Beetle Research Articles

Phytophagous invertebrates that damage orchids in gardens of western Tabasco, Mexico

Objective: To record six species of invertebrates that damage orchids in gardens in the western area of the state of Tabasco, Mexico. Methodology: As part of the project "Fauna associated with plants cultivated in the south-southeast region of Mexico", non-systematic collections of invertebrates that were observed damaging orchids were made in three gardens in the western part of the state of Tabasco. The invertebrates were identified through descriptions and taxonomic keys. Results: Four species of insects of the order Coleoptera and two species of mollusks of the class Gastropoda are recorded. The insects are: (1) Diabrotica adelpha Harold (Chrysomelidae), (2) Stethobaris sp. (Curculionidae), (3) Cyclocephala guttata Bates (Scarabaeidae), these three damaging flowers of Brassavola nodosa (L.) Lindley; and (4) Stethobaroides nudiventris Champion (Curculionidae) damaging flowers of Catasetum integerrimum Hook. The mollusks are (1) Subulina octona (Bruguière) (Subulinidae) scraping leaves of Gongora leucochila Lem., Phalaenopsis sp. and C. integerrimum, and (2) Sarasinula plebeia (P.Fischer) (Veronicellidae) damaging leaves of C. integerrimum. Study limitations: It was not possible to specifically identify one of the insect species (Stethobaris sp.) and one of the damaged orchid species (Phalaenopsis sp). Conclusions: This study contributes to the knowledge of invertebrates that damage orchids in Mexico, and is a basis for future studies to determine the impact and importance of these organisms in the conservation and cultivation of orchids in this area of ​​Tabasco.

Classification of beetle type using the Convolutional Neural Network algorithm

Beetles (Order Coleoptera) are the largest order of animals. Beetles are a group of insects that make up the order Coleoptera. Estimates of the total number of living beetle species are millions of beetle species whose features make it difficult to visually identify beetle species. Currently, the beetle classification process is still carried out using direct observation and personal assumptions. CNN model ResNet50 is one of the ResNet variants that has 50 layers and VGG16 is a CNN model that utilizes a convolutional layer with a small convolutional filter specification (3×3) and always uses the same padding and maxpool layers of a 2x2 filter. In this Algorithm (CNN) with the ResNet50 model, it succeeded in exploring beetles with accuracy, precision, recall and F-1 Score with values of 93%, 94.24%, 89.28%, 91.69%, while the VGG16 model succeeded in conducting research on beetle species with accuracy, precision, recall and F-1 Score with values of 86.9%, 87.5%, 87%, 87.2%, so it can be said that the classification of beetle species using the CNN algorithm with the ResNet50 model is better than the VGG16 model.

Light Traps to Study Insect Species Diversity in Soybean Crops

We aimed to monitor the species diversity and the dynamics of the number of soybean pests using light traps with an original design to develop protection systems against the main phytophages. Traps lured 44 species of insects from eight orders and 27 families. The capture of 15 species of economically important phytophages was recorded—representatives of various orders and families: order Lepidoptera—Noctuidae, Crambidae, Erebidae, and Geometridae; order Hemiptera—Flatidae; order Coleoptera—Elateridae, etc. Insect identification was carried out via morphological methods. Over the study period (93 days), 4955.41 insect specimens were caught on average per one trap. Most of the attracted insects belong to harmful entomofauna: namely the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera, Hübner)—58.9%, the beet webworm (Loxostege sticticalis, L.)—12.74%, the nutmeg moth (Anarta trifolii, Hufnagel)—6.5%, the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis, Hübner)—2.68%, and some other species—19.2%. In addition to economically significant phytophages, we registered some indifferent and beneficial species. The summer dynamics of the cotton bollworm and the nutmeg moth were obtained for the entire research period. Then, we calculated the values of the indices of biodiversity and the dominance of insect species. An analysis of the index values allows us to conclude a balanced entomocomplex at the research site.

Checklist of Carabidae, the Ground Beetles, of Jamaica

Carabidae is a large worldwide family of long legged, fast running beetles (Order Coleoptera). While the carabid fauna of Jamaica has been studied by various authors, here we present the first comprehensive checklist of the Carabidae family for the island. Included are 148 species from 59 genera and 28 tribes.

