Boundaries between habitats are usually accompanied by transitions in the diversity and structural complexity of insect assemblages. Edge effects on carabid beetle assemblages across forest-meadow ecotones in Dinaric beech-fir forests were determined in the Gorski Kotar region of western Croatia. Carabid beetles were sampled using pitfall traps set along gradients extending 60 m from the forest edge into its interior and 60 m into the meadow. Embedded forest edges were greater than 100 years old and had a similar composition and structure of vegetation to that in the adjacent forest. A total of 20,526 individuals belonging to 66 carabid beetle species were recorded. Carabid assemblages in the ecotones were more similar to those in the forest interiors than those in the meadows. The classical edge effect hypothesis was not supported, since the ecotones were less diverse than the meadows, while the carabid assemblages of the forest interiors were the least diverse. Soil temperature, soil humidity and light intensity did not differ significantly between the ecotones and the forest interior. Therefore, embedded forest edges reduced the microclimate edge effect by providing stable microclimatic conditions for carabid assemblages similar to those in the forest interior. In addition, this enabled forest specialists and generalists to occur right up to the forest edge and maintain stable populations in the ecotone. On the other hand, ecotones acted as filters for certain forest generalist species and true barriers for most open-habitat species. This study confirmed that the structure and ages of the vegetation at edges may play a key role in determining the spatial pattern of carabid beetles across forest-meadow ecotones.

Gender-specific reproductive roles are important factors determining sexual dimorphism. Here, we investigate the effects of sex-based differences and reproductive status on the defence of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst, 1797) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) against infection by Steinernema feltiae (Filipjev, 1934) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae). Female and male beetles, either virgin or post-copulation, were exposed individually to nematodes. Individuals were then sampled every 12 h, dissected, and checked for the presence of nematodes; we also measured their phenoloxidase (PO) activity. Reproductive status affected resistance to nematodes and PO activity as infected virgin individuals had a higher PO activity and lower mortality than reproducing individuals, with no differences between sexes. Mortality also increased with time, while PO activity did not change. Parasite load was related to reproductive status and sex, with reproducing females with the highest parasite loads in all treatments, and virgin males with more nematodes than sexually active males. Our results indicate that the costs of reproduction impair the immunological system of T. castaneum similarly in both sexes. It is possible, however, that other components of the immunological system that we did not measure, such as lysozyme activity, are impaired by infection with S. feltiae in a sex-specific way.

The poplar lace bug, Monosteira unicostata (Mulsant & Rey), is one of the most important pests of almond trees in the Mediterranean area. The developmental times and survival of the immature stages of this tingid were determined at 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 35.5, 37 and 39°C, 60 ± 10% relative humidity and under a 16L : 8D photoperiod. At 16 and 39°C, 100% mortality was recorded during immature development, with the egg, first and second nymphal instars the most susceptible. The lowest mortality was recorded at 28°C (9.8%). As temperature increased, the total developmental period decreased and the shortest duration was recorded at 34°C (12.1-12.2 d). At 37°C, the developmental time was slightly longer (12.5-13.0 d). The thermal requirement for complete development, from egg to adult, was 229.2 DD. Several non-linear models were fitted to the developmental rate data recorded for the range of temperatures tested. Selection criteria indicated that the Lactin model best described the relationship between developmental rate and temperature. It predicted lower and upper thermal thresholds for the complete preimaginal period of 14.8 and 39.1°C, respectively. Models were validated by comparing their predictions for the total preimaginal period with the developmental times recorded at three different fluctuating temperature regimes. The Lactin model again best fitted the actual durations recorded. This model could be used in IPM programs for predicting the moment of occurrence of the most damaging generations of this species.

This study was on the effect of three species of aphids (Aphis fabae, Macrosiphoniella sanborni, Brevicoryne brassicae) on the survival, growth and development of the immature stages of the aphidophagous coccinellids Coccinella septempunctata, Ceratomegilla undecimnotata, Propylea quatuordecimpunctata and Oenopia conglobata. The percentage survival was lowest, immature development most prolonged and the adults the lightest when these predators were fed on B. brassicae. In addition, C. septempunctata and C. undecimnotata performed better when fed on M. sanborni (74.1 and 72.0% total immature survival, respectively) than P. quatuordecimpunctata and O. conglobata (25.0 and 13.8% total immature survival, respectively). In addition, the host plant of A. fabae also had a significant effect on the performance of the predators. These coccinellids survived best, had shorter developmental times and were heavier as adults when fed on A. fabae reared on Vicia faba than on Phaseolus vulgaris. These results may be useful for improving the effectiveness of biological control practice and the production of coccinellids in an insectary.

