The tiger-fly Coenosia attenuata Stein (Diptera: Muscidae: Coenosiini) is a generalist predator that preys on several pests of greenhouse crops and is considered a biological control agent in the Mediterranean region. Previous behavioural observations identified its preferred prey, but a more in-depth evaluation will benefit from using Polymerase Chain Reaction amplification of prey DNA remains in the gut of this predator. To evaluate the rate of decay and suitability of this method for use in the field assessments, we carried out a laboratory feeding calibration experiment on 355 females of C. attenuata, which were killed at different intervals of time after ingestion (10 time points from 0 to 48 h). The prey species tested were: Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae: Trialeurodini), Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard) (Diptera: Agromyzidae), Diglyphus isaea (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Cirrospilini), Bradysia impatiens (Johannsen) (Diptera: Sciaridae) and Drosophila mercatorum Patterson & Wheeler (Diptera: Drosophilidae: Drosophilini). Based on a probit model, amplification success of prey DNA declined exponentially with increasing time after ingestion. The half-time molecular detection differed between species, ranging from an average of 5 h for T. vaporariorum and D. isaea, 6 h for B. impatiens, 15 h for L. huidobrensis to more than 40 h for D. mercatorum. This study confirmed the feasibility of using DNA based detection to identify prey species in the gut contents of C. attenuata and provided calibration curves for a better understanding of predation activity in this agroecosystem.

The distribution of butterflies was analysed in a mosaic of different types of habitats in a typical Ibero-Supramediterranean plant landscape. This mosaic landscape is composed of oak forests (Quercus pyrenaica) and their corresponding shrub and grassland successional communities. The observed patterns were based on butterfly-flower interactions in two consecutive years (2017-2018) recorded in different habitats. The results of the nestedness analysis indicated that the same butterfly community exploits all of the successional plant-communities, but some differences due to the availability of flowers. The foraging for nectar sources was mostly restricted to a few flowering plants: Rubus ulmifolius, Carduus carpetanus, Thymus pulegioides and Dianthus deltoides. Some butterflies changed their flower-visiting patterns over the two years studied. The distribution of butterflies was strongly linked to the distribution of their preferred nectar sources and changes in the use of these sources modified habitat use. The area of Rubus shrubland is a small but highly used habitat in this area, given the presence of Rubus ulmifolius, a plant species with high coverage and abundance of nectar, makes this area much better for foraging than other habitats. The Cytisus and Rubus shrublands were used more than grassland, indicating that seral habitats can be more valuable than traditional open grassland and forest habitats for butterflies.

We evaluated the effect of different ecological factors on epigeic harvestmen (Opiliones) in stands of Norway spruce of different ages planted on former agricultural land in the Western Carpathians (Slovakia). In total, 15 species of harvestmen were recorded, which is 42.9% of the 35 species of harvestmen currently recorded in Slovakia. The most abundant species were Nelima sempronii, Lacinius ephippiatus, Mitopus morio, Oligolophus tridens, Leiobunum gracile and Platybunus bucephalus. Species richness and diversity was not associated with any forest characteristic. There was a negative association between the percentage of Norway spruce and abundance of harvestmen and positive association between the chemical element Ca²⁺ and harvestmen abundance. Beta diversity of harvestmen assemblages was low. Composition of harvestmen assemblages was significantly related to percentage of spruce, humus content, Ca²⁺, C/N and soil pH. Lacinius ephippiatus was most abundant in pitfall traps with a low percentage of spruce, Oligolophus tridens plots where there was low humus content and Leiobunum gracile tended to be more abundant in plots with more alkaline soils.

Movements are involved in several routine processes and may scale up to important ecological processes such as dispersal. However, movement is affected by a wealth of factors including flight capacity and behavioural traits. Both frequently differ in the sexes, which may well affect movement. We here aim to disentangle the relative importance of sexual differences in flight capacity versus behaviour on small-scale movements under controlled laboratory conditions in the temperate-zone butterfly Lycaena tityrus. The morphology of males is typically associated with increased flight capacity in this species. Nevertheless, the flight performances of the sexes did not differ, but the mobility of the females was higher. Thus, flight capacity and patterns of movement may not be intimately associated. Rather, the costs and benefits of flight seem to differ substantially between the sexes, with females being more mobile, potentially as a risk spreading strategy, while males are territorial and thus more sedentary. Thus, predictions regarding movement based on morphology are difficult.

