Systematic challenges and opportunities in insect monitoring: a Global South perspective.

Insect monitoring is pivotal for assessing biodiversity and informing conservation strategies. This study delves into the complex realm of insect monitoring in the Global South-world developing and least-developed countries as identified by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development-highlighting challenges and proposing strategic solutions. An analysis of publications from 1990 to 2024 reveals an imbalance in research contributions between the Global North and South, highlighting disparities in entomological research and the scarcity of taxonomic expertise in the Global South. We discuss the socio-economic factors that exacerbate the issues, including funding disparities, challenges in collaboration, infrastructure deficits, information technology obstacles and the impact of local currency devaluation. In addition, we emphasize the crucial role of environmental factors in shaping insect diversity, particularly in tropical regions facing multiple challenges including climate change, urbanization, pollution and various anthropogenic activities. We also stress the need for entomologists to advocate for ecosystem services provided by insects in addressing environmental issues. To enhance monitoring capacity, we propose strategies such as community engagement, outreach programmes and cultural activities to instill biodiversity appreciation. Further, language inclusivity and social media use are emphasized for effective communication. More collaborations with Global North counterparts, particularly in areas of molecular biology and remote sensing, are suggested for technological advancements. In conclusion, advocating for these strategies-global collaborations, a diverse entomological community and the integration of transverse disciplines-aims to address challenges and foster inclusive, sustainable insect monitoring in the Global South, contributing significantly to biodiversity conservation and overall ecosystem health. This article is part of the theme issue 'Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring'.

Ground-dwelling Spider Communities Respond to Changes in Riparian Vegetation Widths.

Spiders play a key role in the ecological dynamics in riparian habitats. However, most studies on the effects of changes in riparian habitats on spider communities have focused on the conversion of riparian forest to other land uses rather than on a gradient of forest widths. We assessed the community structure of ground-dwelling spiders in riparian vegetation fragments with varying widths in Southern Brazil. We selected four fragments with different riparian vegetation widths (> 40 m; < 30 m; < 15 m; < 5 m). In each fragment, spiders were seasonally collected using pitfall traps. We tested the effects of riparian vegetation widths and environmental variables (litter height, litter cover and canopy openness) on the taxonomic and guild composition of spider communities. The taxonomic and guild composition of ground-dwelling spiders varied among the widest (> 40 and < 30 m) and narrower riparian widths (< 15 m and < 5 m). While hunting spiders were associated with the narrower widths, web-building spiders were associated with the wider widths. Spider composition was influenced by the leaf litter height in the widest widths (> 40 and < 30 m) and by canopy openness in the narrowest width (< 15 m). Reductions in riparian vegetation were associated with significant changes in the community structure of ground-dwelling spiders, likely through top-down mechanisms associated with the higher litter input in wider fragments. In summary, the fragmentation of the riparian forests of Sothern Brazil are negatively associated with web-building spiders.

Perils of life on the edge: Climatic threats to global diversity patterns of wetland macroinvertebrates.

Climate change is rapidly driving global biodiversity declines. How wetland macroinvertebrate assemblages are responding is unclear, a concern given their vital function in these ecosystems. Using a data set from 769 minimally impacted depressional wetlands across the globe (467 temporary and 302 permanent), we evaluated how temperature and precipitation (average, range, variability) affects the richness and beta diversity of 144 macroinvertebrate families. To test the effects of climatic predictors on macroinvertebrate diversity, we fitted generalized additive mixed-effects models (GAMM) for family richness and generalized dissimilarity models (GDMs) for total beta diversity. We found non-linear relationships between family richness, beta diversity, and climate. Maximum temperature was the main climatic driver of wetland macroinvertebrate richness and beta diversity, but precipitation seasonality was also important. Assemblage responses to climatic variables also depended on wetland water permanency. Permanent wetlands from warmer regions had higher family richness than temporary wetlands. Interestingly, wetlands in cooler and dry-warm regions had the lowest taxonomic richness, but both kinds of wetlands supported unique assemblages. Our study suggests that climate change will have multiple effects on wetlands and their macroinvertebrate diversity, mostly via increases in maximum temperature, but also through changes in patterns of precipitation. The most vulnerable wetlands to climate change are likely those located in warm-dry regions, where entire macroinvertebrate assemblages would be extirpated. Montane and high-latitude wetlands (i.e., cooler regions) are also vulnerable to climate change, but we do not expect entire extirpations at the family level.

