Local Endemics Research Articles

New Noctuoidea taxa from the Silver Coast of Bulgaria (Insecta: Lepidoptera)

Three new Noctuoidea subspecies are described as local endemics from the Silver Coast, part of the Bulgarian North Black Sea Coast: Eutelia adoratrix platinea ssp. n., Lacanobia praedita canescens ssp. n. and Hadena adriana petergyulaii ssp. n. They are characterised by a pale forewing ground colour corresponding to the colour of the calcareous sediments dominating their habitats. These new subspecies, in comparison with the nominotypical taxa, show greater differences in external appearance than in the female and male genitalia, including the everted vesica. Furthermore, the new subspecies cannot be separated from the nominotypical subspecies by DNA barcoding.

High diversity and local endemism in Aotearoa New Zealand's groundwater crustacean fauna.

We used DNA barcoding to assess the diversity and distribution of New Zealand's groundwater amphipods and isopods (Crustacea) and to determine whether biodiversity and endemism within tectonically active New Zealand are similar to those of more tectonically stable continents. Sixty‐five wells were sampled in seven aquifers across four regions within the North and South islands of New Zealand, and resident invertebrates were morphologically identified and then assessed using sequencing of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit one (COI) gene. Invertebrates were found in 54 wells. Of the 228 individual amphipods and isopods found in 36 of the wells, 154 individuals were successfully sequenced for COI (68% success rate) from 25 wells, with at least one well in each aquifer containing sequenced individuals. Of the 45 putative species identified using Barcode Index Numbers (BINs), 30 BINs (78% of all taxa and 83% of amphipods) were previously unrecorded. Substantial morphologically cryptic, species‐level diversity was revealed, particularly within the amphipod Family Paraleptamphopidae. Similarly, one isopod taxon morphologically identified as Cruregens fontanus was assigned to five well‐separated BINs based on COI sequences. Endemism appeared high, with all taxa regionally endemic; 87% of species were restricted to one aquifer and more than 50% restricted to one well. Non‐saturated species accumulation curves indicated that, while additional sampling may increase the range of some currently identified taxa, additional range‐restricted taxa are also likely to be discovered. Patterns of diversity and short‐range endemism were similar to those found elsewhere, including locations which are more tectonically stable. The predominance of local endemism within New Zealand's groundwater fauna suggests that land‐use activities and groundwater extraction require careful evaluation to minimize threats to groundwater biodiversity.

Malaria Elimination in Two Endemic Coastal Environments of Southern India: An Eco-Epidemiological Analysis from 2004 to 2019.

Presently, India is heading towards malaria elimination. In this context, analysing malaria epidemiological data of endemic pockets is important. In the present investigation, malaria prevalence in two endemic coastal localities of India viz., Besant Nagar (Chennai district) and Pamban (Ramanathapuram district) was analysed from 2004 to 2019 and correlated with the highest maximum temperature. Malaria surveillance data and entomological data from the malaria clinics were used to investigate epidemiological parameters. The annual malaria cases were correlated with the highest maximum temperature. The analysis showed that the malaria case (P.v. and P.f.) reports were directly proportional to the temperature increase. Malaria cases were remarkably increased from 2004 to 2011 and subsequently, both Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum cases were drastically reduced till 2019. P. vivax was higher than P. falciparum and the male population was found to be more affected. Mixed infection of P. vivax and P. falciparum was observed only in the Besant Nagar site (0.3%). The most affected age group was the adult age group (15years and above) in both Besant Nagar (76.1%) and Pamban (69.5%). Improved surveillance, complete treatment and integrated vector control activities correlated with a declining trend of malaria cases in both the coastal sites towards malaria elimination.

Diversity and endemism of the flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea: state of knowledge and future perspectives

