Sweep Nets Research Articles

Towards a Comprehensive DNA Barcode Library of Stenochironomus Kieffer, 1919 (Diptera: Chironomidae) from China

The adoption of DNA-based assessments for biodiversity monitoring has been on the rise. However, the effectiveness of DNA-based taxonomic assignments heavily relies on the availability and reliability of DNA barcode libraries. There is growing demand for a comprehensive understanding of aquatic biodiversity and the critical role of Chironomidae, specifically Stenochironomus in freshwater ecosystems. Therefore, our objective is to develop a reference barcode library for Stenochironomus in China. From 2016 to 2021, we collected Stenochironomus specimens in diverse Chinese landscapes using malaise traps, light traps, and sweep nets. These specimens were carefully preserved for DNA extraction and barcode sequencing. Our analysis unveiled 36 unique operational taxonomic units from 180 COI barcode sequences through a Neighbor-Joining tree and Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery program, highlighting a significant diversity within the Stenochironomus species. The findings emphasize the constraints of conventional morphological identification methods, especially for species with ambiguous morphologies. It also underscores the effectiveness of DNA barcoding in revealing hidden species diversity, known as cryptic species. Consequently, this study advocates for an integrated taxonomic approach, combining morphological and molecular data, to refine species identification and conservation strategies.

Effectiveness of Malaise trap and sweep net sampling in sawfly research (Hymenoptera: Symphyta)

Malaise traps and sweep nets are commonly used to study sawfly faunas, seasonality and communities. Here we analyse a large dataset obtained with these methods in Slovakia and Hungary over the last two and a half decades. The dataset included collections from twenty-one sites, each covering the entire growing season, eleven of which were obtained with the Malaise trap and ten with the sweep net. We conclude that both methods are suitable for faunistic studies of sawflies (Hymenoptera, Symphyta), although they may lead to certain biased results for some Symphyta groups. Special attention should be paid to Siricidae, Orussidae, Xiphidriidae and Cimbicidae, which were only weakly recorded with both methods. Argidae, Blennocampinae, Dolerinae and Tenthredininae were underrepresented in the Malaise trap samples and Allantinae in the sweep net samples. Both methods gave equally good results in measuring species richness in an one-year study. Ideally, they should be used together as they complement each other well. The net method has a great advantage in determining the exact population density. In contrast, the Malaise trap collections were often heavily dominated by only a few species, with males being preferentially trapped. Use of Malasie trap should be preferred for the study of seasonal flight activity.

Diversity of Parasitoid Wasps and Comparison of Sampling Strategies in Rice Fields Using Metabarcoding.

A comprehensive and precise evaluation of Arthropoda diversity in agricultural landscapes can enhance biological pest control strategies. We used Malaise traps and sweep nets to collect insects from three double-cropping paddy fields. DNA was extracted from the ethanol preservative of the Malaise traps and from tissue samples of selected parasitoid wasps. This was followed by amplification using DNA barcoding primers to prepare high-throughput sequencing libraries. We annotated a total of 4956 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), encompassing 174 genera and 32 families of parasitoid wasps. The ethanol filter method efficiently captured a wide range of information. However, the method has low resolution and may result in a reduced estimate of species abundance. Additional insect species were also identified in the parasitoid samples. This suggests that high throughput sequencing from adult parasitoid wasps can also detect host species, enabling a better understanding of host species and providing insights into food webs.

