Hand Collection Research Articles

Spider (Araneae: Araneomorphae) diversity in Annaba Province, Northeastern Algeria

Spiders, as predatory arthropods, play essential roles in ecosystem equilibrium and serve as bioindicators. To contribute to the understanding of spider diversity in northeast Algeria (Annaba province), a survey of spider fauna was conducted in both forest and urban sites over two consecutive years using the "hand collecting" method. A total of 879 adult spiders (681 females and 198 males) were identified, representing 25 families and 67 species. The Salticid Plexippus paykulli (Audouin, 1826) was the most abundant species, with 127 specimens collected. The most abundant families were Salticidae and Araneidae, with counts of 171 and 139 individuals, respectively. The Shannon-Weaver index varied from 2.17 to 3.68 bits across the different sites, while evenness values ranged from 0.60 to 0.75. This study significantly expanded the known spider species in Annaba province from 96 to 138.

Vibration as a New Survey Method for Spiders.

Spiders have important ecological roles as generalist predators, are a significant source of food for many other species, and are bioindicators of environmental health. However, spiders are poorly studied. Given their importance, a comparison of spider survey methods used to determine differences in spider diversity and abundance is required to understand their limitations and biases. A new survey method to attract spiders, based on vibration from an idling diesel tractor, was tested and compared to the traditional methods of pitfall trapping and hand collection of spiders at night. Across the three survey methods, there were, in total, 2294 spiders in 34 families, 138 genera, and 226 species identified. Spider species diversity and richness were significantly greater for spiders collected at night than from the other two methods (spiders collected in pitfall traps and attracted to vibration). The collection of spiders using the night collection and vibration-based methods were very similar in terms of labor required and material costs. Of all spider species identified, 80% were captured during hand collection, 30% through pitfall trapping, and 30% from vibration-based collection. Most species of spiders caught in pitfall traps were species known to be primarily ground-dwelling, whereas both arboreal and ground-dwelling spiders were collected at night and as a result of being attracted and collected using the vibration-based method.

Composition and abundance of cockroaches in traditional markets of Purwokerto City, Indonesia

Abstract. Ambarningrum TB, Widhiono I, Kusmintarsih ES, Pratiknyo H, Haryanto T, Hasyifah FN. 2024. Composition and abundance of cockroaches in traditional markets of Purwokerto City, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2773-2779. Markets with high human activity and abundant food are ideal conditions for cockroaches. This study aimed to investigate the composition and abundance of cockroaches infesting three markets in Purwokerto City, Central Java, Indonesia. To achieve this objective a survey method with random sampling used baiting traps and hand collection. The analysis used the Shannon-Wiener index (H'), Evenness index, relative abundance, and density index. The results showed that three cockroach families were identified, namely Blattellidae, Blattidae, and Blaberidae. The cockroaches found in markets 1 and 3 consisted of five species, namely Blattella germanica (Linnaeus, 1767), Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus, 1758), Blatta lateralis (Serville, 1838), Nauphoeta cinerea (Olivier, 1789), and Pycnoscelus surinamensis (Linnaeus, 1758), while in Market 2 there were only three species, namely B. germanica, P. americana, and N. cinerea. The total population were 2467, 81, and 3627 individuals in Market 1, 2, and 3 respectively. The B. germanica predominated in Markets 1 and 2, while N. cinerea dominated in Market 3. Furthermore, density levels varied across markets, showing differing infestation intensities. The study explained the importance of integrated pest management strategies and regular monitoring to control cockroaches population effectively. These results provide valuable insights for local pest control efforts aimed at maintaining hygiene and health standards in market environments.

Diversity, Distribution and DNA Barcoding Tribe of Anomalini beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) in Wheat Fields of Van, Türkiye

Anomalini beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) constitute a significant pest group responsible for substantial crop losses in wheat cultivation areas worldwide, including Turkey. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the phylogeny, diversity, abundance, and distribution of Anomalini beetles in wheat fields of Van province, Turkey. Surveys were conducted between April and August 2021, involving monthly sample collection at predetermined locations within six districts: Başkale, Çaldıran, Erciş, Gevaş, İpekyolu, and Tuşba. Standard traps and hand collection methods were employed to gather samples. In molecular studies, the mitochondrial COI gene region has been amplified and sequenced using universal primers. Anomalini beetles were detected in all sampling areas except Çatak district. Seven species were identified: Anisoplia austriaca, A. signata, A. lata, Brancoplia leucaspis, Blitopertha nigripennis, Chaetopteroplia segetum, and an unidentified Anisoplia sp. Chaetopteroplia segetum emerged as the most prevalent and abundant species across all districts. Notably, all identified Anomalini species represent the first records for Van province and its environs. While Anomalini beetles were present in the region, their population densities were not considered high enough to cause economic damage.

