Sweep Nets Research Articles

Evaluation of the diversity and abundance of selected insect orders (Orthoptera, Hymenoptera and Coleoptera) in a wetland in Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria

This study assessed the diversity and abundance of selected insect orders (Orthoptera, Hymenoptera and Coleoptera) in a wetland at Federal University Oye-Ekiti. Insects were collected from February to April, 2022 using a combination of pitfall traps, sweep nets and active hunting methods. Arthropods were identified up to the generic level and counted monthly. A total of 3654 individuals belonging to 3 orders, 21 families and 54 species were recorded from the studied habitat. The highest relative abundance of 19.37603% was found in Odontomachus monticola (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). In this study, Hymenoptera was the most dominant order while Orthoptera was the least dominant order. The active hunting method collected the highest number of insects while the sweep net method collected the lowest number of insects. Results of the percentage distribution of insect species and individual insects revealed that for both active hunting and pitfall trap methods, the Order Hymenoptera had the highest percentage distribution while the Order Coleoptera had the lowest percentage distribution. Results of the diversity index across the collection methods revealed that the Sweep net method had the highest insect diversity and evenness (H’=2.492, 0.4317) while the Pitfall method had the lowest insect diversity and evenness (H’=1.818, 0.126). Results of one- way ANOVA showed no significant difference in species composition across habitats at a 5% probability level. This study has shown that the etlandd at Federal University Oye- Ekiti is rich in insect species with the Order Hymenoptera being the most abundant.

Population dynamics and diversity of pests and natural enemies in various organic rice regimes across different phenological stages in rice

A field study was conducted at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research to investigate insect pest populations and their natural enemies in different organic rice modules during the rabi 2020 season. Three organic rice regimes, farmers’ practice and untreated control were compared across three phenological stages in rice for the population dynamics of pests and natural enemies of Hemiptera and Hymenoptera. Sampling was done fortnightly for three months using various methods such as visual counting, sticky traps, sweep netting, and D-net. Pest and predator populations peaked during the vegetative stage, while parasitoids peaked during the reproductive stage. Pest population means were highest in untreated control during the reproductive and ripening stages exhibiting the impact of treatments. The predator population was highest in untreated control during the vegetative and reproductive stage, while parasitoid population size was highest in Pseudomonas treatment in the vegetative and reproduction stages of the crop and the Trichoderma treatment in the ripening stage. Predator diversity was highest in untreated control during vegetative and reproductive stages of the crop while parasitoid diversity was maximum during reproductive and ripening stage. Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the population of pests and natural enemies was found to be positive and highly significant.

Bee Diversity and Abundance During Peach Bloom in South Carolina, United States

ABSTRACTPeach (Prunus persica [L.] Batsch) is an important speciality fruit crop in the United States. Peach is self‐compatible, but bee pollination enhances fruit sets and diverse populations improve pollination efficiency. However, the bee diversity and abundance in peach orchards in South Carolina are unknown. To understand this, we sampled bees during peach tree bloom at two locations in South Carolina—the Clemson University Musser Fruit Research Center (MFRC) and a peach farm in Ridge Spring, South Carolina. Overall, a total of 651 bees were collected from peach orchards, of which Bombus (37%) and Apis (32%) were the most dominant genera, followed by Eucera (14%), Andrena (8%) and Habropoda (5%). Diversity indices indicate higher species richness and diversity at the Ridge Spring farm than at MFRC. Dominant species at the MFRC were Apis mellifera (36.77%), Bombus bimaculatus (29.1%), B. griseocolis (12%) and Eucera hamata (8%). In contrast, the Ridge Spring farm was dominated by A. mellifera (24.17%), Habropoda laboriosa (12%), Andrena barbara (12%), E. atriventris (11.72%) and B. bimaculatus (11.35%). In comparing the effectiveness of sampling methods, blue vane traps (BVTs) captured more bees than aerial sweep netting. Furthermore, BVTs predominantly captured larger‐sized bees, while smaller‐sized bees were more frequently collected using sweep netting. Throughout peach bloom, differences in bee abundance were observed over time as well. Our study sheds light on the bee diversity and abundance in South Carolina peach orchards, revealing variations between locations. This knowledge of bee diversity and abundance will provide baseline information on bee communities in peach orchards and will help develop suitable pollinator conservation programs.

