypothesis that large carrion beetles evolved from within Staphylinidae and good justification for their classification as the subfamily Silphinae of the megadiverse, and apparently now monophyletic, Staphylinidae. Considerable uncertainty remains regarding the interrelationships and monophyly of many staphylinid subfamilies. Nonetheless, the subfamily Tachyporinae was found to be the sister of Silphinae in more analyses (7) than any other subfamily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corynotopsis omanicus sp. nov. of the myrmecophilous supertribe Clavigeritae is described from Oman. The type series was collected at night and the ant host species remains unknown. Corynotopsis scotti Jeannel, 1951 is newly recorded for Yemen, and Commatocerus concinnus Besuchet & Cuccodoro, 2011 for Oman. Lasius Fabricius, 1804 and Lepisiota Santschi, 1926 are, for the first time, determined as hosts of the latter species. The problematic taxonomic status of Corynotopsis scotti is discussed. A distribution map of all Clavigeritae known from the Arabian Peninsula is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of the genus Lathrobium Gravenhorst (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae) from North America north of Mexico are reviewed and 41 species are recognized. Morphology and mitochondrial COI sequence data were used to guide species designations in three flightless lineages endemic to the southern Appalachian Mountains, a biologically diverse region known for cryptic diversity. Using a combination of phylogeny, algorithm-based species delimitation analyses, and genitalic morphology, five new cryptic species are described and possible biogeographic scenarios for their speciation hypothesized: L. balsamense Haberski & Caterino, sp. nov., L. camplyacra Haberski & Caterino, sp. nov., L. islae Haberski & Caterino, sp. nov., L. lividum Haberski & Caterino, sp. nov., L. smokiense Haberski & Caterino, sp. nov. Five additional species are described: L. absconditum Haberski & Caterino, sp. nov., L. hardeni Haberski & Caterino, sp. nov., L. lapidum Haberski & Caterino, sp. nov., L. solum Haberski & Caterino, sp. nov., and L. thompsonorum Haberski & Caterino, sp. nov. Two species are transferred from Lathrobium to Pseudolathra Casey: Pseudolathra parcum (LeConte, 1880), comb. nov. and Pseudolathra texana (Casey, 1905), comb. nov. Twenty-six names are reduced to synonymy. Lectotypes are designated for 47 species. Larvae are described where known, and characters of possible diagnostic value are summarized. Species diagnoses, distributions, illustrations of male and female genitalia, and a key to Lathrobium species known from the Nearctic region (including several introduced species) are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like other urban green spaces, urban community gardens can act as biodiversity refugees, especially for small organisms like arthropods. In turn, arthropods can provide important ecosystem pest control services to these agroecosystems. Thus, an often‐asked question among urban gardeners is how to improve gardens and surrounding areas for natural enemies and associated pest control services. We examine how local vegetation and garden characteristics, as well as the surrounding landscape composition, affect ground‐dwelling beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae and Staphylinidae), spiders (Araneae), opilionids (Opiliones), and ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), all of which are important predators. In the summer of 2019, we collected predators, vegetation, ground cover, and garden and landscape characteristic data from 10 community gardens in the city of Seattle, Washington. We found that different groups of natural enemies are associated with different environmental variables and at different scales; probably related to differences in their dispersal capabilities, habits, and diets. Floral variables (number of flowers and number of species in flower) had a negative effect on nonflying natural enemies (spiders, opilionids, and ground‐dwelling beetles), but not on flying ones (ladybird beetles). The only taxon that was significantly affected by a landscape‐scale variable was Opiliones, the only group examined that exclusively disperses by ground. Our results show contrasting results to similar studies in different regions and highlight the need to expand the taxa and regions of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postmortem interval may be estimated based on the age of insect evidence collected on a death scene. Reference data that are used in such estimation frequently comprise thermal summation constant (i.e. k), which is equal to the insect age upon completion of immature development expressed in accumulated degree-days or degree-hours (ADD or ADH). Essentially, k is a central point of an insect group and it may poorly represent insect evidence that is near the limits of variation for the group. Accordingly, it was postulated to calibrate k for particular insect evidence and insect size and sex were found to be useful for this purpose in some of the species. However, the calibration is only possible by using the model that correlates k with insect size. Since very few such models were published, this lack of data limits the calibration of k in forensic casework. In this article, we develop a formula that is useful for the calibration of k without the use of " k versus size" model (and related datasets). The formula uses k from the general thermal summation model