Grass Feeders Research Articles

Butterflies of Eravikulam National Park and its environs in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India

The Eravikulam National Park (ENP) holds the largest remaining pristine patches of southern montane wet temperate forests and southern montane wet temperate grasslands of peninsular India. The study shows that ENP harbours 198 species of butterflies, constituting 60.73% of the butterflies recorded from Kerala and 59.10% of butterflies observed in Western Ghats (WG). Thirty-five species of butterflies seen in ENP have some level of endemicity associated with them and 22 of them (52.38%) are strictly endemic to WG. Twenty-seven species are under the schedules of Indian Wildlife Act 1972 (WPA) and its amendments. This National Park has montane grassland-Shola dependent super-endemics like Neptis palnica and Telinga davisoni. ENP also holds Parantica nilgiriensis a Near Threatened species and another 11 Western Ghats endemics, namely, Telinga davisoni, T. oculus, Ypthima chenu, Y. ypthimoides, Arnetta mercara, Baracus hampsoni, B. subditus, Thoressa astigmata, T. evershedi, Oriens concinna, and Caltoris canaraica, which are primary grass feeders. Eravikulam, on the Anamalai–High Range–Palni landscape, lies on a major path of the return migration of butterflies to Western Ghats before the north-east monsoons. Although well-protected, the ENP has anthropogenic pressures from tea estates surrounding it, mammal-oriented management practices like controlled burning of primary grasslands, and natural forest fires, that can significantly affect the invertebrate fauna especially montane grassland shola-dependent butterflies.

Resource partitioning among late Pleistocene herbivores of Natural Trap Cave, Wyoming

Natural Trap Cave (NTC) preserves abundant late Pleistocene herbivore remains including equids (Equus and Haringtonhippus) and the sheep Ovis. The NTC equid sample contains a minimum of two taxa, while other large herbivore genera are represented by single species. In modern communities, sympatric herbivores partition resources by feeding on different plants or different plant parts. Previous dental isotopic studies indicated that most NTC herbivores consumed C3 plants, including grasses. To test the hypothesis that resource partitioning occurred among grass-feeders at NTC, we collected mesowear data from both equids as well as Ovis, using samples collected by teams from the University of Kansas between 1974 and 1985.Assessed on upper cheek teeth, mesowear derives from either attritional (tooth on tooth) or abrasional (tooth on abrasive food) wear. The paracone and metacone were examined on each specimen to determine cusp shape (sharp, rounded, or blunt) and occlusal relief (high or low). A diet of non-abrasive material yields high and sharp cusps and one of heavily abrasive materials results in low and blunt cusps, while rounded cusps indicate intermediate levels of abrasion. A large sample (N = 143) of equid teeth included two morphs. A smaller sample (N = 10) of Ovis teeth provided comparison with the equid teeth. Data collected consisted of individual variables of cusp heights and shape, as well as stages of mesowear combining both variables. Upper adult M1/2s and P4s were used.Results from the equid sample revealed that 8% exhibited high and sharp/rounded cusps, indicating little dietary abrasion; 58% had low and rounded cusps; and 34% had low and blunt cusps. The latter grouping is evidence for a highly abrasive diet. In the sample of Ovis, the results are strikingly different: 40% had high and sharp cusps and 60% had high and rounded cusps. Even though mountain sheep are often interpreted to be grass feeders, their mesowear suggests they did not eat an abrasive diet at NTC.The distribution of mesowear scores among the equid fossils conforms with an interpretation of two equid taxa at NTC, as well as supporting our hypothesis that these taxa partitioned grass resources. The very different nature of the mesowear signature seen in Ovis, compared to the equid fossils, also supports our hypothesis that these grass-feeders either consumed a more mixed or browse-dominated diet with different overall levels of abrasion, or else ate different parts of grass plants. As observed in the Serengeti grazing succession, we propose that equids may have moved through the area first, consuming taller, older, more abrasive parts of grass plants, followed by mountain sheep eating softer, younger plants.