Mimicking biological method with inorganic and organic compounds modified clays for continuous controlling of Microcystis aeruginosa

Although clay dispersion is one of the few techniques currently used in the field to control cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs), low flocculation efficiency and resuspension of flocculated algal cells are its main drawbacks. This study simulated the "flocculatio-lysis-degradation-nutrient regulation" model of biocontrol technique to develop a modified clay (ECRE-CS-PFS-CPL) using polyferric sulfate (PFS), chitosan (CS) and Eichhornia crassipes root extracts (ECRE) to modify the clinoptilolite (CPL). The results revealed that ECRE-CS-PFS-CPL introduced functional groups, specifically aldehyde group —CHO and amide group —CO-NH—, leading to an enhanced void structure. At 0.2 g/L concentration, ECRE-CS-PFS-CPL demonstrated a removal efficiency of 98.02 % within 30 min. ECRE-CS-PFS-CPL exhibited a positive charge in nature water, leveraging charge neutralisation to expedite the flocculation of M. aeruginosa cells. The combination of coated CS and algal cells resulted in the formation of large, dense flocs through net sweeping and bridging, which was 58.28 times larger than control. Subsequently, the loaded ECRE inhibited the algal cells via allelopathy. The inhibition activated the antioxidant system of M. aeruginosa, with significant increases in catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Photosynthetic pigments (Chl-a), photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) and maximum relative photosynthetic electron transfer rate (ETRmax) were markedly reduced, indicating the damage to photosynthetic system. Furthermore, Chl-a remained consistently low during extended monitoring, registering at 4.98 % of control after 40 days. ECRE-CS-PFS-CPL effectively reduced microcystins by 81.48 % and phosphate levels in algal cultures by 91.92 % compared to control. Consequently, ECRE-CS-PFS-CPL offers an efficient, environmentally safe and sustainable solution for CyanoHABs control.

Coagulation performance and mechanism of different novel covalently bonded organic silicon-aluminum/iron composite coagulant for As(V) removal from water: The role of hydrolysate species and the effect of coexisting microplastics

Arsenate [As(V)] pollution is a challenge for water treatment, and the effect of coexisting microplastics (MPs) on As(V) removal is still not clear. In this study, series novel covalently bonded organic silicon-aluminum/iron composite coagulants (CSA/F) with different Al/Fe molar ratios were prepared for enhancing As(V) removal. The effect mechanism of MPs (PS MPs and PS-COOH MPs) on As(V) removal by using CSAF coagulation was analyzed. CSAF and CSF showed significantly better As(V) removal performance than other coagulants under the same conditions, especially CSF, more than 90 % As(V) removal was achieved at dosage of 20 mg/L and pH of 4.0–8.0. Interestingly, the introduction of silane coupling agent and the increase of Fe content in CSA/F changed the Al/Fe species distribution. Charge neutralization dominant in As(V) removal by using CSA, whereas adsorption and net sweeping contributed to As(V) coagulation by using CSAF and CSF with higher iron proportion at neutral pH. 3 µm MPs were removed by net sweeping of amorphous Al/Fe hydroxides, while 26 µm MPs were charge-neutralized or surface adsorbed by coagulant hydrolysates. The aliphatic C-H and -COOH functional groups of MPs were the main sites of hydrogen bonding adsorption with the hydroxyl groups of coagulant hydrolysates. This study is conducive to mitigating the environmental toxicity of arsenic and provides new insights into the interaction mechanism between composite pollutants and coagulants in waters.

Effects of Environmental Factors on the Diversity of Grasshopper Communities along Altitude Gradients in Xizang, China.

To determine the grasshopper species composition, altitudinal distribution patterns, and their main drivers, we conducted a study in Xizang using 33 sample plots ranging from 600 to 4100 m. Grasshoppers were collected from August to October during 2020-2022 using sweep nets. A total of 1159 grasshoppers from six families, 28 genera, and 44 species were identified, with Omocestus cuonaensis and Aserratus eminifrontus as the dominant species, comprising 30.03% and 10.26% of total grasshoppers, respectively. The results showed that species richness and the Margalef richness index of grasshopper communities decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing altitude, peaking at 1100-1600 m and lowest values at 2600-3100 m. Similarly, the Shannon-Wiener index and Simpson dominance index also decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with an increase in altitude, showing the highest and lowest values at 600-1100 m and 3100-3600 m, respectively. The Jaccard similarity coefficients among grasshopper communities varied from 0 to 0.40 across altitudinal gradients, indicating different degrees of dissimilarity. The results of Pearson correlation analyses showed that the Shannon-Wiener index, species richness, Margalef richness index, and Simpson dominance index of grasshopper communities were significantly negatively correlated with the temperature factors and soil pH, but they were significantly positively correlated with the moisture factors. Hierarchical partitioning identified annual mean temperature-daily difference, precipitation in the coldest season, and driest month precipitation as the primary factors explaining variance in grasshopper community diversity in Xizang. These findings provided greater insights into the mechanisms underlying insect community structure, distribution patterns, and diversity in Xizang ecosystems, including implications for the effects of global warming on insect communities.

