Ommatoiulus Moreletii Research Articles

SLAM Project - Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the natural forests of Azores: V - New records of terrestrial arthropods after ten years of SLAM sampling.

A long-term study monitoring arthropods (Arthropoda) is being conducted since 2012 in the forests of Azorean Islands. Named "SLAM - Long Term Ecological Study of the Impacts of Climate Change in the natural forest of Azores", this project aims to understand the impact of biodiversity erosion drivers in the distribution, abundance and diversity of Azorean arthropods. The current dataset represents arthropods that have been recorded using a total of 42 passive SLAM traps (Sea, Land and Air Malaise) deployed in native, mixed and exotic forest fragments in seven Azorean Islands (Flores, Faial, Pico, Graciosa, Terceira, São Miguel and Santa Maria). This manuscript is the fifth data-paper contribution, based on data from this long-term monitoring project. We targeted taxa for species identification belonging to Arachnida (excluding Acari), Chilopoda, Diplopoda, Hexapoda (excluding Collembola, Lepidoptera, Diptera and Hymenoptera (but including only Formicidae)). Specimens were sampled over seven Azorean Islands during the 2012-2021 period. Spiders (Araneae) data from Pico and Terceira Islands are not included since they have been already published elsewhere (Costa and Borges 2021, Lhoumeau et al. 2022). We collected a total of 176007 specimens, of which 168565 (95.7%) were identified to the species or subspecies level. For Araneae and some Hemiptera species, juveniles are also included in this paper, since the low diversity in the Azores allows a relatively precise species-level identification of this life-stage. We recorded a total of 316 named species and subspecies, belonging to 25 orders, 106 families and 260 genera. The ten most abundant species were mostly endemic or native non-endemic (one Opiliones, one Archaeognatha and seven Hemiptera) and only one exotic species, the Julida Ommatoiulusmoreleti (Lucas, 1860). These ten species represent 107330 individuals (60%) of all sampled specimens and can be considered as the dominant species in the Azorean native forests for the target studied taxa. The Hemiptera were the most abundant taxa, with 90127 (50.4%) specimens. The Coleoptera were the most diverse with 30 (28.6%) families.We registered 72 new records for many of the islands (two for Flores, eight for Faial, 24 for Graciosa, 23 for Pico, eight for Terceira, three for São Miguel and four for Santa Maria). These records represent 58 species. None of them is new to the Azores Archipelago. Most of the new records are introduced species, all still with low abundance on the studied islands. This publication contributes to increasing the baseline information for future long-term comparisons of the arthropods of the studied sites and the knowledge of the arthropod fauna of the native forests of the Azores, in terms of species abundance, distribution and diversity throughout seasons and years.

Into the New World: first report of introduction of the Portuguese millipede Ommatoiulus moreleti (Lucas, 1860) (Julida: Julidae) in South America and its potential invasion range into the continent

Summary The Portuguese millipede Ommatoiulus moreleti (Lucas, 1860) is widespread by commerce in Atlantic Islands, Australia, and South Africa, besides being regarded as a pest infesting plantations of vegetables and fruits. To date, the species has never been recorded in South America. In this study, we report for the first time the occurrence of O. moreleti in Brazil, with adults and immatures collected in the municipality of Campos do Jordão, São Paulo state. A maximum entropy model was used to explore the predicted distribution of the species in South America. The results showed a highly suitable area in the continent (AUC = 0.987), mainly in the Atlantic Forest, and regions of Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. Considering percent contribution, the annual mean temperature (= 34%) and the temperature seasonality (= 33.4%) were the main variables which influenced the modeling. The potential risks of invasion of O. moreleti must be highlighted, including possible competition with native millipedes, its being a significant agricultural pest, and its successful invasion into new habitat without natural enemies.