How and why grasshopper community maturation rates are slowing on a North American tall grass prairie.

Invertebrate growth rates have been changing in the Anthropocene. We examine rates of seasonal maturation in a grasshopper community that has been declining annually greater than 2% a year over 34 years. As this grassland has experienced a 1°C increase in temperature, higher plant biomass and lower nutrient densities, the community is maturing more slowly. Community maturation had a nutritional component: declining in years/watersheds with lower plant nitrogen. The effects of fire frequency were consistent with effects of plant nitrogen. Principal components analysis also suggests associated changes in species composition-declines in the densities of grass feeders were associated with declines in community maturation rates. We conclude that slowed maturation rates-a trend counteracted by frequent burning-likely contribute to long-term decline of this dominant herbivore.

Old world hipparion evolution, biogeography, climatology and ecology

Nearly five decades ago Berggren and Van Couvering proposed an Old World “Hipparion Datum” wherein a North American Hipparion extended its range across Eurasia and Africa as an “instantaneous prochoresis” populating the Old World. Four decades ago Woodburne and Bernor examined European and North African hipparion assemblages and proposed a number of distinct hipparion lineages, sharply departing from the mono-generic paradigm of previous work. Through the 1980s until now, hipparion systematic studies have delineated multiple superspecific groups of hipparions. Herein, we define 10 recognizable genus-rank Eurasian and African taxa delineating their chronologic occurrences, geographic extent and where data exists, their body mass and paleodietary preferences. Our study supports the current interpretation that a species of North American Cormohipparion extended its range into the Old World in the early late Miocene. Regional first occurrences of Cormohipparion are recognized in the Potwar Plateau, Pakistan and Sinap Tepe, Turkey 10.8 Ma. The slightly derived lineage Hippotherium is recorded earlier in the Pannonian C of the Vienna Basin, 11.4–11.0 Ma marking the chronologic “Hipparion” Datum at the lower boundary of Mammal Neogene (MN) Unit 9. Within MN 9, 11.2–9.9 Ma, Cormohipparion underwent a minor diversification whereas Hippotherium diversified in Central and Western Europe and China and Sivalhippus (S. nagriensis) originated in the Indian Subcontinent. Whereas Cormohipparion did not survive into the late Vallesian, MN10 (9.9–8.9 Ma), Hippotherium and Sivalhippus did and the Cremohipparion and Hipparion s.s. lineages originated. During the early and middle Turolian (MN11–12, 8.9–6.8 Ma) Hippotherium, Sivalhippus, Cremohipparion and Hipparion persisted and new lineages, Eurygnathohippus, Plesiohipparion, Baryhipparion and Shanxihippus originated. An initial extinction interval occurred at the end of the Miocene, MN13 (6.8–5.3 Ma) wherein all but one endemic species of Hippotherium, H. malpassi (Italy), Hipparion and several species of Cremohipparion became extinct. Lineage and species reduction continued across the Mio-Pliocene boundary so that by the beginning of the Pliocene (MN14, 5.3 Ma) only African species of Eurygnathohippus, Chinese Plesiohipparion houfenense and Proboscidipparion sinense remained. The later Pliocene (MN15–16, ca. 5.0–2.5 Ma) documents the persistence of endemic Chinese Baryhipparion insperatum, modest diversification of African Eurygnatohippus spp. and Chinese Plesiohipparion and Proboscidipparion spp. Eurygnathohippus made a limited geographic extension into the Indian subcontinent during MN16, whereas Pleisohipparion and Proboscidipparion extended their ranges into Eurasia during MN15 and MN16. The latest occurring hipparions are Proboscidipparion sinense at 1.0 Ma in China and Eurygnathohippus cornelianus in Africa <1.0 Ma. Old World hipparion lineages early on increased their body mass in MN9. During the Turolian interval (MN11–13) hipparion lineages diversified their body mass from very small (<100 kg) to heavy forms (>300 kg), with the smaller forms being predominately grass feeders and larger ones being mixed feeders. Decreased hipparion lineage and species diversity in the Pliocene was accompanied by increased average body size and hypsodonty probably in response to more seasonal Eurasian and African environments. There is no evidence that hipparions ever adapted to cold and dry Old World Pleistocene environments.

