Dung removal increases under higher dung beetle functional diversity regardless of grazing intensification.

Dung removal by macrofauna such as dung beetles is an important process for nutrient cycling in pasturelands. Intensification of farming practices generally reduces species and functional diversity of terrestrial invertebrates, which may negatively affect ecosystem services. Here, we investigate the effects of cattle-grazing intensification on dung removal by dung beetles in field experiments replicated in 38 pastures around the world. Within each study site, we measured dung removal in pastures managed with low- and high-intensity regimes to assess between-regime differences in dung beetle diversity and dung removal, whilst also considering climate and regional variations. The impacts of intensification were heterogeneous, either diminishing or increasing dung beetle species richness, functional diversity, and dung removal rates. The effects of beetle diversity on dung removal were more variable across sites than within sites. Dung removal increased with species richness across sites, while functional diversity consistently enhanced dung removal within sites, independently of cattle grazing intensity or climate. Our findings indicate that, despite intensified cattle stocking rates, ecosystem services related to decomposition and nutrient cycling can be maintained when a functionally diverse dung beetle community inhabits the human-modified landscape.

A new genus and species of Agriotina Laporte, 1840(Coleoptera: Elateridae: Agriotini) from Colombia.

Here, we describe and illustrate a new genus of Elateridae from Cundinamarca, Colombia, Raphaellus Zurita-García, Morales-Perdomo & Martínez-Luque, n. gen., to accommodate the new species R. deusminutosi Zurita-García, Morales-Perdomo & Martínez-Luque n. sp. The genus Raphaellus belongs to the subtribe Agriotina (Agriotini). A key to distinguish the genera of the New World subtribe Agriotina and taxonomic notes on Agriotini are presented.

The Present and Future of Insect Biodiversity Conservation in the Neotropics: Policy Gaps and Recommendations.

Emerging evidence suggests that insect populations may be declining at local and global scales, threatening the sustainability of the ecosystem services that insects provide. Insect declines are of particular concern in the Neotropics, which holds several of the world's hotspots of insect endemism and diversity. Conservation policies are one way to prevent and mitigate insect declines, yet these policies are usually biased toward vertebrate species. Here, we outline some key policy instruments for biodiversity conservation in the Neotropics and discuss their potential contribution and shortcomings for insect biodiversity conservation. These include species-specific action policies, protected areas and Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas (ICCAs), sectoral policies, biodiversity offsetting, market-based mechanisms, and the international policy instruments that underpin these efforts. We highlight that although these policies can potentially benefit insect biodiversity indirectly, there are avenues in which we could better incorporate the specific needs of insects into policy to mitigate the declines mentioned above. We propose several areas of improvement. Firstly, evaluating the extinction risk of more Neotropical insects to better target at-risk species with species-specific policies and conserve their habitats within area-based interventions. Secondly, alternative pest control methods and enhanced monitoring of insects in a range of land-based production sectors. Thirdly, incorporating measurable and achievable insect conservation targets into international policies and conventions. Finally, we emphasise the important roles of community engagement and enhanced public awareness in achieving these improvements to insect conservation policies.

Seasonal variation of the biomass of a dung beetle assemblage (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) in a high andean grassland / Variación estacional de la biomasa de un ensamble de escarabajos coprófagos (coleoptera: scarabaeinae) en un pastizal altoandino

RESUMEN Los escarabajos coprófagos son excelentes indicadores de la integridad ecológica de los ecosistemas, cumpliendo un rol funcional esencial en el reciclaje de nutrientes, fertilización y aireación del suelo. Sin embargo, se conoce muy poco acerca de los ensambles de escarabajos altoandinos y de su estacionalidad. Por lo anterior, se buscó entender la variación estacional de la estructura del ensamble y su efecto en la biomasa, se escogieron dos pastizales, en la Reserva Biológica Encenillo (Guasca-Cundinamarca). En cada uno se dispusieron diez trampas de caída distanciadas 50 m y cebadas con excremento durante 24 horas. Se realizaron tres réplicas en cada una de las tres épocas estudiadas (seca, transición y lluvias). Se registró una variación estacional significativa, demostrando que las especies están asociadas a la época de lluvias. Se encontraron diferencias significativas para la biomasa entre especies y por época. La especie con la mayor biomasa fue Homocopris achamas. Se evidencia que los ensambles de pastizales altoandinos son poco diversos, debido a la fuerte perturbación antrópica, las presiones asociadas con la altitud y a la misma dinámica evolutiva de estas regiones. La marcada estacionalidad de las especies registradas y la estrecha asociación con la época de lluvias concuerda con el patrón estacional que se registra en el Neotrópico. La fuerte variación estacional de la biomasa puede tener un fuerte impacto en la funcionalidad ecológica y los servicios ecosistémicos en este hábitat. Es necesario cuantificar a futuro el aporte funcional de las especies y su variación estacional, con miras a su conservación.