The phenology of fungal fruiting has changed in the UK over the last 70 years, but whether the associated mycophagous insects are able to exploit 'out of season' fruit bodies is unknown. This study focused on whether fungal baits can be used as a proxy to examine changes in fungal fruiting on insect communities. Using Agaricus bisporus as a bait, mushrooms were placed into two separate woodlands monthly from November 2020 to July 2021. Megaselia rufipes (Phoridae) and Bradysia spp. (Sciaridae) were reared from both wild fungi and fungal baits at different times, making them appropriate species to consider for possible host tracking. Various factors affect an insect's ability to track a fungal host, these include host preference, season, period of fungal fruiting and age of mushroom. Increased fruiting of macrofungi in the future may benefit generalist mycophagous insects, by providing enhanced temporal and spatial resource opportunities. Using fungal baits as a proxy for the effects of climate change on fungal fruiting should be beneficial in uncovering the host preferences of mycophagous insects and may potentially indicate whether mycophagous insects can track fungal hosts across seasons.

Pollinating insects are important and therefore, it is important to be able to assess and monitor changes in their abundance. Consequently, it is essential that the methods used to collect data have some level of precision and are accurate. In the present study, two commonly used methods: colour pan-traps and sweep netting along transects, were compared. A total of 1775 specimens of 120 species of four insect families were caught in twelve clear-cuts in southern Sweden. Overall, Lepturinae (Cerambycidae; 5 species) and Cetoniidae (Scarabaeidae; 2) were trapped in larger numbers by pan-traps and Syrphidae (62) and Apoidea, both social (10) and solitary (41), by sweep netting. The catches of none of the above groups of insects by the two methods were correlated. These results show that the composition of catches of the two methods are very different, which has implications when choosing a method for sampling or monitoring and comparing and analysing published data.

This study investigated the effectiveness of field releases of nymphs of Anthocoris nemoralis (F.) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) in controlling the olive psyllid, Euphyllura olivina Costa (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). Field trials were conducted in two successive years (2014 and 2015) in two organic olive orchards located in the region of Sfax (Tunisia) using two treatments: low (release of 10 A. nemoralis nymphs/tree) and high (release of 40 A. nemoralis nymphs/tree) applied two times, the first on March 3 and second on March 17. In both olive orchards, the high treatment was the most effective in controlling the increase of E. olivina in the spring. The A. nemoralis population grew gradually and reached a single peak towards the end of April. In control and low treatment plots, despite the significant increase in predator populations, psylla abundance was not controlled. After the second release, however, in high treatment plots a reduction in psyllid density was recorded. An expected effect of the A. nemoralis releases was a reduced parasitic activity of Psyllaephagus euphyllurae (Masi) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae).

Glycaspis (Synglycaspis) confined to Australia includes gall-inducing and lerp-forming species that are probably highly specific to different species of Eucalyptus subgenus Eucalyptus. Based on available information, their distribution appears restricted to temperate, south-eastern and southern Australia. This paper reports the biology of an unnamed (suspected new species) of Glycaspis (Synglycaspis) that induces spherical, ostiolate galls on the leaves of Eucalyptus macrorhyncha in central western tablelands of NSW. This species completes two generations in a year. Oviposition elicits a passive response in the leaves of E. macrorhyncha. In this work we demonstrate that the host tissue not only supplies water, but also nutrients to the developing embryo via the embedded pedicel. Feeding action of the first instar initiates the gall and morphogenetic gradients become apparent around the feeding site. These gradients direct gall growth. The gall attains its near final spherical shape during the second instar and this spherical gall remains plugged with sugary material, which all the immature stages secrete from the last abdominal segment. No significant gall growth occurs during the occupation of the gall by the third, fourth and fifth instars. The first and second instars feed on the newly differentiated parenchyma tissue in galls, whereas the third, fourth and fifth instars feed on phloem of galls. Consequently the multi-layer parenchymatous nutritive tissue that initially develops lining the chamber dries and shrivels, when the later instars inhabit galls. This shrinkage induces a gradual thinning of gall walls, which is also aggravated by modest expansive growth of the gall.