The effects of clover and nitrogen fertiliser on the presence of pasture pests in dairy pastures

A comprehensive dataset obtained from sampling four trials investigating interactions between perennial ryegrass and white clover under two levels of applied nitrogen (N) has highlighted different effects of pasture composition and N use on pasture pests.• For swards with white clover, presence of clover root weevil, whitefringed weevil and grass grub increased under low N by 36%, 11% and 5%, respectively, compared with high N treatments.• High N increased the presence of both Argentine stem weevil and root aphid by 7%.• Unexpectedly, clover reduced the presence of two grass feeders, Argentine stem weevil and black beetle, by 7% and 11% respectively.• Presence of grass grub was 17-30% lower under tetraploid ryegrasses than under diploids.• More clover and reduced N fertiliser inputs could reduce the frequency of black beetle and Argentine stem weevil with environmental benefits.

Termites’ diversity in a protected park of the northern Sudanian savanna of Togo (West Africa)

Termites occur in many ecosystems throughout tropical and subtropical areas. Their distribution is driven by several factors, including landscape and some soil characteristics. This study aims to determine soil organic matter’s role on termites’ diversity in a shrubby savanna park. Termites were sampled across transects in 3 sites of Galangashi park (northern part of Togo). The soil in which termites were harvested was analyzed to check organic matter’s influence on termites’ species richness. A total of 28 termite species belonging to 14 genera and 6 subfamilies were identified. Feeding group II (all fungus-growing termites, grass feeders, and wood feeders) was the most important among the three identified groups. Nine species (with two potentially new species for sciences: Amitermes sp and Eremotermes sp) were recorded for the first time in the country. A strong correlation was found between species richness, total organic matter, and total organic carbon, suggesting the influence of soil richness on termite distribution. The occurrence of the unique member of the feeding group I, Coptotermes intermedius Silvestri, 1912, as well as the occurrence of Fulleritermes tenebricus Silvestri, 1914 (both wood-dwelling termites), was certainly due to the vegetation. The relatively higher species richness as well as the correlation between the species richness and the organic matter of shrub savanna, suggest a better conservation of this landscape.

How steady is the nested pattern in saline grassland true bug communities? Effects of sampling effort and data completeness on nestedness

Nestedness is currently one of the most explored structural patterns of biological communities, especially since its major application in studies on ecological networks. Research on the nested pattern, as a spatial structural descriptor of communities, was mostly focused on theoretical background in the conservation of habitat islands. Here, we explore, to what extent nested true bug communities are present in saline grassland fragments of the Pannonian ecoregion and what are the reasons for their nestedness. In 2015 and 2017, we sampled true bugs from 17 saline pastures in northern Serbia. We applied three different sampling procedures (i.e. gradient in sampling effort) for collecting true bugs: along 20 m long transect, 3 × 30 m long parallel transects and total inventory. Analyses showed significant nestedness of the true bug communities and consistency of the pattern regardless of the data type (binary vs. weighted data) and applied metrics (NODF vs. spectral radius, WNODF vs. spectral radius). However, with the decrease of sampling effort and/or the exclusion of grass feeders, all metrics gradually detect less frequently significant nestedness. The only constant factor which was found to induce nestedness in true bug communities was true bug species richness. Plant cover features showed a weak influence on the nested pattern and landscape features did not take part at all. We believe nestedness of true bugs was the result of differences in habitat complexity among sampling sites, but detailed studies are needed to reveal which abiotic and/or biotic factors are responsible for it. For further studies, priority should be given to investigating the influence of management of saline grasslands on the nestedness in true bug communities.