Attributes of Anopheles gambiae swarms in South Central Uganda

BackgroundAnopheles gambiae continues to be widespread and an important malaria vector species complex in Uganda. New approaches to malaria vector control are being explored including population suppression through swarm reductions and genetic modification involving gene drives. Designing and evaluating these new interventions require good understanding of the biology of the target vectors. Anopheles mosquito swarms have historically been hard to locate in Uganda and therefore have remained poorly characterized. In this study we sought to identify and characterize An. gambiae s.l mosquito swarms in three study sites of high An. gambiae s.l prevalence within Central Uganda.MethodsNine sampling visits were made to three villages over a 2-year period. Sampling targeted both wet and dry seasons and was done for 2 days per village during each trip, using sweep nets. All swarm data were analysed using the JMP 14 software (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC, USA), parametrically or non-parametrically as appropriate.ResultsMost of the An. gambiae s.s. swarms sampled during this study were single-species swarms. However, some mixed An. gambiae s.s. and Culex spp. mosquito swarms were also observed. Swarms were larger in the wet season than in the dry season. Mean swarm height ranged from 2.16 m to 3.13 m off the ground and only varied between villages but not by season. Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes were present in all three villages, preferred to swarm over bare ground markers, and could be effectively sampled by field samplers.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that An. gambiae s.l swarms could be effectively located and sampled in South Central Uganda and provided in-depth descriptions of hitherto poorly understood aspects of An. gambiae local swarm characteristics. Swarms were found close to inhabited households and were greater in size and number during the rainy season. Anopheles gambiae s.s swarms were significantly associated with bare ground markers and were sometimes at heights over 4 m above the ground, showing a necessity to develop tools suitable for swarm sampling at these heights. While mixed species swarms have been reported before elsewhere, this is the first documented instance of mixed genus swarms found in Uganda and should be studied further as it could have implications for swarm sampling explorations where multiple species of mosquitoes exist.Graphical

Aquatic Insects Diversity and Water Quality of a Tropical Freshwater in Federal University of Education, Ondo, Nigeria

Aquatic insects are regarded as one of the very important components of the freshwater ecosystem because of the various ecological purposes which they serve. The insects are also the most impacted when surface waters are disturbed. As such, analyzing the structure of assemblage has become a veritable yardstick in the assessment of biodiversity and water quality. This research effort applied the combination of aquatic insect composition and physico-chemical characteristics in assessing the ecological status of Oju Awo stream. Aquatic insects and water samples were collected once in every two months covering a period between December, 2021 and October, 2022 using sweep nets and1L sterilized bottle respectively. The results obtained for the physical and chemical parameters of the water as well as the aquatic insect assemblage showed that the investigated reaches of the stream did not differ widely except for water temperature which showed significant variations (p < 0.05) along the reaches of the waterbody. A total of 242 aquatic insect specimens represented by three (3) orders (Hemiptera, Odonata and Coleoptera) and sixteen (16) taxa were recorded. Hemiptera was the dominant and most abundant taxa as it accounted for about 90.91% of the total insect collection. The dominance of pollution tolerant species, the absence of sensitive insects’ species and poor water quality as revealed by the physico-chemical parameters indicated deteriorating water quality conditions in the stream.

Insect Diversity in Pinus sylvestris Forest Stands Damaged by Lymantria monacha.

Outbreaks of Lymantria monacha are of great concern, as their occurrence is predicted to become more intense and frequent due to a warming climate. A frequent treatment to control mass outbreaks of the pest is with the bioinsecticide Foray 76B. However, knowledge of how this treatment affects non-target insect species is limited. We surveyed the assemblages of non-target epigeal and arboreal insects in Pinus sylvestris forests in the year following bioinsecticide application. A collection of insects using sweep nets and pitfall traps was carried out in L. monacha-infested pine stands, (i) treated with Foray 76B and (ii) untreated, in three regions of Lithuania from May to October 2021. The results revealed that, in Neringa forests, species richness of the epigeal insects was lower in treated than in untreated sampling plots, with 36 and 41 different insect species, respectively. The relative abundance of epigeal Coleoptera in treated plots was 3.6%, while in untreated it was 53.2%. There was a significant decrease in the relative abundance of Carabus arcencis in Kapčiamiestis (by 7.4%) and Marcinkonys (by 16.7%). Treated plots were distinguished by lower relative abundance of arboreal Hymenoptera at all three study locations.

Nuevas aportaciones de tábanos (Diptera, Tabanidae) para la fauna balear

In order to update the information on horseflies in the Balearic Islands, five sites in Mallorca were sampled in 2022 and 2023 with traps and sweep netting. A total of 479 specimens belonging to five species were identified: Hybomitra expollicata (Pandellé, 1883), Tabanus autumnalis Linnaeus, 1761, Tabanus bromius Linnaeus, 1758, Tabanus flavofemoratus Strobl 1908 and Tabanus miki Brauer, 1880. The former species represents the first record of this genus for the Balearic Islands. In addition, new Balearic records of T. flavofemoratus and T. miki are also provided. With these new contributions, the horsefly fauna in Mallorca comprises a total of nine species.

