Berlese Funnels Research Articles

First records of moss-feeding aphids (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae) from Hungary

Four species of moss-feeding aphids were captured by Berlese samples collected in Heves county, NE Hungary. These data are establishing the first Hungarian records of moss-dwelling aphids, all the four species and three genera are reported from the country for the first time. Muscaphis (Aspidaphium) eschirichi (Börner, 1939) was yielded from a colony of Palustriella commutata (Hedw.) Ochyra collected from rock in a karst spring outlet, Muscaphis (Muscaphis) musci Börner, 1933 was yielded from colonies of Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. collected from bark of Quercus pubescens Wild. in an open karst forest, Pseudacaudella rubida (Börner, 1939) was yielded from both of the above mosses, while a Myzodium sp. was yielded from a colony of Hypnum cupressiforme mixed with a single stem of Brachythecium salebrosum (Hoffm. ex F.Weber & D.Mohr) Schimp., collected from bark of dead trunk of Quercus cerris L. in a mixed deciduous forest. All moss species are new host records for the corresponding species. Myzodium sp. explain some distinctive characters different from the only European species of its genus and probably belong to an undescribed species, but we are avoiding of describing it on the basis of the single adult captured. Distinctive morphological and biological characteristics of the Hungarian specimens of the four aphid species are discussed and illustrated. A list of the accompanying taxa yielded from the Berlese samples are listed in a table.

Фауна и биотопическое распределение гамазовых клещей (Acari: Mesostigmata), в гнездах береговой ласточки (Riparia riparia (Linnaeus, 1758)) на территории Саратовской области

The basis for the article was entomological collections from the nests of the sand martins (Riparia riparia (Linnaeus, 1758)) collected in the Saratov oblast in 2019–2022. A total of 12 colonies were examined in the Voskresensky, Krasnoarmeysky, Lysogorsky, Rivne, Engelssky and Khvalynsky districts of the Saratov oblast, as well as in the city of Saratov. Gamasid mites were collected using a Tullgren funnel for two to three hours and then identified. In each of the studied colonies, a soil section was laid and its morphological description was carried out. As a result of studies of the fauna of gamasid mites in nests, 21 species from 10 families were identified (Laelapidae, Haemogamasidae, Ascidae, Ologamasidae, Ameroseiidae, Dermanyssidae, Macrochelidae, Melicharidae, Pachylaelapidae, Rhodacaridae). The largest numbers and species diversity are characterized by colonies located in residual carbonate chernozem on limestone (12 species, 6719 specimens), the smallest in a colony located in dark chestnut soil on sand (3 species, 339 specimens). The dominant group consists of 3 species: Androlaelaps casalis (Berlese, 1887) – ectoparasite, obligate nest-dwelling mites, Stratiolaelaps miles (Berlese, 1892) and Hypoaspisella lubrica (Oudemans & Voigts, 1904) – free-living gamasid mites, facultative nest-dwelling mites.

KEANEKARAGAMAN DAN KELIMPAHAN MESOFAUNA TANAH DI LAHAN BEKAS TAMBANG GAMPING KECAMATAN PADALARANG, BANDUNG BARAT

Soil fauna is one of the ecosystem components that play a role in the process of organic matter decomposition and soil improvement. Soil mesofauna are sensitive to environmental changes due to human activities, including land conversion for mining activities. The diversity and abundance of soil fauna depend on environmental conditions and food availability. Soil mesofauna can be used as bioindicators of habitat degradation and soil quality. This study aims to identify and assess soil mesofauna diversity index and abundance on open access land (LAT) formerly used for limestone mining in the Padalarang area, West Bandung Regency. Soil samples were collected from natural soil (844 masl), LAT 1 (837 masl), LAT 2 (834 masl), and LAT 3 (809 masl). Soil fauna were extracted using a Berlese Funnel Extractor. Soil fauna diversity was calculated based on Shannon’s Diversity Index, while soil fauna abundance was calculated based on Meyer's (1966) equation. The highest soil fauna diversity value was found in natural soil at 1.87 (moderate), while the lowest soil fauna diversity value was found in LAT 2 at 1.38 (low). The highest soil fauna abundance was found in LAT 2 (6295 individuals/m2) with a slope gradient of 8-15%, while the lowest abundance was found in natural soil (594 individuals/m2) with a slope gradient of 15-25%. Variation in abundance, taxon count, and soil fauna diversity is influenced by environmental factors such as soil pH, slope gradient, vegetation, and moisture content.