Low conservatism of leafhopper communities in remnant and reconstructed prairie sites in a working agroecological landscape

Leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) form a large, diverse insect family that contributes significantly to trophic interactions and pathogen transmission in grasslands. We compared leafhopper communities of five remnant prairies and five prairie reconstructions in northeastern Kansas, USA. We hypothesized that leafhopper communities would be more conservative (i.e., greater dependence on prairies) and diverse on remnant as compared to reconstructed prairies, and that remnants would support more grass-feeders. We also predicted that sites surrounded by natural/semi-natural landscapes would have greater leafhopper diversity. We found grass feeders represented a higher proportion of leafhoppers on remnants. We found, however, no difference in mean conservatism between remnants and reconstructions, and overall levels of conservatism were lower than other grassland data sets. Mean conservatism was greater in the mid-summer than in early summer, where migratory pests such as Macrosteles were abundant. Although remnants and reconstructed prairies didn’t differ in leafhopper diversity, diversity increased with forb percent cover. The amount of natural and semi-natural land cover around sites had complex relationships with leafhopper diversity and composition. For future studies, we encourage coordinated studies on leafhopper communities across the tallgrass prairie region, with a particular focus on conservatism. Deciphering the effect of survey times, and grassland size and management, on prairie-dependent leafhoppers is important. We predict that large numbers of migratory species may lead to greater homogeneity in leafhopper communities across sites early in the season. Over time, site types and landscape features may progressively filter species and amplify local specialists, resulting in more late-season variation among sites.

Molecular Detection of Grape Decline Phytoplasma in Leafhopper Species Associated with Infected Grapevines in Iran

Following recent detection of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma fraxini’, ‘Ca. P. aurantifolia’, ‘Ca. P. solani’ and ‘Ca. P. phoenicium’-related strains in Iranian vineyards, a survey was conducted in 2016–2017 in vineyards located in Qazvin province of Iran. Nested PCR analysis was performed to identify phytoplasma strains in leafhopper species. The overall, less than 5% of grapevine trees shows phytoplasma symptoms and phyto-plasma was detected in all symptomatic samples. Phytoplasma DNA was detected in two leafhopper species. Most leafhopper species in which phytoplasma DNA were detected are recorded to be grass feeders, among which, Stolbur phytoplasma vectors, i.e. Psammotettix alienus (Dahlbom 1851) and Agallia ribauti (Ossian-nilsson, 1938), showed a strong potential ability for ‘Ca. P. solani’ transmission in Qazvin vineyards. The possibility of phytoplasma transmission between leafhoppers and grapevines is discussed.

Yellow Sugarcane Aphid, Sipha flava (Forbes) (Insecta: Heteroptera: Aphididae)

The yellow sugarcane aphid, Sipha flava (Forbes), was described from Illinois by Forbes in 1884. Originally referred to as the 'sorghum aphis' and placed in the genus Chaitophorus (Forbes 1884), it was later moved into the genus Sipha (Davis 1909). Sipha includes 12 species of grass feeders, at least four of which occur in North America north of Mexico. The yellow sugarcane aphid causes damage to sorghum, sugarcane and several species of pasture grass (Median-Gaud et al. 1965, Kindler and Dalrymple 1999). This document is EENY-354, one of a series of the Entomology and Nematology Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date August 2005.&#x0D; EENY354/IN635: Yellow Sugarcane Aphid, Sipha flava (Forbes) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae) (ufl.edu)

Determinants of Termite Assemblages' Characteristics within Natural Habitats of a Sudano-Guinean Savanna (Comoe National Park, Côte d'Ivoire).