Bees and their interactions with flowering plants in disturbed and semi-natural settings

A knowledge of bee populations is scarce, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where human-induced changes appear to have a considerable negative effect on wild bees. The goal of the study was to assess the abundance, diversity, and richness of bees and their interactions (or visitation) with flowering plants in disturbed and semi-natural habitats in Tanzania. Bees were sampled using sweep nets and pan traps whereas bee-plant interaction and floral abundance were visually assessed. We show that semi-natural habitats are crucial places for bees to forage and nest, as their richness, diversity, and species composition were higher than disturbed habitats. The study areas in semi-natural habitats also had a higher number of bee visits compared to the disturbed habitats. The lower number of bees found in disturbed habitats implies that human-caused alterations have a negative impact on foraging resources and bee communities. Furthermore, we recorded more than 400 bee-plant interactions and high floral abundance in semi-natural habitats compared to disturbed habitats. However, in both disturbed and semi-natural habitats, there was a positive relationship between floral abundance and bee abundance. This reveals that floral resources have a significant impact on bee abundance and their visitation. Our findings demonstrate further that, if natural environments are disturbed and floral resources are depleted, bee populations may decline. Therefore, habitat management, whether disturbed or semi-natural, is critical for the survival of bees.

Ecological intensification: multifunctional flower strips support beneficial arthropods in an organic apple orchard

Flower strips are a fundamental part of agri-environment schemes in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Although vegetation is central for many arthropod groups, a few studies have evaluated the effects of flower strip structural and functional attributes on arthropod communities. In this study, we explored the relationship between flower strip attributes and the abundance of different arthropod functional groups in annual flower strips located in an organic apple orchard. We surveyed plant and arthropod communities in 30 1 m × 6 m plots. In each plot, we collected data on species composition and vegetation structure (e.g., total cover, density, number of floral displays). For each plant species, we also retrieved data on leaf palatability and nutritional value. Arthropods were collected using sweep netting technique. Structural and functional attributes of the flower strip revealed a crucial role in regulating arthropod abundance, which however depended on the specific arthropod functional group. We identified three main attributes (plant species richness, composition, and vegetation density) of flower strips that should be considered when implementing multifunctional flower strips. Specifically, plant species richness to ensure complementarity of resources and niches, plant species composition to ensure complementary floral resources, and vegetation density to ensure sheltering microhabitats and suitable microclimatic conditions and to increase the density of floral resources. Our results suggest that by considering structural and functional attributes of flower strips, it is possible to design multifunctional flower strips with greater effectiveness as measures for ecological intensification.

Urban lawn vegetation structure impact arthropod abundance and cattle egret foraging success

The vegetation in urban green spaces is often managed by means of machines and/or pesticides including herbicides for aesthetics without regard to the potential consequences on arthropods, particularly insect abundance, and the animals, especially birds, that feed on insects and other arthropods. Using the green spaces on the University of Cape Coast campus and cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) that feed there as a test case, we investigated the influence of arthropod abundance and vegetation structure on the foraging success of cattle egrets. To achieve this, we measured the foraging efficiency (FE) and capture rate (CR) of cattle egrets, and their correlations with arthropod abundance, vegetation height, vegetation cover, and mode of vegetation clearing during the wet and dry seasons. Foraging cattle egrets were surveyed along seven permanent transects three times for each season. Using sweep nets and pitfall traps, arthropods were sampled at six randomly selected locations within each transect where cattle egrets were recorded. General linear models showed that arthropod abundance did not differ between seasons and was positively correlated with FE but not with CR. Moreover, arthropod abundance was positively related to the number of days since vegetation clearing but not to vegetation height, vegetation cover, or vegetation clearing method. Vegetation height and vegetation cover were negatively correlated with CR but not with FE. Also, CR was significantly higher in machine-cleared areas than in cutlass-cleared areas. Collectively, these findings highlight the influence of vegetation management practices, particularly machine-clearing, on arthropod abundance and its implications for avian foraging success in urban green spaces. The relationship between arthropod abundance and foraging efficiency emphasizes the importance of sustainable vegetation management strategies to support bird populations in urban environments.