Taxon‐specific response of natural enemies to different flower strip mixtures

Abstract Flower strips are a prominent agri‐environmental scheme with the central objective to promote biodiversity and maintain associated ecosystem services. The promotion of natural enemies by increasing resource availability through flower strips is a promising approach for integrated pest management. In a 3‐year field study, two annual and two perennial flower strip mixtures, as well as a grass mixture, were tested regarding their attractiveness for natural enemies at three different study sites in Germany. Natural enemies were sampled annually in nine sampling rounds at a 10‐day rhythm using sweep netting and pitfall traps. To assess available floral resources, we estimated the species‐specific flower cover and classified species into flower types. Flower strip mixtures differed in their attractiveness to natural enemies. Treatment effects on arthropod activity density were most pronounced in the second and third year. Overall, perennial were more attractive than annual flower strip mixtures for most natural enemies, however, the response to flower strip mixtures varied significantly among taxa. For example, perennial flower strips showed a two‐ to fourfold increase of plant‐dwelling spider and parasitoid wasp activity density as well as higher numbers of juvenile stages of predatory bugs and rove beetles compared to annual flower strips. In contrast, annual flower strip mixtures showed the highest attractiveness for ground beetles. Moreover, different natural enemy taxa were associated with varying flower strip characteristics such as flower type proportion, herbivore availability and plant species richness. Synthesis and applications. We found taxon‐specific responses of natural enemies to different flower strips, which provide guidance for the floral composition of flower strips in order to maximize their effectiveness for natural pest control. We suggest the use of perennial mixtures with high proportion of flower heads (Asteraceae) and disk flowers (esp. Apiaceae, Rubiaceae, Brassicaceae) in particular, but also flag blossoms (Fabaceae) as these flower types were positively associated with several natural enemy groups. However, since we found mixed responses to flower types, specific flower strip composition will ultimately depends on its objective.

The diversity and ecological roles of insects and arachnids in arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) plantation in Palasari, Bandung Regency

Keanekaragaman komunitas artropoda dapat dijadikan sebagai bioindikator perubahan lingkungan khususnya pada sistem budi daya kopi dengan sistem pengelolaan yang beragam. Sistem pengelolaan lahan yang beragam akan menimbulkan perubahan struktur komunitas dan fungsi ekologis artropoda. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk menganalisis keanekaragaman dan peranan serangga dan Arachnida pada perkebunan kopi Arabika di Kabupaten Bandung. Sampel diambil dari perkebunan kopi di Desa Legok Nyenang, Kabupaten Bandung dengan menetapkan lima plot sampel berukuran 100 m2 per plot dengan jarak antar plot sejauh 50 m. Serangga dan Arachnida terestrial diambil menggunakan jaring ayun, perangkap nampan kuning, dan beating sheet. Sampel yang diperoleh diidentifikasi berdasarkan karakter morfologi hingga tingkat morfospesies. Sebanyak 269 jenis serangga (11 ordo dan 98 famili, total 669 individu) dan 23 jenis Aachnida (satu ordo dan 13 famili, total 44 individu) berhasil dikumpulkan dari perkebunan kopi Arabika Palasari. Peran ekologi yang paling beragam adalah fitofag. Spesies fitofag yang dominan adalah Nysius sp. (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae). Musuh alami yang dominan, yaitu parasitoid Megacampsomeris prismatica (Hymenoptera: Scoliidae) dan predator, Tetragnatha sp. (Araneae: Tetragnathidae), sedangkan fungsi ekologis yang jumlahnya paling rendah adalah serangga penyerbuk (Hymenoptera: Apidae). Keanekaragaman jenis serangga dan Arachnida yang ditemukan pada pertanaman kopi di Kabupaten Bandung termasuk dalam kategori tinggi (H' = 5,10), meskipun indeks kemerataan dan dominansinya tergolong rendah. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pertanaman kopi merupakan ekosistem yang potensial bagi konservasi keanekaragaman hayati serangga dan Arachnida predator sehingga praktik budi daya dan pengelolaan hama harus diarahkan untuk melindungi serangga menguntungkan, seperti musuh alami dan polinator.