Abstract. The ant genus Myrmoxenus consists of about ten socially parasitic species including active slave-makers and workerless "degenerate slave-makers". Myrmoxenus tamarae was previously known only from type material, two workers collected at Daba, Georgia and nothing was known about its life history, colony structure or the morphology of its sexuals. An inspection of colonies of M. tamarae near the type locality in 2010 indicates that young queens of M. tamarae invade Temnothorax nests and kill the host queen by throttling. The simultaneous presence of two slave species in a single colony (an undescribed species related to T. nylanderi and a species morphologically resembling T. unifasciatus) indicates that M. tamarae is an active slave-maker. The genetic structure of the colonies matches that expected for a monogynous and monandrous ant, but three of eight colonies inspected appeared to contain workers belonging to an additional genetic lineage.

The larvae of the diving beetle genus Laccomimus Toledo & Michat, 2015 (Laccophilinae) are studied for the first time, based on detailed descriptions and illustrations of all instars of L. distinctus Toledo & Michat, 2015, with particular emphasis on morphometry and chaetotaxy. The phylogenetic relationships of this genus within the tribe Laccophilini are analyzed cladistically. Laccomimus is recovered as part of a clade that includes the genera Australphilus Watts, 1978, Neptosternus Sharp, 1882 and Laccophilus Leach, 1815 and is characterized by the presence of natatory setae on the tibia and tarsus, and within this clade it is a sister to the other genera. Third-instar larvae of Laccomimus and Africophilus Guignot, 1948 share the mediodistal insertion of the seta CO7 on the meso- and metacoxa, a short and spine-like seta TI6 on the metatibia, a ventrally sclerotized abdominal segment V and a short urogomphus. These characters are considered plesiomorphic and indicate a basal position of both genera within the Laccophilini. All instars of Laccomimus are characterized by the anterolateral lobes of the frontoclypeus clearly projecting beyond the anterior margin and the last abdominal segment strongly elongated. Diagnostic features of the first instar are: frontoclypeus unmodified posteriorly, lamellae clypeales thin and hair-like, pores ANe, MXb-d-f-i, LAb-c and seta TR3 absent, seta LA3 and an additional dorsal pore present on the prementum, abdominal tergites I-VII with anterior transverse carina, and ventral surface of the abdominal segment VI sclerotized.

The term cellular immune response refers to haemocyte-mediated responses, including phagocytosis, nodulation, and encapsulation. In the present study, we identified five types of circulating haemocytes in larvae of the haemolymph of the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), including granulocytes, oenocytoids, plasmatocytes, prohaemocytes, and spherulocytes. The relative number of total free haemocytes per larva decreased significantly 0.5, 24, and 36 h after the injection of Beauveria bassiana conidia. Upon conidia challenge, both phagocytosis and nodulation were observed in the collected haemolymph from O. furnacalis larvae. In addition, plasma was found to be necessary for both phagocytosis and nodulation. Therefore, we here confirm that phagocytosis and nodulation are involved in O. funacalis larvae during their fight against infection by B. bassiana, and further, that the cellular immune response of O. furnacalis helps eliminate the invading organisms despite the fact that not all the fungal conidia are killed.

Ingesting nutritionally imbalanced food can cause a significant reduction in fitness in insects. Insects can avoid the negative consequences of nutritional imbalances by selectively foraging for nutritionally complementary foods. We investigated the ability of the omnivorous beetle, Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), to redress nutritional imbalances by selecting complementary foods. Beetles were fed one of three synthetic diets that varied in their protein: carbohydrate balance (p0:c42, p21:c21 or p42:c0) for 16 days and then allowed to select between two nutritionally imbalanced but complementary diets (p0:c42 vs. p42:c0) for 18 days. During the initial period, beetle survival was high on all three experimental diets, but their body composition was considerably skewed as a result of eating nutritionally imbalanced diets. Over the first 6 days of food choice (days 16-22), beetles previously fed a protein-rich, carbohydrate-deficient diet (p42:c0) preferred carbohydrate to protein, whereas those previously fed a carbohydrate-rich, protein-deficient diet (p0:c42) strongly preferred the protein-rich diet. When the food choice period continued for longer than 6 days, the selection of diets by previously carbohydrate-deprived beetles (p42:c0) was similar to that of the control beetles previously fed an optimal food (p21:c21). However, beetles that were previously fed on the protein-deficient diet (p0:c42) selected protein and carbohydrate equally throughout the remaining period of food choice and the cumulative protein-carbohydrate intake of these protein-deprived beetles was similar to that of those fed the optimal diet (p21:c21). At the end of the experiment, the body composition of all beetles was similar, indicating that the effects of nutritional imbalance on body composition were buffered by the subsequent selection of complementary foods. Our results demonstrate that T. molitor beetles are capable of redressing nutritional imbalances and indicate that the way in which the nutritional balance of beetles is restored depends on the nutrient that is initially deficient in their food.

