In pyrrhocorids, digestion of food occurs mainly in the midgut, which is divided into four parts (M1-M4), and takes between three and four days. Food is retained in M1 for about 5 h and passes quickly through M4. However, food is retained in M2 and M3 much longer, about 70 to 90 h. The different stages in digestion may be influenced by different microbial populations in the different parts of the midgut. In the present study, the microbiota in the four parts of the midgut of Pyrrhocoris sibiricus were analysed in detail using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA V3-V4 region. The most abundant bacteria in M3 were Actinobacteria (Coriobacteriaceae) whereas it was Proteobacteria (gammaproteobacteria) in M1, M2 and M4. Actinobacteria was the second most abundant bacterial group in M2. According to the PCA analysis, M2 and M3 have the most similar bacterial communities. Burkholderia, which is closely related to the plant-associated beneficial and environmental (PBE) group, was also found in M1, M2 and M4. Predictive functional profiles of the metagenomes revealed that metabolism mostly occurred in M2 and M3. The PICRUSt results were consistent with the 16S rRNA metagenomic analysis and indicate that the bacteria in M2 and M3 play an important role in degrading complex dietary components.

The New World genus Mumetopia Melander, 1913 is redefined, redescribed and its relationships are discussed. Its Nearctic type species, M. occipitalis Melander, 1913, is revised with lectotype designation, redescribed and illustrated in detail, and its relationship, biology and distribution are treated using published and numerous new data. A new genus, Xerocomyza gen. n., is described for X. hansoni sp. n., an unusual species from high desert plains in Utah (U.S.A.), and its phylogenetic relationships are discussed: Xerocomyza is recognized as a separate lineage of Anthomyzidae most probably allied to the Carexomyza + Chamaebosca group clade (sensu Barber & Roháček, 2020, Arthropod Syst. Phylogeny 78: 69-109). Biology and distribution of X. hansoni are given on the basis of limited label data from type specimens.

The insect biodiversity crisis affects diverse cultural landscapes as well as natural and semi-natural habitats. Accordingly, the effectiveness of protected areas in conserving insect communities needs to be evaluated. We employed photo-interpretation of aerial photographs from the past (1938-1947) and present (2014-2019) to analyse changes in natural habitats with diverse canopy cover in seven long-term protected areas (jointly called 'reserves') in the Czech Republic, Central Europe, and evaluated potential links between these changes and butterfly and moth (Lepidoptera) declines. We observed a marked decrease in habitat heterogeneity, largely due to the expansion of closed-canopy forests at the expense of semi-open habitats (e.g. forest steppes, open woodlands) and open grasslands. An analysis of faunistic records of 162 species of butterflies and 160 species of macro-moths before and after 2000 showed that, on average, the reserves have experienced losses of 26% of butterfly species and 19% of moth species. Trait-based analyses suggested that the losses were associated with particular life-history traits. Non-generalist butterflies with a short period of seasonal flight activity, and moths associated with grasslands and with non-feeding adults, had a greater probability of going missing (meaning potentially locally extinct) in the reserves. These findings suggest that conservation efforts should prioritise active management that aims to restore habitat heterogeneity in order to mitigate the ongoing trend of insect decline.

The success of animal species is shaped by a combination of ecological conditions and behavioural plasticity, with the latter being particularly crucial for the spread of invasive species. Megachile sculpturalis (Apoidea: Megachilidae), an East-Asian solitary bee introduced to France and subsequently spreading across Europe and North America, provides a case study. While its distribution is well-documented, the behavioural traits driving its success remain poorly understood. Our study aimed to explore behavioural patterns associated with its nesting cycle and potential expansion. In 2020, we conducted focal observations of individually marked females nesting in an artificial bee hotel. Daily recordings, based on ethograms, tracked females' activity at the site. We identified key behavioural units related to nesting goals and analysed the frequency and abundance of actions associated with each marked nest. Our results highlighted the significant effort females devote to nest-related actions, with 50-68% of all behaviours focused on nest building, suggesting any strategy of dispersion should be investigated in this context. While a typical nesting sequence was identified, individual variability indicated plastic nesting responses. Notably, females demonstrated a strong tendency to quickly shift their efforts to new nests following closure or abandonment, even provisioning multiple nests simultaneously. This ability to manage several nests at once may be crucial for establishing populations in invaded areas by rapidly expanding nesting efforts across multiple new sites during a single reproductive season. Our findings emphasize the contribution of behavioural studies in understanding reproductive strategies that influence a species' ability to settle in new environments and expand its range.