Evaluating foliar insecticides and economic thresholds for Tychius picirostris (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) management in Oregon white clover seed production.

The clover seed weevil, Tychius picirostris Fabricius (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a major pest in Oregon white clover seed crops. Reliance on synthetic pyrethroid insecticides and limited availability of diverse modes of action (MoAs) has increased insecticide resistance selection in regional T. picirostris populations, emphasizing the need to evaluate novel chemistries and rotational strategies for effective insecticide resistance management (IRM). The efficacy of 8 foliar insecticide formulations for managing T. picirostris adult and larval life stages was determined in small and large-plot field trials across 2 crop years. In both years, bifenthrin (Brigade 2EC), the grower's standard, showed negligible adult and larval suppression. Insecticide formulations with isocycloseram and cyantraniliprole active ingredients reduced adult and larval populations when applied at BBCH 59-60 (prebloom) and BBCH 65-66 (full bloom) growth stages, respectively. While differences in T. picirostris abundance were observed among insecticide treatments, seed yield differences were not detected in large-plot trials. Larval abundance was correlated with reduced seed yield, and an economic threshold of ≥3 larvae per 30 inflorescences was determined as a conservative larval threshold to justify foliar applications of diamide insecticides. Additional commercial white clover seed fields were surveyed to compare larval scouting techniques, including a standard Berlese funnel and a grower's do-it-yourself funnel. Both larval extraction techniques were correlated and provided similar estimates of larval abundance. These findings demonstrate new MoAs, optimal insecticide application timing, and larval monitoring methods that can be incorporated into an effective T. picirostris IRM program in white clover seed crops.

Vertical Distribution of Mites (Acari) in a “Miniature Forest” of Sphagnum Mosses in a Forest Bog in Western Norway

The Sphagnum habitat is a ”miniature forest” to the mites, of which the layers offer different microenvironmental conditions. We studied the vertical distribution of the Oribatida, Mesostigmata, and Prostigmata groups in four layers (0–5 cm, 5–10 cm, 10–15 cm, and 15–20 cm) of a forest bog on Neshalvøya, Norway, to improve the knowledge of the ecology of these mites. The sampled bog was grazed by farm animals; thus, another aim was to investigate the vertical distribution of the oribatid species, which are intermediate hosts of tapeworms. The selected study site is known for its valuable yet increasingly endangered nature, so our aim was also to contribute to the knowledge on its diversity. We collected Sphagnum samples in four replicates and extracted them in the laboratory in modified Berlese funnels. In total, 16.880 mites were studied, including 16.384 Oribatida, 466 Mesostigmata, and 30 Prostigmata. The total abundance of mites, the Oribatida and Mesostigmata groups, was the highest in the upper layer of Sphagnum and decreased with depth, while the abundance of the Prostigmata did not follow any pattern. Among the Oribatida, at deeper layers, significant declines in abundance were observed in adults, but not in juveniles. Most oribatid species, e.g., Nothrus pratensis, preferred the upper layer of Sphagnum, whereas some preferred deeper layers. For example, Suctobelbella acutidens and Carabodes femoralis preferred the 5–10 cm layer, Quadroppia maritalis the 10–15 cm layer, and Ceratozetes gracilis and Eulohmannia ribagai preferred the deepest layer of Sphagnum. Adults and juveniles of the same species showed a preference for the same layer. In total, 62 species of the Oribatida were recorded, including 11 species that are known to be intermediate hosts of tapeworms. Most of them occurred in the upper layer of Sphagnum. Over 20% of the species were found exclusively in deeper layers, so sampling these layers is important for a better evaluation of the mites’ diversity. Studying the vertical distribution of the mites in bogs helps us to understand their ecology, including their role as intermediate hosts of tapeworms, as well as their diversity.