Bio Ecology of Aquatic and Semi-Aquatic Insects Of Order Coleoptera In The World

Background: Aquatic Coleoptera plays a major role in freshwater ecosystems and is regarded as an effective bioindicator. At least 23 beetle families, from three of the four extant suborders, are predominantly aquatic as adults, larvae, or both. They play important role in ecosystem functioning, nutrient cycling primary production , decomposition and materials translocation. Methods: In this study, various databases including PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Scopus, Google Scholar and sciencedirect were used. Results: Aquatic Coleoptera known as water beetles, with more than 13,000 described species, is one of the most abundant aquatic insects. Out of 4 suborders of Coleoptera, the suborder Myxophaga is truly aquatic whereas 8 of the 11 extant families of Adephaga are regarded as truly. As far as Polyphaga is concerned, the largest suborder of Coleoptera, only 13 of the 150 families are regarded as truly aquatic. Discussion and Conclusion: Water beetles, although defined by their affinity for aquatic ways of life, occupy a broad array of habitats, and have shifted secondarily back to their terrestrial roots (either as adults, larvae or both) on multiple occasions. This ecological variability coupled with repeated, parallel transitions has positioned water beetles as a premier study group for questions related to dispersal, ecological speciation, and diversification rates. The characteristics of a bioindicator are: richness and diversity species, easy handling, ecological faithfulness, fragility to small environmental changes and good organism responses, and water beetles are very integral parts of any biotic component of any water bodies or wetlands. They are indicators of ecological diversity and habitat characteristics

Aulacidae Family as Endoparasitoids of Xylophagous Insects: Of the Order Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and Diptera

Regarding the biology of the Aulacidae family, their larvae live under the barks of dying or dead deciduous trees where they are predators or scavengers of the larvae of other insects. Adults, which are rarely captured, are found mainly in wooded areas close to the larval habitat, mainly on trunks and leaves. The aim of this manuscript is to describe insects belonging to the Aulacidae family are parasitoids of Coleoptera, Diptera and Hymenoptera. For this, a bibliographic survey of Aulacidae was carried out from the years 1988 to 2022. Only complete articles published in scientific journals and expanded abstracts presented in national and international scientific events were considered. Additional data was obtained from platforms such as Academia.edu, Frontiers, Qeios, PubMed, Biological Abstract, Publons, Dialnet, World, Wide Science, Springer, RefSeek, Microsoft Academic and Science.

Hiding in plain sight: Cryptic enemies are found on cochineal (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae), a scale insect of economic and cultural significance.

Cochineal is the common name for cactus‐feeding scale insects in the Dactylopiidae. These ruby‐red insects include the domesticated dye insect Dactylopius coccus. Dactylopius coccus and congeners have been introduced around the world, some accidentally, to become pests of prickly pear cactus species (Opuntia), and some intentionally, for dye production or biological control of pest Opuntia. In the northern Sonoran Desert (Tucson, AZ, USA), we studied the enemy complex of D. opuntiae and D. confusus on Opuntia and characterized two cryptic enemies, a coccinellid beetle predator and a parasitoid wasp. (1) Hyperaspis sp. The coccinellid predator Hyperaspis trifurcata shares a niche with a similar, typically all‐black beetle. Morphological data, crossing tests, and phylogenetic results showed the black beetle to be a distinct, undescribed species in the genus Hyperaspis, with a rare spotted phenotype that is similar in appearance to H. trifurcata. Crossing tests among black and spotted forms showed the spotted morph is inherited as a single‐locus dominant allele. (2) Formicencyrtus thoreauini. Rearing of this ant‐like parasitoid wasp (Encyrtidae) in pure culture of D. opuntiae showed it to be a semi‐gregarious primary parasitoid of cochineal. To our knowledge, this is the first confirmed instance of a cochineal parasitoid. Observations of development show early instar larvae keep their posterior end within the egg chorion, attached to an aeroscopic plate with a connection to the cochineal body wall. Late instar larvae are eventually surrounded by a membrane, likely of larval origin. Wasps then pupate in a dry air‐filled chamber within the desiccated scale remains before chewing out as an adult. Both Hyperaspis sp. and F. thoreauini may have restricted distributions. Hyperaspis sp. does not appear to be a member of the cochineal community in Mexico or Texas, and scant records suggest F. thoreauini may also be restricted to the Southwestern USA.