Intraspecific Morphological Variation in the Dragonfly Erythrodiplax Media (Odonata: Libellulidae) Among South American Grassland Physiognomies.

We assessed the intraspecific morphological variation in Erythrodiplax media Borror 1942 (Odonata, Libellulidae) among grassland physiognomies ("Coastal," "Highland," and "Steppic") in the South Brazilian Campos. We measured six morphological traits (total body length, thorax height, length, and width of the fore- and hindwings) from 90 specimens (60 males and 45 females). We tested the effect of the grassland type on the set of traits using one-way MANOVA and principal component analysis (PCA) (separately for each sex). Grassland physiognomy affected the morphology of males and females. In both sexes, the PCA mostly opposed the specimens of the Coastal from the Highland and Steppic grasslands. The first PCA axis separated specimens according to body lengths, thorax heights, and wing width, while the second PCA axis opposed specimens according to wing length and thorax height from specimens with broader wings and longer body lengths. Males from the Coastal had longer body lengths and shorter thorax heights than Highland and Steppic grasslands, while males from the Steppic had longer fore- and hindwings than specimens from the Coastal and Highland grasslands. Females from the Coastal had significantly shorter forewings than specimens from the Steppic grasslands and shorter hindwings than Highland grasslands. Our results are likely explained by the differences in climate and habitat complexity among grassland types and indicate that the processes driving odonate performance vary among grassland biotopes. This study potentially indicates that dragonflies are sensitive to changes in the vegetation structure in South American subtropical grasslands.

Three new species of Hyalella (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Hyalellidae) from the Southern Brazilian Coastal Plain.

In this study, three new species of Hyalella (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Hyalellidae) are described based on specimens collected in wetlands located in three freshwater ecoregions (Southeastern Mata Atlântica, Tramandaí-Mampituba and Laguna dos Patos) of the southern Brazilian Coastal Plain (states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina). Hyalella minuana n. sp. was recorded in the southernmost region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. This species is characterized by presenting smooth body surface, epimeral plates not acuminated, nine serrate setae on the inner face of gnathopod 1, and peduncle of uropod 3 with four cuspidate setae with accessory seta and without plumose seta on the margin of the telson. Hyalella lagoana n. sp. was recorded in the northern region of Rio Grande do Sul and southern region of Santa Catarina. This species shows body surface smooth, epimeral plates not acuminated, nine serrate setae on the inner face of gnathopod 1, peduncle of uropod 3 with five cuspidate setae with accessory seta, and telson with six cuspidate setae with accessory seta without plumose seta on the margins. Hyalella sambaqui n. sp. was recorded in the state of Santa Catarina. This species is characterized by presenting smooth body surface, epimeral plates not acuminated, six serrate setae on the inner face of gnathopod 1, peduncle of uropod 3 with three cuspidate setae with accessory seta, and telson with three cuspidate setae with accessory seta and four plumose setae on the margin of the telson. The new records elevates the known diversity of species of Hyalella in the Brazilian territory to 33 species (19 in the southern Brazilian region) and to 83 species in the Americas.

Influence of Land-Use Classes on the Functional Structure of Fish Communities in Southern Brazilian Headwater Streams.

Changes in landscape composition caused by conversion of natural habitats into human-altered ecosystems can directly influence the physical characteristics of stream networks. Such impacts can modify the functional structure of fish communities, although the exact consequences of anthropic land-use changes can be context-dependent. This study investigated the influence of different land-use classes on the functional structure of fish communities in 32 headwater streams from southern Brazil. Trait composition and indices of functional diversity of the fish community were related to four land-use classes: native forest vegetation, silviculture, agriculture, and urban areas. Streams surrounded by larger areas of native forest were characterized by the predominance of foraging specialist species like grazers. However, as native vegetation is replaced by agriculture and urban areas, specialist species are replaced by species with generalist diet like detritivores. In streams surrounded by larger areas of agriculture, functional richness and divergence increased, while functional evenness decreased. Most likely, these changes were induced by alterations in the water quality, indicated by increased electrical conductivity and water temperature in streams with more agriculture areas. In conclusion, the conservation of the native forest vegetation is essential to maintain habitat characteristics and ecological processes in streams and to avoid the loss of specialist species in fish communities.