Ants are essential components of ecosystems, playing critical roles in nutrient cycling, pest control, and soil health. Agricultural practices significantly influence ant biodiversity, yet studies on this subject remain scarce in Morocco. This study examines the impact of three agricultural systems on ant diversity in Central Morocco: conventional (monoculture with intensive pesticide use), organic (no synthetic inputs and crop diversification), and traditional (low-input polyculture based on local practices), focusing on El Jadida and El Oualidia provinces. Using pitfall traps, a total of 1823 ants belonging to 4 subfamilies, 14 genera, and 21 species were sampled across the three systems. Organic agriculture exhibited the highest species richness (17 species; relative abundances dominated by Tetramorium caldarium and Paratrechina longicornis), and the highest Shannon diversity index, followed by traditional agriculture (11 species) and conventional agriculture (8 species). PERMANOVA and IndVal analyses revealed significant differences in species composition, with organic and traditional systems fostering distinct communities compared to conventional agriculture. Linear Discriminant Analysis highlighted clear separations among systems, reflecting the effects of habitat heterogeneity and management practices. The study underscores the ecological importance of organic and traditional practices in supporting ant biodiversity and calls for sustainable agricultural management to limit the negative impacts of biodiversity loss and homogenisation caused by conventional farming.

The velvetbean caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis, is one of the major insect pests causing defoliation in soybean crops. Alternative strategies have been explored to reduce insect damage, including the use of protease inhibitors (PIs) that act as anti-nutritional factors. The tripeptide GORE-2, designed based on the soybean SKTI PI, exhibits enhanced protease inhibitory activity and reduces caterpillar survival. To investigate the molecular response to these PIs, we analyzed gene expression profiles using RNA-Seq. Both SKTI and GORE-2 induced extensive transcriptional reprogramming in the midgut after 24 h of exposure. The response patterns were generally similar, with changes in the expression of genes encoding digestive proteases and defense-related proteins, particularly those involved in peritrophic matrix protection and regeneration. However, SKTI elicited a more robust activation of defense signaling pathways, suggesting a stronger ability to trigger protective responses. This may explain the greater efficacy of GORE-2 in inhibiting proteolysis and reducing caterpillar survival potentially involving both amino acid starvation signaling and broader perception mechanisms developed to detect soybean-derived deterrents. As a mimetic tripeptide, GORE-2 may engage these pathways less efficiently. Notably, genes associated with detoxification and oxidative stress were more highly expressed in response to GORE-2, highlighting an additional advantage of using synthetic or mimetic protease inhibitors.

Open-pit coal mine rehabilitation is essential to mitigate ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss. Given that ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are excellent bioindicators, we evaluated the response of their communities along a restoration gradient in a tropical dry forest ecosystem. Sampling was conducted in five sites: three areas with different rehabilitation ages (1.5, 4, and 7 years) and two ecosystems not affected by mining (a dry forest fragment and a natural regeneration area). A total of 65 species and morphospecies were recorded, belonging to 30 genera and seven subfamilies. A key finding was the asynchronous recovery of diversity: while species richness (q0) in the sites with longer rehabilitation times resembled that of the reference forest, community structure, measured by evenness (q1, q2), remained significantly lower, indicating a slower functional recovery. Composition analysis (NMDS) revealed a clear successional gradient, with the 7-year site representing an intermediate state in the trajectory toward reference forests. Notably, rehabilitation techniques such as mulch application in the youngest site (1.5 years) promoted the early colonization of specialist predatory ants, resulting in a more complex community than that of the 4-year site. We conclude that proactive rehabilitation, particularly measures focused on soil protection, accelerates the recovery of the ant community structure.