ABSTRACT Dung beetles are excellent indicators of ecosystem ecological integrity, accomplishing an essential role in nutrient cycling process that includes fertilization and soil aeration. Nevertheless, very little is known about the influence of season variation on the assemblage composition and ecological function of dung beetles from high Andean zones. We aimed to investigate the seasonal effect on the diversity and ecological function of dung beetles in terms of biomass. We sampled two pasture patches of the "Reserva Biológica Encenillo", located in Cundinamarca-Colombia, using ten pitfall traps baited with feces placed 50 m apart for 24 hours. This sample design was replicated during each season (dry, transition, and rain). A significant seasonal variation was documented, demonstrating an important association with the rainy season. Significant differences were found for the biomass between species and seasons. The species with the highest biomass was Homocopris achamas. It is evident that high Andean pastures assemblages have low diversity, due to the strong human disturbance, the pressures associated with the altitude, and the evolutionary dynamics of these regions. The marked seasonality of the registered species and the close association with the rainy season are consistent with the pattern established for the Neotropical region. Likewise, a strong seasonal variation of the biomass is evident, which could have a significant impact on the ecological functionality and the ecosystem services in this habitat. In future studies, it is necessary to quantify the functional contribution of the species and their seasonal variation to contribute to their conservation.

Short- and long-term temporal changes in the assemblage structure of Amazonian dung beetles.

Species diversity varies in space and time. Temporal changes in the structure and dynamics of communities can occur at different scales. We investigated the temporal changes of dung beetle assemblages in the Amazonian region along seasons, years, and successional stages. We evaluated if assemblage structure changes between temporal scales and whether such changes affect the functional structure of communities. To achieve these goals, we sampled dung beetles using linear transects of baited pitfall traps during the dry and rainy seasons at two natural reserves in the Amazon region, each representing different time scales: one covering successional variations (80, 30, 5, and 1 years of recovery from logging) and the other one encompassing three consecutive years at two successional stages (20 and 10 years from logging). We used Generalized Linear Models to analyze interannual and successional changes in diversity, described assemblage structure with a NMDS, and examined compositional variation by partitioning beta diversity into its nestedness and turnover components. Abundance and richness decrease from the rainy to the dry season and towards earlier successional stages but do not differ between years. Assemblage diversity changes differently in interannual and successional scales. During succession, dung beetle assemblages change drastically, following a nested structure due to the appearance of species and functional groups in later successional stages. In contrast, functional group composition does not show consistent changes between years, displaying a turnover structure. This pattern supports non-deterministic changes in dung beetle assemblage structure along forest succession.

Isostenosmylus ammirabilis sp. nov., a remarkable new species of lance lacewing (Neuroptera: Osmylidae) from the Colombian Andes.

Isostenosmylus Krüger, 1913 is the richest genus of Osmylidae of the Neotropical region, with 17 described species so far, which are distributed mainly in the Andean region and in the South of Brazil and Paraguay. A new remarkable Colombian species of Isostenosmylus-I. ammirabilis sp. nov.-is herein described and illustrated. DNA barcode of mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) for this species is also provided. Taxonomic keys for the genus are updated.

Assessing the functional relationship between dung beetle traits and dung removal, burial, and seedling emergence.

The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning is often assessed through trait diversity. However, the relationship between traits and functions is typically assumed but seldom tested. We analyze the relationship between dung beetle traits and three ecological functions: dung removal, dung burial, and seedling emergence. We set up a laboratory experiment using nine Scarabaeidae species (three endocoprids, four paracoprids, and two telecoprids). We placed a sexual pair of beetles in each experimental unit, together with a mixture of dung and seeds, and measured the amount of dung removed and buried, burial depth, and the number of emerged seedlings. Sixteen morphological traits related to dung removal and burial were measured in each individual. Results indicate that these traits were related to dung beetle performance in dung removal and burial. Most traits were positively related to dung removal, indicating the existence of a general trait syndrome associated with dung manipulation and digging capability. Dung exploitation strategies did not provide further explanatory power. Seedling emergence showed a negative but weak relationship with dung burial amount and depth and species identity. This implies that specific differences in dung-soil interface activity may be important in secondary seed dispersal by dung beetles.

Positive associations among rare species and their persistence in ecological assemblages.