The majority of the conservation strategies for threatened dragonflies are designed to protect only their aquatic habitats. Sympetrum depressiusculum is a species threatened not only by the destruction of its aquatic habitats but also by its association with a specific terrestrial environment. In this study, we aimed to identify the key elements of the terrestrial environment of adult S. depressiusculum. We used generalized linear mixed models to determine habitat preferences of adults and the particular features of habitat patches, such as vegetation cover, vegetation structure and the availability of potential prey. Our results indicate that S. depressiusculum adults preferred mainly riparian vegetation but beyond ponds they utilized only certain terrestrial habitats (abandoned fields, meadows, forest clearings). Adults responded positively to habitat patches with a high cover of vegetation and suitable vegetation structure. Adult abundance was affected also by the distance of patches from the natal site. In an agricultural landscape, the availability of such habitat patches may be limited and could influence the abundance and distribution of this species. We suggest that conservation efforts for this species should not only focus on the larval environment but also include suitable surrounding terrestrial habitats. Effective management around natal sites should concentrate on maintaining a heterogeneous landscape, which is extensively managed (e.g. leaving several fields fallow, maintaining managed hay meadows).

As part of a modern review of all Australian Collembola families, a key is provided to the nine genera of Brachystomellidae currently known from Australia, their morphology is compared, their distribution within and outside Australia is noted and the high diversity of genera in southern regions emphasised. Three Australian genera are endemic, five are also found in South America, South Africa and/or New Zealand and one has a cosmopolitan distribution. The distribution, ecology and habitat preferences of Australian genera are compared. Two genera, Cassagnella Najt & Massoud and Rapoportella Ellis & Bellinger, are newly diagnosed and additions to the description of C. anomala Womersley are given. Australian Cassagnella species appear restricted to southern, humid regions and C. anomala possesses some characters that indicate it is adapted to living in habitats that are periodically flooded. A new species, Rapoportella edwardi sp. n. is described in the rarer genus from drier eucalypt forests. The effect of agricultural practices on an introduced species of Brachystomella is noted and its indicator value emphasised. Possible threats to the endemic genera and species are noted.

The African assassin bug genus Neopirates Miller, 1952, is revised. The type species, N. nyassae Miller, 1952, is redescribed and illustrated; two new species from Namibia, N. bicolor Liu & Cai sp. n. and N. xanthothorax Liu & Cai sp. n. are described and a key is provided to separate the three species of this genus. Sphodrembas fumipennis Swanson, 2019, the type species of Sphodrembas Swanson, 2019, is placed as a junior synonym of N. nyassae, resulting in Sphodrembas becoming a junior synonym of Neopirates. Morphological differences between Neopirates and similar genera and the distribution of Neopirates are briefly discussed.

Combining a biotin-enrichment protocol and 454GS-FLX titanium pyrosequencing technology, we characterised 22 polymorphic microsatellite loci from the parasitic wasp, Habrobracon hebetor (Say) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a cosmopolitan species commonly used in biological control against a wide range of both major lepidopterous pests of stored products and field crops in different parts of the world. Three multiplex PCR sets were optimised and characterised across 46 H. hebetor specimens from two samples collected from millet fields in Niger. Two to 11 alleles were found per locus and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.289 to 0.826. Polymorphism was detected in both samples with a similar level of observed heterozygosity (0.482 vs. 0.502) and number of alleles (4.1 vs. 3.6). Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was detected at the same five loci in both samples and five or seven more loci in each sample but was not associated with heterozygote deficiencies. Even though evidence for linkage disequilibrium was found between a few alleles, these new loci segregated independently. The variability of the 22 loci will enable estimates of genetic diversity and structure patterns, as well as gene flow between H. hebetor populations at different spatial scales. Cross-species amplifications were successful among the six Bracon spp. tested and nine loci will be particularly appropriate for population genetic studies in B. brevicornis.

Zaprionus indianus is a species of fly native to the Afrotropical biogeographic region, which around twenty years ago invaded the American continent. Several studies have shown that local adaptation and phenotypic plasticity of an invasive species in its native range could favour the colonization of new environments. Zaprionus indianus is a holometabolous generalist polyphagous species that breeds and feeds on the fruits of several different species, which constitute different environments. In this context, we performed a comparative analysis of the phenotypic plasticity of morphological and life history traits in response to seven different breeding environments (i.e. different breeding fruits). The comparison was of native (Africa) vs. invaded range (South America) wild-derived populations. The population-level phenotypic plasticity values related to heterogeneity in different breeding environments for most traits analysed were higher for one of the native range population. This differentiation was also recorded for the ranking across breeding environments of developmental time and wing length mean phenotypic values. In addition, mean phenotypic values pooled across fruit treatments were larger for individuals from the invaded range, which suggests local adaptation. Results define a scenario in which, although not for all the populations analysed, phenotypic plasticity contributes to the invasiveness and local adaptation in native range population of Z. indianus.