Temperature is an important factor for invertebrates. Social insects build nests, which along with their ability to thermoregulate, provide shelter from extreme temperatures. However, for many species of ants the most common method of controlling the temperature inside a nest is to choose a suitable nest site. During a field experiment, the choice of nest site by the acorn ant Temnothorax crassispinus, a species which lives in coniferous and mixed forests, was studied. It typically occupies ephemeral nest sites and can move to a new nest site several times in one season. It was predicted that in early spring, dark coloured nest sites would be warmer and thus more frequently occupied by ant colonies. Contrary to this prediction, no difference was recorded in the frequency with which dark and lighter coloured nests were occupied. However, also in contrast to the prediction, in forest in early spring the difference in temperature inside different coloured nests was small. Thus, other features of nests, e.g., volume of cavity, are probably more important in determining nest site selection by this ant.

Improved methods of integrated pest management of the pear psyllid Cacopsylla pyri (L.), the primary pest of pear in Europe and North America, are needed. Trechnites insidiosus (Crawford) is the most abundant parasitoid of C. pyri in pear orchards, where it is present early in the psyllid infestation period. However, little is known about its general biology, interaction with its host and potential as a control agent. The objective of this laboratory study was to evaluate the behaviour of a specialist parasitoid when presented with different larval instars of C. pyri, and assess the quality of the next generation of parasitoids. T. insidiosus was able to insert its ovipositor into all host instars. However, the fourth instar of the host appeared to be the most suitable in terms of behavioural acceptance, time spent walking, antennal activity and progeny development (mummy formation, development time and tibial length). In addition, we report a low frequency of host-feeding behaviour by this parasitoid. From a biological control perspective, we suggest that favouring T. insidiosus, either through mass releases or conservation of naturally present populations, when the first generation of psyllids reach the fourth instar, would maximize the chance of controlling psyllid populations in pear orchards.

This study investigates the abundance and diversity of diurnal butterflies in two types of forest habitats - a degraded cedar forest and a protected cedar forest - located in Djurdjura National Park, Algeria. The survey was conducted over a one-year period, from April 2022 to March 2023. A total of 1,479 individuals, belonging to 48 species, were recorded. Among them, 13% are endemic to North Africa. The primary factor contributing to the degradation of the cedar forest in Djurdjura National Park appears to be repeated wildfires. Nevertheless, the clearings created by fire may temporarily promote floral diversity and, consequently, butterfly richness. The results reveal complex interactions between butterflies, habitat quality, and seasonal variations. No clear segregation was observed between butterfly communities in the two cedar forest types, although some species exhibited distinct ecological preferences: Celastrina argiolus, Zygaena algira, Tomares ballus, Zygaena trifolii, and Pyronia cecilia were more associated with the degraded cedar forest, whereas Pyrgus alveus, Zerynthia rumina, Pararge aegeria, and Issoria lathonia were linked to the protected forest. However, further analyses are required to confirm their status as reliable bioindicators. The study also demonstrates that butterfly abundance varies significantly with the seasons, peaking in summer, highlighting the critical influence of climatic conditions. These findings could contribute to the enrichment of protected species lists in Algeria and North Africa, as well as to the maintenance of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Climate change is seriously threatening biodiversity and, especially, insects because their biological cycles are highly dependent on environmental conditions. We studied (1) how climate characterised by droughts and heatwaves affected the butterfly assemblage at four sampled sites in Campo de Montiel (central Spain) over three consecutive years; and (2) the differences in the assemblage abundance, species richness, density, and diversity among sites that represent a variety of land use/cover types. Sites were sampled with transects using the Butterfly Monitoring Scheme methodology (Pollard & Yates, 1993). A total of 8,275 butterflies and 69 species were sampled across sites and years. Sites were well sampled in the three years according to species richness estimators and accumulation curves. The relationship between the mean length of dry spells and butterfly abundance was negative and significant at all sites. However, heatwaves did not affect butterfly abundance and species richness. There were no significant differences in the ecological parameters studied among sites. Mediterranean forest transects tended to have higher values of ecological parameters than those dominated by more degraded vegetation, pine plantations and cropland intensification. Butterfly assemblage and diversity were positively related to the presence of semi-natural habitat with traditional agricultural and livestock uses. Our surveys recorded Polyommatus celina for the first time in Castilla-La Mancha. Two endangered and endemic species, Polyommatus violetae and Kretania hesperica, were recorded at the site with higher Mediterranean forest cover, which increases the conservation value of this site. Maintaining semi-natural habitats and traditional farming systems may allow butterfly assemblages to be more resilient to climate change.