Life stages of the non‐native Ommatoiulus moreleti (Lucas, 1860) (Julida, Julidae) in Australian small grain systems

The Portuguese millipede, Ommatoiulus moreleti (Lucas, 1860), is increasingly a pest of grains crops in Australian agricultural ecosystems. With the rapid uptake of minimum‐tillage practices, habitat quality has been enhanced for several species of soil dwelling invertebrates, in particular O. moreleti. To understand the population dynamics of O. moreleti in Australian grains crops, populations were sampled at multiple sites for more than 2 years using pitfall traps and cardboard roll traps. Specimens were dissected to investigate reproductive status and developmental stage. Millipede trapping rates varied between sites and across the year, and tended to be lower when soil water content (m3/m3) was high. Both sexes were active year round, however females were relatively more abundant when ground temperatures were higher. Males in a copulatory state and females with mature eggs were collected year round although females lacking mature eggs were more common when ground temperatures were higher and the soil was drier, and female egg load was higher under cooler conditions. Females at a stadium 9 or later carried mature eggs and copulatory males tended to be from stadium 8 or later. Different developmental stages could be recovered at all times of the year. These findings indicate persistent populations of O. moreleti across fields throughout the year, with a key breeding period in autumn but likely opportunistic breeding all year. Control of millipedes will need to focus on increasing the impact of biological agents, decreasing suitable habitat for millipede breeding and intensive control at susceptible crop periods.

Effect of diurnal vs. nocturnal pollinators and flower position on the reproductive success of Echium simplex

Nocturnal pollination plays an important role in sexual plant reproduction but has been overlooked, partially because of intrinsic difficulties in field experimentation. Even less attention has received the effect of within-inflorescence spatial position (distal or proximal) on nocturnal pollinators of columnar plants, despite numerous studies examining the relationship between such position and reproductive success. Woody endemic Echium simplex possesses large erect inflorescences bearing thousands of flowers which are visited by a wide array of diurnal and nocturnal animals. In this study, we identified nocturnal visitors and compared their pollination effectiveness with that of diurnal pollinators in different inflorescence sections by means of selective exclosures in NE Tenerife (Canary Islands). Nocturnal visitors included at least ten morphospecies of moths (such as Paradrina rebeli and Eupithecia sp.), two coleopteran species (mainly Alloxantha sp.), neuropterans (Chrysoperla carnea), dictyopterans (Phyllodromica brullei), dermapterans (Guanchia sp.) and julidans (Ommatoiulus moreletii). In general, plants excluded from pollinators set less fruits than open-pollination (control) plants which set fruits homogeneously across sections. Diurnally pollinated plants set more fruit in their upper parts whereas nocturnally pollinated plants set fruit in both upper and bottom sections. We conclude that although the frequency and diversity of diurnal pollinators is far higher than that of nocturnal pollinators, both exhibit different foraging behaviour that generates complementary effects on the reproductive success of E. simplex.

Factors Influencing Damage by the Portuguese Millipede, Ommatoiulus moreleti (Julida: Julidae), to Crop Seedlings.

In different parts of the world, the increasing agricultural practice of retaining crop stubble in fields across seasons has led to population increases of soil-dwelling arthropods, primarily detritivorous species. These species typically play a beneficial role in the ecosystem, but some, including the Portuguese millipede (Ommatoiulus moreleti (Lucas)) can be sporadic pests. To assist in better understanding of pest risk, this study examines why O. moreleti feeds on crop seedlings. For lupin, seedling susceptibility appears to be related to plant properties, with greatly different levels of damage caused to the two cultivated species (Lupinus angustinus and Lupinus albus) and particularly between cultivated and wild-type L. angustinus seedlings. Millipedes feeding on lupin (cultivated L. angustinus), but not lucerne (Medicago sativa), gained a similar amount of weight to those feeding on other foods known to be readily consumed. The life-stage and sex of O. moreleti was found to be related to seedling damage. The presence of crop stubbles (as alternate food sources) did not limit the damage O. moreleti caused to lupin, suggesting that the presence of stubble in a field situation may not preclude feeding on crop seedlings. We discuss how results from these controlled environment trials can build a basis for understanding variable crop damage by O. moreleti in the field.