Butterfly Abundance and Diversity in Different Habitat Types in the Usangu Area, Ruaha National Park

Insects are key fauna species that respond quickly to disturbances and environmental changes. They act as good indicators of habitat, community, or ecosystem quality. Among the great diversity of insects, butterflies stand as ideal bio-indicators for ecosystem function and are sensitive to changes in habitat composition and structure. This study was carried out to examine the diversity and abundance of butterflies across the restored habitats in Usangu area part of Ruaha National Park (RUNAPA) from May 2022 to June 2022 using the walking transect method supplemented by sweep nets and butterfly baited traps. A total of six transects of 1 km in length were laid in the four main habitat types selected in Usangu area including grassland, Miombo woodland, Vachellia/Commiphora woodland, and riverine forest. Searches were conducted in the morning and evening. The Miombo woodland and riverine forest habitats exhibited relatively higher species diversity, richness, evenness, abundance, and a higher number of habitat-restricted species, while Vachellia/Commiphora woodland and grassland habitats recorded the lowest diversity and abundance as well as the lowest number of habitat-restricted species. Family Nymphalidae was the most dominant followed by Pieridae while Papilionidae and Hesperiidae were scarce in the study area. This study clearly shows the importance of Miombo woodland and riverine forest habitats in sustaining rich butterfly diversity and abundance in Usangu area. The two habitats must be effectively managed and conserved for sustaining ecological health and integrity of Usangu area. The Usangu area’s Miombo woodland and riverine forest habitats have immense potential for butterfly tourism and they can offer an excellent opportunity to promote conservation efforts and raise public awareness. However, it is crucial to monitor these habitats closely as any environmental changes that may occur could harm the butterfly diversity and abundance in the area. Preserving this wilderness to maintain a thriving butterfly population is of utmost importance.

Sarcophagidae (Insecta: Diptera) of Saudi Arabia: new records, an updated checklist and a new species.

As part of a study on the biodiversity of Diptera of south-western Saudi Arabia, a survey of the Diptera fauna of Jazan, Asir and Najran at 10 sites was performed between 20122015 mainly using Malaise traps, sweep nets and baited traps. A total of 21 species of Sarcophagidae are recorded and documented with photographs, seven of which represent new country records for Saudi Arabia. Including species with a reliable previous record from Saudi Arabia, the total number of species of Sarcophagidae known from Saudi Arabia now stands at 51. All species of Sarcophagidae recorded from Saudi Arabia are listed, including distributions and the source where species were first recorded. Material studied as part of the project resulted in 16 new country records for other countries. Alusomyia Villeneuve, 1933 is here synonymized with Hoplacephala Macquart, 1834, syn. nov., argued from the presence of four proclinate orbital bristles, the row of strong parafacial setae close to the anteroventral eye-margin, the large gena and the robust habitus compared to most other miltogrammines. The generic synonomy requires the new combinations Hoplacephala transfuga (Villeneuve, 1933), comb. nov. and Hoplacephala turana (Rohdendorf, 1975), comb. nov. Sarcophaga surcoufi Villeneuve, 1913 is synonymized with Engelisca adhamae Lehrer & Abou-Zied, 2008, syn. nov. An appendix authored by Dr J.C. Deeming contains the description of Sarcophaga dawahi Deeming, sp. nov.

Habitats Heterogeneity Affects Bee Species Assemblage in an Urban Green Space: A Case Study of Nairobi Museum Botanic Garden, Kenya

The conversion of natural landscapes into human-dominated areas has been identified as one major threat to the existence of biodiversity. However, properly managed anthropogenic biomes can act as areas of biodiversity conservation with the potential to provide ecosystem services similar to those obtained in natural habitats. Classic examples are botanic gardens that have become popular in urban centres as examples of nature-based solutions to landscape loss and degradation. To assess the importance of botanic gardens as biodiversity habitats, a study was carried out in the Nairobi Museum Botanic Garden (NMBG). Bees were sampled using pan traps and sweep nets in four habitats classified as gardens, including the Herbal Garden (HG), Memorial Garden (MG), Succulent Garden (SG), and Quarry Garden (QG). A total of 286 individual bees were collected, with MG having 83 individuals, QG (75), SG (66), and HG (62). Though HG recorded the lowest abundance of bees, it recorded the highest number of bee species (14), MG (13), SG (12), and QG (5). The diversity of bees was highest in the HG (H’=1.89), SG (1.88), MG (1.67), and QG (1.15). Meanwhile, high bee abundances and richness were strongly correlated with diverse flowering plants per habitat, with HG having the highest number of flowering plants (23), MG (16), SG (13) and QG (7). The study found that different flowering plants provided habitats that supported unique assemblages of bee communities, a scenario attributed to enhanced habitat heterogeneity. The findings demonstrated that botanic gardens can act as important habitats and refugia for bees in human-dominated landscapes. Therefore, the establishment and conservation of botanic gardens in urban areas is one way to contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 11 of ensuring sustainable cities and human settlements