Taxonomic and functional composition of arthropod assemblages across contrasting three different land use systems

Soil microarthropods play a crucial role in agricultural ecosystems and are necessary for the upkeep of fertile and productive soils. Limited knowledge exists regarding the composition of soil microarthropod communities in changing agricultural and impervious land use systems. Hence, we conducted a comparative analysis of the soil microarthropod diversity in shifting cultivation and impervious land areas, as well as the surrounding natural forest ecosystem in Aizawl, Mizoram, northeast India. Additionally, we evaluated the influence of shifting cultivation and impervious land use regimes on the diversity of these microarthropods. The investigation was done between 2022 and 2023. Soil and litter samples (n=50) were gathered from three distinct land use systems. The soil microarthropods were extracted using the Berlese funnel method. Microarthropod taxa were identified down to the most specific taxonomic level feasible. The variety of soil microarthropods was significantly affected by the practice of shifting cultivation and in the impervious land areas, in comparison to the natural forest system. The soil chemical profiles were notably altered in the shifting agriculture and impermeable land use systems, indicating their detrimental effects on soil microarthropod diversity. This study presented the startling information on the diversity of soil microarthropods and their relationship with the land-use systems in Mizoram, a region in northeast India.

Exploring Collembola Diversity in the Green Open Spaces of Baruga Forest, Kendari City, Indonesia.

<b>Background and Objective:</b> The rapid development of Kendari City as the capital of Southeast Sulawesi Province has led to changes in land use patterns, particularly an increase in built-up areas, which threaten environmental stability. Rapid population growth contributes to rising carbon dioxide emissions, impacting air quality. Green spaces like Baruga Forest are ideal for environmental balance and bioservation. This study aims to identify the diversity of Collembola species in Baruga Forest, Kendari and understand the environmental factors influencing their presence. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Collembola was collected in the Baruga Forest using a Berlese funnel, then identified and classified based on the family by counting the number of individuals in each taxonomic group. The diversity of Collembola was measured using the Shannon-Wiener index, while the evenness of individual distribution in each family was assessed using an evenness index. Additionally, environmental parameters such as air temperature, air humidity and soil pH were measured. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis. <b>Results:</b> The research results indicate that there are 75 individuals of Collembola belonging to the class Entognatha. The dominant order observed is Entomobryomorpha, consisting of three families: Oncopoduridae with 60 individuals, Isotomidae with 7 individuals and Orchesellidae with 5 individuals. Additionally, there is the order Symphypleona, represented by a single family, Bourletiellidae, with one individual. The biodiversity index (H') yielded a moderate value of 0.622, where the most significant contribution comes from the genus Isotomidae. Meanwhile, the evenness index (E) indicates a uniform distribution among the various genera of Collembola. <b>Conclusion:</b> Observed variations in temperature, humidity and soil pH changes underscore the need for ongoing management and conservation of Baruga Forest to maintain the diversity of Collembola species and the sustainability of the ecosystem in Baruga Forest.

A comparative study of the saproxylic diversity of a natural and a reforested forest in Morocco: Implications for conservation and ecosystem management

Moroccan forest ecosystems are rich in biodiversity. However, they are threatened by deforestation. To reduce this, the country has adopted plans involving reforestation. This study compares the diversity of saproxylic litter beetles in two forests in the province of El Jadida, Morocco: the natural Haouzia matorral and the reforested Chiadma forest. The Winkler method and Tullgren funnel were used to assess saproxylic beetles, which serve as bioindicators to evaluate the effectiveness of reforestation efforts. A total of 160 specimens were sampled in the natural forest, symmetrically and concentratedly distributed, with 3% being saproxylic. In the natural bushes, anthropogenic activities have caused a low percentage of species richness. Conversely, the reforested forest has a similar abundance and richness, with 85 specimens and 7% saproxylic. However, the distribution of specimens in the reforested forest is less symmetrical and concentrated than in the natural forest. The differences in species richness are attributed to the different systems present at each site. The natural scrub has an endemism rate of 33%, which is higher than that of Chiadma (13%). These results highlight the significance of management, planning, and protection efforts to conserve these natural ecosystems, which are a national heritage.

Découverte de plusieurs géophilomorphes en Martinique, avec la description d’une nouvelle espèce du genre Portoricona (Chilopoda, Geophilomorpha)