The influence of female mating status on ovarian development of the ladybird, Propylea dissecta (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), was investigated under laboratory conditions. We assessed the extent to which ovariole development was affected by mating and for that we initially created a base line by observing age specific ovariole development. Results show that the number of follicles in each ovariole increased with the age of both virgin and mated females up to the age of 3 days, thereafter, no increase in number of follicles was recorded. Ovariole width also increased with age in both virgin and mated females up to 4 days, thereafter, no increase in ovariole width was recorded. The ovariole width of mated females was significantly greater than that of virgin females. Egg maturation and the egg load started to increase at the age of 8 days in virgin females. Thereafter, it increased with increase in female age. While in mated females, immature eggs were recorded in their ovarioles from the age of 1 to 2 days. In mated females, however, the increase in the number of mature eggs per ovariole and egg load started when they were 3 days old. Egg load continuously increased with increasing female age.

Cytochrome P450s (P450s) involved in insecticide resistance reduce the efficacy of insecticide-based vector control by rendering vector control ineffective. They are recorded in many species of vectors and have various constitutive and insecticide induction profiles. In this study, the isolation and prediction of the structure of a P450 from a strain of Aedes aegypti originating from Malaysia is reported. Quantitative mRNA expression of this gene and a previously reported P450, CYP4H28v2, in the developmental stages of the mosquito after exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of insecticides is also reported. The isolated P450, CYP4H31v2, is an allelic variant of CYP4H31 and contains several conserved motifs of P450s. The secondary structure of the protein is mostly made up of alpha helices and random coils. The tertiary structure was generated using homology modeling and was of good quality based on structure validation using protein structure assessment tools. CYP4H28v2 and CYP4H31v2 were differentially expressed in the developmental stages of the vector, with a significantly increased expression in adult males. The genes were significantly over-expressed in larvae exposed to deltamethrin and permethrin for 6 h. In the DDT-treated larvae, only CYP4H31v2 was significantly over-expressed after a 6 h exposure. Under-expression of the genes was predominant in larvae treated with the organophosphates malathion and temephos. Though the functions of these P450s are unknown, their response to induction by exposure to insecticides indicates the likely involvement of these genes in insecticide tolerance.

Biological parameters of the woolly whitefly Aleurothrixus floccosus (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and its parasitoid Cales noacki (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) were determined at 25.0 ± 2.0°C, 50.0 ± 10.0% RH and a photoperiod of 14L : 10D on three different Citrus host plants. The percentage survival of A. floccosus ranged between 40.23 and 44.44%. The highest mortality was recorded in the first nymphal instar with mortalities ranging between 36.36 and 39.39%. On C. aurantifolia the total development time was 39.83 ± 0.68 days and the pre-oviposition, oviposition and post-oviposition periods 2.45, 10.68 and 1.68 days, respectively. Adult longevity was 15.0 days and average fecundity 73.27 ± 9.07 eggs. For C. noacki the pre-oviposition period was 0.8 days, oviposition period 4.38 days and post-oviposition period < 1 day. Adult longevity of C. noacki was 5.18 days and average fecundity 31.25 ± 2.87 eggs. The intrinsic growth rate (r_m ) of C. noacki (0.160) was significantly greater ( p < 0.05) than that of A. floccosus (0.076). The value of the finite rate of growth (λ) was also significantly ( p < 0.05) greater for C. noacki (1.173) than for A. floccosus (1.079). The larger values of r_m and λ recorded for C. noacki under experimental conditions indicate that this aphelinid has the potential to decrease populations of A. floccosus.