Diversity of Odonata (Insecta) in Seasonal Deciduous Forest fragments in southern Brazil (state of Rio Grande do Sul), with a new record for the state and comments on the seasonal distribution of the species / Diversidade de Odonata (Insecta) em fragmentos de Floresta Estacional Decidual no Sul do Brasil (estado do Rio Grande do Sul), com um novo registro para o estado e comentários sobre a distribuição sazonal das espécies

Abstract: We present an Odonata (Insecta) check list of species occurring in a fragment of the Seasonal Deciduous Forest (Atlantic Forest biome) from the central region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), southern Brazil, along with a list of the odonate species recorded in this phytoecological region for the state. In addition, we provide comments on the seasonal distribution of the species occurring in the study area. Two streams and seven farm ponds located in the middle course of the Jacuí River basin were surveyed between December 2007 and February 2009. Overall, we recorded 49 species from 21 genera and six families. Argia serva Hagen in Selys, 1865 (Coenagrionidade) had its first occurrence record mentioned for the state, elevating to 183 the total number of Odonata species occurring in Rio Grande do Sul. The number of species recorded in the study area corresponds to ~26% of the known Odonata diversity in RS. Libellulidae was the most species-rich family (22 species, ~45% of the total), followed by Coenagrionidae (18 species, 37% of the total). The checklist for the Seasonal Deciduous Forest in RS indicated the occurrence of 83 species of Odonata in this phytoecological region (~45% of the known odonate species in the state). This elevated diversity could be related to the density of the vegetation structure. In the study area, 20 species were found in streams, and 45 in farm ponds. Species occurrence showed marked seasonal patterns in the study area, with 88% of the species recorded from summer to autumn, and no species detected in streams in the winter. Moreover, 70% of the species were recorded in either one or two seasons in farm ponds, while 65% occurred solely in one season in streams. This result indicates that the life cycle of Odonata in southern Brazil is strongly influenced by seasonal patterns in temperature.

Resumo: Uma checklist das espécies de Odonata (Insecta) de um fragmento de Floresta Estacional Decidual (Bioma Mata Atlântica) localizado na região central do estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS) é apresentada neste estudo, bem como uma checklist das espécies para esta região fitoecológica para o estado. Além disso, também é discutida a distribuição temporal da ocorrência das espécies na área de estudo. Dois riachos e sete reservatórios localizados no trecho médio da bacia do rio Jacuí foram estudados entre dezembro de 2007 e fevereiro de 2009. Ao todo, 49 espécies de 21 gêneros e seis famílias foram registradas. Argia serva Hagen in Selys, 1865 (Coenagrionidade) teve seu primeiro registro mencionado para o estado, elevando para 183 o número total de espécies de Odonata ocorrentes no Rio Grande do Sul. O número de espécies registrado na área de estudo corresponde a cerca de 26% da diversidade de Odonata conhecida no RS. Libellulidae foi a família mais rica (22 espécies, ~45% do total), seguida por Coenagrionidae (18 espécies, 37% do total). A lista compilada de espécies para a Floresta Estacional Decidual no RS indicou a ocorrência de 83 espécies de Odonata nesta região fitoecológica (~45% da diversidade de Odonata conhecida do estado). Essa alta diversidade pode estar relacionada à densidade da estrutura da vegetação. Na área de estudo, 20 espécies foram encontradas em riachos e 45 em reservatórios. A distribuição temporal das espécies foi marcadamente sazonal na área de estudo, com 88% das espécies registradas do verão ao outono, e nenhuma espécie detectada em riachos no inverno. Além disso, 70% das espécies ocorreram em uma ou duas estações em reservatórios, enquanto 65% das espécies registradas em riachos foram detectadas somente em uma estação. Este resultado indica que o ciclo de vida das espécies de Odonata no extremo sul do Brasil é fortemente influenciado pelos padrões sazonais de temperatura.