Discovery of several geophilomorphs in Martinique, with the description of a new species of the genus Portoricona (Chilopoda, Geophilomorpha). Between 2016 and 2023, hundreds of centipedes have been collected in Martinique by the second author, mainly by soil and litter samples and extracting with Berlese funnels, also by hand collecting. The whole was then identified by the first author over the years. After the examination of the type material of P. adjunta Chamberlin, 1950, and P. socia Chamberlin, 1950, a new species of Portoricona Chamberlin, 1950 (Geophilidae), collected in Martinique island (Lesser Antilles), is described: P. carbetensis n. sp. It is easily distinguishable by the criteria of its anterior sternites and its number of legs. A modern diagnosis of the genus Portoricona is given, with also some morphological complements on the descriptions of P. adjunta and of P. socia after their typical material, and an identification key of the three species. Ityphilus idanus Crabill, 1960 (Schendylidae) and Piestophilus carribeanus (Chamberlin,1915) (Geophilidae) are recorded for the first time in Martinique. Schizonampa barberi Iorio & Coulis, 2019, has been observed in the mountains of pitons du Carbet. A specimen of Piestophilus carribeanus, from an unpubished locality in Cuba, is documented in the collection of the Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ) of the Harvard University. After the literature and all our unpublished identifications, eleven geophilomorph centipedes species are recorded in Martinique, taking into account an unknown minute Geophilidae, possibly halophilic. A checklist of the Geophilomorpha of this island is proposed. The diagnosis and the key are translated in English.

Taxonomic and ecological structure of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) of mesophilic grasslands on the Transcarpathian lowland

The article analyzes the taxonomic diversity, dominance structure, spectra of morpho-ecological types, biotope complexes and groups of oribatid mites of mesophilic grasslands on Transcarpathian lowland. Prior to our works, there were almost no studies of the oribatid communities of the studied area. The research plots located on the sorrounding areas of the city of Mukachevo and the village of Kalnyk of the Mukachevo district. Soil samples selected for 2013-2014. The geographical coordinates of the first meadow are: 48º22.79' N, 22º40.14' E, and the second one is 48º30.86' N, 22º34.65' E. The total area of the first biotope is 0.45, and the second is 37.5 hectares. In relation to the humidity of the substrate, this type of biotope is characterized by mesophilic conditions. Extraction of mites from soil was carried out using Tullgren funnel method. Permanent preparations were prepared. Identification of the specimens was carried out using a microscope (Olympus BX 51). Oribatid mites of the investigated mesophilic grasslands are represented by 26 species from 22 genera and 16 families. The families Oppiidae and Scheloribatidae are the most represented. The average density of oribatid mites of the mesophilic grasslands on Transcarpathian lowland has relatively small values (3.7 thousand specimens per m2). The dominant species include Punctoribates punctum (C. L. Koch, 1839) and Ceratozetes mediocris Berlese, 1908. They together make up 44% of the total density of oribatids. Margalef, Menkhinik, Simpson, Shannon and Berger-Parker indices were calculated. 10 morpho-ecological types of oribatid mites were found on mesophilic grasslands. Oribatids - inhabitants of small soil crevices – predominate. Representatives of five biotope complexes (euryoecic, hygrophilous, hygro-mesophilous, mesophilous and xerophilous) and four biotope groups (eurytopic, forest, forest-meadow, meadow) were identified in the structure of ecological groups of Oribatids. Mesophilous and meadow species of oribatid mites have the largest share.

Finding the optimal strategy for quantitative sampling of springtails community (Hexapoda: Collembola) in glacial lithosols

Springtails (Hexapoda: Collembola) play a key role in biological community in glacial ecosystems and represent important ecological indicators in such threatened habitats. An effective sampling protocol for springtail community that optimizes sampling effort in the peculiar conditions of glacial lithosols is not available. We tested three sampling methods on the Sforzellina glacier (Central Italian Alps) in 21 sampling points. For each sampling point, we performed: 1. Tullgren funnels; 2. Flotation method; 3. Pitfall trapping. The potential effect of different sampling methods on species detection was evaluated by ANOVA and by N-mixture models for Flotation method and Tullgren funnels. The incidence coverage estimator (ICE) was used to test the performance of each sampling method comparing the observed vs estimated species richness. Our analysis showed that the sampling method affected the number of species and individuals recorded. Tullgren funnels collected the highest number of species, pitfall trapping the highest average number of species, but did not detect soil species. The observed/estimated species ratio was higher for pitfall trapping and Tullgren funnels than for flotation. The combination of pitfall trapping with Tullgren funnels or flotation method resulted optimal in terms of number of species and functional types recorded. Flotation method collected more than twice the number of specimens obtained with Tullgren, indicating a higher ability to extract springtails from mineral soil. Flotation method and Tullgren funnels detected the same community, from a functional point of view, but only flotation method collected all the most abundant species. These results indicate that a combination of pitfall trapping and flotation should be evaluated in order to maximize the obtained information in terms of specie assemblage composition and functional categories.