Predatory arthropods associated with potential native insectary plants for Australian vineyards

Background and Aims We evaluated three native plants to determine their capacity to provide insectary benefits to predatory arthropods in vineyards, and thereby to enhance biological control of insect pests. Native plants are preferred as supplementary flora, as they are naturally adapted to Australia's climatic conditions. Methods and Results Stands of mature Bursaria spinosa, Leptospermum continentale and Rytidosperma ssp. located adjacent to or in the mid-rows of Adelaide Hills and Barossa Valley vineyards were sampled for arthropods in 2013/14. Vitis vinifera was also sampled. Twenty seven thousand and ninety-one individual invertebrate specimens were collected, comprising 20 orders and 287 morphospecies. Nine thousand and thirty-six predators, 6790 herbivores and 11 265 other specimens were collected. Predatory arthropods dominated the diversity of morphospecies present on each plant. Out of 100 predatory morphospecies, 69 were found on B. spinosa, 65 on L. continentale, 55 on V. vinifera and 37 in association with Rytidosperma ssp. The difference between predatory and herbivore morphospecies was highest on Rytidosperma ssp. (2.18:1 predators : herbivores), followed by L. continentale, V. vinifera and B. spinosa. Conclusions Bursaria spinosa and L. continentale have the potential to be used as insectary plants in association with Australian vineyards, as they support populations of predatory arthropods throughout the year. Rytidosperma ssp. could provide insectary benefits on sites where the black Portuguese millipede, Ommatoiulus moreleti, is not considered to be a problem. Significance of the Study This study confirms associations between predatory arthropods and three native plants. The opportunity to plant selected native insectary species could help winegrape growers save time and resources by producing fruit with lower pest incidence, while enhancing biodiversity of their vineyards.

Potential role of seed treatments in the management of emerging arthropod pests of canola

Conservation agriculture has changed the farming landscape. Reduced tillage, stubble retention and changes in crop agronomy have provided considerable benefits to farmers and the environment, but such practices have also influenced arthropod communities residing in these landscapes. Within Australia, there has been an increase in the pest status of several introduced arthropods including Armadillidium vulgare (common pillbug), Forficula auricularia (European earwig) and Ommatoiulus moreleti (black Portuguese millipede). In the present study, the role of insecticide seed treatments in managing these species was examined. Species differed in their responses when exposed to seedlings coated with four commercially-available seed treatments. F. auricularia numbers were reduced by treatments of fipronil (Cosmos) and a mixture of clothianidin and imidacloprid (Poncho Plus). These treatments also reduced A. vulgare numbers, as did a third product, a mixture of thiamethoxam and lambda-cyhalothrin (Cruiser Opti). Mortality of O. moreleti was affected by all four seed treatments. Importantly, arthropod mortality did not always correlate with the levels of protection conferred by each treatment. This points to a complexity of interactions between plant, chemical and pest feeding behaviour. These results are discussed in the context of developing pest management options for these widespread arthropods.

Crop Seedling Susceptibility to Armadillidium vulgare (Isopoda: Armadillidiidae) and Ommatoiulus moreletii (Diplopoda: Iulidae).

The isopod, Armadillidium vulgare (Latreille) (Isopoda: Armadillidiidae), and the millipede, Ommatoiulus moreletii (Lucas) (Diplopoda: Iulidae), are increasingly being reported as pests of emerging broadacre crop seedlings in southern Australia. This is thought to be due to the increased adoption of stubble retention practices, leading to increased abundance of these soil-dwelling organisms. Here, we evaluate the propensity of A. vulgare and O. moreletii to damage a range of crop seedlings. Through the combined analysis of a controlled feeding trial and field reports, we show A. vulgare is able to feed on and damage a range of pulses, legumes, cereals, and oilseeds, as emerging seedlings. O. moreletii had a more restricted range of feeding, being limited to lupin, lucerne, and canola in the feeding trial. These results are discussed in the context of developing pest management guidelines for these species.