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 Marienfließ, 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 Coiffait, 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.

The Oriental latrine fly, Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), is a rapidly expanding species, likely to become one of the most widely used species in forensic entomology in the near future, as it is currently recorded on every continent except Antarctica. In Europe, it has been confirmed only from a few Mediterranean countries (Portugal, Spain and Malta), together with the closely related and also expanding Chrysomya albiceps. Our study confirms that Chrysomya megacephala has arrived in Eastern Europe, with adult individuals of both sexes recorded during surveys and trapping in a nature reserve along the Black Sea coast in Romania. We present initial data on the overall complex assemblage of native and non-native sarcosaprophagous Diptera at this site and highlight important knowledge gaps. Given its forensic relevance and potential health risks, further investigations into its distribution, ecology, and invasion pathways in Europe are required, particularly as climate change may support its continued expansion into Central Europe.

Soil and changes in vegetation may affect ant assemblages, but the relative importance of each in different habitats is not well characterized. In particular, information on the effects of ecological restoration on arthropods is scarce. It was decided, therefore, to study how reforestation may affect an ant assemblage. Ants were sampled in area that had been reforested and adjacent grassland using pitfall traps. Soil surface and vegetation were characterized. The disturbance of the vegetation caused by reforestation resulted in a decrease in the cover of Stipa tenacissima and Cistaceae and an increase in the cover of pine. The mechanical preparation of the site also resulted in changes in the soil surface, with an increase in the cover of stones and rocks. Ant species richness and abundance were greater at the reforested site than in the grassland and more species showed a positive than a negative response to reforestation. The underlying causes of this pattern are mainly related to changes in vegetation and structure of the soil surface and are associated with the increase in the cover of pine, which most probably provided additional food resources, and the greater cover of stones and rocks that provided more shelter for the ant assemblage.

The scale insect family Rhizoecidae in Germany has historically been documented as comprising six species from two genera: Rhizoecus albidus Goux, 1942, Rhizoecus cacticans (Hambleton, 1946), Rhizoecus franconiae Schmutterer, 1956, Ripersiella caesii (Schmutterer, 1956), Ripersiella halophila (Hardy, 1868), and Ripersiella hibisci (Kawai & Takagi, 1971). To assess changes in this biodiversity, we collected 37 samples from potted plants across the botanical gardens of Berlin, Bonn, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich. Species identifications were conducted using integrative taxonomy, combining morphological analysis of slide-mounted specimens, molecular data from the COI region, and ecological information. Our study identified eight species: Geococcus coffeae Green, 1933, Rhizoecus arabicus Hambleton, 1976, Rh. cacticans, Rhizoecus dianthi Green, 1926, Rhizoecus nemoralis (Hambleton, 1946), Rhizoecus falcifer Kunckel d'Herculais, 1878, Rhizoecus simplex (Hambleton, 1946) and Ripersiella aloes (Williams & Pellizzari, 1997). Except for Rh. cacticans, all are newly recorded for Germany, increasing the total German Rhizoecidae fauna to 13 species across three genera. We provide detailed morphometric redescriptions for Rh. arabicus, Rh. franconiae, Rh. simplex, and Ri. caesii based on type material, along with morphological notes for the other species. The study also resolves nomenclatural issues for Rh. franconiae and Ri. hibisci designating Lectotypes and reports 61 new host records for eight species. We present a taxonomic key for the updated list of Rhizoecidae species recorded in Germany. This research significantly revises the understanding of rhizoecid diversity in the country, revealing that the fauna is more than twice as rich as previously known.