The giant, polytene chromosomes of Simulium carthusiense Grenier & Dorier, 1959 were mapped, and all rearrangements were resolved relative to the standard banding sequence for the S. vernum group. The species is chromosomally cohesive from Austria to Spain, and is characterized by a chromocenter, two unique fixed inversions, 10 unique autosomal polymorphisms, and undifferentiated sex chromosomes. Rare individuals (3%) have two types of supernumerary chromosomes, representing the third example of a simuliid species that carries two different supernumeraries in the same individuals. Band-sequence comparisons with chromosomal outgroups indicate that S. carthusiense is the sister species of a clade that includes S. beltukovae (Rubtsov, 1956), the S. cryophilum complex, and S. urbanum Davies, 1966.

Silkworm is a poikilothermic insect, whose growth and development is significantly affected by high temperatures. The current study aimed to identify bivoltine breeds tolerant of the high temperature conditions that occur in the tropics. Percentage pupation at high temperatures and heat shock responses of silkworms were used as measures of thermotolerance. Thermotolerance of 20 silkworm breeds was assessed by rearing them at 36°C. Based on percentage pupation, three breeds, namely Nistari (multivoltine), SK4C (bivoltine) and CSR2 (bivoltine) were designated tolerant, moderately tolerant and susceptible, respectively. To understand the heat shock responses and the molecular mechanisms underlying thermotolerance, the tissue specific expression profiles of the nine heat shock protein (Hsp) genes were determined in the three breeds after a heat shock of 1 h at 36°C and a 2 h recovery period by performing real-time qPCR. The level of expression of Hsp genes was significantly increased in heat shocked tissues and gradually decreased during the recovery period. The greatest increase in the expression of Hsp genes was recorded in fat body followed by mid gut and silk gland. Of the three breeds, Nistari showed the highest expression of Hsp genes and SK4C a moderate expression relative to CSR2. The qPCR results showed that the transcript levels of sHsp20.4 and 20.1, and Hsp70 were increased by 10.3, 9.7 and 2.3 times, respectively, in Nistari compared to CSR2. Similarly the expression of sHsp20.4 and 20.1, and Hsp70 were increased by 3.5, 2.3 and 1.5 times, respectively in SK4C compared to CSR2. The expression levels of Hsps during heat shock corresponded to the percentage pupation recorded for the three breeds at a high temperature. It is suggested that the Hsps and their levels of expression may play an important role in increasing the survival of silkworm larvae at high temperatures. This study identified SK4C as a bivoltine breed, which is highly tolerant of high temperature measured in terms of percentage pupation (of the bivoltine breeds) and higher levels of expression of Hsp genes compared to CSR2. The importance of SK4C as a thermotolerant bivoltine parent for breeding new bivoltine hybrids tolerant of high temperatures is discussed.

The present study provides new data on the morphology and distribution of the labial tip sensilla of 41 species of 20 gerromorphan (sub)families (Heteroptera: Gerromorpha) obtained using a scanning electron microscope. There are eleven morphologically distinct types of sensilla on the tip of the labium: four types of basiconic uniporous sensilla, two types of plate sensilla, one type of peg uniporous sensilla, peg-in-pit sensilla, dome-shaped sensilla, placoid multiporous sensilla and elongated placoid multiporous sub-apical sensilla. Based on their external structure, it is likely that these sensilla are thermo-hygrosensitive, chemosensitive and mechano-chemosensitive. There are three different designs of sensilla in the Gerromorpha: the basic design occurs in Mesoveliidae and Hebridae; the intermediate one is typical of Hydrometridae and Hermatobatidae, and the most specialized design in Macroveliidae, Veliidae and Gerridae. No new synapomorphies for Gerromorpha were identified in terms of the labial tip sensilla, multi-peg structures and shape of the labial tip, but eleven new diagnostic characters are recorded for clades currently recognized in this infraorder. One synapomorphy is recorded for Hydrometridae + Hermatobatidae + Macroveliidae + Veliidae + Gerridae; five for Macroveliidae + Veliidae + Gerridae; one for Veliidae + Gerridae; and one for Gerridae alone. Within Gerridae, one possible autapomorphy is recorded for Trepobatinae, and two possible autapomorphies for Rhagadotarsinae. We also record a possible autapomorphy for Cylindrostethinae, which indicates that this taxon is monophyletic, as is indicated by other morphological characters. Finally, we record one putative diagnostic character for Macroveliidae + Veliidae, two families that are otherwise not considered sister groups. This new set of characters based on features of the mouthparts of gerromorphan bugs might provide new insights into the cladogenesis of the infraorder.