Suficiência amostral para estudos de impacto ambiental sobre a comunidade de macroinvertebrados bentônicos em arrozais irrigados / Sample sufficiency for environmental impact studies on benthic macroinvertebrate community in irrigated rice fields

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a suficiência amostral para estudos de impacto ambiental sobre a comunidade de macroinvertebrados bentônicos em arrozais irrigados (Oryza sativa L.). Amostragens de solo foram realizadas com auxílio de coletor cilíndrico, nos anos agrícolas 2007/08 e 2012/13. As amostras foram triadas e os espécimes identificados até o nível de família. Os dados foram submetidos à análise da curva do coletor e os índices de diversidade de Shannon e equabilidade de Pielou foram calculados para o total de amostras e o número de amostras definido pela curva do coletor, em cada ano amostral. Considerando o método de amostragem verificado no presente trabalho, indica-se um mínimo de 12 réplicas para se obter o maior número de famílias sem perda de informação, quando em estudos de impacto ambiental sobre a comunidade de macroinvertebrados bentônicos em área de cultivo de arroz irrigado.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to determine the sample sufficiency in environmental impact studies on the benthic macroinvertebrate community in irrigated rice fields (Oryza sativa L.). Soil samplings were conducted with a cylindrical collector in the agricultural years of 2007/08 and 2012/13. Individuals were sorted out and identified up to family level. Data were analyzed through the collector curve, Shannon's Diversity and Pielou's Evenness Index were calculated for the total number of samples and the number of samples defined by the collector curve in each year. Considering the results observed in this study, we indicate a minimum of 12 replicates to obtain the largest number of families without loss of information, in environmental impact studies on benthic macroinvertebrate community in irrigated rice fields.

Diversity and spatiotemporal distribution of larval odonate assemblages in temperate neotropical farm ponds.

Farm ponds help maintain diversity in altered landscapes. However, studies on the features that drive this type of property in the Neotropics are still lacking, especially for the insect fauna. We analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution of odonate larval assemblages in farm ponds. Odonates were sampled monthly at four farm ponds from March 2008 to February 2009 in a temperate montane region of southern Brazil. A small number of genera were frequent and accounted for most of the dominant fauna. The dominant genera composition differed among ponds. Local spatial drivers such as area, hydroperiod, and margin vegetation structure likely explain these results more than spatial predictors due to the small size of the study area. Circular analysis detected seasonal effect on assemblage abundance but not on richness. Seasonality in abundance was related to the life cycles of a few dominant genera. This result was explained by temperature and not rainfall due to the temperate climate of the region studied. The persistence of dominant genera and the sparse occurrence of many taxa over time probably led to a lack in a seasonal pattern in assemblage richness.

Diversity and distribution of riffle beetle assemblages (Coleoptera, Elmidae) in montane rivers of Southern Brazil / Diversidade e distribuição de comunidades de Elmidae (Coleoptera) em rios montanhosos do sul do Brasil

The diversity and spatio-temporal distribution of Elmidae (Coleoptera) assemblages in montane rivers and streams of southernmost Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul state) were studied. Six genera were found, represented mostly by larval specimens. Austrolimnius and Macrelmis are new occurrences in the region. Assemblages' genera composition and dominance were related to the presence of the macrophyte Podostemum. Also, water temperature and stream depth and velocity were the most important drivers related to the assemblages' distribution. Richness and abundance were positively related to high water velocity and negatively to stream depth. Temporal patterns were detected especially in assemblage abundance, yet a slight pattern in richness was also observed. The seasonal structure was related to warm temperatures, but temporal distribution of Elmidae assemblages appears to be related to the dominant genera life cycles. The studied area shows an overall Elmidae richness similar to that found in some tropical areas and the role of mountainous environments in sustaining high rates of regional diversity in the Neotropics is stated.

