In or Out-of-Madagascar?—Colonization Patterns for Large-Bodied Diving Beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)

High species diversity and endemism within Madagascar is mainly the result of species radiations following colonization from nearby continents or islands. Most of the endemic taxa are thought to be descendants of a single or small number of colonizers that arrived from Africa sometime during the Cenozoic and gave rise to highly diverse groups. This pattern is largely based on vertebrates and a small number of invertebrate groups. Knowledge of the evolutionary history of aquatic beetles on Madagascar is lacking, even though this species-rich group is often a dominant part of invertebrate freshwater communities in both standing and running water. Here we focus on large bodied diving beetles of the tribes Hydaticini and Cybistrini. Our aims with this study were to answer the following questions 1) How many colonization events does the present Malagasy fauna originate from? 2) Did any colonization event lead to a species radiation? 3) Where did the colonizers come from—Africa or Asia—and has there been any out-of-Madagascar event? 4) When did these events occur and were they concentrated to any particular time interval? Our results suggest that neither in Hydaticini nor in Cybistrini was there a single case of two or more endemic species forming a monophyletic group. The biogeographical analysis indicated different colonization histories for the two tribes. Cybistrini required at least eight separate colonization events, including the non-endemic species, all comparatively recent except the only lotic (running water) living Cybister operosus with an inferred colonization at 29 Ma. In Hydaticini the Madagascan endemics were spread out across the tree, often occupying basal positions in different species groups. The biogeographical analyses therefore postulated the very bold hypothesis of a Madagascan origin at a very deep basal node within Hydaticus and multiple out-of-Madagascar dispersal events. This hypothesis needs to be tested with equally intense taxon sampling of mainland Africa as for Madagascar.     

Ground Beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in Forest Fragments of the Manawatu, New Zealand: Collapsed Assemblages?

Botanically diverse and well-maintained, protected forest fragments in the Manawatu area of the North Island of New Zealand contained very species-poor carabid assemblages. In a nearby large forest tract, the potential source area, nine species were caught in pitfall traps, while the largest forest remnant had two species, and a well-managed suburban forest patch had three species but only one with a potentially reproducing population. Lack of grazing and high botanical diversity was insufficient to maintain the potential carabid assemblage in these fragments. Predation risk and a low dispersal power in endemic New Zealand ground beetles, combined with fragment size and degree of isolation could contribute to this collapse. Active management of ground-active invertebrate species seems necessary to protect them in isolated forest fragments in New Zealand.     

Macrophytes in tropical shallow lakes: An important food item to benthic entomofauna or an underused resource?

Although macrophytes are known to increase benthic diversity in lakes, the importance of this resource as food for the insects living at the bottom of these ecosystems are still poorly understood. This study assessed the diets of benthic Chironomidae and Campsurus (Ephemeroptera) in two environments: a lake with macrophytes (M+) and another without macrophytes (M?). We expected a differential use of food resources in M+, where plant tissue is particularly important for the aquatic insects’ diet. The diet of 734 individuals from 16 taxa were analyzed. Contrary to expectations, benthic insects consumed low amounts of plant tissue. This finding led us to investigate whether the presence of macrophytes in lakes would indirectly contribute to the benthic insects’ feeding, as more food resources were explored in M+ and a spatial variation of resources intake was observed in this lake, in contrast to the homogeneous feeding in M?. We highlight that macrophytes were responsible for the organic matter build‐up in the sediment, especially at the lake region dominated by these plants, and contributed to increase the deposition of high‐quality amorphous organic matter, which favored taxa in M+ that fed exclusively on this item. The lower diversity of food items exploited in M?, and the Tanypus alga‐based diet in this lake, indicates the low quality of organic resources in its sediment. Although macrophytes were indirectly beneficial for benthic insects’ feeding, we found that this is not an attractive resource for prompt ingestion by most benthic taxa.     

Does native bromeliads represent important breeding sites for Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae) in urbanized areas?

This study evaluates the importance of native bromeliads growing on rocky outcrops interspersed with urbanized areas as breeding sites for the Aedes aegypti (L.) in Vitória, state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Oviposition traps were installed in backyards of houses in two separate zones. In the first zone houses were up to 50 m away from the rocky outcrops, while in the second zone they were at least at 200 m from the rocky outcrops. Aedes aegypti was significantly more abundant in the latter zone. The finding was that rocky outcrops with native bromeliads, even with the greater availability of potential breeding sites, do not play an important role as breeding sites for A. aegypti. This conclusion supports the hypothesis that the macrobiota of native bromeliads plays an important role in the natural control of A. aegypti. Besides, the interspecific competition between species of mosquitoes and the attractiveness of bromeliads could also be important factors.     