Macroinvertebrate communities in high mountain desert wetlands: Building biological indexes to address the vulnerability of species and communities

Abstract Andean wetlands in arid climates are isolated ecosystems surrounded by steep terrain and have crucial relevance as a water resource. The species inhabiting them are adapted to these habitats and vulnerable to environmental changes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the vulnerability of invertebrate aquatic species to climate change and organic pollution through an index adapted from the species distributional models (SDM) score [vulnerability of aquatic invertebrate species index (Vais)], and the vulnerability of the invertebrate communities through an index developed herein [wetland community vulnerability index (Wcv)]. The Vais index ranges from 1 (highly vulnerable) to 0 (non‐vulnerable species). It was calculated for 22 species of the orders Coleoptera, Ephemeroptera, Hemiptera, and Odonata. According to our results, the most vulnerable species belong to the orders Ephemeroptera (2) and Odonata (8) (scores 0.63–0.76); species with medium vulnerability belong to the orders Coleoptera (1) Ephemeroptera (1), Hemiptera (4) and Odonata (1) (scores 0.43–0.54); and the most tolerant species belong to the orders Coleoptera (2) and Hemiptera (3) (0.31–0.29). The Wcv index was calculated for 31 communities in Andean wetlands. Lower Wcv values correspond to less vulnerable communities and higher values to more vulnerable communities. According to our results, communities can be divided into three groups: the most vulnerable (scores 0.61–0.71), the ones with medium vulnerability (scores 0.49–0.59), and the least vulnerable (scores 0.33–0.48). The Vais and Wcv indexes are useful tools for evaluating the vulnerability of aquatic species and wetland communities, providing valuable information for defining conservation strategies.

Reproductive Apparatus, Gonadic Maturation, and Allometry of Cyclocephala barrerai Martínez (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae: Dynastinae).

Simple SummaryCyclocephala barrerai larvae feed on the roots of ornamental and commercial grasses. Most of their biology is still unknown, and there are no tools to manage their populations. The objective of this work was to study the reproductive system, gonadic maturation, and allometry of C. barrerai. This is the first report into the Melolonthidae family that characterizes the reproductive apparatus, gonadic maturation of both sexes, and allometric relationships of virgin F1 specimens. Adults do not feed, so gonadic maturation depends on larvae reserves. Females present sclerotized accessory glands and a genital chamber with muscular fibers and bacteria. The morphology of the parameres and the antennae are under sexual selection. This is the first report of two main differences among sexes: females are heavier while males have longer antennae. Males and females exhibit allometric relationships that can be used to predict the bodyweight of field-collected specimens.The Order Coleoptera provides good examples of morphological specializations in the reproductive apparatus, gonadic maturation, and allometry differing between the sexes. The female and male reproductive apparatus has been modified to ensure reproduction between individuals of the same species. The genus Cyclocephala has more than 500 species distributed in America, and Cyclocephala barrerai Martínez is an economically important species in the central part of Mexico. The objective of this work was to study the reproductive system, gonadic maturation, and allometry of C. barrerai. We used light, scanning electron, and laser scanning confocal microscopy to describe the reproductive apparatus and gonadic maturation of females and males. The relationship between adult weight and different parts of the body was established by linear regression. Regardless, the reproductive apparatuses of C. barrerai are like those of other Melolonthidae: the genital chamber, the type II accessory glands, and the ventral plaques of the female and the ejaculator bulb and genital capsule of the males are specific to C. barrerai. The gonads are fully developed when 18 d old. The weight of adult C. barrerai has a positive linear relationship with distinct parts of its body, while the antennae of males are larger than those of the females.

Иірсу шатқалындағы омыртқасыздардың биоалуантүрлілігі

In clause results, annual research insects living on territory of Sayram-Ygams national park are stated. The most common invertebrates are described. When collecting the material, standard entomological methods were used - collection with an entomological net, at night on an artificial light source, manual collection. As a result of research, about 70 specimens of Lepidoptera and 40 specimens of Coleoptera were collected. Rare Lepidoptera species: Hemaris fucifirmis (Linnaeus, 1758), Hemaris tityus (Linnaeus, 1758), Papilio alexanor voldemar Kreuzberg, 1989, Parnassius apollonius (Eversmann, 1847). Common species from the Coleoptera order are: Lytta flavovittata Ballion, 1878, Cetonia aurata (Linnaeus, 1760), Copris lunaris (Linnaeus, 1758).