Changes in body size in response to environmental factors (especially temperature) is one of the crucial traits studied in connection with insect adaptation to climate change. However, current data on the strength and direction of temperature-size responses in Lepidoptera are inconsistent and the reasons for this are unclear. This study investigates the relationship between the adult size of Aporia crataegi L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) and spring weather conditions (temperature and rainfall) at different phases in its outbreak cycle (low population density or high abundance). The forewing area of A. crataegi, a univoltine and irruptive Lepidopteran species, was used as a proxy for overall body size. It was found that temperature in the last month before imago emergence (May) and temperature in the larval growth period following overwintering (April) had differing effects on imago size. The fact that the wing size of both male and female A. crataegi increased following higher temperatures in May corresponds with the converse temperature-size rule and is consistent with the predictions of life history theory for univoltine species. Conversely, while imago size decreased following higher temperatures in April, increased rainfall had a slightly positive effect on imago size. The wings of A. crataegi at the peak of abundance were larger than when sampled during periods of low population density, contradicting available data on changes in the body weight of A. crataegi recorded during outbreaks.

Third instar larvae of the genus Acroceratitis Hendel from North Thailand are described for the first time. They belong to A. ceratitina (Bezzi), A. distincta (Zia), A. histrionica (de Meijere), A. incompleta Hardy, and A. septemmaculata Hardy. Short descriptions of eggs, empty egg shells, and puparia are also presented. Acroceratitis larvae infest shoots of bamboo (Poaceae). Larval host plants of the studied species are Bambusa polymorpha Munro, Cephalostachyum pergracile Munro, Dendrocalamus hamiltoni Nees and Arnott ex Munro, D. strictus (Roxbourgh), Dendrocalamus sp. (unidentified) and Pseudoxytenanthera albociliata (Munro). The morphological characters of Acroceratitis larvae are compared with those of other Gastrozonini described so far. A key to Acroceratitis larvae is provided. Acroceratitis ceratitina, A. incompleta and A. septemmaculata are morphologically similar and clearly differentiated from A. distincta and A. histrionica by the lack of additional papillar sensilla on the labial lobe, the arrangement of the spinules on the creeping welts and other characters. The morphological differences between the two groups coincide with the type of substrate utilized by their larvae: A. ceratitina, A. incompleta and A. septemmaculata larvae feed in young and soft internode walls, while A. distincta and A. histrionica utilize harder bamboo tissue of already elongated bamboo shoot internodes. Acroceratitis histrionica larvae are special within the Gastrozonini, because they develop exclusively in cavities formed by the internode surface and the protecting culm sheath. Factors influencing spatial utilization of larval resources, preference for upright shoots as breeding substrate, larval behavior, types of bamboo damage caused by different species and attraction to sweat and urine in the adults are discussed.

This paper reports a non-native Agrilus wood-boring jewel beetle reared from a stressed and non-native European beech (Fagus sylvatica) tree growing in New York City, USA. Results of two analyses using 759 DNA barcodes of Agrilus corroborate the morphology-based interpretation that this is the first North American record of an unnamed species from the A. roscidus species-group native to the Western Palaearctic. Taxonomy of the entire species-group requires revision, therefore we postpone formal description of the new species and refer to it as Agrilus sp. 9895. This is the 12^th non-native Agrilus established in North America. Prior to our study, members of the A. roscidus species-group were not known to develop in Fagus, therefore we hypothesise whether our record is a host plant shift linked to the human-mediated transatlantic dispersal, or a case of an elusive beetle escaping detection in Fagus in its unknown native range. All 759 herein analysed DNA barcodes of Agrilus (including, when present, specimen images and georeferences) are available online at dx.doi.org/10.5883/DS-VGDS010.