Bombyx mandarina is one of prevalent pests in mulberry gardens during summer and autumn, posing significant challenges to sericulture across China. Glutathione S-transferase (GST), a vital detoxification enzyme in insects, plays a crucial role in protecting organisms from DNA damage and oxidative stress. In this study, the GSTo3 gene, coding glutathione S-transferase of B. mandarina, was cloned and its physicochemical properties and structures were predicted using bioinformatics tools. The relative expression levels in various tissues and induced transcriptional levels were detected by using qRT-PCR. Results revealed a 99.17% sequence similarity of GSTo3 gene between B. mandarina and Bombyx mori. It is mainly distributed in the head, fat body and epidermis tissues of B. mandarina larvae. After BmNPV infection, elevated GSTo3 expression levels were observed in the midgut. The transcriptional levels of GSTo3 gene were significantly up-regulated after exposure to phoxim, deltamethrin and chlorfenapyr exposure respectively in the fat body and midgut of B. mandarina. These findings underscore the significance of GSTo3 gene in exogenous materials metabolism and provide a new perspective on the resistance mechanism in B. mandarina.

We studied the vulnerable Scarce Large Blue butterfly (Phengaris teleius) population in loosely connected wet grasslands in southern Slovenia. Our goal was to understand the distribution and demographic traits of this population within the Seasonal Lakes of Pivka Nature Park (KP PPJ). From 2021 to 2022, we mapped suitable habitat patches in KP PPJ with the larval host plant Sanguisorba officinalis and host ant Myrmica spp. Out of eight identified potential patches, five were inhabited for at least one year. Our dispersal model, using an inverse-power function, indicated that all but one suitable patch could be connected by migrations of at least 1% of either sex, suggesting a metapopulation structure. The clustered habitat distribution (nearest neighbour index = 0.14) highlights the role of each patch as a "stepping stone" within the system. We also assessed demographic parameters in a subset of three patches: Klenik, Kalec, and Zagorje. In 2021, mark-release-recapture estimated the populations in two inhabited patches (Klenik, Kalec) at 197 males (95% CI: 159-265) and 315 females (95% CI: 205-525), showing a female-biased sex ratio (males : females = 1 : 1.6). We recorded a relatively long average life span (4.4 and 8.4 days for males and females, respectively) and a weak protandry, however about three-quarters of the population was present simultaneously, mainly in the largest patch (Klenik: > 85%). Recorded demographic traits (female-biased sex ratio, long lifespan, simultaneous peaks of both sexes, and high dispersal) support the persistence of this metapopulation. However, conservation efforts and a denser network of suitable patches are crucial to maintain its viability at this range's southern edge.

The genus Culicoides is the best known of the family Ceratopogonidae. Hematophagous females of the genus typically feed on the blood of vertebrate animals and in the Brazilian Amazon often on the blood of human beings. Amazon region anthropophilic Culicoides bites can provoke allergic reactions and transmit Mansonella ozzardi as well as the Oropouche virus. Past integrated taxonomy studies, combining morphometric and molecular analyses, have revealed hidden disease vector biodiversity and cryptic species with epidemiological and disease control relevance and have provided new tools to assist with vector identification. For this study we used light traps set in 12 distinct sites from three different Amazon states: Rondonia (1 site), Amazonas (3 sites) and Para (8 sites). We captured 12 different species of Culicoides representing seven different subgenera: C. foxi, C. fusipalpis, C. hylas, C. insignis, C. plaumanni, C. pseudodiabolicus, C. ruizi, C. debilipalpis, C. glabrior, C. jurutiensis, C. paraensis, C. pauci­enfuscatus. Between two and nine specimens were barcoded of each species. Neighbor joining and Maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis with these COI barcodes showed the utility of these barcode sequences for species identification by clustering the barcode sequences into bootstrap-supported, species-specific monophyletic groups. Although this barcoding analysis did not resolve relationships between the species studied, it did reveal cryptic diversity within C. paucienfuscatus, C. glabrior, C. plaumanni, C. insignis and C. pseudodiabolicus. Two-dimensional geometric morphometrics, using eight wing-vein landmarks, robustly separated the analyzed species and raised questions about the validity of the subgenus Haematomyidium. Importantly, our GM wing landmark analysis separated C. paraensis from all the other analyzed species suggesting this type of analysis could be harnessed for epidemiological monitoring of this key Amazon-region vector species.