According to the competitive exclusion principle, species with low competitive abilities should be excluded by more efficient competitors; yet, they generally remain as rare species. Here, we describe the positive and negative spatial association networks of 326 disparate assemblages, showing a general organization pattern that simultaneously supports the primacy of competition and the persistence of rare species. Abundant species monopolize negative associations in about 90% of the assemblages. On the other hand, rare species are mostly involved in positive associations, forming small network modules. Simulations suggest that positive interactions among rare species and microhabitat preferences are the most probable mechanisms underpinning this pattern and rare species persistence. The consistent results across taxa and geography suggest a general explanation for the maintenance of biodiversity in competitive environments.

New species of Pachyphloea Redtenbacher, 1906 (Phasmida: Pseudophasmatidae: Xerosomatinae) with comments on Grylloclonia Zompro, 2004 n. syn.

We describe a new species of Pachyphloea from the Natural National Park (NNP) Chicaque, Cundinamarca in the Colombian Andes, providing data on the structure and variability of its eggs. In addition, we synonymize Grylloclonia n. syn. under Pachyphloea, and provide a key for distinguishing males and females of the known species. Finally, we discuss the taxonomical delimitation of genera within the tribe Xerosomatini, and highlight the necessity of carrying out additional studies in this particular taxon of stick insects.

Altitudinal Turnover of Species in a Neotropical Peripheral Mountain System: A Case Study With Dung Beetles (Coleoptera: Aphodiinae and Scarabaeinae).

The study of diversity gradients is a frequent approach to understand evolutionary processes that structure communities. Altitudinal gradients allow the analysis of community spatial responses to environmental fluctuations. One interesting place to study altitudinal gradients is the Andes system because of the coexistence of isolated and continuous mountain ranges. We investigated the altitudinal turnover of species in peripheral mountainous systems by analyzing the structure of dung beetle assemblages along a complete gradient in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. Seven sites ranging from 480 to 2,890 m were evaluated, using linear transects of pitfall traps. A total of 2,992 individuals and 46 species were collected. Abundance, richness, and diversity diminished with altitude, revealing significant differences among sites. Some genera appeared at certain altitudes and most species appeared at unique sites, indicating a marked altitudinal turnover. A similarity analysis demonstrated the existence of separate lowland and high mountain groups with a turnover at 1,200-1,600 m asl. We registered for the first time a species replacement between Scarabaeinae (low-lands) and Aphodiinae (high-lands) in the Neotropical region. Our results largely agree with the species pattern described for Mesoamerica, although, in this case the altitudinal turnover is more evident, unveiling a transition zone between lowland and high mountain fauna elements. This result suggests an equilibrium between a weak horizontal colonization and a strong vertical turnover, that appears to be higher in isolated mountains. Future investigations with other insect groups are necessary to corroborate this altitudinal pattern in isolated mountains.

[Estimation of the sampling cover for dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabacinae) in Colombia]. / Grado de cobertura del muestreo de escarabajos coprófagos (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) en Colombia.

The promotion of biodiversity conservation strategies must address the lack of information and the difficulty of identifying knowledge gaps that may facilitate our knowledge of different taxonomic groups. Dung beetles constitute one of those groups, despite having been proposed as an efficient bioindicator of environmental disturbance processes. In this work, we aimed to prepare a diagnosis on the state of knowledge of the subfamily Scarabaeinae, focusing on the cover sampling degree of this group in Colombia, with the purpose of identifying high-priority areas that will allow the completion of a national inventory. The work consisted of a bibliographical compilation using 12 referential databases and the examination of specimens deposited in 26 national collections. A total of 16 940 individuals were examined, finding registers for 232 species from 386 localities. The respective distribution cover maps were presented, and the cover at a national level was 10.62%. A historical analysis demonstrated a proliferation in the number of studies for the last three decades; nevertheless, a great proportion of unpublished works persists, resulting in only 64 sampled localities with published records. The localities with the greatest sampling efforts were RN La Planada, Lloro, AUN Los Estoraques, PNN Tinigua and Mariquita. Registries for all departments were available, and the best sampled ones were Cundinamarca, Antioquia, Valle del Cauca and Boyaca. The ecosystems with the greatest number of publications are the Andean pre mountain humid forest, followed by the Andean mountain humid forest and the Pacific humid forest. Other ecosystems with few studies included mangroves, desert zones, natural savannahs, palm swamps, paramos, flooding forests and agroforestry systems. The biogeographic region with the greatest number of localities was the Andean region, followed by Choco-Magdalenense and Amazonia. Our results showed that high levels of subsampling persist and that some zones lack registries, as in the case of some parks of the national system of protected areas. It is imperative that the sampling cover is extended at a national level, focusing all possible efforts on collecting in those subsampled regions that have high conservation importance, with the main goal of completing the listing of species and their distribution.