Cocccinellid beetles are largely diurnal species that are known to utilize visual cues in foraging and reproduction and to respond in specific ways to various light conditions. The present study evaluated the mating behavior and reproductive performance of Propylea japonica (Thunberg), a species indigenous to Asia, under various conditions of light intensity, photoperiod, and wavelength. Video-recording was used to continuously observe mating pairs for 24 h and a night vision system was employed to record nocturnal activity. Subsequently, males were removed and eggs were collected from females for 10 days and held under the same photic conditions to determine their fertility. The frequency and duration of copula varied among photic regimes in all experiments and tended to be negatively correlated, but more copulations occurred in photophase than in scotophase. White light at 1500 lux yielded higher egg production when compared to other light intensities, but egg fertility was higher at lower light intensities and highest in complete darkness, a result inferred to reflect egg sensitivity to light. Both fecundity and fertility were greater when 1500 lux white light was provided in a 16L : 8D photoperiod compared to shorter days. Green light yielded the highest net fertility compared to other wavelengths. A scheme is proposed to optimize photic conditions for reproductive adults of P. japonica and their eggs in colonies mass-reared for biological control applications.

The ecological and genetic mechanisms that determine Phasmatodea reproductive biology are poorly understood. The order includes standard sexual species, but also many others that display distinct types of parthenogenesis (tychoparthenogenesis, automixis, apomixis, etc.), or both systems facultatively. In a preliminary survey, we analysed Wolbachia and Spiroplasma infection in 244 individuals from 28 species and 24 genera of stick insects by bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplification. Our main aim was to determine whether some of the bacterial endosymbionts involved in distinct reproductive alterations in other arthropods, including parthenogenesis and male killing, are present in phasmids. We found no Wolbachia infection in any of the phasmid species analysed, but confirmed the presence of Spiroplasma in some sexual, mixed and asexual species. Phylogenetic analysis identified these bacterial strains as belonging to the Ixodetis clade. Other bacteria genera were also detected. The possible role of these bacteria in Phasmatodea biology is discussed.

A new non-native species of sawfly Nematus lipovskyi Smith, 1974, previously known only in the USA, has heavily infested the ornamental azalea plant, Rhododendron molle, in the Czech Republic since at least 2010. The data on this species in the USA is briefly summarized. The larva and hitherto unknown male are newly described and illustrated. The life cycle is described based on field observations and the rearing of larvae collected in Charles University Botanic Garden in Prague. The host plants are listed and include the first record of a European species of azalea (Rhododendron luteum). The current distribution of Nematus lipovskyi in the Czech Republic based on the results of a preliminary monitoring project carried out by Charles University in Prague and the State Phytosanitary Administration is presented. The pathways of its introduction and spread, potential phytosanitary measures and its effect on the environment are briefly discussed.

Butterflies belong to one of the most intensively studied invertebrate groups. However, detailed information on the larval ecology is still lacking in many species. This is especially true for the grass-feeding subfamily Satyrinae, to which our study species, the Woodland Ringlet (Erebia medusa Fabricius, 1787), belongs. At the habitat level, E. medusa exhibits a clear preference for abandoned grasslands with litter accumulation. In this study, we assessed the host-plant and oviposition preferences of E. medusa at the microhabitat level, i.e., within occupied habitat patches, in the Diemel Valley (Central Germany). Only two species of grass, Festuca ovina agg. and F. rubra agg., were systematically used for oviposition. Egg density was positively correlated with patchiness of herb layer, potential daily length of sunshine, and abandonment. However, the explanatory power of these parameters was low. We attribute this primarily to an ample supply of host plants growing under suitable conditions in the occupied habitat patches of E. medusa. The positive effect of abandonment is probably due to the fact that the average height of oviposition sites of E. medusa is greater than in most other satyrine species, which renders the eggs more vulnerable to mechanical disturbance. Moreover, thick layers of litter, which develop after the cessation of grazing or mowing, might be important as they modify the microclimate at the locations of the immature stages.