Understanding biodiversity of plants depends on detailed knowledge of floristics and environmental parameters. According to the Flora of Ethiopia and Eritrea (FEE; 1989–2009), the latest academic flora of these two topographically complex countries, the number of taxa (including non-indigenous ones) is 6027 of which 647 are endemic. Since 2009, 56 indigenous taxa have been described from the FEE area. Based on FEE data and later information, the number of indigenous species is here counted at 5219. In the RAINBIO database Sosef et al. (BMC Biol 15:1–23, 2017) counted the number of indigenous species in Ethiopia at 4481 (Eritrea not counted). Studies of local diversity and endemism produce different results with varying methods and sources: FEE data show highest diversity in the southern part of Ethiopia near the borders with Kenya, while RAINBIO data show highest diversity in the south-west and around the town of Harar. Wang et al. (J Syst Evol 58(1):33–42, 2020) found the highest ‘weighted endemism’ in the central Ethiopian mountains, while our FEE data indicates highest single-region endemism near the borders with Kenya and Somalia; Hawthorne and Marshall (Gard Bull Singap 71(Suppl. 2):315–333, 2019), weighting species according to rarity, found the highest ‘bioquality score’ in the same areas as our highest single-region endemism. Studies of altitudinal diversity show a ‘mid-elevation diversity bulge’ at 1400–2100 m a.s.l. More data are needed before we understand the complex diversity of the two countries, including altitudinal diversity. We review needs for additional data gathering and modelling that may help answering outstanding questions.Graphic abstract

The mitochondrial phylogeography of the Crimean endemic lizard Darevskia lindholmi (Sauria, Lacertidae): Hidden diversity in an isolated mountain system

AbstractThe Lindholm rock lizard,Darevskia lindholmi, is the only member of the genusDarevskiawhose range is restricted solely to Europe, representing a local endemism found only in the Crimean Mountains. In our study, we investigated the cytochromebgene (mtDNA) of 101D. lindholmisequences from 65 Crimean localities, representing its entire range. We found thatD. lindholmiis highly genetically structured, and its range is divided into populations belonging to three mitochondrial lineages. The Lindholm rock lizard populations inhabiting the middle part of the Crimean Mountains (further referred to as the Central lineage) are sharply differentiated from the other two lineages (the Common and the Southwestern lineages), which are present in most of the species range. The genetic distance between the Central lineage and the other two taken together is 4.6%, according to our results, suggesting that the divergence occurred during the Early Pleistocene. The narrowly distributed Southwestern lineage and the widespread Common lineage, on the other hand, are differentiated by 1%. Field observations on the representatives of the main evolutionary groups show that their ecology is also different: the Central lineage is a mesophilic and cold-resistant form, while the other two closely related lineages are more xerophilic and thermophilic. Results of the potential ranges modeling and ecological niche analysis confirm that the genetic lineages occupy different niches of the Crimea. Furthermore, the area of inhabitation of the Central lineage splits the western and eastern parts of the Common lineage range, while the Southwestern lineage is restricted along the coast of the southwestern coast of the peninsula. The long-term co-existence of deeply divergent sister mitochondrial lineages in a relatively small (circa 7,000 km2) isolated mountain system serves as a mesocosm for understanding the speciation process. Our data suggest that the Central lineage warrants further taxonomic investigation.

Electronic commerce of the endemic plants of northern Morocco (Mediterranean coast-Rif) and Tunisia over the internet

Background: Internet trade popularize the ornamental interest of plants but can also threaten species’ wild populations, if this activity is performed in uncontrolled and unauthorised ways. Questions: What endemic plants of Morocco and Tunisia are traded over the Internet by whom and at what prices? Studied species: 94 endemic plants of northern Morocco and 83 of Tunisia. Study site and dates: Tunisia and northern Morocco (Mediterranean coast and Rif region); internet survey between September 2018 and December 2019. Methods: To understand the extent of this new form of trade, We recorded the type of plant material sold over the Internet for the studied taxa, their prices and suppliers using online platforms. Results: Four northern Moroccan taxa (4.25 % of the total local endemics) were found as marketed by 18 nurseries in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand, while no marketing activity was detected for Tunisian endemic plants. The nurseries involved offer for sale and distribution living individuals of Abies marocana at €12.00-259.50, Rhodanthemum hosmariense at €0.35-19.5, Salvia interrupta subsp. paui at €6.23-8.90, and bulbs of Acis tangitana at €1.05-3.95. Although these taxa are classified as endangered, they are traded worldwide without permit of the Moroccan authorities. The source and origin of the plant material are not clearly indicated, and only some nurseries report that their marketed material comes from own cultivated stocks. Conclusions: The implementation of protection laws/regulations and the monitoring of nurseries’ websites are recommended to control the illegal trade of wild plant material.