Nationwide Inventory of Mosquitoes and the Distribution of Invasive Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1894) on the Islands of Sao Tome and Principe in Central Africa.

Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894), a mosquito originating in Asia, has been introduced to Africa since the 2000s. The mosquito is not only a nuisance but is capable of transmitting various arboviruses. The current study summarized our entomological surveys in the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe during 2000 to 2016. Adult mosquitoes were collected by sweep nets, human landing catches, and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) light traps, and the immatures were collected from water-filled habitats at 15 sentinel sites and reared to adulthood. Species identification was performed based on morphologic characteristics. Fragments of the cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) and the Wolbachia surface protein (wsp) genes were amplified for mosquitoes collected in Principe. New records of four mosquito species were reported. Aedes albopictus was identified in 2015. The larvae were found distributed over the nation and were predominately in artificial water-holding containers (488/2698, 18.1%). The highest positive rate was observed in used tires in Príncipe (114/250, 45.6%). Mitochondrial DNA analysis revealed low genetic diversity among the invasive populations, but all tested specimens were superinfected by Wolbachia. The ability of Ae. albopictus to adapt to new environments and its involvement in disease transmission make the surveillance and control of this species particularly important.

Species Composition and Feeding Behaviors of Vector Mosquitoes of Avian Infectious Diseases at a Wild Bird Rehabilitation Facility in Japan.

Although wild bird rehabilitation facilities are important for the conservation of wild species, individuals may be kept within the facilities for long periods, consequently posing a risk for the bird to be infected with pathogens to which they are not naturally exposed. In turn, novel pathogens may be introduced through rescued migratory species. Avian malaria and West Nile fever are important avian diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. To understand the transmission dynamics of such diseases at rehabilitation facilities, the ecology of vector mosquitoes, including species composition, seasonality, and feeding behaviors, were explored. Mosquitoes were collected at a wild bird rehabilitation facility and wildlife sanctuary in Japan from 2019 to 2020 using mouth aspirators, sweep nets, and light traps. A total of 2,819 mosquitoes of 6 species were captured, all of which are potential vectors of avian diseases. Culex pipiens pallens and Cx. pipiens form molestus were the dominant species (82.9% of all collected mosquitoes). Density and seasonality differed between sampling locations, presumably because of differences in mosquito behaviors including feeding preferences and responses to climatic factors. Blood-fed Culex mosquitoes fed solely on birds, and many mosquito species are thought to have fed on birds within the facility. Particularly, Cx. pipiens group probably fed on both rescued and free-living birds. The rehabilitation facility may be an important site for the introduction and spread of pathogens because 1) numerous mosquitoes inhabit the hospital and its surroundings; 2) blood-fed mosquitoes are caught within the hospital; 3) there is direct contact between birds and mosquitoes; 4) both birds within the hospital and wild birds are fed upon. Furthermore, blood-fed Cx. pipiens form molestus were observed in the winter, suggesting that pathogens might be transmitted even during the winter when other mosquito species are inactive.

A morphological traits dataset of Heteroptera sampled in biodiversity priority areas of Southwest China

Functional traits reveal the adaptive strategies of species to their environment, and are relevant to the formation of communities, the function of ecosystems, and the mechanisms underlying biodiversity. However, trait databases have not been established for most biological taxa, especially for insects, which encompass a vast number of species. This study measured the morphological traits of 307 species of Heteroptera insects collected in 2019 from the “Xishuangbanna Priority Conservation Area” in Southwest China using sweep netting and light trapping methods. This study provides a dataset for 307 Heteroptera species, comprising 34 morphometric measurements and 17 morphological traits. The dataset contains information on species sex, abundance, and the average, maximum, and minimum values of traits. This dataset facilitates an enhanced understanding of the functional traits and ecological associations of Heteroptera insects and offers opportunities for exploring a more diverse range of research topics.