The efficacy of pyriproxyfen, a juvenile hormone analog (JHA), was evaluated using third instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, 1830 (Diptera: Drosophilidae). Various doses of the compound, ranging from 0.01 to 2 ng/larva, were applied topically to larvae (12 h before pupariation). Treatment did not prevent pupariation but inhibited adult emergence at all the doses tested. In a second series of experiments the ecdysteroid content of pupae was determined following application of pyriproxyfen at two doses, 0.108 and 0.29 ng/larva, corresponding to ID₂₅ and ID₅₀, the doses required for 25 and 50% inhibition of adult emergence, respectively. Pyriproxyfen treatment increased the duration of pupal development. In addition, enzyme immunoassay measurements of ecdysteroids in whole body extracts of pupae indicated that pyriproxyfen decreased the ecdysteroid content in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, the effects on the cuticle of pyriproxyfen (ID₅₀) were studied histologically, which revealed that this compound increased the thickness of the new adult cuticle and suppressed the formation of bristles. Biochemical analyzes revealed that an increase in chitin content of the cuticle is only recorded at the highest dose. Thus, a topical application of pyriproxyfen to third instar larvae interfered with the molting hormone and disrupted the normal development of this insect.

The patterns of seasonal activity, sex and age structure, reproductive characteristics and overwintering distribution of Amara fulva were studied in the southwest forest zone of the East European plain. A total of 1212 adults (664 males and 548 females) and 38 larvae were collected using pitfall traps. All adults were dissected to determine their reproductive condition. 185 larvae and 5 adults were collected by sampling soil. Adults of A. fulva were active from the first half of June until October with a single peak of activity in August. From June only postgenerative and newly emerged beetles were caught in traps. Immature and mature adults were recorded from the second half of July. At the end of August, more than 90% of the population was represented made up of mature adults. Immature individuals were trapped up until October after which they overwintered. Oviposition period lasted 11 weeks (from the mid-July to the end of September). Maximum number of mature eggs in ovaries was recorded in the second half of August. Larvae of A. fulva were caught from the second half of August to October and the peak in their subsoil activity was recorded in the first half of September. The life cycle of A. fulva is described as facultatively-biennial. Overwintering larvae and adults occurred in different parts of the floodplain. Larvae preferred to overwinter in soil under Persicaria maculosa near the edge of a river, while adults overwintered far from water and, rarely under tussock grasses on sandbars. The larvae of A. fulva cache the seeds of P. maculosa. Rearing A. fulva under field conditions revealed that this species takes 254-328 days complete its development, which includes the winter period.

Heteroptera caught during day and night sampling at a height of 200 m above ground at Cardington, Bedfordshire, UK, during eight summers (1999, 2000, and 2002-2007) were compared to high-altitude catches made over the UK and North Sea from the 1930s to the 1950s. The height of these captures indicates that individuals were engaged in windborne migration over distances of at least several kilometres and probably tens of kilometres. This conclusion is generally supported by what is known of the species' ecologies, which reflect the view that the level of dispersiveness is associated with the exploitation of temporary habitats or resources. The seasonal timing of the heteropteran migrations is interpreted in terms of the breeding/overwintering cycles of the species concerned.

The leafhopper genus Alebra Fieber, 1872 comprises a complex of morphologically similar species. The chromosome complements (karyotypes) of five Alebra species, i.e. A. albostriella, A. coryli, A. viridis, A. wahlbergi and a new, yet undescribed species, provisionally named Taxon 1, were here investigated, three of these species (A. coryli, A. viridis, and Taxon 1) for the first time. The techniques applied included standard chromosome staining, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for mapping of 18S rDNA and telomeric repeats (in every species), C-banding, AgNOR-banding and CMA₃/DAPI- staining (in A. viridis). The species have a holokinetic type of chromosomes, as in other hemipterans. Karyotypes of all species are remarkably conserved with 2n = 22 + X(0)/XX (male/female), one large and 10 medium pairs of autosomes and the X chromosome similar in size to larger chromosomes within this group. In every species, FISH identified the "classical" insect telomere repeat of TTAGG and rRNA gene clusters located on the homologues of a medium-sized pair of autosomes, presumably number 5. Thus, speciation in Alebra has apparently not involved significant karyotypic changes. In A. viridis, rDNA sites were both Ag- and CMA₃-positive and were located at an interstitial position. C-banding revealed heterochromatic bands in the X chromosome and also in all but four pairs of autosomes, the bands were located at one telomere of a chromosome. C-bands were positive for CMA₃ and negative for DAPI, suggesting that C-heterochromatin is mainly enriched in GC-pairs.