for a species (with its standard error), size range for the species (retrieved from entomology literature), and size measurements for particular insect evidence. The calibration of k with the formula was validated using the Creophilus maxillosus (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) and Necrodes littoralis (Coleoptera: Silphidae) datasets. It was particularly useful while analyzing unusually small and large insects, in case of which the formula reduced the inaccuracy of k from the general model on average by ~25 ADD in C. maxillosus and ~40 ADD in N. littoralis. We discuss the limitations and prospects of the calibration protocol that employs the formula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous analyses have revealed deep divergences among populations of the relictual and enigmatic rove beetle, Dasycerus carolinensis Horn. New data from additional populations, molecular markers, and morphology unambiguously reveal this "species" to represent a complex of closely related species, distinguishable by characters of the male genitalia and corresponding closely to geographically coherent clades discovered by molecular analyses. Calibrated dating analyses show Appalachian Dasycerus to have been diverging in the region for more than 10 million years, yet largely respecting important biogeographic barriers in the region, such as the French Broad and Little Tennessee River drainages. In addition to discussing finer scale biogeographic patterns in the group, we formally recognize 9 new species from within what was formerly known as Dasycerus carolinensis : Dasycerus virginiensis sp. nov. Dasycerus tuckasegee sp. nov. Dasycerus pacolet sp. nov. Dasycerus chattooga sp. nov. Dasycerus itseyi sp. nov. Dasycerus unicoi sp. nov. Dasycerus nikwasi sp. nov. Dasycerus egwanulti sp. nov. and Dasycerus gadalutsi sp. nov. It was not, however, possible to assign all samples to one of these species, and specimens from some sparsely sampled outlying areas, northern Alabama and central Tennessee in particular, may represent additional species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eastern Arc Mountains (EAMs) in Tanzania and Kenya are renowned for their exceptional species endemism often restricted to isolated mountain blocks. Forest fragmentation during the Pliocene–Pleistocene played a significant role in shaping the EAMs' biodiversity by facilitating allopatric speciation between different mountains. However, only a few studies focused on species diversification within the same mountain block. In this article, we investigated the taxonomy and evolution of the dung beetle genus Grebennikovius , endemic to the Uluguru Mountains. Our goal was to unravel factors promoting allopatric speciation within a confined geographic area like the Ulugurus. We used an integrative taxonomic approach, combining phenotypic data and COI barcodes to delimit species and reconstructed a timetree of the genus. Molecular and morphological evidence consistently recovered 4 distinct Grebennikovius species, of which 3 are new to science: G. armiger n. sp. G. basilewskyi (Balthasar, 1960), G. lupanganus n. sp. and G. pafelo n. sp. Grebennikovius represents a rare case of microallopatry, with all species occurring in close proximity within different regions of the limited Uluguru forest (⁠ ∼ 230 km2). We infer that speciation was driven by the interplay between climate fluctuations during the Miocene and mid-Pleistocene, Uluguru topography, and the stability of rainforest ecological conditions. The latter factor probably favored the loss of wings and a specialization for Uluguru microhabitats, reinforcing population isolation and divergence. This study highlights a unique instance of diversification resulting from small-scale speciation events, providing valuable insights into the evolution of Eastern African rainforest arthropods and underscoring the importance of microhabitats conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Italian geographic region is characterized by complex and diversified biogeographic patterns and is represented by a high number of endemic species. Endemic species characterized by a limited distribution range should be a primary concern in conservation. This article aimed to investigate the phylogenetic and biogeographic relationships of 2 Italian endemic species of the wingless blister beetle genus Meloe Linnaeus, 1758: Meloe (Eurymeloe) apenninicus and Meloe (E.) baudii. Our inferences, based on morphological characters, 2 mitochondrial (16S and COI) and 2 nuclear (CAD and 28S) markers and the use of 3 species delimitation analyses approaches, pointed out the presence of a new Italian endemic species (M. (E.) digiuliorum sp. n.), here described, and 3 different patterns of phylogenetic and biogeographic affinities. M. digiuliorum is close to the Spanish endemic M. orobates comb. n. , revealing a possible fragmentation of the ancestor range in the Pleistocene (ca. 0.84 Mya) followed by isolation in Italy and Spain. M. apenninicus is the sister species of the European-Anatolian M. rugous and M. cfr. rugosus , and this pattern originated around the Plio-Pleistocene boundary (ca. 2.83 Mya) likely influenced by the climatic fluctuations and the presence of the Alpine barrier. Finally, 2 subspecies were referred to M. baudii : the nominal one, endemic to Italy, and the Turanian-E European M. b. glazunovi stat. n. , disclosing a third more recent (ca. 0.64 Mya) pattern of biogeographic disjunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]