Scymnus syriacus Marseul is one of the most important biocontrol agents of aphids in citrus orchards. Understanding the efficiency and host specificity of natural enemies can help improve their effectiveness as biological control agents of particular pests. In this study, the functional response, preference and switching behaviour of different stages of S. syriacus feeding on Aphis spiraecola Patch and Aphis gossypii Glover, on orange leaves, were studied under laboratory conditions of 27 ± 2°C, 65 ± 5% RH and a photoperiod of 16L : 8D. The results indicate that 4^th instar larvae and adult males and females of this predator exhibit a type II functional response when offered different numbers (3, 5, 7, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60 and 80) of both A.spiraecola and A. gossypii. Adult females had significantly higher attack rates (a) on both species of aphids. Handling times (T_h) of adult male predators on A. spiraecola and those of 4^th instar larvae on A. gossypii were shorter than that of the other stages. In no-choice preference experiments, adult females fed equally on both species of aphid, but the 4^th instar larvae preferred A. gossypii. In switching experiments, prey selection was evaluated by simultaneously presenting different ratios (30 : 50, 40 : 40 and 50 : 30) of the two aphids, A. spiraecola : A. gossypii, to the predator. The 4^th instar larvae and adult females of S. syriacus showed higher preference for A. gossypii at each ratio offered (except adult females offered the 50 : 30 ratio). Based on their foraging behaviour 4^th instar larvae and adult females of S. syriacus are suitable for use in integrated management of citrus aphids.

An annotated checklist of the tribe Mirini (Miridae: Mirinae) recorded on the Korean peninsula is presented. A total of 113 species, including newly described and newly recorded species are recognized. Three new species, Apolygus hwasoonanus Oh, Yasunaga & Lee, sp. n., A. seonheulensis Oh, Yasunaga & Lee, sp. n. and Stenotus penniseticola Oh, Yasunaga & Lee, sp. n., are described. Eight species, Apolygus adustus (Jakovlev, 1876), Charagochilus (Charagochilus) longicornis Reuter, 1885, C. (C.) pallidicollis Zheng, 1990, Pinalitopsis rhodopotnia Yasunaga, Schwartz & Chérot, 2002, Philostephanus tibialis (Lu & Zheng, 1998), Rhabdomiris striatellus (Fabricius, 1794), Yamatolygus insulanus Yasunaga, 1992 and Y. pilosus Yasunaga, 1992 are reported for the first time from the Korean peninsula. Korean specimens previously identified as Eurystylus luteus Hsaio, 1941 are correctly recognized as E. sauteri Poppius, 1915. Three new synonyms are proposed: Apolygus atriclavus Kim & Jung, 2016 syn. n. of A. xanthomelas Yasunaga & Yasunaga, 2000, A. josifovi Kim & Jung, 2016 syn. n. of A. subpulchellus (Kerzhner, 1988) and Capsus koreanus Kim & Jung, 2015 syn. n. of C. wagneri Remane, 1950. Dorsal habitus photographs of the newly described or recorded species are presented along with figures of the genitalia of the new species. Keys to Korean genera and to species of Apolygus and Stenotus are provided. Zoogeography of the East Asian Mirini fauna is also discussed.

The distance from southern Italy to Denmark is about the same as the length of Finland from south to north. A study of the biogeography of insects, such as ants, would take a lot of effort and funding to sample the whole area. Here, a citizen science approach is used to obtain distribution records for mound-building Formica ants in Finland. This resulted in samples from 2,434 ant nests, of which 2,363 were for nests of the target species group. The data obtained helps define the northern limits of the species in Finland and resulted in three new records for F. suecica Adlerz, 1902, which is a red-listed species in Finland. In addition, as a by-catch, a new imported species dispersed in a peculiar way was recorded in Finland: Lasius emarginatus (Olivier, 1792). Volunteer citizens are potential research assistants in the science of entomology.

Hermetia illucens is a sustainable and an increasingly bioeconomical source of nutrients for farm animals. It is still necessary, however, to improve our knowledge of the biological features of this species in order to maximize its use. The aims of this research were to evaluate the effect of the energy level of rearing diets on its body weight and fat-body reserves. The quantity and quality of the fats storred by the non-feeding stages of this insect and its reproductive performances were also studied. A control diet (CD - Gainesville diet) and three diets with progressively greater energy contents (kcal/kg ME) were formulated. The increase was achieved by including different amounts of maize, 40% (ED₁), 60% (ED₂) and 80% (ED₃), in these three diets. Abother diet (ED₄) consisted of fruit and vegetable waste. The results indicate that the body weight of larvae, prepupae, pupae and adult flies, as well as fat content of the larvae increased significantly (p ˂ 0.01) with increase in the energy content of the diets. There was a positive Pearson correlation between energy content of diets and body weight of adult flies. The heaviest egg clutches with the highest number of eggs/clutch (p ˂ 0.01) were laid by flies reared on the diets with the highest energy content. The quality of the fat stored by larvae did not influence the weight and number of egg laid.