First steps in restoring Río de la Plata grasslands: the importance of harvest method and season

Current trends in agricultural intensification lead to degraded grasslands, requiring their restoration through native species reintroduction. Various techniques are available for harvesting seeds from donor sites. However, little is known about their performance in South American C3/C4 mixed grasslands, where studies are scarce. Their particular species composition and phenology, with different flowering periods, require specific harvest strategies. We evaluated mechanical seed harvest in a northern Uruguay grassland, part of Río de la Plata grasslands. Performance of two mechanical harvest methods (seed‐stripper and dry hay) was compared in two harvest seasons (late‐spring and mid‐summer). The evaluation considered the quantity and identity of harvested seeds, and their germination in a greenhouse. Hand collections were made to assess standing seed yield. For each seed mixture, efficiency of mechanical harvests (number of seeds and seedlings compared to hand collection), proportion of germinated seeds, species transfer relative to donor site, and composition were calculated. Results revealed trade‐offs between harvests: seed‐stripper in late‐spring presented low seed collection efficiency (2% for seeds, 5% for seedlings) and species richness (43% transfer), but high seed germination (64%), showing selectivity toward winter species; seed‐stripper in mid‐summer and dry hay in both seasons showed high seed collection efficiency (42–154% for seeds, 26–50% for seedlings) and species richness (65–80% transfer), resembling donor site, albeit lower seed germination (9–20%). Seed‐stripper performance varied between seasons, while dry hay remained consistently effective. These results are pioneering for grassland restoration in Uruguay, encouraging future studies to focus on establishment in the field.

Diversity and Species Composition of Ants in Urban and Suburban Environments in Bejaia City (Algeria)

We conducted an ant inventory in urban and suburban spaces in Bejaia city to deal with this need for more information about ant biodiversity in the Algerian urban environment. The two methods, hand collecting and pitfall traps, are carried out 24 days in three months (May, June, and July) of 2022. In the urban habitats, 2,653 ant individuals were collected, comprising ten species, six genera and three subfamilies. In the suburban habitats, 6,706 ant specimens were collected, comprising 19 species, 11 genera, and three subfamilies. The most abundant subfamilies in both urban and suburban habitats are Formicinae, followed by Myrmicinae and Dolichoderinae. The results showed that suburban habitats are more diversified (H’= 1.72) than urban habitats (H’= 1.25). The equitability values for suburban and urban habitats are moderate, with 0.58 and 0.54, respectively. The Jaccard similarity index value is 0.45, indicating an essential turnover of ant species between urban and suburban habitats. The ant community’s composition differed between sampled sites (NMDS, Stress = 0.013). The average dissimilarity (as per SIMPER) was 90.37%. Four species (T. simrothi, L. cf. grandis, P. cicatricosa, and L. myops) contributed to 70% of the differences between sites of urban and suburban habitats.

Comparing the effectiveness of pitfall traps and active sampling methods for ants and spiders in a Chromolaena odorata invaded site

Background: Active and passive arthropod sampling techniques have their specific limitations. Pitfall trapping is a commonly used passive sampling method, and bush beating, aerial hand collection above the knee, aerial hand collection below the knee cryptic and non-cryptic are widely used active sampling techniques. Objective and method: Pitfall traps and four active sampling techniques were used in a Chromolaena odorata invaded site to compare the methods used in sampling arthropods in Buffelsdraai Conservancy outside the city of Durban, South Africa. Results: Pitfall traps were the most efficient and the most effective sampling technique with high species richness for both the ant (78%) and spider (76%) samples. One explanation for these differences could be the longer sampling time for passive sampling compared to active sampling. Conclusion: Compared to the subjective identification of species by collectors in active techniques, the non-selective capturing of species by pitfall traps improves its efficiency. The fewest taxa and individuals were collected by aerial hand collection techniques but these techniques are recommended to supplement pitfall traps. The combination of methods allows for the adequate sampling of the various strata found in vegetatively complex sites. An investigation into the possible use of canopy techniques in C. odorata sites would be beneficial, as it considers the various vegetation strata when sampling for biodiversity.

Distribution and characteristics of bacteria on the hand during oropharyngeal swab collection: Which handwashing points are affected?