Intermediate fragmentation surrounding vineyards favours the Coleoptera community within the crop

Abstract Insects of the order Coleoptera play an essential role in agricultural sustainability by supporting many ecosystem services (such as biological control, nutrient cycling or pollination). In agroecosystems, the Coleoptera community may be influenced by the surrounding landscape, which can provide living resources, like food or shelter, during different seasons, originating spillover movements between different environments. The present study aimed to evaluate the response of the Coleoptera community to the landscape surrounding vineyards at different buffers. For that, Coleoptera were sampled in six wine protected designation of origin (PDO) regions of Portugal (35 vineyards), and landscape configuration and composition metrics were calculated at buffers of 500, 750, 1000, 1500 and 2000 m radii around the vineyards. In total, 2954 Coleoptera individuals belonging to 36 families were collected. The most abundant families were Chrysomelidae, Coccinellidae and Latridiidae. Results indicated that intermediate habitat fragmentation levels, particularly in semi‐natural areas and vineyards, favoured Coleoptera biodiversity in vine‐producing regions. Moreover, the range of activity of Coleoptera seems to be larger than 1000 m. This work constitutes an important contribution to understanding the response of the Coleoptera community to the landscape context in vineyards in Portugal and contributes to the theoretical framework about the influence of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity.

New records and check list of arthropods from two oasis ecosystems in Algeria

An arthropod sampling survey was performed in two palm groves from the wilaya of Biskra and Ouled Djellal. During 12 months (2020) of survey, the obtained results indicated the presence of 117 taxons divided into 2 classes (Insecta =103 species and Arachnids = 11 species). The species belonged to the orders: Coleoptera, Diptera, Orthoptera, and Hymenoptera. The Coleoptera order was the most represented in the two palm groves (32 from Ouled Djellal (OD) and 6 from Feliache (Fe)). The major trophic guild represented in the oasis ecosystems was the predator guild (OD= 39%, Fe=32%) in comparison to those of phytophagous (OD= 28%, Fe=12%) and pests (OD= 4%, Fe=15%). This indicates an ecological balance in the investigated oasis ecosystems between pests and their predators. The observation of two new species: Scymnus frontalis (Fabricius, 1787) and Diomus zinon (González and Honour, 2011), from the Coccinilidae Family increases the number of predator species of insect pests in the investigated oasis ecosystems.

A high-quality de novo genome assembly based on nanopore sequencing of a wild-caught coconut rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros)

BackgroundAn optimal starting point for relating genome function to organismal biology is a high-quality nuclear genome assembly, and long-read sequencing is revolutionizing the production of this genomic resource in insects. Despite this, nuclear genome assemblies have been under-represented for agricultural insect pests, particularly from the order Coleoptera. Here we present a de novo genome assembly and structural annotation for the coconut rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), based on Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) long-read data generated from a wild-caught female, as well as the assembly process that also led to the recovery of the complete circular genome assemblies of the beetle’s mitochondrial genome and that of the biocontrol agent, Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus (OrNV). As an invasive pest of palm trees, O. rhinoceros is undergoing an expansion in its range across the Pacific Islands, requiring new approaches to management that may include strategies facilitated by genome assembly and annotation.ResultsHigh-quality DNA isolated from an adult female was used to create four ONT libraries that were sequenced using four MinION flow cells, producing a total of 27.2 Gb of high-quality long-read sequences. We employed an iterative assembly process and polishing with one lane of high-accuracy Illumina reads, obtaining a final size of the assembly of 377.36 Mb that had high contiguity (fragment N50 length = 12 Mb) and accuracy, as evidenced by the exceptionally high completeness of the benchmarked set of conserved single-copy orthologous genes (BUSCO completeness = 99.1%). These quality metrics place our assembly ahead of the published Coleopteran genomes, including that of an insect model, the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum). The structural annotation of the nuclear genome assembly contained a highly-accurate set of 16,371 protein-coding genes, with only 2.8% missing BUSCOs, and the expected number of non-coding RNAs. The number and structure of paralogous genes in a gene family like Sigma GST is lower than in another scarab beetle (Onthophagus taurus), but higher than in the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum), which suggests expansion of this GST class in Scarabaeidae. The quality of our gene models was also confirmed with the correct placement of O. rhinoceros among other members of the rhinoceros beetles (subfamily Dynastinae) in a phylogeny based on the sequences of 95 protein-coding genes in 373 beetle species from all major lineages of Coleoptera. Finally, we provide a list of 30 candidate dsRNA targets whose orthologs have been experimentally validated as highly effective targets for RNAi-based control of several beetles.ConclusionsThe genomic resources produced in this study form a foundation for further functional genetic research and management programs that may inform the control and surveillance of O. rhinoceros populations, and we demonstrate the efficacy of de novo genome assembly using long-read ONT data from a single field-caught insect.