Pitfall traps are widely used for sampling ground-dwelling arthropods. Their sampling efficiency is affected by several factors, e.g. material, size and modification of parts of the trap and sampling design. Pitfall trap sampling is also affected by the accumulation of plant litter in the traps, rain fall and by-catches of small vertebrates, which may cause a bias in the catch by obstructing traps or attracting certain insects. A roof that prevents rain and plant litter entering a trap, prevents dilution of the preservative and escape of arthropods. The main goal of present study was to compare the effect of four types of differently combined funnel and roof pitfall traps on the capture efficiency of epigeal arthropods. We found that a funnel and/or a roof had no effect on spider catches. Total abundance of large carabids and thus the total abundance of ground beetles was lower in funnel pitfall traps without a roof than in other types of traps. However, funnel pitfall traps with roofs collected significantly more carabid beetles, especially individuals of those species that are large or good fliers. We conclude that funnel pitfall traps with roofs have no negative effects on capture efficiency of ground beetles and spiders, therefore application of this sampling technique is strongly recommended.

Daily rhythmicity in the sexual behaviour of Monema flavescens Walker (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae) was studied under laboratory conditions. There was a distinct diel periodicity in female calling, male responsiveness and mating behaviour of M. flavescens. As females aged there was an advance in the onset and more time spent calling. One day old females started calling 4 h after the onset of the scotophase, and 5 to 6 day old females called during the first hour of the scotophase. About 34.5% of females called on the night they emerged (1 day old) and the peak in calling of 97.8% was recorded for 2 day old females, after which the incidence of calling decreased rapidly with advancing age. Wind tunnel and copulation tests showed that males were sexually mature on the third night and female moths on the second night. The highest value for the percentage mating was recorded for 3 day old virgin females 4 to 6 h after the onset of the scotophase. In field tests, traps baited with 2 day and 3 day old virgin females captured more males than any other trap and most males were captured 4 to 6 h (1 to 2 day old), 3 to 5 h (3 to 4 day old) and 2 to 4 h (5 to 6 day old) after the onset of the scotophase. These results indicate that there is a daily rhythm in the reproductive behaviour of M. flavescens and provides a better understanding of its sexual behaviour.

This paper is the first attempt to resolve relationships among the Ceratocanthinae: Ceratocanthini pill scarab beetles using DNA sequences. It is focused on the Philharmostes group of seven Afrotropical genera: Baloghianestes (3 spp.), Callophilharmostes (1 sp.), Carinophilharmostes (1 sp.), Chaetophilharmostes (1 sp.), Cryptophilharmostes (3 spp.), Petrovitzostes (1 sp.) and Philharmostes (31 spp.). A phylogenetic analysis of 46 terminals and alignment of 2,913 bp from one mitochondrial and two nuclear fragments corroborates monophyly of this group, but rejects that of Philharmostes, the largest genus. The latter is paraphyletic with respect to at least four other smaller genera and consists of at least three distantly related clades. One of them, formed by Philharmostes ballerioi sp. n. from the Tanzanian Nguru (the type locality) and Kaguru Mountains, is sister to the rest of the entire Philharmostes group. The nominal genus Philharmostes is, therefore, a waste-basket taxon for accommodating members of this group that lack the distinct characters of the smaller genera. Pending further research, the phylogenetically inadequate generic taxonomy of the Philharmostes group is not modified. Molecular clock analysis estimates separation of the mitochondrial lineages of two known populations of the new species at about 2.2 Ma, which corresponds with recurring shrinkage and expansion of African rainforest caused by climatic fluctuations during the Pleistocene. Adults of all nominal ingroup genera are illustrated along with male and female body parts of the new species. Diagnostic and/or synapomorphic morphological characters of the Philharmostes group of genera are revised. Habitus images and other supplementary information on all sequenced specimens are available online at dx.doi.org/10.5883/DS-VGDS001 and dx.doi.org/10.5883/DS-VGDS004.