Variations in the relative abundance of hemipteran species in different seasons and stages of rice growth depending on weather variations

Rompin has played an active role in Malaysia's rice production for several decades. However, it also faces a threat, particularly from the hemipteran insect pests. There is limited documentation on the abundance of these insects and their relationship with climatic factors. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the abundance of hemipterans in different growth stages and to understand the effects of climatic factors on their population in rice fields. The study was conducted in farmers' rice fields in Rompin, Pahang, Malaysia, during the main and off-season rice planting. Sweep nets, yellow sticky traps, and yellow pan traps were utilized in each plot. Trapped insects were identified based on the rice planting seasons and growth stages. The trends of climatic factors such as rainfall, temperature, light intensity, and wind speed were analysed and correlated with insect abundance. A total of 23,023 individuals belonging to eight families and eleven species of the hemipteran order were recorded. Nine of these species were pests, namely Leptocorisa oratorius, Recilia dorsalis, Nephotettix virescens, N. nigropictus, Amaurochrous dubius, Nilaparvata lugens, Sogatella furcifera, Nezara viridula, and Scotinophara coarctata. The remaining two species were predators, Cyrtorhinus lividipennis and Polytoxus fuscoviftatus. R. dorsalis, N. lugens, S. furcifera, and A. dubius were found in significantly higher numbers and exceptionally high during rice's late vegetative and early reproductive stages. The maximum temperature significantly increased during the main season, while wind speed increased dramatically during the off-season. Wind speed significantly correlated with N. virescens, S. furcifera, L. oratorius, and A. dubius. On the other hand, rainfall exhibited a significant correlation with L. oratorius. Various pest species and their high populations in this study pose a significant threat to plants due to their preferences for different plant parts and strata.

Supportive effect of uncut refuge strips on grassland arthropods may depends on the amount and width of strips

Abstract Vast grassland areas disappear due to abandonment, conversion to arable fields or urban areas. Consequently, grassland species have declined dramatically during and since the last century. The majority of remaining European grasslands are managed, many of them by mowing, which, in general, decreases arthropods' abundance and species richness. Here, we aimed to study the effects of width and proportion of refuge areas on local abundance and richness of arthropods in hay meadows. Within a ca. 4000 ha semi‐natural grassland area of the Great Hungarian Plain, we established refuge strips of different widths (3 and 9 m) and proportion of total field area (10 and 25%) following a randomised block design with six replicates per treatment. We studied five arthropod groups (grasshoppers, true bugs, carabids and ground‐dwelling and vegetation‐dwelling spiders), which we sampled 2 weeks after mowing by sweep netting and pitfall traps. Uncut strips were warmer and moister than the mown areas. The effects of refuge strips and their arrangement were stronger on the vegetation‐dwelling than on ground‐dwelling arthropods, although all taxa were affected in some way. We found more true bugs in mown areas between narrow strips than between wide strips. The interaction effect of width and proportion of refuge strips on the abundance of grasshoppers, ground‐dwelling spiders and species richness of carabids showed that wider strips are more beneficial if their proportion is low and narrow strips are more beneficial with high proportion. Synthesis and applications: Our findings provide evidence that uncut refuge strips can harbour diverse and abundant arthropod assemblages in hay meadows and mitigate the adverse effects of uniformly executed mowing on arthropods. Modifying attributes and considering farming practices, wide strips with a low (10%) proportion of total field area seem optimal for both conservation and practitioners.

Assessment of biodiversity and seasonal dynamics of spiders in maize crops of Punjab, Pakistan

Spiders contribute significantly to natural pest control in agriculture. Here, we investigated the biodiversity, population dynamics and predatory activities of spiders in the maize-growing districts (Kasur and Lahore) of Punjab, Pakistan during 2018–2019. Various collecting methods including pitfall and yellow pan traps, manual hand-picking, beat sheet, and sweep nets were used to collect spiders on a biweekly basis. The collected 12,894 individuals represented 45 different species, 27 genera, and 13 families. The major families recorded were Araneidae (32.92%), Lycosidae (20.43%) and Salticidae (11.12%) comprising >64% of the overall abundance. Neoscona theisi (Araneidae) was found to be most dominant species (11.61%). Moreover, the species Macracantha hasselti (Araneidae) and Atypena formosana are reported for the first time from Pakistan. Besides, the estimated species diversity from both districts was 97%. The Margalef's index was highest in Kasur (D = 5.08) and lowest in Lahore (D = 4.95). The values of the Shannon-Wiener and species evenness indices were similar in Kasur and Lahore suggesting similar diversity levels and an even distribution. Spider abundance was highest in April and lowest in June and July. These findings will help to develop effective Integrated Pest Management strategies in maize growing areas across the world.