Revision of the genus Ommatoiulus Latzel, 1884 (Julida, Diplopoda) in Portugal, with description of six new species

In this work we present a revision of the genus Ommatoiulus Latzel, 1884 in Portugal. Based on recently collected material and older museum samples, including type specimens, we describe six new species to science, viz. Ommatoiulus alacygni sp. nov., O. camurus sp. nov., O. denticulatus sp. nov., O. litoralis sp. nov., O. staglae sp. nov. and O. stellaris sp. nov. The species O. alacygni sp. nov., O. denticulatus sp. nov. and O. staglae sp. nov. described from the Algarve are outstanding by their extremely reduced mesomerital process. The species O. porathi (Verhoeff, 1893) and O. andalusius (Attems, 1927) are recorded and redescribed for the first time after their original description. The finding of O. andalusius – originally described from Andalusia in Spain – constitutes a new record for Portugal together with two species, viz. O. fuentei (Brolemann, 1920) and O. martensi Mauriès, 1969. The taxonomic status of several species is revised. Thus Archiulus (Schistocoxitus) cingulatus Attems, 1927 is here considered as a junior synonym of Ommatoiulus lusitanus (Verhoeff, 1895) while Schizophyllum cervinum Verhoeff, 1910 is synonymized with Ommatoiulus moreleti (Lucas, 1860). An identification key to all hitherto known Portuguese species of Ommatoiulus is presented as well as a distribution map illustrating the various species occurrences in the country.

Mechanisms linking fungal conditioning of leaf litter to detritivore feeding activity

Saprotrophic fungi are one of the primary groups of organisms responsible for decomposition and nutrient cycling processes. Aside from their direct effects on litter decomposition, these organisms may indirectly affect litter invertebrate activity via fungal-mediated conditioning (i.e. ‘priming’) of litter substrates. While this priming effect is generally assumed to take place, this assumption is based on correlative observations and feeding preference trials rather than experimental discrimination of the mechanisms driving the process. We used a microcosm experiment of brown-rot (Fistulina hepatica, Fomitopsis lilacinogilva) and white-rot (Pycnoporus coccineus) fungi on two sclerophyllous leaf litters (Eucalyptus loxophleba and Acacia acuminata) to test if a fungal-mediated change in plant litter increased the nutritive value of the food source, and if a change in cell-wall (structural) compounds reduced the toughness of leaves, resulting in increased feeding activity by invertebrates. Brown- and white-rot fungal colonization had significant and diverse effects on the total nutrient concentrations and proportions of cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose of the leaf litter–fungi complex. However, significant decreases in leaf toughness and increases in mass loss and leaf fragmentation associated with detritivorous millipede (Ommatoiulus moreletii) activity only occurred in white-rot primed microcosms relative to the control. The mechanisms by which the white-rot fungus affected both leaf toughness and millipede feeding activity differed between leaf litters. In E. loxophleba microcosms, reduced leaf toughness and increased millipede grazing were mediated by relative changes in litter inorganic chemistry, rather than structural compounds, whereas in A. acuminata microcosms the effects of fungal priming were not mediated by either. These results suggest that, in the early stages of decomposition, fungal priming effects on leaf litter nutrients are a more important determinant of litter–invertebrate interactions than changes to litter structural compounds. Furthermore, different species of fungi interact with different litter types and invertebrates in functionally different ways.

Ophyiulus in Victoria: results of millipede surveys from south-eastern Australia

The composition and ecology of the millipede fauna of Victoria remain poorly understood. We collected millipedes as part of a series of ecological arthropod surveys across south-eastern Australia, focusing mainly on Victoria. These samples almost exclusively contained millipedes from the introduced order Julida. We pursued species identification of the julids when it became apparent there were species other than the well-recorded Ommatoiulus moreleti (Lucas, 1860) (Portuguese millipede) in the samples. The majority of specimens were O. moreleti, but we also detected at least one species of Cylindroiulus Verhoeff, 1894, as well as an Ophyiulus Berlese, 1884, species, specimens of which have been identified as Ophyiulus cf. targionii. These are the first Ophyiulus records for Victoria to our knowledge. We present preliminary data on the abundance through the year of Ophyiulus. This is the first study to examine this species in Victoria and little is currently known about its likely impact on agriculture or on native species. Monitoring and research of the species in the future is therefore warranted.