Insect Abundance in Soils Contaminated with Palm Oil Mill and Spent Engine Oil Effluents and Their Relationship to Ambient Microclimate

This study investigates the effects of microclimates, specifically temperature and relative humidity, on the abundance of insects in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The study divided Ebonyi State University's Presco Campus into two habitat zones, employing quantitative methods like handheld sweep nets and pitfall traps. Six transect walks were conducted along 0.23-kilometer lines, sampling ground-level vegetation twice a week. Twelve pitfall traps with a soap-water solution were deployed in each habitat. Euthanized insects were preserved with ethyl acetate, and data analysis involved descriptive statistics, One-Way ANOVA, and diversity indices to assess species diversity and distribution. Results indicate variations in temperature, relative humidity and insect abundance across different sites, with the Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) site exhibiting the highest mean insect abundance (10.79). The relationship between environmental variables and insect abundance reveals a positive correlation with temperature (r = 0.361; P = 0.03) and a negative association with relative humidity (r = -0.0741; P = 0.667). These findings underscore the nuanced interplay between microclimates and insect abundance, emphasizing the importance of context-specific analyses in understanding ecological relationships. The research findings have implications for agriculture, public health, and ecosystem management in Abakaliki and similar regions, highlighting the need for targeted interventions considering the unique microclimatic conditions of the area.

Efficiency of Different Techniques in Collecting Insects in Environments Exposed to Palm Oil and Spent Engine Oil Effluents in Abakiliki, Ebonyi State

This study investigates the ecological consequences of palm oil and spent engine oil effluents on insect populations, employing a comparative analysis of two widely used collection techniques: pitfall traps and sweep netting. The aim was to assess the effectiveness of these methods in capturing and quantifying insect diversity and abundance in polluted environments. The research was conducted in selected sites exposed to palm oil and spent engine oil effluents, with corresponding control sites for comparison. Pitfall traps and sweep netting were deployed simultaneously to collect insects across various habitats impacted by the aforementioned effluents. The collected specimens were then identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible, and population data were analyzed to evaluate the relative impact of each effluent type on insect communities. Furthermore, statistical analyses were employed to compare the efficiency of pitfall traps and sweep netting in detecting changes in insect populations. The study revealed that pitfall traps recorded significantly higher number of insects (72.93%) than sweep nets (27.07%) in sites exposed to palm oil effluent (P<0.05). The result obtained in the site exposed to spent engine oil effluent showed that pitfall traps recorded significantly higher number of insects (80.61%) than sweep nets (19.39%) (P<0.05). This study contributes to the ecological repercussions of industrial effluents on insect populations, offering a methodological comparison that can enhance the precision of future insect-related environmental assessments.

Abundance and Diversity of Spiders in Agroecosystems of Jabalpur

The fauna of spiders which is a significant part of agriculture ecosystem was observed in 8 crop fields during the kharif. The spiders were caught from June-October, using sweep nets. The total numbers of spider species were 37 representing 12 families. Araneidae was the most abundant family, followed by Thomisidae, Salticidae, Oxyopidae, Tetragnathidae, Clubionidae, Dictynidae, Gnaphosidae, Lycosidae, Sparassidae, Theridiidae and Ulboridae. The species diversity index (H`) was 4.98 and the Equitability index (EH) was 0.95. An ordination of correspondence analysis demonstrated a bunching of the spiders commencing to paddy fields was more as compared to other crops. Thus, paddy seemed to give better natural niche for the spiders than other field crops. Increasing use of pesticides is the main menace to the several species and their survival in agroecosystem.