Diversity and Ecology of Diatoms in Pliocene Deposits of the Tunka Valley (Baikal Rift Zone)

Fossil diatoms are an excellent tool for reconstructing the palaeoenvironmental and palaeogeographic changes involving lacustrine systems. In this work, the diatom content of Pliocene sediments recovered from a core extracted in the Tunka Basin (Baikal Rift Zone, Russia) is described. Revealed by light and scanning electron microscopy, 170 species of diatoms were found. Benthic, alkaliphilic, indifferent, cosmopolitan, and oligosaprobe species predominated. Ecological, geographical, and stratigraphic analysis of diatoms showed two ecozones, differing in taxonomic diversity of species. From the data obtained, palaeoenvironmental conditions of these zone formations have been reconstructed. It was shown that during the period corresponding to sedimentation in Ecozone II, the reservoir was cooler, as suggested by the increase of arctic-alpine taxa. The absence of Baikal Pliocene endemics and the presence of local endemics in the Tunka core indicate that there was no geographical connection between the palaeolake of the Tunka Valley and Lake Baikal during the Pliocene.

Monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: screening algorithm with single nucleotide polymorphism detection for the rapid identification of established and emerging variants

ObjectivesTo evaluate a testing algorithm for the rapid identification of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants that includes the use of PCR-based targeted single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection assays preceded by a multiplex PCR sensitive to S-Gene Target Failure (SGTF). MethodsPCR SNP assays targeting SARS-CoV-2 S-gene mutations ΔH69–V70, L452R, E484K, N501Y, H655Y and P681R using melting curve analysis were performed on 567 samples in which SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA was detected by a multiplex PCR. Viral whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to confirm the presence of SNPs and to identify the Pangolin lineage. Additionally, 1133 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples with SGTF were further assessed by WGS to determine the presence of ΔH69–V70. ResultsThe N501Y-specific assay (n = 567) had an overall percentage agreement (OPA) of 98.5%. The ΔH69-V70-specific (n = 178) and E484K-specific (n = 401) assays had OPA of 96.6% and 99.7%, respectively. Assessment of H655Y (n = 139) yielded a 100.0% concordance when applied in the proposed algorithm. The L452R-specific (n = 67) and P681R-specific (n = 62) assays had an OPA of 98.2% and 98.1%, respectively. The proposed algorithm identified six variants of concern/interest (VOC/VOI)—Alpha (n = 149), Beta (n = 65), Gamma (n = 86), Delta (n = 49), Eta (n = 6), Kappa (n = 6)—and 205 non-VOC/VOI strains—including the variants under monitoring B.1.214.2 (n = 43) and B.1.1.318 (n = 18) and Epsilon (n = 1). An excellent concordance was observed for the identification of all SARS-CoV-2 lineages evaluated. ConclusionsWe present a flexible testing algorithm for the rapid detection of current and emerging SARS-CoV-2 VOC/VOIs, which can be easily adapted based on the local endemicity of specific variants.

The Coume Ouarnède System, a Hotspot of Subterranean Biodiversity in Pyrenees (France)

Located in Northern Pyrenees, in the Arbas massif, France, the system of the Coume Ouarnède, also known as Réseau Félix Trombe—Henne Morte, is the longest and the most complex cave system of France. The system, developed in massive Mesozoic limestone, has two distinct resurgences. Despite relatively limited sampling, its subterranean fauna is rich, composed of a number of local endemics, terrestrial as well as aquatic, including two remarkable relictual species, Arbasus caecus (Simon, 1911) and Tritomurus falcifer Cassagnau, 1958. With 38 stygobiotic and troglobiotic species recorded so far, the Coume Ouarnède system is the second richest subterranean hotspot in France and the first one in Pyrenees. This species richness is, however, expected to increase because several taxonomic groups, like Ostracoda, as well as important subterranean habitats, like MSS (“Milieu Souterrain Superficiel”), have not been considered so far in inventories. Similar levels of subterranean biodiversity are expected to occur in less-sampled karsts of central and western Pyrenees.

Urban threats and conservation measures relating to aquatic arthropods on the iconic Table Mountain, South Africa: A review

Mountains supply essential resources, making them attractive areas for human settlement. Variation in elevation in mountainous areas determines local and regional climates, leading to complex biodiversity patterns. Mountains in the Cape Floristic Region have high species richness and beta diversity, and very high levels of local endemism. Table Mountain is an iconic mountain in the region, and unusual, as it is in the centre of the city of Cape Town. It is exceedingly rich in biodiversity, including many localized endemic species. However, increasing urbanization in the area is adversely affecting the local biodiversity, especially in the lowlands. Climate change effects to date are minimal, but projected to interact with the impacts of urbanization. Here we review the biodiversity patterns of green and blue spaces in and around Cape Town, including Table Mountain, focusing on aquatic arthropods. We also review the major threats that lead to biotic impoverishment, and provide information on current conservation efforts aimed at protecting the rich biodiversity of Table Mountain and its surrounds. Finally, we focus on the shortcomings of existing conservation actions, and then provide conservation strategies to limit aquatic arthropod biodiversity losses, based on actions that have already worked well. To ensure protection of all arthropods, freshwater habitats across all elevations require further conservation action. Education and creating awareness must continue to close the gaps between scientists, conservation practitioners and civil society as a crucial part of the conservation plan.