This paper reports the results of a comparative study of the demographic parameters of two phenotypes of Harmonia axyridis Pallas, reared on the black bean aphid, Aphis fabae Scopoli at 25 ± 1°C, 65 ± 2% RH and a photoperiod of 16L : 8D. The values of the intrinsic rate of increase and the finite rate of increase, which were obtained by bootstrapping, were greater for the succinea morph (0.182 females/female/d and 1.200, respectively) than the spectabilis morph (0.168 females/female/d and 1.183, respectively). The net reproductive rates and mean generation times of the two morphs did not differ. The risk of death of the succinea morph was significantly greater. However, there was no significant difference between the estimated survival times. Mean survival times were 95.2 d and 89.3 d for the spectabilis and succinea morphs, respectively.

The present study describes changes in haemolymph ecdysteroid levels during the feeding phase of fifth instar larvae of Bombyx mori. A small and sharp peak in ecdysteroid level was recorded on day 4 when larvae had already reached the critical weight (2.76 ± 0.11 g) for metamorphosis. Food deprivation of larvae from day 4 resulted in an increase in the ecdysteroid level. Injection of insulin in both 1 day (before reaching critical weight) and 4 day (after reaching critical weight) old fed larvae resulted in an increase in the ecdysteroid level. However, when deprived of food only the haemolymph ecdysteroid levels of 4 day old larvae respond to an injection of insulin. The hormone level was also increased by treating 1day old larvae with a juvenile hormone analogue, but again, like insulin, only the fed larvae were affected by this treatment. Neck- and thorax-ligated 4 day old larvae had decreased ecdysteroid levels compared to both fed and food deprived larvae. However, a significant increase in ecdysteroid level was recorded in both neck- and thorax-ligated larvae injected with insulin. The injection of 20-hydroxyecdysone into 4 day old larvae resulted in an increase in the level of this substance in the haemolymph of fed and food deprived larvae, but the level was significantly higher in neck- and thorax-ligated larvae. The data, thus, indicates that ecdysteroid levels vary both in relation to the critical weight of the larvae and its nutritional status, and insulin might also play an important role in regulating the level of ecdysteroid.

Historical and observational data for invasive species are often sparse and incomplete, so molecular genetic markers are increasingly used and have proved to be efficient tools to make inferences about invasion histories. Here, we report the development of 28 polymorphic microsatellite markers in the invasive spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) designed from recent genomics resources, and their cross-amplification in closely related Drosophila species of the suzukii subgroup. The markers, located on autosomal chromosomes, were characterized in two distinct invasive populations from France and Hawaii (USA), and in four sister species of the suzukii subgroup. They all showed substantial polymorphism as well as revealing strong genetic differentiation between the two genotyped populations. These markers represent a promising molecular tool for population genetic studies on D. suzukii, more especially in order to reconstruct the pathways and demographic processes of the world-wide invasion in this major insect pest.

Glacial retreat creates new habitat which is colonized by plants and animals during the process of primary succession. Traditionally, invertebrate succession along the glacier forelands has been spatially and temporally described by the following predictors: species richness, diversity/similarity indices and species traits. In this paper another approach is used and applied to carabid beetle assemblages in two alpine glacier forelands. It utilizes mean individual biomass (MIB), which is considered by several authors to be a good indicator of habitat successional stages. MIB increased with time since deglaciation and this is related to species turnover along the glacier forelands. Specifically, MIB is able to separate early from late successional stages. The former are characterized by carabid assemblages with low MIB values and species typical of pioneer habitats, while the latter are characterized by carabid assemblages with high MIB values and species typical of stable and mature habitats. Therefore, MIB seems to be a sensitive indicator of carabid beetle successional stages also along the glacier forelands.

Predatory carabid beetles are important for regulating prey abundance in terrestrial ecosystems. While surveys of carabid diet have revealed many insights into trophic interactions, the high species diversity and heterogeneous developmental stages of prey identified in the gut have made further advances difficult. In addition, the carabid gut contains partially digested and mainly soft tissue parts of the prey species, difficult to identify by traditional methods. Molecular gut content analysis (MGCA) avoids these disadvantages but to date has been limited primarily to revealing pest species in agricultural fields. Here we used MGCA to screen for the presence of Lepidoptera in carabid guts, in woodland ecosystems, in both Croatia and the UK. Data on carabids positive for Lepidoptera were compared with those from previous work on the same carabid assemblages, screened for earthworms, slugs, woodlice and springtails. In both locations, the prey group most frequently detected was earthworms, followed by slugs and Lepidoptera and then finally by woodlice and springtails. The composition of the diet changed with season, carabid sex, and carabid size. In both locations, Lepidoptera were the third most frequent prey, with 27% of carabids testing positive in Croatia and 20% in UK, suggesting that carabids could be significant predators of Lepidoptera in woodland ecosystems and may potentially play an important role in controlling moth pests.