To identify the contaminated areas of the hand collection and analyse the distribution characteristics of bacteria in the hand after swab collection. This study used a cross-sectional design. A cross-sectional study sampling 50 pairs of hands (sampling hand and auxiliary hand) of healthcare workers was performed. Ten samples were collected from each participant. The optimal hand hygiene rates and bacterial colony counts of the whole hand and different hand sections without hand hygiene were identified as the primary outcomes. The optimal hand hygiene rates of the sampling hand and auxiliary hand were 88.8% (222/250) and 91.6% (229/250), respectively. The lowest optimal hand hygiene rates for the sampling hand and the auxiliary hand were both on the dorsal side of the finger and the dorsum of the hand (86.0%, 86.0% vs. 90.0%, 86.0%); the optimal hand hygiene rates for both sites of the sampling hand were 86.0% (43/50), and the optimal hand hygiene rates for the auxiliary hand were 90.0% (45/50) and 86.0% (43/50). The bacteria colony counts did not differ between the sampling hands and auxiliary hand. The dorsal side of the finger and dorsum of the hand were the most likely to be contaminated during oropharyngeal swab collection. Therefore, it is essential to pay extra attention to hand hygiene care of these two sites during the collection process to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines were adopted in this study.

Evaluation of Local Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Genotypes for Resistance to Fungal Diseases in the Bimodal-rainfall Forest Zone of Cameroon

The general objective of the present study was to evaluate the susceptibility to fungal diseases of some bean collections in the bimodal rainfall forest zone of Cameroon. To this end, 12 bean collections from Foumbot were grown at the University of Yaoundé I in a completely randomized block design without phytosanitary treatments. Symptoms identified on the leaves of diseased plants were used to characterize the fungal agents in the laboratory using an identification key. Incidence and severity were assessed, as well as the number of pods and seeds in plants under fungal pressure. Following the evolution of symptoms, all collections showed fungal disease attacks at different rates. Macroscopic and microscopic laboratory observations identified Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Uromices appendiculatus and Fusarium solani as the fungal agents responsible for these symptoms. The incidence of disease caused by F. solani was lower in the NJBPRNV (16.67%) and NJBV (22.22%) collections, as was severity (3.33% and 4.44%). On the other hand, the LGRTE (47.06%) and GGRBE (44.44%) LGRV (43.75%) collections showed high incidences of disease caused by S. sclerotiorum, U. appendiculatus and F. solani respectively. Considering the number of seeds, the KPGPV (403.2 seeds) and KPGPTV (350.4 seeds) collections recorded the highest number of seeds, compared with the GGRBE (15.93 seeds); LGRTE (23.87 seeds); GGRBTE (25.53 seeds); LGRV (42.4 seeds) and GGRTE (52.2 seeds) collections. However, the NJBPRNV collection requires special attention in varietal creation, given its greater resistance to the fungal diseases identified.

Dermaptera Community Structure on Oil Palm Ecosystem in Dharmasraya District, Indonesia

The oil palm ecosystem is one of the suitable habitats for the order Dermaptera. Several physical factors, especially humidity in the oil palm ecosystem, support these insects' existence. In the oil palm ecosystem, Dermaptera has several functions, including as a predator of oil palm pests, but on the other hand, these insects also prey on Elaeidobius kamerunicus Faust, the primary pollinator of oil palm plants. For that reason, research was conducted to study the structure of the Dermaptera community in the ecosystem of oil palm plantations in the Sitiung sub-district. This research was a survey conducted at three locations- Sitiung, Gunung Medan, and Sungai Duo Villages—the collection of insect samples by hand collection. Identification of insect samples was carried out at the species level according to Burr (1910) and Borror et al. (1996). In this study, 214 individuals of the order Dermaptera were found to consist of three species: Cheslisoches mario, Forficula auricularia, and Vostox brunneipennis. C. mario was the dominant Dermaptera species found with an Importance Value Index (IVI) was 1.27. Based on this research, it is known that the community structure of the order Dermaptera was simple because it has low diversity values.

Invasive ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Paratrechina longicornis along elevational gradients on Mount Marapi, West Sumatera

The diversity of ants along elevational gradients has become a topic in many scientific types of research, while the information regarding patterns of, and processes that shapes, ant community structure across different elevations is still considerably lacking. Therefore, the study about ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) at Mount Marapi, Agam Regency, West Sumatra, was conducted at three elevations (low elevation at 0-1200 m, mid-elevation at 1200-2100m and high elevation at 2100-3000 m) and by applying Quadra Protocol (honey bait trapping, soil sampling, leaf litter sifting and hand collecting). It focused on Paratrechina longicornis, renowned as an invasive species. A total of 144 individuals from this species were collected; 13 individuals from low elevation, 144 individuals from mid-elevation and 127 individuals from the high elevation. Paratrechina longicornis, also named as ‘longhorn crazy ant’, became the only species observed to be present along the whole study transects. Its ability to adapt to many artificial environments could explain its success as an invasive species. P. longicornis distributions at the elevational gradients of Mount Marapi were discussed in this paper.