Invasions of the Portuguese millipede, Ommatoiulus moreleti, in southern Australia

The Portuguese millipede, Ommatoiulus moreleti, was first recorded in Australia on Eyre Peninsula, South Australia in 1953. By the early 1980s, O. moreleti had spread to several sites across southern Australia where it had become a significant nuisance pest invading houses in large numbers in autumn and spring. At that time, it was predicted that O. moreleti would further expand its distribution to occupy most areas of southern Australia with mean annual rainfall of 300-2400. mm (excluding areas with summer rain maxima), mean daily minimum air temperatures in winter of 0-15. °C and mean daily maximum temperatures in summer of 18-33. °C, based on climatic matching of where it had already spread to. This paper reports the known distribution of O. moreleti in Australia in 2013 and confirms the earlier prediction. Whilst stadial age and body size (width) of O. moreleti now vary greatly between individual sites in Australia, geographic scale patterns in these traits are slight, with both age and size only weakly correlated with rainfall and temperature. Millipedes are smaller in Australia compared with Portugal. The importance of this size variation is discussed with reference to its likely influence on fecundity and the success of an introduced biological control agent ( Pelidnoptera nigripennis: Diptera, Sciomyzidae)

The Blue Land Planarian, Caenoplana coerulea Moseley (Tricladida: Geoplanidae), a Predator of Ommatoiulus moreleti (Lucas) (Diplopoda: Julidae) in Southern Australia

ABSTRACTThe blue planarian, Caenoplana coerulea, is a predator of the black Portuguese millipede, Ommatoiulus moreleti, an introduced nuisance pest in southern Australia. Some observations on the reproduction and early development of C. coerulea are included.

Summer quiescent behaviour of the millipede Ommatoiulus moreleti (Julida: Julidae)

The millipede Ommatoiulus moreleti (Lucas), (Julidae) originates in the south‐west Iberian Peninsula, and has successfully invaded parts of southern Australia with hot, dry summers. The species is inactive in the field during summer but is active in autumn, particularly following rains, and in spring. There is some activity in winter. In this paper, the temperature and humidity determinants of seasonal behaviour are analysed, in particular the conditions causing summer quiescence.Experiments using a millipede treadmill apparatus at different temperatures at 95% RH showed an almost linear response of locomotor activity with temperature between 3 and 21°C, but when the temperature was increased to 28°C, the millipedes became quiescent. Activity could he restored by reducing the temperature.When the millipedes were exposed to 45% RH there was comparatively little activity at any temperature. Field evidence indicates ii rapid breaking of quiescence with surface moistureThe success of O. moreleti in invading the surface‐litter habitat in South Australia can he explained by its ability to avoid desiccation; its adaptations include its quiescent behaviour during summer and its ability to moult from a winter (reproductive) to B summer (non‐reproductive) form.

The distribution of the millipede Ommatoiulus moreleti (Diplopoda, Julida: Julidae) in relation to other Ommatoiulus species on the south‐western Iberian Peninsula

Ommatoiuius moreleti(Lucas) occurs naturally in Portugal and Spain, and has been introduced to some Atlantic Islands, South Africa and southern Australia, where it is widespread and numerous.In southern Portugal and south‐west Spain, O. moreleti shares its range with O. oliveirae (Verhoeff), O. cingulatus (Attems) and several undescribed Ommatoiulus spp. In a study area where O. moreleti was confined to deep litter beneath Quercus trees, O. oliveirae predominated in litter of the bushes Cistus spp., while O. cingulatus was most numerous in an area dominated by grasses and herbs, but with little litter. The three species tended to eat different food items, but this probably reflected local availability rather than preference. Ommatoiulus moreleti has a distinct western boundary which broadly corresponds with changes in the quantity of litter on the ground. The distribution of O. moreleti was related to the availability of deep litter, often provided by Pinus and Quercus trees, but also by dense shrubs and heath, and undisturbed grassland.In addition to providing food, litter provides a refuge for O. moreleti. Grassland species such as O. cingulutus live where there is little litter, and probably have to dig deep in the soil to avoid summer desiccation and predation of immature stages. It is suggested that soil hardness and litter depth may be important determinants in the distribution of O. moreleti, and relative digging ability may explain the partitioning of the habitat between the three species studied.