Is ‘everything everywhere’? Unprecedented cryptic diversity in the cosmopolitan flatworm Gyratrix hermaphroditus

AbstractMany nominal species of microscopic animals traditionally fitting the ‘everything is everywhere’ paradigm have been revealed to be complexes of cryptic species. Here, we explore species diversity within the micrometazoan flatworm Gyratrix hermaphroditus—unique among meiofauna because of its global occurrence in a wide variety of brackish, freshwater and marine environments. With maximum likelihood and Bayesian approaches, we analysed 18S, 28S, 5.8S and ITS2 rDNA sequences from 401 specimens across the global distribution of G. hermaphroditus. Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC) and Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) methods delineated 78 and 62 putative species, respectively. This renders G. hermaphroditus one of the most species‐rich complexes known to date. Based on shape variations of the male copulatory organ, 14 morphotypes corresponding with molecular clades were identified within the species complex. Within morphotypes, morphometric measurements were able to further discriminate between GMYC species using discriminant analyses. While most putative species occur on local or regional scales, over 10% are distributed over vast distances (>500 km apart) and two GMYC and six ABGD species have colonised multiple continents. This suggests that the cosmopolitanism of the G. hermaphroditus species complex is not just caused by mixing cryptic species with a more limited geographic distribution, but is due to the presence of previously unrecognised cosmopolitan taxa. The wide variation in distribution patterns between putative species indicates that meiofaunal biogeography should not be simplified into ‘everything is everywhere’, but rather entails every ecological state, extending from local endemism to true cosmopolitanism.

The genus Freylinia Pangella ex Colla (Scrophulariaceae: Teedieae): a re-assessment of the systematics and conservation status

The taxonomy of Freylinia Pangella ex Colla (Scrophulariaceae) is revised and eight species are recognised. Each species is fully described, with complete nomenclature, typification, ecological notes, and an updated conservation assessment. The subtropical F. tropica S.Moore is segregated as the new sect. Tropicae J.C.Manning, defined by axillary inforescences and flowers with a glandular corolla tube. The remaining species from temperate South Africa share terminal inflorescences and eglandular corollas. Within this group two sections are recognised. Sect. Freylinia comprises the type of the genus F. lanceolata (L.f.) G.Don, and is readily segregated on the basis of its sessile foliage and small capsules, whereas the remaining, strictly shrubby species share petiolate foliage and larger capsules and are recognised as sect. Macrocarpae J.C.Manning. The latter section includes several highly local endemics, most of them of conservation concern, and among which we propose several taxonomic changes. The most significant of these are the inclusion of F. vlokii Van Jaarsv. in F. undulata (L.f.) Benth., and a reappraisal of the identity F. longiflora Benth., which is recognised here as an earlier name for F. helmei Van Jaarsv. The new species F. brevistyla J.C.Manning & N.A.Helme is accordingly described for the populations that were previously misidentified as F. longiflora, and which are readily distinguished from all other species by their short style and unique, obtuse hairs in the corolla throat. This taxon was thought to be restricted to the Hottentots Holland Mtns near Elgin but a recent collection from the northern foothills of the Klein River Mtns represents a significant range extension. Finally, examination of the type of F. undulata var. macrophylla Hiern. shows it to be misplaced in the genus and we identify it as a synonym of Selago myrtifolia Rchb.

The freshwater molluscs of Serbia: Annotated checklist with remarks on distribution and protection status.