Alternatives to incandescent bulbs in Berlese funnels for detecting stored-product beetles in grain

We conducted a study to find alternative bulbs to use with Berlese funnels as a replacement for incandescent bulbs following widespread bans on their production and use. To do this, we measured the mean percent-recovery of adults and larvae of common stored-product beetles from 1-kg samples of wheat (12.5–14.5% moisture content) after 6 h using A19-style halogen bulbs and ceramic heat lamps, and compared them to recoveries using incandescent bulbs. We found that the 72W halogen bulb performed similarly to the incandescent bulb for all four species tested. Using this bulb, we recovered, on average, >85% of adult Cryptolestes ferrugineus, Rhyzopertha dominica, and adult and larval Tribolium castaneum, as well as >70% of adult Sitophilus oryzae. Recovery of adult beetles using the heat lamp was similar to the incandescent bulb, but recovery of larval T. castaneum was significantly lower. The 43W and 53W halogens had significantly lower recovery rates compared to the incandescent bulb for adult C. ferrugineus (both bulbs) and adult and larval T. castaneum (43W halogen). Average recovery of larval C. ferrugineus was low for all bulbs (<70%). Grain moisture content did not influence average recovery across species or life stages. We also investigated whether an operating time shorter than 6 h could be used with an alternative bulb, but found that 6 h was still the minimum time required to maximize adult and larval recovery. We recommend using 72W A19 style halogen bulbs in place of incandescent bulbs because they have similar recovery rates as the incandescent bulb, and are cost-effective compared to ceramic heat lamps. However, some systems may not be able to handle the increase in power consumption and so we suggest assessing the system before running a full bank of lights.

Diversity And Abundance of Collembola in Agroforestry Land in UB Forest

Collembola is one of the soil arthropods from the subphylum Hexapoda, namely six-legged arthropods that live in the soil, soil surface, leaf litter, under decomposed stems, and in living fungi. This study aims to determine and examine the diversity and abundance of Collembola on agroforestry land in UB Forest. The preparation and implementation of the research consisted of the determination of plot land, determination of soil sampling points, making holes and soil sampling, extraction of Collembola with a Berlese funnel, sorting and identification of Collembola, soil chemistry analysis and data analysis using the index formula of diversity, evenness, dominance, richness, and abundance and further analyzed with the T-test. The largest population of Collembola is found in pine + coffee land, which is 242 individuals. The highest diversity index is found in pine land, which is 1.04 which is classified as moderate or quite stable. The highest percentage of Collembola species abundance in pine + coffee fields, pine lands, and coffee fields is the family Isotomidae. The lowest percentage of Collembola abundance in pine + coffee fields and pine fields is the family Hypogastruridae, while in coffee fields it is the family Sminthuridae.

Forest Tent Caterpillar Outbreaks Drive Change in Ant Communities in Boreal Forests

Insect outbreaks are major drivers of natural disturbances in forest ecosystems. Outbreaks can have both direct and indirect effects on the composition of soil arthropod communities through canopy opening, nutrient addition and predator-prey interactions. In this study, we aimed to understand the effects of forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria; FTC) outbreaks through cascading effects on ant communities in both temperate and boreal forests in Canada. Pitfall traps and Berlese funnels were used to compare the ant communities, as well as the surrounding arthropod communities, between control and outbreak sites in boreal and temperate forests (in Quebec, Canada). Using the Sørensen dissimilarity index, we determined the alpha and beta diversity of the ant community. Other arthropods collected in the traps were counted to evaluate the richness and abundance of potential prey for the ants and other potential predators of the FTC. We used an indicator species analysis to examine the species associated with sites defoliated by the outbreak. In the boreal forest, we found that FTC outbreaks caused decreases in species richness and increases in the evenness of ant communities in defoliated sites. In the boreal forest sites, species composition varied significantly between control and outbreak sites. This pattern was driven in part by the presence of other predators. A similar, but weaker pattern was observed in the temperate forest. We saw no changes in the beta diversity in the boreal forest, but did see a significant decrease in the temperate forest between the outbreak sites and the control sites. Ant species in the boreal forest tended to exhibit a more marked preference for either control or previously defoliated sites than species in the temperate forest. Our study showed that disturbances such as insect outbreaks can drive changes in the ant community. While we saw small effects of outbreaks, manipulation experiments using resource addition could help us validate the mechanisms behind these relationships.