Getting more pieces of Mosaics on West Sumatran Spiders (Araneidae): Inventory from Mount Marapi in West Sumatra

Abstract The field survey had been regulated from September until December 2019 by deploying an array of hand collection, sieving, sweeping and beating techniques applied simultaneously along three pairs of 120 m transect positioned at both sides of mountain hiking tracks. This exploration aimed to survey and inquiry the diversity of spiders (Araneidae) in Mount Marapi, West Sumatra Province. There were 25 spider individuals collected in this study; they were then identified and classified into 15 species which associated with 8 genera. Gasteracatha was a genus with the most species found (3 species, 9 individual), followed by Argiope (3 species, 7 individual) and Cyclosa (3 species, 5 individuals). Without minimizing the role of other collecting techniques, the hand collection technique was seemed to be more effective in doing the inventory on either spider individuals or species than the beating, sweeping or sieving techniques. The latter technique yielded the least result in this study.

Keragaman Serangga Pengunjung pada Kelapa Sawit (Elaeis Guineensi Jacq.) di Kebun Pendidikan dan Penelitian (KP2) Stiper Edu Agro Tourism Ungaran

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) productivity is highly dependent on insect pollination of flowers. Visiting insects are insects that come to a plant which can also act as pollinating insects. This study aims to investigate what insects visit oil palm trees. Research on the diversity of visitor insects on oil palms was conducted at Kebun Pendidikan dan Penelitian (KP2), Stiper Edu Agro Tourism (S.E.A.T), Ungaran in August and September, 2023. Sampling using hand collection, bait traps, bottle traps and sticky traps. Data were analyzed using Shannon Wiener Index and Sorensen Index. The study obtained a total of 1411 individuals consisting of 14 morphospecies, three orders, and three families of insects. The Diversity Index (H') in the interior of the plantation was H'=2.47 while at the edge of the plantation was H'=1.36. Similarity Index (S) was 96.29%. The dominant insect species is Elaeidobius kamerunicus (543 individuals) found on the anthesis male flowers of oil palms.

Spider diversity in different habitats at District Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan.

Spider species are important for maintaining ecological balance, controlling insect populations, and providing potential sources of medicinal compounds. Highlighting the importance of spider species, the present study was aimed at exploring the diversity of spider fauna and species richness in various habitats in District Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, from March 2021 to December 2021. Spiders were collected through different methods: pitfall traps, cryptic searching, ground hand collection, aerial hand collection, and vegetation beating. Then, the captured spiders were washed in alcohol and preserved in a combination of 80% alcohol and 20% glycerol for further observation. Identification was carried out with the help of available spider identification keys and literature. A total of 578 specimens representing 29 species from 17 families and 26 genera were collected and identified. Family Lycosidae was the most dominant family (13.49%), followed by Salticidae (10.2%), Araneidae (8.47%), Tetragnathidae (7.61%), Pholicidae (6.4%), Oxyopidae (5.88%), Thomisidae (5.7%), Clubionidae (5.53%), Sicariidae (5.19%), Scytodidae (5.01%), Corinnidae (4.67%), Agelenidae (4.32%), Cheiracanthiidae and Sparassidae (4.15%), Oecobiidae and Hersiliidae (3.97%) and Theridiidae was the rarest among all (1.21%). The most commonly identified species are Hippasa partita, Lycosa poonaesis, Lycosa terrestris, Draposa oakleyi, Plexippus paykulli, Menemerus nigli, Thyene imperialis, Thyene bivittate and Hasarius adansoni. Argiope versicolor, Neoscona theisi, Tetragnatha extensa, Crossopriza lyoni, and Oxyopes Javanus. During the present study, it was observed that spider species were abundantly found in warm areas from May to August, which demonstrates that the spider fauna of the study area is very rich but has yet to be explored.

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.

New data on family Araneidae from district Swat with updated checklist of the family from Pakistan.