Characterization of Insect–Pollinator Biodiversity in Agrochemical-Contaminated Agricultural Habitats

The extensive application of agrochemicals in agricultural habitats in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania (SHOT) is supposed to negatively impact the biodiversity community of insect–pollinators (INPOs). However, in light of existing knowledge, there are no studies to back up this claim. We carried out field surveys in the SHOT to assess and characterize the INPO biodiversity community in agricultural habitats and compare it with protected habitats. Direct observations, transect counts, sweep netting, and pan trap techniques were used for sampling the INPOs. Overall, the INPOs’ relative abundance (57.14%) and species diversity index in protected habitats were significantly higher compared to agricultural habitats. Similarly, we recorded a higher number of plant–INPO interactions in protected habitats than agricultural habitats. Our results suggest that, in contrast to protected habitats, agrochemicals might have driven out or discouraged INPOs from agricultural habitats, resulting in dwindling species richness, diversity, and abundance. This could be due to agrochemical contamination that impairs the quantity and quality of floral resources (nectar and pollen) required by INPOs. Alternatively, protected habitats seemed healthy and devoid of agrochemical contamination, which attracted many INPOs for foraging and nesting. Thus, in order to maintain healthy agricultural habitats and support INPO biodiversity, conservation agriculture is imperative.

Comparison of Arthropod Diversity in Organic and Conventional Rice Cultivation in Trawas District, Mojokerto Regency

Different cultivation techniques for rice (Oryza sativa L.) are known to affect arthropod populations and diversity levels. This research was conducted to study how arthropod diversity can be affected by different cultivation techniques. The research was carried out from October 2022 to March 2023. Arthropod diversity observations were carried out in the organic rice field of Kampung Pertanian Organik Brenjonk and a conventional rice field belonging to a farmer in Penanggungan Village, Trawas District, Mojokerto Regency. Data were collected weekly for 12 observations. Arthropods were collected using passive methods, such as pitfall and yellow sticky traps, and active methods, such as sweep netting and handpicking. The data were analyzed to assess the diversity level. The results showed more arthropods in the organic rice field, with 1815 individuals consisting of 4 classes, 13 orders, 52 families, 70 genera, and 74 morphospecies. In contrast, in the conventional rice field, 1028 individuals were found, consisting of 3 classes, ten orders, 28 families, 32 genera, and 33 morphospecies. The calculation results of arthropod diversity levels showed that the organic field is better than the conventional field.

Determination of mosquito diversity using 3D digital microscope in Cibinong district, Bogor Regency

Bogor Regency is a suburban area with hilly topography and very wet tropical climate. In addition, there are still lot of bushes and the location is crossed by river basin. These conditions create an ideal habitat for mosquitoes, which are the deadliest animal in the world. Despite the high incidence of vector-borne diseases caused by mosquitoes in this area, the information regarding mosquito diversity in Cibinong District, Bogor Regency remains limited. The aim of this study is to determine mosquito diversity in Cibinong District, Bogor Regency. In this study, mosquitoes were collected using human landing catch and sweep nets. Then identification was performed using 3D digital microscope. The study’s findings revealed the presence of eight mosquito species from two genera: Aedes and Culex. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the ecology and diversity of each collected mosquitoes.

Updated Checklist of Butterfly Diversity (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) of Qatar

Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) with their vibrant colours and ecological significance serve as crucial environmental indicators. This study documents the butterfly species inhabiting the challenging hot and arid climate of Qatar. Over a threeyear period from 2019 to 2022, a total of 96 specimens representing 15 species from four families were collected using standard entomological methods, including net sweeping and baiting across eight different locales. These families include Nymphalidae (3 species), Lycaenidae (4 species), Pieridae (6 species), and Papilionoidea (2 species). Notably, four species - Papilio demodocus, Belenois aurota, Colotis phisadia, and Colotis amata - are reported from Qatar for the first time, expanding the known butterfly fauna of the country. By amalgamating these novel findings with previously published results, this study presents an updated checklist of Qatar’s butterfly fauna, totalling 24 species spanning five families. This inventory sheds light on the diversity and distribution of butterflies in Qatar, emphasizing their resilience to extreme environmental conditions and underscoring the importance of conservation efforts amidst ongoing urbanization and agricultural expansion.