New Podoscirtine crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidae; Podoscirtinae) from National Natural Park Amacayacu, Amazonas, Colombia.

We describe six new species of crickets from the subfamily Podoscirtinae in the family Gryllidae from the "Amacayacu" National Park: Diatrypa (Latispeculum) didieri n. sp. (Aphonoidini: Diatrypina), Ectotrypa brachyptera n. sp. (Paroecanthini: Paroecanthina), Aphonomorphus (Aphonomorphus) desutterae n. sp., Aphonomorphus (Euaphonus) andreae n. sp., Aphonomorphus (Euaphonus) gorochovi n. sp., and Aphonomorphus (Nigraphonus) otavoi n. sp. (Podoscirtini: Aphonomorphina). Nigraphonus n. subgen. is proposed as a new subgenus of Aphonomorphus, grouping the species with unclear position into Neoaphonus (A. obscurus Chopard, 1956 n. comb., A. parobscurus Gorochov, 2010 n. comb., and A. nigra n. sp.). The state of knowledge of Podoscirtinae in Colombia is discussed.

First record of Osmylidae (Neuroptera) from Colombia and description of two new species of Isostenosmylus Krüger, 1913.

The family Osmylidae is recorded for the first time in Colombia, extending its known distribution range to the north of South America in the northern Andes. Two new species of the genus Isostenosmylus Krüger, 1913, I. contrerasi n. sp. and I. septemtrionalandinus n. sp. and one morphospecies distributed along the eastern cordillera in the departments of Cundinamarca, Huila, and Norte de Santander are described and illustrated. A key to species of the genus Isostenosmylus, as well as a list of South American species of Osmylidae is included.

[Scarabaeoidea superfamily (Insecta: Coleoptera) as a bioindicator element of anthropogenic disturbance in an amazon national park]. / Superfamilia scarabaeoidea (Insecta: Coleoptera) como elemento bioindicador de perturbación antropogénica en un parque nacional amazónico.

Abstract: Scarabaeoidea superfamily (Insecta: Coleoptera) as a bioindicator element of anthropogenic disturbance in an amazon national park. Insects have been recognized to be important indicators of the quality elements of ecosystems, among others, because of their rapid response to environmental variability and ease cost-effective capture. In this work we evaluated whether beetles of the Scarabaeoidea superfamily may be used as bioindicators of anthropogenic disturbance of Amazonian terra firme rain forests, in order to provide guidelines for monitoring strategies of the Amacayacu National Park. We considered three different levels of anthropogenic disturbance (i.e. low, medium, high) in 12 transects (four in each intervention level), and caught all beetle species of this superfamily. Three interception traps, two light traps, three pitfalls and four bottle fruit traps were used per transect, as well as manual catch. In total, 593 individuals belonging to 92 species, 44 genera and seven families were collected. Scarabaeidae (n = 232, 27 spp.) and Dynastidae (n = 161, 26 spp.) were the families with the highest number of individuals and species, while Aphodiidae, Cetoniidae and Geotrupidae exhibited the lowest. The most abundant species per family were Ateuchus sp. (33.2%) from Scarabaeidae, Cyclocephala verticalis (55.9%) from Dynastidae, Astaena sp. (75.8%) from Melolonthidae, Ceratocanthus amazonicus (66.7%) from Ceratocanthidae y Chaetodus asuai (96.8%) from Hybosoridae. Results showed that the number of species and individuals increased with the anthropogenic disturbance. The Margalef and Shannon indexes also revealed that the highest richness and equity occurred in the high-disturbed site, respectively. Dynastidae exhibited the highest number of exclusive species per gradient, while Scarabaeidae shared most of its species. Ten species were recorded in the three disturbance levels, 26 species in two and 56 species were exclusive to one level. The most abundant species Chaetodus asuai (Hybosoridae) presented a significant decrease in the number of individuals as disturbance increased, while an inverse relationship occurred for C verticalis (Dynastidae). For Astaena sp. (Melolonthidae) and Ligyrus gyas (Dynastidae) a high number of individuals was recorded and were exclusive for one forest site (low and high disturbed forest, respectively). The complete superfamily cannot be used like a single bioindicator element because it displays, in a specific level, very different behaviors in each disturbance condition. We discuss the use of richness and diversity as indicators of disturbance, while we highlight abundance of particular taxa as a better metric for disturbance.