Biology, ecology, and taxonomy of the parasitoids of the families of Austroniidae, Peradeniidae, Proctorenyxidae, Roproniidae, and Vanhorniidae (Hymenoptera: Proctotrupoidea)

Proctotrupoidae are koinobiont endoparasitoids of holometabolous insect larvae. Although Proctrotrupidae can be common and readily collected by sweep netting or Malaise traps, the superfamily is poorly known biologically. Proctotrupoidae are parasitoids of Coleoptera and, to a lesser extent, Diptera larvae, with one extraordinary host record from a centipede, whereas Heloridae has been reared from Neuroptera larvae. Extralimital families attacking Coleoptera and Neuroptera (Austroniidae, Peradeniidae, Proctorenyxidae) are biologically unknown. This work studies the biology, ecology, and taxonomy of the parasitoids of the Families of Roproniidae, Vanhorniidae, Austroniidae, Proctorenyxidae and Peradeniidae (Hymenoptera: Proctotrupoidea). In terms of the type of research source, we worked with scientific articles published in national and international journals. This modality of production, in addition to being commonly the most valued in the set of bibliographic production, is the most easily accessed. Access to articles was through virtual libraries such as Scielo, the University of São Paulo, Latin American Literature, and the University of Brasilia. This library has a specific section for Hymenoptera, with eight journals and texts of articles available in full. The journals included in this section are the following: Zootaxa, Canadian Journal of Zoology, Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington, Memoirs of the American Entomological Institute, Florida Entomologist, Canadian Entomologist, Neotropical Entomology, Cladistics, Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology, Insect Systematics &amp; Evolution, Journal of Hymenoptera Research. Considering only this section constitutes a limitation of the study since articles belonging to journals that integrate other sections of the aforementioned electronic library could also contribute to the discussion of the production of knowledge about the relationship between hosts and parasitoids. However, in principle, within these articles, there could not necessarily be a discussion focused on biology, ecology, and taxonomy.

Diversity and Abundance of Butterfly Species Complex in Two Diverse Habitats of Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, India

Butterflies are important bio-indicators that should be protected to conserve the biodiversity and environment. They play an important role in the food chain and are valuable pollinators in the local environment. The present study investigated and compared the butterfly abundance and diversity within two different habitats (i) Undisturbed and (ii) Disturbed, in Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya Campus, Jabalpur Madhya Pradesh. A total of 24 butterfly species were recorded during the study from June 2022 to July 2023 using transects with the aid of sweep nets. An overall total of 2537 butterflies were recorded, which spread across 05 families 17 genera and 23 species. The most abundant family of butterflies caught in undisturbed ecosystems was Pieridae 38% followed by Nymphalidae 27%, Lycaenidae 14%, Papilionidae and Hesperiidae 7%. In disturbed ecosystems butterflies were distributed as Pieridae being dominated with 52% followed by Lycaenidae at 22%, Nymphalidae at 16%, Hesperiidae at 7% and Papilionidae at 3%. The undisturbed habitat was more diversified (H’-1.59) in butterfly diversity than the disturbed habitat (H’- 1.20).

Dry grasslands in urban areas can harbour arthropod species of local conservation concern and should be prioritised for biodiversity‐friendly mowing regimes

Abstract Although urbanisation is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, its effect on particular invertebrate groups remains ambiguous on local and landscape scales. We aimed to analyse the effect of urban grassland management on spiders (Araneae) and carabids (Coleoptera: Carabidae), as well as other local and landscape parameters. We investigated 27 grasslands of two different management intensities (‘extensive’: one to two late cuts with removal of biomass [n = 18]; ‘intensive’: three to five mulching cuts [n = 9]) in the city of Karlsruhe, Germany. Pitfall trapping and sweep netting were performed to sample carabids and spiders. Results indicate that urban grasslands in Karlsruhe are inhabited by species‐rich assemblages, including several species of conservation concern (cc). Latter remain mostly restricted to dry grassland. The number of total specimens and of those belonging to species of cc were negatively affected by intensive management. The number of specimens of species of cc further decreased with increasing humidity and in spiders, additionally, by vegetation height. Landscape factors had limited effects, and only isolation of meadows negatively influenced the species richness of carabids (total and of species of cc). Our results demonstrate that conservation of dry grasslands in urban areas is crucial for sustaining local arthropod communities. Dry urban grassland may also act as a refugium for species of cc and mitigate the global insect crisis on a local and regional scale. In conclusion, biodiversity‐friendly mowing regimes should be applied on a broader scale in urban areas and target especially dry grassland plots. In addition, increasing connectivity and permeability of the urban matrix assist the colonisation by species of cc.