We present a checklist of 86 valid freshwater mollusc species of Serbia (65 gastropods and 21 bivalves) belonging to 19 families (15 gastropods and four bivalves). The list is based on our latest research and includes data from published sources and personal communications. The most diverse family among gastropods is Planorbidae (16 species), while Sphaeriidae are most diverse within the bivalves (10 species). Ten species are local endemics (all of them gastropods), while eight are introduced species (three gastropods and five bivalves). The Danube River and its smaller tributaries harbour the most diverse gastropod community, with a total of 61 species (41 gastropods and 20 bivalves). The snail Theodoxus transversalis (Pfeiffer, 1828) and the bivalve Unio crassus Philipson, 1788 are listed as EN (endangered) on the global (IUCN) level, while the snail Plagigeyeria gladilini Kuer, 1937 and the bivalves Pseudanodonta complanata (Rossmssler, 1835) and Sphaerium rivicola (Lamarck, 1818) are considered as VU (vulnerable) species. Of those IUCN taxa, only U. crassus is listed as protected on the national level (along with 12 mostly local endemic gastropod species). In comparison with the previous checklist of gastropods by Karaman Karaman (2007), a total of seven species are added here: Belgrandiella serbica Gler 2008, Bythinella istoka Gler Pei 2014, B. nonveilleri Gler 2008, B. pesterica Gler 2008, Acroloxus lacustris (Linnaeus, 1758), Melanoides tuberculata (O.F. Mller, 1774) and Armiger crista (Linnaeus, 1758). In view of global and regional trends in taxonomy, ecology and invasive biology, an even richer diversity of the Serbian freshwater malocofauna can be expected.

Mobility and feeding habits of semi-confined domestic pig groups in a rural locality endemic to cysticercosis

Free-range pigs are in the highest risk to acquire cysticercosis in endemic rural locations, although the behavioral and physiological responses to the infection are known to vary widely between pigs. Those animals reared in semi-confinement showed a group behavior that allows us to follow the herd to assess the risks of contact with the parasite. This study is aimed to determine the movement and feeding habits of pig groups raised under semi-confinement conditions, using minimally invasive procedures, applying trajectory analysis to different herds in rural settings. Pig population and subpopulations were characterized, and their movement was evaluated in two seasons of the year, using a global positioning system (GPS). Our results indicate that pig groups are formed based on human ownership and the establishment of family bonds with each other. Each group interacts with other groups in specific sites of the village. Significant differences were found in the time and distance covered by pigs in the dry and rainy seasons (P < 0.05), and the distance travelled by different groups were found to take place in repetitive, well-defined spaces that include moving through sewage, landfills, and open defecation sites. Due to this stability, the trajectories covered by pigs could be useful as indicators of risk factors linked to the exposure of pigs to Taenia solium

Areas of endemism of two biogeographic provinces in central Mexico based on their endemic Asteraceae: a conservation proposal

The Transmexican Volcanic Belt (TVB) and the Balsas Basin (BB), situated in central Mexico, stand out for their species richness and endemism. Documenting patterns of distribution of endemism is relevant, since species restricted to an area may become sensitive to the modification of their environment. The aim of this study was to identify areas of endemism within the TVB and the BB based on a set of species of Asteraceae endemic to these provinces. A Parsimony Analysis of Endemicity (PAE) and an Endemicity Analysis (EA) were carried out from a database with 901 records, using 30’ latitude and longitude grid-cells, and hydrological sub-basins as units. Based on 148 endemic species, between 1 and 8 areas of endemism were identified in both biogeographic provinces. In particular, the TVB concentrates 79 endemic Asteraceae, which represent 53.3% of the total analyzed species. The areas of endemism identified are irreplaceable zones and stand out as important sites for the conservation of local endemism, which is an extremely important criterion for the definition of priority areas for conservation.

Two new species of Stenostygnus from South America (Opiliones: Biantidae: Stenostygninae).

Stenostygnus martensi spec. nov. and Stenostygnus huberi spec. nov. are described from montane localities of the States of Mérida and Lara in Venezuela, and the diagnosis of the previously monotypic genus Stenostygnus Simon, 1879, is emended. The presence of these two new species as local endemics in Andean localities of Venezuela represents a huge range extension for the genus Stenostygnus, and the new localities are also ecologically different from previously known localities in the Amazon Basin. This could indicate the presence of a rich and uncharted diversity of stenostygnines in the Andean regions, particularly in the north of South America.