Biometric data of the exuviae of female larvae of the dragonfly Cordulegaster boltonii collected in Portugal, Spain and Morocco were analysed to determine whether the size of three exuvial structures measured differed depending on the geographic localities of the populations. Based on the results recorded for the 16 populations studied, head width was negatively correlated with latitude and the greatest length of the gonapophysis was recorded for the Iberian populations at the centre of this peninsula. Multivariate cluster analysis revealed a clear separation of the Moroccan population. A second cluster separated the southernmost population (Sierra Nevada) from the remaining Iberian populations. Four population groups were distinguished: those located in watercourses in the north and central area of the Iberian Peninsula, those in Iberian watercourses in the East and Middle South, the Sierra Nevada and North Morocco. Some of these results coincide with the results of genetic studies of other authors.

Natural death is a key determinant of a species population dynamics. Thus, a clear understanding of natural mortality factors aids the development of appropriate management strategies for insect pests. Cohort-based life tables were constructed to determine the sources and rates of mortality of field populations of the pest, Bemisia tabaci Sub-Saharan Africa 1 (SSA1) on cassava in Uganda. Monthly cohorts (10 in total) were established separately for eggs and nymphs on two cassava genotypes with known levels of resistance to B. tabaci infestation (Alado alado and NAROCASS 1). Mortality was recorded using daily observations for the eggs and the different nymphal instars. The recorded mortality sources were disappearance (total removal of egg or nymph from the leaf), predation, parasitism (nymphs only), unknown death and inviability (eggs only). Median marginal mortality rate was highest for disappearance (0.355) followed by parasitism (0.058). The highest level of mortality occurred during the third nymph stage (55% on Alado alado) and only 12% of nymphs reached the adult stage. Irreplaceable mortality (Ic) was highest for disappearance followed by third instar parasitism. Key-factor analysis revealed a close resemblance of the curve for disappearance to that of total mortality coupled with the highest regression slopes: 0.896 for eggs and 0.725 for nymphs on NAROCASS 1. From these results, we conclude that disappearance and parasitism are the major mortality factors controlling B. tabaci SSA1 populations. Therefore, the development of interventions that focus on enhancing the levels of disappearance and third instar parasitism may lead to population-level reductions in B. tabaci SSA1. Further studies need to be conducted to understand the factors that contribute to the high mortality associated with disappearance.

Increasing the biodiversity in plantations of trees is an important issue because plantations have replaced many natural and semi-natural ecosystems worldwide. Therefore, identifying appropriate management techniques and key factors for enhancing biodiversity in plantations is required. We surveyed butterfly assemblages along forest trails in both plantations and natural forests and measured various environmental variables, including canopy, sub canopy and shrub stem densities, percentage of deciduous trees, flower plant richness, host plant richness, canopy openness and distance to forest edge. We hypothesized that (1) flower and host plant richness increase with an increase in the percentage of deciduous trees and canopy openness; (2) butterfly richness and abundance increase with an increase in forest structural complexity, butterfly resources, canopy openness and distance to forest edge; (3) the responses of plants and butterflies to canopy openness differ in plantations and natural forests; and (4) in plantations, tree-feeding butterflies respond to canopy openness less strongly than herbaceous plant feeding butterflies do because of the low diversity of trees in plantations. Our results generally support these hypotheses. Butterfly resources and butterfly richness and abundance all increase with increasing canopy openness; however, the increases were usually more dramatic in natural forests than in plantations and other factors are less important. In plantations, herbaceous plant feeding butterflies responded to increasing canopy openness more strongly than tree-feeding butterflies. The results of the present study indicate the importance of sunlit forest trails in enhancing butterfly resources, butterfly richness and abundance in plantations. Because at the stand-level management is labour- and cost-intensive, labour- and cost-saving trail management options need to be explored further in terms their effectiveness in increasing biodiversity in plantations.

Three new species of the hawkmoth genus Xylophanes Hübner, 1819 from Colombia are described based on morphological characters and DNA barcodes: Xylophanes camilae Correa-Carmona & Giusti sp. n., Xylophanes pijao Giusti & Correa-Carmona sp. n., and Xylophanes tayrona Correa-Carmona & Giusti sp. n. The new species are compared with the most morphologically similar species within the informal Xylophanes crotonis species-group: Xylophanes aristor (Boisduval, 1870), Xylophanes crotonis (Walker, 1856) and Xylophanes huloti Haxaire & Vaglia, 2008. Diagnoses, distribution maps, photographs of genital structures and habitus are provided for each new species. In addition, a dichotomous key is provided to identify the new species and the most morphologically similar species within the group. To stabilize the nomenclature and fix the taxon concept, a neotype is designated for Xylophanes aristor.