A diversidade e a distribuição espaço-temporal de comunidades de Elmidae (Coleoptera) em rios e riachos de uma área montanhosa no sul do Brasil (estado do Rio Grande do Sul) foram estudadas. Sete gêneros foram encontrados, representados principalmente pelo estágio larval. Austrolimniuse Macrelmis são novas ocorrências no estado. A composição e a dominância dos gêneros estiveram relacionadas com a presença da macrófitaPodostemum. Além disso, a temperatura da água, a velocidade da corrente e a profundidade dos riachos foram os fatores mais importantes relacionados à distribuição das comunidades. A riqueza e a abundância foram positivamente relacionadas com a velocidade da corrente e negativamente com a profundidade. Não foram detectados fortes padrÕes temporais na riqueza, mas certa sazonalidade na abundância das comunidades foi observada. A distribuição temporal não esteve relacionada a um fator abiótico especí;fico. Assim, a distribuição temporal das comunidades de Elmidae parece estar relacionada aos ciclos de vida dos gêneros dominantes. Por fim, ressalta-se que a área de estudo apresenta uma riqueza total Elmidae semelhante à de algumas áreas tropicais e o importante papel dos riachos montanhosos na manutenção de altas taxas de diversidade regional na região Neotropical.

Spatial and temporal distribution of non-biting midge larvae assemblages in streams in a mountainous region in southern Brazil.

The spatial and temporal structure of non-biting midge (Diptera: Chironomidae) larvae assemblages and some environmental factors that affect their distribution were analyzed in a montane river and its tributaries in a temperate climate region of southernmost Brazil. In total, 69 taxa were recorded after four seasonal samplings (winter, spring, summer, and autumn). The dominant taxa were Rheotanytarsus sp. 1, Rheotanytarsus sp. 2, Cricotopus sp. 2, and Polypedilum (Polypedilum) sp., although dominance varied among the four sampling sites. The variations in dominance, abundance, and richness among the different sites were affected by environmental characteristics, such as the presence of marginal vegetation and a heterogeneous substratum, and also by human activities. Strictly environmental factors, such as altitude, and factors related to annual weather patterns, such as mean temperature and precipitation, influenced the spatial and temporal distribution of certain taxa and the structure of faunal assemblages. The influence of the riparian vegetation and riverbed heterogeneity on the composition, richness, and abundance of the chironomid larvae assemblages indicates that human activities, such as deforestation and the construction of dams, constitute a serious threat to the conservation of these insects and to the fauna that depends on them for food.

Diversity of Odonata (Insecta) larvae in streams and farm ponds of a montane region in southern Brazil / Diversidade de larvas de Odonata (Insecta) em riachos e acudes de uma regiao montanhosa no sul do Brasil

This study presents an inventory of the genera of Odonata found in streams and artificial farm ponds in a montane region, with temperate climate, in southern Brazil. Differences in richness of lotic and lentic environments were also investigated. The diversity of odonate families and genera in southernmost Brazil is lower than in warmer, either tropical or subtropical, regions of the country. Nine genera are new records for the region and six genera had their geographical ranges extended to regions with temperate climate of the Neotropics. The overall richness and especially the overall abundance recorded in the studied area are possibly determined by the occurrence of numerous farm ponds because natural standing waters are scarce in the region. The presence of macrophytes in these artificial ponds allowed the establishment of a diversified odonatofauna, typical of lentic environments.

Este estudo apresenta um inventário de gêneros de Odonata de riachos e reservatórios artificiais de uma região montanhosa de clima temperado no extremo sul do Brasil. Diferenças na riqueza de ambientes lóticos e lênticos também foram investigadas. A diversidade de famílias e gêneros de Odonata no extremo sul do Brasil é menor que em regiões mais quentes, tanto tropicais quanto subtropicais, do país. Nove gêneros são novos registros para a região e seis gêneros tiveram suas distribuições geográficas de ocorrência estendidas para áreas temperadas da região Neotropical. A riqueza e a abundância verificadas na área de estudo possivelmente foram determinadas pela ocorrência de numerosos reservatórios artificiais, pois áreas lênticas naturais são raras na região. A presença de macrófitas nestes reservatórios permitiu o estabelecimento de uma fauna de Odonata diversificada e típica de ambientes lênticos.