Dengue fever and dengue virus in the People's Republic of China

Infection with dengue virus (DENV) leads to symptoms variable from dengue fever to severe dengue, which has posed a huge socioeconomic and disease burden to the world population, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. To date, four serotypes of DENV (DENV-1 to DENV-4) have been identified to sustain the transmission cycle in humans. In the past decades, dengue incidences have become more frequent, and four serotypes and various genotypes have been identified in PR China. Several large-scale dengue outbreaks and frequent local endemics occurred in the southern and coastal provinces, and the imported dengue cases accounted primarily for the initiation of the epidemics. No antiviral drug exists for dengue, and no vaccine has been approved to use in PR China, however strategies including public awareness, national reporting system of infectious diseases and public health emergencies, vector mosquito control, personal protection, and improved environmental sanitation have greatly reduced dengue prevalence. Some new technologies in vector mosquito control are emerging and being applied for dengue control. China's territory spans tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates, hence understanding the dengue status in China will be of beneficial for the global prevention and control of dengue. Here, we review the dengue status in PR China for the past decades and the strategies emerging for dengue control.

Expanded distribution of orthohantavirus Pergamino genotype: First record in Entre Rios province, Argentina

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is an emerging infectious disease of the Americas. Eight native rodent species have been identified as HPS virus reservoirs in Argentina. The aim of this work was to detect the orthohantavirus genotypes present in a rodent community that inhabits a zone where a fatal HPS case occurred within an endemic locality of Central Argentina. We captured 27 rodents with a trapping effort of 723 trap nights. We detected 14.3% of infected Akodon azarae with the Pergamino genotype. This result expands the known distribution of this orthohantavirus. Although the Pergamino genotype has not been associated with human cases, the information about its distribution is relevant for risk assessment against potential changes in the virus infectivity.

Alpine speciation and morphological innovations: revelations from a species-rich genus in the northern hemisphere.

A large number of studies have attempted to determine the mechanisms driving plant diversity and distribution on a global scale, but the diverse and endemic alpine herbs found in harsh environments, showing adaptive evolution, require more studies. Here, we selected 466 species from the genus Saussurea, one of the northern hemisphere’s highest-altitude plant genera with high species richness and striking morphological traits, to explore the mechanisms driving speciation and adaptative evolution. We conducted phylogenetic signals analysis and ancestral character estimation to explore the phylogenetic significance of ecological factors. Moreover, we used spatial simultaneous autoregressive (SAR) error models, modified t-tests and partial regression models to quantify the relative effects of ecological factors and morphological diversity upon diversity and endemism of Saussurea. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that geological influences and climate stability exhibit significant phylogenetic signals and that Saussurea originated at a relatively high elevation. Regression models indicate that geological influences and climatic stability significantly affect the diversity and endemism patterns of Saussurea and its morphological innovations. Moreover, morphological innovations in an area show significant contributions to the local diversity and endemism of Saussurea. We conclude that geological influences (mean altitude and topographic heterogeneity), glacial–interglacial climate stability and phylogenetic conservatism have together promoted the speciation and adaptive evolution of the genus Saussurea. In addition, adaptively morphological innovations of alpine species also promote diversification in local regions. Our findings improve the understanding of the distribution pattern of diversity/endemism and adaptive evolution of alpine specie in the whole northern hemisphere.

Bio-efficacy of novel chemicals and tribal pesticide-based integrated modules against brown planthopper in rice

Rice brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stal.) is a major menace and cause of significant damage to rice throughout Asian countries. Farmers mostly rely on conventional chemical insecticides to control this pest, however injudicious application of chemicals lead to the problem of insecticide resistance and environmental pollution. Considering the economic importance of BPH a research was conducted during kharif season 2018–2019 to investigate the field-efficacy vis.-a-vis. non-target toxicity and economics of some bio-rational pest management schedules at a BPH biotype 4 endemic location (Burdwan district) of West Bengal, India. Among various treatment schedules, triflumezopyrim (30 g a.i. ha−1), pymetrozine (175 g a.i. ha−1) and sulfoxaflor (30 g a.i. ha−1) in a rotational application with aqueous extract of Jatropha gossypiifolia + cow urine @ 1:1 ratio (3.5%) and aqueous extract of Argemone maxicana + ‘toddy’ @ 1:2 ratio (3.0%) significantly reduced the nymphs and adult populations of BPH. The aforesaid insecticides and indigenous components were also found to be safe to prevailing predatory fauna including Cyrtorhinus lividipennis, Ophionea spp. and spider complex in the field. Though there was a short-term decline in predatory populations after application of insecticides, it started increasing gradually within a week after treatment. Yield of rice significantly increased over control in those treatment schedules during both the years with an incremental cost: benefit ratio of 1:2.62 to 1:3.99. These superior semi-organic modules, as an approach towards “eco-friendly agriculture”, can be an excellent alternative of truly chemical schedules in controlling rice BPH in coming years.