Diversity of wasps (Hymenoptera) in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) farms in Basrah Governorate, Southern Iraq

Studies on the diversity of parasitoid wasps in agroecosystems exemplify the first stage of recognizing the best species to be used in biological control programs. There is an increased effort to recognize the diversity of pests in agroecosystems, but information on agricultural environments in Iraq is still unknown. This study is interested in the diversity of wasps in a cultivated area in Basrah governorate and the identification of dominant species for potential application in biological control studies. Samples were collected from alfalfa farms between January and December 2020 using two insect collection methods: sweep nets and yellow pan traps in four stations in Basrah governorate. This paper confirms that there is a high diversity of wasp species in agricultural environments. During this study, 18 wasp species were recorded for the first time in Iraq. Gronotoma micromorpha recorded the highest annual relative abundance value of 26.5%, while Chalcis biguttata recorded the lowest relative abundance of 0.89% in most agricultural environments. Numerous studies on G. micromorpha indicate that it is a parasitoid of Liriomyza species (Diptera). Thus, this species may be an important agent in the biological control of this pest.

Pollinator insects on sugar palm (Arenga pinnata Merr.) in South Sumatera, Indonesia

Sugar palm production depends heavily on pollinator insects, including some insects related to A. pinnata. This study aimed to identify pollinating insect species, distribution, and biodiversity in four South Sumatran regions. Sweep nets and yellow sticky traps placed around the flowers of sugar palms were used to catch insects once a week. The trap is set up once every 24 hours. In the Ogan Ilir region, pollinating insect species such as Epuraea aestiva, Mystrops costaricensis, Elaidobius sp., Gabrius sp., and Brachypepluis sp. have been found. Apis meliefera, Apis cerana, Poliba occidentalis, Papilio sp., and Drosophila are found in the Musi Banyuasin of Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI). Drosophila, Graphium agamemnon, Appias libythea, Pothantus lydia, Mycalesis perseus, Vespa affinis, Tetragonula laeviceps, Tabanus sp., Aedes albopictus, Neurothemis fluctuans, Ypthima baldus, Cupha erymanthis, and Apis cerana were found in Muara Enim. Additionally, Muara Enim had the highest pollinator population, while Ogan Ilir had the lowest. Observations showed that the yellow sticky trap technique operated more effectively than the sweep net. The community is anticipated to gain from research by learning more about pollinating insects connected to sugar palms, their role in the surrounding ecosystem, and the bioecology of sugar palms.

Prevalensi dan Intensitas Ektoparasit pada Sapi yang dipelihara secara Intensif dan Semi Intensif di Kecamatan Pangkalan Susu Sumatera Utara

Beef cattle have a major role in meat production and meet animal protein needs. This study aims to identify and calculate the prevalence rate and level of ectoparasite infestation in beef cattle raised intensively and semi-intensively in Alur Measles village and Pangkalan Susu sub-district agricultural village. This research uses exploratory methods with tools such as sweep nets and tweezers. Sweep nets are used to catch ectoparasites flying around the cow’s body, while tweezers are used to pick up ectoparasites attached to the cow’s body. There are four families of ectoparasite consisting of four different types. The most common type of ectoparasite found is Rhipicephalus microplu. The highest attendance rate was seen in semi-intensively raised cows, with the ectoparasite Rhipicephalus microplus present rate reaching 100% which can be categorized as “always present”. Meanwhile, the lowest attendance rate was seen in intensively reared cattle, with the ectoparasite Chryomya megacephala present at a rate of 26%, which can be categorized as ”frequently present”. The highest infestation rate also occurred in semi-intensively raised cattle, with an Rhipicephalus microplus infestation rate of 6.88, which can be categorized as “moderate”. Meanwhile, the lowest infestation rate occurred in intensively raised cows, with an infestation rate of 0.28, which can be categorized as “very low”I.