Termites are one of the major components of tropical ecosystems. However, the ecological and biological variables determining the structure of their communities within natural habitats are less documented in general and especially in the Comoe National Park, a Sudano-Guinean savanna zone located in the north-eastern part of Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa). Using a standardized method of belt transects, the structure of termite’s communities was estimated within habitats differing in the structure of their vegetation, soil characteristics, and the disturbance level caused by annual occurrences of bushfires. The effect of a set of environmental variables (habitat type, occurrence of annual bushfire, woody plant density, woody plant species richness, and soil physicochemical parameters) was tested on the habitat-specific recorded termite species. Sixty species of termites belonging to 19 genera, seven subfamilies and two families, namely Rhinotermitidae (Coptotermitinae and Rhinotermitinae) and Termitidae (Apicotermitinae, Cubitermitinae, Macrotermitinae, Nasutitermitinae, and Termitinae) were sampled. These species were assigned to the four feeding groups of termites: fungus growers (18 species), wood feeders (17 species), soil feeders (19 species) and the grass feeders (6 species). The highest diversity of termites was encountered in forest habitats, with 37 and 34, respectively, for the gallery forest and the forest island. Among savanna habitats, the woodland savanna was identified as the most diversified habitat with 32 recorded species, followed by the tree savanna (28 species) and the grassy savanna (17 species). The distribution of termite species and their respective feedings groups was determined by the habitat type and a set of environmental variables such as Woody Plant Diversity (WPD), Woody plant Families Diversity (WPFD), and Organic Carbon (OC). The annual Fire Occurrence (FO) was found to indirectly impact the characteristics of termite assemblages within natural habitats via their respective Herbaceous Species Richness (HSR) and Woody Plant Species Richness (WPSR). In summary, the spatial heterogeneity of the Comoe National Park, modeled by the uncontrolled annual bushfire, offers a diversified natural habitat with an important variety of termite-habitat-specific species, probably due to the food preference of these organisms and its relatively good conservation status.

Microenvironmental heterogeneity of gut compartments drives bacterial community structure in wood- and humus-feeding higher termites.

Symbiotic digestion of lignocellulose in higher termites (family Termitidae) is accomplished by an exclusively prokaryotic gut microbiota. By deep sequencing of amplified 16S rRNA genes, we had identified diet as the primary determinant of bacterial community structure in a broad selection of termites specialized on lignocellulose in different stages of humification. Here, we increased the resolution of our approach to account for the pronounced heterogeneity in microenvironmental conditions and microbial activities in the major hindgut compartments. The community structure of consecutive gut compartments in each species strongly differed, but that of homologous compartments clearly converged, even among unrelated termites. While the alkaline P1 compartments of all termites investigated contained specific lineages of Clostridiales, the posterior hindgut compartments (P3, P4) differed between feeding groups and were predominantly colonized by putatively fiber-associated lineages of Spirochaetes, Fibrobacteres and the TG3 phylum (wood and grass feeders) or diverse assemblages of Clostridiales and Bacteroidetes (humus and soil feeders). The results underscore that bacterial community structure in termite guts is driven by microenvironmental factors, such as pH, available substrates and gradients of O2 and H2, and inspire investigations on the functional roles of specific bacterial taxa in lignocellulose and humus digestion.

Different response of two Hemiptera species groups to sown wildflower strips: True bugs and leafhoppers

Sown wildflower strips should promote the species diversity of several insect groups in order to be an effective tool for the compensation of biodiversity loss in agricultural environments. We studied the responses of two herbivorous insect groups, Heteroptera (true bugs) and Auchenorrhyncha (leafhoppers), to the properties of wildflower strips in a three-year (2008–2010) study in southern Finland. The experiment was replicated in six reed canary grass fields. The insect groups showed opposite responses; the abundance of Auchenorrhyncha was lower while the abundance and species richness of Heteroptera was higher in wildflower than control strips. During succession, both species richness and abundance of Auchenorrhyncha increased unlike Heteroptera. This difference could largely be explained by dietary differences. Auchenorrhyncha, including several grass feeders, could not take advantage of the increasing dicot species richness like Heteroptera species. This was also a likely reason for the unexpected finding that only Heteroptera species richness depended on the placement of the strip, being higher near field margins than in mid-field. We conclude that the optimal planning and implementation of wildflower strips call for the definition of clear goals, the knowledge of the requirements of target species as well as considering the cropping system involved.