The natural prey of spiders has been studied in only a few species, which limits our understanding of their role in ecosystems. Eresid spiders often have a hidden lifestyle; thus, their ecology is still poorly understood. Here we investigated the natural prey of four species of ground-dwelling eresid spiders from Israel - Adonea fimbriata, Dorceus fastuosus, Eresus sp., and Loureedia annulipes - and one (Eresus kollari) from Central Europe. In the last species, we studied the prey in more detail: we compared the natural with the potential prey and investigated prey acceptance using six prey types (Blattodea, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Isopoda, and Orthoptera) under semi-field conditions. The natural prey was studied by analysing the exoskeleton remains of prey found in the webs. We found that the prey composition in the webs differed significantly among species, though two insect groups, beetles and ants, dominated in all eresid species. Among beetles, tenebrionids were the most frequent in eresid species from Israel, while carabids dominated in E. kollari. Beside these beetles, weevils were frequent prey in all examined species. The index of the trophic niche breadth was narrow in all examined species, indicating trophic specialisation; however, feeding trials revealed that E. kollari accepted a wide variety of prey types, showing that it is a generalist opportunistic predator. All eresid species studied here appear to be stenophagous generalists, capturing mainly beetles and ants.

We investigated the effect of the feeding behaviour of young larvae of Pieris rapae crucivora Boisduval (Pieridae) on parasitism by the parasitoid wasp, Cotesia glomerata (L.) (Braconidae). Young, 1st-3rd instar larvae used approximately three sites for feeding each day. When not feeding, they moved a short distance away from the feeding sites (= feeding marks) and rested. For first, second and third instar larvae, the distances from the new mark, made within 24 h, to larva at rest were, respectively, about 3.5 mm, 5 mm and more than 10 mm. To resume feeding, they moved back to one of the former feeding sites or a new site. The percentage of the feeding marks older than 24 h that attracted parasitoids was less than 50%. Time spent searching for hosts by a parasitoid was short. Larvae placed 5 mm or more from a feeding mark were less parasitized than the larvae placed near a mark. The number of feeding marks affected parasitism. When comparing single-marked and triple-marked leaves, the percentage parasitism of the larvae on the latter was significantly lower than that of the larvae on the former. On triple-marked leaves, parasitoids visited each mark unevenly. Accordingly, the time spent searching each mark differed significantly among the marks. Because of this confusing effect, hosts are considered to be reducing the risk of parasitism. Our results demonstrate that the feeding habits of young larvae of P. rapae crucivora are adaptive in terms of reducing the risk of parasitism by C. glomerata.

Insect larval development affects adult traits but the biometric relationships are usually poorly understood, including large odonates. In this study, measurements of morphological traits of larvae, exuviae and adults of Anax imperator were recorded. They were used to investigate the effects of early development on adult morphology. Results showed an increase in larval length during the final instar and the length of its exuviae significantly exceeded that of the larva. Length and body mass of teneral adults were strongly related to the length of their exuviae. Adult males were significantly longer than adult females, while both had the same body mass at emergence. Length of teneral adults was negatively related to the date of emergence in both sexes. During maturation, body mass of males only increased slightly whereas that of females increased greatly. Mature specimens were also significantly longer than teneral individuals. Body mass of mature males and length of mature females were both associated with the date of capture. Wing length did not differ between sexes or from data available from Great Britain. This study underscores the importance of taking into account larval growth in order to better understand the adult traits of odonates.

In the last ten years, a growing number of studies have focused on urban green areas as potential refuges for biodiversity, where private gardens, urban parks and green roofs have relatively high diversities of wild bees. However, the western Mediterranean is still poorly studied and is a biodiversity hotspot that is already suffering the consequences of climate change. It is essential to rectify this and understand how urban settings can support biodiversity. In this context, this study provides an assessment of the taxonomic and functional composition of bee assemblages in three allotments in downtown Lisbon, Portugal. Using only an entomological net, we collected 202 specimens from April to July 2018, belonging to five families, 20 genera and 58 species, of which six are rare species in Portugal and nine first records for the Lisbon district. Megachilidae was the most diverse family, comprising 15 species, while Apidae was the most abundant family. Most of the species identified were solitary and had a generalist pollen diet, with a low incidence of social and parasitic species.