Diversity of soil mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) in streamside mountain forests

AbstractHabitat loss and fragmentation are among the most influential factors responsible for recent biodiversity decline. The key to understanding the changes in ecosystem functioning is the analysis of the relationship between species diversity and environmental gradients such as those found near streamside forests. We used soil mites (Mesostigmata) as model species as they are predators in soil ecosystems, they occur in high relative abundance, their communities are species‐rich and are robust toward sampling and extraction methods. The main goals of this study were to (1) check how the plant community and associated environmental variables (light conditions, litter accumulation, and soil acidity) along mountain streams affect soil Mesostigmata abundance and diversity, and (2) to analyze the distance from mountain streams to which the ecosystem functions (Mesostigmata diversity) are affected, based on a distance gradient. We systematically established 31 study plots (500 m2) every 200 m along the watercourses, representing three habitat types along the stand composition gradient (ash‐sycamore [Fraxinus excelsior–Acer pseudoplatanus], European beech [Fagus sylvatica], and Norway spruce [Picea abies] forests) for measurements of soil litter thickness, soil acidity, and light conditions. We extracted soil Mesostigmata mites from samples in Tullgren funnels and identified them to the species level. We found that Mesostigmata abundance in forests decreased in the following order: Norway spruce forest &gt; European beech forest &gt; ash‐sycamore forest. Additionally, changes in Shannon diversity were associated with light conditions. In conclusion, streamside mountain forests maintained abundant, diverse and species‐rich Mesostigmata communities, which were associated with a plant community‐light condition gradient. Additionally, more abundant mite communities occurred in forests with higher soil pH values, and under higher light conditions.

The Most Effective Method to Recognize and Assess Bugs in Food Grains

Abstract: Food grains that are stored are significantly damaged by insects. Additionally, the nutritional and marketability of stored food grains are impacted by insect pestilence. The application of corrective measures necessitates the prompt identification and surveillance of insects in the stored food grains. Insect traps, Berlese funnels, visual lures, pheromone devices, and other methods of visual inspection are a few of the most common approaches that are extensively utilized in commercial grain storage facilities or granaries. Of late, electronic nose, strong stage miniature extraction, warm imaging, acoustic recognition, and so on. have been shown to be effective at identifying insects. The most important aspects to take into account when choosing a method are its capacity for in-situ early detection, monitoring, cost, dependability, and labor requirements. An important concern for reducing losses in bulk storage warehouses is the detection of hidden infestations, whose population may be many times greater than that of free-living insects. This allows for prompt fumigation or grain disposal. This paper surveys a portion of the broadly involved location techniques for early recognition of bugs' pestilential exercises in put away food grains as well as a portion of the clever advances with an accentuation on acoustic strategy, which has a decent business potential.

Diversity assessment of insect species in the Kariavattom campus, University of Kerala

Insects play crucial roles in their specific niches and are vital contributors to various ecosystem processes. They dominate the food webs of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. A study was conducted at Kerala University to evaluate the diversity and abundance of insect species in selected habitats (North and South campus). Sampling was conducted using pitfall traps, sweep nets, beating sheets, Berlese funnels, and hand collection. The collected insects were brought back to the laboratory for identification and counting. A total of 965 insects from 9 Orders and 35 Families were recorded. Indices such as the Shannon index, Simpson index, Margalef index, Evenness index, and Sorenson similarity index were utilized to analyze the diversity of insects. The results indicated that Hymenoptera (30.155%), Orthoptera (25.596%), Lepidoptera (11.192%), and Coleoptera (8.290%) were the most dominant Orders on the campus, comprising 75.233% of the total, whereas the least abundant was Mantodea (0.622%). The South Campus exhibited high species diversity (Margalef index = 8.422), abundance (n = 686), Evenness (E = 0.776), and Shannon diversity (H = 3.124) of insects. It also showed a higher Simpson index (λ = 0.109) compared to the North Campus, which indicated (λ = 0.0610). Moreover, the South Campus recorded a very high number of species, with 56 species (Margalef index = 8.422) compared to 45 species (Margalef index = 7.813) recorded from the North Campus. The higher the index value, the greater the species richness. The high diversity and richness of insects in the southern habitat may be attributed to the large and less disturbed area, the presence of well-distributed ecological niches, more microhabitats, and an abundance of food. Therefore, understanding the factors that influence insect species diversity and abundance at the University of Kerala is important for conservation. This study, thus, highlights the diversity and abundance of insects and the need for sustainable measures to be implemented to conserve these significant species.