Italian Dermestidae: notes on some species and?an?updated checklist (Coleoptera)

An up-to-date checklist of the Italian Dermestidae is provided. The presence of 95 species in Italy is confirmed, while further 5 species (Dermestes (Dermestes) vorax Motschulsky, 1860, Thorictuspilosus Peyron, 1857, T. wasmanni Reitter, 1895, Attagenus (Attagenus) simonis Reitter, 1881 and Globicornis (G.) breviclavis (Reitter, 1878)) and 1 subspecies (A. (A.) tigrinus pulcher Faldermann, 1835) are excluded from the Italian fauna.Attagenus (Attagenus) calabricus Reitter, 1881 and A. (A.) lobatus Rosenhauer, 1856 are for the first time recorded from Abruzzi and Tuscany respectively; A. (A.) silvaticus Zhantiev, 1976 is recorded for the first time from mainland Italy (Apulia); Anthrenus (Anthrenus) angustefasciatus Ganglbauer, 1904 is new to northern Italy (Friuli-Venezia Giulia), central Italy (Tuscany), Apulia and Basilicata; A. (A.) munroi Hinton, 1943 is new to central Italy (Elba Island); A. (A.) delicatus Kiesenwetter, 1851 is for the first time recorded from Apulia; Globicornis (Globicornis) fasciata (Fairmaire & Brisout de Barneville, 1859) is new to southern Italy (Basilicata); G. (Hadrotoma) sulcata (C.N.F. Brisout de Barneville, 1866) is for the first time recorded from central Italy (Abruzzi), Campania and Sicily, whileTrogoderma inclusum LeConte, 1854 is new to Apulia.Seven species (Dermestes (Dermestes) peruvianus Laporte de Castelnau, 1840, D. (Dermestinus) carnivorus Fabricius, 1775, D. (Dermestinus) hankae Háva, 1999, D. (Dermestinus) intermedius intermedius Kalík, 1951, D. (Dermestinus) szekessyi Kalík, 1950, Anthrenus (Anthrenops) coloratus Reitter, 1881 and Trogodermaangustum (Solier, 1849)) recently recorded from Italy (without further details) are discussed.The lectotype and a paralectotype are designated forAttagenus (A.) calabricus Reitter, 1881 from Calabria.Attagenus pellio (Linnaeus, 1758) var. pilosissimus Roubal, 1932 is removed from synonymy with A. (A.) pellio and recognized as a valid species (stat. prom.); it is known from Lombardy, Apulia and Calabria.     

Bladder function in Utricularia purpurea (Lentibulariaceae): is carnivory important?

Utricularia purpurea is a rootless, free-floating, aquatic, carnivorous plant. I quantified biomass investment in U. purpurea traps and determined when traps begin to function and what they trap in natural habitats. In the Everglades of south Florida, plants invest an average of 26% of their biomass in bladders, although bladder number varies among sites and over time. Leaves begin trapping as they mature, and on leaves one whorl older than the most recently matured leaves, almost 100% of bladders have allochthonous material. Despite the substantial investment in their biomass, bladders capture few aquatic microinvertebrates. Almost all mature bladders, however, have living communities of algae, zooplankton, and associated debris. These results support the hypotheses that the important association in U. purpurea bladders is a mutualism rather than a predator-prey interaction and that the major benefit to the plants from bladders is derived from this community.     

An evaluation of educators’ views on the e-Bug resources in England

Introduction: e-Bug is an international educational resource for young people covering microbes, hygiene and antibiotics. e-Bug supports NICE guidance on changing public behaviour around antibiotic use. This study aimed to determine educators’ views of the e-Bug teacher resources to inform further development and dissemination of e-Bug. Methods: Age appropriate e-Bug resource packs were posted to every primary school (N = 19,142) and secondary school (N = 5637) in England with a cover letter signed by the Chief Medical Officer, Chief Executive of PHE and e-Bug Project Lead inviting educators to complete an online survey to evaluate the e-Bug resources. The online survey consisted of nine questions and took approximately 15 min to complete. Results: 695 participants completed the online survey. 94% of participants rated the e-Bug resource as excellent or good; one fifth of respondents used the e-Bug resources at least termly. Educators who used e-Bug rated the different lesson plans as excellent or good including ‘Introduction to Microbes’ (98%) and ‘Hand Hygiene’ (95%). Educators provided suggestions for the development of additional lessons plans. Conclusions: Educators view e-Bug as a valuable resource for teaching children about hygiene and antibiotics. Further e-Bug promotion and resource development is required to increase awareness and usage in schools.     