Understanding arthropod responses to forest edges is essential to understanding both the characteristics of agro-ecosystems and the potential ecosystem services provided by forests adjacent to farmland in heterogeneous agricultural landscapes. Seasonal difference in the responses of carabid beetles to forest edges was determined using transects that extended from the edge of the forest 22.5 m into the interior of a forest and 22.5 m into the meadow in three seasons, early summer, late summer and mid-autumn. The responses of carabids to the forest edge in terms of species richness and abundance differed significantly in the three seasons. The species richness and abundance peaked in the meadow 4.5 m from the edge and were low in the forest in summer, whereas they peaked at the edge and remained high in the forest in autumn. Species-level analyses revealed that several species did not move between habitats, indicating that the forest edge acted as a barrier for these species. Many species, however, peaked in the meadow near the edge and the distribution of one species along the meadow-forest transect changed with the seasons. Our results indicate that secondary forests are not an effective sources of predators of pests, but do function as overwintering sites for some species. Because many species that prefer open land hibernate in field boundaries and fallow fields, the quality and spatial configuration of these habitats is important. Furthermore, in terms of pest management the seasonal dynamics of not only carabid beetles but other beneficial arthropods such as spiders and parasitoids should be considered.

Encarsia sophia (Girault & Dodd) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) is an important bio-control agent of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). Storage at low temperature is a valuable method used in the mass rearing of biological control agents to ensure the availability of sufficient parasitoids when needed. However, storing parasitoids at a low temperature may lead to a decrease in their fitness. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different durations of constant low temperature storage on the fitness traits of the above parasitoid. The effect of storage at three temperatures (4, 8 and 12 ± 1°C, RH = 65-75% and in darkness) for periods of 1, 2 or 3 weeks and at two pupal stages (10 and 12 days old) was studied. The percentage emergence, time to emergence, longevity, size and ability of the females that emerged to parasitize B. tabaci were evaluated. The results indicate that there is a decrease in percentage emergence, longevity and ability to parasitize the longer and lower the temperature at which the pupae of E. sophia are stored. The percentage emergence of both pupal stages kept at 12°C for a week was not affected. However, at lower temperatures (8 and 4°C) percentage emergence after storage of two weeks decreased to 67-87.5% and after three weeks none emerged. The time to adult emergence was longer for 12 day old pupae at all temperatures and storage times. The longevity of the adults that emerged from both pupal stages after one week of storage at 12 and 8°C was not affected, but decreased to 66-72% with increase in storage time. There was no effect of cold storage on adult size when 10 day old pupae were stored. The ability of this parasitoid to parasitize B. tabaci after emerging from both pupal stages stored at all of the temperatures regardless of storage time was significantly lower. Effect of storage at 12°C for a week in terms of percentage emergence and longevity did not differ from that of the control, but nevertheless they were less able to parasitize B. tabaci. Although the information on the effect of cold storage on E. sophia is very limited, the results of this study indicate that for more efficient biological control there is an urgent need to improve the method of storing pupae.

The responses of gnaphosid spiders to an urbanization gradient (urban-suburban-rural areas) were studied using pitfall traps in and near the city of Heraklion, in Crete, Greece, from October 2010 to October 2011. Our results indicate that richness and abundance of species of spiders decreased from the rural area to the center of the city, but not significantly so. Temporal beta diversity was significantly higher in urban areas, which indicates a high temporal variability in species composition of gnaphosid assemblages in the center of the city that takes the form of complementary rather than synchronized phenologies of co-occurring species, as expected in habitats degraded by high levels of disturbance. There was no specific pattern in the body size distribution of the gnaphosids along the urban-rural gradient, and thus the decrease in mean body size with increase in urbanization hypothesis was not supported by our results. However, the species composition recorded in urban areas was very different from that in suburban and rural areas. The percentage of individuals in the catches that were generalist species differed significantly along the gradient. As generalist gnaphosid species made up 72.01% of the total caught in the center of the city, and only 9.53% and 2.07% in suburban and rural areas respectively, our results support the opportunistic species hypothesis. Our analyses indicate that Urozelotes rusticus, a well known synanthropic species recorded for the first time in Greece, is an indicator of high levels of urbanization in Heraklion.