Fragmentation and destruction of natural habitats threaten essential plant-pollinator interactions. Despite their importance for biodiversity they remain understudied in the context of ecosystem functioning in Morocco. This study examines the influence of forest and agricultural landscapes in Northwestern Morocco on plant-pollinator interactions by analysing the structure and dynamics of their networks. Data were collected between mid-March and mid-July 2023 at eleven sites in different landscapes. The results show significantly higher richness and abundance of pollinators (Hymenoptera, Diptera and Coleoptera) in the cork oak forest of Larache compared to the Gharb plain. High plant diversity in forest landscapes promotes plant-pollinator interactions, enhancing network stability and resilience and the vulnerability of forest.

In Lepidoptera, larval dietary experience of volatile cues can induce adult preference for these cues. However, such induction may require several generations, depending in part on the degree of specialization of the insects. In a previous study, using species of noctuid stem borers with different diet breadths, namely the polyphagous Sesamia nonagrioides, the oligophagous Busseola fusca and monophagous Busseola nairobica, it was shown that in S. nonagrioides, one generation was enough to induce a preference for vanillin in the resulting gravid females, whereas even two generations failed to induce a response in adults of Busseola spp. In this study, we checked whether a higher number of generations of exposure to a vanillin-enriched medium could induce a significant olfactory preference for this medium in the species B. fusca and B. nairobica, which have narrower host-plant utilization ranges than S. nonagrioides. Larvae were reared to the adult stage on an artificial diet enriched with vanillin for periods of from 2 to 7 or 8 generations, followed by two-choice tests on gravid females using a Y-tube olfactometer. The results showed different responses according to the species: for the oligophagous B. fusca, there was no significant effect of the conditioning, while a significant preference for the odours emitted by this new vanillin-enriched diet was recorded for the polyphagous S. nonagrioides and monophagous B. nairobica, but after different numbers of generations. In conclusion, different diet breadths seem to be associated with different levels of plasticity in the odour preference of adults. The implication of this result for insects' adaptability in a changing landscape is discussed.

Historical samples from museum and private collections can serve as a time machine, allowing us to follow changes in genetic composition through time as well as obtaining genomic data on past biodiversity. Thus, genetic data from collections (museomics) are increasingly being utilized in scientific studies. However, although several different DNA extraction techniques have been used successfully in insect museomics, direct comparisons between methods are uncommon. It is therefore unclear to what extent simple adjustments of DNA extraction protocols can increase yields. This is especially important when analysing museum specimens that are decades or even hundreds of years old with low endogenous DNA content. Here, we first compared two recommended protocols which include the widely used QIAamp DNA Micro Kit or the Monarch PCR & DNA Cleanup Kit, respectively. We found that the Monarch kit performed substantially better than the QIAamp kit in terms of yield. We then compared various lysis temperatures, the effect of non-destructive versus destructive lysis, and the relative yield from a second round of extraction using the Monarch kit. We evaluated our results both by measurements of DNA concentration and fragment length and results from low coverage whole genome sequencing. We found that a lysis temperature of 42°C performed better than either 56°C or 37°C, using a lysis time of approximately 20 h. Destructive extraction increased yield in some species, and a second round of non-destructive extraction can substantially increase total yield. Finally, we used our selected Monarch kit protocol to extract DNA from legs of 492 additional butterfly specimens (23-128 years old) and 21 small wasp specimens. We observed virtually no effects of specimen age on the amount of DNA extracted or the endogenous DNA content, while older specimens yielded slightly shorter lengths of sequenced fragments. The DNA extraction procedure worked well for specimens up to 128 years of age and we would expect this to be the case for substantially older specimens, which would enable successful DNA extraction from the vast majority of dried insects in collections.