A checklist of the family Carabidae (Coleoptera: Adephaga: Caraboidea) from Cambodia

Although most of the Southeastern Asian countries are known as the area of the biodiversity hotspot, in nevertheless especially Cambodia is poorly known on Insect diversity in these countries. The order Coleoptera is the largest group not only in the class Insecta but also the kingdom Animalia, especially among them, the family Carabidae, which is well known as carnivorous and cosmopolitan. Totally, 285 species including subspecies of 104 genera in 32 tribes belonging to 17 subfamilies in the family Carabidae have been recorded from Cambodia. A list of recorded species from Carabidae, type locality for each species or subspecies and type species for each genera or subgenera, etc. are provided in this study. • A checklist of the family Carabidae from Cambodia is provided, including original descriptions of whole each taxon under genus level. • Totally, 285 species (included 49 subspeceis) in 104 genera (included 80 subgenera) of 40 subtribes in 32 tribes of 17 subfamilies have been recorded in Cambodia. • Full references are provided.

Characterization of the Spectrum of Activity of IPD079Ea: A Protein Derived From Ophioglossum pendulum (Ophioglossales: Ophioglossaceae) With Activity Against Western Corn Rootworm [Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) is a major pest of corn in both North America and Europe and as such presents significant challenges for farmers. IPD079Ea protein is encoded by the ipd079Ea gene from Ophioglossum pendulum (a species of fern) and was found to have activity against western corn rootworm in multiple corn events transformed to express the IPD079Ea protein. In chronic laboratory hazard studies, IPD079Ea protein was fed to eleven species in the order Coleoptera and four species in the order Lepidoptera to assess the spectrum of activity. Activity was observed on certain species of the Chrysomelidae and Coccinellidae families, with western corn rootworm as the most sensitive insect tested. No adverse effects on mortality or other sublethal endpoints were observed on any species within Lepidoptera. Overall, IPD079Ea protein appears not to have broad insecticidal properties and has potential value as an effective trait to control western corn rootworm in agricultural systems.

The Assemblage of Beetles in the Olive Grove and Surrounding Mediterranean Shrublands in Portugal

The olive tree is perfectly adapted to the Mediterranean region, where it represents high economic, social, and landscape importance, olive orchards being an important repository of biodiversity. The order Coleoptera encompasses families that provide important ecosystem services, such as pest limitation. The objective of this work was to compare the assemblage of families of Beetles between the olive grove and their surrounding semi-natural landscape in Trás-os-Montes. The ground beetles on four olive groves and their adjacent shrubland areas were sampled using pitfall traps near Mirandela (Northeastern Portugal) in May and June of 2015 and 2016. Anthicidae, Staphylinidae, and Scarabaeidae dominated the community. The richness of the families was significantly greater in the olive grove in both years of study. On the contrary, the overall diversity did not significantly differ. In both years, the complementarity between the areas was low, reflecting similar communities in terms of families. Predators were dominant in both habitats; therefore, the surrounding landscape could act as shelter and provide alternative resources to the community of Coleoptera inhabiting the olive grove during disturbances derived from agricultural management.

Seven new records of bee flies (Bombyliidae, Diptera) from Saudi Arabia

BackgroundBombyliidae (bee flies) are one of the largest dipterous families in Saudi Arabia with 116 hitherto recorded species. Larvae of these flies are predators or parasitoids of different stages of other insects in the orders Orthoptera, Neuroptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera and Diptera, in addition to spiders (order Araneae, class Arachnida), so they have potential use as biological control agents for pests belonging to these orders.ResultsIn the present study, the list of Saudi Arabian fauna of bee flies (family Bombyliidae) is supplemented with seven new records in five genera and four subfamilies. The newly recorded species are Parageron lutescens (Bezzi, 1925) [Usiinae], Phthiria salmayensis Efflatoun, 1945 [Phthiriinae], Heterotropus bisglaucus Bezzi, 1925, Heterotropus maculiventris Bezzi, 1925, Heterotropus xanthothorax Efflatoun, 1945 [Heterotropinae], Anthrax greatheadi El-Hawagry, 1999, and Desmatoneura brevipennis (Bezzi, 1924) [Anthracinae]. World and local distributions of recorded species, diagnoses, remarks on feeding behaviors and some colored photographs were provided.ConclusionThe present study supplements the bee fly fauna (family Bombyliidae) in Saudi Arabia with seven new records. This brings the total number of bee fly species in the country into 123 species classified in 40 genera, 12 tribes and 10 subfamilies.