How important are the common factors in psychotherapy? An update

The common factors have a long history in the field of psychotherapy theory, research and practice. To understand the evidence supporting them as important therapeutic elements, the contextual model of psychotherapy is outlined. Then the evidence, primarily from meta‐analyses, is presented for particular common factors, including alliance, empathy, expectations, cultural adaptation, and therapist differences. Then the evidence for four factors related to specificity, including treatment differences, specific ingredients, adherence, and competence, is presented. The evidence supports the conclusion that the common factors are important for producing the benefits of psychotherapy.     

Complete ammonia oxidation: an important control on nitrification in engineered ecosystems?

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Deoxynivalenol in pigs: An exclusive effect on the appetite?

A feeding-trial was conducted to determine the effects of a deoxynivalenol (DON)-contaminated diet in growing pigs. DON was added as either the purified toxin or as naturally contaminated wheat. Growth performance, biochemical and hematological parameters and DON-transformation through intestinal bacteria were monitored throughout the study. Epithelial tissues along the gastro-intestinal tract were also examined for pathological changes and selected enzyme activities (oxoglutarat dehydrogenase, alanine-amino-transferase). There were no differences among the dietary treatments in all parameters measured except for feed intake and weight gain in the naturally contaminated diets fed ad libitum. Effectsin vivo could not be explained exclusively by cytotoxicity of DON foundin vitro. These observations may reflect the presence of other unidentified (toxic) compounds in the naturally contaminated grain or the influence of further factors. In future studies synergistic/additive interactions with substances promoting appetite should be taken into consideration.     

Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera,Coccinellidae): a species complex?

Marin, J., Crouau‐Roy, B., Hemptinne, J.‐L., Lecompte, E. & Magro, A. (2010). Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae): a species complex? —Zoologica Scripta, 39, 591–602. Coccinella septempunctata L., the seven spot ladybird is widely distributed across the Paleartic region. Based on a few morphological characteristics and geographical origin, some populations are recognized as distinct species, e.g., the North African Coccinella algerica Ková? and Japanese Coccinella brucki Mulsant later considered to be a subspecies –C. septempunctata brucki. The objective of this study is to discuss the taxonomic status of the seven spot ladybird, in particular whether it is a complex of species or the same species throughout the Paleartic region. The relationship between populations was clarified by using a combination of molecular and limited morphometric data and assessing potential reproductive barriers by means of cross breeding. Although there is considerable variation in the size of the spots on the elytra, the results of this study confirm that all studied populations belong to the same species.     

An ontological crisis? A review of large felid conservation in India

The need for a solid knowledge base to inform conservation activity is now universally recognised. We critically scrutinised the scientific knowledge of large felids in India located in peer-reviewed research papers to assess the information available to make landscape-level management decisions that aid conservation, which is a stated goal of both the Indian government and the international community. We found two striking patterns: the biological sciences dominate in the published literature, and nearly all the research has been carried out in protected areas, though a substantial number of large felids also live outside protected areas. We argue that these patterns are not incidental, but the result of the dualistic ontology of science that uses processes of ‘purification’ and ‘translation’ to fit complex realities into disciplinary prerogatives organised around creating dichotomies (like nature–culture). In addition, since this body of scientific knowledge locates large felids in ‘pure’ biological landscapes, there is little or no insight from multi-use landscapes. These findings, we believe, highlight important knowledge gaps in our present research-based knowledge of large felids in India, which urgently need to be addressed if progress is to be made in conservation.     

The Effect of Refuge on Dermestes ater (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) Predation on Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae): Refuge for Prey or the Predator?

It is believed that habitat heterogeneity can change the extent of predator-prey interactions. Therefore, in this study we examined the effect of habitat heterogeneity (characterized here as an addition of refuge) on D. ater predation on M. domestica. Predation of D. ater on M. domestica larvae was carried out in experimental habitats with and without refuge, and examined at different prey densities. The number of prey eaten by beetles over 24 h of predator-prey interaction was recorded, and we investigated the strength of interaction between prey and predator in both experimental habitats by determining predator functional response. The mean number of prey eaten by beetles in the presence of refuge was significantly higher than in the absence of refuge. Females had greater weight gains than males. Logistic regression analyses revealed the type II functional response for both experimental habitats, even though data did not fit well into the random predator model. Results suggest that the addition of refuge in fact enhanced predation, as prey consumption increased in the presence of refuge. Predators kept in the presence of refuge also consumed more prey at high prey densities. Thus, we concluded that the addition of refuge was an important component mediating D. ater-M. domestica population interactions. Refuge actually acted as a refuge for predators from prey, since prey behaviors detrimental to predators were reduced in this case.     

Herbivore-induced resource sequestration in plants: why bother?