The current climate warming is associated with the development of a second generation in populations of species such as Pyrrhocoris apterus (L.) (Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoridae), which, in Central Europe, were univoltine in the 1980s. Females of the first generation that develop in spring either enter diapause immediately following the adult moult or after a period of oviposition that gives rise to a second generation. In 2005-2010, in overwintering populations, 3 ± 0.6% of females were fertilized. We explored the possibility that the females that overwintered in a fertilized state were those that had oviposited in the previous season. To test this hypothesis, we reared females of the first generation that moulted to the adult stage in June-August under natural conditions. For these females, we recorded oviposition, mortality and overwintering in the fertilized state. In 2004-2007, the majority (78%) of the first-generation females that oviposited in summer also died before winter and the rest entered dormancy and overwintered. Most of the overwintering females that had laid eggs before overwintering were fertilized. However, the majority (63%) of females that overwintered in the fertilized state had not laid eggs in the previous season; they only copulated and stored the sperm until the next spring. The presence of fertilized females in a hibernating population thus indicates pre-winter sexual activity but not the percentage of first-generation females that oviposit before overwintering.

The Chinese pine caterpillar Dendrolimus tabulaeformis is an important destructive leaf borer in boreal coniferous forests in China. This species overwinters in the larval stage. Changes in supercooling capacity and physiological-biochemical parameters of D. tabulaeformis larvae from a natural population were evaluated at different stages during the overwintering period. Cold hardiness of overwintering larvae collected in January was significantly greater than that of larvae collected in other months. January larvae survived for 15 days at -10°C and for approximately 2 days at -15°C. By contrast, larvae collected in September survived for no more than 4 h at -5°C and those in November and March no more than 1 day at -15°C. Supercooling point gradually decreased from -5.9 ± 0.3°C in September to a minimum of -14.1 ± 1.0°C in November, then gradually increased to the original value with the advent of spring. Water content gradually decreased from September to November, remained at approximately 74.5% until March and then gradually increased to levels similar to those in September. The lipid content gradually decreased from September to November, remained stable at approximately 3.2% until March and then gradually increased to levels similar to those in September. Glycogen content increased to a peak in November and then decreased. The concentrations of several metabolites showed significant seasonal changes. The most prominent metabolite was trehalose with a seasonal maximum in November. Glucose levels were highest in January and then gradually decreased until in May they were at levels similar to those in September. Glycerol levels remained relatively stable during winter but increased significantly in May. This study indicates that D. tabulaeformis is a freeze-avoidant insect. Larvae increase their supercooling capacity by regulating physiological-biochemical parameters during overwintering. Our results provide the basis for further research into the mechanism of cold hardiness in this species.

Plants defend themselves by producing various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that have direct and indirect effects on insect herbivores. Their production is often specific to the plant and herbivore species involved, with some herbivores being able to manipulate their production. Here, we used passive volatile sampling using polydimethysiloxane (PDMS) tubing to compare VOCs produced by control, mined and galled oak leaves in the field. Leaves mined by a microlepidopteran leaf-miner (Phyllonorycter harrisella) produced a lower amount of two sesquiterpenes and an increased amount of eucalyptol. In contrast, leaves galled by the gall wasp (Neuroterus quercusbaccarum) did not produce a lower amount of any of the VOC measured when compared to the control. They produced a higher amount of farnesene, β-bourbonene and eucalyptol. Some of these VOC are known for their anti-herbivore function. In a second experiment, we treated the experimental leaves with the phytohormone methyl jasmonate (MeJA) to determine if leaf-miners or gallers reduced the overall inducibility of infested leaves. MeJA induced a sixteen-fold increase in VOC production. However, there was no difference in VOC production of control, mined and galled leaves treated with MeJA. Our results show that up- and down-regulation of VOCs can vary among leaves infested by different herbivores. More experiments are needed to determine if this is due to manipulation by the herbivores themselves or due to a defensive response of the plant.