New record ofOligonychus grypusbaker and pritchard (Acari: tetranychidae) on rice from India

Spider mites particularly of the genus Oligonychus are well known as grass feeders. The rice leaf mite, Oligonychus oryzae Hirst is the predominant species in India known to infest rice. Oligonychus grypus Baker and Pritchard (1960) is now documented as a new record from the Indian subcontinent on rice and it is redescribed here. O. grypus is among the species complex of the grass feeding tetranychids. Its aedeagus lacks a distinct knob, projects dorsally, curves back over the shaft anteriorly and back, then posteriorly, posterior projection long, strong and gradually tapers distally.

Host Grasses of the Little-Known Stink Bugs Chlorochroa (Rhytidolomia) belfragii (Stål) and C. (R.) faceta (Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) in Inland Saline Wetlands

Chlorochroa (Rhytidolomia) belfragii (Stål, 1872) and C. (R.) faceta (Say, 1825) are infrequently collected pentatomine stink bugs. They have been assumed to be grass feeders, but specific hosts in the Poaceae were unknown. During fieldwork (North Dakota to Oklahoma) from 2011 to 2014, nymphs and adults of C. belfragii were taken on a chloridoid grass, prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata Bosc ex Link), in saline wetlands. Chlorochroa faceta developed on another chloridoid, saltgrass (Distichlis spicata [L.] Greene), and was syntopic with C. belfragii in four saline wetlands in eastern Nebraska. Oklahoma is a new state record for C. faceta. Fieldwork and historical collection records indicate that both pentatomids are found mainly in inland saline communities. Because C. belfragii can be found in and under cordgrass leaf litter, the bug seldom can be collected by sweeping, which probably accounts for the small numbers of specimens in museum collections. Chlorochroa faceta can be collected by sweeping saltgrass when stems of this sod former mostly are erect rather than reclining (matforming). Color images of the fifth instar and adult of both pentatomids are provided.

Occurrence of phytoplasmas in leafhoppers and cultivated grapevines in Canada

Following the recent detection of bois noir, X-disease and aster yellow (AY) in Canadian vineyards, a survey was conducted in 2006–2008 in vineyards located in Ontario (ON), British Columbia (BC) and Quebec (QC). PCR tests were used to detect phytoplasmas in grapevine cultivars and leafhopper species, and identify phytoplasma strains. The overall detection of phytoplasmas was <1% in BC, and ranged from 2.4% to 8.3% in ON and QC, respectively, with significant variability between years, cultivars and locations. A large proportion of phytoplasma-infected grapevines were symptomless and the cultivars merlot and pinot gris were the only two cultivars in which no phytoplasma were detected. Aster yellow phytoplasma strains belonging to the subgroups 16SrI-A, -B, and -C were detected in grapevines, with 16SrI-A being the most frequently found. Phytoplasma DNA was detected in 37 leafhopper species, out of which 11 are known vectors. Most leafhopper species in which phytoplasma DNA were detected are grass feeders, with the AY vector Macrosteles quadrilineatus constituting a strong potential candidate for AY transmission in ON and QC vineyards. Five new sequences of phytoplasma were found in grapevines, and 11 in leafhoppers: they were registered in GenBank. The possibility of phytoplasma transmission between leafhoppers and grapevines is discussed.

Disentangling dispersal, vicariance and adaptive radiation patterns: A case study using armyworms in the pest genus Spodoptera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Thanks to the recent development of integrative approaches that combine dated phylogenies with models of biogeographic evolution, it is becoming more feasible to assess the roles of dispersal and vicariance in creating complex patterns of geographical distribution. However, the historical biogeography of taxa with good dispersal abilities, like birds or flying insects, still remains largely unknown because of the lack of complete phylogenies accompanied by robust estimates of divergence times. In this study, we investigate the evolution and historical biogeography of the globally distributed pest genus Spodoptera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) using complete taxon sampling and an extensive set of analyses. Through the analysis of a combined morphological and molecular dataset, we provide the first robust phylogenetic framework for this widespread and economically important group of moths. Historical biogeography approaches indicate that dispersal events have been the driving force in the biogeographic history of the group. One of the most interesting findings of this study is the probable occurrence of two symmetric long-distance dispersal events between the Afrotropical and the Neotropical region, which appear to have occurred in the late Miocene. Even more remarkably, our dated phylogenies reveal that the diversification of the clade that includes specialist grass feeders has followed closely the expansion of grasslands in the Miocene, similar to the adaptive radiation of specialist grazing mammals during the same period.