Diversity of soil arthropods in secondary forest area in Bengkulu

University sites are generally used as conservation areas in many countries. The secondary forest plays pivotal role in maintaining biodiversity in urban area. One of the creatures that live in secondary forest areas is arthropods. Moreover, there is only limited study about the diversity of soil arthropods in secondary forest of University of Bengkulu (UNIB). This study aimed to calculate the diversity of arthropod species as one of the measurement parameters in biodiversity. The samples were collected from soil and litter taken randomly in the secondary forest area at University of Bengkulu. A total of 5 locations within five replications were placed in the Berlese funnel. The results showed moderate diversity with an index value of 1.18, moderate evenness with an index value of 0.41, and moderate dominance with an index value of 0.56 in the habitat. UNIB secondary forest is being habituated and is still in the category of developing ecosystem. It is estimated that the number of species and populations will increase over time.

Inclusion of juvenile stages improves diversity assessment and adds to our understanding of mite ecology - A case study from mires in Norway.

Arachnid orders, Mesostigmata, Trombidiformes, and Sarcoptiformes, commonly known as 'mites', are abundant in mires, both as adults and as juveniles. However, due to the challenges of identification, the juvenile forms are often excluded from analyses. This is the first study in mires that included all three mite orders identified to the species level, including juvenile instars. We aimed to compare how diversity and the response to ecological variables differed if only the adults (ad) vs. the total number of specimens (ad+juv) are considered. Samples of 20 Sphagnum species (five subgenera) were collected and mites were extracted using Berlese funnels. Overall, nearly 60,000 mites were analyzed; of these Mesostigmata made up 1.87% of the total, Trombidiformes -0.27%, and Sarcoptiformes -97.86%. The study revealed 154 species (33 Mesostigmata, 24 Trombidiformes, and 97 Sarcoptiformes), the highest diversity of mites ever reported from mires. The inclusion of juveniles increased observed species richness by 6%, with 10 species (one Mesostigmata, six Trombidiformes, and three Sarcoptiformes) represented only by juvenile forms. Seventeen species are new to Norway (four Mesostigmata, one Sarcoptiformes, and 12 Trombidiformes, including five undescribed species of Stigmaeidae and Cunaxidae). Four of these were represented in the samples only by juveniles. Including the juveniles explained a greater amount of the variability of Trombidiformes (explanatory variables account for 23.60% for ad, and 73.74% for ad+juv) and Mesostigmata (29.23% - ad, 52.91% - ad+juv), but had less of an impact for Sarcoptiformes (38.48% - ad, 39.26% - ad+juv). Locality, Sphagnum subgenus and species, wetness, and trophic state significantly affected the mite communities and should be taken into consideration when studying mires. Since juvenile stages contribute significantly to mite diversity in mires, they should also be included in mite studies in other habitats.

Diversity and Abundance of Soil Collembola during GM Rice Overexpressing Cry1B-Cry1Aa Cultivations at Four Confined Field Trials in West Java.

Collembola (springtails) is an important soil biology indicator to monitor toxicity or ecological disturbances in the ecosystem. The impact of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) rice cv Rojolele events expressing Cry1B-Cry1Aa driven by the maize ubiquitin promoter resistant to yellow rice stem borer (YSB, Scirpophaga incertulas Walker) on non-target Collembola community was assessed. The experiment was performed at four locations under confined field trials according to the Indonesia's environmental safety regulation on genetically engineered crops. Six transgenic rice events were tested with non-transgenic Rojolele and the moderately resistant IR42 rice varieties as controls. The experimental design was randomised block design with three replicates. Collembola were collected from the bunds between plots using pitfall and Berlese funnel traps at seedling, vegetative and generative stages, as well as at harvesting time. The results showed that Collembola abundance and diversity were significantly affected by both experimental sites and observation times. However, no significant differences in Collembola diversity and abundance between Bt rice and non-Bt controls were observed. Thus, we can conclude that the cultivation of the Bt rice cv Rojolele events expressing Cry1B-Cry1Aa protein fusion do not adversely affect biodiversity and abundance of Collembola at the four confined rice fields.