The aims of the present research was to find out the diversity of family Araneidae in district Swat Pakistan and to provide updated checklist of the family Araneidae from Pakistan. Also their occurrence throughout the year was given from District Swat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Data was collected from January 2018 to December-2018 from seven different Tehsils of District Swat by using different methods like pitfall trap, ground hand collection, air hand collection and were then preserved in plastic vials and appendorf tubes by using 70% ethanol. Camera mounted on microscope was used for photography. By using literature from World Spider Catalog, 2022, spiders were identified to species level. In a ttal of 1243 specimens of family Araneidae 4 genera and 7 species were identified. Dominant species with great number of specimen collected was Cyrtophora citricolla with 229 (18.4%) samples, followed by Bojaranius mitificus (15.7%), Neoscona Scylla (15.4%), Argiope lobata (14.8), Neoscona theisi (14.6%) and Neoscona polyspinippes (13.8%) respectively. While lowest collection was done of Argiope versicolor with 90 (7.3%) samples. High occurrence of spiders was studied during July 187 samples. Fluctuation in temperature can affect the diversity of spiders observed and recorded in present study with lowest collection done in low temperature. Moreover, the humidity also play a great role in spiders' population and occurrence.

Sustainability of the hookah diving fishery in Turkey

Hookah diving is a traditional fishing method based on the hand collection of commercial benthic organisms. Fishers continue their profession without paying attention to their physical health and psychophysical fitness. Ignoring the diving safety and decompression rules underwater, using improvised diving systems, and economic concerns carry risks that can result in death. The long-term sustainability of work depends on nations’ ability to control fishing practices and promote good management. This study discusses the current situation of hookah divers in Turkey based on official statistics from the ministry and face-to-face interviews with hookah divers. The data were subjected to strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis and synthesised with the literature for strategic analysis. The sector’s contribution to the national economy, economic satisfaction of divers, and supporting rural employment were evaluated as strengths. Lack of expertise in the professional career and complex laws were identified as threats that require urgent solutions. Multidirectional national efforts are needed for sustainable fishing, including stakeholder networking, diving safety, hookah equipment, underwater fishing strategies, training curricula and professional career development. Our findings offer strategic and planning approaches for the sustainable development of hookah diving in Turkey.

Trade liberalization, regional trade openness degree, and foreign direct investment:Evidence from China

This paper investigates the relationship among trade liberalization, the degree of trade openness (DTO) and regional foreign direct investment (FDI) using Chinese data for 2001–2018 by hand collection. We apply the fixed effect model and find that both trade liberalization and regional DTO have a significantly positive relationship with regional FDI. Furthermore, a variable coefficient model is used to prove that the effects of trade liberalization on regional FDI are heterogeneous across regions. Finally, we use the threshold model to prove the significant threshold effects of DTO on the relationship of trade liberalization and FDI. This paper provides theoretical and policy support for countries with obvious regional differences to attract FDI.

Picking pearls from the Silk Road: Insights into the spider (Arachnida, Araneae) diversity in Georgia from the Caucasus Barcode of life project. Part II

Abstract Spiders collected during field trips and by spontaneous hand collection throughout Georgia between the years 2006 and 2023 were determined to species and partially assisted by genetic barcoding of the COI gene. Among the resulting 297 species, 100 species, 25 genera, and 1 family were recorded from Georgia for the first time, of which 18 species and 5 genera were recorded for the first time from the entire Caucasus. Of the 283 barcoded specimens representing 150 species, 26 were barcoded for the first time. 140 diagnostic drawings of 76 preserved specimens, along with photos of 15 preserved (Supplementary File) and one alive species, are provided. Baryphyma proclive (Simon, 1884), Pritha pallida (Kulczyński, 1897), and Zelotes khostensis Kovblyuk & Ponomarev, 2008 are indicated as the species with an Italo-Caucasian disjunctive distribution.

Seasonal Diversity of Spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) and Collection Methods in Barpeta District, Assam, India

Barpeta district, Assam, India covers an area of 2754 square kilometers. The Spider specimens were collected by visual search method and the collection methods adopted were Aerial hand collection, Ground hand collection and Beat sheet method. 70 spider species from the different habitats of Barpeta District were documented. The study shows the difference in quantity and quality of spider fauna concerning the seasons and collection method. The spider species were more active in the post-monsoon season and some were inactive during winter. Almost 75% of spider species were collected by the beat sheet method which shows that it is more significant than all other trapping techniques. The spider species richness and spider abundance were significantly affected by seasons, studied by Simpson’s diversity index and Shannon – Weiner’s diversity index. However, further study needs to be carried out for the effective conservation of these species.