Differential responses of bumblebees and diurnal Lepidoptera to vegetation succession in long‐term set‐aside

Summary1. Establishing temporal habitat patches, such as long‐term set‐aside, is potentially a valuable approach to support pollinator populations in intensively cultivated landscapes. The benefits of this approach are expected to differ between pollinator groups, because of fundamental differences in their ecology.2. We studied the responses of two pollinator groups, bumblebees and diurnal Lepidoptera (butterflies and diurnal moths), to the vegetation succession in experimental set‐aside during six consecutive years. The pollinators were monitored in 24 large treatment plots (50 × 50 m), sown with three different seed mixtures (competitive and two alternatives) and unmanaged or managed by mowing, and on 10 surrounding field margins.3. The responses of the two pollinator groups to vegetation succession were distinctly different. Bumblebees showed a very strong positive response to the diverse seed mixture with abundant floral resources, and their abundance peaked in the first year. The species richness and abundance of Lepidoptera were increased gradually, suggesting differential colonization speeds of species and a gradual establishment of populations. Lepidopteran abundance reached the level of the field margins in 3 years, whereas the corresponding species richness level was not reached. The benefits of the alternative seed mixtures were less pronounced in Lepidoptera than in bumblebees. No effects of the mowing treatment on either species group were detected.4. Within both pollinator groups, the response to vegetation succession was associated with species traits. In bumblebees, long‐tongued species (indicating specialization) were increased during succession. In butterflies and diurnal moths, colonization success of species was strongly correlated with their wing span (indicating mobility). The most successful colonizers in butterflies were grass feeders and in diurnal moths the species feeding on leguminous plants at the larval stage.5. Synthesis and applications.The ecological requirements of different pollinator groups should be taken into account when establishing set‐aside. Supporting bumblebees is possible even on short‐term set‐aside, assuming nectar and pollen sources are made available. The occurrence of butterflies and diurnal moths is strongly driven by additional factors, such as the availability of larval host plants as well as adult mobility, which calls for set‐aside management regimes to be in place for several years.

Differential Activity of Multiple Saponins Against Omnivorous Insects with Varying Feeding Preferences

A variety of glycosylated and unglycosylated saponins from seven different plant families (Aquifoliaceae, Asparagaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Dioscoreaceae, Leguminosae, Rosaceae, Sapindaceae) were tested against the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea, and the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. The corn earworm feeds readily on both monocots and dicots, while the fall armyworm is primarily a grass feeder. Most of the saponins were similarly effective or ineffective against both insect species, with the glycosides being the primary active form (compared to aglycones). However, one aglycone possessed antifeedant properties toward the fall armyworm. Thus, in contrast to many plant secondary metabolites effective against either of these two species where the aglycone is more effective, in the case of the saponins the opposite is generally true. This appears to be a contradictory strategy of plant defenses that requires further consideration. The activity of protodioscin against insects is reported for the first time and may be important in insect defense by the bioenergy crop switchgrass.

Acridid (Orthoptera) fauna of agricultural ecosystem in some southern districts of Tamil Nadu, India

Thirty-one species of Acridids were identified belonging to the families Acrididae (25 species) and Pyrgomorphidae (6 species) from the monocot and dicot crop fields in Madurai, Dindigul, Sivaganga, Virudhunagar, and Theni of the Southern districts of Tamil Nadu. The feeding guild of the acridids recorded 9 species of grass feeder, 1 species of dicot feeder and 21 species of mixed feeder. Among the Acridids collected 18 species were recorded as core species based on their abundance from the areas surveyed and the other 13 species were designated as satellite species due to their sporadic distribution.