Grassland butterflies are declining widely in temperate regions, and are thus a key target for conservation. Recent studies have shown that forest clearcuts can be temporary habitats for these species. Shelterbelts - rows of trees, planted to protect houses and crops from the winds - are periodically cleared. This clearing is necessary to prevent falling large branches from mature trees while maintaining their primary function. Consequently, recently cleared young shelterbelts have the potential to serve as habitats for grassland species. However, it remains unclear how long young shelterbelt plantations support grassland butterflies. In this study, we made a survey where the responses of flowering plants and butterflies to plantation age and environmental parameters were investigated during spring and summer in eight plantations aged 2-12 years. Plant richness, nectar abundance, as well as butterfly richness and abundance decreased with increasing plantation age. Butterflies, including endangered species, thrived in 2-6-year plantations, but declined dramatically thereafter. Age-related environmental variables, particularly canopy openness, explained the decline in plants and butterflies, with age being a more important factor than environmental variables. These results indicate that regenerated shelterbelts aged 2-6 years function as habitats for grassland butterflies, and that plantation age can be used as a simple indicator of habitat quality for such species, including endangered ones. Given that young plantations persist as grassland butterfly habitats for only 6 years since planting, a new clearcut needs to be created within the dispersal range for butterflies to help build metapopulations and ensure their conservation at a landscape scale.

The yellow peach moth, Conogethes punctiferalis is a well-known agricultural pest with significant impacts on crops from Southeast Asia to Australia. It has also become one of the major pests of corn (Zea mays) in China. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the bio-ecology, potential damage, and management of C. punctiferalis on various economically important crops. The review discusses the current management strategies for C. punctiferalis, mainly based on chemical insecticides, and highlights their limitations and sustainability concerns. The authors emphasize the urgent need for sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) approaches tailored to the affected regions. Key research directions and recommendations are presented to fill knowledge gaps and improve the effective management of C. punctiferalis in agriculture.

An Erratum has been published for this article: https://doi.org/10.14411/eje.2025.028

In the context of ongoing threats to forest ecosystems, this study investigates the temporal and spatial dynamics of Lymantria dispar defoliation intensity over a period of three years. We analysed the relationship between the insects' reproductive and feeding behaviours and forest stand characteristics, exploring the key factors that shape this behaviour. The results revealed a dynamic pattern, with a significant escalation of defoliation starting from the second year and peaking in the third. The analysis highlighted that, among several forest stand characteristics, woody species abundance and specific forest composition significantly influence population density and defoliation intensity. Sporadic outbreaks of the insects were associated with stand features, posing major challenges to forest health. These findings make a significant contribution to understanding the population dynamics of L. dispar and provide essential insights for forest managers in efficiently managing this defoliator. By highlighting the complex interactions between the insect and its environment, this study lays the groundwork for conservation and protection strategies for forest ecosystems.

Adult cicadas in temperate zones are known for their synchronized, loud emergences after spending years underground as nymphs feeding on xylem sap. In contrast, the nymphal stage - where cicadas spend most of their lives - remains poorly understood, especially in the Neotropics. Spatial and host plant relationships between Amazonian cicada nymphs and host trees are virtually unknown, limiting our understanding of the ecological roles of cicadas in Amazonian forests. Here, we present the first detailed spatial ecology study of nymphs of Orialella aerizulae, a species that builds conspicuous turrets. Using systematic mapping and quantification of turrets around Tachigali spp. trees and random control trees, we provide the first quantitative evidence of a specific cicada-tree association by observing xylem-feeding on fine roots within these turrets. We examine the relationship between turret density, tree developmental stage and size, and document emergence and activity patterns over a 19-month field study in the Peruvian Amazon. Finally, we investigate the species' bioturbation impact and its potential relevance to tree growth.

The species of Ptilomera Amyot & Serville, 1843 from China are reviewed. Two new species, Ptilomera acutidentata sp. n. and Ptilomera valida sp. n., are described from Yunnan, China. Diagnoses and new distribution records are provided for four previously recorded species, i.e., Ptilomera burmana D. Polhemus, 2001, Ptilomera hemmingseni Andersen, 1967, Ptilomera hylactor Breddin, 1903, and Ptilomera tigrina Uhler, 1860. Photographs and line drawings of the habitus, diagnostic characteristics of both sexes, habitat and in-situ photographs are presented. A distribution map of Ptilomera in China is also provided.