Herbivores can cause numerous changes in primary plant metabolism. Recent studies using radioisotopes, for example, have found that insect herbivores and related cues can induce faster export from leaves and roots and greater partitioning into tissues inaccessible to foraging herbivores. This process, termed induced resource sequestration, is being proposed as an important response of plants to cope with herbivory. Here, we review the evidence for resource sequestration and suggest that associated allocation and ecological costs may limit the benefit of this response because resources allocated to storage are not immediately available to other plant functions or may be consumed by other enemies. We then present a conceptual model that describes the conditions under which benefits might outweigh costs of induced resource sequestration. Benefits and costs are discussed in the context of differences in plant life-history traits and biotic and abiotic conditions, and new testable hypotheses are presented to guide future research. We predict that intrinsic factors related to life history, ontogeny and phenology will alter patterns of induced sequestration. We also predict that induced sequestration will depend on certain external factors: abiotic conditions, types of herbivores, and trophic interactions. We hope the concepts presented here will stimulate more focused research on the ecological and evolutionary costs and benefits of herbivore-induced resource sequestration.     

Spatial Distribution of Ground Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and Moths (Lepidoptera) in the Mrtvý Luh Bog, Šumava Mts (Central Europe): A Test of Habitat Island Community

Spatial distribution of ground beetles and moths in the isolated Central European Mrtvy luh bog was analyzed. The most stenotopic tyrphobiontic species (relicts restricted to the peat bog) of ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) and moths (Lepidoptera) are distributed according to a distinct ecological gradient between the bog margin (lagg) and the bog centre. The degree of habitat preference between the bog margin and centre is taxonomically specific and significant. A list of stenotopic species of high conservation value is given. Several tyrphobiontic species occur in the treeless bog centre only. The tyrphophilous and tyrphoneutral species are distributed in the peat bog mostly randomly, some of such species prefer bog margins. The migratory highly opportunistic moths from habitats outside the bog usually cross the treeless centre. Most of the ubiquitous tyrphoneutral and migratory moths represent the faunal component, which is a very temporary phenomenon only, not associated with the peat bog permanently. The conservation of insect biodiversity associated with isolated peat bogs depends on complete preservation of the edaphic ecological conditions of the fragile paleorefugial habitat island and its spatial structure.     

Parasites in biodiversity conservation: friend or foe?

Parasites stabilise food webs and facilitate species coexistence but can also lead to population- or species-level extinctions. So, in biodiversity conservation, are parasites friends or foes? This question is misleading: it implies that parasites are not part of biodiversity. Greater integration of parasites into global biodiversity and ecosystem conservation efforts is required.     

Phylogeny of ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae): Are the subfamilies monophyletic?

The Coccinellidae (ladybirds) is a highly speciose family of the Coleoptera. Ladybirds are well known because of their use as biocontrol agents, and are the subject of many ecological studies. However, little is known about phylogenetic relationships of the Coccinellidae, and a precise evolutionary framework is needed for the family. This paper provides the first phylogenetic reconstruction of the relationships within the Coccinellidae based on analysis of five genes: the 18S and 28S rRNA nuclear genes and the mitochondrial 12S, 16S rRNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) genes. The phylogenetic relationships of 67 terminal taxa, representative of all the subfamilies of the Coccinellidae (61 species, 37 genera), and relevant outgroups, were reconstructed using multiple approaches, including Bayesian inference with partitioning strategies. The recovered phylogenies are congruent and show that the Coccinellinae is monophyletic but the Coccidulinae, Epilachninae, Scymninae and Chilocorinae are paraphyletic. The tribe Chilocorini is identified as the sister-group of the Coccinellinae for the first time.     

Is Contact Between Conspecifics Involved in the Cohesion of Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) Aggregations?

The multicolored Asian ladybeetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), exhibits a gregarious behavior during unfavorable winter conditions. Although this behavior is currently described as a phenomenon occurring only during winter, H. axyridis aggregations can also be observed outside overwintering conditions. However, the substrate markings previously highlighted as being involved in the wintry aggregation of this exotic species do not seem to be used by non-overwintering individuals to aggregate. This fact suggests then that other cues are responsible for the induction of this behavior. In this work, we have tested the hypothesis that direct contact between non-overwintering individuals stimulates the establishment of clusters. Binary choice experiments highlighted the involvement of elytral cuticular compounds in this phenomenon. Chromatographic analyses showed that the active extracts contained mainly hydrocarbons, including saturated, mono-unsaturated, and di-unsaturated homologues. Physical contact also seems to be involved in the non-overwintering aggregative behavior of H. axyridis, but to a lesser extent than these natural compounds. These findings could eventually be used to develop new control methods of these pest populations and so, reduce the adverse impacts it causes on biodiversity.