Life history of Laccophilus lewisioides Brancucci, 1983 (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) and the ecological significance of the larval period of five Laccophilus species

AbstractDytiscidae are the largest aquatic group belonging to the order Coleoptera. However, approximately 40% of Dytiscidae members have been threatened with extinction in Japan, and Laccophilus is one of the genera with considerable decline. A description of the life history of these species and their ecological information will contribute to their conservation. In this study, I described the life history of Laccophilus lewisioides Brancucci, 1983 (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Laccophilinae) using rearing‐based methods under laboratory conditions. I then compared the biology of the larval stages of this species to four Laccophilus species, L. vagelineatus Zimmermann, 1922, L. hebusuensis Watanabe & Kamite, 2020, L. yoshitomii Watanabe & Kamite, 2018, and L. kobensis Sharp, 1873. The developmental period for each immature stage at 26°C was as follows: first instar larva, 4–12 days (n = 16); second instar larva, 5–9 days (n = 15); third instar larva, 5–10 days (n = 15); landing to pupation, 2–3 days (n = 2); pupation to adult emergence, 4 days (n = 1); and landing to escape, 8–9 days (n = 14). The total larval period was significantly longer for L. lewisioides than for the other four Laccophilus species. The duration of larval period could be strongly related to the duration of stable water level in the reproductive habitat. The coloration of the larval stage varied between species groups, suggesting that the larvae adapt to the surrounding environment and show a camouflage effect. This is the first report on the immature stages in the life cycle of L. lewisioides.

Rainforest conversion to cash crops reduces abundance, biomass and species richness of parasitoid wasps in Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract Parasitoid wasps affect herbivory in natural and agricultural ecosystems, including cash crops. The impacts of rainforest transformation to rubber and oil palm on parasitoid wasp communities are poorly understood. We collected canopy arthropods, once each in dry season and rainy season, via canopy fogging in four land‐use systems in Jambi, Sumatra, Indonesia: Rainforest, jungle rubber (extensive rubber cultivation) and plantations of rubber and oil palm. The combined abundance and richness of six parasitoid wasp families, and Braconidae individually, was twice as high in rainforest as in rubber and oil palm plantations, and intermediary in jungle rubber. There was a significant positive correlation between combined abundance of six parasitoid wasp families, and abundances of potential hosts from the orders Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera and Lepidoptera. Braconid biomass tended to be highest in rainforest and lowest in oil palm plantations, and Braconid communities in oil palm differed from those in the other land uses. Both patterns were influenced by season. Our study details the effects of rainforest conversion to rubber and oil palm on parasitoid wasp communities, and provides first insights on the influence of rainfall seasonality on their abundance, biomass, species richness and community composition in Southeast Asian agricultural landscapes.

Foraging and travel success of wild turkey poults in southern Illinois grasslands

AbstractFew studies have assessed potential differences in foraging behavior between wild‐strain and commercial‐strain gallinaceous chicks often used to assess habitat quality. We conducted field trials during summer 2013 using wild‐strain (n = 54) and commercial‐strain (n = 64) wild turkey (Meleagris gallapavo) poults to assess foraging efficiency and mobility in burned and unburned grassland sections in southern Illinois. Foraging efficiency of turkey poults did not differ between burned or unburned fields, or between wild and commercial‐strain poults. All poults selected invertebrate orders Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, and Isopoda during all field trials, whereas poults avoided orders Araneae, Diptera, Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, and Orthoptera, and orders Collembola, Diplura, and Protura in class Entognatha. Overall, the lack of differences in behavior between poult strains should allow researchers to confidently use commercially‐raised chicks as an alternative to wild‐captured chicks in studies that assess forage quality and travel efficiency.