The Association Between Rhabditis Necromena Sudhaus & Schulte, 1989 (Nematoda: Rhabditidae) and Native and Introduced Millipedes in South Australia

The microbotrophic nematode Rhabditis necromena (Rhabditidae) is a promising biological control agent against the introduced pest millipede, Ommatoiulus moreletii in South Australia. The actual host appears to be the native Australian millipede Akamptogonus novarae. Dauer juveniles of R. necromena remain inside the haemocoel of this host until it dies and resume their development after feeding on bacteria present in the decaying carcass ('necromeny'). In contrast, soil bacteria that are attached to the surface of the invading nematode juveniles, regularly cause a lethal contamination in the non-adapted O. moreletii.

Rhabditis (Rhabditis) Necromena Sp. N. (Nematoda: Rhabditidae) From South Australian Diplopoda With Notes On Its Siblings R. Myriophila Poinar, 1986 and R. Ca Uller Yi Maupas, 1919

Based on a laboratory culture, R. necromena from Diplopoda in South Australia is described. Is is a self-fertilizing hermaphrodite with males occurring rarely. It can be distinguishcd from other Rhabditis species by its long reflexion of the testis (about 43-56% of gonad length). Otherwise it differs slightly morphologically from other members of the Insectivora-group. A critical comparison is made in particular to R. myriophila Poinar, 1986, originally cultured from millipedes as well. R. necromena is shown to be of economic importance as a biological control agent against the introduced millipede Ommatoiulus moreletii in South Australia.

Behaviour of the millipedes Ommatoiulus moreletii, Ophyiulus verruculiger and Oncocladosoma castaneum in response to visible light; an explanation for the invasion of houses by Ommatoiulus moreletii

Behaviour of the millipedes <i>Ommatoiulus moreletii, Ophyiulus verruculiger</i> and <i>Oncocladosoma castaneum</i> in response to visible light; an explanation for the invasion of houses by <i>Ommatoiulus moreletii</i>

The natural decline of an introduced species following its initial increase in abundance; an explanation for Ommatoiulus moreletii in Australia.

The black Portuguese millipede, Ommatoiulus moreletii, an exotic species first reported in Australia in 1953, shows a pattern of initial eruption and subsequent decline in abundance following its introduction to sites in South Australia. Comparative sampling of new, erupted populations and older, declined populations was done in an attempt to find testable hypotheses to account for the decline. We report on laboratory and field experiments which show that a native rhabditid nematode appears to be the causal agent for the decline of populations of O. moreletii in South Australia. Implications for the biological control of introduced species are discussed in terms of this work.

Recognition of Mates in the Portuguese Millipede, Ommatoiulus-Moreletii

The mating behaviour of the Portuguese millipede, Ommatoiulus moreletii, was observed in the laboratory. Male attention towards females appeared to be initiated on contact. Mating activity was more frequent in the night phase of the photoperiod and was not inhibited by darkness. This suggested that a visual signal was not important in mate recognition. Females without antennae mated readily, but males without antennae did not, which suggests that males use their antennae to recognise females. Experiments in T-mazes and petri dishes showed that males were not attracted towards females, nor did they increase activity in the presence of females they could not touch, which implied that an airborne signal such as a volatile pheromone was not used. It was concluded that males use some characteristic of the female cuticle, possibly a chemical secretion, to recognise mates.